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Category: China

  • MIL-Evening Report: Flooding in the Sahara, Amazon tributaries drying and warming tipping over 1.5°C – 2024 broke all the wrong records

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew King, Associate Professor in Climate Science, ARC Centre of Excellence for 21st Century Weather, The University of Melbourne

    Climate change is the most pressing problem humanity will face this century. Tracking how the climate is actually changing has never been more critical.

    Today, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) published its annual State of the Climate report, which found heat records kept being broken in 2024. It’s likely 2024 was the first year to be more than 1.5°C above the Earth’s pre-industrial average temperature. In 2024, levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere hit the highest point in the last 800,000 years.

    The combination of heat and unchecked emissions, the organisation points out, had serious consequences. Attribution studies found a link between climate change and disasters such as Hurricane Helene, which left a trail of destruction in the southeastern United States, and the unprecedented flooding in Africa’s arid Sahel region.

    Slowing these increasingly dangerous changes to Earth’s climate will require a rapid shift from fossil fuels to clean energy.

    The record heat of 2024

    From the North Pole to the South Pole, the oceans and our land masses, the report catalogues alarm bells ringing ever louder for Earth’s vital signs.

    Steadily rising global average temperatures show us the influence of the extra heat we are trapping by emitting greenhouse gases. The ten warmest years on record have all happened in the past ten years.

    The report shows 2024 was the warmest year since comprehensive global records began 175 years ago. The planet was an estimated 1.55°C (plus or minus 0.13°C) warmer than it was between 1850 and 1900.

    Together, 2023 and 2024 marked a jump in global mean temperature from previous years. There was a jump of about 0.15°C between the previous record year (2016 or 2020 depending on the dataset) and 2023. Last year was even warmer – about 0.1°C above 2023.

    Last year was the first year the planet was likely more than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. This doesn’t mean we have broken the 2015 Paris Agreement goal of holding warming under 1.5°C – temperatures would need to be sustained over a number of years to formally lose that fight. But it’s not good news.

    There are a few extra factors at play in this record-breaking global temperature, including an El Niño event boosting eastern Pacific Ocean temperatures in the first part of 2024, falling pollution from shipping leading to less cloud over the ocean, and a more active sun as well.

    Researchers are hard at work unpicking why the Earth’s average temperature jumped in 2023 and 2024. But it is clear the 2024 record-breaking warmth and most other damning statistics in the report would not have occurred if it wasn’t for human-induced climate change.

    Much of the Northern Hemisphere was more than 2°C warmer in 2024 than 1951-1980 levels and many equatorial areas saw new annual temperature records.
    NASA GISS, CC BY-NC-ND

    Carbon dioxide up, glacial melt up, sea ice down

    It’s not just global temperatures breaking records.

    Carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere reached 427 parts per million last year. Sea level rise has accelerated and is now about 11 centimetres above early 1990s levels, and the oceans are at their highest temperatures on record.

    Seasonal sea-ice in the Arctic and around Antarctica shrank to low levels (albeit short of record lows) in 2024, while preliminary data shows glacial melt and ocean acidification continued at a rapid pace.

    Almost all parts of the world were much warmer in 2024 than even recent averages (1991–2020) and much of the tropics experienced record heat.

    From cyclones to heatwaves, another year of extreme events

    In the English-speaking media, extreme events affecting North America, Europe and Australia are well covered, such as the devastating Hurricane Helene in the US and the lethal flash flooding in Spain.

    By contrast, extreme weather and its fallout in Africa, South America and Southeast Asia get less coverage.

    In September 2024, Super Typhoon Yagi killed hundreds and caused widespread damage through the Philippines, China and Vietnam. Later in the year, Cyclone Chido struck Mayotte and Mozambique causing more than 100,000 people to be displaced. Hundreds died in Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan due to spring floods following an unusual cold wave.

    Unusual flooding hit parts of the arid Sahel and even the Sahara Desert. Meanwhile the worst drought in a century hit southern Africa, devastating small farmers and leading to rising hunger.

    Much of South and Central America was hit by significant drought. Huge tributaries to the Amazon River all but dried up for the first time on record. Severe summer heat hit much of the Northern Hemisphere, while more than 1,300 pilgrims died during the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca as heat and humidity pushed past survivable limits.

    Globally, extreme weather forced more people from their homes than any other year since 2008, which had widespread floods and fires.

    Did climate change play a role in these extreme events? The answer ranges from a resounding yes in some cases to a likely small role in others.

    Scientists at World Weather Attribution found the fingerprints of climate change in Hurricane Helene’s large-scale rain and winds as well as the flooding rains in the eastern Sahel.

    Paying the price for decades of inaction

    This report is a dire score card. The numbers are sobering, scary but sadly, not surprising.

    We have known the basic mechanism by which greenhouse gases warm the planet for over 100 years. The science behind climate change has been around a long time.

    But our response is still not up to the task.

    Currently, our activities are producing ever more greenhouse gas emissions, trapping more heat and causing more and more problems for people and the planet. Every fraction of a degree of global warming matters. The damage done will keep worsening until we end our reliance on fossil fuels and reach net zero.

    Andrew King receives funding from the ARC Centre of Excellence for 21st Century Weather and the National Environmental Science Program.

    Linden Ashcroft has received funding from the Australian Research Council and is affiliated with the ARC Centre of Excellence for 21st Century Weather

    – ref. Flooding in the Sahara, Amazon tributaries drying and warming tipping over 1.5°C – 2024 broke all the wrong records – https://theconversation.com/flooding-in-the-sahara-amazon-tributaries-drying-and-warming-tipping-over-1-5-c-2024-broke-all-the-wrong-records-252490

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Mexico bracing for potential US tariffs, says minister

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Mexico is fast-tracking measures to protect local businesses from potential U.S. tariffs, Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard said Tuesday.

    Addressing an event for the “Made in Mexico (Hecho en Mexico)” certification, Ebrard said the initiative aims to ensure fair competition and prevent unfair trade practices.

    “We are accelerating the program to support Mexican companies that export, compete and innovate,” he told reporters.

    The Mexican government is working with industry leaders to prepare a response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat of broad tariffs in April, Ebrard said, warning that higher trade barriers will have significant economic consequences.

    “Made in Mexico” is part of President Claudia Sheinbaum’s Plan Mexico, which seeks to strengthen local businesses and prepare for global economic challenges. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Mi-8 helicopter crashes in Russia’s Leningrad region

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    A Mi-28 helicopter crashed Tuesday during a planned training flight over Russia’s Leningrad region, killing the crew onboard, local media reported, citing the Russian Defense Ministry.

    The helicopter, which was not carrying ammunition, crashed in an uninhabited area, the defense ministry was quoted as saying. The cause of the crash was not specified.

    Search and rescue teams are currently working at the scene, according to the ministry. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Former chairman of China Everbright Group sentenced for bribery

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Li Xiaopeng, former Party chief and chairman of China Everbright Group, was on Tuesday sentenced by a court to 15 years in prison for accepting bribes.
    Li was also fined 6 million yuan (about 831,000 U.S. dollars), and all his illegal gains will be recovered and turned over to the state treasury, according to the verdict by the Intermediate People’s Court of Daqing City, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province.
    Li was found to have taken advantage of his various posts at institutions such as the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China and the China Everbright Group to assist others in matters such as loan credit, corporate financing and business contracting. In return, he accepted money and gifts worth over 60.43 million yuan.
    Taking into account mitigating factors, such as Li’s truthful confession after his arrest and the recovery of all his illicit assets and proceeds, the court handed down a lenient sentence.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Alliance launched to boost HK’s industrial development

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Tuesday inaugurated an alliance aimed at gathering talents and resources from various sectors to create a conducive environment for the quality development of the city’s innovation and technology industry.
    The launch of the Hong Kong New Industrialization Development Alliance marked a significant milestone in the city’s journey towards high-quality development.
    Speaking at the launch ceremony, Sun Dong, secretary for innovation, technology and industry of the HKSAR government, emphasized that Hong Kong is at a critical juncture in its economic transformation, and promoting new industrial development is vital for the city’s future growth.
    He described the establishment of the alliance as another significant milestone in Hong Kong’s industrial evolution, hoping that the alliance will facilitate close collaboration among various stakeholders in the innovation and technology sector, including providing financing opportunities and fostering partnerships between newly listed companies and local universities to advance comprehensive industrialization in Hong Kong, ensuring seamless integration of the innovation chain and industrial chain.
    In his 2024 Policy Address, HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee pledged to press ahead with the establishment of the Hong Kong New Industrialization Development Alliance to promote closer collaboration among the government and the industry, academia, research and investment sectors, building a cooperative platform for new industrialization in Hong Kong.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: HK to hold 8th LegCo elections on Dec. 7

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Elections for Hong Kong’s eighth-term Legislative Council will take place on Dec. 7 to pick 90 members, John Lee, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), announced on Tuesday.
    Prior to the polls, a by-election for the Election Committee subsectors will take place on Sept. 7 to fill 90 vacancies in the 1,500-strong committee.
    Speaking before a weekly Executive Council meeting, Lee said the Election Committee should consist of 1,500 members, including 967 who are elected, and other nominated and ex-officio members.
    Before the LegCo polls, there’s a need to fill 90 seats among the 967 elected members, enabling them to participate in the nominations and voting for the LegCo elections within the Election Committee subsectors.
    Details regarding the nomination period and specific arrangements for the two elections will be announced later this year.
    Lee underscored the importance of ensuring the smooth execution of these two significant elections.
    He has instructed the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau to prepare thoroughly and work closely with the Electoral Affairs Commission on various aspects, including public outreach, recruitment and training of personnel, polling arrangements, data systems, and security measures.
    The goal is to conduct the eighth Legislative Council election in a fair, just, clean, honest, secure, orderly and efficient manner, selecting a new cohort of patriotic, capable and responsible legislators who are committed to serving the people of Hong Kong and the nation, Lee said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Beijing’s air quality improves in 1st 2 months

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Tourists visit the Palace Museum along the Central Axis in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 2, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Beijing’s average PM2.5 concentration dropped to a record low of 26.8 micrograms per cubic meter in the first two months of the year, marking a 29.5 percent decline from last year, the environmental authorities announced on Tuesday.
    The city enjoyed 54 days of “excellent” air quality, accounting for 91.5 percent of the total days during the period, according to the Beijing Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau.
    This progress is credited to Beijing’s persistent air pollution control efforts. In January, the city launched an action plan to improve air quality, which included promoting cleaner energy and stricter industrial emission standards.
    The municipal government has also intensified its monthly review mechanism to ensure district and township levels accountability.
    Last year, Beijing set two records for the most days with good air quality and the fewest with heavy pollution since data collection began in 2013.
    The annual average concentration of PM 2.5 in Beijing in 2024 was 30.5 micrograms per cubic meter, a 6.2 percent decrease from the previous year.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China maintains stable trade policies, welcomes foreign investment

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    This photo taken from Jingshan Hill on Aug. 12, 2024 shows the skyscrapers of the central business district (CBD) on a sunny day in Beijing, capital of China. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao said the country’s trade policies toward trading partners, including the European Union, have consistently been stable, and welcomed European companies to increase their investment in China.

    Wang made the remarks on Monday during a meeting with Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury, according to a statement released by the ministry on Tuesday.

    While the global economy faces severe challenges, the long-term positive trend of China’s economy remains unchanged as the economy enjoys strong resilience, huge potential, and vitality, Wang said, adding that China is confident in its ability to continue to achieve stable economic growth.

    He said that despite changes in the external environment, China’s policies and expectations remain stable.

    China will continue to advance high-level opening up, optimize the business environment, and vigorously encourage foreign investment, the minister said.

    Wang expressed his hope that European companies, including Airbus, would seize opportunities to increase their investment in China and deepen industrial cooperation in a bid to contribute more quality products and services to both China and the rest of the world.

    Faury said that Airbus has been in China for over 30 years and has been committed to developing its business and partnerships in the country.

    As a multinational company, Airbus looks forward to stability and certainty in global economic development and does not wish to see uncertainties arising from any additional tariff policies, Faury said.

    Airbus remains optimistic about the Chinese market and will continue to expand its investment and presence in the country for better development in the future, Faury added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Death toll rises to 413 as Israeli airstrike continues

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Palestinians mourn for victims who were killed by Israeli airstrikes at a hospital in Gaza City on March 18, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The Palestinian death toll from the Israeli airstrikes on various places across the Gaza Strip early Tuesday morning has risen to 413, the Gaza-based health authorities said.

    In a press statement, the health authorities said that the ongoing Israeli attacks also injured at least 562 Palestinians.

    The statement added that a number of victims are still trapped under the rubble and efforts are underway to retrieve them.

    Meanwhile, the Israeli military and Shin Bet domestic intelligence agency said Tuesday afternoon that they were continuing to strike Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad targets across Gaza.

    “At this time, the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) and Shin Bet are striking terror targets throughout the Gaza Strip,” the military and Shin Bet said in a joint statement, adding that “the targets struck over the past few hours include terrorist cells, launch posts, weapons stockpiles, and additional military infrastructure.”

    Israel said it was resuming strikes because of Hamas’ repeated refusals to release its hostages and its rejection of all offers it received from the U.S. presidential envoy Steve Witkoff and mediators.

    Hamas accused Israel of violating the ceasefire that took effect on Jan. 19 and called on mediators to pressure Israel to halt the military campaign. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Trump, Putin agree ‘energy and infrastructure ceasefire’ in Ukraine

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    U.S. President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin agreed in a phone call on Tuesday that the peace in Ukraine “will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire.”

    Meanwhile, they agreed to “immediately” launch technical negotiations on the implementation of a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, as well as on the full ceasefire and permanent peace in Ukraine, the White House said in a statement.

    “These negotiations will begin immediately in the Middle East,” said the statement, noting the two leaders agreed that the three-year Ukraine conflict needs to end with a lasting peace.

    The two leaders stressed the need for improved U.S.-Russia relations, said the statement. Further details are not immediately available, but U.S. media outlets, citing Russian sources, said they spoke in favor of normalizing relations between the two countries.

    It is not immediately clear the response of Ukraine to the limited and phrased ceasefire plan. Kiev has said it is ready to accept the 30-day truce proposed by Trump.

    Ahead of the phone talk, Trump said, “Many elements of a Final Agreement have been agreed to, but much remains.”

    The mess over Ukraine “will almost certainly not be resolved in a phone call, if at all,” an analyst with the Fox News said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Stranded NASA astronauts return to Earth from space

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, who had been stranded at the International Space Station (ISS) since last June, returned to Earth Tuesday afternoon.

    The duo astronauts returned home with their fellow Crew-9 astronauts, NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, on SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft.

    The spacecraft splashed down off Florida’s coast at 5:57 p.m. Tuesday Eastern Time (2157 GMT), according to NASA live broadcast.

    The crew undocked with the ISS early on Tuesday to start an about 17-hour journey home. The spacecraft completed multiple orbit-lowering maneuvers, and re-entered Earth’s atmosphere before a parachute-supported splashdown off Florida’s coast.

    A recovery ship moved into position to hoist Dragon onto the main deck with the Crew-9 crew members inside, and teams on the ship secured Dragon to ensure the spacecraft’s safe recovery.

    After the hatch was opened, the four astronauts egressed the capsule one by one with the help of medical personnel. Medical teams will evaluate the crew’s health, which is routine after astronauts return from space, according to NASA.

    The crew splashed down one day earlier than NASA had targeted due to favorable conditions forecast for the evening of Tuesday, according to the space agency, which expressed concerns about weather conditions later in the week.

    Williams and Wilmore had been stuck in space since last June due to technical problems of Boeing’s Starliner which took them to the ISS, including helium leaks and propulsion issues. The duo astronauts were initially scheduled for an eight-day mission in space, but were stranded at the ISS for over nine months.

    The Crew-9 astronauts returned home following the arrival of new mission Crew-10 astronauts at the ISS, including NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Takuya Onishi, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov.

    NASA said Crew-9 astronauts have completed more than 900 hours of research between more than 150 unique scientific experiments and technology demonstrations during their stay aboard the orbiting laboratory. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China willing to jointly uphold genuine multilateralism with France

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said Tuesday that China is willing to maintain close high-level exchanges with France, strengthen strategic coordination, and jointly uphold genuine multilateralism.

    Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks when having a phone conversation with Emmanuel Bonne, diplomatic adviser to the French President, at the latter’s request.

    During the phone conversation, Wang requested Bonne to convey Chinese President Xi Jinping’s greetings to French President Emmanuel Macron.

    The current international situation is increasingly complex and intertwined, with significant rises in uncertainty and instability, said Wang.

    Noting that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in World War II, Wang said that it is essential for China and France, as permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and comprehensive strategic partners, to enhance strategic communication at this significant historical juncture.

    Wang said that China is willing to maintain close high-level exchanges with France, strengthen strategic coordination, jointly uphold genuine multilateralism, uphold the status of the United Nations, protect the international trade order, ensure the stability of global industrial and supply chains, oppose unipolar hegemony, reject placing one country’s self-interest above the common interests of all nations, and prevent the world from returning to the law of the jungle.

    In the current situation, it is of important and positive significance for China and Europe to resolve specific economic and trade frictions through consultation. China hopes that France will work with China to send a positive signal of unity and cooperation and promote the healthy and stable development of China-France and China-Europe relations, noted Wang.

    Bonne requested Wang to convey Macron’s greetings to Xi. He said that France attaches great importance to and cherishes the friendship and mutual trust between France and China. Under the current complex international situation in particular, France looks forward to maintaining high-level exchanges and close strategic communication with China to jointly resist camp confrontation.

    Bonne said that France opposes trade wars and tariff wars, and is willing to properly resolve economic and trade frictions through consultations with China, promote balanced and sustainable development of economic and trade relations between France and China and also between Europe and China, and maintain the international economic and trade system based on World Trade Organization’s rules.

    The two sides exchanged in-depth views on the Ukraine issue.

    Bonne briefed Wang on the position of the French side, saying that France is willing to strengthen coordination with China and expects China to play an important role in reaching a just, stable and sustainable peace agreement on Ukraine.

    Wang said that China has advocated resolving the crisis through dialogue and negotiation from the very beginning, and welcomes all efforts towards a ceasefire, which is a necessary step towards peace. At the same time, this process should respect the will of the parties concerned, should not be imposed by a third party, and should not only serve the interests of any one country.

    China supports the achievement of a fair, lasting and binding peace agreement acceptable to all parties concerned, and believes that all parties and stakeholders should participate in the peace talks process in due course.

    He also noted that China’s position has been recognized and supported by the parties concerned and most other countries, and China is ready to work with all parties, including Europe, to continue to make efforts for peace.

    The two sides also exchanged views on the Iranian nuclear issue.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Continued Chinese development boosts opportunities for China-UK relations: ambassador

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Chinese Ambassador to the United Kingdom (UK) Zheng Zeguang has called on business communities in both countries to seize the opportunities presented by China’s continued stable development.

    Zheng made the statement at an event hosted on Monday briefing the “two sessions”: the annual meetings of the National People’s Congress – China’s top legislature, and the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.

    Zheng said this year’s sessions have shown the world that China is committed to advancing the country’s modernization with high-quality development. China will firmly act as an “enabler,” providing “more stability and positive energy for the world,” in areas such as economic development, sci-tech innovation, green transition, and global peace and stability, he added.

    The “two sessions” also showed the success of China’s political system, the ambassador stressed, adding that it is “the secret behind the two miracles of rapid economic development and long-term social stability” in China.

    Highlighting the importance of a stable and constructive China-UK relationship in a chaotic and turbulent world full of challenges, the ambassador called on both sides to maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges, implement the outcomes of previous dialogues, and strengthen cooperation while properly handling differences between the two countries.

    Sherard Cowper-Coles, chairman of the China-Britain Business Council, said that a Chinese government report released during the sessions responds to tackling serious challenges in a coherent and disciplined way.

    “It talks about increasing consumption, putting more money in the pockets of the Chinese people, stimulating innovation and opening China up more to investment, and inviting visitors around the world not just commercial businesses, but the tourists and students as well, all very very important,” Cowper-Coles said.

    Michael Mainelli, former Lord Mayor of the City of London, acknowledged that this is a pivotal moment for the UK in the relationship between China, and the global community. He said the sessions “have set the stage for policies that will influence not only China’s trajectory, but also its interactions with the world.”

    As a global financial and technology center, London looks forward to strengthening cooperation with China in finance, green finance, artificial intelligence and other fields, Mainelli noted. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 5th China Cross-Border E-Commerce Trade Fair opens in Fuzhou

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

    5th China Cross-Border E-Commerce Trade Fair opens in Fuzhou

    Updated: March 19, 2025 08:49 Xinhua
    Visitors and exhibitors communicate during the 5th China Cross-Border E-Commerce Trade Fair in Fuzhou, southeast China’s Fujian Province, March 18, 2025. The 5th China Cross-Border E-Commerce Trade Fair opened here on Tuesday, attracting over 1,800 supply chain and service enterprises from various countries and regions. This year’s event coincides with the 2025 China Cross-Border E-Commerce Conference, which focuses on the upgrade of the cross-border e-commerce industry and seeks pathways for Chinese companies to expand internationally. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People visit the 5th China Cross-Border E-Commerce Trade Fair in Fuzhou, southeast China’s Fujian Province, March 18, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People visit the 5th China Cross-Border E-Commerce Trade Fair in Fuzhou, southeast China’s Fujian Province, March 18, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People communicate during the 5th China Cross-Border E-Commerce Trade Fair in Fuzhou, southeast China’s Fujian Province, March 18, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People visit the 5th China Cross-Border E-Commerce Trade Fair in Fuzhou, southeast China’s Fujian Province, March 18, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Spring farming underway in China’s Hebei

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

    Spring farming underway in China’s Hebei

    Updated: March 19, 2025 09:09 Xinhua
    Self-propelled sprinkler equipment conducts irrigation in a winter wheat field in Dongtianzhuang Town, Fengnan District of Tangshan, north China’s Hebei Province, March 17, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Farmers plant ginger in a field in Chahe Town, Fengnan District of Tangshan, north China’s Hebei Province, March 17, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo shows farmers laying drip irrigation pipes in a field in Chahe Town, Fengnan District of Tangshan, north China’s Hebei Province, March 17, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo shows farmers laying drip irrigation pipes in a field in Chahe Town, Fengnan District of Tangshan, north China’s Hebei Province, March 17, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A drone photo shows a self-propelled sprinkler equipment conducting irrigation in a winter wheat field in Dongtianzhuang Town, Fengnan District of Tangshan, north China’s Hebei Province, March 17, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China makes progress in advancing sustainable development, human rights protection: experts

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

    China makes progress in advancing sustainable development, human rights protection: experts

    People taste grapes at a grape fair in Turpan, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 17, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    GENEVA, March 18 — China has made significant progress in pursuing sustainable development and human rights protection in recent years, experts said at a side event during the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council on Monday.

    The event, titled “The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Human Rights Protection,” was co-hosted by the China Society for Human Rights Studies and the China Foundation for Human Rights Development.

    Sun Meng, a professor at the Human Rights Institute of China University of Political Science and Law, emphasized China’s commitment to a path that integrates sustainable development with human rights protection.

    She added that China has always adhered to the development concept of innovation, coordination, greenness, openness and sharing, as well as the people-oriented development principle, and fully implemented the idea of human rights protection.

    Senior residents learn calligraphy at an elderly care center in Dongcheng District in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 31, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Zhou Shaoqing, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, stated that one of the reasons behind the rise of ideologies and movements that severely impact social cohesion and even political stability worldwide is the extreme disparity in wealth and the high inequality of economic and social rights.

    He emphasized that China addresses this issue through relevant policies and legislation to ensure economic and social equality, with a particular focus on promoting equal development for ethnic minority regions and remote regions. China’s systematic policy framework, development priorities, and the goal of “common prosperity” provide valuable references for addressing global governance inequality, he added.

    Tang Yingxia, deputy director of Nankai University’s Human Rights Center, stated that human rights, climate change, and sustainable development are closely interconnected, and this intrinsic link calls for active measures at the national level.

    Women attend an event celebrating the International Women’s Day with their children at a kindergarten in Nanjing, east China’s Jiangsu Province, on March 7, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    She highlighted that China is addressing climate change by proposing and implementing its dual carbon goals to protect environmental rights. Furthermore, China has adopted relevant measures at various levels and achieved remarkable success in the development of a low-carbon economy.

    Da Lu, an associate professor from China’s Southwest University of Political Science and Law, noted that there are still many challenges ahead in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. He called on the international community to adhere to the principles of consultation, joint construction and sharing, promote the building of a more just and reasonable international order, and inject more positive impetus into global development.

    This photo taken on Feb. 29, 2024 shows an exterior view of the United Nations (UN) Office in Geneva, Switzerland. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: How Jia Zhangke’s film Caught by the Tides uses 20 years of footage to capture a changing China

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Thomas Moran, Lecturer in the Department of English, Creative Writing and Film, University of Adelaide

    MK2 Films

    Chinese independent director Jia Zhangke’s new film Caught by the Tides, now in select Australian cinemas, provides a unique vision of China’s rapid social transformation in the 21st century.

    Using a combination of documentary footage and scenes shot by Jia over the past 20 years during the making of his earlier films, Caught by the Tides follows Qiaoqiao (Zhao Tao) and her boyfriend, small-time hustler Bin (Li Zhubin).

    Bin leaves their small town to make his fortune working on the Three Gorges Dam and Qiaoqiao goes to find him, taking her on a journey through the changing landscape of contemporary China.

    The film not only registers monumental changes, like the building of the dam, but the minutiae of everyday details from changing fashion to altered streetscapes.

    Jia’s film is a quiet and meditative affair which dwells on the passage of time in a fast-paced world. The film not only captures 20 years in a rapidly changing China, but also offers a reflection on Jia’s career as a filmmaker.

    Framing the provinces

    Jia was born in 1970. He grew up in the city of Fenyang, Shanxi province, and came of age during Deng Xiaoping’s economic liberalisation and “opening up” of the 1980s.

    He studied at the Beijing Film Academy before returning home to shoot his first feature Xiao Wu (Pickpocket) in 1997.

    The films he made in Shanxi – Xiao Wu, Platform (2000) and Unknown Pleasures (2002) – have been dubbed his “hometown trilogy”.

    Shanxi is known for its notoriously dangerous coal mining industry. Jia focused on the lives of those left behind by China’s “economic miracle” and life outside of the metropolis. His use of non-actors, preference for street shooting and slow minimalist style set his work apart from commercial Chinese cinema.

    The second film in the trilogy, Platform, includes a mesmerising performance from Zhao Tao, then an unknown actor who has since starred in all of Jia’s later films. Zhao and Jia were married in 2012. Zhao is a key artistic collaborator whose portrayal of strong female protagonists is central to all the director’s later work.

    Cinema and cultural memory

    Jia’s international breakthrough came with Still Life (2006), shot in the ancient area of Fengjie on the banks of the Yangtze while cities were being demolished and thousands displaced to make way for the Three Gorges Dam.

    Working on Still Life confirmed Jia’s belief in “cinema’s function as memory” which captures the present before it disappears. Still Life combined Jia’s early realist style with a new surreal approach, including a building taking off and a mysterious flying saucer zooming into the distance.

    To Jia, this blend of realism and surrealism is essential for portraying China’s rapid historical transformation. He says the speed of development in China “has had an unsettling surreal effect”.

    To represent this, he has experimented with all the possibilities of cinema blending documentary, fiction, animation, pop music, Chinese opera and digital images to create a stunning body of work.

    Caught by the tides of history

    Caught by the Tides continues Jia’s experimentation with cinema and history in his most ambitious work to date.

    Production was influenced by the COVID pandemic, when Jia was unable to start work on a new film. Instead, he began to review footage he and his director of photography Yu Lik-Wai had shot since 2001.

    Jia describes the process of reviewing the footage as “like time-travelling” as he returned to the beginning of the 21st century and his youth.

    The film is partly composed of a collage of documentary footage which Jia and his collaborators spent over two years editing. We see excitement in the streets when Beijing is announced as the host city of the 2008 Olympic Games, before cutting to a montage of young people dancing in strobe-lit underground nightclubs.

    This kaleidoscope of documentary footage is combined with scenes shot during the making of Jia’s earlier films. From this combination of archival footage featuring Jia’s regular stars Zhao and Li Zubin, a story emerges about China’s rapid change.

    Jia began work on Caught by the Tides during COVID.
    MK2 Films

    As Qiaoqiao guides the viewer through the chaotic transformations taking place in the country, there is something particularly arresting about seeing places and actors change before our very eyes.

    The final scenes, shot with modern digital cameras, have a sleek and cold aesthetic in contrast to the pixelated early footage. It is in part a reflection of Jia’s own melancholic view of historical change in which the past is forgotten, and the everyday lives of ordinary people disappear from view. Yet as a whole, the film suggests cinema can preserve the past and give dignity and beauty to everyday experiences.

    Caught By the Tides provides viewers with a refreshing glimpse of Chinese life from within. Cinema like Jia’s remains in a unique position to promote a more nuanced view of China’s complex and ever-evolving history.

    Thomas Moran 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. How Jia Zhangke’s film Caught by the Tides uses 20 years of footage to capture a changing China – https://theconversation.com/how-jia-zhangkes-film-caught-by-the-tides-uses-20-years-of-footage-to-capture-a-changing-china-252392

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: 5 killed in N China expressway construction accident

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Five people were killed in an accident at an expressway construction site in Pingding County, north China’s Shanxi Province, according to the county government on Tuesday.
    The accident occurred at 5:55 p.m. on Monday at the site of an expansion project in the Yexi section of the Taiyuan-Jiuguan Expressway, leaving five people trapped.
    Rescue teams from multiple departments managed to rescue all the trapped by 8:17 p.m. Monday, but they were confirmed dead at the scene.
    Further investigation and follow-up work are underway.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: No one allowed to split Taiwan from China

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Chinese mainland official Song Tao on Tuesday stressed that no individual or force will be allowed to split Taiwan from China, warning that “resolute actions will be taken” if separatist forces dare to cross the red line.
    Song, head of both the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, made the remarks at a release ceremony for a book on the Taiwan question, which includes information on related policies and the development of cross-Strait relations.
    “Our determination to solve the Taiwan question and achieve national reunification is firm as rock,” he said.
    Song said that the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is now on an irreversible historic course, adding that the goal of national reunification must and will be accomplished.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Press Release 19 March 2025 WMO report documents spiralling weather and climate impacts

    Source: World Meteorological Organization

    “Our planet is issuing more distress signals — but this report shows that limiting long-term global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius is still possible. Leaders must step up to make it happen — seizing the benefits of cheap, clean renewables for their people and economies – – with new National climate plans due this year, ” said United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.

    “While a single year above 1.5 °C of warming does not indicate that the long-term temperature goals of the Paris Agreement are out of reach, it is a wake-up call that we are increasing the risks to our lives, economies and to the planet,” said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo.

    The report said that long-term global warming is currently estimated to be between 1.34 and 1.41 °C compared to the 1850-1900 baseline based on a range of methods – although it noted the uncertainty ranges in global temperature statistics.

    A WMO team of international experts is examining this further in order to ensure consistent, reliable tracking of long-term global temperature changes to be aligned with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

    Regardless of the methodology used, every fraction of a degree of warming matters and increases risks and costs to society.

    The record global temperatures seen in 2023 and broken in 2024 were mainly due to the ongoing rise in greenhouse gas emissions, coupled with a shift from a cooling La Niña to warming El Niño event. Several other factors may have contributed to the unexpectedly unusual temperature jumps, including changes in the solar cycle, a massive volcanic eruption and a decrease in cooling aerosols, according to the report.

    Temperatures are just a small part of a much bigger picture.

    “Data for 2024 show that our oceans continued to warm, and sea levels continued to rise. The frozen parts of Earth’s surface, known as the cryosphere, are melting at an alarming rate: glaciers continue to retreat, and Antarctic sea ice reached its second-lowest extent ever recorded. Meanwhile, extreme weather continues to have devastating consequences around the world,” said Celeste Saulo.

    Tropical cyclones, floods, droughts, and other hazards in 2024 led to the highest number of new displacements recorded for the past 16 years, contributed to worsening food crises, and caused massive economic losses.

    “In response, WMO and the global community are intensifying efforts to strengthen early warning systems and climate services to help decision-makers and society at large be more resilient to extreme weather and climate. We are making progress but need to go further and need to go faster. Only half of all countries worldwide have adequate early warning systems. This must change,” said Celeste Saulo.

    Investment in weather, water and climate services is more important than ever to meet the challenges and build safer, more resilient communities, she stressed.

    The report is based on scientific contributions from National Meteorological and Hydrological Services, WMO Regional Climate Centres, UN partners and dozens of experts. It includes sidebars on monitoring global temperature for the Paris Agreement and understanding the temperature anomalies in 2023 and 2024. It includes supplements on climate services and on extreme weather.

    It is one of a suite of WMO scientific reports which seek to inform decision-making. It was published ahead of World Meteorological Day on 23 March, World Water Day on 22 March and World Glaciers Day on 21 March.

    Three methods for establishing an up-to-date estimate of current global warming as of 2024, compared with the IPCC AR6 method, which uses averages over the previous 10 years and is representative of warming to 2019. The best estimate resulting from each method is shown as a dark vertical line, and the uncertainty range is shown by the shaded area.

    Key Indicators

    Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide

    Atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide, as well as methane and nitrous oxide, are at the highest levels in the last 800,000 years.

    Carbon dioxide concentrations in 2023 (the last year for which consolidated global annual figures are available) were 420.0 ± 0.1 parts per million (ppm), 2.3 ppm more than 2022 and 151% of the pre-industrial level (in 1750). 420 ppm corresponds to 3,276 Gt  – or 3.276 trillion tonnes of CO₂ in the atmosphere.

    Real-time data from specific locations show that levels of these three main greenhouse gases continued to increase in 2024. Carbon dioxide remains in the atmosphere for generations, trapping heat.

    Global Mean Near-surface Temperature

    In addition to 2024 setting a new record, each of the past ten years, 2015-2024, were individually the ten warmest years on record.

    The record temperature in 2024 was boosted by a strong El Niño which peaked at the start of the year. In every month between June 2023 and December 2024, monthly average global temperatures exceeded all monthly records prior to 2023.

    Record levels of greenhouse gases were the primary driver, with the shift to El Niño playing a lesser role.

    Ocean Heat Content

    Around 90% of the energy trapped by greenhouse gases in the Earth system is stored in the ocean.

    In 2024, ocean heat content reached its highest level in the 65-year observational record. Each of the past eight years has set a new record. The rate of ocean warming over the past two decades, 2005-2024, is more than twice that in the period 1960-2005.

    Ocean warming leads to degradation of marine ecosystems, biodiversity loss, and reduction of the ocean carbon sink. It fuels tropical storms and contributes to sea-level  rise. It is irreversible on centennial to millennial time scales. Climate projections show that ocean warming will continue for at least the rest of the 21st century, even for low carbon emission scenarios.

    Ocean Acidification

    Acidification of the ocean surface is continuing, as shown by the steady decrease of global average ocean surface pH. The most intense regional decreases are in the Indian Ocean, the Southern Ocean, the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, the northern tropical Pacific, and some regions in the Atlantic Ocean.

    The effects of ocean acidification on habitat area, biodiversity and ecosystems have already been clearly observed, and food production from shellfish aquaculture and fisheries has been hit as have coral reefs.

    Projections show that ocean acidification will continue to increase in the 21st century, at rates dependent on future emissions. Changes in deep-ocean pH are irreversible on centennial to millennial time scales.

    Annual global ocean heat content down to 2000 m depth for the period 1960–2024, in zettajoules (1021 J). The shaded area indicates the 2-sigma uncertainty range on each estimate.

    Global Mean Sea Level

    In 2024, global mean sea level was the highest since the start of the satellite record in 1993 and the rate of increase from 2015-2024 was double that from 1993–2002, increasing from 2.1 mm per year to 4.7 mm per year.

    Sea level rise has cascading damaging impacts on coastal ecosystems and infrastructure, with further impacts from flooding and saltwater contamination of groundwater.

    Glacier Mass Balance

    The period 2022-2024 represents the most negative three-year glacier mass balance on record. Seven of the ten most negative mass balance years since 1950 have occurred since 2016.

    Exceptionally negative mass balances were experienced in Norway, Sweden, Svalbard, and the tropical Andes.

    Glacier retreat increases short-term hazards, harms economies and ecosystems and long-term water security.

    Sea-ice Extent

    The 18 lowest Arctic sea-ice minimum extents in the satellite record all occurred in the past 18 years. The annual minimum and maximum of Antarctic sea-ice extent were each the 2nd lowest in the observed record from 1979.

    The minimum daily extent of sea-ice in the Arctic in 2024 was 4.28 million km2, the 7th lowest extent in the 46-year satellite record. In Antarctica, the minimum daily extent tied for the 2nd lowest minimum in the satellite era and marked the 3rd consecutive year that minimum Antarctic sea-ice extent dropped below 2 million km2. These are the three lowest Antarctic ice minima in the satellite record.

    Extreme events and impacts

    Extreme weather events in 2024 led to the highest number of new annual displacements since 2008, and destroyed homes, critical infrastructure, forests, farmland and biodiversity.

    The compounded effect of various shocks, such as intensifying conflict, drought and high domestic food prices drove worsening food crises in 18 countries globally by mid-2024.

    Tropical cyclones were responsible for many of the highest-impact events of 2024. These included Typhoon Yagi in Viet Nam, the Philippines and southern China.

    In the United States, Hurricanes Helene and Milton in October both made landfall on the west coast of Florida as major hurricanes, with economic losses of tens of billions of dollars. Over 200 deaths were associated with the exceptional rainfall and flooding from Helene, the most in a mainland United States hurricane since Katrina in 2005.

    Tropical Cyclone Chido caused casualties and economic losses in the French Indian Ocean island of Mayotte, Mozambique and Malawi. It displaced around 100,000 people in Mozambique.

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Climate change: Paris Agreement goals still within reach, says UN chief

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Climate and Environment

    The effects of human-driven climate change surged to alarming levels in 2024, with some consequences likely to be irreversible for centuries – if not millennia – according to a new report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). 

    The latest State of the Global Climate report confirms 2024 as the hottest year since records began 175 years ago, with a global mean temperature of 1.55°C above pre-industrial levels – surpassing the critical warming threshold of 1.5°C for the first time.  

    While a single year above 1.5°C doesn’t break the Paris Agreement‘s long-term goals (a long-term average below 1.5°C), it is a stark warning of the urgent need for emissions reduction.

    Multiple climate indicators also set new records. Atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations are at their highest in 800,000 years, and the oceans continue to warm at unprecedented rates.  

    Glaciers and sea ice are rapidly melting, contributing to a rise in global sea levels that threatens coastal ecosystems and infrastructure worldwide.

    Furthermore, tropical cyclones, floods, droughts, and other hazards last year led to the highest number of new displacements recorded in 16 years, contributing to worsening food crises, and fuelling massive economic losses.  

    Leveraging renewables and early warning systems

    Despite these alarming trends, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said that the Paris Agreement goals are still achievable and called on world leaders to step up their efforts in response to the mounting crisis.

    “Our planet is issuing more distress signals – but this report shows that limiting long-term global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius is still possible. Leaders must step up to make it happen –seizing the benefits of cheap, clean renewables for their people and economies – with new national climate plans due this year’’, he urged.

    WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo called the report findings a “wake-up call” to the increasing level of deadly risk facing human life, economies and the planet.

    “WMO and the global community are intensifying efforts to strengthen early warning systems and climate services to help decision-makers and society at large be more resilient to extreme weather and climate. We are making progress but need to go further and need to go faster”, she said.  

    Irreversible changes

    The report explains that the record-breaking global temperatures in 2023 and 2024 were primarily driven by increasing greenhouse gas emissions, amplified by the transition from La Niña to El Niño.  

    Other factors that might have contributed include solar cycle variation, volcanic activity and changes in ocean circulation.

    Scientists also underscore the urgency of taking action, outlining some already irreversible changes – including the rate of sea level rise – that has doubled since satellite measurements began.

    Projections show that ocean warming, which reached its highest level on record, will continue over the rest of the 21st century and beyond, even if the world were to significantly reduce emissions. Similarly, ocean acidification will continue to increase for the rest of this century, at rates dependent on future emissions.

    Other key findings

    • Globally, each of the past ten years were individually the ten warmest years on record.
    • Each of the past eight years has set a new record for ocean heat content.
    • The 18 lowest Arctic sea-ice extents on record were all in the past 18 years.
    • The three lowest Antarctic ice extents were in the past three years.
    • The largest three-year loss of glacier mass on record occurred in the past three years.
    • In 2024, ocean heat content reached its highest level in the 65-year observational record.
    • Tropical cyclones were responsible for many of the highest-impact events of 2024. These included Typhoon Yagi in Viet Nam, the Philippines and southern China.  

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China makes progress in advancing sustainable development, human rights protection

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China has made significant progress in pursuing sustainable development and human rights protection in recent years, experts said at a side event during the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council on Monday.

    The event, titled “The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Human Rights Protection,” was co-hosted by the China Society for Human Rights Studies and the China Foundation for Human Rights Development.

    Sun Meng, a professor at the Human Rights Institute of China University of Political Science and Law, emphasized China’s commitment to a path that integrates sustainable development with human rights protection.

    She added that China has always adhered to the development concept of innovation, coordination, greenness, openness and sharing, as well as the people-oriented development principle, and fully implemented the idea of human rights protection.

    Zhou Shaoqing, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, stated that one of the reasons behind the rise of ideologies and movements that severely impact social cohesion and even political stability worldwide is the extreme disparity in wealth and the high inequality of economic and social rights.

    He emphasized that China addresses this issue through relevant policies and legislation to ensure economic and social equality, with a particular focus on promoting equal development for ethnic minority regions and remote regions. China’s systematic policy framework, development priorities, and the goal of “common prosperity” provide valuable references for addressing global governance inequality, he added.

    Tang Yingxia, deputy director of Nankai University’s Human Rights Center, stated that human rights, climate change, and sustainable development are closely interconnected, and this intrinsic link calls for active measures at the national level.

    She highlighted that China is addressing climate change by proposing and implementing its dual carbon goals to protect environmental rights. Furthermore, China has adopted relevant measures at various levels and achieved remarkable success in the development of a low-carbon economy.

    Da Lu, an associate professor from China’s Southwest University of Political Science and Law, noted that there are still many challenges ahead in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. He called on the international community to adhere to the principles of consultation, joint construction and sharing, promote the building of a more just and reasonable international order, and inject more positive impetus into global development. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s icebreaker Xuelong 2 opens to visitors in New Zealand

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

    WELLINGTON, March 18 — Chinese research icebreaker Xuelong 2, or Snow Dragon 2, opened its decks to the public on Tuesday at Lyttelton Harbor in Christchurch, New Zealand, attracting around 600 visitors, including local officials and members of the public.

    Currently on China’s 41st Antarctic expedition, the Xuelong 2 is making its second stop in Christchurch on this voyage.

    As part of the visit, Chinese and New Zealand Antarctic researchers held an academic seminar aboard the vessel, discussing polar marine biology, chemistry and geology.

    During its port call, the Xuelong 2 conducted personnel rotations and resupplied before continuing its mission in the Ross Sea for an oceanic survey.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China rolls out measures to meet targets of urban unemployment rate

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

    China’s 2025 government work report has set targets of an urban unemployment rate of around 5.5 percent and over 12 million new jobs. To ensure a strong foundation for job growth, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security says China will continue to uncover the potential of advanced manufacturing and new quality productive forces.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Luxon quick to give away principled position on nukes

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    Christopher Luxon seems to have thrown New Zealand’s principled anti-nuclear advocacy under a bus.

    New Zealand has long opposed India’s entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group, but the Prime Minister has walked that back in the India-New Zealand joint statement.

    “The Government appears to have abandoned New Zealand’s long held objection to India joining the Nuclear Suppliers Group. New Zealand along with Ireland, Austria and China have opposed India joining the group because it has not signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT),” Labour’s disarmament spokesperson Phil Twyford said.

    “The Nuclear Suppliers Group aims to ensure nuclear trade for peaceful purposes does not contribute to the proliferation of nuclear weapons and its rules require members to have signed the NPT.

    “In his haste to get trade talks underway it seems Christopher Luxon has given away our position on a significant anti-nuclear issue. He needs to understand that having an independent foreign policy means we sometimes differ with our friends and trading partners on matters of principle.

    “We’re very proud of our nuclear-free status, however Luxon seems to have folded without much consultation or thought. Shame on him,” Phil Twyford said.

    Stay in the loop by signing up to our mailing list and following us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China, Kazakhstan vow to deepen practical cooperation

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

    BEIJING, March 18 — Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang met with Kazakhstan’s First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar in Beijing on Tuesday. The two leaders co-chaired the 12th Meeting of the China-Kazakhstan Cooperation Committee, pledging to deepen practical cooperation.

    Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that under the guidance of the two heads of state, the China-Kazakhstan relationship has maintained a trend of rapid development, serving as an exemplary model for state-to-state relations.

    The two sides should effectively implement the important consensus reached by their heads of state, further consolidate political mutual trust, enhance mutual support, synergize development strategies, deepen practical cooperation, and bring improved benefits to both countries and peoples, Ding added.

    He fully affirmed the achievements of the China-Kazakhstan Cooperation Committee since its 11th meeting.

    He made four suggestions for future work: strengthening the guiding role of head-of-state diplomacy, deepening high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, advancing law enforcement and security cooperation, and promoting people-to-people exchange.

    Sklyar said that Kazakhstan regards the development of relations with China as a diplomatic priority. It stands ready to work with the Chinese side to fully leverage bilateral cooperation mechanisms, ensure the effective implementation of key Belt and Road cooperation projects, and advance new achievements in Kazakhstan-China cooperation.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese vice premier stresses leading role of enterprises in driving innovation

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

    XI’AN, March 18 — Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing has urged intensified efforts to solidify enterprises’ leading role in innovation, and to accelerate the integration of technological and industrial innovation.

    Zhang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during an inspection tour of Xi’an and Weinan, cities in northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, from March 16 to 18.

    Enterprises are the primary drivers of innovation, he said, emphasizing the need to establish them as key players in decision-making for technological innovation, research and development spending, organization of scientific research, and the transformation of research findings into practical applications.

    Enterprises should be encouraged to pursue original and groundbreaking technological advancements and tackle key challenges in core technologies, thereby ensuring the independence, security and controllability of the country’s industrial and supply chains, Zhang added.

    Additionally, it is important to apply scientific and technological advancements to specific industries and industrial chains, while continuously driving the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries and exploring the development of strategic emerging and future industries, he said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: National Poison Prevention Week, 2025

    Source: The White House

    class=”has-text-align-center”>By the President of the United States of America

    A Proclamation

    During National Poison Prevention Week, my Administration is addressing the threat of overdose deaths in our Nation from accidental poisoning.  By increasing community awareness, strengthening safety measures, and taking decisive action, we are building a new era of American strength, safety, security, and wellness.

    Among the most serious threats facing our Nation is the rise of fentanyl, which is being trafficked illegally across our borders — a crisis of unimaginable proportions that escalated under the previous administration.  Fentanyl and other deadly drugs flooded into our towns and cities, falling into the hands of our children, siblings, parents, friends, and neighbors.  Fentanyl is the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18 to 45, with overdoses quickly becoming a leading cause of death for American teens — robbing countless innocent victims of their lives, futures, and dreams.

    We cannot allow this devastation and vicious assault on the American people to continue.  That is why, on my first day back in office, I directed the designation of cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, ensuring they are treated as a national security threat.  I have imposed tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada — sending a clear message that those fueling this crisis will be held accountable.  United States Customs and Border Protection, along with United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, are on the frontlines of this fight, having seized more than 1,600 pounds of fentanyl in my first 30 days in office.  I will continue to do everything in my power to protect children and families, end drug addiction, and keep lethal substances out of our communities.

    Every day, American families endure the devastating impact of preventable poisoning, whether from household chemicals, improper medication use, or the perilous danger of opioids like fentanyl.  This week, my Administration urges all Americans to stay informed about the dangers of poisoning and take steps to protect their families.  The Poison Help Line, 800-222-1222, is available around the clock, providing free, confidential guidance from medical experts.  We will never stop fighting to achieve a future that protects its citizens, defends its communities, and ensures that the American people are happy, healthy, and free.

    To encourage Americans to learn more about the dangers of unintentional poisonings and to take appropriate preventative measures, on September 26, 1961, the Congress, by joint resolution (75 Stat. 681), authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation designating the third week of March each year as “National Poison Prevention Week.”

    NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim March 16, 2025, through March 22, 2025, to be National Poison Prevention Week.  I call upon all Americans to observe this week by taking actions to safeguard their families from poisonous products, chemicals, medicines, and drugs found in their homes, and to raise awareness about these dangers in order to prevent accidental injuries and deaths.

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.

    DONALD J. TRUMP

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Resumed Hostilities, Blocked Aid Destroying Ceasefire Gains in Gaza, Security Council Hears

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    As Israel resumes airstrikes over Gaza and blocks entry of humanitarian aid into the Strip, the modest gains made during the ceasefire are being destroyed, Tom Fletcher, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, told the Security Council today.

    “Overnight, our worst fears materialized,” he added, noting unconfirmed reports of hundreds of people killed on 17 March.  Recalling his recent visit to the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel in February, he said that — despite the devastation he saw — “my trip coincided with some of Gaza’s better days” because a ceasefire was in place and humanitarians were delivering hundreds of trucks every day.  “Not anymore,” he reported.

    Since 2 March, Israeli authorities have halted the entry of all lifesaving supplies, including food, medicine, fuel and cooking gas, for 2.1 million people.  Repeated requests to collect aid sitting at the Karem Shalom border crossing have also been systematically rejected, no further hostages have been released and Israel has cut power to southern Gaza’s desalination plant, limiting access to clean water for 600,000 people.

    Further, international staff of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) are no longer able to rotate into and out of Gaza due to recent Knesset legislation.  He also highlighted new registration rules for international non-governmental organizations, as well as a law under consideration to impose high taxes on donations from third States to Israeli humanitarian and human-rights groups.

    Also pointing to the urgent crisis in the West Bank, he said that 95 Palestinians have been killed, including 17 children, since the start of 2025.  Additionally, Israeli military operations in the northern West Bank have displaced 40,000 Palestinians, while hundreds of Israeli settlers have launched large-scale attacks on Palestinian villages.  Outlining three urgent asks, he called on the Council to enable the entry of humanitarian aid and commercial essentials into Gaza, renew the ceasefire and fund the humanitarian response.

    Palestine Says Death Returns to Gaza, Israel Says Hamas Responsible

    The Permanent Observer for the State of Palestine, noting that this meeting was initially called to discuss Gaza’s humanitarian situation, added:  “Now we gather here after a series of deadly Israeli attacks that killed, last night alone, hundreds of Palestinians.”  Bombardment, death, devastation, fire and fear are yet again spreading throughout Gaza, he said.

    “Ceasefire works — it is the only thing that does,” he stressed, stating that it stopped the bloodshed, allowed the release of hostages and prisoners and enabled the delivery of humanitarian aid.  Unilateral, self-serving and irresponsible decisions cannot be used as excuses for breaking it.  “While the Trump Administration has prioritized the release of hostages, it is evident that [Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin] Netanyahu’s concern for his political survival far outweighs his concern for the survival of the hostages,” he added.

    The Arab Summit endorsed a clear vision and a solid plan for a different trajectory for Gaza and Palestine — “these efforts should be supported, not compromised and sabotaged”, he urged.  The international community must also support the Palestinian Government’s assumption of its responsibilities throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory, the deployment of a UN-mandated mission throughout the Territory, a permanent ceasefire and the two-State solution.  “This is a historical moment, where everyone must choose where they stand and what vision they want to see prevail,” he said.

    However, Israel’s representative stressed that “the return to fighting is a necessity”, reaffirming his country’s commitment to bring home its hostages and defeat Hamas.  Hamas has refused to release hostages and has repeatedly rejected all offers by the United States and mediating countries — even during Ramadan — he said, spotlighting the Israel Defense Forces’ precise attacks on Hamas targets.

    For months, Israel took unprecedented steps to facilitate humanitarian aid into Gaza, he asserted, adding that these efforts are “not speculation, not political rhetoric”; they are “documented, verifiable and confirmed by the organizations distributing and supplying the aid”.  The hostages still held in brutal captivity by Hamas should be paramount for those truly concerned about humanitarian crises, he said, adding:  “Any discussion of humanitarian suffering that does not begin with the hostage release is not an honest discussion.”

    “The slander that the people of Gaza are currently starving is quite simply untrue,” he continued, stating that “claims that electricity cut-off has plunged Gaza into humanitarian collapse are greatly exaggerated”. Rather, any suffering in Gaza is due to Hamas’ hijacking of aid for its violent ends.  Pointing to certain Council members’ efforts to malign Israel, he stressed:  “If this Council wishes to address suffering, then it must demand the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages.”

    Some Council Members Also Point to Hamas

    Along similar lines, the representative of United States emphasized that the blame for resumed hostilities lies solely with Hamas, which has steadfastly refused “every proposal and deadline they’ve been presented”.  Hamas prefers to hold hostages captive and hide amongst the people of Gaza, she said, dismissing the allegation of indiscriminate attacks by the Israel Defense Forces.  Underlining the need to tackle Iran’s “malign influence and State sponsorship of terror”, she said that Middle Eastern countries have an “historic opportunity to reshape their region”.

    Echoing that, Panama’s delegate said that the suffering in Gaza is the direct consequence of Hamas’ extremist actions, “which unleashed this tragic spiral of violence”.  He, too, condemned Hamas’ current refusal to meet the commitments agreed upon and release additional hostages.

    France’s representative highlighted the international conference to be held in June, chaired by his country and Saudi Arabia, on the implementation of the two-State solution.  The reconstruction plan for Gaza put forward by the Arab League must exclude Hamas from Gaza’s governance, he said.  “The terrorist attacks committed by Hamas and other terrorist groups on 7 October 2023 constitute the worst anti-Semitic massacre since the Shoah”, and he therefore reaffirmed France’s solidarity with the Israeli people.

    Others Point to Israel’s Responsibility as Occupying Power

    Algerians understand the cruelty of occupation “because we endured it for over 130 years”, that country’s delegate recalled.  “This deliberate blockade, timed to coincide with the holy month of Ramadan, is a calculated effort to break the resilience of the Palestinian people,” he stressed.  Further, he observed that “the Israeli occupying Power is using water — yes, water — as a weapon of war.”  Once again, Palestinian blood has become a tool for the calculations of Israeli politicians, and he called on mediator countries to ensure compliance with the ceasefire.

    Blocking trucks, cutting off electricity, mistreating non-governmental organizations, preventing Muslims from accessing the Aqsa Mosque compound — “these are all tactics of the oppressor”, stated Pakistan’s representative.  The manner in which the Council and the international community respond to such atrocities will have a lasting impact on the nature of the world order.  He also pointed out that international humanitarian law prohibits targeting military targets in civilian facilities. 

    The Republic of Korea’s representative said that Hamas’ refusal to carry out its obligations does not justify blocking humanitarian aid or using it as a bargaining chip.  He cited Under-Secretary-General Fletcher’s remarks during a 12 March press briefing:  “I said to my colleague:  Why are the dogs so fat?  And he said:  Because the dogs are looking for corpses.”  Israel must immediately cease its offensive, he stressed, urging all parties to return to the negotiating table.

    The representative of Denmark, Council President for March, spoke in her national capacity to spotlight Israel’s obligation, as the occupying Power, to ensure that the civilian population does not lack food or other basic needs, including water.  Sierra Leone’s delegate also noted that Israel, as the occupying Power, has obligations under the Fourth Geneva Convention and international humanitarian law.

    They, along with the representatives of the United Kingdom and China, were among the many speakers who underscored the need for an immediate ceasefire.  Somalia’s speaker, expressing concern that Israeli strikes in Gaza were taking place during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, also said that worshipers at the Aqsa Mosque compound must be able to freely and safely perform their religious rituals.  The Russian Federation’s delegate warned against delays, noting that many have died because of the Council’s earlier inability to decide on a ceasefire.

    Several speakers condemned Israel’s decision to halt humanitarian aid into Gaza.  “This decision is illegal,” emphasized Guyana’s representative, who also highlighted the impact on women — many have died from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth because of the restrictions.  She also noted the 13 March report of the independent international commission of inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which points to Israel’s systematic use of sexual, reproductive and other forms of gender-based violence since 7 October 2023.

    Slovenia’s representative, noting that it is roughly one year since the International Court of Justice issued provisional measures relating to humanitarian aid, famine and starvation in the case brought forward by South Africa, said that it is unacceptable that “our conversations are still the same”. 

    Greece’s delegate added that UNRWA’s role is indispensable with millions in urgent need of primary health services, education and shelter.  “War has not left the next generation in Gaza untouched,” he said, noting that thousands of children died, were injured or separated from their families and internally displaced.  The unhindered and continuous flow of aid into all parts of Gaza should remain a priority, and he also voiced support for the Arab plan put forth by Egypt.

    Also speaking today was the Permanent Observer of the League of Arab States, who urged implementation of the first phase of that plan, adopted during an Arab League meeting in Cairo and later endorsed by a ministerial meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).  He also urged the Council to activate international oversight mechanisms to guarantee the safe and sustainable delivery of aid and ensure the protection of Palestinian civilians.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI: LexinFintech Holdings Ltd. Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Unaudited Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SHENZHEN, China, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LexinFintech Holdings Ltd. (“Lexin” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: LX), a leading technology-empowered personal financial service enabler in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2024.

    Mr. Jay Wenjie Xiao, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lexin, commented, “The company remains committed to its prudent operating strategy and has achieved solid progress in its transformation, with key performance indicators showing continuous improvement.

    For the fourth quarter, net income was RMB363 million, representing an increase of about 17% quarter-over-quarter, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of improved profitability. Total loan origination reached RMB52 billion, representing approximately a 2% quarter-over-quarter increase, and outstanding loan balance stood at RMB110 billion, all in line with our guidance.

    As we advanced our risk management upgrading, we were pleased to see a continuous improvement in asset quality, evidenced by the decline in risk indicators of both newly originated and overall assets. This consistent enhancement in asset quality, along with ongoing operational refinements, has contributed to our sustainable profit growth.

    Looking ahead to 2025, in light of the current macroeconomic and industry landscape, we will adhere to our prudent operating strategy, prioritizing asset quality and focusing on profitability enhancement. With this approach, we expect to sustain steady growth in our performance.

    In accordance with our semi-annual dividend policy, the board of directors has approved a dividend of US$0.11 per ADS, representing 20% of net income from the second half of 2024. Effective from January 1, 2025, our cash dividend payout ratio will be raised to 25% of net income.”

    Mr. James Zheng, Chief Financial Officer of Lexin, commented, “Building upon the solid foundation of the third quarter, we recorded a net income of RMB363 million in the fourth quarter, representing a 17% increase compared to last quarter and 54% increase compared to the net income adjusted for the investment losses in the same period last year, further extending our stable growth trajectory. The net income take rate, calculated as net income divided by the average loan balance, increased from 1.09% in the third quarter to 1.31% in the fourth quarter of 2024, advancing by 22 basis points.”

    “Driven by the ongoing optimization of asset quality, further reduction in funding costs, a more balanced revenue mix, and improvement in customer acquisition efficiency, our revenue take rate and net income have continued to improve.”

    “Having achieved substantial progress in our transformation, we will continue to execute our prudent operating strategy. Looking ahead, we expect flat to single-digit growth of total loan origination in 2025 in view of the macroeconomic conditions, alongside a significant year-over-year increase in net income driven by margin expansion.”

    Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Operational Highlights:

    User Base

    • Total number of registered users reached 228 million as of December 31, 2024, representing an increase of 8.6% from 210 million as of December 31, 2023, and users with credit lines reached 45.1 million as of December 31, 2024, up by 6.8% from 42.3 million as of December 31, 2023.
    • Number of active users1 who used our loan products in the fourth quarter of 2024 was 4.7 million, representing a decrease of 0.7% from 4.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. Number of active users1 who used our loan products in 2024 was 8.2 million, representing a decrease of 4.3% from 8.5 million in 2023.
    • Number of cumulative borrowers with successful drawdown was 33.8 million as of December 31, 2024, an increase of 7.1% from 31.5 million as of December 31, 2023.

    Loan Facilitation Business

    • As of December 31, 2024, we cumulatively originated RMB1,325.1 billion in loans, an increase of 19.1% from RMB1,113.1 billion as of December 31, 2023.
    • Total loan originations2 in the fourth quarter of 2024 was RMB52.0 billion, a decrease of 15.2% from RMB61.2 billion in the fourth quarter of 2023. Total loan originations2 in 2024 was RMB212 billion, a decrease of 15.0% from RMB250 billion in 2023.
    • Total outstanding principal balance of loans3 reached RMB110 billion as of December 31, 2024, representing a decrease of 11.1% from RMB124 billion as of December 31, 2023.

    Credit Performance4

    • 90 day+ delinquency ratio was 3.6% as of December 31, 2024, as compared with 3.7% as of September 30, 2024.
    • First payment default rate (30 day+) for new loan originations was below 1% as of December 31, 2024.

    Tech-empowerment Service

    • For the fourth quarter of 2024, we served over 100 business customers with our tech-empowerment service.
    • In the fourth quarter of 2024, the business customer retention rate5 of our tech-empowerment service was over 80%.

    Installment E-commerce Platform Service

    • GMV6 in the fourth quarter of 2024 for our installment e-commerce platform service was RMB969 million, representing a decrease of 25.0% from RMB1,292 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. GMV6 in 2024 for our installment e-commerce platform service was RMB3,633 million, representing a decrease of 31.3% from RMB5,289 million in 2023.
    • In the fourth quarter of 2024, our installment e-commerce platform service served over 280,000 users and 400 merchants.

    Other Operational Highlights

    • The weighted average tenor of loans originated on our platform in the fourth quarter of 2024 was approximately 13.1 months, as compared with 12.3 months in the fourth quarter of 2023. The weighted average tenor of loans originated on our platform in 2024 was approximately 12.9 months, as compared with 13.8 months in 2023.
    • Repeated borrowers’ contribution7 of loans across our platform for the fourth quarter of 2024 was 85.3%. Repeated borrowers’ contribution7 of loans across our platform for 2024 was 85.7%.

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights:

    • Total operating revenue was RMB3,659 million, representing an increase of 4.3% from the fourth quarter of 2023.
    • Credit facilitation service income was RMB2,712 million, representing a decrease of 0.5% from the fourth quarter of 2023. Tech-empowerment service income was RMB602 million, representing an increase of 41.0% from the fourth quarter of 2023. Installment e-commerce platform service income was RMB345 million, representing a decrease of 2.9% from the fourth quarter of 2023.
    • Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company was RMB363 million, representing an increase of over 100% from the fourth quarter of 2023. Net income per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company was RMB2.06 on a fully diluted basis.
    • Adjusted net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company8 was RMB391 million, representing an increase of 37.7% from the fourth quarter of 2023. Adjusted net income per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company8 was RMB2.22 on a fully diluted basis.

    Full Year 2024 Financial Highlights:

    • Total operating revenue was RMB14,204 million, representing an increase of 8.8% from 2023.
    • Credit facilitation service income was RMB11,000 million, representing an increase of 13.8% from 2023. Tech-empowerment service income was RMB1,881 million, representing an increase of 14.7% from 2023. Installment e-commerce platform service income was RMB1,322 million, representing a decrease of 24.5% from 2023.
    • Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company was RMB1,100 million, representing an increase of 3.2% from 2023. Net income per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company was RMB6.49 on a fully diluted basis.
    • Adjusted net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company8 was RMB1,203 million, representing a decrease of 19.0% from 2023. Adjusted net income per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company8 was RMB7.09 on a fully diluted basis.

    __________________________

    1. Active users refer to, for a specified period, users who made at least one transaction during that period through our platform or through our third-party partners’ platforms using the credit line granted by us.
    2. Total loan originations refer to the total principal amount of loans facilitated and originated during the given period.
    3. Total outstanding principal balance of loans refers to the total amount of principal outstanding for loans facilitated and originated at the end of each period, excluding loans delinquent for more than 180 days.
    4. Loans under Intelligent Credit Platform are excluded from the calculation of credit performance. Intelligent Credit Platform (ICP) is an intelligent platform on our “Fenqile” app, under which we match borrowers and financial institutions through big data and cloud computing technology. For loans facilitated through ICP, the Company does not bear principal risk.
    5. Customer retention rate refers to the number of financial institution customers and partners who repurchase our service in the current quarter as a percentage of the total number of financial institution customers and partners in the preceding quarter.
    6. GMV refers to the total value of transactions completed for products purchased on our e-commerce and Maiya channel, net of returns.
    7. Repeated borrowers’ contribution for a given period refers to the principal amount of loans borrowed during that period by borrowers who had previously made at least one successful drawdown as a percentage of the total loan facilitation and origination volume through our platform during that period.
    8. Adjusted net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company, adjusted net income per ordinary share and per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company are non-GAAP financial measures. For more information on non-GAAP financial measures, please see the section of “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures Statement” and the tables captioned “Unaudited Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results” set forth at the end of this press release.

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Results:

    Operating revenue increased by 4.3% from RMB3,509 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 to RMB3,659 million in the fourth quarter of 2024.

    Credit facilitation service income was RMB2,712 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 as compared to RMB2,727 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. The decrease was driven by the decrease in guarantee income, partially offset by the increases in loan facilitation and servicing fees-credit oriented and financing income.

    Loan facilitation and servicing fees-credit oriented increased by 4.2% from RMB1,559 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 to RMB1,624 million in the fourth quarter of 2024. The increase was primarily driven by the increase in takerate of loan facilitation business.

    Guarantee income decreased by 18.6% from RMB709 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 to RMB577 million in the fourth quarter of 2024. The decrease was primarily due to the decrease of outstanding balances in the off-balance sheet loans funded by certain institutional funding partners, which are accounted for under ASC 460, Guarantees. 

    Financing income increased by 11.2% from RMB459 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 to RMB510 million in the fourth quarter of 2024. The increase was primarily driven by the increase in the origination of on-balance sheet loans.

    Tech-empowerment service income increased by 41.0% from RMB427 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 to RMB602 million in the fourth quarter of 2024. The increase was primarily driven by the increase of loan facilitation volume through ICP.

    Installment e-commerce platform service income was RMB345 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, as compared to RMB356 million in the fourth quarter of 2023.

    Cost of sales was RMB353 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, as compared to RMB344 million in the fourth quarter of 2023.

    Funding cost decreased by 24.6% from RMB76.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 to RMB57.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, which was primarily driven by the decrease in the cost of funding to fund the on-balance sheet loans.

    Processing and servicing costs increased by 13.4% from RMB514 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 to RMB583 million in the fourth quarter of 2024. This increase was primarily due to an increase in risk management and collection expenses.

    Provision for financing receivables was RMB297 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, as compared to RMB180 million for the fourth quarter of 2023. The increase was primarily due to the increase of the outstanding loan balances of on-balance sheet loans.

    Provision for contract assets and receivables was RMB154 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, as compared to RMB203 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. The decrease was primarily driven by the decrease of the outstanding loan balances of off-balance sheet loans.

    Provision for contingent guarantee liabilities was RMB941 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, as compared to RMB934 million in the fourth quarter of 2023.

    Gross profit was RMB1,274 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, as compared to RMB1,258 million in the fourth quarter of 2023.

    Sales and marketing expenses was RMB464 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, as compared to RMB430 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. This increase was primarily due to an increase in online advertising costs.

    Research and development expenses was RMB151 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, as compared to RMB136 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. The increase was primarily due to increased investment in technology development.

    General and administrative expenses decreased by 12.0% from RMB108 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 to RMB95.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, primarily as a result of the Company’s expense control measures.

    Change in fair value of financial guarantee derivatives and loans at fair value was a loss of RMB144 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, as compared to a loss of RMB248 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. The change was primarily due to the fair value loss from the re-measurement of the expected loss rates, partially offset by the fair value gains realized as a result of the release of guarantee obligation.

    Income tax expense was RMB67.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, as compared to income tax benefit of RMB9.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. The change was primarily due to the increase of income before income tax expense.

    Net income increased over 100% from RMB12.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 to RMB363 million in the fourth quarter of 2024.

    Full Year 2024 Financial Results:

    Operating revenue increased by 8.8% from RMB13,057 million in 2023 to RMB14,204 million in 2024.

    Credit facilitation service income increased by 13.8% from RMB9,666 million in 2023 to RMB11,000 million in 2024. The increase was driven by the increases in loan facilitation and servicing fees-credit oriented and guarantee income, partially offset by the decrease in financing income.

    Loan facilitation and servicing fees-credit oriented increased by 26.5% from RMB5,002 million in 2023 to RMB6,326 million in 2024. The increase was primarily due to the increase in takerate of loan facilitation business.

    Guarantee income increased by 5.7% from RMB2,519 million in 2023 to RMB2,664 million in 2024. The increase was primarily due to the increase in cumulative loan origination funded by certain institutional funding partners, which are accounted for under ASC 460, Guarantees.

    Financing income decreased by 6.3% from RMB2,145 million in 2023 to RMB2,010 million in 2024. The decrease was primarily due to the decrease in the origination of on-balance sheet loans.

    Tech-empowerment service income increased by 14.7% from RMB1,640 million in 2023 to RMB1,881 million in 2024. The increase was primarily due to the increase of loan facilitation volume through ICP.

    Installment e-commerce platform service income decreased by 24.5% from RMB1,751 million in 2023 to RMB1,322 million in 2024. The decrease was primarily due to the decrease in transaction volume in 2024.

    Cost of sales decreased by 19.3% from RMB1,636 million in 2023 to RMB1,320 million in 2024, which was consistent with the decrease in installment e-commerce platform service income.

    Funding cost decreased by 36.5% from RMB514 million in 2023 to RMB326 million in 2024, which was primarily driven by the decrease in the cost of funding to fund the on-balance sheet loans.

    Processing and servicing costs increased by 18.4% from RMB1,935 million in 2023 to RMB2,292 million in 2024. This increase was primarily due to an increase in risk management and collection expenses.

    Provision for financing receivables was RMB866 million in 2024, as compared to RMB627 million in 2023. The increase was primarily due to the increase of the outstanding loan balances of on-balance sheet loans.

    Provision for contract assets and receivables was RMB718 million in 2024, as compared to RMB629 million in 2023. The increase was primarily due to the increase of the outstanding loan balances of off-balance sheet loans.

    Provision for contingent guarantee liabilities was RMB3,656 million in 2024, as compared to RMB3,203 million in 2023. The fluctuation was primarily due to the re-measurement of the expected loss rates, which are accounted for under ASC 460, Guarantees.

    Gross profit increased by 11.4% from RMB4,513 million in 2023 to RMB5,026 million in 2024.

    Sales and marketing expenses was RMB1,787 million in 2024, as compared to RMB1,733 million in 2023.

    Research and development expenses was RMB578 million in the quarter of 2024, as compared to RMB513 million in 2023. The increase was primarily due to increased investment in technology development.

    General and administrative expenses was RMB374 million in 2024, as compared to RMB387 million in 2023.

    Change in fair value of financial guarantee derivatives and loans at fair value was a loss of RMB979 million in 2024, as compared to a loss of RMB206 million in 2023. The change was primarily due to the fair value loss from the re-measurement of the expected loss rates, partially offset by the fair value gains realized as a result of the release of guarantee obligation.

    Income tax expense was RMB253 million in 2024, as compared to RMB261 million in 2023. The change was primarily due to the decrease of effective tax rate.

    Net income increased by 3.2% from RMB1,066 million in 2023 to RMB1,100 million in the 2024.

    Recent Development

    Semi-Annual Dividend
    The board of directors of the Company has approved a dividend of US$0.055 per ordinary share, or US$0.11 per ADS, for the six-month period ended December 31, 2024 in accordance with the Company’s dividend policy, which is expected to be paid on May 16, 2025 to shareholders of record (including holders of ADSs) as of the close of business on April 17, 2025 New York time.

    Outlook
    Looking ahead, while our performance continues to demonstrate positive momentum, we remain prudent in light of ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties. Therefore, for full year 2025, we expect total loan origination to have flat to single-digit year-on-year growth depending on the macroeconomic conditions, alongside a significant increase in net income driven by continuing improvement in asset quality. These forecasts are subject to the impact of macroeconomic factors, and the company may adjust its performance outlook as appropriate based on evolving circumstances.

    Conference Call

    The Company’s management will host an earnings conference call at 10:00 PM U.S. Eastern time on March 18, 2025 (10:00 AM Beijing/Hong Kong time on March 19, 2025).

    Participants who wish to join the conference call should register online at:

    https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI6702756dbdb741f9b401c583a37bd291

    Once registration is completed, each participant will receive the dial-in number and a unique access PIN for the conference call.

    Participants joining the conference call should dial in at least 10 minutes before the scheduled start time.

    A live and archived webcast of the conference call will also be available at the Company’s investor relations website at http://ir.lexin.com.

    About LexinFintech Holdings Ltd.

    We are a leading credit technology-empowered personal financial service enabler. Our mission is to use technology and risk management expertise to make financing more accessible for young generation consumers. We strive to achieve this mission by connecting consumers with financial institutions, where we facilitate through a unique model that includes online and offline channels, installment consumption platform, big data and AI driven credit risk management capabilities, as well as smart user and loan management systems. We also empower financial institutions by providing cutting-edge proprietary technology solutions to meet their needs of financial digital transformation.

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

    To follow us on Twitter, please go to: https://twitter.com/LexinFintech.

    Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures Statement

    In evaluating our business, we consider and use adjusted net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company, non-GAAP EBIT, adjusted net income per ordinary share and per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company, four non-GAAP measures, as supplemental measures to review and assess our operating performance. The presentation of the non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We define adjusted net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company as net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company excluding share-based compensation expenses, interest expense associated with convertible notes, and investment income/(loss) and we define non-GAAP EBIT as net income excluding income tax expense, share-based compensation expenses, interest expense, net, and investment income/(loss).

    We present these non-GAAP financial measures because they are used by our management to evaluate our operating performance and formulate business plans. Adjusted net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company enables our management to assess our operating results without considering the impact of share-based compensation expenses, interest expense associated with convertible notes, and investment income/(loss). Non-GAAP EBIT, on the other hand, enables our management to assess our operating results without considering the impact of income tax expense, share-based compensation expenses, interest expense, net, and investment income/(loss). We also believe that the use of these non-GAAP financial measures facilitates investors’ assessment of our operating performance. These non-GAAP financial measures are not defined under U.S. GAAP and are not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

    These non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as an analytical tool. One of the key limitations of using adjusted net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company and non-GAAP EBIT is that they do not reflect all items of income and expense that affect our operations. Share-based compensation expenses, interest expense associated with convertible notes, income tax expense, interest expense, net, and investment income/(loss) have been and may continue to be incurred in our business and are not reflected in the presentation of adjusted net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company and non-GAAP EBIT. Further, these non-GAAP financial measures may differ from the non-GAAP financial information used by other companies, including peer companies, and therefore their comparability may be limited.

    We compensate for these limitations by reconciling each of the non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, which should be considered when evaluating our performance. We encourage you to review our financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure.

    Exchange Rate Information Statement

    This announcement contains translations of certain RMB amounts into U.S. dollars (“US$”) at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise stated, all translations from RMB to US$ were made at the rate of RMB7.2993 to US$1.00, the exchange rate set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board on December 31, 2024. The Company makes no representation that the RMB or US$ amounts referred could be converted into US$ or RMB, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Lexin’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “ expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “confident” and similar statements. Among other things, the expectation of the collection efficiency and delinquency, business outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, contain forward-looking statements. Lexin may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: Lexin’s goal and strategies; Lexin’s expansion plans; Lexin’s future business development, financial condition and results of operations; Lexin’s expectation regarding demand for, and market acceptance of, its credit and investment management products; Lexin’s expectations regarding keeping and strengthening its relationship with borrowers, institutional funding partners, merchandise suppliers and other parties it collaborates with; general economic and business conditions; and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in Lexin’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and Lexin does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

    LexinFintech Holdings Ltd.
    IR inquiries:
    Will Tan
    Tel: +86 (755) 3637-8888 ext. 6258
    E-mail: willtan@lexin.com

    Media inquiries:
    Ruifeng Xu
    Tel: +86 (755) 3637-8888 ext. 6993
    E-mail: media@lexin.com

    SOURCE LexinFintech Holdings Ltd.

    LexinFintech Holdings Ltd.
    Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
      As of  
    (In thousands) December 31, 2023   December 31, 2024  
      RMB   RMB   US$  
    ASSETS            
    Current Assets            
    Cash and cash equivalents   2,624,719     2,254,213     308,826  
    Restricted cash   1,433,502     1,638,479     224,471  
    Restricted term deposit and short-term investments   305,182     138,497     18,974  
    Short-term financing receivables, net(1)   3,944,000     4,668,715     639,611  
    Short-term contract assets and receivables, net(1)   6,112,981     5,448,057     746,381  
    Deposits to insurance companies and guarantee companies   2,613,271     2,355,343     322,681  
    Prepayments and other current assets   1,428,769     1,321,340     181,024  
    Amounts due from related parties   6,989     61,722     8,456  
    Inventories, net   33,605     22,345     3,061  
    Total Current Assets   18,503,018     17,908,711     2,453,485  
    Non-current Assets            
    Restricted cash   144,948     100,860     13,818  
    Long-term financing receivables, net(1)   200,514     112,427     15,402  
    Long-term contract assets and receivables, net(1)   599,818     317,402     43,484  
    Property, equipment and software, net   446,640     613,110     83,996  
    Land use rights, net   897,267     862,867     118,212  
    Long‑term investments   255,003     284,197     38,935  
    Deferred tax assets   1,232,092     1,540,842     211,094  
    Other assets   861,491     500,363     68,549  
    Total Non-current Assets   4,637,773     4,332,068     593,490  
    TOTAL ASSETS   23,140,791     22,240,779     3,046,975  
                 
    LIABILITIES            
    Current liabilities            
    Accounts payable   49,801     74,443     10,199  
    Amounts due to related parties   2,958     10,927     1,497  
    Short‑term borrowings   502,013     690,772     94,635  
    Short‑term funding debts   3,483,196     2,754,454     377,359  
    Deferred guarantee income   1,538,385     975,102     133,588  
    Contingent guarantee liabilities   1,808,540     1,079,000     147,822  
    Accruals and other current liabilities   4,434,254     4,019,676     550,691  
    Convertible notes   505,450     –     –  
    Total Current Liabilities   12,324,597     9,604,374     1,315,791  
    Non-current Liabilities            
    Long-term borrowings   524,270     585,024     80,148  
    Long‑term funding debts   455,800     1,197,211     164,017  
    Deferred tax liabilities   75,340     91,380     12,519  
    Other long-term liabilities   50,702     22,784     3,121  
    Total Non-current Liabilities   1,106,112     1,896,399     259,805  
    TOTAL LIABILITIES   13,430,709     11,500,773     1,575,596  
    Shareholders’ equity:            
    Class A Ordinary Shares   199     205     31  
    Class B Ordinary Shares   41     41     7  
    Treasury stock   (328,764 )   (328,764 )   (45,040 )
    Additional paid-in capital   3,204,961     3,314,866     454,134  
    Statutory reserves   1,106,579     1,178,309     161,428  
    Accumulated other comprehensive income   (13,545 )   (29,559 )   (4,050 )
    Retained earnings   5,740,611     6,604,908     904,869  
    Total shareholders’ equity   9,710,082     10,740,006     1,471,379  
    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY   23,140,791     22,240,779     3,046,975  

    __________________________
    (1) Short-term financing receivables, net of allowance for credit losses of RMB58,594 and RMB102,124 as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2024, respectively.

    Short-term contract assets and receivables, net of allowance for credit losses of RMB436,136 and RMB409,590 as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2024, respectively.

    Long-term financing receivables, net of allowance for credit losses of RMB3,087 and RMB1,820 as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2024, respectively.

    Long-term contract assets and receivables, net of allowance for credit losses of RMB61,838 and RMB30,919 as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2024, respectively.

    LexinFintech Holdings Ltd.
    Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
      For the Three Months Ended December 31,     For the Year Ended December 31,  
    (In thousands, except for share and per share data) 2023   2024     2023   2024  
      RMB   RMB   US$     RMB   RMB   US$  
    Operating revenue:                          
    Credit facilitation service income 2,727,020     2,712,066     371,552       9,666,120     10,999,931     1,506,984  
    Loan facilitation and servicing fees-credit oriented 1,558,588     1,624,410     222,543       5,001,881     6,325,924     866,648  
    Guarantee income 709,422     577,168     79,072       2,519,284     2,663,824     364,942  
    Financing income 459,010     510,488     69,937       2,144,955     2,010,183     275,394  
    Tech-empowerment service income 426,882     601,693     82,432       1,640,453     1,881,376     257,747  
    Installment e-commerce platform service income 355,534     345,074     47,275       1,750,509     1,322,287     181,153  
    Total operating revenue 3,509,436     3,658,833     501,259       13,057,082     14,203,594     1,945,884  
    Operating cost                          
    Cost of sales (344,088 )   (352,749 )   (48,326 )     (1,635,635 )   (1,319,526 )   (180,774 )
    Funding cost (76,195 )   (57,471 )   (7,873 )     (513,869 )   (326,451 )   (44,724 )
    Processing and servicing cost (514,070 )   (583,119 )   (79,887 )     (1,935,016 )   (2,291,904 )   (313,990 )
    Provision for financing receivables (180,475 )   (296,741 )   (40,653 )     (627,061 )   (865,524 )   (118,576 )
    Provision for contract assets and receivables (202,677 )   (153,968 )   (21,094 )     (629,308 )   (718,413 )   (98,422 )
    Provision for contingent guarantee liabilities (933,854 )   (940,740 )   (128,881 )     (3,203,123 )   (3,655,548 )   (500,808 )
    Total operating cost (2,251,359 )   (2,384,788 )   (326,714 )     (8,544,012 )   (9,177,366 )   (1,257,294 )
    Gross profit 1,258,077     1,274,045     174,545       4,513,070     5,026,228     688,590  
    Operating expenses:                          
    Sales and marketing expenses (429,573 )   (464,263 )   (63,604 )     (1,733,301 )   (1,787,299 )   (244,859 )
    Research and development expenses (135,837 )   (151,081 )   (20,698 )     (513,284 )   (578,243 )   (79,219 )
    General and administrative expenses (108,305 )   (95,335 )   (13,061 )     (387,387 )   (374,481 )   (51,304 )
    Total operating expenses (673,715 )   (710,679 )   (97,363 )     (2,633,972 )   (2,740,023 )   (375,382 )
    Change in fair value of financial guarantee derivatives and loans at fair value (247,526 )   (143,619 )   (19,676 )     (206,368 )   (979,234 )   (134,155 )
    Interest expense, net (10,245 )   (2,560 )   (351 )     (50,483 )   (9,007 )   (1,234 )
    Investment loss (302,128 )   (543 )   (74 )     (303,235 )   (2,417 )   (331 )
    Others, net (22,092 )   13,754     1,884       7,774     58,188     7,972  
    Income before income tax expense 2,371     430,398     58,965       1,326,786     1,353,735     185,460  
    Income tax benefit/(expense) 9,726     (67,649 )   (9,268 )     (260,841 )   (253,275 )   (34,699 )
    Net income 12,097     362,749     49,697       1,065,945     1,100,460     150,761  
    Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company 12,097     362,749     49,697       1,065,945     1,100,460     150,761  
                               
    Net income per ordinary share attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company                          
    Basic 0.04     1.09     0.15       3.24     3.32     0.45  
    Diluted 0.04     1.03     0.14       3.17     3.24     0.44  
                               
    Net income per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company                          
    Basic 0.07     2.18     0.30       6.49     6.64     0.91  
    Diluted 0.07     2.06     0.28       6.34     6.49     0.89  
                               
    Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding                          
    Basic 329,297,640     333,182,976     333,182,976       328,523,952     331,403,936     331,403,936  
    Diluted 331,941,385     351,577,582     351,577,582       359,820,982     339,261,349     339,261,349  
    LexinFintech Holdings Ltd.
    Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
     
      For the Three Months Ended December 31,     For the Year Ended December 31,  
    (In thousands) 2023   2024     2023   2024  
      RMB   RMB   US$     RMB   RMB   US$  
    Net income   12,097     362,749     49,697       1,065,945     1,100,460     150,761  
    Other comprehensive income                          
    Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of nil tax   27,841     642     88       7,297     (16,014 )   (2,194 )
    Total comprehensive income   39,938     363,391     49,785       1,073,242     1,084,446     148,567  
    Total comprehensive income attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company   39,938     363,391     49,785       1,073,242     1,084,446     148,567  
    LexinFintech Holdings Ltd.
    Unaudited Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results
      For the Three Months Ended December 31,     For the Year Ended December 31,  
    (In thousands, except for share and per share data) 2023   2024     2023   2024  
      RMB   RMB   US$     RMB   RMB   US$  
    Reconciliation of Adjusted net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company to Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company                          
    Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company   12,097     362,749     49,697       1,065,945     1,100,460     150,761  
    Add: Share-based compensation expenses   32,959     27,244     3,732       117,852     94,623     12,963  
    Interest expense associated with convertible notes   11,943     –     –       73,807     5,695     780  
    Investment loss   302,128     543     74       303,235     2,417     331  
    Tax effects on Non-GAAP adjustments (2)   (75,440 )   –     –       (75,440 )   –     –  
    Adjusted net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company   283,687     390,536     53,503       1,485,399     1,203,195     164,835  
                               
    Adjusted net income per ordinary share attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company                          
    Basic   0.86     1.17     0.16       4.52     3.63     0.50  
    Diluted   0.82     1.11     0.15       4.13     3.55     0.49  
                               
    Adjusted net income per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company                          
    Basic   1.72     2.34     0.32       9.04     7.26     0.99  
    Diluted   1.64     2.22     0.30       8.26     7.09     0.97  
                               
    Weighted average shares used in calculating net income per ordinary share for non-GAAP EPS                          
    Basic   329,297,640     333,182,976     333,182,976       328,523,952     331,403,936     331,403,936  
    Diluted   345,913,435     351,577,582     351,577,582       359,820,982     339,261,349     339,261,349  
                               
    Reconciliations of Non-GAAP EBIT to Net income                          
    Net income   12,097     362,749     49,697       1,065,945     1,100,460     150,761  
    Add: Income tax (benefit)/expense   (9,726 )   67,649     9,268       260,841     253,275     34,699  
    Share-based compensation expenses   32,959     27,244     3,732       117,852     94,623     12,963  
    Interest expense, net   10,245     2,560     351       50,483     9,007     1,234  
    Investment loss   302,128     543     74       303,235     2,417     331  
    Non-GAAP EBIT   347,703     460,745     63,122       1,798,356     1,459,782     199,988  

    (2) To exclude the tax effects related to the investment loss

    Additional Credit Information

    Vintage Charge Off Curve1

    Dpd30+/GMV by Performance Windows1

    First Payment Default 30+1

    1. Loans facilitated under ICP are excluded from the chart.

    The MIL Network –