NewzIntel.com

Category: China

  • MIL-OSI China: African youth urged to leverage AfCFTA to access market, economic opportunities

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    African youth have been urged to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement to tap into broader continental market and economic opportunities.

    Experts and policymakers made the call on Saturday during a continental youth-themed meeting organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) under the theme of “Making the African Continental Free Trade Area work for African young people: opportunities, challenges and the way forward,” at the UN Conference Center in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa.

    Addressing the meeting, Executive Secretary of the UNECA Claver Gatete emphasized that the effective implementation of the continental free trade pact requires concerted efforts toward empowering Africa’s youth as the continent’s future, with 60 percent of Africa’s population under the age of 25.

    “We are in a situation where we are facing very serious challenges, and these challenges will continue and will be carried forward by you as young people. That is why empowering the young people becomes very important,” Gatete told African youth.

    The UNECA chief emphasized that in the face of a rapidly changing world, the African continent needs to urgently address socio-economic development challenges. He stressed the need to meaningfully engage the youth in key decision-making and development initiatives as a sustainable approach to addressing the challenges.

    “We are facing big challenges, where poverty levels are still very high as 476 million Africans are poor, 600 million Africans do not have electricity, and only 37 percent of Africans have access to the internet. This is not a good situation,” Gatete said.

    Highlighting the AfCFTA’s critical role in unlocking economic opportunities while also augmenting job creation, he urged African youth to harness the opportunities presented through the growing intra-African trade anchored by the AfCFTA.

    Experts, policymakers, and youth representatives at the meeting underscored that growth must create decent work, social inclusion, and poverty reduction, in which the AfCFTA injects the much-needed impetus.

    Ethiopian State Minister for Youth Affairs Muna Ahmed underscored that as Africa strives for the AfCFTA’s success, the continent needs to place the major aspirations and challenges of its burgeoning youth central to the free trade pact’s implementation process.

    “The AfCFTA presents a historic opportunity to unlock the immense potential of Africa’s young people by expanding access to markets, fostering innovation, and creating sustainable employment opportunities,” the state minister said.

    According to the AfCFTA Secretariat, trading under the AfCFTA has gained momentum, as 48 African countries have deposited their instruments of ratification to the African Union (AU).

    The AfCFTA envisaged transforming Africa into the world’s largest free trade area. When fully implemented, it is expected to create a single market for goods and services for about 1.4 billion people across Africa, with a combined gross domestic product of 3.4 trillion U.S. dollars, according to the AU.

    The meeting, which was held on the margins of the 57th session of the Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, explored opportunities for African youth to leverage in the implementation of the AfCFTA. The meeting also deliberated on the development challenges affecting young Africans.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s medical equipment market reaches 1.35 trillion yuan

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China’s medical equipment market size reached 1.35 trillion yuan (about 188.2 billion U.S. dollars) in 2024, according to a medical equipment conference that opened in southwestern Chongqing Municipality on Saturday.

    The promising market is still expanding. In 2024, major enterprises in the medical equipment sector saw their revenue exceed 540 billion yuan, maintaining rapid growth for nearly a decade, according to Xin Guobin, vice minister of industry and information technology.

    In China, major industrial enterprises refer to those having an annual main business revenue of 20 million yuan or more.

    Experts are also upbeat about the industry development around the world. Qiao Jie, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, said it is estimated that the compound growth rate of the global medical equipment market size will reach 5.7 percent from 2024 to 2030.

    Xin called for efforts to strengthen industrial innovation, promote the integration of medical equipment with artificial intelligence technology, and increase the appeal of Chinese products in overseas market.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Fear of ‘Trumpcession’ mounting in Europe

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Flags of the European Union fly outside the Berlaymont Building, the European Commission headquarters, in Brussels, Belgium, Jan. 29, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    European shares dropped this week as a broad sell-off took hold, fueled by mounting concerns over the fallout of “Trumpcession,” a term coined by economists to describe the turbulence triggered by “erratic” trade and economic policies of U.S. President Donald Trump.

    The escalating strain in transatlantic trade relations has sparked fears that the European Union (EU) may not escape unscathed if “Trumpcession” comes to pass.

    SPIRALING ESCALATION

    Earlier this week, the EU said it would retaliate against Trump’s 25-percent tariffs on steel and aluminum with countermeasures on 26 billion euros (28 billion U.S. dollars) worth of U.S. imports, including boats, bourbon and motorbikes.

    “As the United States is applying tariffs worth 28 billion dollars, we are responding with countermeasures worth 26 billion euros,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement, noting that the U.S. tariffs affect approximately 5 percent of total EU goods exports to the United States.

    Trump quickly hit back, threatening to slap a 200-percent tariff on EU wine and other alcohol products.

    “If this tariff is not removed immediately, the United States will shortly place a 200-percent tariff on all wines, champagnes and alcoholic products coming out of France and other EU-represented countries,” Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social.

    Samina Sultan, an economist at the German Economic Institute, said the resulting uncertainty harms corporate investments and the broader economy. “This could also put jobs at risk on both sides of the Atlantic.”

    Thomas Gitzel, chief economist at VP Bank in Liechtenstein, warned that the current U.S. tariffs are just the start of escalating trade barriers. “A global trade war is steadily gaining momentum, with growing risks of further intensification,” he said.

    ADDING FUEL

    Although U.S. tariffs impact just 5 percent of EU exports, they will hit the steel and automotive industries hard, which are already grappling with high costs and weak demand.

    The U.S. steel tariffs will “hit on various levels, at a time already challenging enough,” said Gunnar Groebler, president of the German Steel Association. According to the association, up to 20 percent of the EU’s steel exports go to the United States, the second-biggest export market for EU steel producers.

    Trump’s 25-percent tariffs on autos are “no small issue for the EU,” according to a study by Oxford Economics. Citing its estimates that exports from German and Italian automakers to the United States can drop by 7.1 percent and 6.6 percent due to the auto tariff, the study warned that the EU automotive industry is “highly vulnerable” to U.S. tariff threats.

    David Bahnsen, chief investment officer at the Bahnsen Group, highlighted that “tariff talk, reversal, speculation and chaos only foster uncertainty.”

    Echoing this view, Angel Gavilan, director of economy at the Bank of Spain, said uncertainty can significantly slow down the economy as people and businesses may delay consumption and investments, which lowers overall demand and slows economic growth.

    DEBT CRISIS

    Desmond Lachman, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and a former IMF official, warned that Trump’s tariffs could trigger a Europe-wide recession and another debt crisis in the eurozone.

    He said the German economy is in a prolonged downturn, while Italy and France face severe sovereign debt issues, citing data that shows their public debt-to-GDP ratios are now higher than during the 2010-2012 eurozone debt crisis.

    Eurozone countries are bound by a unified monetary policy from the European Central Bank. This means countries like Italy and France cannot set independent interest rates or exchange rate policies to boost domestic exports and consumption.

    Additionally, these high-debt countries are struggling to reduce their debt burden by boosting exports to Germany. But the German economy is in a weak growth phase and import demand is declining.

    Christine Lagarde, president of the European Central Bank, said it was “impossible” to guarantee that policymakers would meet the 2-percent inflation target in the short term, citing global volatility. She added that tariffs “are not good at all and are net negative on pretty much all accounts.”

    “When the magnitude and distribution of shocks become highly unpredictable, we cannot provide certainty by committing to a specific (interest) rate trajectory,” she noted. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: US launches new crewed mission to bring home stranded astronauts

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    NASA and SpaceX launched a new crewed mission to the International Space Station (ISS) on Friday to bring home two NASA astronauts who have been stranded in space since last June.

    The spacecraft lifted off aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in the state of Florida at 7:03 p.m. Friday Eastern Time (2303 GMT), according to a NASA live broadcast.

    About two and a half minutes after the launch, SpaceX confirmed the successful separation of the rocket’s first stage. The first stage booster landed at Landing Zone 1 located near the launch pad.

    The spacecraft is currently en route to the ISS. It will take about 28.5 hours for the spacecraft to autonomously dock to the space station, scheduled at 11:30 p.m. Saturday Eastern Time (0330 GMT Sunday), NASA said.

    The new mission, codenamed Crew-10, carries NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Takuya Onishi, and cosmonaut Kirill Peskov with Russian state space corporation Roscosmos to the ISS.

    During their mission, Crew-10 is scheduled to conduct material flammability tests to contribute to future spacecraft and facility designs, NASA said, adding that the crew will engage with students worldwide via the ISS ham radio program and use the program’s existing hardware to test a backup lunar navigation solution.

    Also, one crew member will conduct an integrated study to monitor and analyze physiological and psychological changes in the human body, providing valuable insights for future deep space missions.

    Following the arrival of Crew-10 to the orbital laboratory, NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission — which includes NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Suni Williams, Butch Wilmore, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov — will return to Earth.

    Williams and Wilmore have been stuck in space since last June due to technical problems of Boeing’s Starliner which took them to the ISS.

    The two astronauts were initially scheduled for an eight-day mission in space, but numerous issues were detected during their trip to the ISS, including helium leaks and propulsion issues. As a result, NASA deemed the Starliner spacecraft unsafe to return with astronauts on board.

    While the Starliner spacecraft returned to Earth last September, Williams and Wilmore remained aboard the ISS for several additional months. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 30.8 kg of heroin, 154,000 stimulant tablets seized in central Myanmar

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Myanmar authorities have seized 30.8 kg of heroin and 154,000 stimulant tablets in central Myanmar’s Mandalay region, the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control (CCDAC) said on Saturday.

    Acting on a tip-off, anti-narcotics police searched a vehicle in Pyigyitagon township of Mandalay region on March 9 and confiscated the narcotics, and arrested three suspects.

    Three other suspects in connection with the case were later arrested.

    The seized narcotics are approximately worth over 1 billion kyats (about 476,190 U.S. dollars).

    The suspects have been charged under the country’s Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law, and further investigations were ongoing. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: At least 13 killed in US airstrikes on Houthi sites in Yemen, Houthis vow revenge

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The U.S. warplanes on Saturday night launched airstrikes on several Houthi sites in Yemen’s capital Sanna and the northern province of Saada, killing at least 13, Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported.

    “This is an initial toll as the number of death could increase,” the TV cited the Houthi-run health ministry as saying, adding that at least nine others were injured.

    The Houthi TV reported four airstrikes in the Al-Jarraf residential neighborhood in northern Sanaa and several other airstrikes on the Shoab residential neighborhood in eastern Sanaa.

    Later in the evening, fresh strikes hit sites in the northern part of the province’s namesake central city Saada, the group’s northern main stronghold. No further details were provided by the television.

    According to local residents, the strikes in Sanna targeted ammunition and rocket depots near the Houthi-controlled state television station in the Al-Jarraf neighborhood. White smoke plume could be seen rising from the neighborhood, and a series of explosions were triggered following the airstrikes, witnesses added.

    Osama Sari, a Houthi official, wrote on X that the strikes on Al-Jarraf neighborhood also damaged parts of the Specialized Modern University near the Airport Road.

    Another Houthi source told Xinhua that the airstrikes also targeted two houses of key Houthi leaders.

    This is the first military operation conducted by the U.S. military against the Houthi sites since U.S. President Donald Trump assumed power in January and redesigned the group as a “foreign terrorist organization.”

    Trump posted on social media Truth Social that the aerial attacks on the “terrorists’ bases, leaders, and missile defenses were to protect American shipping, air, and naval assets, and to restore navigational freedom.”

    He also warned Houthis that if they do not stop their attacks “starting today… Hell will rain down upon you like nothing you have ever seen before.”

    In the meantime, the U.S. Central Command posted footage on X showing warplanes taking off a U.S. aircraft carrier in the Red Sea, saying that it “initiated a series of operations consisting of precision strikes against Iran-backed Houthi targets across Yemen to defend American interests, deter enemies, and restore freedom of navigation.”

    Following the U.S. airstrikes, the Houthis vowed to launch retaliatory attacks, saying “this aggression will not pass without a response,” and that the group is “fully prepared to confront escalation with escalation,” the Houthis’ political bureau said in a statement aired by al-Masirah TV.

    On Tuesday, the Houthi group announced that it would resume launching attacks against any Israeli ship in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Bab al-Mandab Strait until the crossings of Gaza Strip are reopened and aid allowed in.

    From November 2023 to Jan. 19, the Houthi group, which currently controls much of northern Yemen including the capital Sanaa, had launched dozens of drone and rocket attacks against Israel-linked ships and the Israeli cities to show solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The Houthis stopped their attacks on Jan. 19, when the Gaza ceasefire deal took effect. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Why Global Civilization Initiative matters to human progress

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president, attends the CPC in Dialogue with World Political Parties High-Level Meeting via video link and delivers a keynote address in Beijing, capital of China, March 15, 2023. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

    In the book-lined office of Professor Stelios Virvidakis at the University of Athens, Greece’s oldest and most esteemed academic institution, a letter is carefully preserved like a precious, delicate bridge model.

    It came from Chinese President Xi Jinping, delivered to congratulate the inauguration of the Center of Chinese and Greek Ancient Civilizations in the time-honored university in February 2023.

    “It was a delightful surprise to us all,” said Virvidakis, his philosopher’s gaze softening at the memory.

    In the letter, Xi noted that over 2,000 years ago, China and Greece, two civilizations glittering at each end of the Eurasian continent, made groundbreaking contributions to the evolution of human civilization.

    Now, he pointed out, it is of profound historical and contemporary significance for them to work together to promote exchanges and mutual learning and enhance the development of all civilizations.

    The well-preserved letter reflects Xi’s broader vision of fostering cross-cultural dialogue and mutual learning as a catalyst for global peace and development, a vision that has been driving his diplomatic action worldwide.

    That aspiration is best embodied in his Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), launched at a conference between the Communist Party of China (CPC) and global political parties in 2023, where he stressed that tolerance, coexistence, exchanges and mutual learning among different civilizations play an irreplaceable role in advancing humanity’s modernization process when the future of all countries are closely connected.

    With the GCI marking its second anniversary on Saturday, Xi’s vision — to build a world where civilizations don’t collide but converse — has become ever more relevant, standing both as a nod to ancient ties and as a bold stitch in a fraying global tapestry.

    Chinese President Xi Jinping and foreign leaders arrive to attend the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 5, 2024. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

    In recent years, some scholars and politicians in the West have been peddling once again the clash of civilizations theory, first proposed by American political scientist Samuel Huntington in 1993. They portray some civilizations as superior to others and seek to divide countries through ideological and racial lines.

    On the background of the resurgence of such sentiments is a world undergoing unprecedented transformations rarely seen in a century. Global South countries, on a collective rise, are demanding their legitimate right to modernization in louder voices, while the global deficits in peace, security, development and governance are growing ever larger.

    In Xi’s eyes, no civilization in the world is superior to others, and every civilization is equal and unique. “Civilizations have come in different colors, and such diversity renders exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations relevant and valuable,” he said in a speech at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris in 2014.

    Months after he put forward the GCI in 2023, Xi explained at an event in San Francisco that the initiative is meant “to urge the international community to address the imbalance between material and cultural advancement and jointly promote continued progress of human civilization.”

    China’s global initiatives, including the GCI, advocate for an egalitarian and inclusive order in pursuit of just and coherent global governance, said Ong Tee Keat, president of the Belt and Road Initiative Caucus for Asia Pacific and a former transport minister of Malaysia.

    In the meantime, he said, “the GCI has driven home a clear message that all nations have the right to choose their own development paths in their pursuit of modernization, which is not necessarily synonymous with Westernization.”

    In September 2024, at the opening ceremony of the summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, Xi put forward 10 partnership actions for modernization, with the first being “Partnership Action for Mutual Learning among Civilizations.”

    “China will enhance people-to-people and cultural exchanges with Africa, champion mutual respect, inclusiveness and coexistence of different civilizations on our way to modernization, and strive together for more fruitful outcomes under the GCI,” Xi said.

    As the world order designed to serve the interests of Western powers no longer meets the evolving needs and aspirations of Global South countries, a call for change is a natural response, said Ong, the Malaysian expert.

    “This must occur … free from any mental subordination. Only then can an environment conducive to a nation’s modernization and development be established,” he said. “In this respect, the GCI undoubtedly serves as a potent enabler.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HK reaches for the Moon

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The beauty and mystery of the Moon have captivated the human imagination for millennia. Channelling that fascination into scientific discovery, China launched its lunar exploration programme in 2004.

    Chang’E-8, part of the programme’s fourth phase, is scheduled to be launched around 2028 to lay the groundwork for the construction of a China-led international lunar research station.

    The Hong Kong University of Science & Technology (HKUST) has been appointed by the China National Space Administration to lead an international collaboration project under Chang’E-8 and develop a multifunctional lunar surface robot for scientific exploration.

    Multifunctional role

    HKUST Space Science & Technology Institute Director Prof Yu Hongyu explained that the robot is equipped with dual robotic arms and  is capable of deploying and installing instruments, collecting lunar surface samples and more.

    After the Chang’E-8 probe lands, the robot will need to retrieve other probes or sensors from it and move them to their designated locations.

    “Precise control of the robotic arms is a challenging task. The process requires avoiding collisions with other instruments and positional accuracy.”

    The Moon’s extreme temperatures and lack of satellite navigation systems pose additional challenges, so the robot is designed to perceive the topography of the Moon, plan and change its paths accordingly.

    “In response to the Moon’s low-gravity and harsh environmental conditions, we are developing a software to ensure that the robot can autonomously adapt its posture and functions based on the environmental changes,” Prof Yu added.

    Another key feature of the robot is its ability to serve as a mobile charging station to charge various lunar surface equipment.

    “In the future International Lunar Research Station, there will be several robots and instruments working collaboratively. They require a stable energy supply. Our robot, fitted with solar panels, can provide wireless charging capabilities,” Prof Yu  elaborated.

    Lunar linkup

    To complete the international collaboration project, the Government has established the Hong Kong Space Robotics & Energy Centre under the InnoHK Research Clusters.

    Led by HKUST, the centre brings together researchers from the local and mainland universities, the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology as well as the South African National Space Agency.

    The Innovation & Technology Commission estimates that the centre will provide training for around 20 PhD students and employ over 70 researchers in related fields. It aims to build Hong Kong’s aerospace technology capabilities, driving innovation from concept, research, production, testing to system integration.

    As aerospace technology is a multidisciplinary field, the centre will not only enhance Hong Kong’s aerospace research and engineering capabilities, but also generate industry impact for sectors such as engineering, microelectronics, artificial intelligence, computing and communications, promoting their development.

    Strong support

    Noting that Hong Kong has a solid foundation in basic research and development (R&D), Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong said the Government strongly backs local universities and research institutions in conducting aerospace technology-related research and supporting the country to become the world’s leading spacefaring nation.

    He noted that the centre will capitalise on Hong Kong’s distinct advantages under “one country, two systems”, enhancing the city’s R&D capabilities and international scientific reputation.

    “In recent years, China has achieved remarkable accomplishments in the field of deep space exploration. The level of deep space exploration capability is an important indicator of a country’s scientific and technological strength.

    “Through deeply engaging in national space missions and strengthening international scientific and technological co-operation, the centre will facilitate the transformation and application of cutting-edge technologies related to aerospace, significantly enhance Hong Kong’s global competitiveness in the aerospace field and propel its advancement as an international innovation and technology centre.”

    Prof Sun also pointed out that the Government has started to establish the third InnoHK research cluster focusing on advanced manufacturing, materials, energy and sustainable development.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Klobuchar, Cramer, Aderholt, Davis, Grassley, Colleagues Urge Administration to Work on Behalf of Families Adopting Children from China

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Representatives Robert Aderholt (R-AL) and Danny Davis (D-IL) led a bipartisan group of members of Congress in calling on President Trump and the Administration to work on behalf of families devastated by the People’s Republic of China’s decision to halt its intercountry adoption program.
    “We write to you on behalf of hundreds of children and American families who have been devastated by the People’s Republic of China’s decision to halt its intercountry adoption Program,” wrote the Senators. “We request that you act in the best interest of these children and engage the Chinese government to finalize these pending adoption cases.”
    “The sudden termination of China’s adoption program in August 2024 only exacerbated our concern for these children’s well-being,” the Senators continued. “Many of these children have special health care needs, and some will soon age out of care systems without the support of a permanent family. … We urge you to elevate this engagement and press the Chinese government to finalize pending adoption cases so these children may finally be united with their adoptive families in the United States.”
    The letter was also signed by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Katie Britt (R-AL), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Susan Collins (R-ME), Ted Cruz (R-TX),  John Curtis (R-UT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Joni Ernst (R-IA), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), John Hoeven (R-ND), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Angus King (I-ME), James Lankford (R-OK), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Rand Paul (R-KY), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tina Smith (D-MN), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), John Thune (R-SD), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Todd Young (R-IN), and Representatives Brian Babin (R-TX), Don Bacon (R-NE), Andy Biggs (R-AZ) Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Tim Burchett (R-TN), Kat Cammack (R-FL), Mike Carey (R-OH), Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Scott DesJarlais (R-TN), Julie Fedorchak (R-ND), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Charles Fleischmann (R-TN), Tony Gonzales (R-TX), Sam Graves (R-MO), Mark Green (R-TN), H. Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Glenn Grothman (R-WI), Brett Guthrie (R-KY), Abraham Hamadeh (R-AZ), Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), Erin Houchin (R-IN), Julie Johnson (D-TX), Thomas Kean (R-NJ), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Darin LaHood (R-IL), Julia Letlow (R-LA), Barry Loudermilk (R-GA), Richard McCormick (R-GA), Morgan McGarvey (D-KY), Mark Messmer (R-IN), Carol Miller (R-WV), Ralph Norman (R-SC), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Zachary Nunn (R-IA), Andrew Ogles (R-TN), Bob Onder (R-MO), Gary Palmer (R-AL), Brittany Pettersen (D-CO), August Pfluger (R-TX), Jamie Raskin (D-MD), John Rutherford (R-FL), Hillary Scholten (D-MI), Keith Self (R-TX), Jefferson Shreve (IN), Adam Smith (D-WA), Lloyd Smucker (R-PA), Eric Sorensen (D-IL), Greg Stanton (D-AZ), Pete Stauber (R-MN), Haley Stevens (D-WI), Eric Swalwell (D-CA), William Timmons (R-SC), Jill Tokuda (D-HI), Paul Tonko (D-NY), and Daniel Webster (R-FL).
    The full text of the letter is available here and below.
    Dear President Trump:
    We write to you on behalf of hundreds of children and American families who have been devastated by the People’s Republic of China’s decision to halt its intercountry adoption program. We request that you act in the best interest of these children and engage the Chinese government to finalize these pending adoption cases.
    As members of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption and other Members of Congress who share these concerns, the safety of adopted children and hundreds of would-be adoptees is our top priority. The sudden termination of China’s adoption program in August 2024 only exacerbated our concern for these children’s well-being. Many of these children have special health care needs, and some will soon age out of care systems without the support of a permanent family. It is particularly critical that these children have access to the care and support that they need — which hundreds of American families approved for adoption are willing to provide. 
    We understand that the State Department is working on behalf of these families and seeking clarity on the Chinese government’s decision. We urge you to elevate this engagement and press the Chinese government to finalize pending adoption cases so these children may finally be united with their adoptive families in the United States.
    Thank you for your attention to this important matter. We are prepared to work closely with you to ensure these children are welcomed into safe and stable homes. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Text adopted – Democracy and human rights in Thailand, notably the lese-majesty law and the deportation of Uyghur refugees – P10_TA(2025)0036 – Thursday, 13 March 2025 – Strasbourg

    Source: European Parliament

    The European Parliament,

    –  having regard to Rules 150(5) and 136(4) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A.  whereas on 27 February 2025, the Thai authorities violated international law by deporting at least 40 Uyghur refugees to China, where they risk arbitrary detention, torture and serious human rights violations; whereas other safe countries had offered to resettle the Uyghur refugees;

    B.  whereas prior to their deportation, these individuals were detained in Thai immigration centres for over a decade, where at least five Uyghurs, including minors, reportedly died due to inhumane conditions;

    C.  whereas Thailand’s lese-majesty provisions, under Article 112 of its Criminal Code, are among the strictest in the world and are not in line with Thailand’s obligations under the ICCPR;

    D.  whereas, since 2020, over 1 960 pro-democracy activists, human rights defenders and journalists, including over 280 minors, have been indicted or condemned for their opinions under repressive laws that curb freedom of expression, including the lese-majesty law, the Sedition Act, the Public Assembly Act and the Computer Crimes Act; whereas prominent activists, including Arnon Nampa, Mongkhon Thirakhot and Anchan Preelert, were sentenced to disproportionately long prison terms for peacefully criticising the monarchy, with some facing up to 50 years’ imprisonment;

    E.  whereas the Constitutional Court has dissolved the largest party and 44 of its MPs have been indicted for proposing amendments to the lese-majesty law, facing potential lifetime bans from politics; whereas several MPs, including Piyarat Chongthep, Rakchanok Srinok and Chonthicha Jangrew, are being prosecuted for their political activities and statements;

    1.  Condemns the deportation of Uyghur refugees to China; calls on the Thai authorities to immediately halt any further forced returns of refugees, asylum seekers and political dissidents to countries where their lives are at risk;

    2.  Urges the Thai Government to grant the UNHCR unrestricted access to all detained Uyghur asylum seekers and provide transparent information on their status;

    3.  Calls on China to respect the fundamental rights of the deported Uyghurs, ensure transparency about their whereabouts, grant the UNHCR access to them and release those detained;

    4.  Calls on Thailand to ratify the 1951 Refugee Convention and the 1967 Protocol thereto and to implement a transparent, fair and humane asylum system;

    5.  Stresses that Thailand is an important EU partner; encourages Thailand to strengthen its institutions in line with democratic principles and international human rights standards; calls on the government to amend or repeal Article 112 and other repressive laws to guarantee the right to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and political participation;

    6.  Demands that amnesty be granted to all MPs and activists prosecuted or imprisoned under lese-majesty provisions and other repressive laws;

    7.  Calls on the Commission to leverage FTA negotiations to press Thailand to reform repressive laws, particularly the lese-majesty law, release political prisoners, halt the deportation of Uyghur refugees and ratify all core ILO conventions; calls on the Member States to suspend extradition treaties with the PRC;

    8.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the Thai and Chinese authorities.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Climate Change Performance Index

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Mission

    The Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI), published annually since 2005, is an independent monitoring tool for tracking countries’ climate mitigation performance. It increases transparency in national and international climate policy and enables comparison of individual countries’ climate action efforts and progress.

    The CCPI indicates the climate mitigation efforts of 63 countries and the EU, which collectively account for over 90% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Results are compiled with the aid of 450 national experts evaluating their countries’ most recent national and international climate policies.

    The CCPI is distributed to key media worldwide (e.g. The Guardian, China Daily, The Times of India) and frequently triggers debates in national parliaments and governments.
    The Paris Agreement is now entering a crucial phase of national and regional implementation. The CCPI provides long-standing and reliable analysis conducted on the leaders and laggards in climate protection. This makes it usable as a powerful instrument to hold governments accountable for their responsibility to act on the climate crisis, to inform the process of raising climate ambition, and to stimulate a race to the top in climate action.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China requires labeling of AI-generated online content

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    China has released a set of guidelines on labeling internet content that is generated or composed by artificial intelligence (AI) technology, which are set to take effect on Sept. 1.
    The guidelines, issued by authorities including the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), are aimed at promoting the healthy development of the AI sector and helping internet users spot false information.
    With the rapid development of AI technology in recent years, a vast amount of online content has been produced or composed in various forms through the assistance of AI, before being spread in cyberspace.
    Simultaneously, the abuse of AI technology and the distribution of fake information have emerged and aroused social concern, prompting the need to standardize how such content is identified, according to the CAC.
    The misuse of AI technology has sparked widespread discussions about improving the regulation of the sector. In one example, AI-generated images of a famous Chinese actor were used to defraud members of his fan base last year.
    In response, the guidelines regulate the labeling of AI-generated online content throughout its production and dissemination processes, requiring providers to add visible marks to their content in appropriate locations.
    They also stipulate that no organization or individual is permitted to delete, tamper with, fabricate or conceal such identifying labels, the CAC said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Wholly foreign-owned hospital granted license in Shanghai

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    DeltaHealth Hospital·Shanghai has been granted an operating license in Shanghai, making it the city’s first wholly foreign-owned hospital and China’s first foreign-owned cardiovascular specialty hospital.
    The license for wholly foreign-owned medical institutions was issued by the Shanghai Municipal Health Commission on Friday, as the latest development following China’s expanded opening-up policy in the healthcare sector.
    The hospital, established as a joint venture in 2016, specializes in cardiovascular care and was included in Shanghai’s medical insurance system in 2018.
    In May 2024, Swire Pacific Limited completed a transaction to become the largest shareholder of DeltaHealth.
    In September 2024, China issued notice of the pilot program for expanding opening up in the healthcare sector, with Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin designated among the nine provinces and municipalities to launch wholly foreign-funded hospital trials.
    Experts believe this will help bring advanced medical technologies and services from overseas, meeting the growing demand for high-quality healthcare in China.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi’s article on public, non-public sectors to be published

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

    BEIJING, March 15 — An article by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on unswervingly consolidating and developing the public sector and unswervingly encouraging, supporting and guiding the development of the non-public sector will be published on Sunday.

    The article by Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, will be published in this year’s sixth issue of Qiushi Journal, the flagship magazine of the CPC Central Committee.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sullivan, Cornyn & Colleagues Introduce Outbound Investment Legislation to Counter China

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Dan Sullivan

    03.14.25

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) and 11 other senators have introduced the Foreign Investment Guardrails to Help Thwart (FIGHT) China Act, which would safeguard the United States’ national security against the growing threat posed by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) by prohibiting and requiring notification of U.S. investment in certain technologies in China.

    “Our country’s investments in innovative technology give us an enormous advantage over the Chinese Communist Party,” said Sen. Sullivan. “But this advantage is threatened when American financial institutions invest in CCP-controlled companies that develop technology—like advanced semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and hypersonics—that could ultimately be used to kill Americans at home and Marines in the Taiwan Strait. I’m glad to once again join Senator Cornyn on legislation to put safeguards in place to ensure that American investments don’t go to support the nefarious ambitions of dictators around the world.”

    “The threat China poses to the United States’ national and economic security continues to grow, and we have a generational opportunity to confront it with the FIGHT China Act,” said Sen. Cornyn. “By prohibiting and requiring notification of U.S. investments in certain technologies in China, this bill would help ensure American ingenuity, innovation, and investment do not end up in the hands of the Chinese Communist Party to be weaponized against us. The need to address capital flowing from the U.S. to bad actor nations was first realized during the first Trump administration, and I look forward to finishing what we started then by getting this vital priority over the finish line.”

    Senator Sullivan previously spoke on the Senate floor emphasizing the importance of transparency in foreign investments that could pose a threat to American national security.

    In addition to Senators Sullivan and Cornyn, the FIGHT China Act is cosponsored by Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Michael Bennet (D-Col.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Dave McCormick (R-Penn.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and John Fetterman (D-Penn.).

    The FIGHT China Act would cover the following investments:

    • Acquisitions, including of limited partners, equity interest, property, or other assets;
    • Loans and debt financing;
    • Joint ventures;
    • And equity interest or debt conversions.

    The legislation would establish exemptions for:

    • Transactions determined to be de minimis or in the national interest;
    • Investments in securities, derivatives of securities, or made as a limited partner in a venture capital fund, private equity fund, fund of funds, or other pooled investment fund;
    • Ancillary transactions undertaken by a financial institution;
    • Acquisitions of entire assets or entities located outside the PRC;
    • Certain transactions secondary to a covered national security transaction;
    • And certain ordinary or administrative business transactions.

    The legislation would prohibit covered investments in the PRC for development or production of:

    • Certain advanced integrated circuits;
    • Certain AI models capable of a high number of operations;
    • Quantum computers and supercomputers;
    • Materials or components for hypersonics; and
    • Any of these technologies that are on the Munitions List, intended for use with nuclear equipment or facilities, or emerging technologies subject to export controls.

    Lastly, the legislation would require U.S. persons to notify the U.S. Department of the Treasury within 14 days when making a covered investment in the PRC for the development or production of:

    • Any non-prohibited integrated circuit;
    • And any non-prohibited AI system which is used for military, surveillance, cybersecurity, penetration, forensics, or robotic system use or which meets a certain computing standard.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: World News in Brief: Fresh fighting in eastern DR Congo, global trade update, elections in CAR, Pakistan train hijack

    Source: United Nations 2

    Peace and Security

    Fresh fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has displaced tens of thousands of families, with children particularly at risk, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) warned on Friday.

    Over 850,000 civilians have been displaced in South Kivu province, nearly half of them children, according to the agency.

    Many are living in precarious conditions, sheltering in schools, churches or in the open, lacking clean water and sanitation, healthcare and education.

    Grave violations against children have also sharply risen, including sexual violence, killings, maiming and their recruitment by armed groups.

    “We are facing an unprecedented protection crisis. Children are being targeted. They are being killed, recruited, torn from their families and exposed to horrific sexual and physical violence,” said Jean François Basse, UNICEF’s acting head in the DRC.

    The fighting has also disrupted vital services and humanitarian operations, with the closure of Kavumu Airport near the provincial capital Bukavu and banks delaying critical aid operations.

    The region is also witnessing an uptick in cholera, measles and mpox outbreaks.

    UNICEF is working to re-open schools and support health centres, urging all parties to respect international law and ensure unhindered aid access.

    “We call on all parties to the conflict to immediately cease hostilities, protect children, respect international humanitarian law and guarantee rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access,” said Mr. Basse.

    New risks loom for global trade, warns UN body

    While global trade started 2025 on stable ground, challenges are mounting, according to the UN trade and development body, UNCTAD.

    In its latest Global Trade Update, which covers data through early March, the UN body reported record growth in 2024, with international trade expanding to $33 trillion, but looking to 2025, new risks loom, including trade imbalances, evolving policies and geopolitical tensions.

    The trade gap between developing and advanced economies is widening. While Asia and Latin America remain key trade drivers, growth has slowed in advanced economies, UNCTAD said.

    It added that nearshoring and friendshoring – business strategies where companies relocate their operations to a country geographically closer to their main market to reduce costs – reversed in 2024.

    UNCTAD noted that some governments are expanding tariffs, subsidies and industrial policies, reshaping trade flows.

    “The United States, EU and others are increasingly tying trade measures to economic security and climate goals while China is using stimulus policies to maintain export momentum,” it added.

    UNCTAD underscored the need for global cooperation and balanced policies in the face of growing trade uncertainty.

    “The challenge in 2025 is to prevent global fragmentation – where nations form isolated trade blocs – while managing policy shifts without undermining long-term growth. The actions taken now by governments and businesses will shape trade resilience for years to come,” it said.

    © UNDP/Tamara Tschentscher

    A container ship at the Mombasa Port in Kenya, a key transit for trade in the region.

    Voter registration starts in Central African Republic

    Meanwhile, the second and third phases of voter registrations are underway in the Central African Republic (CAR), supported by the UN peacekeeping mission there, MINUSCA.

    The campaign will cover nine of the country’s 20 prefectures and overseas centres.

    “Our peacekeeping mission has actively contributed to the launch of the operations by providing logistical support, including the deployment of equipment by plane from Bangui to the regions as well as several hundred electoral agents,” UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told reporters at the regular news briefing in New York.

    Peacekeepers are also helping secure the process by deploying to tense areas to enable all Central Africans to have access to registration centres, he added.

    Mission personnel also escorted road convoys carrying registration kits as well as electoral staff. They are also working in collaboration with UN Women to increase the number of women on the voter list by facilitating the issuance of identity documents.

    The voter registration exercise precedes local, legislative and presidential elections scheduled for later this year and in 2026.

    The local elections – to be held for the first time in nearly 40 years – are a key component of the Central African Peace Agreement and offer a unique opportunity for enhanced governance at the local level, Mr. Dujarric said.

    UN Security Council condemns Pakistan train attack

    UN Security Council members condemned Tuesday’s terrorist attack on the Jaffar Express passenger train, which was travelling from Quetta to Peshawar in Pakistan.

    The armed group Balochistan Liberation Army attacked the train near the city of Sibi in Balochistan province and subsequently took its passengers hostages.

    The standoff ended on Wednesday, with Pakistani security forces conducting an operation and killing the attackers. According to media reports, 21 hostages and four members of the security forces were also killed.

    In a press statement, members of the Security Council “reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security”.

    They underlined the need to hold perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of such acts of terrorism accountable and urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with the Government of Pakistan in this regard.

    “The members of the Security Council reiterated that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed,” the statement added.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Foreign journalists witness vitality of Beijing’s sub-center

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    A promotion event for Beijing’s sub-center was held on Thursday in the city’s Tongzhou district, where 50 foreign journalists from 45 countries were invited to report on its high-quality development.
    The journalists first visited the reception hall before the event to learn about the innovative practices and achievements in opening up of the sub-center in the construction of the “two zones,” which refer to the Integrated National Demonstration Zone for Opening up the Services Sector and the China (Beijing) Pilot Free Trade Zone.
    During the event, the journalists were introduced to the progress of the sub-center’s planning and construction, the development of key industries, and the layout of major projects. The event also included a business promotion, showcasing the innovative achievements of Tongzhou district in the field of technology.
    After the promotional event, the journalists visited businesses in the sub-center to conduct interviews.
    “China has made remarkable achievements in the fields of artificial intelligence and robotics, which has also provided us with numerous opportunities,” said a reporter from Suhail TV of Yemen when seeing the automatic charging robots at an enterprise.
    This year, the Foreign Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Beijing Municipality will continue to hold special promotional events for foreign media, so as to showcase Beijing’s investment environment and opportunities, as well as promote the city’s favorable business environment.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Anti-Secession Law a strong, effective deterrent to ‘Taiwan independence’

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Two decades ago, China’s top legislature, the National People’s Congress (NPC), voted to adopt the Anti-Secession Law with an overwhelming majority.
    It was a milestone event in mainland-Taiwan relations as the law embodies both the will of the state and the common interests of Chinese people across the Taiwan Strait, and codifies the fundamental policy to foil “Taiwan independence” and advance national reunification.
    To mark the 20th anniversary of the law’s enforcement, a symposium was held in Beijing on Friday, stressing firm action against “Taiwan independence” separatist activities and external interference.
    Against the backdrop of the current situation in the Strait, the symposium has sent a clear signal and offered an important guide for compatriots across the Strait to press forward together on the right path.
    Since it took effect, the law has achieved remarkable results in safeguarding China’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity, in cracking down on separatist activities seeking “Taiwan independence” and in guarding against foreign interference, among others.
    It is emphasized in the law that both sides of the Strait belong to one and the same China, and that resolving the Taiwan question is China’s internal affair. The law also clearly draws a legally-binding red line, stipulating the use of force to foil separatist forces and their activities seeking “Taiwan independence” if such a red line is breached.
    The law has brought powerful deterrent effect on separatist forces. Over the past 20 years, they have not dared to cross the red line, though they have tried various plots and tricks. In recent years, the mainland has further enriched the legal framework for punishing “Taiwan independence” separatist activities, forming an even stronger deterrent to separatist forces aimed at “Taiwan independence.”
    The law also envisions vast space and prospect for the peaceful reunification of the motherland and the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations. However, for some time, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities and the “Taiwan independence” separatist forces have propagated secessionist fallacies, pushing Taiwan to the brink of perils.
    The mainland is willing to strive toward peaceful reunification with the greatest sincerity and the utmost efforts. Meanwhile, it will leave no room for any separatist activities seeking “Taiwan independence” in any form.
    The separatist forces should wake up to the fact that the Anti-Secession Law is neither a “scarecrow” nor an ornament, and their provocative acts to test or even cross the red line will be met with resolute countermeasures. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s man-made forest, grassland areas lead globally

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    China boasts the world’s largest man-made forest and grassland areas, a fact that demonstrates its commitment to ecological conservation, according to a report released by the Ministry of Natural Resources on Friday.
    The country’s planted forests cover a total area of 92.4 million hectares, and its grasslands span 263.2 million hectares, with both figures ranking first globally, per the report.
    China has seen achievements in ecological protection and resource conservation in recent years, with a total forest area of 283.7 million hectares and forest coverage exceeding 25 percent of the country’s total land area, the report shows.
    In this year’s government work report, the country has pledged to make coordinated efforts to cut carbon emissions, reduce pollution, pursue green development, boost economic growth, and accelerate the green transition across all areas of economic and social development.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China launches new satellites

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    China on Saturday launched a Long March-2D carrier rocket, placing a remote sensing satellite into space.
    The rocket blasted off at 12:11 p.m. (Beijing Time) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China and sent the Gaojing-3 02 satellite into the preset orbit.
    The mission also launched the Tianyan-23 satellite.
    It was the 564th flight mission of the Long March series rockets.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Shanghai’s first wholly foreign-owned hospital granted license

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    DeltaHealth Hospital·Shanghai has been granted an operating license in Shanghai, making it the city’s first wholly foreign-owned hospital and China’s first foreign-owned cardiovascular specialty hospital.
    The license for wholly foreign-owned medical institutions was issued by the Shanghai Municipal Health Commission on Friday, as the latest development following China’s expanded opening-up policy in the healthcare sector.
    The hospital, established as a joint venture in 2016, specializes in cardiovascular care and was included in Shanghai’s medical insurance system in 2018.
    In May 2024, Swire Pacific Limited completed a transaction to become the largest shareholder of DeltaHealth.
    In September 2024, China issued notice of the pilot program for expanding opening up in the healthcare sector, with Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin designated among the nine provinces and municipalities to launch wholly foreign-funded hospital trials.
    Experts believe this will help bring advanced medical technologies and services from overseas, meeting the growing demand for high-quality healthcare in China.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s State Council studies Xi’s speeches, outlines key work priorities for 2025

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Chinese Premier Li Qiang presides over the eighth plenary meeting of the State Council on March 14, 2025. China’s State Council on Friday convened a plenary meeting, studying General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee Xi Jinping’s important speeches during the “two sessions” and outlining its major tasks this year. 
    China’s State Council on Friday convened a plenary meeting, studying General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee Xi Jinping’s important speeches during the “two sessions” and outlining its major tasks this year.
    Premier Li Qiang presided over the plenary meeting. Noting that China faces increasingly complex and volatile challenges and more arduous and formidable tasks in the near future, he said the government must act in a swift and decisive manner, tackle problems proactively, and deliver tangible results.
    Li urged government departments to comprehensively advance the implementation of objectives and tasks outlined in this year’s government work report, and to develop strong drivers and levers in the work to fully leverage their role in boosting overall development.
    Efforts should be made to launch special initiatives to boost consumption, build a unified national market, advance the AI Plus initiative, and promote the transformation and upgrading of the manufacturing sector, he said.
    A people-centered approach should be taken to promote new urbanization, while efforts are needed to nurture highly-skilled workers and improve one-stop government services, the premier said.
    He also stressed the need to expand high-standard opening up and stabilize foreign trade and investment to effectively mitigate external shocks.
    The premier also called for intensifying policy efforts and stimulating market forces to promote positive interactions and achieve synergy.
    Stressing maintaining security, stability and other bottom lines, Li urged greater progress in developing new quality productive forces, strengthening domestic economic flows, accelerating green transition, and enhancing people’s well-being, among others.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s central bank to grow financial ecosystem that supports tech innovation

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China’s central bank will work to cultivate a financial ecosystem that supports technological innovation, the central bank said on Friday.

    The bank will provide targeted support for key national technology initiatives and small and medium-sized enterprises in the field of tech, according to a statement issued by the People’s Bank of China.

    It will enhance the quality and effectiveness of green financial services further, providing strong support for the green, low-carbon development of China’s economy and society.

    It will also enhance its capability to provide financial services for the elderly care sector, and develop digital finance actively and steadily.

    Efforts will be made to defuse financial debt risks associated with financing platforms, supporting local governments to promote the market-oriented transformation of those platforms, the bank said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s express delivery sector posts fast growth

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China’s courier sector experienced rapid expansion in the first two months of 2025, with significant growth in delivery volume and capability-building, according to an industry index released by the State Post Bureau on Friday.

    The express delivery development index was 368.6 during the period, an increase of 11.8 percent compared to the same period last year, according to the bureau.

    China’s express delivery volume remained high throughout the first two months, as the sector entered one of its busiest periods during the Spring Festival holiday. From January 28 to February 4, the business volume of express delivery enterprises reached 1.15 billion parcels, a year-on-year increase of 31 percent.

    The bureau projected that the volume of courier services and business revenue would surge by 24.6 percent and 16.6 percent from a year earlier, respectively, in the first two months.

    The sub-index for development strength also improved during the period, as relevant enterprises focused on building logistics infrastructure, expanding delivery channels, and achieving breakthroughs in unmanned delivery vehicles, the bureau said.

    The index is compiled based on data from major logistics firms operating delivery services. It reflects the overall business activities and trends in the country’s courier sector.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s humanoid robot craze sparks surge in rentals

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Two humanoid robots walk forward at the exhibition hall of Unitree Robotics in Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province, Feb. 20, 2025. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)

    In a mesmerizing display at a recent show in Hangzhou, eastern China’s leading tech hub, a dozen humanoid robots twisted and twirled in perfect sync, their joints clattering to the rhythm of joyful music as they captivated the audience and drew waves of cheers.

    The spectacle reflects a growing trend, with businesses and individuals increasingly renting humanoid robots for performances, exhibitions, and livestreams to grab public attention.

    These robots shot to fame earlier this year when a fleet from Unitree, a Chinese robotics startup, mesmerized audiences with a synchronized dance in colorful jackets at the Spring Festival Gala, one of China’s most-watched broadcasts. The overwhelming public attention and ensuing robot craze have since turned them into a sought-after commodity in the rental market.

    “Orders for Unitree’s G1 humanoid robot rentals have been surging since early February, with bookings already lined up through late March,” said Gao Lai, who has been engaged in the robot rental business for over a decade. His company provided the rented robots for the show in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang Province.

    “The daily rental price for a humanoid robot ranges from 8,000 to 15,000 yuan (about 1,115 to 2,091 U.S. dollars). With the booming demand, we anticipate our earnings to rise by 80 percent this year,” Gao added.

    In terms of presale, Unitree’s G1 model starts at 99,000 yuan, while the H1 model has a starting price of 650,000 yuan.

    Industry insiders told Xinhua that the growing demand for robots in business events, exhibitions and shows is fueling the expansion of the robot rental market, which holds great potential.

    On Xianyu, one of China’s largest second-hand goods trading platforms, renting a Unitree robot can cost thousands of yuan, often covering transportation, machine adjustments and on-site support.

    In Hangzhou’s Yuhang District, where the recent show took place, local authorities plan to host more robot shows and tutorial sessions in rural areas by renting robots.

    “Dancing with robots grabs attention, and we hope to partner with companies to introduce AI to rural communities,” said Zhang Jingcan, a district official.

    “The concept of humanoid robots is nothing new. Since the first one was developed in Japan in the 1960s, they’ve been a focal point of global competition,” said Xiong Rong, a professor at Zhejiang University and head of Zhejiang Humanoid Robot Innovation Center.

    “Powered by AI, our robots are making progress faster than I anticipated,” said Wang Xingxing, CEO of Unitree Robotics. “We’ve upgraded the software algorithms in our humanoid robots to make them more agile and improve their dancing skills.”

    However, some uncertainties exist when applying humanoid robots in more complicated scenarios at home or in businesses that require more flexible and diverse human-robot interactions.

    “Humanoid robots will reach new heights by the end of this year, and if all goes well, we could see them deployed in some service or industrial sectors next year or the year after,” said Wang. “However, home-use models might see slower adoption due to higher security requirement.”

    Emphasizing the importance of security in robot applications, Xiong said: “Only by ensuring the safety of human-robot interactions, the robot itself, and the data can we achieve large-scale production.”

    Many industry insiders agree that the ultimate goal for humanoid robots is to evolve into general-purpose robots capable of adapting to diverse environments and performing a wide range of tasks without relying on specific sites or tools. Achieving this goal will require advancements in AI, high-end manufacturing and new materials, driven by academia and industry collaboration.

    With surging demand and continuous innovation, China’s humanoid robot market is forecast to see exponential growth in the following years, clinching a significant share of the global market.

    According to a report on the humanoid robot industry released at the 2024 World AI Conference in Shanghai, China’s humanoid robot market was estimated at 2.76 billion yuan last year. By 2029, it is expected to reach 75 billion yuan, accounting for 32.7 percent of the global market. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China, Russia, Iran reaffirm dialogue as only viable option for Iranian nuclear issue

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov Sergey Alexeevich and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi in Beijing, capital of China, March 14, 2025.  (Xinhua/Liu Bin)

    China, Russia and Iran held a meeting in Beijing to discuss the Iranian nuclear issue on Friday, in a fresh bid to strengthen communication and pave the way for resumption of talks.

    The Beijing Meeting was chaired by Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu, with participation of his Russian and Iranian counterparts Ryabkov Sergey Alexeevich and Kazem Gharibabadi.

    In a joint statement issued after the meeting, the three countries emphasized on the necessity of terminating all unlawful unilateral sanctions, and reiterated that political and diplomatic engagement and dialogue based on the principle of mutual respect remains the only viable and practical option.

    China and Russia welcomed Iran’s reiteration that its nuclear programme is exclusively for peaceful purposes, and not for development of nuclear weapons, and also welcomed Iran’s commitment to full compliance with its obligations under the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and Comprehensive Safeguard Agreement, supported Iran’s policy to continue cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and stressed the need to fully respect Iran’s right to peaceful uses of nuclear energy as a State Party to the NPT.

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov Sergey Alexeevich and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi in Beijing, capital of China, March 14, 2025.  (Xinhua/Liu Bin)

    Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese Foreign Minister, met with the deputy foreign ministers from Russia and Iran. Wang proposed staying committed to the framework of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) as the basis for new consensus.

    “China hopes that all parties will work toward the same direction and resume dialogue and negotiation as early as possible. The United States should demonstrate political sincerity and return to talks at an early date,” Wang said.

    He voiced opposition to pressing for intervention by the U.N. Security Council (UNSC). Under the current situation, hasty intervention by the UNSC will not help build confidence or bridge differences among the relevant parties. Initiating the snapback mechanism would undo years of diplomatic efforts, and must be handled with caution.

    The Beijing meeting was a useful effort by China, Russia and Iran in seeking to advance the settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said.

    China is ready to work with other parties for a just, balanced and sustainable resolution to the Iranian nuclear issue, uphold the international nuclear non-proliferation regime, and promote international and regional peace and stability, Mao added. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Trump: US had very good, productive discussions with Putin

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    U.S. President Donald Trump said on social media Friday that his administration “had very good and productive discussions with President Vladimir Putin of Russia yesterday,” and there is a very good chance that “this horrible, bloody war” can finally come to an end.

    Trump noted in the post on Truth Social that “AT THIS VERY MOMENT, THOUSANDS OF UKRAINIAN TROOPS ARE COMPLETELY SURROUNDED BY THE RUSSIAN MILITARY, AND IN A VERY BAD AND VULNERABLE POSITION.”

    “I have strongly requested to President Putin that their lives be spared,” he added.

    The Ukrainian army launched an offensive into Russia’s Kursk region in August, seizing about 1,300 square kilometers of land. But as the Russian army intensified its counterattack in recent weeks, the situation of the Ukrainian army in the region is reportedly deteriorating rapidly.

    Kremlin confirmed that Trump’s envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff met Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday night.

    Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday that Russian President Vladimir Putin supports the position of Trump on a settlement of the conflict in Ukraine, but has concerns over remaining unresolved issues.

    “So, indeed, there is a lot that needs to be done, but, nevertheless, the president expressed solidarity with Mr. Trump’s position,” the spokesman said, adding that there were grounds for “cautious optimism” regarding a settlement of the conflict.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: ‘Ne Zha 2’ storms into all-time global box office top 5

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Chinese animated powerhouse “Ne Zha 2” has surpassed Disney’s “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” to secure its spot as the fifth highest-grossing film of all time globally.

    According to data from ticketing platform Maoyan, the film’s global earnings, including presales, have exceeded 15.019 billion yuan (about 2.09 billion U.S. dollars) as of Saturday.

    The milestone was reached just 45 days after the film’s release during the Chinese New Year on Jan. 29.

    This adds to an impressive list of records for the film, which became the first film to gross 1 billion U.S. dollars in a single market, the first non-Hollywood title to enter the billion-dollar club, and the highest-grossing animated movie of all time worldwide.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Italian film acclaimed in China for portrayal of women’s struggles

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The acclaimed Italian film “There’s Still Tomorrow” premiered in China recently, with its creators attending screenings in Beijing and Shanghai.

    A still from “There’s Still Tomorrow.” [Photo courtesy of China Film Group]

    The 2023 Italian period comedy-drama film, co-written and directed by Paola Cortellesi in her directorial debut, is set in post-war 1940s Rome. It follows Delia, a working-class wife and mother who challenges traditional family norms and aspires to a better future for herself and her daughter after receiving a mysterious letter.

    Cortellesi, along with collaborating screenwriters Giulia Calenda and Furio Andreotti, attended the premiere and special screening events in Shanghai and Beijing from March 8-9, coinciding with International Women’s Day celebrations.

    “Reflecting on the past is to look forward to the future,” Cortellesi said at the Beijing event. She revealed that she drew inspiration from her grandmother’s story and the lives of countless women from that era in Italy. The June 2, 1946 referendum also played a significant role, marking the first time Italian women voted on whether Italy should be a monarchy or a republic, and elected representatives to the Constituent Assembly, a body tasked with drafting Italy’s post-war constitution. “My grandmother lived in a time when women’s rights were far inferior to men’s,” she said. “Their stories, struggles and fights should be told.”

    The director also dedicated the film to her daughter and daughters of her generation. “They should bear witness to the rights women hold today because they must understand that these rights did not naturally exist nor will they last forever,” she emphasized. “Without this awareness, they won’t be able to defend the rights they have now or fight for more in the future.”

    Creators of “There’s Still Tomorrow” pose for a photo with the audience in Beijing, March 9, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Hero Films]

    Calenda told China.org.cn that the film reflects the Italian tradition of finding humor in tragedy. “We believe that the heavier and more serious the theme, the more effectively it can be conveyed through comedy,” she said. “This film aims to give a voice to women who have never had one — women who have always worked, raised children, cared for the elderly, and managed households, yet received no recognition.”

    “Previous great Italian directors, when depicting the most severe, tragic and ugly phenomena, always approached them with absurdity and satirical humor. The power that emerged from this was often unexpected. In our creative process, we consciously — or unconsciously — drew inspiration from the post-war neorealist style,” added Andreotti.

    Shot in black-and-white, “There’s Still Tomorrow” pays homage to the neorealist style of the 1940s and 1950s. The creators chose this format to reflect the essence of the era. They conducted extensive research, hired a historian, studied films and documents, and even examined the dialect spoken in Rome during that era.

    Director Cortellesi emphasized that the film’s ending goes beyond a love story, conveying a deeper message. “Compared with the protagonist being saved by a man, I would rather see her rebirth through self-awakening,” she said. “That’s more important than love.”

    A poster for “There’s Still Tomorrow.” [Photo courtesy of China Film Group]

    “There’s Still Tomorrow” has earned over $50 million worldwide, becoming Italy’s most successful film of 2023 and the ninth highest-grossing film in Italian history. It won six David di Donatello Awards, Italy’s top film honors, in 2024, as well as other global accolades. These included the People’s Choice Award Gala-Best Film at China‘s Pingyao International Film Festival. On China’s major review site, Douban, the film holds a high score of 9.4/10 based on more than 170,000 user reviews.

    At the Beijing premiere, Liang Hong, a scholar, writer and professor in the School of Liberal Arts at Renmin University of China, described the film as “a profoundly impactful women’s film with a touch of dark humor.” She noted: “It uses lightness to convey weight and laughter to express tears. The film’s powerful conclusion leaves a lasting impact as if the director is speaking directly to the audience, encouraging each of us to take action.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: LEGOLAND Shanghai Resort gears up for summer opening

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    A visitor poses for photos at the booth of LEGO Group, a full-time attender of the China International Import Expo (CIIE), during the 7th CIIE in east China’s Shanghai, Nov. 9, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    As DADA — the world’s biggest LEGO Minifigure at a height of 26 meters and weighing 136 tonnes — has been installed, construction on the LEGOLAND Shanghai Resort has entered its sprint stage, the resort said on Thursday.

    Located in Shanghai’s Jinshan District, the 318,000-square-meter resort is a LEGO theme park and hotel destination for children aged 2 to 12 and their families.

    With over 75 interactive rides, shows and attractions, as well as thousands of LEGO models across eight immersive “lands,” the resort is set to hold its grand opening this summer.

    Ride installation and testing are in full swing, with 80 percent of installations completed at present.

    In a world-first for LEGOLAND Parks, the BIG LEGO Coaster and LEGO Monkie Kid Flower Fruit Mountain Adventure have been installed and are now in the ride-commissioning stage.

    The park has completed 85 percent of its building facades, and exterior decoration and interior installation work on its LEGOLAND Hotel has entered its final stage, after which it will enter its indoor decoration phase.

    The resort plans to plant a total of 3,161 trees of over 200 species, with approximately 50 percent of these trees planted so far.

    The site will include 2,889 LEGO models made using over 85 million LEGO bricks, 97 percent of which have been delivered and are being assembled on-site.

    MIL OSI China News –