NewzIntel.com

Category: China

  • MIL-OSI China: Foreign visitors experience China’s mobile payment environment

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Tourists from France enjoy a soup dumpling at Yuyuan Garden Mall in Shanghai, east China, Jan. 21, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Foreign visitors in China experienced a smoother, more convenient travel environment during this year’s Spring Festival, thanks to improvements to the country’s mobile payment systems.

    The latest data from the People’s Bank of China shows that the volume of transactions made by international tourists during the Chinese New Year holiday, which ran from Jan. 28 to Feb. 4 this year, surged significantly from last year. The total number of cross-border transactions processed by China UnionPay and NetsUnion Clearing Corporation increased 124.54 percent, and the total transaction value grew 90.49 percent.

    This jump in payment activity reflects not only the growing appeal of China as a travel destination but also the seamless integration of mobile payment systems for foreign visitors.

    In cities like Shanghai, foreign tourists can now use international credit cards or mobile payment apps such as Alipay for shopping, dining and sightseeing, which allowed tourists to enjoy the cultural experiences on offer fully during the Chinese New Year.

    German tourist Carla Uhrmacher, who visited the famous Yuyuan Garden in the eastern Chinese metropolis of Shanghai, was impressed by the ease with which she could use her mobile payment app to buy traditional Chinese crafts and souvenirs. “Whether using Visa or Mastercard, or mobile payment systems, it’s all very seamless,” she noted, highlighting how accessible these payment methods are for international visitors.

    This Spring Festival saw an increase in payment transactions and a significant rise in the number of foreign visitors to China. Inbound arrivals during this year’s Spring Festival hit a record high, with a 150 percent year-on-year leap reported, Lin Jian, a spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry, told a press conference on Wednesday, citing data from third-party platforms.

    While popular destinations such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou continued to attract large numbers of foreign travelers during the holiday, cities like Suzhou, Xi’an, Chengdu and Xiamen emerged as new favorites for international tourists using mobile payment services, Alipay data shows.

    This surge in international visitors can be largely attributed to China’s ongoing efforts to enhance its payment services for foreigners. The country has made it easier for international travelers to use their foreign credit cards by allowing them to link these cards directly to popular Chinese mobile payment platforms like Alipay and WeChat Pay.

    An increasing number of international e-wallets are now also supported for use in China. Alipay, for example, now allows users to link 13 different overseas e-wallets from countries like the Philippines, Thailand and Singapore.

    Though cashless payment services have improved significantly, foreign tourists can also take advantage of a network of nearly 70,000 bank branches, 320,000 ATMs, and currency exchange facilities across the country.

    This year’s Spring Festival also saw a notable increase in foreigner spending, particularly in cities like Beijing, where tourists from various countries flocked to shopping areas such as Qianmen Street to purchase souvenirs, local teas and trendy clothing.

    This spending boom is backed by figures, with the number of transactions made by foreign visitors on WeChat increasing 134 percent compared to last year’s Spring Festival, and with the total spent via Alipay rising 150 percent during the first five days of the holiday. These figures reflect not only the convenience of mobile payments but also the growing enthusiasm of foreign tourists to purchase Chinese goods and immerse themselves in local culture.

    An increasingly open China is becoming an even more attractive destination for international tourists as Chinese New Year is celebrated globally, and as payment services continue to improve, analysts in China have noted. And these improved payment experiences will make China travel even smoother and more enjoyable for international visitors.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Duty-free sales enjoy Spring Festival boost

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    This aerial photo taken on April 4, 2023 shows the Haikou International Duty-Free Shopping Complex in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    During the Spring Festival holiday spanning from Jan 28 through Tuesday, Haikou Customs recorded transactions totaling 2.09 billion yuan ($287 million) in duty-free shopping, with 240,500 travelers departing from Hainan province engaging in duty-free purchases, averaging 8,706 yuan per person, surpassing last year’s figure of 8,358 yuan.

    Noteworthy was the achievement of 1.44 billion yuan in duty-free sales in Sanya. From Saturday to Tuesday, duty-free sales in the city exceeded 200 million yuan for four consecutive days. As of Wednesday, duty-free sales in Sanya had risen by 18.1 percent year-on-year, with shopping and foot traffic increasing by 21.9 percent and 13.8 percent, respectively, setting a new high.

    “There are many more brands than the last time I visited, and the products are very comprehensive. I also used government consumption vouchers,” said a tourist surnamed Zhang from Beijing, at Sanya International Duty Free City on Tuesday, as she took advantage of her vacation to buy the coat and skincare products she had been eyeing.

    Throughout this year’s Spring Festival holiday, the diverse tourism resources across Hainan attracted visitors from outside the island, propelling duty-free consumption.

    Sanya International Duty Free City organized a range of events that capitalized on this momentum by blending intangible cultural heritage with duty-free offerings. “We established five major intangible cultural heritage experiential zones featuring calligraphy, sugar painting, lacquer fans, rubbings and paper-cutting, which were warmly received by tourists, especially families,” said Fu Bing, the mall’s event planner.

    Collaborating with over 900 brands and offering 45 major duty-free product categories, Sanya International Duty Free City introduced promotions like gifts with purchases, multiple membership reward points and exclusive Chinese New Year Zodiac products for the Year of the Snake, complemented by government consumption vouchers and subsidies for digital product purchases.

    To attract consumers, Sanya and Haikou distributed over 67 million yuan in offshore duty-free shopping vouchers, which can be stacked with in-store discounts.

    At Global Premium Duty Free Plaza in Haikou, products are available starting from a minimum of 70 percent off. Liu Jia, assistant to general manager of the plaza, said that foot traffic increased by around 55 percent compared to the eight days prior to the Spring Festival holiday, leading to a significant boost in sales performance and marking a prosperous start of the year in terms of sales.

    A salesperson from a fragrance and cosmetics brand at Haikou International Duty-Free City said that all items are discounted to a minimum of 20 percent off for every three items purchased. A tourist surnamed Chen from Guangdong province bought a bottle of concentrated repair essence, saying, “The original price was 3,920 yuan. After the discount, it was only 2,548 yuan. Such a good deal.”

    At the Haikou Xinhai Ro-Ro Passenger Terminal hub, adjacent to Haikou International Duty Free City, a steady stream of tourists queue at the port channel’s off-island duty-free pickup point.

    “We have dispatched personnel to duty-free shopping malls to promote and educate on offshore duty-free policies and shopping procedures, fully supporting duty-free sales,” said Wang Yang, head of the duty-free product supervision department at Haikou Port Customs.

    Huang Jing, deputy head of the duty-free supervision department at Sanya Customs, said, “To address difficulties faced by travelers due to changes in off-island information for pickup and verification, we have developed a passenger rebooking information comparison system and an off-island duty-free verification application mini-program, enabling passengers to self-enter rebooking information, providing convenience to many travelers.”

    Guo Jianmeng, director of the port supervision division of Haikou Customs, emphasized the commitment to exploring innovative pathways for intelligent supervision of offshore duty-free in Hainan Free Trade Port, aiming to boost the consumer market’s vitality and contribute to the development of offshore duty-free industries, aligning with Hainan’s vision of becoming an international tourism consumption center.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Electronic information manufacturing sector posts fast growth

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    People try out Huawei smartphones in Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong Province, Sept. 10, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China’s electronic information manufacturing sector registered robust growth in 2024, with the added value of major enterprises in the sector increasing 11.8 percent from the previous year, official data showed on Thursday.

    The combined operating revenues of the sector’s major firms rose 7.3 percent year on year to 16.19 trillion yuan (about 2.26 trillion U.S. dollars) in 2024, according to data from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

    During the period, the combined profits of these companies increased 3.4 percent year on year to 640.8 billion yuan, the data showed.

    Among major products, a total of 1.67 billion mobile phones were produced in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 7.8 percent. About 1.25 billion smartphones were manufactured, growing 8.2 percent from the previous year.

    Major companies in the sector are those with a main annual business revenue of at least 20 million yuan.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 3rd supply chain expo to be held in July

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    This photo shows the smart vehicle exhibition area at the second China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 28, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The third China International Supply Chain Expo will be held in Beijing from July 16 to 20 this year, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) said on Thursday.

    With a total exhibition area of 120,000 square meters, the expo features six major exhibition areas — namely advanced manufacturing, clean energy, smart vehicles, digital technology, healthy living and green agriculture.

    To date, nearly 200 companies have signed up to participate, the CCPIT revealed.

    As the world’s first national-level exhibition focusing on supply chains, the expo is an internationally shared public product. First held in 2023, the expo has contributed to building more secure, stable, open and inclusive global industrial and supply chains, according to the CCPIT.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Amazon posts net income, revenue growth in Q4 results

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Amazon.com, Inc. on Thursday announced its financial results for the fourth quarter ending Dec. 31, 2024, with net sales of 187.8 billion U.S. dollars, up 10 percent year on year.

    The company’s net income increased to 20.0 billion dollars in the fourth quarter, or 1.86 dollars per diluted share, compared with 10.6 billion dollars, or 1.00 dollars per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2023.

    Its net income increased to 59.2 billion dollars in the full year of 2024, or 5.53 dollars per diluted share, compared with 30.4 billion dollars, or 2.90 dollars per diluted share, in 2023.

    Amazon’s net sales increased 11 percent to 638.0 billion dollars in 2024, compared with 574.8 billion dollars in 2023.

    The company’s operating cash flow increased 36 percent to 115.9 billion dollars for the trailing 12 months, compared with 84.9 billion dollars for the trailing 12 months ending Dec. 31, 2023.

    Its free cash flow increased to 38.2 billion dollars for the trailing 12 months, compared with 36.8 billion dollars for the trailing 12 months ending Dec. 31, 2023.

    “The holiday shopping season was the most successful yet for Amazon,” said Andy Jassy, president and CEO of Amazon.

    The introduction of new Trainium2 artificial intelligence chip, the foundation models in Amazon Nova, and the next edition of Amazon SageMaker are among the most remarkable innovation delivered across Amazon’s businesses, he said, adding that these are substantial enablers in the emerging technology environment.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Blue alert as cold wave grips country

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    A woman rides on a street in the strong wind in Beijing, Feb. 6, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    China’s meteorological authority renewed a blue alert for a cold wave on Thursday as freezing air is set to sweep across most parts of the country in the coming days.
    The first cold wave of the year hit central and eastern China on Thursday, sending temperatures plummeting by more than 10 C in some northern areas and bringing winds measuring 9 to 10 on the Beaufort scale, according to the China Meteorological Administration.
    The National Meteorological Center issued a blue cold wave warning, predicting temperature drops of 6 to 8 C in most areas north of the Yellow River-Huaihe River line, with some regions in eastern Northwest China, North China and the Yellow River-Huaihe River region experiencing drops of more than 10 C.
    In the south, most regions will see temperatures fall by 4 to 6 C, with some areas experiencing declines of 7 to 8 C, and others dropping by more than 10 C.
    Sun Qianqian, a meteorological analyst at the administration, said the cold air is moving southward from the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, reaching as far as South China. North China and the Yellow River-Huaihe River region are expected to see the most significant temperature drops.
    The cold wave will also bring strong winds to the north, with sustained winds of levels 4 to 6 and gusts reaching levels 7 to 8 on the scale from Thursday to Saturday. The strongest winds will be concentrated in the North China Plain on Thursday and Friday, where gusts could reach levels 8 to 9, marking the most intense wind event of the year so far, Sun said.
    The administration also issued a yellow wind warning on Thursday, predicting that from Thursday to Friday, parts of North China, central Inner Mongolia, the Ningxia Hui autonomous region, northern Shaanxi province and the Yellow River-Huaihe River region will experience northwesterly winds of levels 5 to 6, with gusts reaching levels 7 to 8.
    Some areas in central and northern Shanxi province and parts of Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei province will see gusts hit levels of 9 to 10, the administration said.
    Coastal areas, including the Bohai Sea, the Bohai Strait, most of the Yellow Sea, the northern East China Sea and the Taiwan Strait, will also see winds reach levels 7 to 8, with gusts reaching level 9.
    Light rain was expected across much of southern China, while light to moderate snow was forecast in eastern Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang province and Jilin province, from Thursday to Friday.
    The cold wave impact is expected to ease by the weekend. Temperatures in northern China were forecast to begin rising on Saturday, with southern China following on Sunday. Temperatures should then return to normal, with increases of about 10 C. However, another cold front is expected to affect central and eastern regions around Wednesday, according to the administration.
    With recent frequent temperature fluctuations in central and eastern China, the public is advised to monitor weather changes and dress accordingly, the administration said.
    In northern regions experiencing persistent strong winds, residents should minimize outdoor activities and avoid areas that create wind tunnel effects, such as narrow spaces between buildings, where wind strength can intensify. The administration also urged people to stay clear of temporary structures and advertising boards to prevent injuries from falling objects.
    Drivers traveling at high speeds, especially in strong winds, should avoid following closely behind large, heavily loaded trucks, maintain a safe distance, reduce speed and take extra care when turning to prevent rollovers, the administration advised.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China vows to defend interests against unilateral bullying measures: commerce spokesperson

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    In the face of unilateral bullying measures, China will definitely take necessary steps to safeguard its own rights and interests, He Yongqian, spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce, said on Thursday.

    The U.S. unilateral imposition of additional tariffs seriously violates the rules of the World Trade Organization, which is a typical manifestation of unilateralism and trade protectionism, He told a regular press conference.

    The U.S. moves severely undermine the multilateral trading system, disrupt the stability of global industrial and supply chains, and exacerbate global trade tensions, He said.

    “China will not take the initiative to provoke trade disputes and is willing to resolve issues through dialogue and consultation,” He said, adding that China is willing to join hands with other countries to jointly address the challenges of unilateralism and trade protectionism, and safeguard the orderly and stable development of international trade.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Beijing hits back after new tariffs

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China will not initiate trade conflicts and is willing to resolve differences through dialogue, while regarding unilateral bullying measures, China will take necessary measures to firmly defend its own rights and interests, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.

    The ministry made the remarks following Washington’s levy of an additional 10 percent tariff on goods imported from China.

    The unilateral imposition of tariffs by the United States seriously violates the rules of the World Trade Organization and exacerbates global trade tensions. China is willing to work with relevant countries to firmly advocate for free trade and multilateralism, jointly address the challenges of unilateralism and trade protectionism, and maintain the orderly and stable development of international trade, the ministry said.

    “China’s countermeasures aren’t meant to provoke trade disputes, but to defend national interests and international fairness,” said Cui Fan, a professor of international trade at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing.

    “If the US persists in its unilateral actions, China will not hesitate to take more powerful countermeasures. China has the confidence and ability to respond to any challenge and safeguard its own rights, and contribute to the stability of the global economy,” Cui said.

    Meanwhile, China launched a series of export control policies for rare metal products and related technologies on Tuesday. The ministry said the export control on tungsten and other related items is an international practice. The listed items this time have certain attributes for military and civilian use, and the downstream products boast high military risks.

    “The move indicates China’s consistent stance of maintaining world peace and regional stability. The Chinese government will approve export applications that comply with regulations,” said He Yongqian, a spokeswoman for the commerce ministry.

    The ministry also put US clothing company PVH Corp and biotechnology company Illumina Inc on its unreliable entity list on Tuesday. The two firms violate normal market trading principles, interrupt normal transactions with Chinese enterprises, take discriminatory measures against Chinese firms, and seriously damage the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies, the ministry said.

    “China has always handled export controls and unreliable entity lists with caution. The Chinese government is willing to strengthen cooperation with different countries to jointly maintain the security and stability of global industrial and supply chains. We welcome foreign enterprises to invest and develop in China, and we are committed to providing a stable, fair and predictable business environment for law-abiding and compliant foreign enterprises,” she said.

    Separately, the US Postal Service announced on Wednesday that it will continue accepting all inbound mail and packages from the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong, quickly reversing the suspension that went into effect on Tuesday.

    In addition, the US government has canceled the “de minimis” tariff exemption rule for small packages and low-value items imported from China — a measure that exempted shipments worth less than $800 from import duties.

    The Ministry of Commerce said the US levying of an additional 10 percent tariff on Chinese products and the adjustment of its “de minimis” policy will undoubtedly increase the cost of consumption for US shoppers and affect their purchasing experiences.

    “No matter how a country adjusts its trade policy, cross-border e-commerce shopping boasts strong competitiveness, and the trend of digital development in international trade will not change. We hope that the US can follow the trend and create a fair and predictable policy environment for the development of cross-border e-commerce,” said He.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Hamas urges Arab League, OIC to hold emergency sessions on Trump’s Gaza relocation proposal

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Hamas on Thursday called on the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to convene emergency sessions to address U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to relocate Palestinians from Gaza, urging for a strong, unified stance against these plans.

    In a press release, Hamas leader Mahmoud Mardawi called for coordinated diplomatic efforts at both the Arab and international levels, emphasizing the need for a united Palestinian stance against any proposals that undermine their rights or aim to displace them from their land.

    He also called for strengthening Palestinian unity and forming a unified front to develop a comprehensive strategy for addressing the threats to Gaza and Palestine as a whole, emphasizing that the response should involve a coordination of political, diplomatic, and practical measures.

    The Hamas leader also strongly rejected Trump’s proposals, describing them as “racist” and a continuation of settlement policies aimed at undermining the Palestinian cause, striping Palestinians of their rights, and displacing them from their homeland.

    “Our Palestinian people — whether in Gaza, the West Bank, Jerusalem, or within Israel — will never give up their rights or allow themselves to be displaced. Trump’s remarks are just another illusion from an American administration that favors the occupation, and this scheme will collapse as all previous ones,” he said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: S. Korea’s court holds 6th hearing of Yoon’s impeachment trial

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    South Korea’s constitutional court held the sixth hearing of impeachment trial on President Yoon Suk-yeol on Thursday, with the arrested president being present for the fourth time.

    Yoon, dressed in a black suit and red necktie, presented himself at the courtroom in central Seoul at about 10:00 a.m. local time (0100 GMT).

    Lt. Gen. Kwak Jong-keun, former chief of the Army Special Warfare Command, said in the hearing that it was exactly correct that Yoon ordered him to remove “lawmakers” from the chamber of the National Assembly, where the lawmakers gathered to lift an emergency martial law which was declared by Yoon on the night of Dec. 3 last year.

    About two hours after the declaration, Yoon called Kwak through a scrambler phone, giving orders that the lawmakers should be dragged out of the chamber before the quorum to revoke the martial law is filled, according to Kwak.

    Kwak also received a call from former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun who ordered access to the National Assembly to be blocked so that the quorum of 150 lawmakers would not be filled.

    Yoon denied the allegations, saying it would be impossible between superiors and inferiors of public offices to give calls out of the blue and give orders to block access to the parliament and drag lawmakers out.

    Throughout the midnight hours of the short-lived martial law imposition, military helicopters landed at the National Assembly and hundreds of armed special forces troops broke into the parliamentary building, TV footage showed.

    Under the constitution, a president is required to report the martial law imposition to the National Assembly, a sole body with the right to repeal martial law.

    According to the prosecution’s indictment, Yoon urged military commanders over the phone to push martial law troops into the parliamentary chamber by “firing guns” and “using axes” to break the door open.

    Col. Kim Hyun-tae, chief of the Army Special Warfare Command’s 707th Special Mission Group, said in the hearing that he was ordered by Kwak to seal off and secure the National Assembly building, not ordered to drag lawmakers out.

    Kim stressed that when the special forces troops tussled with citizens inside and outside the parliamentary building, the troops only defended, not attacked, as they felt a lot of shame, noting that the troops were people who could not aim guns at or use force against ordinary people.

    Next hearings were scheduled to be held on Feb. 11 and 13.

    The motion to impeach Yoon was passed through the National Assembly on Dec. 14 last year and was delivered to the constitutional court to deliberate it for up to 180 days, during which Yoon’s presidential power is suspended.

    Yoon was apprehended in the presidential office on Jan. 15, becoming the country’s first sitting president to be arrested.

    Yoon, who was named as a suspected ringleader of insurrection, was indicted under detention on Jan. 26, becoming the country’s first incumbent president to be put on trial in custody.

    Yoon was accused of conspiring with the former defense minister, who had already been indicted under detention, to declare unconstitutional, illegal martial law and dispatch armed forces into the National Assembly.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: US cannot withdraw from a body it no longer belongs: UNHRC

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Delegates attend a meeting of the 56th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, on June 18, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) stated on Thursday that as of Jan.1, 2025, the United States’ term as a member had ended, making it ineligible to withdraw from an intergovernmental body it was no longer part of.

    “For the record, the United States was a member of the Human Rights Council from Jan. 1, 2022, to Dec. 31, 2024. Since Jan. 1, 2025, the United States is no longer a member of the Human Rights Council and automatically became an observer state, like any of the 193 UN member states that are not Council members. An observer state of the Council cannot withdraw from an intergovernmental body it is no longer a part of,” Pascal Sim, spokesperson for the UNHRC, said in a statement sent to Xinhua.

    “As a matter of principle, and in the spirit of multilateral dialogue that characterizes the Council, we welcome and encourage the engagement of every UN Member State – whether as a Council member or an observer – in the work of the Council and its mechanisms,” the statement added.

    U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed an executive order, withdrawing the United States from the UNHRC.

    The UNHRC is composed of 47 member states, with approximately one-third of its seats up for election each year. Member states serve three-year terms and may be re-elected once.

    During Trump’s first term, the United States withdrew from the UNHRC in June 2018. In February 2021, then Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that the Joe Biden administration would re-engage with the Council as an observer. The United States returned to the body in January 2022 as a full member.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: More Mideast countries reject Trump’s Gaza relocation plan

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    A Palestinian child is seen on a destroyed building in Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip, on Jan. 29, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    More countries in the Middle East on Thursday voiced their rejection of a proposal by U.S. President Donald Trump to take control of the Gaza Strip and relocate its residents elsewhere.

    On Tuesday, Trump suggested that the United States will take over Gaza and redevelop it after Palestinians are relocated elsewhere. He made these remarks in a joint press conference at the White House with visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

    Many Arab and Muslim countries have voiced their opposition to the idea of displacing the Gazans from their homeland.

    The Palestinian presidency on Thursday said that Palestine and its land, history, and holy sites are not for sale, emphasizing that the rights of the Palestinian people are neither negotiable nor subject to compromise.

    In a press statement, Nabil Abu Rudeineh, the spokesman of the Palestinian presidency, said, “The Palestinian people, who have made immense sacrifices in defense of their national rights, will not relinquish even an inch of their land, including the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem.”

    Any proposed solutions, he insisted, must align with international legitimacy and the Arab Peace Initiative.

    Egypt reaffirmed its commitment on Thursday to collaborate with international partners and allies to implement plans for Gaza’s early recovery, rubble removal, and reconstruction within a specific timeframe.

    This plan will be implemented as the Palestinians will remain in the Gaza Strip, who refuse to be displaced, according to a statement by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.

    The statement also rejected “any proposal or vision” that seeks to resolve the Palestinian issue by uprooting the Palestinian people, displacing them from their historical land, or seizing that land, whether temporarily or permanently, while affirming that Egypt will not be “party to any such actions.”

    Algeria on Thursday strongly condemned the proposal aimed at displacing Gaza residents, warning that such moves are part of a broader scheme to undermine the Palestinian national cause.

    In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Algeria reiterated its firm stance that achieving lasting peace in the Middle East is inseparable from upholding the rights of the Palestinian people to an independent state.

    Algeria underscored its support for the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state based on the two-state solution, considering it “the only just and permanent resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.”

    The Libyan Foreign Ministry on Thursday also rejected any attempt to displace Palestinians from the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank.

    “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the State of Libya confirms its firm and supportive position on the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people … foremost among which is the right of the Palestinian people to establish their independent state with Jerusalem as its capital,” the ministry said in a statement.

    “Libya stresses its absolute rejection of any practices aimed at the forced displacement or arbitrary expulsion of Palestinians, changing the demographic composition of the occupied territories, or imposing racist policies that perpetuate the occupation and violate the most basic human rights,” the statement noted.

    It condemned any “acts of violence targeting civilians or acts used as a pretext to perpetuate the occupation and undermine the chances of achieving a just peace.”

    On Wednesday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan rejected the proposal during a joint press conference in Ankara with his visiting German counterpart, Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

    “Everyone has a great responsibility in maintaining the ceasefire in Gaza. As the international community, we must continue our efforts for a two-state solution,” Erdogan emphasized.

    In response to Trump’s proposal, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said that “neither the region nor we (as Türkiye) can accept such a situation.”

    “The very thought of it is a pointless endeavor. We oppose any initiatives that seek to exclude the people of Gaza from the equation,” Fidan said during a live televised speech.

    “Obviously, it is completely unacceptable, and by no means can it bring peace to the region,” Gulru Gezer, a former Turkish diplomat and foreign policy analyst, told Xinhua on Thursday. “On the contrary, it will only bring greater chaos, not only to Palestine and Israel but to the broader Middle East.”

    During a meeting on Thursday with Palestinian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Mustafa, Arab League (AL) Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit reiterated the U.S. proposal for displacing the Gazans was rejected by Arab countries, according to a statement by the AL.

    During the meeting, Aboul-Gheit urged to speed up reconstruction of the Gaza Strip to block the path to the displacement of Gazans.

    “The Palestinian people will not allow the repetition of cleansing Palestinians under the pretext of voluntary or forced exit,” the statement added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China will not allow any deliberate vilification against China-Cambodia friendship

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China will not allow any deliberate vilification against China-Cambodia friendship and any rumor-monger shall bear legal responsibility and consequences, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.

    A handful of we-media accounts recently posted groundless remarks that Cambodian leaders are choosing sides between China and the United States and that major cooperation projects between China and Cambodia are stalling.

    In response to a related query, spokesperson Guo Jiakun told a press briefing that these remarks on Cambodia are purely groundless smears and deliberate vilification.

    China and Cambodia are ironclad friends supporting each other and sharing weal and woe. This time-honored friendship was cultivated by the older generation of leaders of both countries, and has stood the test of the changing international landscape. It serves the fundamental interests of both countries and peoples, has strong vibrancy and promising prospects of development, and can never be weakened or undermined by any force, Guo said.

    China and Cambodia see each other as the most trustworthy friend and the most reliable partner, and always firmly support each other’s core interests. This is the defining feature of China-Cambodia relations and also serves as the foundation of the time-tested friendship between the two countries, Guo stressed.

    The endeavor of building a China-Cambodia community with a shared future has delivered tangibly for the two peoples. China has remained Cambodia’s biggest source of foreign investment and biggest trading partner for years running. Bilateral trade soared by nearly four times in the past decade, Guo noted, adding that Cambodian leaders openly stressed more than once that China is Cambodia’s most trusted friend, and friendship with China is a firm political consensus within the Cambodian government and political party and among the Cambodian people.

    At present, China and Cambodia are guiding the high-quality development of bilateral relations with high-level mutual trust. They continue to enrich the “Diamond Hexagon” cooperation framework, formulate cooperation plans for the Industrial Development Corridor and the “Fish and Rice Corridor,” advance the implementation of priority cooperation projects, boost each other’s modernization process, deliver more tangibly for the two peoples and provide more stability and certainty for the effort to address international and regional challenges, Guo noted.

    “We firmly believe that the ironclad friendship between China and Cambodia will steer clear of disruptions. We will not allow any deliberate vilification against our friendship and any rumor-monger shall bear legal responsibility and consequences,” Guo said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: First French Mirage 2000 jets arrive in Ukraine

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The first batch of Mirage 2000 fighter jets from France have arrived in Ukraine, said French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu on Thursday.

    The fighter jets were flown by Ukrainian pilots who had been trained for several months in France, he said in a post on social media X.

    However, Lecornu did not specify the number of the delivered or the total number of jets that France plans to deliver to Ukraine.

    According to the French daily Le Monde, the French Air Force owns only a limited number of fighters — 26 Mirage 2000-5 jets out of around 200 Mirage and Rafale aircraft.

    These fighters barely suffice for France to carry out all the missions for which it is responsible on a day-to-day basis, Le Monde said.

    On June 6, 2024, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France would provide Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets to Ukraine.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Israel strikes southern, eastern Lebanon amid ceasefire

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    This photo shows the destruction caused by the Israeli army in Kfar Shouba, Lebanon, on Feb. 1, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Israel carried out a series of airstrikes on Thursday, targeting several areas in southern and eastern Lebanon, state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported.

    Israeli warplanes launched multiple raids on the heights of the eastern Mountain Range and an area in the Baalbek district of eastern Lebanon, the NNA reported, adding Israel also launched several airstrikes on targets in southern Lebanon at around 10:35 p.m. local time (2035 GMT).

    Prior to the airstrikes, Israeli aircraft conducted intensive low-altitude flights over the town of Rashaya and western Bekaa, while flying at higher altitudes over the city of Hermel and northern Bekaa in eastern Lebanon. Israeli jets were also seen over Beirut and its suburbs, according to the report.

    These developments come despite the ongoing ceasefire agreement between the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah and the Israeli military, which took effect on Nov. 27, 2024, and was meant to end more than a year of cross-border clashes triggered by the war in Gaza.

    The agreement stipulated that Israel would withdraw from Lebanese territory within 60 days, while the Lebanese army would be deployed along the Lebanese-Israeli border and in the southern region, ensuring that no weapons or militants remain south of the Litani River.

    However, Lebanon’s caretaker government announced on Jan. 27 that it had agreed to extend the ceasefire until Feb. 18, after the initial 60-day period expired without an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon.

    Despite the truce, the Israeli military has continued to launch occasional strikes in Lebanon, claiming they are aimed at eliminating “threats” posed by Hezbollah.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Year of the Snake starts with travel, spending boom

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Passengers are seen at the waiting hall of Beijing South Railway Station in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 4, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    As China celebrated the arrival of the Year of the Snake, the festive atmosphere was reflected in a surge in travel and consumer spending. With tourism booming, restaurants bustling, and box offices setting new records, the festivities showcased China’s economic vitality.

    The Spring Festival, China’s most important festival, sparked a nationwide travel surge as families reunited and celebrations took place across the country. Official data showed that more than 2.3 billion passenger trips were made nationwide during the eight-day Spring Festival holiday, which concluded on Tuesday.

    Official projections estimated over 9 billion passenger trips during the 40-day Spring Festival travel rush that officially began on Jan. 14.

    The annual migration — once dominated by homebound travelers — now sees a growing number of people opting for holiday getaways, filling train stations, highways, and airports in celebration of the Year of the Snake.

    Tourism soars on heritage charm

    With China’s Spring Festival now on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, cultural exploration-centered tours have become increasingly popular.

    Online searches for “intangible cultural heritage tourism” jumped 174 percent since the beginning of this year, while folk craft-related searches spiked 321 percent, according to Meituan Travel. On the popular video-sharing platform Douyin, demand for intangible cultural heritage tours led to a 462 percent year-on-year rise in group tour bookings for folk fairs.

    According to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, China saw a record 501 million domestic tourist trips during the just-concluded holiday, up 5.9 percent year on year. Tourist spending reached a record high of over 677 billion yuan (94.43 billion U.S. dollars) during the period, a 7 percent increase from the previous year.

    The cultural allure extended beyond domestic travelers, attracting visitors from around the globe. The latest data from the National Immigration Administration showed about 14.37 million cross-border trips were made during the holiday, up 6.3 percent from last year’s Spring Festival holiday. Of these, 958,000 trips were made by foreign nationals, marking a 22.9 percent increase.

    Foreign tourists try to make tofu during a folk celebration of the Spring Festival in Wayaogang Village, Yongding District of Zhangjiajie City, central China’s Hunan Province, Jan. 24, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    According to Chinese online travel service giant Trip.com Group, inbound travel orders during the Spring Festival holiday rose 203 percent year on year, underscoring the growing international appeal of China’s cultural and natural landmarks.

    Among the top destinations was Zhangjiajie in Hunan Province, renowned for its spectacular mountain scenery that inspired scenes in global blockbusters. Malaysian tourist Vincent Koh Swee Sam was among the many international visitors drawn to cultural heritage in Zhangjiajie. Immersing himself in local festivities, Sam joined villagers in writing Spring Festival couplets, pounding glutinous rice cakes, and making tofu.

    Sam’s hands-on experience with Chinese calligraphy deepened his appreciation for the art. “I used to know China only through textbooks and maps,” he said. “But now that I have stepped into it myself, it feels so good.”

    Dining boom feeds festive spirit

    No Spring Festival is complete without a grand feast, and this year, more families chose to dine out for ease and variety, driving a surge in restaurant bookings.

    In Shanghai’s bustling city center, all 91 tables at the renowned Cantonese restaurant Xinya were packed with diners on Chinese New Year’s Eve, according to executive chef Huang Renkang.

    People have a reunion meal at a restaurant in Nanjing City, east China’s Jiangsu Province, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    According to the Ministry of Commerce (MOC), the revenues of key restaurants tracked by the ministry climbed 5.1 percent year on year in the first four days of the holiday.

    Online platforms saw a similar rise. Meituan reported a 305 percent year-on-year increase in online bookings for Chinese New Year’s Eve dinners, while high-end restaurants featuring Chinese culinary experiences saw significant growth.

    Notably, orders for “intangible cultural heritage” meal packages searched on Meituan soared over 12 times year on year since the beginning of this year.

    Box office hits record high

    From Chinese mythology to homegrown animation, this year’s Spring Festival film lineup drew massive crowds and posted record-breaking sales.

    China’s box office sales jumped to an all-time high of 9.51 billion yuan over the holiday period, while attendance also set a new record, with 187 million moviegoers packing theaters.

    People watch a film at a cinema in Feidong County, Hefei City, east China’s Anhui Province, Feb. 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Leading the charge was the animated feature “Ne Zha 2,” which grossed around 4.84 billion yuan.

    “The moviegoers’ enthusiasm indicates vibrant consumption during the holiday as well as the consumers’ confidence in domestic productions,” said Rao Shuguang, president of the China Film Critics Association.

    Experts attributed the success to strong audience anticipation, beloved characters and stories, and high-quality storytelling.

    “The strong performance of these films lays a solid foundation for the steady growth of China’s film market in 2025,” noted Chen Jin, a data analyst from box office tracker Beacon.

    Policy boost sparks shopping spree

    Festive cheer and consumer enthusiasm energized the market even before the holiday began. With the country’s trade-in program driving demand, shoppers eagerly seized the opportunity to upgrade cars, home appliances, and digital devices, ushering in a vibrant holiday shopping season.

    People visit a flower market in Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, south China’s Guangdong Province, Jan. 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The MOC reported receiving subsidy applications for 10.79 million electronic devices over a four-day period starting Jan. 20. This follows the inclusion of mobile phones, tablets, and smartwatches in the trade-in subsidy program, marking a significant expansion of the initiative launched in March last year.

    Moreover, according to the ministry, automobile trade-ins reached 34,000 while home appliance trade-ins reached 1.04 million units as of Jan. 23.

    Building on this momentum, online retail sales grew by 5.8 percent during the eight-day holiday, while sales of home appliances and communication equipment at key retailers jumped by over 10 percent.

    “Spring Festival offers a glimpse into the year’s economic trends,” said Chen Lifen, a researcher at the Development Research Center of the State Council.

    In this holiday season, a blend of cultural experiences and new consumption scenarios has helped reinforce the economic recovery momentum, injecting confidence into the economy and setting a strong foundation for the year ahead, Chen noted.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Maltese students celebrate Chinese Spring Festival with temple fair

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Students watch a puppet show during the Chinese Spring Festival temple fair in Zejtun, Malta, on Feb. 6, 2025. The campus of St. Thomas More College’s middle and secondary school in Zejtun, southeastern Malta, came alive with festive cheer on Thursday as students experienced the vibrant atmosphere of a traditional Chinese Spring Festival temple fair. Co-organized by the China Cultural Center in Malta and the Zhejiang Provincial Cultural Center, the event attracted over 500 students and teachers. (Photo by Jonathan Borg/Xinhua)

    The campus of St. Thomas More College’s middle and secondary school in Zejtun, southeastern Malta, came alive with festive cheer on Thursday as students experienced the vibrant atmosphere of a traditional Chinese Spring Festival temple fair.

    Co-organized by the China Cultural Center in Malta and the Zhejiang Provincial Cultural Center, the event attracted over 500 students and teachers.

    The temple fair opened with a dynamic lion dance performance, where the rhythmic drumbeats and agile movements of the lions captivated the audience. Students gathered in circles, their eyes fixed on the mesmerizing display as they erupted in enthusiastic applause.

    Traditional puppet shows and shadow plays, featuring puppets dressed in exquisite Chinese theatrical costumes, further enchanted the crowd. Many students were introduced to these art forms for the first time and eagerly tried their hands at manipulating the puppets and shadow figures under the guidance of Chinese artists.

    Students also lined up to create intricate sugar paintings and craft red Chinese lanterns, blending creativity with tradition. Meanwhile, the aroma of Chinese tea lingered in the air as they paused to savor its rich flavors.

    “This event provided a cherished opportunity for students to gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture through its most important traditional festival,” Adrian Galea, head of the school, told Xinhua. “Such exchanges are invaluable in broadening their perspectives and fostering mutual understanding.”

    Yuan Yuan, director of the China Cultural Center in Malta, highlighted the significance of the Spring Festival, which symbolizes reunion, harmony, and hope.

    “Through cultural exchange events like this, we hope more Maltese youth will become ambassadors of friendship between our two nations,” she said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Fashion brand Vivienne Hu unveils collection inspired from China’s traditional architecture

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Photo taken in New York, the United States, on Jan. 29, 2025 shows a model presenting a creation of Vivienne Hu Fall/Winter 2026 collection HOME. New York-based luxury fashion brand Vivienne Hu Thursday released its latest Fall/Winter 2026 collection HOME by drawing inspirations from time-tested Hui-style architecture in China. (Photo by Parish Mandhan/Xinhua)

    New York-based luxury fashion brand Vivienne Hu Thursday released its latest Fall/Winter 2026 collection HOME by drawing inspirations from time-tested Hui-style architecture in China.

    The collection of contemporary knitwear draws inspirations from an old, large family home in east China’s Huangshan region, a cultural epicenter of Hui-style architecture in the country, according to a release by Vivienne Hu.

    The HOME collection embraces 12-gauge ribbed knitwear, a technique that mirrors the linear depth and layered intricacy of wooden lattice carvings found in traditional Hui residences, said the release.

    Silhouettes of the collection are clean, elongated, and sculptural, paying homage to the grandiose vertical lines of Hui-style pillars and beams, said Vivienne Hu.

    Additionally, each piece of the collection is adorned with ornamental metal buttons, reflecting the decorative door studs and intricate motifs seen in Huangshan’s preserved estates.

    Vivienne Hu, a well-known Chinese American designer, traveled to Huangshan, Anhui province, immersing herself in the history and craftsmanship of Hui-style mansions.

    “The architectural beauty and history of Huangshan’s ancient homes tell stories of generations past, and I wanted to encapsulate that warmth, structure, and timeless elegance into knitwear,” said Vivienne Hu. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Archaeologists restoring gallery at temple in Cambodia’s Angkor Park

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Archaeologists have been restoring the third gallery at the west side of Ta Prohm temple in the UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Park in northwest Cambodia, an APSARA National Authority (ANA)’s news release said on Thursday.

    Started last month, the one-year project has been carried out by ANA’s archaeologists in partnership with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the news release said.

    Chitranjan Kumar, head of the Ta Prohm temple restoration site for ASI, said the gallery was at risk of collapse and required urgent repairs.

    “The project will focus on repairing and reinforcing the foundation, restoring broken stones, and ultimately reassembling them in their original positions,” he said.

    Built in the late 12th century under the reign of King Jayavarman VII, Ta Prohm is among the key temples in the Angkor Archaeological Park, which is the most popular tourist destination in the Southeast Asian nation. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Job fair held in Jiande City in E China

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

    Job fair held in Jiande City in E China

    Updated: February 7, 2025 09:11 Xinhua
    A livestreamer introduces job recruitment requirements of companies in a livestreaming session at a job fair held in Jiande City, east China’s Zhejiang Province, Feb. 6, 2025. A job fair was held here on Thursday. Over 120 enterprises from a variety of industries such as new energy, new materials, intelligent manufacturing and biomedicine participated in the job fair, providing more than 3,000 jobs. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Staff members of a training base demonstrate the production of a local food made with tofu at a job fair held in Jiande City, east China’s Zhejiang Province, Feb. 6, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Jobseekers attend a job fair held in Jiande City, east China’s Zhejiang Province, Feb. 6, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on Feb. 6, 2025 shows a job fair held in Jiande City, east China’s Zhejiang Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A jobseeker talks to recruiters at a job fair held in Jiande City, east China’s Zhejiang Province, Feb. 6, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Jobseekers attend a job fair held in Jiande City, east China’s Zhejiang Province, Feb. 6, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Staff members of a training base offer drone training at a job fair held in Jiande City, east China’s Zhejiang Province, Feb. 6, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Staff members from local labor and social security department provide consultation on relevant regulations to job seekers at a job fair held in Jiande City, east China’s Zhejiang Province, Feb. 6, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on Feb. 6, 2025 shows a job fair held in Jiande City, east China’s Zhejiang Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A jobseeker talks to a recruiter at a job fair held in Jiande City, east China’s Zhejiang Province, Feb. 6, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Humanoid robots of ‘Chucai’ series displayed in Wuhan

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

    Humanoid robots of ‘Chucai’ series displayed in Wuhan

    Updated: February 7, 2025 09:15 Xinhua
    A humanoid robot displays its ability in passing obstacles in Wuhan, central China’s Hubei Province, Feb. 5, 2025. Ten humanoid robots of the “Chucai” series were displayed on a conference in Wuhan, showcasing a variety of abilities. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A humanoid robot displays its weight-bearing ability in Wuhan, central China’s Hubei Province, Feb. 5, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A visitor looks at a humanoid robot in Wuhan, central China’s Hubei Province, Feb. 5, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Visitors look at humanoid robots on display in Wuhan, central China’s Hubei Province, Feb. 5, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A visitor looks at a humanoid robot in Wuhan, central China’s Hubei Province, Feb. 5, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Visitors look at humanoid robots on display in Wuhan, central China’s Hubei Province, Feb. 5, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A visitor shakes hands with a humanoid robot on display in Wuhan, central China’s Hubei Province, Feb. 5, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A humanoid robot is on display in Wuhan, central China’s Hubei Province, Feb. 5, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Festive preparations underway for Lantern Festival in Jiaxing, E China

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

    Festive preparations underway for Lantern Festival in Jiaxing, E China

    Updated: February 7, 2025 09:39 Xinhua
    Actors perform at a park in Nanhu District of Jiaxing, east China’s Zhejiang Province, Feb. 6, 2025. Festive preparations are underway in Nanhu District of Jiaxing for the upcoming Lantern Festival. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Festive lanterns are pictured in Nanhu District of Jiaxing, east China’s Zhejiang Province, Feb. 6, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Volunteers and residents make festive lanterns at Nongxiang community in Nanhu District of Jiaxing, east China’s Zhejiang Province, Feb. 6, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A girl holding a lantern walks on a bridge in Nanhu District of Jiaxing, east China’s Zhejiang Province, Feb. 6, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People look at festive lanterns in Nanhu District of Jiaxing, east China’s Zhejiang Province, Feb. 6, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People pose for photos with festive decorations in Nanhu District of Jiaxing, east China’s Zhejiang Province, Feb. 6, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Festive lanterns are pictured in Nanhu District of Jiaxing, east China’s Zhejiang Province, Feb. 6, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An intangible cultural heritage market is pictured at a park in Nanhu District of Jiaxing, east China’s Zhejiang Province, Feb. 6, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Over 11,000 suspects arrested in 2024 investigation of major cross-border gambling cases

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Chinese police arrested more than 11,000 suspects in the course of the investigation of 45 major cross-border gambling cases in 2024, the Ministry of Public Security announced on Thursday.
    Public security authorities across China investigated and handled a total of 73,000 cases related to cross-border gambling and associated crimes last year, with over 4,500 online gambling platforms dismantled in the process, according to the ministry.
    The ministry added that these efforts had further strengthened the “overwhelming crackdown” on cross-border gambling activities — as the police had eradicated multiple recruitment networks and underground financial channels operated by major overseas gambling syndicates within China.
    In response to certain overseas cities luring Chinese tourists for gambling activities, relevant Chinese authorities introduced a tourism destination blacklist targeting cross-border gambling risks, imposing restrictions on listed destinations such as the suspension of outbound group tours.
    Restrictive measures targeting the first batch of blacklisted destinations were implemented in August 2020.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Delivery of Liqing-2 rocket engine completed

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Delivery of China’s liquid oxygen kerosene engine, named Liqing-2, has been completed, its developer CAS Space said on Thursday.
    The delivered piece of equipment is a 110-tonne pin engine, according to the company. Pin injection was applied in both the gas generator and thrust chamber of Liqing-2, the first stage engine of the company’s Lijian series rockets.
    The engine thrust ratio ranges from 50 to 100 percent, CAS Space revealed, while adding that the ground thrust can reach 110 tonnes.
    The Liqing-2 engine development project was approved in the second quarter of 2023 — and production started in the first quarter of 2024.
    At the beginning of 2025, the engine completed the whole machine liquid flow test, assembly and delivery review.
    As the main rockets used in China’s commercial space industry, the Lijian-1 series has now launched a total of 57 satellites in the course of five flight missions.
    CAS Space is a commercial spaceflight company established by the Institute of Mechanics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Hacienda Heights Men Arrested in Alleged Large-Scale Smuggling Scheme from China through L.A.-Area Ports

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LOS ANGELES – Two men have been arrested on a criminal complaint by federal law enforcement for allegedly participating in a conspiracy to smuggle contraband from China into the United States via the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, the Justice Department announced today.

    Zhongliang Wang, 39, of Hacienda Heights, was arrested Wednesday. Chenyu Zhao, 31, also of Hacienda Heights, was arrested last Thursday as he was boarding a plane on a one-way ticket to China. Both defendants were charged with conspiracy and illegally removing goods from customs custody. Wang and Zhao allegedly directed cargo shipping containers flagged for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) secondary inspection to unauthorized off-site locations, where they unloaded the contraband in the containers, replaced it with filler cargo, and then returned the cargo containers to CBP for inspection, in an attempt to deceive customs officials and evade law enforcement.

    To date, law enforcement has seized more than $1.3 billion worth of contraband associated with this and similar cargo-swapping schemes. According to the court documents, a search of one warehouse used by the group charged in this case led to the seizure of significant quantities of counterfeit goods, including luxury handbags and footwear, as well as approximately 19.5 kilograms of enobosarm, an illicit steroid.   

    “Protecting our nation’s borders from illegal smuggling is a top priority,” said Acting United States Attorney Joseph McNally. “These arrests highlight the unrelenting efforts of law enforcement to dismantle criminal networks that seek to exploit our trade system and endanger American businesses and consumers.”

    According to court documents, Zhao and other co-conspirators maintained and operated warehouses to store, conceal and sell large amounts of contraband goods that were illegally imported into the United States from China. When the contraband containers were selected by CBP for inspection, the defendants hired commercial truck drivers to transport the containers from the ports to locations that the conspirators controlled, including at least one warehouse in the City of Industry that was controlled or managed by Zhao and others.

    At these locations, co-conspirators broke the security seals on the shipping containers and removed the contraband from inside. Then, they affixed counterfeit security seals onto the containers to conceal that the cargo had been tampered with. Wang, Zhao and others then directed co-conspirators to transport the containers – after they had been emptied of much of their original cargo and re-secured with counterfeit seals – to CBP-authorized locations for the “filler” cargo to be presented to customs officials for inspection.

    Wang, Zhao and others paid fees to co-conspirators that were substantially above normal trucking fees to transport the contraband shipping containers.  As alleged in the complaint, Wang paid $15,000 to divert a single cargo container in December of 2024. 

    A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    If convicted of all charges, Wang and Zhao would face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for each conspiracy count and up to 10 years in federal prison for each count of breaking customs seals.

    Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Coast Guard Investigative Services are investigating this matter.

    This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Colin S. Scott and Amanda B. Elbogen of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section are prosecuting this matter.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy Highlights His Plans to Hold China Accountable, Protect Louisiana Ricers, Shrimpers to Trump USTR Nominee

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

    [embedded content]

    WASHINGTON –U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today outlined his plan to hold China accountable through his Foreign Pollution Fee and addressed the need to protect Louisiana ricers and shrimpers from foreign competitors during U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) nominee Jamieson Greer’s confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate Finance Committee.
    “You have been concerned—expressed skepticism—about the need for binding dispute mechanisms at the WTO, but my rice producers and others have won decisions at the WTO on commitments by other countries on agricultural subsidies, and yet they’re not enforced. And so, are my agricultural people just out in the cold? … Help my rice producer here. How are we going to handle that?” asked Dr. Cassidy.
    “Senator, I think you’re exactly right, and that’s part of the reason why I show skepticism sometimes about the WTO,” replied Greer. “We have to have enforcement, and at the end of the day, what that means is USTR has to go to the country and enforce the law, and sometimes that means imposing tariffs on them.”
    “About 40 percent of the imported shrimp to the United States come from India. Now the EU, Japan, and the U.S. finds illegal antibiotics in their shipments. And there’s also allegations that they use forced labor at every step of the supply chain… Would you commit to putting a— slapping a tariff on the shrimp if we can show that it’s being imported under those circumstances?” asked Dr. Cassidy.
    “If we have an investigation and it shows their unfair trading practices, you can certainly impose a tariff or other measures if that trade practice isn’t remedied. I think it’s really important to work with you and the shrimpers because if they feel like they’re not getting the relief they need from trade remedies or other venues, then we need to explore whether it’s section 301, or other tools, to make sure that we’re detecting the unfairnesses and addressing it,” said Greer. 
    When discussing Cassidy’s Foreign Pollution Fee Act, Greer recognized the unlevel playfield that requires the use of tariffs to hold other countries accountable for unfair trade practices. 
    “[O]ne thing I am concerned about is that China is not using, not enforcing environmental regulations… [I]t lowers their cost of manufacturing by not enforcing those environmental regulations by 20 percent, and our industry moves there because they just lowered their manufacturing costs by 20 percent by dumping their air pollution on us. Now if this is classical economics, you would tax the externality, and I have proposed a fee on the carbon-intense product from countries which do not enforce internationally accepted norms on pollution control. Any thoughts upon that?” asked Dr. Cassidy. 
    “I think you’ve articulated the problem statement very well. I think there’s an unlevel playing field, and I think that other countries take advantage of total lack of environmental regulations,” said Greer. 
    Background 
    In December, Cassidy and U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) released a new discussion draft of their Foreign Pollution Fee Act to level the playing field with Chinese manufacturing and expand American production. In addition, the Steel Manufacturers Association, which represents 70 percent of the nation’s steel production, called on President-elect Trump and Congress to institute a foreign pollution fee.
    The Foreign Pollution Fee Act was a key topic at Cassidy’s Louisiana Energy Security Summit last fall. The summit featured ten panels that explored protecting U.S. interests from unfair trade practices, Louisiana’s low-emission manufacturing advantage, and the role of natural gas in strengthening U.S. geopolitical influence. Panelists included the CEOs of Entergy, First Solar, Buzzi UnicemUSA, Orsted, and Aluminum Technologies, former Trump administration officials, and leaders from Louisiana trade associations and major energy and Fortune 500 companies. 
    In 2023, the Louisiana Senate and House of Representatives unanimously adopted a resolution urging Congress to pursue an industrial manufacturing and trade policy to counter competition from China. 
    On Louisiana shrimp and rice, Cassidy introduced two bills last Congress to protect both industries against China and India’s dumping of cheap agricultural products into U.S. markets. The Prioritizing Offensive Agricultural Disputes and Enforcement Act and the India Shrimp Tariff Act will protect the Louisiana agricultural industry while ensuring that food that appears on U.S. store shelves meets U.S. health standards.
    Last year, Cassidy worked to secure $27,152,411.00 for Louisiana fisheries, shrimpers, and fishing communities affected by natural disasters between 2017 and 2022.
    In April 2024, Cassidy advocated for Louisiana shrimpers and rice producers at a U.S. Senate Finance Committee hearing with USTR Ambassador Katherine Tai. He pressed her on progress USTR is making to prevent shrimp dumping from Asia. Cassidy also highlighted a whistleblower report on the safety of shrimp imported from India.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall on RFD-TV: President Trump Will Take Care of Our American Farmers and Ranchers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. joined RFD-TV to discuss this week’s Senate Ag Committee hearing, the challenges farmers are facing, trade agreements, and President Trump’s tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada.

    [embedded content]

    You may click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full interview.
    Highlights from Senator Marshall’s interview include:
    On the challenges farmers are facing:
    “I don’t have to tell your listeners that we had a record drop in net farm income that was basically due to high interest rates and high input costs. Again, you’re all well aware of those as well and the regulatory environment we’re drowning in.”
    “The mental health of farmers, the farmer suicide issue comes to mind. The right to work on your own property and work on your own tractors and machinery. All those little issues add up, the average age of the farmer, I think is in the 60s now. So plenty of challenges out there, and our challenge up here now is just to prioritize those and do what we can to help the American farmer and rancher.”
    On the importance of trade agreements benefitting farmers:
    “We got to talk about trade. And certainly, we’re grateful for the past trade agreements. President Trump got done with USMCA, South Korea, Japan…And Joe Biden didn’t do any new trade agreements. So for four years, we’ve sat idle, and we’re looking forward to President Trump hopping back in there and doing some strong bilateral trade agreements.”
    On President Trump’s tariffs on Mexico and Canada:
    “This is a drug war and not a trade war. And first and foremost, my farmers and ranchers, they’re parents and grandparents. And this is about the fentanyl drug war, that we’re losing 200 Americans every day from fentanyl poisoning. We’re losing 75,000 Americans every year from fentanyl poisoning, more than we lost in the entire Vietnam War. So President Trump has asked Canada, Mexico, and China, to stop the nonsense.” 
    “These precursors were mostly made in China, but now a lot of the precursors are in laboratories in Canada. So we need those countries to step up. And they are.” 
    “I think as long as over the next 30 days, we see significant progress that the tariffs on Mexico and Canada won’t come to fruition, at least I hope they don’t. But I do appreciate President Trump worried about our national security, and I appreciate that our farmers and ranchers are patriots and still supporting him.” 
    “And don’t forget one last thing, the last time we had it out with China, President Trump gave farmers and ranchers $28 billion from that tariff money. He’s not forgotten about us. We’re a huge priority to President Donald J. Trump.”
    On China promising retaliatory tariffs:
    “China is just next to impossible to deal with, and America needs to divorce from China as much as possible. You know, they’re constantly stealing our intellectual property. We talked about the fentanyl issues already. They’re trying to buy up American farmland. They don’t play fair. They simply don’t.”
    “We’ve given them huge breaks for decades now. They’ve had 25-50, 75% tariffs on American goods and products forever, and now we just want it to be fair and equal. They’re no longer a developing nation, so we have to play hardball with them before they’re going to come to the table.” 
    “This is why USMCA was so important – that Canada and Mexico are our number one trade partners now for agriculture…at the end of the day, I have faith in President Trump that he’s going to take care of the American farmer and rancher. I think we could come back and talk about 45Z someday, and how we’re hoping President Trump will support that in the biofuels industry, rolling back regulations. I think that you can count on President Trump to champion that so we can’t look at all these issues in little single silos.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese ring in Year of the Snake with travel, spending boom

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Passengers are seen at the waiting hall of Beijing South Railway Station in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 4, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    As China celebrated the arrival of the Year of the Snake, the festive atmosphere was reflected in a surge in travel and consumer spending. With tourism booming, restaurants bustling, and box offices setting new records, the festivities showcased China’s economic vitality.
    The Spring Festival, China’s most important festival, sparked a nationwide travel surge as families reunited and celebrations took place across the country. Official data showed that more than 2.3 billion passenger trips were made nationwide during the eight-day Spring Festival holiday, which concluded on Tuesday.
    Official projections estimated over 9 billion passenger trips during the 40-day Spring Festival travel rush that officially began on Jan. 14.
    The annual migration — once dominated by homebound travelers — now sees a growing number of people opting for holiday getaways, filling train stations, highways, and airports in celebration of the Year of the Snake.
    Tourism soars on heritage charm
    With China’s Spring Festival now on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, cultural exploration-centered tours have become increasingly popular.
    Online searches for “intangible cultural heritage tourism” jumped 174 percent since the beginning of this year, while folk craft-related searches spiked 321 percent, according to Meituan Travel. On the popular video-sharing platform Douyin, demand for intangible cultural heritage tours led to a 462 percent year-on-year rise in group tour bookings for folk fairs.
    According to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, China saw a record 501 million domestic tourist trips during the just-concluded holiday, up 5.9 percent year on year. Tourist spending reached a record high of over 677 billion yuan (94.43 billion U.S. dollars) during the period, a 7 percent increase from the previous year.
    The cultural allure extended beyond domestic travelers, attracting visitors from around the globe. The latest data from the National Immigration Administration showed about 14.37 million cross-border trips were made during the holiday, up 6.3 percent from last year’s Spring Festival holiday. Of these, 958,000 trips were made by foreign nationals, marking a 22.9 percent increase.

    Foreign tourists try to make tofu during a folk celebration of the Spring Festival in Wayaogang Village, Yongding District of Zhangjiajie City, central China’s Hunan Province, Jan. 24, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    According to Chinese online travel service giant Trip.com Group, inbound travel orders during the Spring Festival holiday rose 203 percent year on year, underscoring the growing international appeal of China’s cultural and natural landmarks.
    Among the top destinations was Zhangjiajie in Hunan Province, renowned for its spectacular mountain scenery that inspired scenes in global blockbusters. Malaysian tourist Vincent Koh Swee Sam was among the many international visitors drawn to cultural heritage in Zhangjiajie. Immersing himself in local festivities, Sam joined villagers in writing Spring Festival couplets, pounding glutinous rice cakes, and making tofu.
    Sam’s hands-on experience with Chinese calligraphy deepened his appreciation for the art. “I used to know China only through textbooks and maps,” he said. “But now that I have stepped into it myself, it feels so good.”
    Dining boom feeds festive spirit
    No Spring Festival is complete without a grand feast, and this year, more families chose to dine out for ease and variety, driving a surge in restaurant bookings.
    In Shanghai’s bustling city center, all 91 tables at the renowned Cantonese restaurant Xinya were packed with diners on Chinese New Year’s Eve, according to executive chef Huang Renkang.

    People have a reunion meal at a restaurant in Nanjing City, east China’s Jiangsu Province, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    According to the Ministry of Commerce (MOC), the revenues of key restaurants tracked by the ministry climbed 5.1 percent year on year in the first four days of the holiday.
    Online platforms saw a similar rise. Meituan reported a 305 percent year-on-year increase in online bookings for Chinese New Year’s Eve dinners, while high-end restaurants featuring Chinese culinary experiences saw significant growth.
    Notably, orders for “intangible cultural heritage” meal packages searched on Meituan soared over 12 times year on year since the beginning of this year.
    Box office hits record high
    From Chinese mythology to homegrown animation, this year’s Spring Festival film lineup drew massive crowds and posted record-breaking sales.
    China’s box office sales jumped to an all-time high of 9.51 billion yuan over the holiday period, while attendance also set a new record, with 187 million moviegoers packing theaters.

    People watch a film at a cinema in Feidong County, Hefei City, east China’s Anhui Province, Feb. 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Leading the charge was the animated feature “Ne Zha 2,” which grossed around 4.84 billion yuan.
    “The moviegoers’ enthusiasm indicates vibrant consumption during the holiday as well as the consumers’ confidence in domestic productions,” said Rao Shuguang, president of the China Film Critics Association.
    Experts attributed the success to strong audience anticipation, beloved characters and stories, and high-quality storytelling.
    “The strong performance of these films lays a solid foundation for the steady growth of China’s film market in 2025,” noted Chen Jin, a data analyst from box office tracker Beacon.
    Policy boost sparks shopping spree
    Festive cheer and consumer enthusiasm energized the market even before the holiday began. With the country’s trade-in program driving demand, shoppers eagerly seized the opportunity to upgrade cars, home appliances, and digital devices, ushering in a vibrant holiday shopping season.

    People visit a flower market in Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, south China’s Guangdong Province, Jan. 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    The MOC reported receiving subsidy applications for 10.79 million electronic devices over a four-day period starting Jan. 20. This follows the inclusion of mobile phones, tablets, and smartwatches in the trade-in subsidy program, marking a significant expansion of the initiative launched in March last year.
    Moreover, according to the ministry, automobile trade-ins reached 34,000 while home appliance trade-ins reached 1.04 million units as of Jan. 23.
    Building on this momentum, online retail sales grew by 5.8 percent during the eight-day holiday, while sales of home appliances and communication equipment at key retailers jumped by over 10 percent.
    “Spring Festival offers a glimpse into the year’s economic trends,” said Chen Lifen, a researcher at the Development Research Center of the State Council.
    In this holiday season, a blend of cultural experiences and new consumption scenarios has helped reinforce the economic recovery momentum, injecting confidence into the economy and setting a strong foundation for the year ahead, Chen noted.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese researchers propose sustainable water treatment strategies

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    A Chinese research team has proposed new strategies for sustainable water treatment with a focus on chemicals of emerging concern (CECs).
    CECs such as pesticides, industrial additives and disinfection byproducts have been increasingly detected in drinking water and blood serum samples.
    Existing water treatment technologies are generally limited in their ability to remove CECs, and often face challenges such as high energy consumption, excessive chemical use and increased carbon emissions.
    Researchers from the Harbin Institute of Technology’s Shenzhen campus proposed that integrating riverbank filtration with reverse osmosis could effectively mitigate the water-quality and health risks posed by CECs.
    They noted that after this proposed treatment, cancer and non-cancer disease risks in drinking water would both fall below the safety thresholds recommended by the World Health Organization.
    Additionally, their study found that by utilizing membrane-based water treatment technology that minimizes chemical usage and enhances efficiency, while also extending the lifespan of membrane modules and improving energy recovery, the environmental impact on the atmosphere, water and soil ecosystems throughout the entire water treatment life cycle can be reduced significantly.
    The research team also noted that these approaches could facilitate the development and application of safe, sustainable, low-carbon water treatment systems — particularly in countries and regions that have advanced clean energy technologies, and where renewable energy has a high proportion in the overall energy capacity.
    The study was published in the journal Nature Communications.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese developer completes delivery of Liqing-2 rocket engine

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Delivery of China’s liquid oxygen kerosene engine, named Liqing-2, has been completed, its developer CAS Space said on Thursday.
    The delivered piece of equipment is a 110-tonne pin engine, according to the company. Pin injection was applied in both the gas generator and thrust chamber of Liqing-2, the first stage engine of the company’s Lijian series rockets.
    The engine thrust ratio ranges from 50 to 100 percent, CAS Space revealed, while adding that the ground thrust can reach 110 tonnes.
    The Liqing-2 engine development project was approved in the second quarter of 2023 — and production started in the first quarter of 2024.
    At the beginning of 2025, the engine completed the whole machine liquid flow test, assembly and delivery review.
    As the main rockets used in China’s commercial space industry, the Lijian-1 series has now launched a total of 57 satellites in the course of five flight missions.
    CAS Space is a commercial spaceflight company established by the Institute of Mechanics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

    MIL OSI China News –