NewzIntel.com

Category: China

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “Winter in Moscow”: “Active Citizens” Will Evaluate the “Chinese New Year” Sites

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    In the project “Active Citizen” voting has begun, dedicated to the festival “Chinese New Year in Moscow”. Participants will tell what events they would like to attend and evaluate the design of city venues. You can choose up to five answers to each question.

    The festival will last until February 9. Residents and guests of the capital will get acquainted with the culture and traditions of the Celestial Empire, see theatrical performances, drum shows, as well as dragon and Chinese lion dances. In addition, master classes will teach everyone how to make Chinese lanterns, paper fans and other souvenirs.

    The main venue will be Manezhnaya Square. Events will also take place at the Moscow Zoo, Moskino Cinema Park, VDNKh, Bolotnaya and Tverskaya Squares and other places. You can see the detailed schedule on the project’s special page “Winter in Moscow”, of which the festival became a part, and in “Russpass-magazine”.

    The capital celebrates Chinese New Year as part of the cross-cultural Years of Russia and China. The festival is organized by the Moscow Government with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Russia.

    For participating in the voting, “active citizens” will be awarded points in the city’s loyalty program “A Million Prizes”Muscovites can use them to receive souvenirs with logos of electronic projects, top up the Troika transport card and the parking account of the Parking of Russia application. In addition, points can be donated to charity.

    Voting (link) prepared by Department of Culture of the City of Moscow,Moscow City Tourism Committee and the project “Active Citizen”.

    Project “Active Citizen” has been operating since 2014. During this time, more than seven million people have joined it. In total, over seven thousand votes have been held. Every month, 30-40 decisions made by Muscovites are implemented in the city. The project is being developed Department of Information Technology of the City of Moscow and the State Institution “New Management Technologies”.

    The creation, development and operation of the electronic government infrastructure, including the provision of mass socially significant services, as well as other services in electronic form, corresponds to the objectives of the national project “Data Economy and Digital Transformation of the State”and the regional project of the city of Moscow “Digital Public Administration”.

    Project “Winter in Moscow”— the main event of the season, which until February 28 unites various events of the capital. Citizens and tourists are invited to remember traditions and history, warm up with tea and hot buns, go skating, skiing and tubing, watch ice shows, give gifts to people who find themselves in a difficult life situation, show care for those who need it.

    Muscovites and guests of the capital are offered a huge selection of events in the open air and in cultural and sports institutions. The atmosphere of winter traditions has engulfed the entire city – more than 1.9 thousand sites are open. The largest festivals of the capital are organically woven into the project: “Moscow Estates”, “Moscow Tea Party”, “City of Light” and many others. All information about the project and winter season events can be found in a special section Mos.ru.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/149429073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Qiongzhou Strait enhances ferry services

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Staff members check before the departure of a ferry carrying new energy vehicles at Xiuying Port, Haikou City of south China’s Hainan Province, Jan. 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    To brace for the Spring Festival travel rush and better manage the influx of tourists and vehicles in Hainan, authorities have enhanced ferry services across the Qiongzhou Strait and upgraded piers to ensure safe ocean transport.
    Ferries specifically designated for transporting new energy vehicles (NEVs) have also been put into operation. At least 20 voyages of this ferries have been scheduled daily, which can guarantee 3,500 NEVs in or out of the island, during this travel rush.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Tesla suing EU over tariffs on China-made EVs

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    United States electric vehicle, or EV, maker Tesla is challenging the European Union’s decision to slap hefty import tariffs on China-made electric autos.

    The legal action by the company, which is owned by technology guru Elon Musk, is similar to court challenges launched last week by German automaker BMW and Chinese carmakers, including BYD Auto, SAIC Motor, and Geely. Chinese industry body the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products has also launched a legal challenge in the EU’s courts. And China’s government has filed a complaint about the bloc’s tariffs with the World Trade Organization.

    The European Court of Justice confirmed Tesla’s legal challenge on Monday.

    Olof Gill, the EU’s trade spokesperson, told Agence France-Presse: “We take note of these cases and we look forward to defending ourselves in court as necessary.”

    Tesla’s legal challenge is in response to the EU introducing tariffs at the end of October of 7.8 percent on Tesla’s China-made vehicles. The bloc has also set tariffs of up to 35.3 percent on other China-made EVs. The new tariffs come on top of a 10 percent standard import tariff that was already in place for electric vehicle imports into the EU.

    The bloc said it introduced the China-specific tariffs in response to what it says are unfair subsidies that include low-interest loans, cheap land, and supplier discounts, claims China has strongly denied.

    Tesla’s legal challenge will be heard in the EU’s General Court. Any verdict handed down there could then be challenged in the European Court of Justice.

    The court case comes against the backdrop of deteriorating relations between the EU and Musk, who is the world’s richest individual.

    Musk, who owns the social media platform X, has spoken out strongly against the bloc’s efforts to regulate internet activity. He has also angered the EU by throwing his support behind far-right political parties, including Germany’s Alternative for Germany.

    Critics have said Musk’s political activism may have contributed to Tesla’s recent decline in Europe, with the brand seeing its sales fall by 13 percent, year-on-year, in 2024, to 242,945 units, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association. Around 28 percent of Chinese-made electric automobiles imported into the EU in 2023 were Teslas.

    Around one-fifth of all electric cars sold in the EU – some 300,000 units – are made in China.

    The court case is likely to take around 18 months to complete.

    Tesla has also called on the Canadian government to scrap its 100 percent tariff on electric cars imported from China.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China shortens assessment time for invention patents

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

    BEIJING, Jan. 29 — The average review time for invention patents in China has been reduced to 15.5 months, according to the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA).

    The CNIPA also noted that the average review time for trademark registrations remains stable at four months.

    There are currently 124 national intellectual property protection centers and rapid service centers in the country, covering 29 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities.

    The average processing time for intellectual property rights protection cases remains within two weeks. According to the CNIPA, the average mediation time for intellectual property disputes under its guidance is within 28 days.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: DeepSeek: why the hot new Chinese AI chatbot has big privacy and security problems

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mohiuddin Ahmed, Senior Lecturer of Computing and Security, Edith Cowan University

    The Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) company DeepSeek has rattled the tech industry with the release of free, cheaply made AI models that compete with the best US products such as ChatGPT.

    Users are rushing to check out the new chatbot, sending DeepSeek’s AI Assistant to the top of the iPhone and Android app charts in many countries.

    However, authorities have sounded a note of caution. US officials are examining the app’s “national security implications”. Australia’s former cybersecurity minister said national security agencies will soon issue formal guidance for users.

    Why are governments and security experts so concerned? The main issue is the app is made in China and stores data there – but that doesn’t mean all the worry is just xenophobia.

    What information does DeepSeek record?

    DeepSeek does not appear to be spyware, in the sense it doesn’t seem to be collecting data without your consent. However, like many online services, it clearly tells you it will record a lot of data about you and your behaviour.

    Specifically, the company’s privacy policy says it collects three categories of information.

    First, there is information you provide directly, such as your name and email address and any text you type in or files you upload.

    Next, there is automatically collected information, such as what kind of device you are using, your IP address, details of how you use the services, cookies, and payment information.

    Finally, there is information from other sources, such as Apple or Google login services, or third-party advertising and analytics companies.

    This is broadly similar to the data collected by ChatGPT and Claude.

    What does DeepSeek do with the information?

    DeepSeek says it uses this information for a range of purposes: to provide services, enforce terms of use, communicate with users, and review and improve performance.

    The policy also contains a rather sweeping clause saying the company may use the information to “comply with our legal obligations, or as necessary to perform tasks in the public interest, or to protect the vital interests of our users and other people”.

    DeepSeek also says it may share this information with third parties, including advertising and analytics companies as well as “law enforcement agencies, public authorities, copyright holders, or other third parties”.

    DeepSeek will also keep the information “for as long as necessary” for a broad range of purposes.

    Again, this is all fairly standard practice for modern online services.

    Causes for concern

    Much of the cause for concern around DeepSeek comes from the fact the company is based in China, vulnerable to Chinese cyber criminals and subject to Chinese law.

    DeepSeek stores the information it collects “in secure servers located in the People’s Republic of China”. The company says it maintains “commercially reasonable technical, administrative, and physical security measures” to protect the information.

    However, we should keep in mind that China is one of the most cyber crime-prone countries in the world – ranking third behind Russia and Ukraine in a 2024 study.

    So even if DeepSeek does not intentionally disclose information, there is still a considerable risk it will be accessed by nefarious actors.

    China is home to a sophisticated ecosystem of cyber crime organisations that often build detailed profiles of potential targets. Microsoft and others have accused the Chinese government of collaborating with cybercrime networks on cybercrime attacks.

    These organisations can use personal information to craft convincing targeted phishing attacks, which try to trick people into revealing more sensitive information such as bank details.

    Should you download DeepSeek?

    So, should you download DeepSeek?

    If you are an experienced user who is familiar with online privacy and the capabilities of modern AI systems, go ahead – but proceed with caution and be very wary about what information you share.

    And if you’re less experienced – if you’re a casual user who is less internet-savvy – my expert advice is to stay well away. DeepSeek won’t give you much you can’t get from other chatbots such as ChatGPT or Claude, and it might make your data vulnerable to Chinese cyber criminals and subject to Chinese law.

    DeepSeek also raises questions for governments. Efforts to prevent scams and cybercrime often focus on banks, telecommunications companies, and social media platforms – but what about chatbots?

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

    – ref. DeepSeek: why the hot new Chinese AI chatbot has big privacy and security problems – https://theconversation.com/deepseek-why-the-hot-new-chinese-ai-chatbot-has-big-privacy-and-security-problems-248544

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Macao SAR eyes new progress in Year of Snake

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    The chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) Sam Hou Fai said on Tuesday that in the Year of the Snake, Macao will strive to enhance governance capacity, promote economic diversification, and proactively integrate into the national development paradigm.
    Sam made the remarks in his Spring Festival message, extending New Year wishes to the residents of Macao.
    Noting that the snake symbolizes wisdom, sensitivity, flexibility, and auspiciousness in Chinese culture, Sam said that while there may be uncertainties on the path toward the future and rapid changes may occur in the international landscape, the motherland “will always be our staunch supporter.”
    The chief executive noted that this new year marks the first year of the inauguration of the sixth-term SAR government, adding, “We will continue to strengthen the implementation of the ‘one country, two systems’ principle and uphold national security with a greater sense of responsibility.”
    In constructing the Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Sam underlined that he and his team will make achievements in implementing innovative policies and integrating regulations, bolster advancements in industry development and foundation building, and expedite a new stage of Macao-Hengqin integration in the areas of systems, mechanisms, policies, and others.
    Zheng Xincong, director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR, said on Tuesday that with the care of the central government, strong support of the motherland, and joint efforts of the SAR government and all sectors of society, the “one country, two systems” policy will certainly take new steps and present a new outlook.
    Standing at a new historic starting point, he added, it is believed that Macao will make the path toward appropriate economic diversification broader and more solid.
    Liu Xianfa, commissioner of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Macao SAR, said in his message that in the new year, the foreign affairs office will further strengthen safeguarding national security, fully support the chief executive and the SAR government in governing by law, and assist the SAR in expanding foreign exchanges and cooperation.
    Liu added that the office will also promote the introduction of more measures to facilitate the movement of people between China and foreign countries, increase efforts to attract international investment to the in-depth cooperation zone in Hengqin, and better protect the rights and interests of Macao compatriots overseas. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: DeepSeek’s success challenges assumptions about Chinese tech companies – and the US-China competition

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Wanning Sun, Professor of Media and Cultural Studies, University of Technology Sydney

    The release of the new DeepSeek-R1 artificial intelligence (AI) model has shocked the tech world.

    Launched on January 20 with little fanfare, the Chinese AI model was reportedly developed at only a fraction of the cost of OpenAI’s GPT-4o, and over a much shorter period of time. One Chinese commentator has called its release a “Pearl Harbor attack” on the AI world.

    Though the reference to an “attack” may be a strong word, it alludes to the growing competition between the United States and China over dominance in the AI sphere, which the US had been leading thus far.

    Indeed, people across China were celebrating a homegrown success story on Wednesday, as DeepSeek’s AI app soared to the top of the Apple and Google stores in the US.

    So, what does the emergence of DeepSeek’s model say about US-China competition in this space?

    Chinese government control

    First, DeepSeek’s success is undoubtedly sending a message to the Chinese government that excessive control kills innovation.

    Until mid-2023, enthusiasm for innovation in China’s tech companies had been stifled by increasingly restrictive regulations. The Chinese government had embarked on a sweeping crackdown of tech companies like Alibaba and others in order to prevent the spread of rampant entrepreneurial capitalism in China.

    The launch of ChatGPT in 2023 promised to open up exciting new frontiers for the development of AI in the West. But it must have come as a rude shock to China’s tech companies. The Chinese government changed tact and reassured them that it recognised the crucial role of the digital economy as a key driver of economic growth. It soon began to relax its tight grip over the sector.

    But the elephant in the room is how DeepSeek – and China’s AI companies in general – will deal with censorship.

    As it stands, politically sensitive words and questions seem to be no-go areas for DeepSeek. When asked what happened on June 4 1989 in Tiananmen Square (the site of the government’s crackdown on democracy protesters), the chatbot’s answer was along the lines of, “Sorry, that’s beyond my current scope. Let’s talk about something else.”

    This raises the question: can a Chinese AI tool be truly competitive in the global tech race without a solution to the challenge of censorship?

    US efforts to contain Chinese tech development

    Meanwhile, the US has adopted a wide array of measures aiming at curbing China’s AI development over the past few years. These included the Biden administration’s attempts to restrict China’s access to the advanced chips needed for AI, as well as the export of chip-making equipment and other technology to China.

    The US has also blacklisted a large number of Chinese entities that it has identified as having both military and commercial technology.

    The launch of DeepSeek raises questions over the effectiveness of these US attempts to “de-risk” from China in relation to scientific and academic collaboration.

    For one, DeepSeek was able to evade US restrictions on advanced chips by stockpiling downgraded chips made by Nvidia before the Biden administration moved to ban them.

    Western observers have often portrayed China’s AI initiatives as limited due to these US controls. However, these observers have somehow failed to take seriously the emergence of a new generation of Chinese entrepreneurs who prioritise foundational research and long-term technological advancement over quick profits.

    DeepSeek is a good example of this approach. It has embraced open-source methods, pooling collective expertise and fostering collaborative innovation. This approach not only mitigates resource constraints, but also accelerates the development of cutting-edge technologies.

    Another common assumption in the West is that Chinese companies are mere followers or imitators. DeepSeek’s achievements likewise challenge this perception. As the company’s chief executive, Liang Wenfeng, said to one Chinese media outlet:

    Innovation such as ours happens all the time in the US. The Americans are surprised by us, mainly because we are a Chinese company, and we are entering their game as an innovator with original contribution, not as followers.

    DeepSeek’s success also calls into question the legislation supported by both the Biden and Trump administrations that aims to prevent Chinese graduate students from attending universities in the US.

    The assumption behind what researchers call “STEM talent de-coupling” is that the Chinese government may use some of these students to engage in knowledge and technology transfer when they return to China.

    Liang, however, never studied outside China. And he recruited graduates and students from top Chinese universities to staff his research team. None studied overseas.

    These developers belong to a generation of young, patriotic Chinese who harbour personal ambition, as well as a broader commitment to advancing China’s position as a global innovation leader.

    What does this mean for Australia?

    In Australia, the initial reaction to DeepSeek’s AI chatbot has been one of
    caution, even concern. Clare O’Neil, the former cyber security minister, said the government would examine more closely how the app works before providing guidance to Australians on potential data security concerns.

    But DeepSeek may also be a reminder that Australia’s scientific collaborations should be guided primarily by research excellence rather than geopolitical considerations. To stay competitive and reduce its reliance on external technology providers, Australia needs to invest in its own AI research infrastructure and build its own talent pool.

    A narrow focus on political alignments and a growing paranoia about partnering with Chinese researchers means that Australia risks missing out on the next wave of breakthrough technologies.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. DeepSeek’s success challenges assumptions about Chinese tech companies – and the US-China competition – https://theconversation.com/deepseeks-success-challenges-assumptions-about-chinese-tech-companies-and-the-us-china-competition-248531

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The virtual game “Winter in Moscow” now features a symbol of the Chinese New Year

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    In a game with augmented reality “Winter in Moscow”, available in the application of the digital tourist service Russpass, a new cartoon has appeared. The red and gold patterned snake has become the personification of the festival “Chinese New Year in Moscow”. It is the official symbol of 2025, created by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China.

    Explore Moscow with your smartphone

    According to the lunar calendar, the Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival of Chunjie, which signifies the renewal of nature and life’s opportunities, begins on January 29. According to the eastern calendar, 2025 is the year of the Green Wooden Snake, but the emblem was made in festive shades. In Chinese tradition, red (hong) brings good luck and protects from evil spirits, gold (jin) is associated with wealth and prosperity. The snake symbolizes wisdom, mystery and flexibility.

    The patterned snake can be caught at the sites of the festival “Chinese New Year in Moscow” and get the maximum amount of game currency for it – 800 snowflakes. The cartoon is on Tverskaya Square, Novy Arbat, VDNKh, Kamergersky Lane, the amusement park “Dream Island”, the Moscow Zoo and other places.

    Since the start of the augmented reality game “Winter in Moscow” Russpass app downloaded and updated more than 98 thousand times. After registration, users are given a map with cartoons that they need to catch using their smartphone while traveling around the city.

    Muscovites and tourists are catching the characters from the Soyuzmultfilm studio: Matroskin the cat from the animated series Prostokvashino, Gromozeka from The Secret of the Third Planet, Rooster from The Bremen Town Musicians, and hockey players from the Vympel and Meteor teams from Puck! Puck!

    For example, you can get 800 snowflakes for the parrot Kesha, who lives in the Museum of Moscow and the Ostafyevo Museum Estate. For Umka at the Worker and Kolkhoz Woman monument at VDNKh and the Lesnaya Skazka eco-center – 400. For Carlson at the Southern River Terminal and Vnukovo Airport – 200.

    Accumulated snowflakes open up promo codes for participants to exchange for points in the city loyalty program “A Million Prizes”.

    Chinese Lanterns and Dragon Dances

    The capital is once again celebrating the Chinese New Year on a grand scale as part of the cross-cultural years of 2024–2025.

    From January 28 to February 9, you can experience the atmosphere of China without leaving the capital: watch performances of national theaters on Manezhnaya Square and dragon dances on Tverskaya Square, attend a Chinese-style ice party at VDNKh, make paper dragons and master calligraphy on Bolotnaya Square. In addition, you can take many original photos on sites decorated with Chinese lanterns, air dragons, fans and coins.

    The Winter in Moscow project is the main event of the season, which until February 28 brings together various events in the capital. Citizens and tourists are invited to remember traditions and history, warm up with tea and hot buns, go skating, skiing and tubing, watch ice shows, give gifts to people who find themselves in a difficult life situation, and show concern for those who need it.

    Muscovites and guests of the capital are offered a huge selection of events in the open air and in cultural and sports institutions. The atmosphere of winter traditions has engulfed the entire city: more than 1.9 thousand sites are open. The project organically intertwined with the largest festivals of the capital “Moscow Estates”, “Moscow Tea Party”, “City of Light”, “Snow and Ice in Moscow” and many others. All information about the project and the events of the winter season can be found in a special section of mos.ru.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/149367073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “Chinese New Year”: what awaits guests of “Winter in Moscow” on Tverskoy Boulevard

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The Chinese New Year festival, which is taking place in the capital from January 28 to February 9 as part of the Winter in Moscow project, awaits guests at the venues on Tverskoy Boulevard. There are two chalets there, where master classes, lectures and creative activities are held under the guidance of experts in Eastern culture, including representatives of China and masters studying centuries-old traditions. Admission to all events is free.

    The festival was a continuation of the events dedicated to the Cross Years of Culture of Russia and China, and is timed to coincide with the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the countries.

    “Russia and China are the largest neighbors, they have been developing friendly and partnership relations for many decades. In order to strengthen mutual understanding between the peoples of our countries, it is necessary to talk about traditions and customs. The festival movement in Moscow unites and brings together the cultures of Russians and Chinese in holidays, games, master classes, theatrical performances,” said Olga Dolgikh, one of the organizers of the master classes within the framework of the festival, a teacher of the Chinese language, director of the Center for International Education and Professional Training.

    Spring Festival in a Chalet at the Monument to K.A. Timiryazev

    In the chalet, located near the monument to K.A. Timiryazev, guests will become acquainted with the world of Chinese art.

    On January 29 from 12:00 to 15:00 there will be a master class on traditional paper cutting – jianzhi. This activity as an element of the spring festival symbolizes happiness and prosperity, and the patterns created become a bright decoration of houses.

    On January 30, from 12:00 to 14:00, participants of the master class will create a composition called “Wild Orchid and Fry”, and from 19:00 to 19:45, they will create a snowflake, which is associated with spring in China.

    On January 31, from 12:00 to 14:00, guests will learn how to depict geranium, a flower that in Chinese art often symbolizes renewal and harmony.

    From 3 to 7 February, from 12:00 to 15:00, the chalet will host painting and calligraphy classes.

    On February 9 at 19:00 there will be a master class on drawing a meihua plum – a spring symbol of resilience, joy and the awakening of nature.

    Calligraphy, woodcut and tea ceremony in a chalet near the monument to S.A. Yesenin

    In the chalet near the monument to S.A. Yesenin, guests will discover Chinese calligraphy, woodcuts and tea drinking traditions.

    From January 29 to 31, from 12:00 to 15:00, calligraphy classes will be held here. Participants will learn how the elegant lines of hieroglyphs reflect the philosophy and aesthetics of China.

    On January 31 from 19:00 to 19:45, guests are invited to a lecture with a demonstration about the clothing of the main nationality of China, the Han. They will also demonstrate the traditional Chinese costume, Hanfu.

    On February 2, from 12:00 to 15:00, there will be a master class on Chinese xylography – printing from wooden boards, the ancient art of creating illustrations.

    On February 3 at 19:00, the chalet will host a master class on creating an image of a meihua plum. Participants will learn to work in the realistic Chinese painting technique of gongbi. It involves precise drawing of details and the use of delicate gradations of colors.

    On February 5 and 6, from 12:00 to 14:00, guests of the chalet will be immersed in the culture of Chinese tea drinking. Participants will learn how this drink became part of the culture of the Celestial Empire, and will also enjoy its taste and aroma.

    Project “Winter in Moscow”— the main event of the season, which until February 28 unites various events of the capital. Citizens and tourists are invited to remember traditions and history, warm up with tea and hot buns, go skating, skiing and tubing, watch ice shows, give gifts to people who find themselves in a difficult life situation, show care for those who need it.

    Muscovites and guests of the capital are offered a huge selection of events in the open air and in cultural and sports institutions. The atmosphere of winter traditions has engulfed the entire city – more than 1.9 thousand sites are open. The project organically intertwined with the largest festivals of the capital “Moscow Estates”, “Moscow Tea Party”, “City of Light”, “Snow and Ice in Moscow” and many others. All information about the project and winter season events can be found in a special section Mos.ru.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/149437073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s production of cattle, sheep, poultry remains stable

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    China’s production of cattle, sheep and poultry remained generally stable in 2024, while pig production declined, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics.

    In 2024, the country’s production of pork, beef, mutton and poultry meat reached 96.63 million tonnes, representing a year-on-year increase of 0.2 percent.

    Specifically, beef output rose 3.5 percent year on year to 7.79 million tonnes last year, while mutton output reached 5.18 million tonnes, down 2.5 percent.

    Poultry meat production increased 3.8 percent year on year, and pork production dipped 1.5 percent. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s production of cattle, sheep, poultry remains stable in 2024

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China’s production of cattle, sheep and poultry remained generally stable in 2024, while pig production declined, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics.

    In 2024, the country’s production of pork, beef, mutton and poultry meat reached 96.63 million tonnes, representing a year-on-year increase of 0.2 percent.

    Specifically, beef output rose 3.5 percent year on year to 7.79 million tonnes last year, while mutton output reached 5.18 million tonnes, down 2.5 percent.

    Poultry meat production increased 3.8 percent year on year, and pork production dipped 1.5 percent. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China sees robust increase in electric vehicle charging facilities

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China saw a significant surge in electric vehicle charging facilities in 2024, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.

    By the end of last year, the total number of electric vehicle charging poles in the country had reached 12.82 million, marking a 49.1 percent year-on-year increase.

    Of these, public charging poles accounted for approximately 3.58 million, while private charging poles neared 9.24 million.

    In 2024, China added more than 4.22 million electric vehicle charging poles.

    The expansion of charging facilities comes amid surging demand for new energy vehicles (NEVs) in China, with both production and sales surpassing 12 million units in 2024.

    China has maintained its position as the world’s leading NEV market for 10 consecutive years. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Renewable energy accounts for 56 pct of China’s total installed capacity

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The newly installed capacity of renewable energy in 2024 accounted for 86 percent of China’s total newly installed power capacity, while the cumulative installed capacity of renewable energy made up a record high of 56 percent of the nation’s total, according to new data from the National Energy Administration (NEA).

    The NEA data released Monday showed that China’s renewable energy sector added a new installed capacity of 373 million kilowatts in 2024, representing a year-on-year increase of 23 percent. Hydropower and wind power contributed 13.78 million kilowatts and 79.82 million kilowatts, respectively, while solar power and biomass power increased by 278 million kilowatts and 1.85 million kilowatts.

    By the end of 2024, the cumulative installed capacity of the country’s renewable energy reached 1.889 billion kilowatts, a 25 percent increase from the previous year. Hydropower accounted for 436 million kilowatts, wind power for 521 million kilowatts, solar power for 887 million kilowatts, and biomass power for 46 million kilowatts.

    Last year was the second year that China’s cumulative installed capacity of renewable energy power generation has exceeded 50 percent of the country’s total installed capacity. By the end of 2023, the renewable energy power generation capacity in China surpassed half of the total installed capacity for the first time in history.

    Meanwhile, China’s renewable energy generation also reached 3.46 trillion kilowatt-hours in 2024, with a year-on-year rise of 19 percent, accounting for about 35 percent of the total electricity generated. T

    The combined power generation from wind and solar energy amounted to 1.83 trillion kilowatt-hours in 2024, a 27 percent increase from 2023. The figure is roughly equivalent to the electricity consumption of the tertiary industry in 2024, and surpasses the residential electricity consumption, which stood at 1.49 trillion kilowatt-hours.

    As China strives to achieve its dual carbon goals, the country is vigorously developing a green economy, with renewable energy as one of the engines. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla Raises Alarm on Trump Administration Illegally Blocking Hundreds of Billions in Federal Support

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Padilla Raises Alarm on Trump Administration Illegally Blocking Hundreds of Billions in Federal Support

    Urges Budget Committee to Delay OMB Nominee
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), member of the Senate Budget Committee, issued the following statement after President Trump’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) ordered federal agencies to freeze all congressionally approved federal grants and loans, including disaster relief for Californians:
    “Donald Trump is illegally blocking hundreds of billions of dollars for essential federal programs to support families recovering after catastrophic fires, law enforcement agencies we rely on to keep our communities safe, and children and families who depend on federal child care and nutrition programs. All in his effort to pay for his tax cuts for large corporations and billionaires, like the ones he surrounded himself with during his inauguration. This overreach is unconstitutional and hurts the thousands of Californians who have been devastated by the recent fires. When Congress approves federal funds for programs to help communities, they are not optional: they are legal mandates.
    “Americans in every corner of the country will feel the impact of Donald Trump’s unlawful directives. I am calling on my Republican colleagues to not confirm Russell Vought to be OMB Director until Trump reverses this reckless order.”
    The sweeping directives in the Trump Administration’s memorandum are set to go into effect at 5 p.m. ET this evening. If implemented as written, the directives could block funding for California and national priorities including:
    Disaster Relief: Public assistance and hazard mitigation grants from the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) to state, tribal, territorial, and local governments and non-profits to help communities quickly respond to, recover from, and prepare for major disasters will be halted — right as so many Southern California communities are struggling amid the recent fires.
    Firefighting: Grants to support firefighters across the country will be halted. This includes grants that help states and localities purchase essential firefighting equipment.
    Public Safety: Grants for law enforcement and homeland security activities will cease to go out the door, undermining public safety in every state and territory.
    Infrastructure Projects: All federally-funded transportation projects — roads, bridges, public transit, and more — will be halted, including projects already under construction.
    Homelessness/Housing: In the midst of a homelessness and housing crisis, the Trump Administration is freezing housing and homelessness funding, which will exacerbate our housing crisis.
    988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Funding for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline that Senator Padilla significantly improved, as well as grants for mental health services, will be cut off.
    Nutrition Assistance: Millions of American citizens who rely on nutrition assistance programs like school lunch programs will be left hungry as funding is cut off and non-profits who provide additional assistance lose federal funding.
    Combating the Fentanyl Crisis: Funding for communities to address the substance use disorder crisis and combat the fentanyl crisis will be cut off.
    Emergency Preparedness: Critical preparedness and response capability funding used to prepare for disasters, public health emergencies, and chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear events will be frozen.
    Child Care: Child care programs across the country will not be able to access the funding they rely on to keep their doors open.
    K-12 Schools: Federal funding for K-12 schools will be halted. School districts may not be able to access key formula grant funding including Title I, IDEA, Impact Aid, and Career and Technical Education, which would pose tremendous financial burdens on schools in the middle of the school year.
    Biomedical Research: There will be immediate pauses on all funding for critical health research, including research on cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes, as well as clinical trials at the NIH Clinical Center and all across the country — disrupting lifesaving and often time-sensitive research.
    Higher Education and Job Training: Millions of students relying on federal student loans and federal work study will have their plans to pursue postsecondary education and further their careers thrown into chaos as federal financial aid disbursements are paused.
    Health Services: Federal funding for community health centers that provide health care for over 30 million Americans will be immediately frozen, creating chaos for patients trying get their prescriptions, a regular checkup, and more.
    Small Businesses: The Small Business Administration will have to halt loans to small businesses — including those in disaster-ravaged California communities. 
    Veterans Care: Federal grants to help veterans in rural areas access health care and grants to help veterans get other critical services, including suicide prevention resources, transition assistance, and housing for homeless veterans, will be cut off.
    Tribes: Funding to tribes for basic government services like health care, public safety, programs, tribal schools, and food assistance will be halted.
    Preventing Violence Against Women: All Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) grants, as well as funding for victims assistance and state and local police, will be cut off.
    U.S. Competitiveness: Existing grants to support research for Artificial Intelligence and quantum computing will be halted and any new grant funding would be paused — undermining U.S. innovation and competitiveness with China and putting California jobs at risk.
    Energy Jobs: Grants for critical energy projects nationwide will be cut off — halting billions of dollars in investment nationwide and jeopardizing good-paying American jobs. The Department of Energy Loan Program Office will halt loans in 28 states, impacting hundreds of thousands of construction and operations jobs.
    Food Inspections: Some states will have to take on the full financial burden of ensuring the nation’s meat supply is safe if federal cooperative agreements for meat inspection are halted.
    Support for Servicemembers: Support for a host of Department of Defense financial assistance and grant programs supporting servicemembers and their families will be halted, including the Fisher House, Impact Aid, community noise mitigation, ROTC language training, STEM programs, and the USO.
    Military Readiness: Grants and other assistance appropriated to strengthen military effectiveness and defense capacity will be halted, including Defense Production Act support for the defense industrial base, basic research grants necessary to advance key technologies, and small business support to strengthen supply chains.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Moscow enterprises will take part in 30 foreign exhibitions with the support of Mospromtsentr

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Metro

    This year, Moscow-based export-oriented companies will have more opportunities to communicate with foreign partners: the MosProm center will organize 25 international business missions and ensure participation in 5 major international exhibitions. These initiatives, which include both face-to-face and virtual meetings, will provide Moscow manufacturers with important platforms for negotiations with foreign partners, said Maxim Liksutov, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry.

    Tastes of Moscow.

    On behalf of Sergei Sobyanin, the city prioritizes supporting export-oriented enterprises in expanding their presence in global markets. Our main task is to increase the volume of exports of industrial goods and agricultural products of Moscow production to friendly countries. Moscow manufacturers will present their products at international exhibitions in China, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan. They will also hold direct negotiations with potential buyers and distributors from Mexico, the UAE, Iran, Kuwait, Jordan, Turkey, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Mongolia, African countries and the CIS, said Maxim Liksutov.

    MosProm was established in 2019 with the aim of increasing the recognition and presence of Moscow-made products in foreign markets. One of the most effective programs offered by MosProm is the buyer program. It allows companies to participate in specialized international exhibitions and business missions, where they can negotiate with potential customers of Moscow-made products in the business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-government (B2G) formats. This enables local industrial companies to expand their export scope and product range, establish new partnerships and customer relationships, and attract valuable investments.

    Tastes of Moscow.

    MosProm specialists provide comprehensive support to Moscow producers at all stages of their foreign economic activity. Thanks to MosProm’s assistance, Moscow non-raw materials and non-energy producers have successfully reoriented their export flows and found new partners in the markets of Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and the CIS, – emphasized Anatoly Garbuzov, Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Moscow Department of Investment and Industrial Policy.

    In addition, Moscow exporters benefit significantly from national support programs. The national project “International Cooperation and Export” is a set of measures of information, financial, insurance and logistics support. The project includes the digital platform “My Export”, which offers a range of business support services. These include free expert consultations, market analytics, assistance in promoting goods on international platforms, online training programs and much more.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: DeepSeek shatters beliefs about the cost of AI, leaving US tech giants reeling

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Michael J. Davern, Professor of Accounting & Business Information Systems, The University of Melbourne

    Almost A$1 trillion (US$600 billion) was wiped off the value of artificial intelligence microchip maker Nvidia overnight on Monday, when a little-known Chinese startup, DeepSeek, threatened to upend the US tech market.

    While Nvidia suffered the biggest one-day loss in sharemarket history, other tech giants – Microsoft, Alphabet and Amazon, who are investing heavily in competing AI tools including ChatGPT and Gemini – were also hit.

    The rout was caused by investors’ shock at the claimed performance of DeepSeek’s new R1 chatbot. The Chinese AI was reported to be more advanced than its competitors and less expensive to develop.

    DeepSeek R1 has soared, becoming the top free downloaded app on Apple’s app store, as US technology and related stock prices fell dramatically.

    Why tech stocks took a deep dive

    The market was surprised by DeepSeek providing what amounts to cheaper technology but comparable performance.

    This has dramatically changed the market’s expectations of computing power, showing more can be done for less. It has also compromised the competitiveness of the US tech companies’ existing AI products and developments.

    Stock prices are driven by market expectations. The claimed performance of DeepSeek R1 prompted a major revision of expectations about what was technologically possible and about how cheaply AI could be developed and operated.

    Investors have rapidly incorporated the news of a low-cost Chinese AI competitor into stock prices, anticipating this new entrant could disrupt the market and erode the competitive advantage of existing leaders.

    Who is DeepSeek and what is R1?

    DeepSeek was founded in 2023 by Chinese hedge fund High Flyer, which had been exclusively using AI in trading since 2021.

    DeepSeek develops large language models (LLMs) that can underpin chatbots and other AI-based tools. R1 is the latest iteration of DeepSeek’s chatbot and underlying model. It builds on earlier versions of generative AI models developed by DeepSeek, and considerable amounts of data, but is a surprising leap forward in performance and cost.

    R1 is the latest version of DeepSeek’s chatbot.
    Koshiro K/Shutterstock

    Technology investors believe R1 matches or outperforms competitors, including OpenAI’s ChatGPT 4.o1 on numerous benchmarks.

    However, there are some key differences:

    1. The model underlying R1 operates in a much less intensive manner. It is much cheaper to develop and run, requiring less data and computing power.

    2. The training of the model was possible despite the US export ban preventing Chinese companies such as DeepSeek from accessing chips from US companies such as Nvidia. The Biden administration had introduced laws restricting the sale of certain computer chips and machinery to China, in a move intended to block its rival from accessing some of the world’s most advanced technology.

    3. The training data and data uploaded to R1 sit on servers in China. Given concerns about data privacy and intellectual property have already been raised about US-based companies, having data under jurisdiction of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is arguably even more concerning.

    4. The chatbot program code is free to download, read and modify, unlike ChatGPT. This is however somewhat a false transparency – what matters more is the underlying model, not the Chatbot code.

    5. R1 is known to censor its responses in line with Chinese Communist Party values.

    The future of AI and tech stocks

    It is unknown whether this crash in price of tech stocks is an irrational panic that will reverse, or whether it simply reflects correct pricing. The future costs and benefits of AI are still uncertain.

    This is both a technological and an economic question.

    In technological terms, it is yet to be seen whether R1 really does require less computing power and less data to train and use.

    Economically, there are potential winners and losers. AI users may win with cheaper access to AI, and LLMs in particular, leading to increased adoption and associated productivity gains. Existing producers such as Nvidia may lose out in what was a market with few real competitors.

    More broadly, society may benefit from less computationally intensive, and therefore more energy-efficient, AI. However, the geopolitical risk of a single country capturing the market, together with concerns about data privacy, intellectual property and censorship may outweigh the benefits.

    Michael J. Davern has previously received funding from CPA Australia for industry research into Artificial Intelligence.

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

    – ref. DeepSeek shatters beliefs about the cost of AI, leaving US tech giants reeling – https://theconversation.com/deepseek-shatters-beliefs-about-the-cost-of-ai-leaving-us-tech-giants-reeling-248424

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Moscow enterprises will take part in 30 foreign exhibitions with the support of the Mosprom Centre

    Source: Moscow Metro

    This year, Moscow’s export-focused companies will have enhanced opportunities to connect with international partners, with the MosProm center organizing 25 international business missions and facilitating participation in 5 major international trade shows. These initiatives, which include both in-person and virtual engagements, will provide Moscow producers with vital platforms for discussions with overseas collaborators. This was announced by Maksim Liksutov, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry.

    Tastes of Moscow.

    As directed by Sergey Sobyanin, the city is prioritizing support for export-oriented enterprises in expanding their presence in global markets. Our main objective is to increase the volume of exports of Moscow-produced industrial goods and agricultural products to friendly nations. Moscow manufacturers will showcase their products at international exhibitions in China, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and Azerbaijan. They will also engage in direct negotiations with potential buyers and distributors from Mexico, the UAE, Iran, Kuwait, Jordan, Turkey, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Mongolia, and countries across Africa and the CIS, – stated Maksim Liksutov.

    MosProm was established in 2019 to increase the recognition and presence of Moscow-made products in overseas markets. One of the most effective programs offered by MosProm is its buyer program. This initiative allows companies to participate in specialized international trade shows and business missions, where they can conduct business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-government (B2G) negotiations with prospective clients for Moscow-produced goods. This offers local industrial companies the opportunity to expand their export reach and product offerings, establish new partnerships and client relationships, and attract valuable investment.

    Tastes of Moscow.

    MosProm specialists provide comprehensive support to Moscow-based manufacturers at every stage of their foreign trade activities. Thanks to MosProm’s assistance, Moscow’s non-resource, non-energy producers have successfully reoriented their export flows and found new partners in markets across Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and the CIS, – emphasized Anatoly Garbuzov, Minister of the Moscow Government and Head of the city’s Department of Investment and Industrial Policy.

    Furthermore, Moscow exporters benefit greatly from national support programs. The International Cooperation and Export national project is a comprehensive suite of informational, financial, insurance, and logistical support measures. The project includes the My Export digital platform, which offers a range of support services for businesses. These services include free expert consultations, market analytics, assistance in marketing goods on international marketplaces, online training programs, and more.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Reunion dinner on the eve of Spring Festival

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

    Reunion dinner on the eve of Spring Festival

    Updated: January 29, 2025 07:35 Xinhua
    Villager Chen Fangjin has a reunion meal with his family members at Shanhouhu Village of Jinhua City, east China’s Zhejiang Province, Jan. 28, 2025. Dining with family members in a reunion meal has been a cherished tradition for the Chinese on the eve of the Spring Festival, which falls on Jan. 29 this year. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An actor in the costume of the God of Wealth extends greetings to customers at a restaurant in Nanjing City, east China’s Jiangsu Province, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Chefs cook reunion meals at a restaurant in Jiaxing City, east China’s Zhejiang Province, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People have reunion meals at a restaurant in Nanjing City, east China’s Jiangsu Province, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Firefighters have a meal at a fire station in Taizhou City, east China’s Jiangsu Province, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People have a reunion meal at a restaurant in Nanjing City, east China’s Jiangsu Province, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A firefighter has a reunion meal with his family members at a fire station in Taizhou City, east China’s Jiangsu Province, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A worker arranges cooking of reunion meals at a restaurant in Nantong City, east China’s Jiangsu Province, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People have reunion meals at a restaurant in Wuhu City, east China’s Anhui Province, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Families of newborns have a reunion meal with staff at the canteen of a maternal and child care service center in Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People have reunion meals at a restaurant in Wuhu City, east China’s Anhui Province, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Airport in Beijing sees influx of inbound travelers on eve of Spring Festival

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

    Airport in Beijing sees influx of inbound travelers on eve of Spring Festival

    Updated: January 29, 2025 08:05 Xinhua
    A mixed Chinese-foreign family pose for a photo at the immigration area at Terminal 3 of Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 28, 2025. Beijing Capital International Airport saw an influx of inbound travelers on Tuesday, the eve of Spring Festival 2025. While many Chinese nationals returned home to celebrate the Spring Festival, some foreign visitors took advantage of visa-free or transit visa exemption policies to experience the festive atmosphere in China’s capital city. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists from Vietnam wait for entry inspection at the immigration area at Terminal 3 of Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Immigration officer Chen Miao (1st R) hands out a Spring Festival decoration carrying the Chinese “Fu” character, which symbolizes good fortune, to tourists at the immigration area at Terminal 3 of Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An immigration officer issues a temporary entry permit to a British passport holder at the immigration area at Terminal 3 of Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An immigration officer adjusts the date on an immigration stamp at Terminal 3 of Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists from South Korea display the immigration stamps on their passports at the immigration area at Terminal 3 of Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Immigration officer Chen Miao (1st R) handles transit visa exemption procedures for tourists from the U.S. at the immigration area of Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: People’s life gradually returns to normal in quake-affected county of Xizang

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

    People’s life gradually returns to normal in quake-affected county of Xizang

    Updated: January 29, 2025 08:08 Xinhua
    A man pastes Spring Festival couplets at a temporary shelter in Gyiru Village, Lnaze County of southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, Jan. 26, 2025. Lnaze County is one of the counties affected seriously by a 6.8-magnitude earthquake which struck southwest China’s Xizang earlier this month. As the Chinese Lunar New Year and Tibetan New Year approach, people in the affected area moved into newly constructed makeshift houses and received food packages with beef, tea leaves, sugar, highland barley wine, etc. As relief efforts continue and life gradually returns to normal, affected people feel the warmth and support pouring in from all directions. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A woman hangs festive decoration at a temporary shelter in Gyiru Village, Lnaze County of southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, Jan. 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Volunteers write Spring Festival couplets at a temporary shelter in Gyiru Village, Lnaze County of southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, Jan. 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People receive food packages at a temporary shelter in Gyabgag Village, Lnaze County of southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, Jan. 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cramer Questions Industry Executives on Defense Innovation and Acquisition Reform

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
    ***Click here to download video. Click here for audio.*** 
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Department of Defense (DOD) has faced criticism for its slow and cumbersome acquisition system, which has hampered the timely delivery of advanced technologies to the warfighters. The Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) held a hearing to discuss the use of defense innovation and acquisition reform to address longstanding challenges in the DOD’s procurement processes.
    Members of the committee heard testimony from three witnesses: former Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition James Geurts; Chief Technology Officer and Executive Vice President of Palantir Technologies Shyam Sankar; and Chief Executive Officer of Divergent Technologies Nathan Diller.
    [embedded content]
    U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), co-chair of the Senate Defense Modernization Caucus, highlighted the need for implementing the right technology and acquisition reforms to move at the speed of China and other adversaries.
    Cramer said when he first joined SASC, DOD was considering bids for a cloud computing contract known as Jedi. In early 2019, the department selected Microsoft and Amazon to compete for the contract, which was ultimately awarded to Microsoft. Unfortunately, but predictably this led to an immediate protest. This back and forth resulted in a delayed award for a critically important product DOD needed.
    “Five years later, we finally have multiple companies doing cloud computing,” said Cramer. “I was very frustrated by the ability of a company who didn’t win the contract, […] to protest the company who did and then hold up modernization by five years. […] But then we fast forward to today, where we read about now what I believe to be the most innovative agency within the DOD, the Space Development Agency, which has been under attack since the day we stood it up by swamp creatures, legacy space operators, and legacy acquisition and procurement officials, and a protest that I almost guarantee will slow [down] the proliferated warfighter space architecture, which is the worst thing that could happen.”
    Cramer asked the witnesses for their comments or opinions about the protest regime and whether more can be done. He explained while competition requires the ability to challenge, “it shouldn’t provide the opportunity to make the country less safe.”
    Geurts agreed with Cramer and emphasized the need for an avenue, though it has been abused over time.
    “One thing I suggested early on was you get one bite at the apple,” said Geurts. “You could protest to the [Government Accountability Office] or Court of Federal Claims. You couldn’t protest twice. I also think there should be some look at behavior over time and some disincentive for what I would call chronic protesting, particularly by incumbents.”
    Sankar agreed with the notion the avenue had been abused. He said one way they could buy this down is by “doing more bake-offs, more things in parallel, getting more things fielded, because anyone can win a fiction writing contest, you know, it has no correlation to your ability to perform, but when we have the satellites in space, we’ll be able to tell one way or another.”
    Diller emphasized the need to build trust:
    “When we look at these protests, if we take this approach, our Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff uses this phrase, ‘acquire to require.’ It’s exactly what Shyam was saying. How do we slowly build trust? Because at the core, it’s a trust issue. If we actually work together at the beginning in ways that [Other Transactions] allow us to, trust can be built.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Wicker Leads Senate Armed Services Committee in Defense Innovation Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Mississippi Roger Wicker
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today led his committee colleagues and a panel of three subject matter experts in a hearing examining the future of defense innovation and acquisition reform.
    In his opening remarks, Chairman Wicker touted his “Restoring Freedom’s Forge” plan, which would fundamentally change the way the Pentagon does business by cutting red tape and increasing competition. Chairman Wicker observed that as China undertakes a historic military modernization, DOD needs game-changing reform to embrace commercial innovation and build next-generation American manufacturing techniques.
    “The past few years have been marked by some success in innovation improvements, but we have much more work to do. Most of our work is actually ahead of us in this regard. I believe we’re poised to go faster and further than we have thus far,” Chairman Wicker said. “I’m optimistic that many of my colleagues’ ideas for improvements and reform will have an enthusiastic reception in this new Pentagon team…we need a game changer in this regard, and we need it now, because the United States is entering the most dangerous period we’ve faced since World War II. Our adversaries are rapidly innovating and leveraging commercial technologies. In response, we must expand our capacity to produce and sustain high-end weapons, like ships, aircraft, and missiles.”
    Earlier this month, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth endorsed Chairman Wicker’s “Freedom’s Forge,” saying that “Those are precisely the kinds of ideas that need to be pursued, and I look forward to working with this committee to ensure we cut the red tape, we incentivize innovation, we rebuild the defense industrial base, cut out the bureaucracy, all the things that are preventing the platforms and the tools from getting rapidly from our great defense companies here that should and those that want to compete into the hands of warfighters.”
    Shyam Sankar, Chief Technical Officer/Executive Vice President at Palantir Technologies; Nathan P. Diller, CEO of Divergent Technologies; and Hon. James “Hondo” Geurts, former Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition, appeared before the committee.
    Read the remarks as delivered below or watch them here.
    This hearing will come to order. Thank you all for coming. The committee meets this morning to discuss the topic that is of great interest to every member of this panel: we’re here to talk about defense innovation.
    We must change the way the Pentagon does business. Otherwise, there’s no way we can maintain deterrence, particularly against China. Today, day we’ll hear from three experts: Shyam Sankar serves as the Chief Technology Officer at Palantir, which has done important work for the military. Mr. Sankar has published widely on innovation, and we look forward to hearing his ideas today.
    We’ll also hear from Nate Diller, who has worked at both the Department of Defense and the House Appropriations Committee – where I previously worked in another life. Today, Mr. Diller is the CEO of Divergent Technologies, which is seeking to make revolutionary changes in manufacturing, and we need revolutionary changes in DoD.
    And finally, James Geurts is with us today. In addition to having one of the coolest nicknames around – “Hondo” – he has ably and successfully served this country as the acquisition executive for both SOCOM and the Navy.
    So, thank you all for being here to talk about innovation.
    The past few years have been marked by some success in innovation improvements, but we have much more work to do. Most of our work is actually ahead of us in this regard. I believe we’re poised to go faster and further than we have thus far. I’m optimistic that many of my colleagues’ ideas for improvements and reform will have an enthusiastic reception in this new Pentagon team.
    I appreciate my friend Ranking Member Reed for holding a hearing in the previous Congress on the Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution Reform Commission. I expect we can continue to make progress in this new Congress. As a matter of fact, Mr. Reed and my colleagues: we need a game changer, and we need it right now.
    The committee took steps last year to remove unnecessary steps from the acquisition process, and get defense innovators more powerful hiring authorities. We can and should continue on that positive trajectory. I recently released the FORGED Act, and published this white paper, entitled “Restoring Freedom’s Forge: American Innovation Unleashed,” and I must say, I appreciate the positive comments and response that we’ve heard from industry and from government officials.
    The white paper lays out in specific detail my plan to implement smart spending practices at DoD. The FORGED Act proposes the most comprehensive set of budgeting and acquisition reforms in decades. It focuses on five areas.
    First, we must cut the red tape that burdens our defense workforce. Our regulations are full of outdated and excessive compliance requirements. Addressing this is exactly the type of work that DOGE is contemplating, and I hope we can make progress in this area. Contracting regulations total more than 6,000 pages. Financial regulations add up to more than 7,000 pages. I’m interested to hear our witnesses address how this committee can reduce the statutory and regulatory burdens, even as we retain the core elements of good policy.
    Second, we should harness one of our nation’s core advantages: our world-class tech sector, which is built by American entrepreneurial spirit. Government-unique requirements have made it nearly impossible for commercial companies and startups to do business with the Department of Defense. We need to reward commercial innovation by making it possible for innovative companies to work with the Pentagon.
    Third, we must create competitive pressure by rapidly qualifying new suppliers to help build our weapon systems. More than 20,000 suppliers have exited the Navy’s ship building industrial base in the past 20 years – and that’s just the Navy’s industrial base – 20,000 suppliers gone. I hope our witnesses will address how we can lower barriers to second sources and how we can adopt technologies like 3D printing, which can dramatically reduce cost and expedite production schedules.
    Fourth, we must enable senior officials to manage programs by reducing the bureaucracy’s ability to veto their decisions. A typical acquisition must satisfy nearly 50 documentation requirements and get 50 external signoffs. We need to be careful about the taxpayers’ money, but that is excessive. We need to give program managers all of the tools they need for success, while retaining an appropriate level of checks and balances.
    Finally, we should modernize the defense budget process by allowing money to move as fast as technologies and threats change. It currently takes at least two years to request and receive funding. Meanwhile, the commercial sector deploys new generations of technologies in less than two years, and the Pentagon is continually lagging behind. We cannot keep conducting business as usual.
    I repeat: we need a game changer in this regard, and we need it now, because the United States is entering the most dangerous period we’ve faced since World War II. Our adversaries are rapidly innovating and leveraging commercial technologies. In response, we must expand our capacity to produce and sustain high-end weapons, like ships, aircraft, and missiles. At the same time, we must adopt autonomous, adaptive, and networked or swarming systems.
    This is not an either-or effort. We must produce traditional and innovative systems quickly and at the scale of relevance. Doing so will ensure that we can deter our adversaries from taking action against us and our interests. In other words: peace through strength.
    I look forward to discussing those initiatives and more with our witnesses, and again, I welcome all three of them to our hearing. And I recognize my friend, Ranking Member Reed, for his remarks.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Chairman Wicker Joins Fox’s Brian Kilmeade to Talk Defense Reform, Trump Administration Priorities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Mississippi Roger Wicker
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger F. Wicker, R-Miss., chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, appeared on Fox’s “One Nation with Brian Kilmeade” on Saturday to discuss his urgent priorities on defense reform and bringing back peace through strength under President-elect Trump.
    In his interview, Chairman Wicker stressed the importance of acting on major reforms at the Pentagon, including through his “Freedom’s Forge” plan, to strengthen the defense industrial base under President-elect Trump. Chairman Wicker also discussed the window of opportunity that the President has early in his term to rebuild deterrence and the United States military to send a signal to China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran.
    Following last week’s hearing, Chairman Wicker additionally noted that nominee for Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is well on his way to Senate confirmation, and that Hegseth will prove a vital partner for returning peace through strength to the Pentagon. In Hegseth’s hearing, he endorsed Chairman Wicker’s Freedom’s Forge plan, saying that “those are precisely the kinds of ideas that need to be pursued.”
    Read more about “Freedom’s Forge” here, “Peace Through Strength” here, and the FORGED Act here. Key excerpts of the interview are below.
    On Pete Hegseth:
     
    [Pete is] definitely on his way [to confirmation], and I’ll tell you what, we’re going to have a hearing at 5:00 on Inauguration Day, and I think he’ll be reported to the full Senate the very first day…I’d say by the first week, Pete Hegseth will be in place at the Pentagon. And we need somebody right away at the Pentagon. This the most dangerous situation the United States has faced since World War II we’re facing not only Russia and China, but North Korea, and the Ayatollahs, and Iran – they’re and they’re all in it together like they never have been before. So, we need leadership, we need a change, and we need somebody in charge, and I’m really looking forward to working with Pete Hegseth, and also, the team that he’s putting in place.
     
    On defense reform:
     
    Well, we need to act more like a business when it comes to buying things [at the Pentagon]. Well for one thing we need to encourage startup companies. We have been in the Pentagon too comfortable with the old way of doing things. New folks with startup ideas like Elon Musk had a couple of decades ago – we need to encourage them to come forward and make suggestions. And so the point is, we can get to 5% of our gross domestic product on defense, but we can save a lot of money by bringing efficiencies at the same time…as a matter of fact, my report came out before I ever heard of DOGE, so the fact that you’ve got two people really trying to find the same efficiencies that we’ve outlined is music to my ears. This is going to work very well with Elon Musk.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Shenzhen, Hong Kong jointly conserve mangrove wetlands

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

    SHENZHEN/HONG KONG, Jan. 28 — In the heart of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the Guangdong Neilingding Futian National Nature Reserve in Shenzhen and the Mai Po Nature Reserve in Hong Kong are jointly safeguarding a vibrant expanse of mangrove wetlands.

    These wetlands are ecologically linked and integral parts of the Shenzhen Bay (Deep Bay) wetland ecosystem, which serves as an internationally important overwintering site and a refueling station for waterbirds on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway.

    In February 2023, Shenzhen’s Futian mangrove was designated as Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. Together with the wetlands in Mai Po Nature Reserve, Shenzhen Bay now hosts two internationally recognized wetlands of significance.

    “Mangroves are unique and complex ecosystems, often difficult for humans to access. Their dense canopy provides birds with quiet, undisturbed nesting areas, making them vital for wildlife conservation,” said Simon Wong, nature officer (management) at the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department (AFCD), Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government.

    Moreover, mangroves protect coastlines from erosion caused by waves, while the mudflats they create harbor countless species and provide feeding and resting areas for migratory waterbirds, benefiting surrounding regions and other habitats, he added.

    According to Wong, mangroves and their soil have a high capacity for carbon sequestration through microbial activity, helping reduce atmospheric CO2 concentrations and mitigating the impacts of global warming and climate change. Mangroves can also accumulate heavy metals, help degrade organic pollutants, and exhibit an ecological interception effect against microplastics.

    The wetlands of the nature reserves in Futian and Mai Po not only support rich biodiversity but also symbolize the close cooperation between Shenzhen and Hong Kong in ecological conservation.

    Since signing the framework arrangement for the conservation of Shenzhen Bay (Deep Bay) wetlands in January 2023, the two cities have made significant strides in protecting mangroves and wetlands, offering valuable insights into the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.

    “The Shenzhen Bay is essentially a shared wetland between Shenzhen and Hong Kong. Despite being separated by the Shenzhen River, the ecosystem remains consistent,” said Yang Qiong, a senior engineer at Guangdong Neilingding Futian National Nature Reserve Administration Bureau.

    According to the framework, Shenzhen and Hong Kong will collaborate on ecological baseline and waterbird monitoring, synchronized surveys of black-faced spoonbills and their habitats, protection of inter-tidal mudflat and native mangrove species, capacity building, and experience sharing on environmental education.

    The framework provides an excellent platform for sharing experience in the wetland ecosystem conversation in Shenzhen Bay, said Toby Cheung, nature reserve officer (education) at the AFCD.

    The black-faced spoonbill, a key species in Shenzhen Bay and one of China’s top protected animals, has experienced a notably impressive population recovery. From fewer than 300 individuals in the 1990s to 6,988 counted globally in January 2024, the growth of black-faced spoonbill highlights the importance of Shenzhen Bay’s role in their protection.

    To accurately monitor the numbers and distribution of black-faced spoonbills, Shenzhen and Hong Kong conduct synchronized surveys and smart monitoring. Monthly synchronized data reflects the status of black-faced spoonbill throughout Shenzhen Bay, while annual global synchronized surveys provide a comprehensive understanding of population dynamics.

    High-definition cameras and AI-powered bird recognition technology are used for automated monitoring, particularly at night, reducing disturbance to resting birds while improving monitoring efficiency.

    On Nov. 6, 2024, an agreement was signed to establish the International Mangrove Center in Shenzhen, marking the beginning of deeper cross-border joint protection efforts in wetland conservation. In the future, the two cities aim to build a more comprehensive cross-border joint protection model and extend their cooperation to global mangrove conservation efforts.

    Yang said that Shenzhen and Hong Kong can learn from each other’s advanced experience and practices in wetland protection and implement cross-border joint conservation efforts. She noted that the wetland protection model in Shenzhen Bay, developed through collaboration between the two cities, could serve as a standout example for exchange at the International Mangrove Center.

    Nora Tam, chair professor of environmental science and conservation at Hong Kong Metropolitan University, noted that through the platform of the International Mangrove Center, Shenzhen and Hong Kong can increase exchanges and cooperation in science and technology, resources, management, and information, promoting wetland protection cooperation within the Greater Bay Area and beyond.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Australian produce in high demand for Lunar New Year Celebrations in China

    Source: Minister for Trade

    The Lunar New Year marks exciting new opportunities for Australian food and agriculture exporters to China, with $20 billion worth of trade impediments now removed.

    China’s consumers can celebrate the Year of the Snake by dining on a smorgasbord of Aussie cuisine, including delicious lobsters, the world’s best wines, and high-quality beef steaks.

    The Albanese Labor Government has worked calmly and consistently to restore dialogue to Australia’s relationship with China and secure the removal of $20 billion of trade impediments.

    Following the removal of the final trade impediments in December 2024, dining tables in China will now feature Australian live rock lobsters, a welcome outcome for Chinese consumers and Australian businesses alike.

    Over 900 tonnes of live rock lobsters has already been exported to China since the removal of impediments. This has supported the jobs of 3,000 Australians employed in the industry, 2,000 of which are in Western Australia.

    Australian fresh cherries are also highly prized as a gift to celebrate the Lunar New Year, and demand is expected to grow this financial year, after strong growth last year. Australia exported $14 million or 582 tonnes of cherries in 2023-24, an increase of 129 per cent in value and 137 per cent in volume. 

    Exports to China of Australian agricultural products previously affected by trade impediments have rebounded in 2024 year-on-year (January to October):

    • barley increased 221 per cent in value;
    • wine increased over 5,000 per cent in value; and
    • timber logs (specifically, wood in the rough) increased over 8,000 per cent in value.

    China remains Australia’s largest market for agricultural exports, worth $17.1 billion and accounting for around a quarter of total agricultural exports in 2023-24.

    Quotes attributable to Foreign Minister Penny Wong:

    “The Albanese Labor Government’s calm and consistent approach to our relationship with China is delivering for Australians and for our national interest.

    “It’s the result of hard work and a responsible Government that doesn’t play reckless political games with Australia’s most important relationships. 

    “Labor will continue to support Australian businesses to sell their products to the world, including through our efforts to diversify our trade.”

    Quotes attributable to Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell:  

    “Sustained engagement and advocacy by the Albanese Labor Government has resulted in the removal of around $20 billion of Chinese trade impediments, benefiting Australian farmers, exporters and our regions.

    “But we will not rest on our laurels – we are committed to creating even more export opportunities for Australian farmers and producers.

    “Every product we export means more national income and more well-paying Australian jobs.”

    Quotes attributable to Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister Julie Collins:

    “Australia has an outstanding reputation as a supplier of high-quality agricultural products in China.  

    “Our Government is focused on strengthening our trade relationships and expanding opportunities for Australia’s farmers and producers.

    “In 2023-24, we recorded 88 market access achievements which opened, improved, maintained, or restored access for Australian businesses, including unlocking 10 new markets.

    “Australia exports over 70 per cent of our agricultural, fisheries and forestry production to 169 markets globally – the most diversified trade has ever been – thanks to the Albanese Labor Government.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Trump 2.0 chaos and destruction — what it means Down Under

    What will happen to Australia — and New Zealand — once the superpower that has been followed into endless battles, the United States, finally unravels?

    COMMENTARY: By Michelle Pini, managing editor of Independent Australia

    With President Donald Trump now into his second week in the White House, horrific fires have continued to rage across Los Angeles and the details of Elon Musk’s allegedly dodgy Twitter takeover began to emerge, the world sits anxiously by.

    The consequences of a second Trump term will reverberate globally, not only among Western nations. But given the deeply entrenched Americanisation of much of the Western world, this is about how it will navigate the after-shocks once the United States finally unravels — for unravel it surely will.

    Leading with chaos
     Now that the world’s biggest superpower and war machine has a deranged criminal at the helm — for a second time — none of us know the lengths to which Trump (and his puppet masters) will go as his fingers brush dangerously close to the nuclear codes. Will he be more emboldened?

    The signs are certainly there.

    President Donald Trump 2.0 . . . will his cruelty towards migrants and refugees escalate, matched only by his fuelling of racial division? Image: ABC News screenshot IA

    So far, Trump — who had already led the insurrection of a democratically elected government — has threatened to exit the nuclear arms pact with Russia, talked up a trade war with China and declared “all hell will break out” in the Middle East if Hamas hadn’t returned the Israeli hostages.

    Will his cruelty towards migrants and refugees escalate, matched only by his fuelling of racial division?

    This, too, appears to be already happening.

    Trump’s rants leading up to his inauguration last week had been a steady stream of crazed declarations, each one more unhinged than the last.

    He wants to buy Greenland. He wishes to overturn birthright citizenship in order to deport even more migrant children, such as  “pet-eating Haitians” and “insane Hannibal Lecters” because America has been “invaded”.

    It will be interesting to see whether his planned evictions of Mexicans will include the firefighters Mexico sent to Los Angeles’ aid.

    At the same time, Trump wants to turn Canada into the 51st state, because, he said,

    “It would make a great state. And the people of Canada like it.”

    Will sexual predator Trump’s level of misogyny sink to even lower depths post Roe v Wade?

    Probably.

    Denial of catastrophic climate consequences
    And will Trump be in even further denial over the catastrophic consequences of climate change than during his last term? Even as Los Angeles grapples with a still climbing death toll of 25 lives lost, 12,000 homes, businesses and other structures destroyed and 16,425 hectares (about the size of Washington DC) wiped out so far in the latest climactic disaster?

    The fires are, of course, symptomatic of the many years of criminal negligence on global warming. But since Trump instead accused California officials of “prioritising environmental policies over public safety” while his buddy and head of government “efficiency”, Musk blamed black firefighters for the fires, it would appear so.

    Will the madman, for surely he is one, also gift even greater protections to oligarchs like Musk?

    Trump has already appointed billionaire buddies Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to:

     “…pave the way for my Administration to dismantle government bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures and restructure Federal agencies”.

    So, this too is already happening.

    All of these actions will combine to create a scenario of destruction that will see the implosion of the US as we know it, though the details are yet to emerge.

    The flawed AUKUS pact sinking quickly . . . Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese with outgoing President Joe Biden, will Australia have the mettle to be bigger than Trump. Image: Independent Australia

    What happens Down Under?
    US allies — like Australia — have already been thoroughly indoctrinated by American pop culture in order to complement the many army bases they house and the defence agreements they have signed.

    Though Trump hasn’t shown any interest in making it a 52nd state, Australia has been tucked up in bed with the United States since the Cold War. Our foreign policy has hinged on this alliance, which also significantly affects Australia’s trade and economy, not to mention our entire cultural identity, mired as it is in US-style fast food dependence and reality TV. Would you like Vegemite McShaker Fries with that?

    So what will happen to Australia once the superpower we have followed into endless battles finally breaks down?

    As Dr Martin Hirst wrote in November:

    ‘Trump has promised chaos and chaos is what he’ll deliver.’

    His rise to power will embolden the rabid Far-Right in the US but will this be mirrored here? And will Australia follow the US example and this year elect our very own (admittedly scaled down) version of Trump, personified by none other than the Trump-loving Peter Dutton?

    If any of his wild announcements are to be believed, between building walls and evicting even US nationals he doesn’t like, while simultaneously making Canadians US citizens, Trump will be extremely busy.

    There will be little time even to consider Australia, let alone come to our rescue should we ever need the might of the US war machine — no matter whether it is an Albanese or sycophantic Dutton leadership.

    It is a given, however, that we would be required to honour all defence agreements should our ally demand it.

    It would be great if, as psychologists urge us to do when children act up, our leaders could simply ignore and refuse to engage with him, but it remains to be seen whether Australia will have the mettle to be bigger than Trump.

    Republished from the Independent Australia with permission.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Business – Consultants And Interim Managers Launch BRICS Network

    Source: German Technology & Engineering Corporation (GTEC)

    Karlheinz Zuerl, Interim Manager of the Year 2024*, has set up an international business network to bridge the gap between Western industrialized nations and the BRICS countries.

    Berlin, January 28 2025 – A new international network of consultants and interim managers has been launched under the name “BRICS Project Network” to support Western companies in expanding their business in BRICS countries and vice versa. “The BRICS nations account for nearly half of the global population and produce over a third of the world’s economic output, surpassing the G7 countries,” explained Karlheinz Zuerl, CEO of the German Technology & Engineering Corporation (GTEC) based in Shanghai, China, which spearheads this initiative.

    Karlheinz Zuerl said: “The further development of economic relations between the Western industrialized nations and the BRICS community helps all parties involved. The new network reportedly includes China, Hong Kong, India and Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand), the United Arab Emirates, Iran, Brazil and South America, Mexico, Canada (USMCA customs union), Russia, Eastern Europe and a number of African countries in the global south, such as South Africa, Ethiopia and Egypt.

    Wide Range Of Services

    Acting as a “bridge-builder” between these countries and the Western industrialized world, the new network offers a wide range of services: Management Consulting, Business Development, Project Management, Interim Management, Training and Education. Karlheinz Zuerl gave specific examples: “We carry out market analyses, set up international sales networks, initiate business partnerships and takeovers, represent companies at trade fairs and other events, take care of organizational development, look after human resources, set up branches on behalf of companies, carry out relocations and company transfers, optimize finances and local production and carry out restructuring to improve earnings.”

    According to the information provided, the consultants and managers in the network have many years of experience in a wide range of sectors. Examples given include: Manufacturing, automotive, mechanical and plant engineering, construction, electrical and electronics, domestic appliances, environmental technology, information technology, pharmaceuticals and communications technology. If required, interim managers can take on operational roles such as general management, commercial management, project or quality management, research and development, human resources and finance, sales and marketing or change management.

    Trade Disputes And Sanctions Weigh On Relations

    Trade disputes between the US and China and sanctions against Russia are putting a strain on economic relations. The economic relationship between the Western industrialized nations and the BRICS countries is under severe strain. These tensions have led the BRICS to seek alternatives to reduce their dependence on Western financial systems, for example by discussing a common currency or reducing the use of the US dollar in trade.

    “We are not politicians,” said Karlheinz Zuerl, “but business consultants and interim managers who build cross-border business relationships and investments that benefit all parties. Given the geopolitical tensions, the enormous economic potential for both parties is often underestimated. With experienced professionals like those in our network, this potential can be realized.”

    He points out that a number of BRICS countries play an important role in technological development, as attractive manufacturing locations and as suppliers of raw materials and energy to the Western industrial world. Without China, India, Russia and Brazil, the Western economy would be much poorer,” said Karlheinz Zuerl, underlining the importance of the BRICS countries today.

    * Karlheinz Zuerl was honoured by United Interim, the leading community for interim managers in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, and Steinbeis Augsburg Business School.

    GTEC (https://gtec.asia) helps Western industrial companies to overcome challenges in Asia. The focus is on business development, the establishment and expansion of branches and production facilities, as well as restructuring and turnaround measures to bring automotive suppliers and mechanical engineering companies in critical phases back into the profit zone. Under the direction of CEO Karlheinz Zuerl, a team of consultants, experts and interim managers is on hand to work on-site with the client if necessary. The CEO himself is available for tasks as an interim general manager and for executive consulting. GTEC’s list of references includes corporations such as BMW, Bosch, General Motors and Siemens, large medium-sized companies such as Hella, Schaeffler, Valeo and ZF, as well as smaller medium-sized companies that are less well known but are operating all the more.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Tech – DeepSeek overtakes ChatGPT with 50x Google Trends surge in a week – Finbold

    Source: Finbold

    The release of the latest version of the Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) model DeepSeek swiftly created a media and stock market storm as it, given the official costs of development, threw into disarray the massive investments made in Western AI companies.

    Finbold research uncovered that in a single week ending on Monday, January 27, Google Trends global score for DeepSeek soared fiftyfold, hitting 100 – the highest figure possible for a selected region and time frame.

    Though the score was the highest in China by far, the new model also soared above ChatGPT in the U.S.

    Hong Kong, likewise, saw exceptional interest and took second place, while the countries where DeepSeek was also highly searched for, in descending order, include Singapore, Tunisia, Morocco, Nepal, Algeria, Ethiopia, Jordan, and Kenya.

    Specifically, the AI model’s Google Trends score stood at 100 in China, 22 in Hong Kong, 16 in Singapore, and 6 in the U.S.

    DeepSeek’s popularity also emerges outside Google Trends

    The surge in interest was also evident on the Play Store, where the DeepSeek app took the top spot, leading to sufficient volume – and possibly a cyberattack – to ensure access is restricted to users with a Chinese phone number.

    Additionally, the emergence of a new major player in the AI industry triggered a stock market bloodbath, with the semiconductor giant Nvidia (NVDA) being hit particularly hard and losing approximately $600 billion in market capitalization – the single biggest one-company valuation drop in a single day.

    Still, as Andreja Stojanovic, a co-author of the research, pointed out, there were some immediate benefits:

    “The introduction of new and powerful competition has had an immediate positive effect on consumers, as OpenAI’s Sam Altman promised additional features to ChatGPT’s paying users.”

    Elsewhere, the tumult triggered some calls for a ban or restrictions on Chinese technology, akin to the tariffs and other protectionist measures imposed on Chinese electric vehicle (EV) makers.

    For more: https://finbold.com/deepseek-overtakes-chatgpt-with-50x-google-trends-surge-in-a-week/  

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: MEMO: How Trump’s Federal Funding Freeze Affects Colorado

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Colorado John Hickenlooper
    Head Start programs, Meals on Wheels, Veterans’ suicide prevention programs, COPS grants to police departments all affected
    In a chaotic late-night, two-page memo, President Trump immediately froze federal grants and loans. While the order is blatantly illegal, below is a memo outlining what programs are being affected by this sudden, ill-thought out freeze of funding. 
    “What does this mean for Colorado? Funding to our police departments, our hospitals, programs for homeless veterans. Nearly 9,000 kids in Colorado Head Start programs may be locked out. Trump is sacrificing working Americans,” said U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper.
    TO: Interested Parties
    FROM: Office of U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper
    SUBJECT: Effects of Trump Executive Order Freezing Federal Funds 
    DATE: January 28, 2025 
    OMB Memo to Pause Spending: On Monday night, the acting director of the White House Office of Management and Budget sent a two-page memorandum to all federal agency heads directing them to “temporarily pause all activities related to obligations or disbursement of Federal financial assistance.” The order is set to take effect at 3pm MT today. The memo also requires that agencies review all financial assistance programs to ensure activities are “consistent with the President’s policies and requirements,” citing several executive orders directed to pause all spending on foreign aid, the green new deal, “woke gender ideology,” and DEI programs. Agencies must provide OMB detailed information on program spending by February 10th, and assign “responsibility and oversight” to a senior political appointee. Below you can find priority programs and projects in Colorado that may be impacted by this pause. 
    COLORADO IMPACTS
    The order is expected to impact tens of billions of dollars in payments for Colorado. Federal funds make up approximately 25 percent of  Colorado’s total budget.
    The latest Biden administration data lists total IRA/BIL/CHIPS public investment in Colorado at $10.586 billion
    IRA/BIL climate-focused programs: Estimated $600M-$900M 
    Halts programs at Colorado’s rural hospitals: Pauses funding to increase health care access, support community health centers, treat substance abuse issues, and improve care quality for small rural hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals across the state. 
    For example, some of the programs and areas that will be affected:
    $1,420,601 for rural hospital improvements and Medicare flexibility in Arapahoe County
    $1,250,000 to battle the opioid crisis and increase access to substance abuse programs in Moffat County
    $784,031 to help screen patients suffering from black lung disease Denver County
    $499,847 to battle the opioid crisis and increase access to substance abuse programs in Adams County 
    $200,000 to improve access to health care providers in San Miguel County 
    $100,000 to expand rural health care development in Archuleta County 
    $100,000 to expand rural health care development in Mesa County
    Additional programs paused include cancer research, rural telehealth options, and infectious disease preparation.
    Medicaid portal down nationwide: Our office has heard from Colorado hospitals that the Medicaid payment system has been turned off. With Medicaid portals down, doctors and hospitals in Colorado are unable to receive funds through the system. Reports have circulated that other states are running into the same issue and have been shut off from Medicaid. 
    Takes food away from 40 percent of Colorado school kids: Halts federal payments for school breakfast and lunch programs. 40% of Colorado kids rely on these programs to stay fed and healthy. 
    Cuts off 83,000+ low-income families from heating their homes in the dead of winter: Halts funding disbursements for low-income Colorado families who rely on LIHEAP funding to keep their home warm this winter. In FY24, 83,800+ households depended on LIHEAP. 
    25,000+ Colorado seniors will be unsure where their next meal will come from: Local Meals on Wheels providers are unsure whether they will be able to serve meals. 25,000+ Colorado seniors utilize Meals on Wheels to access food. 
    Strips $182 million from the budgets of our local public schools: Will strip Colorado public schools of $182 million in federal funding, straining the budget of our local public schools even further.
    19,000+ kids unable to attend child care or Head Start programs: Facilities will not be able to access reimbursements that help provide low-income kids with the early childhood education, health, and nutrition that they need. In FY23, nearly 9,000 kids were enrolled in Head Start in Colorado. Head Start programs around the country are already reporting being locked out of the portal to access reimbursements.
    Federal funding to provide child care assistance to low-income families will also be paused, with over 10,000 kids in Colorado between the ages of 0-5 were supported by Child Care and Development Block Grant funding last year. 
    Hits our farmers and producers where it hurts when food prices are already too high for working families: This threatens funding to programs that benefit producers and consumers alike, including the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA). Since 2022, LFPA has contributed over $2M to local ag in Colorado, and enabled food banks to distribute over 1.2 million pounds of nutritious food to Coloradans in need. The order also pauses funding to agriculture research and meat, poultry, and egg product inspection.  
    Pauses critical loans for thousands of Colorado small businesses: All SBA loans, including disaster relief, will be paused. This will cripple local small businesses as they will be unable to make payroll, their leasing payment, or more. Over 5,000 Colorado small businesses have been approved for SBA loans in the past three years. 
    Deny Colorado communities funding to fight opioid misuse: Last year, Colorado received $20.8 million to fund addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery services across the state.
    Weakens our public safety and undermines our law enforcement: Pauses crucial funding used to prevent terrorism, hire more police officers, prevent school violence, and crack down on drug trafficking. 
    For example, some of grants that boost public safety in Colorado that will be impacted include: 
    $12.2 million to the Colorado Department of Public Safety to prevent terrorism 
    $9 million in Office of Violence Against Women grants in FY24 for Colorado organizations for victims assistance as well as state and local police  
    $680,798 awarded to Colorado Springs to reduce drug trafficking and drug production
    $336,629 for the Colorado Department of Public Safety to crack down on drug trafficking 
    Strips Colorado’s 365,000+ veterans of the support and resources they’ve earned: Halts funding for community-based suicide prevention efforts, organizations that provide care for veterans experiencing homelessness, and services for veterans living with disabilities or struggling with mental health crises. Health care programs that support family members of disabled veterans as well as educational programs, such as the Montgomery GI Bill and post-9/11 education benefits, will be paused. Funds will also be frozen for the VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, which supports surviving family members. Federal funding that helps veterans secure good-paying jobs through job training and support services is also threatened. 
    For example, organizations, such as the Colorado Coalition for Homeless, won’t be able to access their regular funding to help support veterans pay their monthly rent.  
    Cuts off 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Pauses funding for the suicide and life crisis hotline that offers real-time support for those struggling with a mental health crisis, emotional distress, and alcohol or durg use.  
    After our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has already invested $5.3 billion in Colorado, all DOT grant programs will be paused and reviewed. Many Colorado projects are at risk, including all major programs impacting highways, aviation, safety, rail, and more.
    Appeases China by allowing them to continue having a hold in our rural communication networks: Hickenlooper successfully secured $3.08 billion for the Federal Communications’s Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program, or the Rip and Replace program for short. Colorado was awarded the highest outstanding amount. That funding is now paused, leaving our rural small businesses in the dust and our telecommunications networks at risk.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health – $500k vape kit deal ‘reeks of tobacco tactics’ – Asthma Foundation

    Source: Asthma and Respiratory Foundation

    The Government has forked out more than half a million dollars on vapes to help adults quit smoking – despite these products not being approved for smoking cessation.
    The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ can reveal that the Government bought 3000 RELX Essential Vape Devices for $575,000 to help achieve its Smokefree 2025 goal.
    The vapes are provided for free to some smokers trying to quit – but the Foundation says it has serious concerns not just about their effectiveness but also about the lack of consultation, the purchase process, and quality control.
    Health NZ told the Foundation there was no tender process for the free vape kits as it purchased the vapes from a New Zealand company, which it says is “compliant with all relevant regulations”.
    RELX vaping products are produced by vaping and e-cigarette giant, RELX International, which has its headquarters in China.
    Foundation Chief Executive Ms Letitia Harding says regardless of whether this is in the combustible form or the vape form, this whole process reeks of tobacco tactics.
    “Public health policy must be guided by evidence and transparency, not behind-closed-door deals.”
    It is unclear whether an analysis of these products has been performed to ensure that nicotine levels are as labelled and that they contain no harmful substances, Ms Harding says.
    The nicotine content of the vapes are 28.5mg/ml – the maximum level available to purchase legally in NZ. Health NZ says the flavours on offer are watermelon, tobacco and mint.
    Health NZ’s advice to stop smoking practitioners is that vaping devices should be provided to those who have previously made quit attempts using nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or prescription medications.
    However, in individual cases, after an assessment has been conducted, providers may use their discretion to provide clients with a vaping device.
    Foundation Medical Director Professor Bob Hancox says there are already evidence-based, medically approved products that we know have gone through robust clinical trials and are available in New Zealand to help people quit smoking.
    “Who will take responsibility if people suffer adverse effects from these unapproved devices?
    “These vapes have been sent to smoking cessation providers to give to their clients, but Medsafe has not approved them to ensure their safety.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –