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Category: China

  • MIL-OSI China: Draft law revision aims to better protect personal privacy in anti-money laundering

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    An undated file photo shows a worker counting renminbi banknotes at a bank in Linyi, East China’s Shandong province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China is considering stepping up the protection of personal privacy in anti-money laundering work, a spokesperson said Friday.

    A draft revision to the Anti-Money Laundering Law will be submitted for its third deliberation at a session of the country’s top legislature from next Monday to Friday, Huang Haihua, spokesperson for the Legislative Affairs Commission of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, told a press conference.

    Huang said that the draft revision stipulates that institutions providing anti-money laundering services and their staff should properly handle the data and information obtained during their services in accordance with the law.

    The draft revision highlights that anti-money laundering work should ensure the smooth operation of regular financial services and capital flow, and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of relevant institutions and individuals, according to Huang.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi, Slovak PM meet in Beijing, agreeing to elevate ties

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who is on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

    Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Beijing on Friday.

    Noting that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Slovakia, Xi said that after three-quarters of a century of development, the traditional friendship between the two countries is full of vitality, and the cooperation in various fields has yielded fruitful results, bringing tangible benefits to the people of both countries.

    “We have decided to elevate China-Slovakia relations to a strategic partnership, which meets the future development needs of both countries and will inject new and powerful momentum into bilateral cooperation,” Xi said, adding that China is willing to work together with Slovakia to open a new chapter in bilateral relations and lift their ties to a higher level.

    Xi said the two countries need to deepen political mutual trust, calling on both sides to maintain high-level exchanges, strengthen strategic communication, adhere to mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, and accommodate each other’s core interests and major concerns.

    In order to expand pragmatic cooperation, Xi said the two countries should make good use of the newly established inter-governmental cooperation committee to strengthen synergy in new energy, transportation and logistics, infrastructure construction and water resources management. China encourages its enterprises to invest in Slovakia and welcomes Slovak enterprises to explore the market in China, he said.

    Xi said the two countries should promote cultural and people-to-people exchanges. He called on both sides to carry out communication and dialogue among political parties, local governments, youth, think tanks, and the media, and make good use of platforms such as the Confucius Institutes to consolidate the foundation of public opinion for China-Slovakia friendship across generations.

    China has decided to grant 15-day visa-free entry to Slovak citizens, Xi added.

    Xi noted that the two countries need to strengthen international cooperation. In a complex and rapidly changing world, Xi said, both sides should uphold true multilateralism, firmly safeguard the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order based on international law, advocate for an equal and orderly multipolar world and universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, embrace a vision of global governance featuring extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

    China attaches great importance to China-EU relations, Xi said, adding that next year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the EU, and China-EU relations should demonstrate due maturity and stability.

    Xi expressed the hope that the new EU institutions will adhere to the orientation of the China-EU partnership, adopt a positive and pragmatic approach, properly manage differences, and refrain from politicizing economic and trade issues.

    Fico said Slovakia firmly adheres to the one-China policy and recognizes the government of the People’s Republic of China as the only legitimate government representing all of China. Slovakia opposes any interference in other countries’ internal affairs and advocates for respecting each country’s choice of development path.

    Slovakia appreciates China’s decision to grant Slovak citizens the 15-day visa-free treatment, Fico said. Slovakia supports facilitating people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, and welcomes more Chinese enterprises to invest in the country and strengthen cooperation in areas such as new energy and infrastructure, he added.

    Slovakia appreciates the three major global initiatives put forward by President Xi, and is willing to strengthen exchanges with China on state governance experience and actively promote the EU’s commitment to handling differences through dialogue and consultations, Fico said.

    The two sides also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis. Xi expounded on China’s consistent principle and position, commending Slovakia for adopting an objective, rational and impartial stance. He welcomed Slovakia, as well as more like-minded countries, to play a positive role in promoting peace talks.

    Fico stated that China’s position on the Ukraine crisis is fair, objective and constructive. Slovakia is willing to join the group of Friends for Peace on the Ukraine crisis and work with China to contribute to the political settlement of the crisis.

    Following the meeting, the two sides issued a joint statement on the establishment of a strategic partnership. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Global scholars convene in Beijing to discuss role of innovation in human progress

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    A forum in Beijing has gathered global scholars and experts to discuss how to drive human advancement through innovation, as the world faces both opportunities and challenges posed by rapid scientific and technological progress.

    “The rapid development of science and technology, along with emerging ideas and technologies, has not only transformed industrial and social structures but also posed new challenges to the international order and human civilization,” said Gong Qihuang, president of Peking University, while addressing the opening ceremony of the 2024 Beijing Forum on Friday.

    Humanity needs more international scientific and technological cooperation than ever to solve common development problems, Gong added.

    Building on the overarching theme of “The Harmony of Civilizations and Prosperity for All” from its inaugural edition in 2004, this year’s forum is themed “The Era of Innovation and Advancement of Mankind.”

    Gong said that the ongoing event aims to drive development through innovation and create a platform for joint efforts in exploring the path to modernization for human society and the prosperity of global civilization.

    Emphasizing the vital role of innovation in tackling global challenges, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won said that no single country or organization can address these issues alone in today’s era of innovation.

    Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, former prime minister of Pakistan, called for efforts to bridge the digital divide to ensure inclusive economic growth and prioritize human development so that innovation can be fully leveraged. “We must ensure that innovation serves humanity’s greater good.”

    According to Qian Chengdan, a well-known historian at Peking University, innovation is not only technological advancements or the development of new tools but also systemic innovations, new human ideas, and transformative changes in the overall fabric of human life.

    The participants at the forum acknowledged China’s position as a global leader in innovation.

    Gerard Mourou, the 2018 Nobel Prize winner in physics, noted that China has witnessed incredible advancements in scientific and technological development over the past decades.

    Mourou, who assumed the role of a chair professor at Peking University this October, said he is highly impressed by the abilities of Chinese students, noting that they excel not only in their coursework but also in innovation.

    Hani K. Findakly, chairman of the International Oversight Committee of the State of Qatar Chair in Middle Eastern Studies, Peking University, lauded China as a leading innovator. He noted that the country will play a crucial role in addressing climate change and other global challenges.

    According to an innovation index report released by the World Intellectual Property Organization this year, China has ranked first in the number of the global top 100 sci-tech city clusters for two consecutive years.

    Looking back at history, China has made significant contributions to human development and is poised to play an increasingly vital role in driving innovation in the future, Qian said.

    This year’s forum garnered significant attention by drawing more than 500 experts and scholars from over 30 countries and regions, highlighting its status as a prominent global hub for academic and people-to-people exchanges.

    Co-sponsored by Peking University, the Beijing Municipal Education Commission and the Chey Institute for Advanced Studies, the annual forum has attracted more than 7,000 distinguished guests and scholars from over 80 countries and regions since 2004. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Spanish floods kill at least 205, PM pledges comprehensive support

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Spain remains deeply shaken by the deadly flash floods that have left 205 people confirmed dead and wrecked havoc across the regions of Valencia, Castilla-La Mancha and Andalusia in the east and southeast parts of the country. As of Friday, many more are still unaccounted for.

    With the ground too dry to absorb the intense rainfall, which exceeded 400 liters per square meter in many areas and reached up to 600 liters in some, the torrential overnight downpours on Tuesday led to devastating flash floods.

    Videos posted on social media have shown torrents up to three meters high sweeping cars down the streets to pile them up as if they were toys. Bridges were swept away, railway tunnels collapsed and fields were swamped as people climbed onto roofs of their homes and cars to seek refuge, but not all survived.

    The official death toll, initially 12 on Wednesday morning according to the Center for Coordinated and Integrated Operations, has now soared to 205, with 202 fatalities in the region of Valencia, two in Castilla-La Mancha and one in Andalusia.

    The Feria de Valencia exhibition center has had to be used as a temporary mortuary. With many people still missing, the number of fatalities is expected to climb further.

    The Spanish newspaper Eldiario.es reported on Friday that 1,900 people are still missing. Witnesses in the affected areas said many people had gone into underground garages to save their cars, only to be trapped by the extreme deluge. The media outlets are filled with heart wrenching stories, with loved ones making final calls from vehicles trapped in rising waters.

    Moreover, over 130,000 homes lost power during the floods, and by Friday, power company Iberdrola confirmed that 23,000 homes still remained without electricity.

    The floods left the Valencia region in eastern Spain almost isolated, with the high-speed rail link between the capital city of Madrid and Valencia closed for up to three weeks following the collapse of two tunnels.

    Around 80 km of local rail lines and 100 roads were damaged, prompting the government to allocate 25 million euros (27 million U.S. dollars) on Friday for emergency repairs.

    Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez visited the affected areas on Thursday and pledged comprehensive aid for recovery efforts. The government declared three days of official mourning as sporting events in the Valencia region were all postponed.

    Meanwhile, nearly 2,000 military personnel, supported by 400 vehicles and 15 helicopters, have been deployed to assist in rescue and recovery operations. Hundreds of mud-caked Valencia volunteers were seen helping clear streets and homes with shovels and brooms.

    However, police also reported that approximately 60 people have been detained for looting in the wake of the floods.

    Relief support has poured in from across Spain, with funds being set up by the Red Cross and other agencies to aid rescue and recovery. Additionally, the international community, including the European Union, has offered assistance.

    Three days after the deadliest floods in decades, Valencia remains under alert for further downpours, with high warnings issued for Huelva, Castellon, Mallorca, and Catalonia. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Test-fire of latest ICBM ‘legitimate exercise of sovereign right to self-defence’: DPRK Foreign Ministry

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The Foreign Ministry of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) said the test-fire of the country’s latest intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) was “a legitimate and just exercise of its sovereign right to self-defence” and part of the counteraction in response to the provocative moves by hostile forces, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Saturday.

    In a statement issued on Friday, as reported by the KCNA, a DPRK Foreign Ministry spokesman accused the United States and its followers of intending to convene a meeting of the UN Security Council with an aim to “seriously encroach upon the DPRK’s right to self-defence,” in addition to staging joint air drills of aggressive nature on the Korean peninsula and in its vicinity while viciously slandering the reasonable exercise of sovereignty by the DPRK.

    The Foreign Ministry expresses serious concern over the hostile forces’ confrontational behavior to create a critical situation against the DPRK security environment, and strongly denounces and rejects this act as “a wanton violation of the UN Charter and other recognized international laws” and “a grave challenge to international peace and security,” the statement said.

    “It is the steadfast strategic option and will of the DPRK to thoroughly deter the danger of outbreak of a nuclear war and powerfully control and manage the political and military situation in the region by countering the ever-dangerous military threat of the U.S. and its vassal forces with the overwhelmed and absolute power,” said the statement.

    The DPRK on Thursday conducted a “crucial” test of its latest ICBM Hwasongpho-19. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 52 killed, 72 injured in Israeli airstrikes on E. Lebanon

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Fifty-two people were killed and 72 others injured on Friday in Israeli airstrikes on the city of Baalbek and surrounding towns and villages in eastern Lebanon, said the Lebanese Health Ministry.

    Israeli forces have intensified their attacks on eastern Lebanon over the past days after issuing warnings to citizens, calling for the evacuation of entire cities, villages, and towns in the area.

    Most of the casualties occurred in localities including Baalbek, Al-Alaq, Younine, Badnayel, Al-Bazaliyah, Amhaz, Iaat, Labweh, Harbata, Nahle, Taraya, and Hawsh An Nabi.

    The Israeli army has been waging intensive attacks on Lebanon in an escalation with Hezbollah since late September. In Early October, Israel initiated a ground operation across its northern border into Lebanon. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 6th Friends of Paris Agreement High-level Dialogue held in Paris

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Participants pose for a group photo during the sixth Friends of the Paris Agreement High-Level Dialogue in Paris, France, on Oct. 28, 2024. The sixth Friends of the Paris Agreement High-Level Dialogue was held in Paris on Oct. 28-29. Organized by the European Climate Foundation and co-organized by the Institute of Climate Change and Sustainable Development of Tsinghua University, the dialogue has drawn over 20 high-level officials from signatory countries. (the European Climate Foundation/Handout via Xinhua)

    The sixth Friends of the Paris Agreement High-Level Dialogue was held in Paris on Oct. 28-29, where global leaders and stakeholders gathered to review both the significant progress and ongoing challenges faced by the international community in addressing climate-related crises since the Paris Agreement’s enactment.

    The dialogue was co-chaired by Xie Zhenhua, former China’s special envoy for climate change, and Laurence Tubiana, former France’s climate change ambassador and special representative for COP21.

    Organized by the European Climate Foundation and co-organized by the Institute of Climate Change and Sustainable Development of Tsinghua University, the dialogue has drawn over 20 high-level officials from signatory countries.

    Among the attendees are Laurent Fabius, president of the French Constitutional Council and former French prime minister, John Kerry, former U.S. Secretary of State, Teresa Ribera, European Commission’s first executive vice-president, Luiz Alberto Figueiredo Machado, former Brazilian minister of External Relations, Catherine McKenna, former Canadian minister of environment and climate change, Selwin Hart, special adviser to the UN Secretary-General and Assistant Secretary-General of the Climate Action Team, and Liu Zhenmin, China’s special envoy for climate change.

    As next year marks the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement, participants reached a consensus on the need for all countries to embody the spirit of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) amid the current complex global challenges.

    They also emphasized a strong commitment to defending and upholding multilateralism, advancing the global process for climate action, and adhering to the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.

    The attendees also agreed that countries must continue advancing climate actions under the framework of the Paris Agreement, adopt faster and larger-scale international cooperation to ensure the timely achievement of global climate goals, and accelerate the global transition toward green, low-carbon, and climate-resilient development.

    The participants also held in-depth discussions on various climate-related issues, such as the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), climate finance, energy transition, and technological innovation.

    They all agreed to further strengthen the role of the “Friends of the Paris Agreement,” supporting and advancing the success of this year’s UN Climate Change Conference in Baku (COP29) and laying the foundation for next year’s UN Climate Change Conference in Belem (COP30) in line with the goals and principles established by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement.

    The Friends of the Paris Agreement High-level Dialogue was initiated in 2019. It is hosted annually on a rotating basis by the European Climate Foundation and the Institute of Climate Change and Sustainable Development of Tsinghua University.

    The dialogue, gathering high-level representatives who have played key roles in the formulation and implementation of the Paris Agreement, serves as a platform for them to provide recommendations to the United Nations, the host countries of the Climate Conference and the secretariat of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, to promote the multilateral process. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Flights between Xi’an and Paris resume

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

    Flights between China’s Xi’an and Paris, France, resumed on Wednesday, strengthening travel links between China and Europe. The new schedule for the Xi’an-Paris route includes flights every Wednesday, with a one-way flight time of approximately 11 and a half hours. The Xi’an-Paris route is served by a Boeing 787-9 wide-body aircraft with a seating capacity of 290.

    The route is the fifth direct flight from Xi’an to Europe and the second direct intercontinental flight from northwest China to France.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Legal Week 2024 to commence on Monday

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Hong Kong Legal Week 2024, an annual flagship event of the legal sector and the Department of Justice (DoJ), is one of the most anticipated legal and dispute resolution events in the region and beyond. Themed “Hong Kong Common Law System: World-Class Springboard to China and Beyond”, the five-day event will start Monday (November 4) and run until November 8. The Hong Kong Legal Week 2024 will provide an opportunity for participants to engage in a series of professional and insightful discussions and exchanges with prominent experts, practitioners, government officials and academics on a wide spectrum of topics from international law, developments in alternative dispute resolution, opportunities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, to the rule of law in the region and beyond.

         Hong Kong Legal Week 2024 will open on Monday with the Asia-Pacific International Private Law Summit, co-organised by the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law and the DoJ. The Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy, one of the policy initiatives set out in the 2023 Policy Address, will also be officially launched on the last day of this year’s Hong Kong Legal Week.

         In addition to the insightful events, there will be an exhibition at the venue highlighting the achievements in the construction of the rule of law by the country in the modern era, and the role played by Hong Kong in contributing to the developments.

         A series of international and important events to be featured at the Hong Kong Legal Week 2024 are as below:

    November 4
    * Asia-Pacific International Private Law Summit 2024

    November 5
    * The Second Legal Forum on Interconnectivity and Development

    November 6
    * Beyond Litigation: The Vibrant Landscape of Alternative Dispute Resolution of Hong Kong
    * 2024 Hong Kong Mediation Lecture

    November 7
    * Joint Contribution to the Construction of Rule of Law in the GBA

    November 8
    * Rule of Law: The Best Business Environment

         For more details on Hong Kong Legal Week 2024, please visit the dedicated website at www.legalweek.hk. Live broadcasts will be available on the dedicated website and at webcast.info.gov.hk.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai meets delegation from Estonian parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee  

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    President Lai meets delegation from Estonian parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee  
    President Lai meets delegation from Estonian parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee  
    2024-11-01

    On the afternoon of November 1, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation from the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia). In remarks, President Lai thanked Estonia for staunchly supporting Taiwan’s international participation and said that Taiwan has the responsibility, the ability, and the willingness to contribute even more to the international community in every domain. The president expressed his hope that we can work together to continue deepening the partnership between Taiwan and Estonia, and that by strengthening cooperation with European Union member states across many areas, we can jointly respond to the challenges posed by expanding authoritarianism, thereby safeguarding global peace, stability, and prosperity. 
    A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
    I extend a warm welcome to our good friends from the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu. This is Chairman Marko Mihkelson’s second visit to Taiwan. He visited last August with a delegation of parliamentary foreign affairs committee chairs from the Baltic states. Members of the Riigikogu Ester Karuse and Luisa Rõivas are also visiting again, having been part of a delegation led by Estonia-Taiwan Support Group Chairman Kristo Enn Vaga in March.
    Your presence here demonstrates that Taiwan-Estonia relations are growing closer. I believe that with your support and assistance, our alliance, based on the shared values of freedom and democracy, and our economic and trade partnership are sure to grow even stronger. For this, I express my sincere gratitude.
    The international landscape and geopolitical environment are changing rapidly. Expanding authoritarianism is challenging the universal values of freedom and democracy as well as the rules-based international order. At this critical juncture, it is even more imperative that like-minded nations unite and work together to safeguard global peace, stability, and prosperity.
    In addition to strengthening cooperation with other nations to defend the values of freedom and democracy, Taiwan has actively sought inclusion in such international organizations and mechanisms as the World Health Organization, the International Civil Aviation Organization, and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. More than just a matter of the fundamental human rights of the 23 million people of Taiwan, it demonstrates that Taiwan has the responsibility, the ability, and the willingness to contribute even more to the international community in every domain.
    I want to take this opportunity to thank Estonia for staunchly supporting Taiwan’s international participation. In particular, Health Minister Riina Sikkut once again spoke out for Taiwan’s meaningful engagement at this year’s World Health Assembly. We sincerely appreciate Estonia for holding Taiwan in such high regard and for taking this stand. I would also like to congratulate former Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas on her appointment as High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. This attests to the crucial role that Estonia plays in uniting the strengths of the EU and like-minded nations around the world.
    Looking ahead, we hope that, with your assistance, we will continue to deepen the partnership between Taiwan and Estonia. And by strengthening cooperation with EU member states in such areas as the economy, trade, and security, we can jointly respond to the challenges posed by expanding authoritarianism. In closing, I wish you a smooth and productive visit.
    Chairman Mihkelson then delivered remarks, saying that he is honored to lead the first-ever delegation from the Estonian parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee to Taiwan. Mentioning that yesterday they had witnessed Typhoon Kong-rey, he said that not even typhoons can break the very good relations between Estonia and Taiwan. 
    Chairman Mihkelson expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to meet with President Lai today and discuss very important topics, such as how to improve relations between our nations. Noting that we are living in a very turbulent world, he said that Taiwan and Estonia are like-minded nations whose relations have changed dramatically in a very positive direction from several years ago to today. The chairman observed that we have had numerous reciprocal visits and expressed his hope that one day we can mutually establish representative offices between Taiwan and Estonia.
    Chairman Mihkelson emphasized that Taiwan and Estonia are strong democracies, and that we see today both in East Asia and also in Europe that democracies are under attack. In Estonia and Europe, he said, they are worried about Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. He said that the aim of both Russia and its supporters is not only Ukraine, but also to change the world order. And the recent news that North Korean troops are to participate in the aggression against Ukraine, he added, makes this conflict global.
    Chairman Mihkelson stated that the reason they are here, besides strengthening our bilateral relations, is to find ways democracies can together support Ukraine, because the outcome of this war is similarly important for their own security as well as for Taiwan’s security. He said that Estonia lost its freedom for 50 years and that ever since it regained independence in 1991, there has been a very strong political consensus, but also support within society, that Estonia should never be alone again when it comes to its security and international relations. This is why, he explained, they are seeking very good partnerships with like-minded countries like Taiwan.  
    In closing, Chairman Mihkelson emphasized that we should do whatever it takes in our cooperation as democracies to never be challenged by autocracies. He then once again expressed his thanks for hosting them here today.
    The delegation also included Deputy Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Henn Põlluaas and Deputy Chair of the Anti-Corruption Select Committee Eerik-Niiles Kross.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Macao has full backing of central authorities: Spokesperson

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    A file photo taken on July 1, 2021 shows the scene at the iconic Golden Lotus Square of Macao where a flag-raising ceremony is held to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China. [Photo/Xinhua]
    President Xi Jinping’s meeting with Sam Hou Fai, the incoming chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), fully demonstrates the central authorities’ wholehearted support for Macao’s development, a spokesperson for the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of China’s State Council said on Friday.
    The Friday meeting also reflects the central authorities’ earnest expectation for Macao to continuously advance the successful practice of “one country, two systems,” said the spokesperson.
    The sound environment of Macao today is a vivid testament to the great vitality and strength of the “one country, two systems” principle, the spokesperson said.
    During the meeting, President Xi reiterated that the central authorities will stay committed to fully and faithfully implementing the “one country, two systems” principle under which the people of Macao administer Macao with a high degree of autonomy, noted the spokesperson, adding that this constitutes the greatest source of confidence for securing steady and continued success of “one country, two systems” in Macao.
    The spokesperson also expressed the belief that the new chief executive and government of the Macao SAR will unite all sectors of the Macao society and continuously break new ground in the practice of “one country, two systems” with Macao characteristics.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Housing market enjoys upswing

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    An aerial photo taken on Feb. 17, 2020 shows buildings under construction in Nanguan District of Changchun city, northeast China’s Jilin province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    In October, the total transaction volume of China’s new and secondhand homes experienced their first increase after an eight-month decline, said the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development on Friday.

    The nationwide sales volume of new homes rose 0.9% year-on-year in October, according to the ministry’s data.

    The increase marks the first positive growth in the new housing sector after 15 consecutive months of declines since June of last year.

    In addition, the transaction volume for second-hand homes grew by 8.9% year-on-year, extending its growth streak to seven months.

    Overall, the combined transaction volumes of new and secondhand homes increased by 3.9% year-on-year in October, marking a significant turnaround following eight months of consistent decreases since February, the ministry said.

    The real estate market in major cities may experience a “mild winter” this year and transaction volumes are expected to maintain a high momentum, with home prices holding steady under the influence of recent policy adjustments, said Zhang Dawei, chief analyst at Centaline Property, in an interview.

    Data from the ministry also showed that in October, the growth in housing sales has extended beyond first-tier cities, indicating a broader market recovery across regions nationwide.

    In first-tier cities, new home sales volumes rose by 14.1% year-on-year, while second-hand home transactions surged by 47.3% year-on-year in October.

    Cities including Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Dongguan in Guangdong province, Nanjing in Jiangsu province, Ningbo in Zhejiang province, and Dalian in Liaoning province have seen strong growth in new home sales, up over 30% year-on-year, while second-hand home transactions in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Hangzhou increased by more than 50%.

    At the regional level, 11 provincial-level regions reported year-on-year growth in new home sales in October, an increase from five provinces in the previous month. Tianjin Municipality, Guangdong, Jiangxi, Hunan and Jiangsu provinces led with growth rates of above 10%. Additionally, 20 provincial-level regions saw increases in second-hand housing sales, a rise of two in quantity from September.

    As the central government’s recent key policies have demonstrated a rather proactive and positive stance as well as a strong commitment to stabilizing the economy and halting the decline in the real estate sector, more local-level supportive policies are also expected to be implemented in the near future, said Guorong Securities’ research team.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s listed companies report growing profits

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    A file photo shows an exterior view of the Shanghai Stock Exchange at Pudong New Area in Shanghai, east China. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Companies listed on China’s stock exchanges have reported net profit growth in the third quarter of 2024.

    As of Thursday, 5,368 publicly-traded companies had released quarterly reports. Their combined net profits reached 1.52 trillion yuan (about $213.7 billion) from July to September, growing 4.9% year on year and 3.9% over the previous quarter.

    From January to September, these listed firms reported 52.64 trillion yuan in operating revenues and 4.43 trillion yuan in net profits. Of them, 2,947 companies posted growth in operating revenues and 2,149 corporations saw an increase in net profit.

    In the first three quarters, the publicly-traded companies invested 1.1 trillion yuan in research and development, representing a year-on-year growth of 3.9%. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: HKSAR gov’t welcomes first batch of brokers eligible for cross-boundary wealth management connect

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Photo taken on July 31, 2021 shows the statues on the square of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) in south China’s Hong Kong. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government on Friday welcomed the announcements of the first batch of brokers eligible to participate in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) Cross-boundary Wealth Management Connect Pilot Scheme.

    Fourteen licensed corporations in Hong Kong are qualified to offer cross-boundary investment services for investors from the GBA, according to the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong. They will work in partnership with brokers of the Chinese mainland confirmed by the China Securities Regulatory Commission.

    A spokesperson for the HKSAR government said that the Wealth Management Connect has been growing steadily since its launch in September 2021, and measures commencing on Feb. 26 this year to enhance the scheme have received enthusiastic market response.

    The first batch of brokers joining the scheme can help better satisfy GBA residents’ demand for asset allocation and create more development opportunities for the industry, the spokesperson said.

    This will strengthen Hong Kong’s status as an international asset management center, the spokesperson added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Sustained drive set to boost spending

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    A consumer shops at a supermarket in Tengzhou, east China’s Shandong Province, April 11, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China will ramp up efforts to reinvigorate consumer spending and drive domestic demand across various sectors, to give a much-needed fillip to the country’s economic growth momentum in the final stretch of the year, officials and analysts said.

    Consumption vouchers in the service sector and new incentives for businesses, among others, will be rolled out to facilitate the transition of the world’s second-largest economy toward a more consumption-led model, they added.

    China’s retail sales growth accelerated by 1.1 percentage points in September compared to the previous month, indicating a positive shift in the country’s consumer market. The country will better harness the power of consumption to propel its development, Vice-Minister of Commerce Sheng Qiuping said on Friday.

    By launching the consumption promotion campaign in November, the country will further unleash the potential of consumption and strongly underpin the year-end economic performance, Sheng said at a news conference.

    The initiative will guide offline businesses to actively engage in promotional activities, while fostering synergies with the ongoing Double Eleven shopping festival, Sheng added. Double Eleven is an e-commerce shopping fiesta that culminates on Nov 11 each year.

    In the month ahead, Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, and Chongqing will distribute consumption vouchers specifically for catering, cultural tourism, and sports services, according to Sheng.

    China’s service consumption demand has remained robust, with the retail sales of services growing 6.7% year-on-year in the first three quarters of this year, outpacing the growth in goods retail by 3.7 percentage points, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed.

    By encouraging consumption in the service industries, China can better capitalize on the growing middle-income group and their increasing preference for experiential and lifestyle-oriented spending, said Chen Lifen, a researcher at the Development Research Center of the State Council.

    Meanwhile, Shanghai and Guangzhou, Guangdong province, will offer support and incentives to businesses that introduce new offerings, such as launching first stores, products or exhibitions.

    That is the debut economy in action. It covers everything from the unveiling of a product for the first time, the opening of flagship stores, and the launch of new services, to the creation of new business models and technologies, said Chen Wenling, chief economist at the China Center for International Economic Exchanges.

    These activities are often characterized by their trendiness, cutting-edge features, and high-quality attributes, effectively aligning with consumers’ growing demand for diverse and premium experiences, Chen added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China hopes talks with EU on EV anti-subsidy probe will bring agreement: MOC

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    People experience a BYD Han electric car during a media preview of the 100th Brussels Motor Show in Brussels, Belgium, Jan. 13, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOC) said on Friday that it hoped the new phase of talks on price commitment with the European Union (EU) regarding the latter’s anti-subsidy probe into China-made electric vehicles (EV) will reach a mutually acceptable solution.

    In a statement, the MOC said that the technical teams of China and the EU have immediately launched a new phase of consultations on price commitment following a discussion held via video link on Oct. 25 between Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and European Commission Executive Vice President and Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis.

    After intensive communication, the EU side indicated that it will be in China to continue consultations on the specific contents of the plan, the MOC said.

    “China welcomes this and hopes that the next phase of consultations will follow the principle of pragmatism and balance to reach a solution acceptable to both sides,” the MOC said.

    On Oct. 29, the EU said it had decided to impose definitive countervailing duties of up to 35.3 percent on EVs from China for a period of five years.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: New climate financing goal expected

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China will collaborate with other Global South countries at an upcoming conference to push for a new, ambitious climate financing goal from developed nations that can adequately support climate actions in developing countries.

    Formerly known as the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, COP29 is slated to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from Nov 11 to 22.

    Xia Yingxian, director of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment’s Department of Climate Change, made the remarks at a news conference organized by the State Council Information Office in Beijing on Friday.

    Emphasizing the critical need to adhere to the objectives and principles outlined in the Convention and the Paris Agreement, Xia expressed China’s aspirations for COP29 to send a resoundingly positive message that the global climate multilateral process is irreversible and that international cooperation is absolutely essential.

    He highlighted that the UN assembly must enhance the efficacy of global endeavors in combating the climate crisis, offer sustained momentum for worldwide green, low-carbon transitions and innovations, and buttress climate resilience.

    Xia especially underscored the pivotal importance of a specific climate financing target from developed countries for developing nations to achieve a successful COP29.

    A key task for the UN climate gathering is to establish a New Collective Quantified Goal on climate financing, which represents a post-2025 climate financing commitment from developed economies to developing nations.

    In 2009, developed countries pledged to deliver $100 billion per year in international climate funding by 2020. The 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change extended the target, requiring contributing nations to maintain the annual contribution through 2025. But the promise has not yet been fully materialized.

    Xia said parties should adhere to the authorization of Article 9 of the Paris Agreement. This means that developed countries must fulfill their funding obligations and continue to lead in mobilizing funds, rather than renegotiate or rewrite relevant arrangements, he said.

    Article 9 stipulates that “developed country parties shall provide financial resources to assist developing country parties with respect to both mitigation and adaptation in continuation of their existing obligations under the Convention”.

    The official stressed a specific target number from developed nations as “golden key” and “master switch” to ensure fruitful outcomes from COP29. He stated that the conference must ensure that the level of support from developed countries aligns with the level of action taken by developing countries.

    Continuously aligning with fellow developing nations, China will press developed countries to meet their financial commitments and devise innovative and substantial financial assistance to adequately support climate initiatives in developing countries, he said.

    “China is willing to work together with all parties to make efforts for the success of COP29,” Xia said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China to give visa-free treatment to another 9 countries

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Travelers pass through customs at Beijing Daxing International Airport in Beijing, capital of China, July 18, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Beijing decided to give visa-free treatment to another nine countries to further encourage cross-border travel, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Friday.

    China will extend the visa-free policy to ordinary passport holders from Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein and the Republic of Korea on a trial basis, Lin said.

    According to Lin, from November 8, 2024, to December 31, 2025, ordinary passport holders from these nine countries will be exempt from visas to enter China and can stay for no more than 15 days for business, tourism, family visits and transit purposes.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Letter to President Biden Calls for Intervention in China Adoption Program Termination

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)

    BISMARCK, N.D. – In August, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) halted all international adoptions, except those between blood relatives. Prior to the announcement, approximately 300 children in the PRC had been matched with American families in the adoption process.

    U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), a co-chair of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, joined U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Ben Cardin (D-MD), and a bipartisan, bicameral group of 103 members of Congress in sending a letter to President Joe Biden, calling on him to stand up for families navigating the PRC’s decision to end intercountry adoptions for those without Chinese familial ties.

    “We request that you act in the best interest of these children and families by urging the PRC to fulfill and uphold the commitment the country has made,” the lawmakers wrote.

    “The American families that have been matched with their adoptive children are prepared to meet their long-term medical and emotional needs, and to give them the love and nurturing they need,” they continued. “Many of these children know that they have a home, which in many cases have been prepared for their arrival since the families were notified that they were matched and moving forward with the adoption process.” 

    Previously, Cramer joined his Congressional Coalition on Adoption co-chairs in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of State requesting clarification on details of the decision to halt adoptions, as well as the reasoning for China’s decision.  

    Click here for the letter.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: CIIE marks China’s commitment to opening up, says Zambian expert

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    A screen promoting the upcoming 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) is pictured at the entrance of National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the main venue for the CIIE, in east China’s Shanghai, Oct. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE) highlights China’s commitment to global openness and willingness to engage in trade with countries worldwide, a Zambian economic expert has said.

    Bernadette Deka-Zulu, founder of Shaping Futures Zambia, a non-governmental organization supporting youth involvement in policy, described China’s move to embrace opening up as a significant step toward fostering a global environment conducive to free trade among nations.

    “The CIIE has offered itself as a leading example to bring about different countries and companies representing various regions, and this is offering an openness. China is saying we are ready to trade with anyone, it also shows that China is open for business,” she told Xinhua in an interview on Thursday.

    She noted that the CIIE not only contributes to China’s economic growth but also serves as a gateway for emerging economies to access an open market, allowing them to display their products and tap into China’s demand for diverse commodities.

    As a former executive director of the Policy Monitoring and Research Center, Deka-Zulu emphasized that the CIIE will also offer a valuable platform for China to learn from other nations and for other countries to observe China’s industrialization progress.

    She further emphasized that China’s commitment to globalization through events like the CIIE has set a benchmark for global economic integration, ensuring equal participation for all countries regardless of economic size — a move critical for enhancing global livelihoods.

    In an era marked by protectionist policies, China’s openness creates a strategic advantage for emerging economies in global trade, she said, praising China’s zero-tariff policy for all least-developed countries with diplomatic relations, calling it a tangible example of its commitment to fair trade.

    She expressed optimism that this initiative would boost exports and elevate economies in these countries. Additionally, she noted that nine Zambian companies have so far registered for this year’s expo, marking a notable increase from previous years and paving the way for more participation in future events.

    Scheduled from Nov. 5 to 10 in Shanghai, the annual CIIE has, since 2018, supported international procurement, investment promotion, cultural exchange, and cooperative partnerships.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Finnish trade minister to attend China CIIE in Shanghai

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    This photo shows a view of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the main venue for the upcoming 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE), in east China’s Shanghai, Oct. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Finland’s government announced on Friday that Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio will attend the upcoming China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai.

    “China is an important trading partner for Finland, so it is useful to support export promotion and trade in sectors that benefit Finnish businesses. This is the fourth time that Finland has a national pavilion at the CIIE,” Tavio stated in a press release.

    The release also noted that Shanghai hosts the largest cluster of Finnish businesses in China.

    According to the release, Tavio will lead a Finnish trade delegation in China from Nov. 4 to 8. Following engagements in Shanghai, he and the delegation will travel to Shenzhen in southern China, with the visit ending in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

    The seventh China International Import Expo is scheduled in Shanghai from Nov. 5 to 10.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese-invested expressway in Cambodia marks 2nd anniversary of operation

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Aerial photo taken on June 24, 2022 shows the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway project in Kampong Speu Province, Cambodia. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The Chinese-invested Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway, Cambodia’s first high-speed toll road, celebrated the second anniversary of its operation on Friday.

    Cambodian Minister of Public Works and Transport Peng Ponea and Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wenbin took part in the event, held here at the headquarters of the Cambodian PPSHV Expressway Co., Ltd., the operator of the 187-km expressway.

    Speaking at the ceremony, Ponea said the expressway has become a key strategic route, linking the first economic powerhouse of Phnom Penh with the second economic powerhouse of the coastal province of Sihanoukville.

    “This expressway has been providing great benefits to Cambodia’s socio-economic development and tourism,” he said. “It has played a crucial role in improving the efficiency of travel and goods transport.”

    The minister said the motorway was one of major achievements in Cambodia under the framework of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation, in addition to the Sihanoukville Special Economy Zone, the Siem Reap Angkor International Airport and the Morodok Techo National Stadium.

    “These achievements are a solid testament to our joint efforts in building a Cambodia-China community with a shared future,” he said.

    Wang said the expressway was a landmark project of China-Cambodia cooperation under the BRI.

    “It is a vivid example of China-Cambodia joint efforts in building a high-quality, high-level and high-standard community with a shared future in a new era,” he said.

    The ambassador said the expressway has significantly contributed to creating job opportunities, promoting regional development and improving the well-being of local people.

    At the event, the company offered a one-year free travel to Chhum Sophearun, a 42-year-old taxi driver, who was the 10 millionth user of the expressway.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Huge manganese deposit found in central China

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Manganese ore specimens are on display at a museum of Geophysical and Geochemical Survey Institute of Hunan Province in Yongzhou, central China’s Hunan province, Oct. 11, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Chinese geologists have uncovered a huge manganese deposit in central China, with its overall potential reserve estimated to exceed 200 million tonnes, Geophysical and Geochemical Survey Institute of Hunan province said Friday.

    About 84 million tonnes of manganese ore deposit have already been discovered in the Qiyang-Lingling Basin of Yongzhou, Hunan province.

    “Manganese is an essential raw material for industries such as steel, new energy and advanced materials,” said Liao Fengchu, director of the institute.

    Researchers have also found a substantial manganese ore body with significant industrial potential following a recent drilling at a depth of over 1,016 meters in the basin, said Xu Junwei, chief engineer of the institute.

    China consumes millions of tonnes of manganese annually, with most of the ore imported, Liao noted.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Board appointments to foundations for relations with China and Japan

    Source: Australian Government – Minister of Foreign Affairs

    I am pleased to announce appointments to the boards of the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations and the Australia-Japan Foundation board.

    The Honourable Mark McGowan AC has been appointed to the Advisory Board of the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations.

    Mr McGowan brings a wealth of relevant experience having served as Premier of Western Australia. Prior to his election to the Parliament of Western Australia, Mr McGowan served as a legal officer in the Royal Australian Navy.

    The Advisory Board guides the Foundation in its efforts to promote and coordinate enhanced cooperation between Australia and China, in support of Australia’s national interests.

    The Foundation is focused on strengthening risk-informed engagement with China and reinforcing social cohesion by partnering with Chinese-Australian communities and showcasing their contributions.

    I am also pleased to announce a new appointment and two reappointments to the Australian-Japan Foundation board.

    Professor Shiro Armstrong, Director of the Australia-Japan Research Centre and Professor of the Crawford School of Public Policy at the Australian National University, will join the Australia-Japan Foundation Board in February 2025.

    Professor Caroline McMillen AO FAHMS and Ms Yuki Nakamura have been reappointed for a second three-year term from October 2024. Professor McMillen is the former Chief Scientist for South Australia and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Newcastle, with an extensive academic and scientific background. Ms Nakamura is the Executive Director of Nakamura Chocolates. She focuses on business in Japan and female entrepreneurship.

    I would like to thank Mr Adam Liaw, for his exceptional contribution to the Australia-Japan Foundation over the past six years, including as acting Chair in 2024. Mr Liaw will finish his second term on 1 February 2025.

    The Australian-Japan Foundation is Australia’s oldest cultural council and underpins our Special Strategic Partnership with Japan. It advances Australia’s foreign and trade policy interests with Japan by supporting partnerships in economic security, the arts, education, science, technology and sport.

    To find out more, see Australia-Japan Foundation and National Foundation for Australia-China Relations.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Remarks by SLW on talent attraction

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is the remarks by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, on talent attraction at a media session after attending a radio programme this morning (November 2):

    Reporter: Mr Sun, on the Top Talent Pass Scheme, any estimates on those intending to stay when their initial period expire? Also, any concerns regarding people providing false documents? Regarding Ronnie O’Sullivan, can you give more details in terms of whether Hong Kong reach out to him? Are there any further plans to entice other high profile influential people to Hong Kong?

    Secretary for Labour and Welfare: I will start with the last question. I think the fact that O’Sullivan has decided to come to Hong Kong and become a part of us speaks volumes about the attraction of Hong Kong. Clearly he has spoken a lot about the good things of being in Hong Kong. With this success and with the launching of a new stream under the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme where we are going to invite top talents from all over the world direct, we are going to do a lot more. We hope to achieve more success, because we truly believe in the attraction of Hong Kong. Be it our tax system, our natural beauty, the convenience, the great food and all the great things here in Hong Kong, is a huge attraction to top talents all over the world. 

         As for the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS), as I have said on different occasions, right now we have built in a very robust system to make sure all the qualifications submitted to us are true and can be verified. For submissions from Mainland China, there is a mandatory requirement for them to verify it through a third-party system, or they have to verify direct with the institutions granting them the qualifications. We can rest assured that for all applications approved under the TTPS based on academic qualifications, all these qualifications are authentic and can be verified.

         We are not going to predict or estimate how many TTPS visa holders are going to have their visas extended. Our principle is that we have made it very clear the criteria for a successful visa extension. We are not going to provide additional help. For those who are able to make it, of course they can stay in Hong Kong and continue their career. For those who failed to make it, we are not going to grant them visa extensions. Rather, after several months when we have a better grasp about the extension situation, we are going to make it public. By then, we would know how many, or in terms of percentage, of the TTPS visa holders got their visas extended successfully. Thank you very much. 

    (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the remarks.)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: New offshore platform taps into potential of heavy-oil reserves in China

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    An aerial drone photo taken on June 4, 2024 shows a view of an offshore platform of the Shengli Oilfield in Dongying City, east China’s Shandong province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The world’s first mobile thermal-injection platform was recently delivered in China’s Shandong province, offering new opportunities to tap into China’s vast potential for heavy-oil recovery, according to the country’s major marine oil-mining company.

    China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) announced on Thursday that “Recai No.1” or “Thermal Recovery No.1”, the mobile thermal-injection platform developed and built by China, has been delivered in waters off Weihai, Shandong.

    The two-deck platform is 82 meters long and 42 meters wide, with a total deck area of over 3,000 square meters, a weight of over 10,000 tonnes and a height equivalent to a building of more than 20 stories.

    Equipped with four legs that are over 70 meters high, the platform can operate in waters at the depth of 35 meters, and withstand typhoons up to category 16.

    According to CNOOC, the platform features a number of pioneering technologies, including the mobile thermal-injection system and the compensation technology for high-temperature, high-pressure steam pipelines.

    It is equipped with three steam boiler systems that can simultaneously inject high-pressure steam at temperatures exceeding 350 degrees Celsius into six oil wells, reducing the viscosity of heavy oil and turning it into more fluid and easily extractable crude oil.

    The platform can be towed to different oil-recovery platforms by tugboats to carry out rapid thermal injection, effectively reducing the development costs of heavy oil and realizing large-scale thermal recovery of heavy oil.

    Heavy oil refers to crude oil that is relatively viscous and has poor fluidity, making it difficult to extract. Unlike the cold-recovery method used for conventional crude oil, heavy oil is typically developed by thermal recovery.

    Heavy oil makes up more than two-thirds of the world’s proven crude oil reserves. As one of the world’s four major producers of heavy oil, China has an estimated heavy-oil resource volume of about 19.87 billion tonnes. In the Bohai Sea area with which Shandong province has a coastline, heavy-oil reserves account for nearly half of the total proven crude oil reserves in the area.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese coastal province evacuates 282,000 as Typhoon Kong-rey approaches

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    People walk across a street in the rain in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 1, 2024. The National Meteorological Center issued a blue alert for the Typhoon Kong-rey on Friday morning, forecasting torrential rains in eastern provincial-level regions, including Zhejiang, Jiangsu and Shanghai, from Friday afternoon through Saturday. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Authorities in east China’s Zhejiang province had evacuated 282,000 people by Friday morning ahead of the Typhoon Kong-rey, which will bring strong winds, heavy rain and heightened flood risks to the region.
    Over 10,600 emergency shelters have been opened across the province, providing meals and drinking water to those relocated. The large-scale evacuation comes as Kong-rey nears the eastern coast of the Chinese mainland.
    All 152 passenger ferry routes in Zhejiang, involving 347 vessels, have been suspended, while 136 water-related construction projects have been paused, and 675 construction vessels moved to sheltered areas.
    Zhejiang’s agricultural sector is also taking preventative action to minimize potential losses, such as clearing drainage channels, reinforcing greenhouses and harvesting vegetables and seasonal fruits ahead of the storm.
    Typhoon Kong-rey made landfall in southeastern Taiwan’s Taitung at around 1:40 p.m. Thursday. By 10 a.m. Friday, its center was located in the sea area about 160 kilometers southwest of Wenling, Zhejiang, moving northeast at around 30 kilometers per hour. Kong-rey may either make landfall along Zhejiang’s coast or pass closely offshore, according to the Zhejiang meteorological authority.
    Yan Xiaofan, an official with Zhejiang’s emergency management department, said that the typhoon had already brought heavier-than-expected rainfall to the province, regardless of whether it makes a second landfall.
    Zhejiang has recorded an average of 70.7 millimeters of rainfall over the past 24 hours, with strong gales impacting central and southern coastal areas.
    Tong Huabin, another official from the department, cautioned that authorities are on high alert for flash floods, landslides and urban flooding.
    The National Meteorological Center issued a blue alert for Kong-rey on Friday morning, forecasting torrential rains in eastern provincial-level regions, including Zhejiang, Jiangsu and Shanghai, from Friday afternoon through Saturday. Parts of Jiangsu and Shanghai could experience downpours of 100 to 120 millimeters.
    The Chinese mainland has a four-tier color-coded weather warning system, with red representing the most severe, followed by orange, yellow and blue.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese carmaker BYD launches premium brand DENZA in Thailand

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Workers operate at an assembly line of BYD’s new plant in Rayong province, Thailand on July 4, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Chinese carmaker BYD officially launched its premium brand DENZA in Thailand on Friday in a move to expand its presence in the Southeast Asian country’s upscale automotive market.

    Narit Therdsteerasukdi, secretary general of the Thailand Board of Investment, emphasized in his opening speech the importance of the entry of the DENZA brand into the Thai market, which marks a milestone in the development of Thailand’s electric vehicle (EV) industry.

    Narit noted that the debut of the DENZA brand not only reflects the confidence of international brands in the Thai market, but will also inject new impetus into Thailand’s economic development. Thailand will continue to support the development of the EV industry and provide a good investment environment for enterprises.

    Thailand has long been a regional automotive manufacturing and export hub. With the government’s investment promotion efforts, the nation aims to convert 30 percent of its annual auto production into EVs by 2030.

    Liu Xueliang, general manager of BYD Asia Pacific auto sales division, said BYD has currently sold 56,000 EVs in the Thai market, adding that the introduction of the DENZA brand is another important strategic plan for BYD after it opened its Thailand factory this year.

    As an automotive industry center in Southeast Asia, Thailand has a mature luxury car market. Liu believed that the DENZA brand which combines luxury and sustainable technology will be recognized by Thai consumers.

    As a world-leading automobile manufacturer and a pioneer in China’s EV industry, BYD has vigorously expanded overseas markets in recent years.

    BYD’s EVs are currently sold in 88 countries and regions around the world. In addition to Thailand, BYD also has production bases in Brazil, Hungary, Uzbekistan and other countries.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: AFCD holds Opening Ceremony of Robin’s Nest Country Park and Launching Ceremony of Discovering Robin’s Nest Country Park Hiking Challenge (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (November 2) held the Opening Ceremony of Robin’s Nest Country Park (RNCP) and Launching Ceremony of Discovering Robin’s Nest Country Park Hiking Challenge, which is also one of the activities to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
     
         RNCP, located in Sha Tau Kok, Northeastern New Territories, was established in March this year as the 25th country park in Hong Kong, forming an ecological corridor with Shenzhen Wutong Mountain. The AFCD has launched a series of publicity and education activities themed “Discovering Robin’s Nest Country Park – The Interconnected Ecology and Landscape”, in which Discovering Robin’s Nest Country Park Hiking Challenge activity was kick-started today. Through promotional videos and the activity, the public is encouraged to explore the rich green tourism resources of Robin’s Nest, which symbolises the ecological integration of Hong Kong and Shenzhen, from multiple perspectives.
     
         Officiating at the opening ceremony include the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan; the Chairman of the Legislative Council Panel on Environmental Affairs, Mr Lau Kwok-fan; the Director of the Northern Metropolis Co-ordination Office, Mr Vic Yau; the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Mickey Lai; the Deputy Secretary-General of Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government, Mr Chan Yaodong; the Second-level Inspector of the Urban Administration and Law Enforcement Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality, Mr Yang Liqun, and the Deputy Director of the Planning and Natural Resources Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality, Mr Gao Erjian, etc.
     
         In his opening speech, Mr Tse said that RNCP, which is connected to the Shenzhen Wutong Mountain Scenic Area, has beautiful sceneries, rich biodiversity and human history. Its establishment is beneficial for ecological conservation and history revitalisation, marking a significant milestone in the ecological integration of Hong Kong and Shenzhen. The country has always emphasised on building a beautiful China and a beautiful Hong Kong. In this regard, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has undertaken various initiatives to enhance the beauty of Hong Kong, including establishment of the North Lantau Marine Park, development of the Sam Po Shue Wetland Conservation Park and updating of Hong Kong Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. The HKSAR Government will continue to collaborate with all sectors of society to advance ecological civilisation and co-create a greener and more sustainable future.
     
         Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Chan stated that the Shenzhen Wutong Mountain and Hong Kong RNCP are interconnected by mountain ranges, streams, waterways and cultures are close to each other. RNCP embodies the shared aspiration of Hong Kong and Shenzhen for a beautiful ecological environment, making it highly significant. It is hoped that both sides, being geographically interdependent, will continue to strengthen co-operation in areas such as resilience to climate change, development of Northern Metropolis in Hong Kong, technological innovations in ecology and environment, alignment of ecological and environmental planning and standard, development of the beautiful Loop as well as improvement of urban ecological spaces.
     
         Following the opening ceremony, about 40 nature enthusiasts with extensive hiking experience from Shenzhen and Hong Kong embarked on the first hike of Discovering Robin’s Nest Country Park Hiking Challenge to enhance the exchanges and foster friendship between the two places.
     
         In addition, the public and tourists can participant in the Discovering Robin’s Nest Country Park Hiking Challenge activity from today until February 28 next year. Participants need to register on the Discovering Robin’s Nest Country Park Hiking Challenge website (www.discoveringrncp.hk) and visit the eight designated checkpoints along the two hiking trails in RNCP, the Robin’s Nest Country Trail and Lin Ma Hang Country Trail, scanning QR codes with their smartphones at checkpoints to record their completion. Participants who have completed a designated number of checkpoints during the event will receive themed prizes of RNCP.
     
         The AFCD reminds the public to take into account their physical strength, hiking experience and weather situation in planning a hike. The public are also encouraged to hike in groups and help conserve the countryside by practising proper hiking etiquette, for example by bringing along reusable water bottles and towels, and “Take Your Litter Home”.
     
         Moreover, the AFCD has produced a series of promotional videos titled “Discovering Robin’s Nest Country Park” focusing on the natural scenery, biodiversity, and cultural history of Robin’s Nest. The public is welcome to enjoy the videos, which will be gradually uploaded to Hong Kong Country Parks YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/@HongKongCountryParks).                  

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Senior CPC official stresses efforts for deepening reform

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Cai Qi, a senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC), on Friday called on the Party’s principal officials at the provincial and ministerial levels to enhance their efforts in the country’s comprehensive reform initiatives.
    Cai, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks at the closing ceremony of a study session for these officials held at the Party School of the CPC Central Committee (National Academy of Governance).
    The session was themed on implementing the guiding principles of the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, which rolled out a new package of comprehensive reforms for the country.
    Cai urged the attendees to raise their political consciousness and fully implement the guiding principles of the plenary session, thereby creating a strong impetus for advancing Chinese modernization.
    The officials should enhance their capability of planning for and promoting reform, addressing challenges facing the reform, and leveraging all available resources to create a powerful collective force to realize the reform goals, he said.
    Cai also urged efforts to accomplish the Party’s plans for this year and ensure a good start for the upcoming year.

    MIL OSI China News –