NewzIntel.com

Category: China

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to California Businesses and Residents Affected by the Chinatown Apartment Complex Fire

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    “As communities across the Southeast continue to recover and rebuild after Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the SBA remains focused on its mission to provide support to small businesses to help stabilize local economies, even in the face of diminished disaster funding,” said Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman. “If your business has sustained physical damage, or you’ve lost inventory, equipment or revenues, the SBA will help you navigate the resources available and work with you at our recovery centers or with our customer service specialists in person and online so you can fully submit your disaster loan application and be ready to receive financial relief as soon as funds are replenished.”

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to California businesses and residents affected by the Chinatown Apartment Complex Fire that occurred Sept. 13, announced Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman of the U.S. Small Business Administration. SBA acted under its own authority to declare a disaster in response to a request SBA received from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s authorized representative, Director Nancy Ward of the California Office of Emergency Services, on Oct. 24.

    The disaster declaration makes SBA assistance available in Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Ventura counties in California.

    “When disasters strike, our Disaster Loan Outreach Centers are key to helping business owners and residents get back on their feet,” said Francisco Sánchez Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration. “At these centers, people can connect directly with our specialists to apply for disaster loans and learn about the full range of programs available to rebuild and move forward in their recovery journey.”

    “Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to businesses of all sizes, most private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters whose property was damaged or destroyed by this disaster,” Sánchez continued. “Beginning Tuesday, Oct. 29, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the following Disaster Loan Outreach Center to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each individual complete their application,” Sánchez added. The center will be open on the days and times indicated below. No appointment is necessary.

    LOS ANGELES COUNTY
    Disaster Loan Outreach Center
    Chinatown Service Center/Medical Center
    711 W. College St., Rm. 100
    Los Angeles, CA  90012

    Opens at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29

    Mondays – Fridays, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

    Closes at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5

    Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets.

    For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any property damage.

    “SBA’s disaster loan program offers an important advantage–the chance to incorporate measures that can reduce the risk of future damage,” Sánchez said. “Work with contractors and mitigation professionals to strengthen your property and take advantage of the opportunity to request additional SBA disaster loan funds for these proactive improvements.”

    Disaster loans up to $500,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property, including personal vehicles.

    Interest rates can be as low as 4 percent for businesses, 3.25 percent for private nonprofit organizations and 2.813 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the first disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.

    On October 15, 2024, it was announced that funds for the Disaster Loan Program have been fully expended. While no new loans can be issued until Congress appropriates additional funding, we remain committed to supporting disaster survivors. Applications will continue to be accepted and processed to ensure individuals and businesses are prepared to receive assistance once funding becomes available.

    Applicants are encouraged to submit their loan applications promptly for review in anticipation of future funding.

    Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The deadline to apply for property damage is Dec. 24, 2024. The deadline to apply for economic injury is July 25, 2025.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit http://www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi’s trip to BRICS summit marks new chapter of unity, development for Global South: Chinese FM

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

    Xi’s trip to BRICS summit marks new chapter of unity, development for Global South: Chinese FM

    BEIJING, Oct. 25 — Chinese President Xi Jinping’s trip to the 16th BRICS Summit has marked a new chapter of solidarity and self-strengthening of BRICS nations, and opened up new prospects for development and prosperity of the Global South, Foreign Minister Wang Yi has said.

    China, Wang said after Xi’s trip to the Russian city of Kazan, has once again played a vital role as a driving force of BRICS cooperation as well as a core member of the Global South.

    During the summit, Xi elaborated on the direction and fundamental principles of greater BRICS cooperation, emphasized that BRICS nations were gathering for their shared pursuit, and called for joint efforts to build BRICS into a primary channel for strengthening solidarity and cooperation among Global South nations and a vanguard for advancing global governance reform, said Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

    Xi pointed out that BRICS countries should build a BRICS committed to peace, innovation, green development, justice, and closer people-to-people exchanges, and act as defenders of common security, pioneers of high-quality development, promoters of sustainable development, forerunners in reforming global governance, advocates for harmonious coexistence among all civilizations, and announced eight pragmatic measures to support the high-quality development of BRICS cooperation, Wang said.

    Noting that a consensus was reached to invite a new group of countries to become BRICS partner nations at the Kazan Summit, Wang said the BRICS mechanism is fundamentally different from the cliques characterized by rigid Cold War mentalities and bloc confrontations, and it is certain to inject strong momentum into achieving an equal and orderly multipolar world as well as a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.

    The collective rise of the Global South is a distinctive feature of the great transformation across the world, Wang said, adding that as Xi said in Kazan, the Global South countries marching together toward modernization is monumental in world history, yet the road to prosperity for the Global South will not be straight.

    Xi called on BRICS countries, who stand at the forefront of the Global South, to use collective wisdom and strength to uphold peace and come forward together to form a stabilizing force for peace, reinvigorate development and make themselves the main driving force for common development, and to promote together the development of all civilizations and be advocates for exchanges among civilizations, Wang noted.

    This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia, Wang said, noting that during the meeting between Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin, the two heads of state believed that China and Russia have found the right way to get along with each other, which features non-alliance, non-confrontation and not targeting any third party.

    The global community has paid extensive attention to Xi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s bilateral meeting, their first formal one in five years, Wang said.

    During the meeting, Xi urged the two countries to maintain a sound strategic perception of each other, work together to find the right and bright path for big, neighboring countries to live in harmony and develop side by side, facilitate each other’s pursuit of development aspirations, and set an example in boosting the strength and unity of developing countries, Wang said.

    He added that the two leaders also agreed to work together to ensure peace and tranquility in the border areas and bring the relationship back to sound and steady development at an early date.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: East Bay Man Sentenced To Two Years In Federal Prison For Fraud And Identity Theft

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    OAKLAND – Freddie Lee Davis III, who pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, was sentenced to 24 months and a day in federal prison.  The sentence was handed down on Oct. 24, 2024, by the Hon. Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, United States District Judge.  Davis’ co-defendant, Sene Malepeai, also pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, and has yet to be sentenced.

    Davis and Malepeai, both 27, were charged by criminal complaint on June 30, 2023.  Davis was remanded to federal custody on Aug. 31, 2023, and has remained in custody since then.  Both defendants were charged by superseding information on July 19, 2024, with one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.

    The criminal complaint describes that on June 17, 2021, officers responded to a report of a robbery in the parking lot of a Costco in San Leandro. The victim of the robbery was an Asian female (identified in the complaint as “Q.D.”). The robbery took place in the store’s parking lot after the victim exited Costco. As she was walking to her vehicle, a car drove alongside Q.D. and an individual reached out of a window and grabbed hold of her purse from the moving car.  Q.D. held onto her purse and was dragged the width of several cars.  The car then sped away and Q.D. let go of her purse and fell to the ground, resulting in bodily injuries, including abrasions to her leg and swelling on her hand.  Several witnesses heard Q.D. scream, heard her body hit the asphalt, and saw a black Honda speed away from the incident.  Surveillance cameras revealed that the car had a license plate number registered to Davis.

    On Aug. 1, 2024, Davis pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.  In Davis’ plea agreement, he acknowledged this robbery and admitted that he received some of the stolen items, including Q.D.’s MasterCard credit card.  Davis further admitted that days after the robbery, he knowingly and unlawfully possessed the credit card knowing it belonged to Q.D., and possessed it in relation to a violation of wire fraud.  In particular, he and co-defendant Malepeai used Q.D.’s credit card, while misrepresenting Malepeai as the lawful user of the credit card, to fraudulently purchase merchandise at a shoe store in San Leandro and make a number of other fraudulent purchases.

    In addition to sentencing Davis to 24 months and a day in federal prison, Judge Gonzalez Rogers ordered him to pay restitution in an amount to be determined and to serve three years of supervised release to begin after his prison term is completed.  

    “Community members should be able to live their lives without fear of being robbed and having items stolen from them used fraudulently,” said United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey.  “We will vigorously prosecute these crimes and make sure that defendants like Mr. Davis face serious consequences for their misconduct.”

    On Sept. 17, 2024, Davis’ co-defendant Malepeai also pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.  Malepeai admitted that, on the day of the robbery, she was a passenger in a vehicle with three other individuals.  As detailed in Malepeai’s plea agreement, earlier that day, the three other occupants of the vehicle had discussed “going to Chinatown to rob Asian women with purses or jewelry.”  They first drove to Chinatown to look for Asians with purses, then went to the parking lot of a retail store, and eventually ended up at a Costco in San Leandro.  Two of the occupants in the vehicle had previously stated that they “preferred robbing Asians because they thought they have more money, and because Asians are ‘easy targets’ who don’t fight back,” according to Malepeai’s plea agreement.  After the robbery, the three other occupants of the vehicle divided up the stolen goods from Q.D.’s purse, including cash, credit cards, a checkbook, and two cell phones, as Malepeai admitted.  Malepeai further admitted to using Q.D.’s credit card, while misrepresenting herself as the lawful user of the credit card, to fraudulently purchase merchandise at a shoe store in San Leandro and make a number of other fraudulent purchases.

    Malepeai’s next hearing before Judge Gonzalez Rogers is set for Nov. 7, 2024.  

    The mandatory minimum penalty for aggravated identity theft is two years in prison, and the maximum statutory penalty for wire fraud is 20 years in prison.  However, any sentence following a conviction is imposed by a court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.

    The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey and FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Tripp.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Eric Cheng and Molly Priedeman are prosecuting the case, with assistance from Mimi Lam. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI with assistance from the San Leandro Police Department.  
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Casey, Colleagues Urge Biden Administration to Combat China’s Illegal Fentanyl Trafficking

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Pennsylvania Bob Casey

    Senators urge Administration to impose trade countermeasures to stop China from sending fentanyl into the United States

    Over 97 percent of all illicit fentanyl present in the U.S. originates in China

    Senators: “China’s state-sponsored policy is to profit from Americans’ deaths. […] A whole-of-government approach is necessary to stop the fentanyl crisis, hold China accountable, and save lives”

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) joined his Senate colleagues in calling on the Biden Administration to investigate and take new action to stop China’s relentless export of illicit fentanyl into the United States. China has become the leading exporter of the precursor chemicals used to make fentanyl with over 97 percent of all illicit fentanyl present in the U.S. originating in China. The Senators pressed the Administration to impose trade countermeasures on China for its direct role in supporting the illicit fentanyl trade.

    “China’s state-sponsored policy is to profit from Americans’ deaths. As Senators who represent thousands of families deeply impacted by illicit fentanyl, we have seen that fentanyl doesn’t just hurt the health of our states’ population, it also leaves economic destruction in its wake. […] A whole-of-government approach is necessary to stop the fentanyl crisis, hold China accountable, and save lives,” wrote the Senators.

    The Senators detailed how China’s ongoing manufacturing and shipment of illicit fentanyl is directly subsidized by the Chinese government. The Senators called on U.S Trade Representative Katherine Tai to support a Section 301 tariff petition filed by Facing Fentanyl, Inc., a national coalition of thousands of families and over 200 fentanyl awareness organizations. Section 301 tariffs are imposed when a foreign nation engages in unfair trade practices. The United States has repeatedly imposed Section 301 tariffs on China due to a recurring and ongoing practice of illegal behavior, including in 2018 to combat unfair trade practices such as forced technology transfer, theft of intellectual property, and overproduction of commodities to distort fair market prices.

    Senator Casey has led efforts in the Senate to prevent the spread of fentanyl into the United States. He has traveled around Pennsylvania meeting with law enforcement and families of victims of fentanyl overdoses as he pushed for passage of the FEND Off Fentanyl Act. In October and November 2023, Senator Casey sent multiple letters to President Biden urging his Administration to focus diplomatic conversations with China on the role of the Chinese government in the illicit fentanyl supply chain and demanding meaningful action to combat this crisis. In January, Casey introduced the Stop Fentanyl at the Border Act, a bill to reduce the flow of fentanyl by increasing staffing capacity and technology to detect illicit drugs being smuggled through ports of entry along the southwest border. In July, Casey applauded the Senate passage of the?Preventing the Financing of Illegal Synthetic Drugs Act,?a bill that will direct the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) to investigate how transnational criminal organizations finance synthetic drug trafficking and help the federal government target them more effectively. In August, Casey led his colleagues in introducing the bipartisan?Fighting Illicit Goods, Helping Trustworthy Importers, and Netting Gains (FIGHTING) for America Act?to help CBP prevent fentanyl from entering the country undetected. In September, Casey introduced the Interdiction of Fentanyl at Federal Prisons Act, which would protect prison officers, staff, and inmates from fentanyl and other illicit substances entering the Federal Prison System through inmate mail. 

    In addition to Senator Casey, the letter is signed by Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Tina Smith (D-MN).

    Read the read the full letter to U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai HERE or below:  

    Dear Ambassador Tai:

    We write regarding the Section 301 petition filed by Facing Fentanyl, Inc. – a national coalition of over 200 fentanyl awareness organizations and thousands of families – to request that the Administration impose trade countermeasures on the People’s Republic of China (PRC) given the fact that “its government and companies—[are] engaged in a devastating and unrelenting attack on the United States through the export of illicit fentanyl, a lethal poison.” Illicit fentanyl and its precursors have not only caused irreparable harm to the health of American families and communities, but also to the health of our economy. In light of these harms, we write in strong support of this petition and encourage its full and fair evaluation.

    Nothing happens in the PRC without express approval of its government – making the ongoing, unrelenting manufacture and shipment of fentanyl and its precursor chemicals a direct, government-sponsored assault on the American people. The Chinese government directly subsidizes the production of illicit fentanyl materials through tax rebates, awards grants to companies openly trafficking illicit fentanyl online, and holds ownership interests in companies trafficking illicit fentanyl materials. In other words, China’s state-sponsored policy is to profit from Americans’ deaths. As Senators who represent thousands of families deeply impacted by illicit fentanyl, we have seen that fentanyl doesn’t just hurt the health of our states’ population, it also leaves economic destruction in its wake. This problem requires a whole of government approach to combatting China’s unfair and harmful strategies intended to harm the American public and economy.

    As you know, Section 301 tariffs are imposed when a foreign nation engages in unfair trade practices – in essence, when another country cheats at the rules of international trade. The United States has repeatedly imposed Section 301 tariffs upon the PRC due to a recurring and ongoing practice of trade distorting behavior, including in 2018 to combat unfair trade practices regarding technology transfer, intellectual property, and innovation. This petition represents a critical next step in addressing China’s trade cheating.

    The impacts of the fentanyl crisis are felt in every community and across the United States, which has the highest rate of fentanyl overdose deaths of any high-income country. On average, fentanyl kills 200 Americans daily, and has killed nearly 75,000 people in the last year alone. This loss of life is first and foremost tragic and devastating, and it is directly due to the PRC’s support and subsidies for the production and export of fentanyl and the chemicals that can be used to make the deadly drug.  The result is that China has “cornered the market” on fentanyl. It is the source of 97 percent of the world’s fentanyl, and it designed this poison to be more lethal and undetectable – with the result being that many killed by fentanyl had no idea they were ingesting this drug.

    In addition to widespread overdose deaths, the prevalence of fentanyl has had an enormously detrimental effect on the United States economy. The strain on the healthcare system and the diversion of law enforcement resources all contribute to an extreme burden on United States commerce. These consequences directly stem from one source: the PRC’s direct role in and support for the illicit fentanyl trade. Nearly all fentanyl precursors used to manufacture illicit fentanyl come from China. Significant work in Congress has been done to hold China accountable for these horrific policies. Earlier this year, Congress passed the FEND Off Fentanyl Act, which imposes new sanctions and anti-money laundering penalties targeting the illicit fentanyl supply chain. Diplomatic efforts should be acknowledged as well. We have even seen a welcome decline in the number of unintentional overdose deaths in America, but this reprieve will not last without action.

    These are important steps, but more must be done. A whole-of-government approach is necessary to stop the fentanyl crisis, hold China accountable, and save lives. This petition offers new opportunity to enforce U.S. law to protect American citizens and our economy. Through Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, USTR has an opportunity to directly address the root of over 97 percent of the illicit fentanyl coming into the U.S. Petitioners request trade countermeasures including: tariffs on specific manufacturers and broad sectors that are complicit in fentanyl production, mobile application restrictions, outbound investment restrictions, and complete closure of the de minimis loophole. Every available tool should be considered to help our nation grapple with this crisis.

    Although the network of how fentanyl travels can be complex, the source is not. The manufacturing and distribution of illicit fentanyl that gets into our country is the active, conscious policy choice of the PRC. The government of the United States must fight back on behalf of the families and communities that have been devastated by this crisis using every tool we have. It is imperative that USTR carefully evaluate this Section 301 petition and take every step possible to hold to account those making and shipping this poison into the United States.

    Thank you for your consideration of this critically important issue.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s AG600 amphibious aircraft completes minimum unstick speed flight test

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

    BEIJING, Oct. 25 — China’s AG600 large amphibious aircraft on Friday passed an airworthiness validation flight test of its minimum unstick speed, the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) has announced.

    China’s independently developed AG600 aircraft underwent the flight test in Pucheng County of northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, said AVIC, the country’s leading aircraft manufacturer.

    The minimum unstick speed test is one of the most difficult and high-risk flight tests for transport aircraft. It is of great importance to ensuring the safe formulation of an aircraft’s takeoff and landing speeds.

    The successful completion of this flight test has laid a solid foundation for the AG600’s subsequent safety flight tests and airworthiness certification, according to the aircraft’s developer.

    The AG600 amphibious aircraft family is China’s first independently developed, large-sized, special-purpose civil aircraft family. It is tailored to meet the needs of forest firefighting, maritime rescue and other emergency rescue sectors across the country, AVIC has said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s securities regulator grants registration of log futures, options

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

    BEIJING, Oct. 25 — The China Securities Regulatory Commission on Friday said it has approved the registration of log futures and options on the Dalian Commodity Exchange.

    The commission said it will urge the exchange to ensure the smooth launch and steady operation of log futures and options.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Forum on China-UK dialogue, collaboration in screen industry held in London

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

    LONDON, Oct. 25 — A forum centered on dialogue and collaboration between the Chinese and British screen industries was held in London on Friday, drawing over 200 professionals and industry insiders from both countries.

    The Shanghai-London Screen Industry Forum (SLSIF) 2024 highlighted outstanding Chinese and British film and television projects, featuring speeches, panel discussions, trailer screenings, and the launch of new collaborative projects between China and the United Kingdom (UK).

    Adrian Wootton, Chief Executive of Film London, said that the forum would create valuable opportunities for the Chinese and British screen industries to deepen their understanding of each other’s strengths and explore potential collaborations.

    “New business relationships are crucial for building connections, developing ideas, enhancing mutual understanding, and potentially laying the groundwork for real co-production opportunities between the UK and China, London and Shanghai,” Wootton said.

    During the panel discussions, participants shared insights on the opportunities and challenges in China-UK screen industry cooperation, as well as the global dissemination of Chinese content.

    “In today’s globalized world, cultural exchanges and cooperation are essential for world peace and development,” said Luo Yi, Deputy Director-General at the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism. He emphasized that high-quality audiovisual productions act as “the bridge and bond linking different peoples.”

    The event included the showcase of 35 Chinese productions spanning genres such as animation, documentaries, period dramas, and contemporary urban series. The forum also celebrated the release of “Asia”, a seven-episode natural history documentary series produced by BBC Studios.

    “With the creative industries at the heart of the industrial strategy, and with forums like this, I think we can expect great things between China’s collaboration in the future,” said Rupert Daniels, Director of Creative, Consumer, Sports, and Education at the UK Department for Business and Trade. He added that such partnerships not only enhance commercial prospects but also strengthen cultural capacity and connections.

    Launched in 2023, SLSIF aims to enhance understanding and foster dialogue between the Chinese and British screen industries, promoting the successful realization of co-production projects.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 31st China Yangling Agricultural Hi-tech Fair kicks off

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

    31st China Yangling Agricultural Hi-tech Fair kicks off

    Updated: October 26, 2024 09:19 Xinhua
    People visit the 31st China Yangling Agricultural Hi-tech Fair in Yangling, northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, Oct. 25, 2024. Featuring innovations in agricultural high-tech achievements, the 31st China Yangling Agricultural Hi-tech Fair kicked off here on Friday. The fair will last until Oct. 29. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People visit an exhibition booth of agricultural products from Tajikistan at the 31st China Yangling Agricultural Hi-tech Fair in Yangling, northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, Oct. 25, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People learn about smart plant factory at the 31st China Yangling Agricultural Hi-tech Fair in Yangling, northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, Oct. 25, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People visit an exhibition booth of Iranian saffron at the 31st China Yangling Agricultural Hi-tech Fair in Yangling, northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, Oct. 25, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People visit the 31st China Yangling Agricultural Hi-tech Fair in Yangling, northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, Oct. 25, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People visit the 31st China Yangling Agricultural Hi-tech Fair in Yangling, northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, Oct. 25, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An automatic picking robot is displayed at the 31st China Yangling Agricultural Hi-tech Fair in Yangling, northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, Oct. 25, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Jianhe-Liping expressway opens to traffic in SW China

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

    Jianhe-Liping expressway opens to traffic in SW China

    Updated: October 26, 2024 09:59 Xinhua
    An aerial panoramic drone photo taken on Oct. 25, 2024 shows a section of the Jianhe-Liping expressway in southwest China’s Guizhou Province. The Jianhe-Liping expressway was opened to traffic on Friday, shortening the travel time between Jianhe County and Liping County of Guizhou Province to about one hour. The main line of this expressway stretches 74.754 kilometers. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 25, 2024 shows Nanmengxi bridge of the Jianhe-Liping expressway in southwest China’s Guizhou Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A ceremony marking the operation of Jianhe-Liping expressway is held in Jianhe, southwest China’s Guizhou Province, Oct. 25, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A staff member works at a toll gate of Jianhe-Liping highway in Aoshi, southwest China’s Guizhou Province, Oct. 25, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Vehicles pass a toll gate of the Jianhe-Liping expressway in Aoshi, southwest China’s Guizhou Province, Oct. 25, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 25, 2024 shows a section of the Jianhe-Liping expressway in southwest China’s Guizhou Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 25, 2024 shows Nanmengxi bridge of the Jianhe-Liping expressway in southwest China’s Guizhou Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 25, 2024 shows a section of the Jianhe-Liping expressway in southwest China’s Guizhou Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 25, 2024 shows a section of the Jianhe-Liping expressway in southwest China’s Guizhou Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 25, 2024 shows a section of the Jianhe-Liping expressway in southwest China’s Guizhou Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Qinzhou Port sees surge in NEV parts exports in S China’s Guangxi

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

    Qinzhou Port sees surge in NEV parts exports in S China’s Guangxi

    Updated: October 26, 2024 10:08 Xinhua
    A truck transports containers carrying new energy vehicle (NEV) parts at a station in Qinzhou, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Oct. 24, 2024. By Oct. 22 this year, new energy vehicle (NEV) parts made in Liuzhou of Guangxi and transported from Qinzhou Port have reached more than 11,370 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), which is about 71 times of the quantity in 2019, according to statistics of China Railway Nanning Group Co., Ltd. The export destinations have reached more than 40 countries and regions from Southeast Asia to Latin America and the Middle East. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 24, 2024 shows a container ship carrying new energy vehicle (NEV) parts at the Qinzhou Port in Qinzhou, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 24, 2024 shows cranes transporting containers carrying new energy vehicle (NEV) parts at a station in Qinzhou, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 24, 2024 shows a train leaving Qinzhou Port in Qinzhou, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 22, 2024 shows the Qinzhou Port in Qinzhou, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A worker transports new energy vehicle (NEV) parts in a logistics center in Liuzhou, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Oct. 23, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 23, 2024 shows workers preparing containers carrying new energy vehicle (NEV) parts in a logistics center in Liuzhou, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A new energy vehicle (NEV) moves at an autorack in a logistics center in Liuzhou, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Oct. 23, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 24, 2024 shows the automatic container terminal at the Qinzhou Port in Qinzhou, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China, EU reiterate willingness to solve EV dispute via dialogue

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China and the European Union(EU) have reiterated willingness to solve the dispute over EU’s anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese electric vehicles through dialogue.

    The two sides have decided to continue to make price commitment as the solution to the case, according to a statement released by China’s Ministry of Commerce after a talk held via video link on Friday between China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and European Commission Executive Vice President and Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis.

    There are strong calls and high expectations from various sectors in China and Europe for the proper handling of the case, said Wang.

    Since Sept. 20, intensive negotiations have been conducted between the two sides regarding the price commitment, with some positive progress made in certain aspects, but significant differences still exist on issues of core concern to the business communities in China and Europe, he said.

    Wang noted that China will unswervingly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of its enterprises. He also expressed the hope that both sides will continue to advance negotiations based on the previous stage of consultations, and achieve substantive breakthroughs as soon as possible.

    In the next stage of price commitment negotiations, consultations should be conducted based on mutual consideration of core concerns, and in accordance with the principles of pragmatism and balance, said Wang, adding that both the effectiveness of the agreement and the core interests of enterprises should be taken into account.

    A bilateral communication mechanism should be established for the implementation and supervision of price commitment on the basis of mutual trust, he explained.

    The European side has put forward specific suggestions regarding the price commitment plan and proposed that technical teams from both sides engage in video consultations on this matter. The Chinese side agrees to immediately start the next stage of negotiations and welcomes the European technical team to come to China as soon as feasible.

    The two sides also exchanged views on the trade remedy investigations initiated by China against certain EU goods, such as brandy, pork and dairy products.

    The Chinese side emphasized that these investigations were initiated at the request of domestic industries, in full compliance with the rules of the World Trade Organization, as well as Chinese laws and regulations.

    China will continue to conduct the investigations in accordance with the law and regulations, and fully safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of all parties involved, according to the ministry. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: New ‘Venom’ movie knocks out China’s box office

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    “Venom: The Last Dance,” the newest and final installment in the “Venom” trilogy, hit the Chinese movie market on Wednesday, raking in 67.3 million yuan and setting a record for Marvel movies since the 2019 summer movie season when “Spider-Man: Far From Home” opened to 247 million yuan on its first day. 

    A still image from “Venom: The Last Dance.” [Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures Entertainment]  

    Directed and written by Kelly Marcel, “Venom: The Last Dance” is the latest anti-superhero story to hit Chinese theaters and features beleaguered journalist Eddie Brock and his alien symbiote buddy, Venom. In this final installment, Eddie and Venom are frantically on the run, pursued by adversaries including Marvel villain Knull and Xenophage, the deadly insect-like alien species that Knull controls. 

    Besides Knull and his minions, the anti-hero duo are also wanted by law enforcement and military forces experimenting with symbiotes in a massive underground lab within the notorious Area 51, a military base in America that is connected to many extraterrestrial urban legends.

    As the storyline unfolds, the film builds to a climactic battle where either Eddie or Venom must make a sacrifice to save the universe. This theme is encapsulated in the film’s tagline, “till death do they part,” as teased in promotional materials.

    “Venom: The Last Dance” premiered in Chinese theaters on Oct. 23, two days before its North American debut. Amid a prolonged cold period within the Chinese film market, the film impressively grossed over 66.9 million yuan on its opening day. 

    This strong opening highlights the continued charm of the “Venom” series within China, where the first installment of the trilogy earned a staggering 1.87 billion yuan in 2018. While the final performance of this new film remains uncertain, this robust start suggests a significant swift at a time when Hollywood blockbusters have generally been losing traction in the country.

    A Venom horse installation set up as a photo op for guests at the Chinese premiere of “Venom: The Last Dance” in Beijing, Oct. 23, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures Entertainment] 

    At the Chinese premiere for “Venom: The Last Dance,” that was held on Tuesday in Beijing, the audience responded warmly after the advanced screening, as the film is visually exciting, action-packed and strikes an emotional chord with moviegoers as the final chapter in the “Venom” trilogy. 

    Inspired by the comics and valuing fans’ input, director Marcel recognized that with “Venom: The Last Dance” being the trilogy’s conclusion it was crucial to deepen the relationship between Eddie and Venom, enriching the film with profound emotional elements. The filmmaker also noted that the duo’s escape journey infuses the movie with cinematic motifs that are usually attributed to road trip movies. 

    To appeal more to the Chinese audience, Sony Pictures Entertainment hired Chinese actor Jia Bing to voice Venom in the Chinese release of the film. They also created promotional materials that were inspired by Chinese culture, such as a poster for the film that is reminiscent of traditional Chinese art and based on the legend of Hou Yi, a divine archer from Chinese mythology who shot down nine of the ten suns, and an animated short produced using AI tools that was in the style of water-ink painting. 

    Besides Jia Bing as the voice of Venom, the film also stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Juno Temple, Rhys Ifans, Andy Serkis and Peggy Lu, an Asian-American actor who plays Mrs. Chen, a Chinese convenience store owner who befriends Eddie and Venom.

    Caption: A special poster for “Venom: The Last Dance” created for the Chinese market that resembles traditional Chinese painting and is based on the myth of Hou Yi, a divine archer in Chinese mythology. [Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures Entertainment] 

    The film’s protagonist Eddie (Venom) was once again played by actor Tom Hardy, who also took up the roles of writer and producer for the film. Although “Venom: The Last Dance” is intended to be the finale of the “Venom” trilogy, Hardy offered the following tease during a recent press event in Mexico: “Will we ever meet Spider-Man? You know… there are always possibilities. I couldn’t possibly say anything because this is the last movie. Yeah, I would love that.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese rocket startup plans to launch commercial spaceflights in 2027

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Chinese rocket startup Deep Blue Aerospace recently announced that it plans to carry out commercial suborbital flights in 2027, projecting a ticket price of about 1.5 million yuan (210,674 U.S. dollars).

    The suborbital flights will last approximately 12 minutes, during which time the spacecraft will fly to an altitude of 100 kilometers, but will not enter orbit, according to Deep Blue.

    The manned spacecraft has six panoramic windows, can accommodate up to six passengers, and is designed to be used over 50 times, the company said.

    The spacecraft is approximately 4 meters tall, with a maximum diameter of 3.5 meters and a takeoff weight of 7.9 tonnes. It is expected to ascend to altitudes between 100 kilometers and 150 kilometers, providing a zero-gravity experience that will last up to five minutes, according to Deep Blue.

    The company pre-sold two tickets for its 2027 suborbital flights during an e-commerce livestream activity on Thursday, with each ticket charged at a discounted price of 1 million yuan.

    The successful purchasers have paid a deposit of 50,000 yuan per ticket, but Deep Blue requires interested customers to sign contracts offline and visit the company before making their final payment.

    The startup plans to subject its Nebula-1 rocket to multiple recovery and reuse tests in 2025, and complete dozens of tests on its manned spacecraft and rocket combination in 2026.

    The oxygen and kerosene-fueled Nebula-1 is Deep Blue’s first reusable launch vehicle. It completed 10 of its 11 key verification tasks during its first high-altitude vertical recovery flight test last month, but experienced an anomaly in the final landing phase, leading to a fracture in the body of the rocket.

    Despite these imperfect results, Zhao Ya, executive president of Deep Blue, says that the test has provided valuable data and experience to help the company identify problems and deficiencies, and to improve the performance and reliability of the rocket.

    Deep Blue has said that its decision to sell tickets three years in advance stems from a deep awareness of the complexities and risks involved in rocket technology. The company is dedicated to rigorous research and development, extensive testing and performance optimization to ensure its rocket meets the highest safety standards.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Residential building fire kills 2 in northeast China

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Two people were killed and four others injured after a fire broke out in a residential building in Harbin, the capital of northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, on Friday afternoon.
    The fire occurred in a seven-story building in the city’s Nangang District at about 1 p.m., according to city authorities.
    Six people were rushed to hospital. Two died after medical treatment failed, and four continue to receive treatment, officials have said.
    The fire has been extinguished and an investigation into its cause is ongoing. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Hundreds gather to commemorate 79th anniversary of Taiwan’s restoration

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    “Hanging lanterns and tying colored ribbons with joy, everyone sings the victory song. From cities to villages, Taiwan’s liberation must not be forgotten,” a joyful and triumphant song written in 1946 was sung by hundreds of people wearing raincoats and holding umbrellas in the public square in front of the Taipei Zhongshan Hall on Friday morning.
    Braving the autumn drizzle, they gathered in Taipei to mark the 79th anniversary of Taiwan’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule and its return to the motherland.
    In 1895, the Qing government, defeated in a war launched by Japan against China, was forced to cede Taiwan and the Penghu Islands to Japan.
    On Oct. 25, 1945, it was right in the Taipei Zhongshan Hall where the ceremony to accept Japan’s surrender in Taiwan Province of the China war theater of the Allied powers was held. From that point on, China recovered Taiwan de jure and de facto through a host of documents with international legal effect.
    “Our ancestors once stood here and witnessed Taiwan’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule, and the 6 million people of Taiwan were ecstatic,” said Chi Chia-lin, chairman of the Reunification Alliance Party in Taiwan, in his speech. He recalled how even cigarette boxes at the time bore the word “motherland,” reflecting the strong national identity felt by the people of Taiwan.
    Recalling Taiwan’s anti-Japanese struggles during the colonial period, Lan Bo-chow, a renowned writer, said that Taiwan people had maintained a strong sense of national identity despite forced separation.
    “People of Taiwan fought bravely against the Japanese on the island, while thousands went to the mainland to join the resistance movements against Japan. We hope that more young people in Taiwan will learn about this history and not be misled by ‘Taiwan independence’ narratives,” he said.
    Oct. 25 was a public holiday in Taiwan until it was canceled in 2001 by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities. Since the DPP took office again in 2016, the authorities have stopped organizing commemorative activities, contributing to the gradual fading of public memory, especially among younger generations in Taiwan.
    “Taiwan’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule and China’s resumption of sovereignty over Taiwan are historical facts that cannot be erased,” said Chi. “We are here today to honor this memory and voice our desire for peaceful reunification under a single China.”
    The DPP authorities are brainwashing young people in Taiwan with a separatist historical narrative that whitewashed Japanese colonial rule and with their efforts to sever historical ties between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait, said Wu Jung-yuan, chairman of the Labor Party in Taiwan.
    “We should not tolerate ‘Taiwan independence’ separatists compromising the future of Taiwan and our children,” he said.
    The gathering was jointly organized by more than 60 political parties and civil groups in Taiwan. Though the drizzle grew into a downpour as the event progressed, the participants’ enthusiasm remained undiminished. Groups arrived from central and southern Taiwan, adding to the crowd. After the speeches, attendees paid their respects with three bows and laid flowers at a red-stone monument in the square marking the victory of the war against Japanese aggression and the restoration of Taiwan.
    Later, a procession of nearly 1,000 people departed from the square, chanting slogans such as “oppose Taiwan independence” and “peaceful unification” as they marched toward Ketagalan Boulevard in front of the regional leader’s office building.
    As the procession passed, many people stopped to watch or take photos, while others waved and gave the marchers a thumbs-up.
    On the same day, the New Party organized a motorcade in Taipei, calling on Japan to apologize for wartime atrocities committed in Taiwan, including the forced recruitment of “comfort women” during World War II, while reaffirming that Taiwan and the mainland belong to one China.
    “Born and raised in Taiwan, I didn’t know that Oct. 25 used to be a public holiday,” said a young man surnamed Deng, who attended the gathering out of curiosity. “We, the younger generation, need to learn this missed lesson. Distorting history is disgraceful, but forgetting it is even more tragic.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xizang invests 320 mln yuan in preservation of movable relics

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region has spent a total of 320 million yuan (about 45 million U.S. dollars) in recent years on 56 projects for the protection of movable cultural heritage, according to the regional cultural heritage bureau on Friday.

    Xu Shaoguo, deputy director of the bureau, highlighted the progress that has been made in the preventive conservation of movable relics.

    Xizang has launched several key digital preservation projects, including projects digitizing ancient manuscripts such as the palm-leaf manuscripts of the Potala Palace. These projects facilitate the comprehensive viewing, archiving and management of movable cultural relics.

    It has also prioritized the restoration of movable relics, forming partnerships between regional cultural authorities and national institutions.

    Xizang’s museum system has seen continuous expansion and now has a network of 43 museums, including state-owned institutions, private institutions, memorial halls, and relic exhibition halls in monasteries. These museums have reported a steady rise in visitor numbers, surpassing 3.66 million visitors in 2023 and topping 3.25 million in the first nine months of 2024.

    Data shows that Xizang is home to 2,373 protected cultural heritage sites, over 1,000 of which house registered movable relics. In total, more than 510,000 individual or sets of movable cultural relics have been documented across the region.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China discovers large-scale mineral resources in 2024

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

    China has discovered and reported a number of large-scale confirmed mineral resources, including gold, copper, phosphorus as well as other minerals in the first three quarters of this year, the Ministry of Natural Resources announced on Friday.

    Tang Zhengguo, an official of the geological exploration management department of the ministry, said that the uncovered mineral resources are distributed across five provinces and autonomous regions.

    These discoveries include 57.8 tons of gold, 3.83 million tons of copper and 137,000 tons of molybdenum in Heilongjiang province; new phosphate resources amounting to 367.5 million tons in Sichuan province; a new phosphate resource quantity of 78.86 million tons in Guizhou province; an increase of 5.89 million tons in fluorite resources in Inner Mongolia autonomous region and a newly added fluorite resource of more than 1 million tons in Zhejiang province.

    Regarding solid mineral resources, from January to June this year, 138 prospective mining areas were outlined, 374 mining target areas were identified and 50 new mineral deposits were discovered, according to Tang.

    Moreover, in terms of oil and gas mineral resources, two deep coal bed gas reserves of billion-cubic-meter scale have been discovered, Tang said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Presidential Office thanks Biden administration for announcing its 17th military sale to Taiwan

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Presidential Office thanks Biden administration for announcing its 17th military sale to Taiwan
    Presidential Office thanks Biden administration for announcing its 17th military sale to Taiwan
    2024-10-26

    On October 25 (US EST), the United States government announced that it had notified Congress of the US$1.988 billion sale to Taiwan of three military packages, including an advanced surface-to-air missile system and two upgrade packages for L-band and non-L-band radar systems. Presidential Office Spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) on October 26 stated that strengthening Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities is the foundation for maintaining regional stability. The spokesperson said that the Presidential Office is grateful to the US government for continuing to provide Taiwan with the weaponry it needs in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances.
    Spokesperson Kuo stated that this marks the 17th military sale to Taiwan announced during the Biden administration since 2021, as well as the largest single military sale since President Biden took office, demonstrating the unwavering commitment of the US government to the security of Taiwan. She emphasized that Taiwan will continue to strengthen its self-defense capabilities as it works to maintain the rules-based international order, ensuring the peace, stability, and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Strong explosions heard in Iran’s capital

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The powerful explosions heard around Iran’s capital, Tehran, early Saturday were linked to air defense responses against attempted Israeli airstrikes on three locations outside the city, according to state-run IRIB TV.

    The dimensions and details of the air defense responses are under investigation, according to a statement by the Tehran Province Air Defense’s public relations, as reported by IRIB TV.

    The source of the blasts has not yet been identified and seemed to have originated in the suburbs of Tehran, said IRIB TV.

    The TV quoted security sources as saying that some of the explosions pertained to the activities of the air defense systems deployed near the capital.

    The situation remains normal in the capital, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency report.

    Israel confirmed it had launched “precise strikes on military targets in Iran” early Saturday morning local time, with the Israel Defense Forces saying that the strikes were in response to “months of continuous attacks” from Iran.

    The Israeli military said later that it had completed its “targeted” attacks against military targets in Iran after three waves of strikes.

    On Oct. 1, Iran fired approximately 180 missiles at Israeli targets, describing the action as retaliation for the assassinations of several leaders of regional resistance groups, among other grievances.

    In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Iran had made a “grave mistake” and vowed retaliation.

    Iran’s aviation authority announced that it had suspended all flights until further notice. The air defense headquarters of Iran said that it had successfully countered the Israeli attack, with only “limited damage” to some areas, according to Tasnim news agency.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi stresses enhancing inclusive public services for people

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged efforts to enhance inclusive public services for the people.
    In a recent instruction on civil affairs work, Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, emphasized the need to strengthen public services aimed at meeting the essential needs of the people and ensuring basic living standards for those facing difficulties.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Budapest event marks 75 years of Hungary-China diplomatic relations

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Hungary’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Levente Magyar speaks during an event celebrating the 75th anniversary of Hungary-China diplomatic relations in Budapest, Hungary on Oct. 24, 2024. [Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua]

    Hungary’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Levente Magyar stressed his country’s commitment to strengthening ties with China during an event on Thursday celebrating the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.

    In an interview with Xinhua during the event, Magyar reflected on the development of Hungary-China relations and their significance. He highlighted Hungary’s “Eastern Opening” policy, initiated over a decade ago to deepen economic and diplomatic ties with Eastern countries, particularly China.

    Chinese Ambassador to Hungary Gong Tao speaks during an event celebrating the 75th anniversary of Hungary-China diplomatic relations in Budapest, Hungary on Oct. 24, 2024. [Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua]

    Magyar said that Hungary is committed to seizing opportunities to collaborate with China, highlighting cooperation across business, culture, and infrastructure, particularly through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). He described the last decade as a “very successful period of confirmed and determined relationship building,” with current ties stronger than ever.

    Chinese investment has played a key role in this partnership, he said, noting that China ranks among the largest investors in Hungary, particularly in sectors such as the battery industry. This has established Hungary as a critical link between Western and Eastern economic interests, he added.

    Artists perform during an event celebrating the 75th anniversary of Hungary-China diplomatic relations in Budapest, Hungary on Oct. 24, 2024. [Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua]

    Commending China-Hungary ties as a model for international relations, Chinese Ambassador to Hungary Gong Tao emphasized China’s willingness to work with Hungary to enhance the well-being of the two peoples and promote world peace and development.

    The celebration included cultural performances, featuring piano, guitar, and guzheng recitals, as well as Hungarian folk dances. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Israel completes strike on Iranian targets

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Israel has completed what it called a retaliatory attack on military targets in Iran, said the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) early Saturday morning.

    The IDF launched “precise and targeted” air strikes on targets in several areas in Iran, in response to the attacks from Iran in recent months, it said in a statement.

    The IDF statement was issued about three and a half hours after it announced the start of the operation.

    Israeli aircraft struck missile manufacturing facilities, surface-to-air missile arrays, and additional Iranian aerial capabilities, according to the statement.

    Israel’s state-owned Kan TV News reported that dozens of jets, including F35, F16 and F15, attacked 20 military targets in Iran.

    IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari said in a video statement that the operation has foiled immediate threats to Israel, warning Iran against further response if there’s a new round of escalation.

    Iranian eyewitnesses said early Saturday that big explosions were heard around the country’s capital Tehran. Shortly afterward, Iranian state-run IRIB TV reported that Iran’s air defense was engaged against Israeli strike attempts.

    On Oct. 1, Iran fired approximately 180 missiles at Israeli targets, describing the action as retaliation for the assassinations of several leaders of regional resistance groups, among other grievances.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Israeli airstrikes target military sites in Syria

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The Syrian Defense Ministry reported early Saturday that Israeli forces launched a series of airstrikes against military sites in Syria’s southern and central regions.

    The strikes, reportedly carried out around 2:00 a.m. local time (2300 GMT Friday), involved missiles launched from the direction of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights and Lebanese airspace.

    According to the ministry, Syrian air defenses intercepted and downed several missiles, and efforts to assess the full impact of the strikes were ongoing.

    The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, reported that Israeli aircraft entered Syrian airspace to target locations linked to Iran. The monitor added that while Syrian air defenses attempted to intercept the jets, they were unable to prevent them from reaching their targets.

    Also on Saturday, Israel announced it launched “precise strikes” on military targets in Iran and the operation had concluded. Iran reported it had successfully countered the attack, with initial reports from local media indicating there was limited damage to some areas. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China-aid school improvement project inaugurated in Cambodia

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The China-Aid Project of Improving School Environment and Educational Facilities in Cambodia (CPISEEF) was inaugurated in southeast Kampong Cham province.

    Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wenbin presided over the inauguration ceremony held at the Hun Sen Peam Chi Kang High School in Kang Meas district, with more than 1,000 participants.

    The project had constructed school buildings, resource buildings, dorms for teachers, sanitary facilities, wells, football pitches, basketball courts, fences, roads and sewage at 26 high schools and the Hun Sen Kandal Regional Teacher Training Center, located in the capital Phnom Penh, Kandal province and Kampong Cham province, Hun Manet said.

    Besides helping develop hard infrastructure, the China-aid project has also supported the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) development project for education in Cambodia.

    The Cambodian prime minister said these achievements are a new testament to excellent ties and close cooperation between Cambodia and China, particularly in the education sector.

    “This China-aid project has significantly contributed to improving the quality of education in Cambodia, benefiting both teachers and students,” he said.

    Ambassador Wang was confident that the CPISEEF would importantly contribute to improving the quality of high school education in the Southeast Asian country.

    “Youth represent the future. Investing in the education sector of Cambodia is investing in the future of the China-Cambodia relations,” he said.

    Wang added that the alignment between China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Cambodia’s Pentagonal Strategy would help deepen cooperation in the education sector between the two countries. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Highlights of Xi’s remarks during 16th BRICS Summit

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the 16th BRICS Summit from Tuesday to Thursday in Kazan, where he also had in-depth exchanges with world leaders on BRICS cooperation, bilateral relations and the current international situation.

    The following are some of the highlights of Xi’s remarks and statements.

    On Global South

    — The collective rise of the Global South is a distinctive feature of the great transformation across the world. Global South countries marching together toward modernization is monumental in world history and unprecedented in human civilization.

    — Standing at the forefront of the Global South, we should use our collective wisdom and strength, and stand up to our responsibility for building a community with a shared future for mankind.

    — We should strengthen global security governance, and explore solutions to address both symptoms and roots of hotspot issues.

    — The Global South emerges for development and prospers through development. We should make ourselves the main driving force for common development.

    — We should play an active and leading role in the global economic governance reform, and make development the core of international economic and trade agenda.

    — Diversity of civilization is the innate quality of the world. We should be advocates for exchanges among civilizations.

    — China will coordinate with others to form a Global South Think Tanks Alliance to promote people-to-people exchanges and experience-sharing in governance.

    — No matter how the international landscape evolves, we in China will always keep the Global South in our heart, and maintain our roots in the Global South.

    — We support more Global South countries in joining the cause of BRICS as full members, partner countries or in the “BRICS Plus” format so that we can combine the great strength of the Global South to build together a community with a shared future for mankind.

    On China-India relations

    — China and India should strengthen communication and cooperation, enhance strategic mutual trust, and facilitate each other’s pursuit of development aspirations.

    — China-India relations are essentially a question of how the two large developing countries and neighbors, each with a 1.4-billion-strong population, treat each other.

    — The two sides should continue to uphold their important understandings, including that China and India are each other’s development opportunity rather than threat, and cooperation partner rather than competitor.

    — The two countries should maintain a sound strategic perception of each other, and work together to find the right and bright path for big, neighboring countries to live in harmony and develop side by side.

    On China-Iran relations

    — No matter how the international and regional situation changes, China will unswervingly develop friendly cooperation with Iran.

    — The Chinese side supports Iran in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and national dignity, steadily advancing its own economic and social development, and improving and deepening good-neighborly and friendly relations with neighboring countries.

    — China is willing to strengthen cooperation with Iran within BRICS and other multilateral frameworks, further volume up the influence and voice of the Global South, and push forward the development of the international order in a more just and reasonable direction.

    On China-Egypt relations

    — China is willing to be a sincere friend that looks out for each other and a close partner for joint development with Egypt.

    — The two sides should continue to firmly support each other, consolidate political mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation, jointly build the Belt and Road with high quality, strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and push bilateral relations toward the goal of building a China-Egypt community with a shared future in the new era.

    — China appreciates Egypt’s efforts to promote a ceasefire and end of war, and stands ready to strengthen coordination and cooperation with Egypt to jointly push for an early end to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the easing of the regional situation.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 23 students remain hospitalized two days after school explosion in Chilean capital

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Twenty-three of the 35 students injured in an explosion inside a school in the Chilean capital on Wednesday are still hospitalized, the Ministry of Health said on Friday.

    Of the injured, two remain in a state of “extreme gravity” and eight are in “critical condition,” the ministry said in a news bulletin.

    The ministry said there were no deaths in connection with the detonation.

    Nicolas Cataldo, the minister of education, told the local press that 12 students were discharged on Friday.

    Cataldo ruled out that the incident was an “isolated event,” as head of the school Maria Alejandra Benavides previously told the press.

    According to local police, a group of students from the Barros Arana National Boarding School, located in the historic center of Santiago, were making preparations on Wednesday to launch explosive devices on public roads. However, the explosion of the devices occurred in a bathroom under unknown circumstances. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China, EU seek dialogue to resolve EV dispute

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    China and the European Union(EU) have reiterated willingness to solve the dispute over EU’s anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese electric vehicles through dialogue.

    The two sides have decided to continue to make price commitment as the solution to the case, according to a statement released by China’s Ministry of Commerce after a talk held via video link on Friday between China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and European Commission Executive Vice President and Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis.

    There are strong calls and high expectations from various sectors in China and Europe for the proper handling of the case, said Wang.

    Since Sept. 20, intensive negotiations have been conducted between the two sides regarding the price commitment, with some positive progress made in certain aspects, but significant differences still exist on issues of core concern to the business communities in China and Europe, he said.

    Wang noted that China will unswervingly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of its enterprises. He also expressed the hope that both sides will continue to advance negotiations based on the previous stage of consultations, and achieve substantive breakthroughs as soon as possible.

    In the next stage of price commitment negotiations, consultations should be conducted based on mutual consideration of core concerns, and in accordance with the principles of pragmatism and balance, said Wang, adding that both the effectiveness of the agreement and the core interests of enterprises should be taken into account.

    A bilateral communication mechanism should be established for the implementation and supervision of price commitment on the basis of mutual trust, he explained.

    The European side has put forward specific suggestions regarding the price commitment plan and proposed that technical teams from both sides engage in video consultations on this matter. The Chinese side agrees to immediately start the next stage of negotiations and welcomes the European technical team to come to China as soon as feasible.

    The two sides also exchanged views on the trade remedy investigations initiated by China against certain EU goods, such as brandy, pork and dairy products.

    The Chinese side emphasized that these investigations were initiated at the request of domestic industries, in full compliance with the rules of the World Trade Organization, as well as Chinese laws and regulations.

    China will continue to conduct the investigations in accordance with the law and regulations, and fully safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of all parties involved, according to the ministry. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SJ to visit Singapore

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    SJ to visit Singapore
    SJ to visit Singapore
    *********************

         The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, will depart for Singapore tomorrow (October 27) afternoon to attend the 14th China-ASEAN Prosecutors-General Conference and related events.      Mr Lam will speak at a plenary session of the conference. As a member of the Chinese delegation, he will attend bilateral meetings between the delegation and member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).      Accompanying Mr Lam on the visit will include the Director of Public Prosecutions, Ms Maggie Yang, and government counsel.      Mr Lam will return to Hong Kong on October 30. During Mr Lam’s absence, the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Mr Cheung Kwok-kwan, will be the Acting Secretary for Justice.

     
    Ends/Saturday, October 26, 2024Issued at HKT 17:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China to boost military ties with Vietnam: senior official

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China will further promote the sound and steady development of military-to-military relations with Vietnam, said Zhang Youxia, vice chairman of China’s Central Military Commission, during his visit to Vietnam from Thursday to Saturday.

    Zhang met respectively with To Lam, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Luong Cuong, Vietnamese president, and Pham Minh Chinh, Vietnamese prime minister.

    Vietnam bears in mind China’s help in its struggle for national independence and socialist construction, said To Lam, adding that his country regards the development of friendly relations with China as a strategic choice and top priority in its foreign policy.

    Vietnam always firmly abides by the one-China policy, he said.

    Noting that bilateral defense relations have taken new steps, Lam expressed hopes to further deepen practical cooperation, enhance strategic mutual trust, work together to cope with threats and challenges, and jointly safeguard regional and world peace and stability.

    Zhang said China cherishes the traditional friendship between the two parties, countries and militaries.

    China is willing to work with Vietnam to fully implement the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties and countries, and keep strengthening exchanges and cooperation in fields like politics, economy, security and culture, Zhang said.

    China will further promote the sound and steady development of military-to-military relations with Vietnam to support the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future to a new level, he added.

    During the visit, Zhang also held talks with Vietnamese Defense Minister Phan Van Giang, exchanging views on the international and regional situation and relations between the two militaries. They witnessed the signing of agreements on strengthening defense cooperation. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Launch of Building Safety Weeks 2024 today (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Buildings Department (BD) launched Building Safety Weeks 2024 today (October 26), with a view to promoting building safety messages to the public through a series of activities, as well as working continuously with the public and the building industry to create a safe and sustainable living environment for the community.
     
         Speaking at the opening ceremony of Building Safety Weeks 2024 held at the BD Headquarters, West Kowloon Government Offices, the Permanent Secretary for Development (Planning and Lands), Ms Doris Ho, said that the Government is committed to enhancing building safety in Hong Kong, particularly addressing the issue of building dilapidation.  A regular inspection programme has been implemented by the BD since the first quarter of this year to inspect the external walls of 360 higher-risk buildings each year, and to use drones and smart technologies to quickly assess the condition of building external walls and carry out emergency works where necessary. The Government also continues to implement a series of building rehabilitation assistance schemes to assist owners in fulfilling their maintenance responsibilities. Moreover, the Government is reviewing the Buildings Ordinance (BO) to explore, among others, increasing penalties and streamlining enforcement procedures. As stated in the Policy Address just delivered, the Government will soon put forward elderly-friendly building design proposals for consultation. One of the themes is to foster a safe and comfortable living environment for the elderly.

         Ms Ho said that while it is the Government’s responsibility to improve building safety through policy review and measures, members of the public should also enhance their awareness of building safety and comply with government policies, so that the intended policy objectives can be achieved. She hoped that through the Building Safety Weeks 2024 promoting building safety, the community would work together to build a more liveable environment for Hong Kong.

         The Director of Buildings, Ms Clarice Yu, outlined the future direction of the BD at the opening ceremony. She said that the Government will put forth proposals to amend the BO and launch a public consultation later this year. The proposed amendments will include enhancing the deterrent effect against non-compliance with notices under the Mandatory Building Inspection Scheme, repair orders, removal orders and unauthorised building works, as well as strengthening the registration and disciplinary systems of contractors. It will also propose to increase the types of exempted works and minor works under the BO. The BD will render full support to the Development Bureau in taking forward the work. Meanwhile, the BD will step up enforcement in accordance with the current BO and continue to work with the industry to promote preventive building maintenance through various promotional and educational activities to enhance owners’ awareness of the importance of proper maintenance of their own properties to avoid building dilapidations.
     
         Ms Yu said that the BD has long committed to enhancing its services through innovative technologies, including the launch of Stage 3 of the Electronic Submission Hub (ESH) on June 30 this year to accept all types of plan submissions and related applications, facilitating the instant transmission of documents and communication between relevant departments, organisations, and building professionals, thereby enhancing work efficiency and significantly reducing paper consumption. The BD also launched in March this year the Building Information Modeling Area Tool to enable the industry to conduct automated checking of floor areas against the requirements under the BO, thereby enhancing quality and accuracy of the submissions of building plans. The BD will continue to play the role as a facilitator and strive to streamline the vetting procedures to assist the building industry in enhancing speed and efficiency in building developments. The industry is also encouraged to make use of innovative technologies to improve the built environment.
     
         Building Safety Weeks is a major event of the BD’s annual public education and publicity efforts, which include the BD Inno Tech Open Day held today at the BD headquarters. In addition to thematic talks, the Open Day also included various exhibitions covering the ESH, the “WIN SAFE” mobile application, digital rebound hammer tests for concrete, water seepage tests, the use of drones and artificial intelligence to assist in external wall inspections of old buildings, etc to enable the public to have a more comprehensive understanding of the BD’s daily operation, as well as to promote building safety and foster a building safety culture.
     
         In celebration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the Open Day featured “Learning about 75 Building Plans” as a special activity for the public to learn how to inspect building and minor works records through the BD’s Building Records Access and Viewing On-line system. The first 75 successful registrants were given a copy of the building plan, the structural plan and the drainage plan of their own residential unit for free.
     
         Another highlight of Building Safety Weeks is the Building Safety Symposium, which will be held on November 1 at the Y-Theatre, Youth Square, Chai Wan. The theme of this year’s symposium is “Building for Our Future: Smart Technologies for Building Safety and Sustainability”. Representatives from the building industry, the property management sector, the Government and academia will exchange views on the application of innovative technologies to enhance the safety of buildings and construction works.
     
         Moreover, the BD will hold the Building Safety Carnival on November 9 and 10 and November 16 and 17 at Tuen Mun Town Plaza and Olympian City 2 respectively, with an aim to help members of the public acquire proper building safety knowledge through playing simple games.
     
         For the latest information regarding Building Safety Weeks 2024, please visit the BD’s website (www.bd.gov.hk/en/whats-new/events-and-publicity/index.html).                  

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –