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Category: China

  • MIL-OSI China: Clean energy growth to peak fossil fuels demand by 2030: IEA

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Clean energy growth and shifts in the global economy are poised to slow energy demand growth, bringing the world to a pivotal point where demand for fossil fuels will peak by 2030, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said on Wednesday.

    In its World Energy Outlook 2024, the IEA emphasized that the clean energy growth is strong enough to meet the global increase in energy demand post-2030, entirely through renewable sources.

    The IEA points out that an electrified, renewables-dominated energy system is far more efficient than traditional fossil fuel-based systems where much energy is lost as waste heat.

    In 2023 alone, more than 560 gigawatts (GW) of new renewable energy capacity was added globally, with investments in clean energy projects nearing 2 trillion U.S. dollars annually – almost twice the amount being spent on new fossil fuel supply.

    The report praised China’s contribution, noting that the country accounted for 60 percent of the new global renewable capacity in 2023. By the early 2030s, China’s solar PV generation is expected to surpass the current electricity demand of the entire United States.

    Looking ahead, the IEA predicts that electricity demand will continue to grow rapidly, outpacing overall energy demand and marking a shift toward a more electrified global energy system.

    However, despite this transition, liquefied natural gas (LNG) demand is expected to grow at a rate of over 2.5 percent annually through 2035, an upward revision from last year’s outlook and faster than the rise in overall gas demand.

    The IEA also forecasts an easing of oil market pressures, with spare crude production capacity set to rise to 8 million barrels per day by 2030.

    IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol noted that this potential surplus in oil and gas, dependent on geopolitical developments, could lead to a very different energy world than the one experienced during the recent global energy crisis.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai meets delegation led by Reporters Without Borders Director General Thibaut Bruttin

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    President Lai meets delegation led by Reporters Without Borders Director General Thibaut Bruttin
    President Lai meets delegation led by Reporters Without Borders Director General Thibaut Bruttin
    2024-10-16

    On the afternoon of October 16, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Thibaut Bruttin, director general of Reporters Without Borders (RSF). In remarks, President Lai mentioned that today, Taiwan is not just a center for press freedom in Asia, but also a hub for international press throughout the Asia-Pacific region. The president said that Taiwan stands on the frontline of the defense of democracy, determined to do all we can to safeguard the values of freedom and democracy. He also said that Taiwan hopes to pursue an even more active role in the international community as we work alongside RSF and global democratic partners to champion press freedom and sustainable democracy.
    A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
    I warmly welcome RSF Director General Bruttin, who is visiting for the first time since taking on the role in July. Seven years ago, RSF established its first Asia bureau in Taipei. We have been honored to work with you all and contribute even more toward press freedom in Asia.
    Taiwan is a freedom-loving democratic country. The spirit of freedom and democracy is in our DNA. And in recent years, our efforts have been recognized by the international community. We have received top rankings for Asia in various democracy indexes and evaluations of freedom. This year, Taiwan ranked first in Asia and rose to 27th in the world in the RSF World Press Freedom Index. This was our best performance ever.
    Thanks to our liberal press environment, more and more international media outlets have been stationing personnel here in Taiwan each year. Today, Taiwan is not just a center for press freedom in Asia, but also a hub for international press throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Taiwan stands on the frontline of the defense of democracy, determined to do all we can to safeguard the values of freedom and democracy.
    Of all the world’s nations, Taiwan is the most seriously targeted by foreign disinformation. Over the past few years, our government has striven to develop a more robust cybersecurity network. Taiwanese NGOs have also worked on policies designed to combat disinformation. And now we have established the Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee directly under the Office of the President. By combining the strengths of the government and civil society, we aim to bolster our nation’s resilience in response to such challenges as disinformation and cyberattacks.
    Facing a torrent of disinformation and the expansion of authoritarianism, Taiwan needs the world and the world needs Taiwan. We hope to strengthen cooperation and exchanges with other countries. Together, we can support the democratic umbrella and jointly safeguard our free and democratic way of life. Moving forward, Taiwan hopes to pursue an even more active role in the international community as we work alongside RSF and global democratic partners to champion press freedom and sustainable democracy.
    Director General Bruttin then delivered remarks, indicating that it has been seven years since RSF chose Taiwan as the place to build a presence in Asia, and saying that they were right to do so in that the information provided by media in Taiwan is among the freest and more pluralistic, and that RSF stands with the media communities that are free, independent, and pluralistic.
    Director General Bruttin noted that Taiwan is number one in terms of press freedom in Asia and 27th globally, saying this is an achievement that proves how important it is to sustain the efforts of civil society and encourage it through public policies that are in line with international principles.
    The director general went on to say that there are several dimensions we could underline as a way forward for collaboration. First, he said, it is important to continue sustaining and leading the effort to have an end to the digital chaos, as the information that is spread on social media and on tech platforms is not always trustworthy or reliable, and we need to engage strongly to have policies that protect the public. Director General Bruttin said this is not just for journalism, but also for the general public, because it’s their right to know. The second point, he said, is that we need to encourage self-regulation and also protect the public through regulations that enable the media to thrive and develop. He emphasized that they believe there are ways to reform the media landscape in order to strengthen its accuracy and its ability to report with the ethical and deontological guidelines we need. Therefore, he said, we also need to strengthen the public service media in order to have a media landscape that restores the trust of the public.
    The final point, Director General Bruttin stated, is about the need to expose propaganda and foreign interference in the media sphere, saying we need to not only chase and expose the disinformation campaigns that might be going on, but also understand the strategy and geopolitics of propaganda to understand the actors, budgets, and people behind it. It’s a phenomenon that can affect Taiwan, he indicated, but also a global phenomenon, and collectively, we need to do more altogether. Director General Bruttin closed his remarks by saying Taiwanese people can be really bold in fostering democracy, so he and the delegation are very confident about the seven years ahead.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Neolithic human settlement site discovered in north China

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 10, 2024 shows a view of Nanpanshi relic site in Lincheng County of north China’s Hebei Province. A Neolithic human settlement site dating back approximately 6,000 years was found in north China’s Hebei Province, offering fresh evidence for archaeologists to have a deeper understanding of the cultural development and changes in the early Neolithic Age of China. (Photo by Chen Lei/Xinhua)

    A Neolithic human settlement site dating back approximately 6,000 years was found in north China’s Hebei Province, offering fresh evidence for archaeologists to have a deeper understanding of the cultural development and changes in the early Neolithic Age of China.

    The Nanpanshi relic site is located in Hebei’s Lincheng County and its excavation began in August. Archaeologists from the Hebei Normal University, Hebei Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology as well as local authorities in charge of cultural relics protection have excavated about 300 square meters of the site, with the fieldwork expected to be completed by the end of October.

    Bone wares, pottery and stone tools have been unearthed from the site, along with house foundations, tombs, urn burial sites and ash pits, according to He Xiangdong, a postgraduate student at the College of History and Culture at Hebei Normal University.

    Suo Lixia, from the Lincheng cultural relics protection and management authority, explained that during the Neolithic period, urn burials were used for children who had died young, with their bodies placed in covered pottery vessels and buried near houses or indoors.

    “The relics may offer insights into the living conditions and productivity of people from that time,” said Liu Zhenhua, an official in charge of culture and tourism in Lincheng, adding that plans are underway to develop an archaeological relics park at the site.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xinjiang attracts visitors with cultural richness, natural splendor

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    An attendee of the 6th World Media Summit interacts with a dancer in Jiayi Village of Xinhe County, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Oct. 15, 2024. The 6th World Media Summit opened on Monday in Urumqi, capital city of northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Chen Shuo)

    Captivated by the beautiful melodies of traditional instruments and the vibrant Uygur dance performance, Joshua Isaac Jere from Zambia couldn’t resist the infectious rhythm and warm hospitality, and joined the dancers in their joyous celebration in Jiayi Village.

    Jiayi, located in Xinhe County, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, is renowned for its musical instrument production. Jere, an online news media manager of Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation, was part of an overseas media group visiting this small village. The trip followed the opening of the sixth World Media Summit in the regional capital of Urumqi.

    “It reminded me of home and I enjoyed it very much,” Jere said, noting that the musical instruments share many similarities with those back in his own country.

    Jiayi Village has over 300 years of history in Uygur ethnic musical instrument craftsmanship, which has been listed as a national intangible cultural heritage and features more than 10 types of meticulously handcrafted instruments, including Tambur and Dutar.

    “I have witnessed the villagers’ passion for preserving their traditional culture, especially in the crafts of handmade instruments, which have been passed down through generations,” said Kuik Cheng Kang, editor-in-chief of Malaysia’s Sin Chew Daily.

    Xinjiang’s distinct customs and lifestyle offer international visitors a glimpse into the rich diversity and inclusiveness of Chinese culture, a surprising and captivating experience for many, according to Kuik, who also believed that Xinjiang is showcasing its unique charm to the world with more confidence.

    This confidence stems from Xinjiang’s remarkable cultural and tourism resources, combined with the region’s unswerving efforts to forge itself into a more attractive, inclusive and accessible tourism hub.

    Covering one-sixth of China’s total land area, Xinjiang’s unique “three mountain ranges sandwiching two basins” terrain offers breathtaking natural scenery, from towering mountains and deep gorges to vast deserts and serene lakes.

    Xinjiang’s strategic location along the ancient Silk Road, combined with its diverse array of ethnic minorities, has forged rich cultural heritages. This is illustrated by the region’s multiple UNESCO world heritage sites, world intangible cultural heritages as well as national intangible cultural heritages.

    The unparalleled blend of natural beauty and historical significance makes Xinjiang a must-visit destination for those seeking both cultural and natural wonders, such as the Tianshan Mountains, Sayram Lake, Jiaohe Ruins and Kashgar Old Town.

    Beneath the soft glow of moonlight, another group of overseas travelers wandered into the 2,000-year-old ruins of Jiaohe. Once a key stop on the ancient Silk Road in Turpan, it now stands as the world’s largest and best-preserved clay-built ancient city. Accompanied by the sounds of flutes and strings, the visitors felt like they had been transported through time, immersing themselves in the ancient world through the performers’ chants.

    “The Jiaohe Ruins exemplify advanced concepts in cultural relic protection and cultural tourism development in China. They not only preserve the original appearance of the site but also enhance the experience with thoughtfully designed pathways, lighting, cave landscaping, background music and performances, creating a tranquil atmosphere that harmonizes with the ancient city,” said Marcelo Benez, chief commercial officer of Folha de S.Paulo.

    He said the trip to Turpan provided him with an unprecedented experience. “This remarkable place is incredibly diverse, where the past and future, history and modernity, technology and tradition intertwine in an almost unbelievable way. For first-time visitors, surprises seem to arise at every turn.”

    Delvin O’Neale Thoma, deputy minister of Media Department of Republic of Nauru, said he had only seen such cultural relics in documentaries before and being able to stand amidst such a historically significant site left a deep impression on him.

    In recent years, tourism in Xinjiang has surged in popularity, driven by a range of measures designed to enrich the travel experience, improve transportation options, and ensure the sustainable preservation of cultural resources.

    Between January and September 2024, Xinjiang received 245 million tourists from home and abroad. Tourism revenue for the first three quarters of 2024 and that of the entire 2023 reached 287.58 billion yuan (about 40.4 billion U.S. dollars) and 296.72 billion yuan, respectively.

    Xinjiang is also enhancing its tourism infrastructure by focusing on developing world-class tourist destinations, resorts, and cities over the next three years. Key scenic roads, such as the Duku Highway, will be upgraded into top self-driving routes.

    Improved transportation, including domestic and overseas flight routes and rural road projects, will further boost the region’s tourism growth, according to Sun Hongmei, vice chairperson of the regional government.

    By promoting internationalized tourism services, including accepting foreign bank cards, streamlining hotel check-in procedures to reduce wait times, and enabling foreign tourists to reserve tickets using passports and permanent residence IDs online, Xinjiang is also committed to enhancing convenience for overseas tourists. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Legendary landscape painting brought to life in dance film

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    A poster for “A Tapestry of a Legendary Land.” [Image courtesy of China Film Group]

    “A Tapestry of a Legendary Land,” a dance film inspired by the famous landscape scroll painting “Qian Li Jiang Shan Tu,” or “A Thousand Miles of Streams and Mountains,” is now screening in theaters across China.

    Released nationwide on Oct. 1, the film tells the story of a cultural relic researcher who, while immersed in studying this nearly 12-meter-long scroll, travels through centuries to connect with the artist and understand how the masterpiece was created.

    This painting from the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1126) is the only surviving work of prodigy court painter Wang Ximeng. It depicts a panoramic view of mountains and rivers and is celebrated as a hallmark of blue-green landscape painting, a style that uses mineral-based pigments like malachite (green) and azurite (blue) to create bold, vibrant colors.

    In 2021, the theatrical dance show “A Tapestry of a Legendary Land” premiered to positive reviews. It gained widespread popularity across the country after parts of the show were staged during the 2022 Spring Festival Gala and became a hit.

    The film, an adaptation of the original dance show, was produced with the same cast and creative team from the stage production. It has raked in over 40 million yuan (about 5.6 million U.S. dollars), making it the third-highest-grossing domestic musical film on the Chinese mainland and earning an 8 out of 10 rating on the popular film platform Douban.

    “Using dance to express the artistic conception of traditional Chinese painting is an excellent idea. The film achieves a harmonious blend of style and color, creating a visually stunning experience,” commented a netizen on Douban.

    The directors of the film, who also helmed the dance show, expressed hope that the movie could serve as both an extension of the show and an interpretation of the painting. The film uses blue and green — the painting’s most distinct characteristics — as its basic colors, featuring no spoken dialogue to emphasize the dance performance.

    “Not using dialogue in the creation of the film was a significant challenge,” said Han Zhen, co-director of the film, noting that they made the choice out of respect for dance and the dance show.

    “We believe that Chinese culture possesses a unique ability to convey genuine emotions and resonate with audiences through silent performances,” added Han, who is also a very experienced choreographer.

    She believes that film is an excellent medium for promoting traditional culture. “The immersive experience of cinema allows the audience to truly appreciate the unique beauty of this unparalleled painting,” Han said, adding that she hopes their film will create more opportunities for integrating film and dance arts.

    For the cast members, who have performed in 600 shows across 71 cities over the past three years, appearing in the film allows their performances to endure longer and reach a wider audience.

    “I’m grateful to have my most beautiful youth captured in this film. As we grow older and experience more challenges or injuries, I’m unsure how much longer I can continue to dance on stage,” said Xie Suhao, who portrays the cultural relic researcher in the production.

    Zhang Han, who portrays Wang Ximeng, the gifted painter believed to have died shortly after completing the masterpiece at just 18 years old, expects the film to reach “the widest and farthest audience,” far beyond the limited number of viewers able to see the dance show in theaters.

    According to Jing Xiaoyong, chairman of China Oriental Performing Arts Group, a co-producer of both the film and the dance show, China needs to develop its own dance films and promote dance and music productions as a means of fostering international exchange.

    “From online literature to internet-based films and stage productions, art knows no boundaries,” said Jing, adding that the production company aims to explore more innovative approaches to revitalize traditional culture. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: ‘Joker’ sequel opens in China with meager turnout amid polarized reviews

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Warner Bros.’ “Joker: Folie à Deux” opened in China on Wednesday with a modest gross of around 9 million yuan (about 1.26 million U.S. dollars), according to box office tracker Maoyan.

    The film’s lackluster performance stands in stark contrast to the high anticipation that once surrounded the sequel to Todd Phillips’ 2019 hit “Joker,” and mirrors the lukewarm reception it received in the United States, where it premiered 12 days earlier. Its Rotten Tomatoes score currently sits at a disappointing 32 percent.

    “Joker: Folie à Deux” has received a 5.9 out of 10 rating on China’s popular review platform Douban. Audience reactions have been deeply divided, with some criticizing the film for failing to live up to its predecessor, while others have praised it as a deconstruction of the Joker character, even calling it an “anti-Joker movie.”

    Maoyan projects the film to close its China box office run with a total of around 67 million yuan, a far cry from the numbers typically expected of a major Hollywood release.

    As China’s entertainment landscape continues to diversify, Hollywood films have seen their appeal wane among Chinese audiences, no longer the guaranteed box office draws they were a decade ago.

    This year, eight of the top 10 earners currently at China’s box office are domestic titles. “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” is the only American title to crack the top 10, ranking ninth with 956 million yuan. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: WHO – Despite health gains, urgent action needed to meet health-related Sustainable Development Goals in the Western Pacific Region

    SOURCE: World Health Organization (WHO)

    Manila, Philippines, 17 October 2024 – According to a new report released today, countries in the World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific Region experienced the smallest decline in life expectancy during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to other WHO regions. Life expectancy in the Western Pacific fell by only 0.07 years during 2020-21, a minimal drop compared to the global average decline of 1.7 years. The Western Pacific now has the highest life expectancy among WHO’s six regions, rising from 72.0 years in 2000 to 77.4 years in 2021.

    However, despite this progress, the Region – comprising 37 countries and areas across Asia and the Pacific – is still grappling with critical challenges and is off-track in achieving the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs are the global goals adopted by world leaders to end poverty and inequality, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy health, justice and prosperity by 2030. The new WHO report, Health statistics in the Western Pacific Region 2023: Monitoring health for the SDGs, highlights advancements made across the Region while also emphasizing the urgent need for action. The report shows that while the COVID-19 pandemic may have done less damage to life expectancy in the Western Pacific than other regions, it nevertheless exacerbated health inequalities and disrupted progress in other areas.

    Noncommunicable diseases on the rise

    While infectious diseases and injuries were previously major causes of illness and death in the Western Pacific, the Region is undergoing a significant epidemiological shift. Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) like heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer now account for nearly nine in 10 deaths. While the probability of premature death from NCDs has declined in the Region by over 25% since 2000, major challenges remain. Moreover, the Region is experiencing rapid population ageing. There are now more than 245 million people aged 65 and older in the Region – a number that is projected to double by 2050. And many older people are living with NCDs.

    A major risk factor for NCDs is alcohol and tobacco use. Consumption of alcohol in the Region has risen by 40% since 2000. Despite a decline from 7.2 litres per capita per year in 2015 to 6.1 litres in 2019, the overall increase highlights an ongoing concern for public health. Similarly, although tobacco use declined from 28.0% of adults smoking in 2000 to 22.5% in 2022, this was still above the global average of 20.9%.

    Mental health issues are also taking their toll on the population, with alarmingly high suicide rates in some countries of the Western Pacific Region, influenced by factors such as stigma, limited access to mental health services and socioeconomic challenges.

    Climate- and environment-related health concerns are yet another major challenge. While air pollution in urban areas of the Region was found to have decreased from 2010 to 2019, air quality levels are still much worse than the WHO-recommended levels. Populations living in urban areas are therefore continuing to breathe unhealthy air.

    Mixed progress towards universal health coverage

    Universal health coverage (UHC) is another important SDG target for which the Western Pacific Region has had mixed progress. The UHC service coverage index measures access to essential health services such as reproductive, maternal, newborn and child care, and prevention and treatment services for both NCDs and infectious diseases. Over the past 20 years, the overall UHC service coverage index in the Western Pacific increased impressively, from 49 to 79 points out of 100 between 2000 and 2021. However, people’s ability to access health-care services varies greatly across the Region. In some countries, the UHC service coverage index score is as low as 30, meaning many people struggle to access basic health care, while in others, it exceeds 80, indicating a much higher level of service availability and coverage. Despite these advancements, progress has slowed and stagnated since the adoption of the SDGs in 2015, and particularly since 2019.

    Despite the growing burden of noncommunicable diseases, access to essential health services for NCDs did not improve significantly, increasing only slightly from 52 points in 2000 to 58 points in 2010. Even more troubling, there has been no further progress since 2010, and access to services remains low, particularly in Pacific island countries and areas.

    In contrast, access to services for infectious diseases improved significantly, rising from just 18 points in 2000 to 82 points in 2021. Immunization coverage for the WHO-recommended three doses against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis, or DTP3, showed mixed results from 2000 to 2023: coverage increased in 15 countries, while four countries experienced no change and eight saw a decrease.

    In the Western Pacific Region, average health spending has increased substantially, tripling from around US$ 383 per person in 2000 to US$ 1336 in 2021. On average, health spending accounted for 6.6% of gross domestic product (GDP) at country level in 2000, and rose to 8.2% by 2021. However, despite efforts to increase public spending for health, the proportion of people in the Western Pacific experiencing catastrophic health expenditure − defined as spending more than 10% of their income on health-care − has nevertheless doubled, rising from 9.9% in 2000 to 19.8% in 2019.

    Critical action needed to achieve SDGs

    “While we celebrate the significant health gains that the Western Pacific Region has achieved, we must also acknowledge urgent challenges in sustaining progress,” said Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific. “We are living longer than ever, and more than any other region of the world, but this isn’t enough. We’re off-track to meet many of the SDG targets, and the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated health disparities. Now is the time for concerted action to address these issues. We look forward to working with health leaders from across the Region next week to finalize our new vision to weave health for families, communities and societies.”

    New vision for health in the Region

    Ministers of health and other senior officials are preparing for discussions at the seventy-fifth session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific in Manila on 21−25 October 2024. The meeting will focus on the most pressing health needs in the Region and chart a course to address them.

    Weaving health for families, communities and societies in the Western Pacific Region (2025-2029): Working together to improve health, well-being and save lives is the proposed new vision for the Region. The vision centres on the analogy of weaving a mat – a traditional activity across Asia and the Pacific – symbolizing the collaborative efforts required by WHO, governments and partners to improve population health and well-being. The vision centres on five vertical strands of action led by governments interwoven with three horizontal strands of action by WHO.

    The five vertical strands of action led by governments, working with WHO and other stakeholders include:

    Transformative primary health care for UHC
    Climate-resilient health systems
    Resilient communities, societies and systems for health security
    Healthier people throughout the life course
    Technology and innovation for future health equity.

    The three horizontal strands of action by WHO are:

    Country offices equipped with skills for scaling up and innovation
    Nimble support teams in the Regional Office
    Effective communication for public health.

    These strands reflect the reality that the Western Pacific Region faces complex health challenges that cannot be addressed by the health sector alone. Achieving the goals of SDG 3 − Good health and well-being – will require a concerted effort from multiple sectors. Social determinants of health, including education, housing, employment, social protection, gender equality and the environment, significantly impact health outcomes. Therefore, collaboration between the health, education, urban planning, agriculture and environmental sectors, to name but a few, is crucial. Collaboration can create synergies and co-benefits for all these sectors while accelerating progress towards achieving SDG 3.

    “The commitment of governments, WHO and partners to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 is a commitment to health and well-being for all,” added Dr Piukala. “We must work together to ensure that no one is left behind as we weave a healthier future.”

    In addition to the vision, the Regional Committee will also consider new regional action frameworks on digital health and on health financing to achieve UHC and sustainable development. There will be panel discussions on climate-resilient health-care facilities, transformative primary health care and oral health, as well as a special event on the Investment Round to resource WHO’s work for 2025–2028.

    Notes:

    The seventy-fifth session of the Western Pacific Regional Committee will run from Monday, 21 October through Friday, 25 October, at the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific in Manila, Philippines. The Agenda and timetable are available online. A livestream of proceedings, all other official documents, as well as fact sheets and videos on the issues to be addressed can be accessed here. For real-time updates, follow @WHOWPRO on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube and the hashtag #RCM75.

    Working with 194 Member States across six regions, WHO is the United Nations specialized agency responsible for public health. Each WHO region has its regional committee – a governing body composed of ministers of health and senior officials from Member States. Each regional committee meets annually to agree on health actions and to chart priorities for WHO’s work.

    The WHO Western Pacific Region is home to more than 1.9 billion people across 37 countries and areas: American Samoa (United States of America), Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia (France), Guam (United States of America), Hong Kong SAR (China), Japan, Kiribati, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Macao SAR (China), Malaysia, the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Mongolia, Nauru, New Caledonia (France), New Zealand, Niue, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (United States of America), Palau, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Pitcairn Islands (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland), the Republic of Korea, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Viet Nam, Wallis and Futuna (France).

    Related links:

    Health statistics in the Western Pacific Region 2023: Monitoring health for the SDGs
    Draft vision Weaving health for families, communities and societies in the Western Pacific Region (2025−2029): Working together to improve health and well-being and save lives
    WHO data on progress towards universal health coverage (UHC)
    Other WHO data which can be searched by country.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: The Presidential Office will resume weekday and designated holiday open house tours beginning October 19, 2024. We welcome all visitors. For detailed information, please see the announcements on our official website.

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    The Presidential Office will resume weekday and designated holiday open house tours beginning October 19, 2024. We welcome all visitors. For detailed information, please see the announcements on our official website.

    To the central content area

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Pål Jonson attends NATO defence ministers meeting in Brussels

    Source: Government of Sweden

    Pål Jonson attends NATO defence ministers meeting in Brussels – Government.se

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    Press release from Ministry of Defence

    Published

    On 17–18 October, Sweden’s Minister for Defence Pål Jonson will meet with his colleagues from other NATO member countries in Brussels. Part of the meeting will also be attended for the first time by the defence ministers of Australia, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand – NATO’s partners known as the Indo-Pacific Four (IP4).

    The agenda includes discussions on continuing and deepening NATO’s cooperation with the IP4.

    At the meeting in Brussels, the NATO defence ministers will also discuss deeper cooperation between NATO and the EU, and reinforcements of NATO’s deterrence and defence capabilities.

    They will also discuss continued support to Ukraine and the support being provided to Russia by Iran, China and North Korea.

    This is the first NATO ministerial meeting led by new Secretary General Mark Rutte. 

    Press contact

    More about the Meeting of NATO Defence Ministers on 17–18 October

    More information about the Meeting of Defence Ministers on 17–18 October is available on the NATO website. Images and video material from the meeting will also be published on the website as they become available.

    About the North Atlantic Council (NAC)

    The North Atlantic Council (NAC) is the principal political decision-making body within NATO. For the NAC’s day-to-day work, member countries are represented by their NATO Ambassadors.

    The NAC meets a number of times a year at the levels of defence ministers, foreign ministers and heads of state and government. Normally, one NATO summit, two meetings of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs and three meetings of NATO Defence Ministers are held each year. The NATO Secretary General chairs the NAC.

    About Sweden in NATO

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Central China’s Henan to host Intl Shaolin Wushu Festival

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The 13th Zhengzhou International Shaolin Wushu Festival will take place Oct. 17-22 in Zhengzhou, the capital of central China’s Henan province.

    Organized by the Henan provincial government and co-hosted by the province’s sports administration and Zhengzhou city government, the event aims to promote Shaolin Wushu culture and foster international exchanges.

    Opening ceremony of the previous Zhengzhou International Shaolin Wushu Festival. [File photo by Li Bo/ Xinhua News]

    The festival will feature traditional Shaolin Wushu competitions and the Wushu Duanwei Evaluation for Overseas Personnel, alongside new events, including a collective kung fu performance, an international fight competition, a U.S.-China youth training camp, a kung fu adventure, and a Cambodian-Chinese boxing showcase.

    Zhao Xuedong, deputy secretary-general of the Henan provincial government, said 2,560 athletes from 56 countries and regions have signed up for the festival. The event will host Wushu exchanges between China and the U.S., as well as China and Cambodia. Officials from the International Wushu Federation, the Intangible Cultural Heritage Fund, resident ambassadors and international guests will attend related activities.

    The festival will build a bridge for cultural integration and mutual learning between China and foreign countries, as well as strengthen exchanges and cooperation among Belt and Road countries, according to Zhao.

    The festival adheres to the principle of “meeting friends through Shaolin Wushu and progressing together.” Competitions will include designated routines, nationally recognized martial arts routines and various styles and forms.

    Organizers aim to nurture Shaolin Wushu and expand its cultural impact. They will arrange visits to cultural tourism projects during the festival to promote the integration of culture, tourism and sports in Henan.

    Zhao Hengkang, deputy secretary-general of the Henan provincial government, said the six-day festival includes five categories, six major events and 315 sub-events, with participants ranging from 4 to 82 years old.

    The opening ceremony will feature 30,000 young martial artists showcasing Shaolin Wushu along a 13-kilometer route from the Shaolin Temple on Mount Song to the opening venue. Audiences worldwide can enjoy this cultural feast through television and online broadcasts.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: ‘Splendid Aqua’ exhibition showcases cross-culture exchange via watercolor art

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    An exhibition featuring 40 watercolor paintings by prominent Chinese artists opened on Wednesday night at the Chinese Culture Center in Berlin.

    Titled “Splendid Aqua – International Watercolor Art Exchange Exhibition,” the event runs until Oct. 24 and aims to foster cross-cultural communication between Chinese and German audiences.

    The exhibition highlights works by artists Li Qing, Wan Ye, and Shi Qian, covering diverse subjects such as landscapes, still life, and portraiture.

    During the opening ceremony, Li Qing, director of Liu Haisu Art Museum (Changzhou), emphasized the significance of Chinese watercolor painting as a blend of Western techniques and Chinese artistic expression. He noted that the art form merges “Western art’s delicate depiction of form and light with the lyrical and expressive style of Chinese painting.”

    Sun Qinghang, director of the Chinese Cultural Center in Berlin, highlighted watercolor’s role as a medium for cultural exchange, remarking on its 300-year development since its introduction from Europe to China. She expressed hopes that the exhibition would strengthen international collaboration and deepen the bond between artists from both nations.

    Following the opening, Shi Qian, vice dean of the School of Fine Arts at Nanjing Normal University, delivered a lecture on communication between Chinese and Western watercolor art in history.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Expo highlights intangible cultural heritage

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The eighth China Intangible Cultural Heritage Expo packed in a big audience on its opening day in Jinan, East China’s Shandong province, on Thursday.

    The expo, running until Monday, is hosted by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and undertaken by the Shandong Culture and Tourism Department and the Jinan government.

    The expo is themed on protection, inheritance and innovation, highlighting the integration of intangible culture with modern life.

    Major sectors showcase craftsmanship, innovation, rural development and creative arts in related fields.

    A total of 211 intangible cultural heritage items are on display and more than 100 inheritors are present to interact with attendees.

    The expo aims to showcase the achievements of China’s intangible cultural heritage protection over the past 20 years since it joined the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

    Additionally, performances and workshops are arranged for the public to appreciate the charm of cultural heritage. Related brand launches and business matchmaking events are also taking place to boost exchange and cooperation.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Volume and price statistics of external merchandise trade in August 2024

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Volume and price statistics of external merchandise trade in August 2024
    Volume and price statistics of external merchandise trade in August 2024
    ************************************************************************

         Further to the external merchandise trade statistics in value terms for August 2024 released earlier on, the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (October 17) the volume and price statistics of external merchandise trade for that month.      In August 2024, the volume of Hong Kong’s total exports of goods and imports of goods increased by 3.1% and 4.9% respectively over August 2023.      Comparing the first eight months of 2024 with the same period in 2023, the volume of Hong Kong’s total exports of goods and imports of goods increased by 7.2% and 4.2% respectively.      Comparing the three-month period ending August 2024 with the preceding three months on a seasonally adjusted basis, the volume of total exports of goods decreased by 0.1%, while the volume of imports of goods increased by 4.7%.      Changes in volume of external merchandise trade are derived from changes in external merchandise trade value with the effect of price changes discounted.      Comparing August 2024 with August 2023, the prices of total exports of goods and imports of goods increased by 3.1% and 2.6% respectively.      As regards price changes in the first eight months of 2024 over the same period in 2023, the prices of total exports of goods and imports of goods increased by 4.0% and 3.5% respectively.      Price changes in external merchandise trade are reflected by changes in unit value indices of external merchandise trade, which are compiled based on average unit values or, for certain commodities, specific price data.      The terms of trade index is derived from the ratio of price index of total exports of goods to that of imports of goods. Compared with the same periods in 2023, the index increased by 0.5% in August 2024 and 0.4% in the first eight months of 2024.     Changes in the unit value and volume of total exports of goods by main destination are shown in Table 1.      Comparing August 2024 with August 2023, increases were recorded for the total export volume to Vietnam (23.9%), the mainland of China (the Mainland) (8.6%) and Taiwan (7.0%). On the other hand, the total export volume to the USA (-2.0%) and India (-20.3%) decreased.      Over the same period of comparison, the total export prices to the USA (5.3%), the Mainland (3.9%), Taiwan (3.5%) and Vietnam (2.1%) increased. On the other hand, the total export prices to India decreased by 1.8%.      Changes in the unit value and volume of imports of goods by main supplier are shown in Table 2.      Comparing August 2024 with August 2023, increases were recorded for the import volume from Singapore (21.3%), Korea (14.5%), the Mainland (6.8%) and Taiwan (6.8%). On the other hand, the import volume from Japan decreased by 0.4%.      Over the same period of comparison, the import prices from all main suppliers increased: Singapore (5.2%), Korea (4.6%), the Mainland (2.9%), Japan (0.9%) and Taiwan (0.4%). Further information      Details of the above statistics are published in the August 2024 issue of “Hong Kong Merchandise Trade Index Numbers”. Users can browse and download the report at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1020006&scode=230).      Enquiries on merchandise trade indices may be directed to the Trade Analysis Section of the C&SD (Tel: 2582 4918).

     
    Ends/Thursday, October 17, 2024Issued at HKT 16:30

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The UK’s new industrial strategy is welcome, but here’s what is missing

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Phil Tomlinson, Professor of Industrial Strategy, Co-Director Centre for Governance, Regulation and Industrial Strategy (CGR&IS), University of Bath

    Panya7/Shutterstock

    The UK government’s plan to create a new industrial strategy is a welcome attempt to steer Britain’s economy through the challenges of the 21st century. Amid a backdrop of global economic uncertainty, a clear focus on achieving growth is essential.

    The plan is at an early stage. The new green paper marks the beginning of a consultation process designed to shape future government policy.

    But creating an industrial strategy in the first place – to coordinate a wide range of economic policies – is commendable. For too long, the UK has been lagging behind other countries which have embraced greater government intervention in their economies.

    And the idea of having that strategy overseen by an “industrial strategy council”, to offer a degree of independent oversight, is a good one. If set up properly, this council should encapsulate the idea of industrial strategy as a partnership between the state and business – a collaborative effort to discover new opportunities and develop new policies.

    It is also pleasing to see the green paper hasn’t shied away from some of the big issues. There is appropriate emphasis on geography, and creating opportunities in “left behind places”. For too long, economic growth in Britain has been disproportionately concentrated in London and the south-east.

    Empowering local leaders in other regions to shape industrial policies, tailored to their specific needs, is a step in the right direction.

    The emphasis on addressing the UK’s clapped-out infrastructure is also wise. Pledges to invest in broadband, electricity supply, rail and roads should lay the groundwork for a more interconnected economy. There is evidence that improved connectivity could attract new investment and boost regional productivity in areas that have been economically stagnant for decades.

    There are also promises to increase public investment in research and development
    in emerging industries such as AI and clean energy. The vision for a modern, hi-tech economy driven by innovation is much needed in a county which currently ranks 25th in the global robotics league table, the only G7 nation outside the top 20.

    But there are also risks to such a technology-centred approach, which could easily be at odds with the goal of tackling regional inequality. Indeed, given new investment tends to flow to existing hi-tech regions, the divide between successful and left-behind places could widen.

    The plan’s green focus is also timely. By prioritising clean energy and investment in sectors such as electric vehicles, the strategy aligns with goals for achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

    Mission impossible?

    However, other issues also need to be included in the government’s plans. There is no consideration of geopolitics in the green paper. Yet any effective UK industrial strategy has to account for the impact of China and the US, and their ongoing tensions.

    Similarly – and strangely – Brexit is hardly mentioned. Despite post-Brexit disruption to trade with the EU continuing to act as a drag on investment and growth, the green paper merely skirts around the issue. Nor is there anything about how industries deeply reliant on EU supply chains and markets (such as car manufacturing) can thrive outside the European single market.

    Southampton docks.
    Ssisabal/Shutterstock

    Workers in traditional manufacturing, and in sectors such as retail, hospitality and care, will also need to hear more about support and retraining. The government needs to be mindful of not increasing a sense of polarisation between those who benefit from a green hi-tech revolution, and those who don’t.

    And there will need to be much more detail about funding. The Labour government is keen to attract investors – the green paper was published on the same day as a high-profile investment summit in London, which featured impressive international attendees enjoying fine food and high-calibre entertainment.

    But heavy reliance on private sector investment raises questions about accountability. For, while public-private partnerships can be effective, there is always a risk that private sector interests may not align with the needs of everyone else.

    Overall, the green paper is the starting point for a critical national conversation about the UK’s economic future. The road to tangible success will depend on translating ideas into concrete actions, dealing with inevitable trade-offs, and being brave enough to address some deep structural issues. If it does, the green paper could turn into a blueprint for a genuinely resilient and competitive country.

    Phil Tomlinson receives funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) for Made Smarter Innovation: Centre for People-Led Digitalisation.

    David Bailey receives funding from the Economic and Social Research Council’s UK in a Changing Europe Programme.

    Michael A. Lewis currently receives funding from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).

    – ref. The UK’s new industrial strategy is welcome, but here’s what is missing – https://theconversation.com/the-uks-new-industrial-strategy-is-welcome-but-heres-what-is-missing-241410

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI China: China mulls increasing tariffs on imported fuel cars with large-displacement engines

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOC) said Thursday that China is studying measures to increase tariffs on imported fuel-powered vehicles with large-displacement engines.

    A decision will be made prudently after comprehensive consideration of various factors, MOC spokesperson He Yadong told a press conference.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway transports 5.79M passengers

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Passengers pose for photos with a high-speed electrical multiple unit (EMU) train of the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway on the platform of Halim Station in Jakarta, Indonesia, April 17, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR), celebrating its first anniversary on Thursday, has transported 5.79 million passengers, according to PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia-China (KCIC), a joint venture between Indonesian and Chinese enterprises that built and operates the railway.

    Since its commercial launch in October 2023, the HSR has completed over 15,826 train trips, covering more than 2.57 million kilometers. The number of daily train services has increased from 14 at the start of operations to 52, with passenger seats rising from 8,400 to over 31,000. The highest daily ridership reached 24,132, according to KCIC statistics.

    The HSR is fully powered by electricity, significantly reducing fuel consumption and emissions. The KCIC said that the green energy initiative saves Indonesia around 3.2 trillion rupiahs (208 million U.S. dollars) annually in fuel costs.

    In addition, Indonesian government data indicated that between 2019 and 2023, the project contributed 86.5 trillion rupiahs (about 5.62 billion dollars) to the GDP of Jakarta and West Java.

    With a design speed of 350 km per hour, the 142.3-km high-speed railway has cut travel time between Jakarta and Bandung from over three hours to just 46 minutes.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Added value of patent-intensive industries over 15 trillion yuan

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    A staff member shows a China Telecom 5G antenna during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, Feb. 27, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The added value of China’s patent-intensive industries in 2022 reached 15.32 trillion yuan (about 2.15 trillion U.S. dollars), contributing 12.7 percent to its GDP, according to a report released by the country’s top intellectual property regulator.

    The latest data shows that China’s patent-intensive industries exhibit strong innovation capabilities and development potential, supporting the country’s commitment to pursuing new quality productive forces and high-quality development, the China Intellectual Property Administration noted in a recent monitoring report.

    The report highlights that from 2018 to 2022, the added value of China’s patent-intensive industries saw an average annual growth rate of 9.36 percent, surpassing the average annual GDP growth rate by 2.37 percentage points during the same period.

    The information and communications technology (ICT) service and ICT manufacturing, as representatives of emerging industries, achieved double-digit growth in added value with annual growth rates of 14.86 percent and 10.23 percent, respectively.

    Other patent-intensive industries include manufacturing of new equipment and materials, medicine and the medical industry, as well as the environmental protection industry.

    High investment in research and development is an important factor driving growth. According to the report, the internal R&D expenditure for patent-intensive industries in China reached 1.14 trillion yuan in 2022, marking an increase of 11.28 percent compared to the previous year and totaling 2.23 times that of non-patent-intensive industries.

    In 2022, more than 49 million people were employed in China’s patent-intensive industries, accounting for approximately 6.7 percent of overall employment within the entire society.

    However, the report noted a gap between China and Western patent leading countries. It cited the latest report from the United States and Europe, revealing that patent-intensive industries contributed 24 percent to the U.S. GDP, with employment accounting for 13 percent. Additionally, the EU’s figures that year stood at 17.4 percent and 11 percent, respectively, “significantly surpassing China’s levels.”

    The patent-intensive industries in China still have immense growth potential, and greater efforts should be made to support the development of these industries, the report said.

    China has set a target for patent-intensive industries to contribute 13 percent of GDP by 2025.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: Aurora Mobile Showcases GPTBots and EngageLab at eCommerce Expo Asia, Highlighting AI-Powered Solutions for Global Enterprises

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, Oct. 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Aurora Mobile Limited (Nasdaq: JG), recently showcased its no-code AI Bot development platform, GPTBots, and its global customer engagement platform, EngageLab, at eCommerce Expo Asia, part of Tech Week Singapore on October 9-10, 2024, held at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre. The event brought together industry giants such as Shopify, Amazon, Stripe, and TikTok, focusing on the latest trends in e-commerce, AI, and MarTech, with Aurora Mobile’s innovative solutions drawing significant attention from attendees.

    As a comprehensive trade show, eCommerce Expo Asia provided a platform for in-depth discussions on the application of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and marketing technology (MarTech) across various industries. GPTBots, Aurora’s no-code AI Bot platform, stood out at the event, engaging a diverse audience keen to explore practical AI applications in their businesses.

    During the exhibition, attendees from different industries expressed unprecedented enthusiasm for AI technology, sharing their specific needs and pain points faced during their digital transformation journeys. GPTBots demonstrated its powerful capabilities in natural language processing, contextual understanding, and extensive customization, positioning itself as a valuable tool to solve these challenges.

    Interest from Various Industries

    • Financial Services in Indonesia: Representatives from the Indonesian financial sector expressed keen interest in GPTBots’ ability to enhance customer support through intelligent automation. They believe that GPTBots can address the rigidity of existing bot systems by providing more efficient and secure financial services through accurate responses and on-premise deployment options.
    • Hospitality in Hong Kong: Clients operating a platform in Hong Kong that connects users with wedding venues and service providers were particularly impressed with GPTBots. They highlighted its potential to significantly enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and timeliness of resource matching. GPTBots can seamlessly connect users, suppliers, and hotels in real time, ensuring precise and efficient resource coordination. This not only improves the overall user experience but also optimizes supplier response times, driving greater operational efficiency.
    • System Integrators (SI): SI clients showed strong interest in using AI Bots to automatically organize customer inquiries into leads and seamlessly push them into CRM systems. GPTBots can process and categorize customer inputs in real time, offering seamless integration with CRM platforms, enabling comprehensive lead automation management.

    Additionally, representatives from industries such as manufacturing, medical e-commerce, and event organizers praised GPTBots’ potential in areas such as automated product quality inspection, intelligent lead screening, platform integration, and inquiry management. Many attendees commented that GPTBots could bring transformative changes to their respective businesses.

    Global Adoption and Empowering Enterprises
    Since its launch in September 2023, GPTBots has gained widespread recognition. As of July 31, 2024, the platform had over 60,000 registered users, including enterprises and developers, with more than 85% of its user base coming from overseas markets. GPTBots’ users span a wide range of sectors including e-commerce, real estate, finance, IT, healthcare, government, renewable energy, education, and eldercare. This achievement demonstrates the platform’s strong ability to help businesses achieve intelligent transformation.

    About Aurora Mobile Limited
    Founded in 2011, Aurora Mobile (NASDAQ: JG) is a leading provider of customer engagement and marketing technology services in China. Since its inception, Aurora Mobile has focused on providing stable and efficient messaging services to enterprises and has grown to be a leading mobile messaging service provider with its first-mover advantage. With the increasing demand for customer reach and marketing growth, Aurora Mobile has developed forward-looking solutions such as Cloud Messaging and Cloud Marketing to help enterprises achieve omnichannel customer reach and interaction, as well as artificial intelligence and big data-driven marketing technology solutions to help enterprises’ digital transformation.
    For more information, please visit https://ir.jiguang.cn/.

    Safe Harbor Statement
    This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “confident” and similar statements. Among other things, the Business Outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as Aurora Mobile’s strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. Aurora Mobile may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including but not limited to statements about Aurora Mobile’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: Aurora Mobile’s strategies; Aurora Mobile’s future business development, financial condition and results of operations; Aurora Mobile’s ability to attract and retain customers; its ability to develop and effectively market data solutions, and penetrate the existing market for developer services; its ability to transition to the new advertising-driven SAAS business model; its ability to maintain or enhance its brand; the competition with current or future competitors; its ability to continue to gain access to mobile data in the future; the laws and regulations relating to data privacy and protection; general economic and business conditions globally and in China and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of the press release, and Aurora Mobile undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Fifth Session of Elaboration of Convention on Establishment of The International Organization for Mediation concludes

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         A spokesman for the Department of Justice (DoJ) said that the four-day Fifth Session of the Elaboration of the Convention on the Establishment of The International Organization for Mediation concluded in Hong Kong today (October 17). Representatives from various countries completed negotiations on the Convention at the session and decided that the signing ceremony for the Convention will be held in Hong Kong in 2025.
     
         The International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) will be the world’s first intergovernmental international legal organisation dedicated to resolving international disputes through mediation, aiming to realise win-win co-operation between disputing parties. The IOMed is important for the implementation of settling international disputes by peaceful means as stipulated in the Charter of the United Nations and offers a new option to all countries for peaceful resolution of international disputes.

         Following the signing of the Joint Statement on the Future Establishment of The International Organization for Mediation by China and other like-minded countries in 2022, the International Organization for Mediation Preparatory Office was established in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in February 2023 to co-ordinate the conclusion of negotiations on the Convention.

         The spokesman for the DoJ said, “The establishment of the IOMed headquarters in Hong Kong demonstrates the city’s unique advantages and opportunities in international mediation. Through important initiatives such as establishing the IOMed Preparatory Office in the HKSAR, completing the negotiations on the Convention, and facilitating the consensus among different parties on situating the future IOMed headquarters in Hong Kong, the Central People’s Government demonstrates its staunch support to HKSAR in establishing the city as a centre for international legal and dispute resolution services in the Asia-Pacific region under the National 14th Five-Year Plan. Upon its establishment, the IOMed will provide friendly, flexible, economical and efficient mediation services, thereby building Hong Kong as a capital for international mediation.”
     
         The spokesman said that the IOMed Preparatory Office will continue to perform the function as the IOMed’s interim secretariat until the IOMed is formally established.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – European Parliament Press Kit for the European Council of 17 and 18 October 2024

    Source: European Parliament

    European Parliament President Roberta Metsola will represent the European Parliament at the summit, where she will address the heads of state or government at 10.00 and hold a press conference after her speech.

    When: Press conference at around 11.00 on 17 October

    Where: European Council press room and via Parliament’s webstreaming or EbS.

    At their meeting in Brussels, heads of state or government will discuss how the EU can continue supporting Kyiv against Russian aggression, and the EU’s response to the latest events in the Middle East, where Israeli forces continue their attacks on Gaza and in Lebanon, while Iran has launched missiles against Israel. EU leaders will also focus on making the European economy more competitive, following the publication of Mario Draghi’s report, which calls for a boost in public investment and wide-ranging economic reforms. They will also discuss ways to manage migration flows and ensure border protection, climate change and biodiversity, and the situation in Georgia, Moldova, Venezuela and Sudan.

    Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel / Escalating violence in the Middle East

    President Metsola marked the one-year anniversary of terrorist attacks in Israel at the opening of the 7-10 October plenary session in Strasbourg. Recalling the horror of that day “that will live in infamy”, President Metsola said nothing could ever justify the indiscriminate mass murder, rape, kidnapping and torture that occurred one year ago. Since then, too few have been able to make it back to their loved ones – “this house will continue to do what we can to help bring them all home”, she said.

    The 7 October attacks triggered a cycle of war, death and devastation that has seen thousands killed in Gaza, and instability across the region, President Metsola stated. In remembering all those lost and taken, the President added that “Parliament’s calls for the immediate release of the remaining hostages will remain steadfast, our calls for ceasefire will remain resolute, and our efforts towards de-escalation will remain strong.” The work for real, dignified, long-term and sustainable peace will remain unwavering, she concluded. MEPs held a minute of silence in memory of all the innocent lives lost.

    In a resolution adopted on 25 April, MEPs strongly condemn the Iranian drone and missile attack on Israel and call for further sanctions against Iran. Parliament voices serious concern over the escalation and threat to regional security. MEPs reiterate their full support for the security of the State of Israel and its citizens and condemn the simultaneous rocket launches carried out by Iran’s proxies Hezbollah in Lebanon and Houthi rebels in Yemen against the Golan Heights and Israeli territory before and during the Iranian attack.

    At the same time, they deplore the attack on the Iranian consulate in the Syrian capital Damascus on 1 April, which is widely attributed to Israel. The resolution recalls the importance of the principle of the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises, which must be respected in all cases under international law.

    Further reading

    Parliament marks one year from the October 7th attacks in Israel

    Parliament condemns Iran’s attack on Israel and calls for de-escalation

    Parliament calls on Israel to open all crossings to Gaza for humanitarian aid

    Israel-Hamas war: MEPs call for a permanent ceasefire under two conditions


    MEPs condemn Hamas attack on Israel and call for a humanitarian pause

    Resolution: The despicable terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel, Israel’s right to defend itself in line with humanitarian and international law and the humanitarian situation in Gaza

    President Metsola at the European Council: EU must remain coherent and united

    Leading MEPs condemn attack by Hamas terrorists against Israel

    MEPs to contact

    David McALLISTER, (EPP, DE), Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs

    Marie-Agnes STRACK-ZIMMERMANN (Renew, DE), Chair of the Subcommittee on Security and Defence

    Russia’s war against Ukraine

    On 14 October, MEPs on the Trade Committee endorsed the Commission’s proposal to support Ukraine with an exceptional Macro-Financial Assistance (MFA) loan of up to €35 billion. This is the EU’s contribution under the G7’s initiative to support Ukraine with up to $50 billion (approximately €45 billion) to address Ukraine’s urgent financing needs in the face of Russia’s brutal war of aggression. The repayment of this exceptional MFA loan and of the loans from other G7 countries will come from the extraordinary revenues made from immobilised Russian Central Bank assets, and enabled by the Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism, newly established under the Commission’s proposal. The plenary vote is scheduled during next week’s session in Strasbourg.

    In a resolution adopted on 19 September, MEPs want EU countries to lift current restrictions hindering Ukraine from using Western weapons systems against legitimate military targets in Russia. The text states that if current restrictions are not lifted, Ukraine cannot fully exercise its right to self-defence and remains exposed to attacks on its population and infrastructure. Parliament underlines that insufficient deliveries of ammunition and restrictions on their use risks offsetting the impact of efforts made to date, and deplores that EU countries are offering less bilateral military aid to Ukraine. MEPs reiterate their call for member states to fulfil their March 2023 commitment to deliver one million rounds of ammunition to Ukraine, and to accelerate the delivery of weapons, air defence systems and ammunition, including TAURUS missiles. They also restate their position that all EU countries and NATO allies should collectively and individually commit to annual military support for Ukraine of no less than 0.25% of their GDP.

    While calling on the EU and its member states to actively work towards achieving the broadest possible international support for Ukraine and identifying a peaceful solution to the war, MEPs say that any resolution must be based on full respect for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. They also view holding Russia accountable for war crimes and reparations, and other payments by Moscow, as essential aspects of any solution. To this end, MEPs want the EU and like-minded partners to establish a sound legal regime to confiscate Russian state-owned assets frozen by the EU as part of efforts to compensate Ukraine for the massive damage it has suffered.

    With Russia’s war against Ukraine raging on, Parliament reconfirmed on 17 July its view that the EU must continue to support Kyiv for as long as it takes until victory. The resolution, which sets out the newly-elected European Parliament’s first official position on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, restates MEPs’ continued support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. It calls on the EU to maintain and extend its sanctions policy against Russia and Belarus, monitor and review its effectiveness and impact, and systematically tackle the issue of EU-based companies, third parties, and third countries that circumvent sanctions.

    Further reading

    Ukraine: Trade Committee endorses financial support backed by Russian assets

    MEPs: Ukraine must be able to strike legitimate military targets in Russia

    Newly elected Parliament reaffirms its strong support for Ukraine

    MEPs approve trade support measures for Ukraine with protection for EU farmers

    Joint Statement by the Presidents of the European Union Institutions on the occasion of the 2 year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine

    Parliament calls on the EU to give Ukraine whatever it needs to defeat Russia

    EU sanctions: new rules to crack down on violations

    MEPs: EU must actively support Russia’s democratic opposition

    Yulia Navalnaya: “If you want to defeat Putin, fight his criminal gang”

    Debate 12 March 2024: Preparation of the European Council meeting of 21 and 22 March 2024

    Debate 13 March 2024: Need to address the urgent concerns surrounding Ukrainian children forcibly deported to Russia

    Parliament wants tougher enforcement of EU sanctions against Russia

    A long-term solution for Ukraine’s funding needs

    How the EU is supporting Ukraine

    EU stands with Ukraine

    MEPs to contact

    David McALLISTER, (EPP, DE) Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs

    Marie-Agnes STRACK-ZIMMERMANN (Renew, DE), Chair of the Subcommittee on Security and Defence

    Karin KARLSBRO (Renew, SE), rapporteur on macro-financial assistance to Ukraine

    Competitiveness

    On 17 September, Mario Draghi outlined his blueprint for making Europe more competitive through closer cooperation in core areas and massive investment in shared objectives.

    Mr Draghi said that the EU needed to focus on three crucial issues: closing the innovation gap with the US and China; developing a joint plan to link the goal of decarbonisation with increased competitiveness; and boosting Europe’s security and reducing its dependence on foreign economic powers. A fit-for-purpose competitiveness agenda would require annual funding of between EUR 750 – EUR 800 billion for projects whose objectives were already agreed upon by the EU. Some of this money could come from private sources, but some would also need to be secured through public investment, including by new common debt issued specifically to fund key joint projects, Mr Draghi said.

    In a debate following Mr Draghi’s address, many MEPs agreed with his analysis that the EU economy must urgently change course. The EU should focus, they argued, on competition and innovation in key industries, along with more public and private investments in social, green and digital transformations. Some MEPs called for greater sovereignty and freer markets, and stressed that fighting climate change sabotages the EU economy. Others observed that growth is compatible with clean innovative technologies and social investment, to help citizens to learn new skills.

    Further reading

    Draghi to MEPs: “Europe faces a choice between exit, paralysis, or integration”

    MEPs adopt plans to boost Europe’s Net-Zero technology production

    New EU fiscal rules approved by MEPs

    MEPs to contact

    Borys Budka (EPP, PL), Chair Committee on Industry, Research and Energy

    Migration

    During a press point with the Estonian Prime Minister on 16 October, EP President Roberta Metsola stressed that it is “important that we implement the migration pact. We need to be fair with those eligible for protection, firm with those who are not, and harsh with smugglers and malign states like Belarus or Russia who seek to exploit those most vulnerable. Only a coordinated European approach can ensure the integrity of our borderless Schengen area.”

    On 9 October, Parliament debated how to strengthen the security of Europe’s external borders and the need for a comprehensive approach and enhanced Frontex support. You can watch the debate here. On 7 October, MEPs discussed the reintroduction of internal border controls in a number of member states and its impact on the Schengen Area. Watch the debate here.

    On 10 April, MEPs approved the new Migration and Asylum Pact. The package consists of ten legislative texts to reform the European migration and asylum policy and was agreed with EU member states. You can find the adopted texts here and watch the plenary debate here.

    Further reading

    MEPs approve the new Migration and Asylum Pact

    MEP to contact

    Javier ZARZALEJOS (EPP, ES), Chair of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

    Foreign affairs: Georgia, Moldova, Venezuela, Sudan

    In a resolution adopted on 9 October, MEPs say current democratic backsliding in Georgia effectively puts the country’s integration with the EU on hold. The text highlights how the ruling Georgian Dream party has pushed an increasingly authoritarian agenda, including on media freedom and LGBTQ+ rights. Coupled with changes to the country’s electoral legislation and growing anti-EU rhetoric, MEPs say these laws violate the freedom of expression, censor media, impose restrictions on critical voices in civil society and the NGO sector and discriminate against vulnerable people. They also make clear that unless the legislation is rescinded, progress cannot be made in Georgia’s relations with the EU.

    Against the backdrop of the continuing decline of Georgia’s democracy, Parliament demands that all EU funding provided to the Georgian government be frozen until the undemocratic laws are repealed. Any future funding of the Georgian government can only be disbursed under strict conditions, MEPs argue.

    On 9 October, MEPs adopted a resolution issuing a strong warning against continued Russian attempts to derail Moldova’s pro-European trajectory. The text vehemently condemns Russia’s escalating malicious activities, interference and hybrid operations ahead of Moldovans going to the polls to vote in the country’s presidential election and constitutional referendum on EU integration on 20 October. MEPs highlight the role played by a plethora of malicious actors, including pro-Russian Moldovan oligarchs and Russia’s state-funded RT network, in carrying out voter fraud schemes as well as cyber operations and information warfare. They also call on the EU and its member states to ensure that all necessary assistance is provided to Moldova to strengthen its institutional mechanisms and ability to respond to hybrid threats.

    The European Parliament reaffirms its support for Moldova’s path towards EU accession, calling on the European Commission to include the country in the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA III) and to prioritise funding for EU candidate countries in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028-2034. With EU accession talks with Moldova already having begun, MEPs call for a faster screening process and the timely organisation of the subsequent intergovernmental conferences.

    In a resolution adopted on 19 September, Parliament says the EU should do its utmost to ensure that Edmundo González Urrutia, the legitimate and democratically elected President of Venezuela, can take office on 10 January 2025. MEPs “strongly condemn and fully reject the electoral fraud orchestrated by the regime-controlled National Electoral Council, which refused to make public the official result.” They recognise Edmundo González Urrutia as the country’s legitimate and democratically elected president, and María Corina Machado as the leader of the democratic forces in Venezuela. They also strongly condemn the Venezuelan Government’s issuance of an arrest warrant for Mr González.

    On 8 October, MEPs held a plenary debate on the situation in Sudan. You can watch the debate here.

    Further reading

    Parliament says Georgia’s democracy is at risk

    Resolution: The democratic backsliding and threats to political pluralism in Georgia

    Parliament condemns Russia’s interference in Moldova

    Resolution: Strengthening Moldova’s resilience against Russian interference ahead of the upcoming presidential elections and a constitutional referendum on EU integration

    Venezuela: MEPs recognise Edmundo González as President

    Resolution: Situation in Venezuela

    MEPs to contact

    David McALLISTER, (EPP, DE) Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs

    Nils UŠAKOVS (S&D, LV), Chair of the Delegation to the EU-Armenia Parliamentary Partnership Committee, the EU-Azerbaijan Parliamentary Cooperation Committee and the EU-Georgia Parliamentary Association Committee

    Climate change and biodiversity

    A Parliament delegation will attend the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan between 18 and 22 November 2024. MEPs will also adopt a resolution during the 13-14 November plenary session, which will constitute the delegation’s mandate for talks with international partners.

    Parliament will also send a delegation to the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP16) in Cali, Colombia, between 28 and 31 October 2024.

    MEPs to contact

    Lídia PEREIRA (EPP, PT), Chair of the delegation to the COP29 UN Climate Change Conference, Baku, Azerbaijan

    Antonio DECARO (S&D, IT), Chair of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Top KingWin Ltd. Announces Trading Ticker Symbol Change to “WAI”

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Guangzhou, China, Oct. 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Top KingWin Ltd. (“Top KingWin” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: TCJH) announced today that effective on October 21, 2024, its Class A ordinary shares will begin trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the ticker symbol “WAI”. This new ticker symbol will replace the Company’s previous ticker symbol “TCJH”.

    No action by the Company’s shareholders is required with respect to the ticker symbol change. The Company’s Class A ordinary shares continue to be listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market and the CUSIP number remains unchanged.

    About Top KingWin Ltd

    Top KingWin’s main clients are entrepreneurs and executives in small and medium-sized enterprises in China. Services provided by Top KingWin to its clients including (i) corporate business training services, which mainly focus on providing training services of advanced knowledge and new perspectives on the capital markets, (ii) corporate consulting services, which mainly focus on providing a combination of customized corporate consulting services to fulfill client’s unique financial needs, and (iii) advisory and transaction services, which mainly focus on connecting entrepreneurs and businesses with diversified sources of capital. Its mission is to provide comprehensive services to address clients’ needs throughout all phases of their development and growth.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact in this press release are forward-looking statements, including but not limited to, the use of proceeds from the Company’s offering, the intent, belief or current expectations of Top KingWin and members of its management, as well as the assumptions on which such statements are based. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and in its other filings with the SEC.

    For more information, please contact:
    Bonnie
    Email: IR@tcjhgw.cn

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: A new generation of telescopes will probe the ‘unknown unknowns’ that could transform our knowledge of the universe

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Richard Massey, Professor of extragalactic astrophysics (dark matter and cosmology), Durham University

    Illustration of the Extremely Large Telescope, currently under construction in Chile’s Atacama desert. ESO, CC BY

    In recent decades, we’ve learnt huge amounts about the universe and its history. The rapidly developing technology of telescopes – both on Earth and in space – has been a key part of this process, and those that are due to start operating over the next two decades should push the boundaries of our understanding of cosmology much further.

    All observatories have a list of science objectives before they switch on, but it is their unexpected discoveries that can have the biggest impact. Many surprise advances in cosmology were driven by new technology, and the next telescopes have powerful capabilities.

    Still, there are gaps, such as a lack of upcoming space telescopes for ultraviolet and visible light astronomy. Politics and national interests have slowed scientific progress. Financial belts are tightening at even the most famous observatories.

    This is article is part of our series Cosmology in crisis? which uncovers the greatest problems facing cosmologists today – and discusses the implications of solving them.

    The biggest new telescopes are being built in the mountains of Chile. The Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) will house a mirror the size of four tennis courts, under a huge dome in the Atacama desert.

    Reflecting telescopes like ELT work by using a primary mirror to collect light from the night sky, then reflecting it off other mirrors to a camera. Larger mirrors collect more light and see fainter objects.

    The Extremely Large Telescope under construction atop the Cerro Amazones peak in northern Chile.

    Another ground-based telescope under construction in Chile is the Vera C. Rubin telescope. Rubin’s camera is the largest ever built: the size of a small car and weighing about three tonnes. Its 3,200 megapixels will photograph the whole sky every three days to spot moving objects. Over the course of 10 years, these photographs will be combined to form a massive time-lapse video of the universe.

    Astronomy used to be a physically demanding job, requiring travel to remote telescopes in dark sites –- but many astronomers began working from home long before COVID. In the late 20th century, major ground observatories started to put in place technology to allow astronomers to control telescopes for observations at night, even when they were not there in person. Remote observing is now commonplace, carried out via the internet.

    Expect the unexpected

    The view of any telescope on the ground is limited, though, even if it’s on top of a mountain. Launching telescopes into space can get around these limitations.

    The Hubble Space Telescope’s operational history began when the space shuttle lifted it above the atmosphere on April 25 1990. Hubble got the full 1960s sci-fi treatment: a rocket to launch it, gyroscopes to point it, and electronic cameras instead of photographic film. But one plan fell through: for Hubble to host a commuting astronaut-astronomer, working decidedly away from home.

    Hubble was designed to take a census of the Milky Way and its neighbouring galaxies. Its successor, the James Webb Space Telescope, would study even more distant galaxies.

    Both telescopes have revolutionised our understanding of the universe, but in ways nobody foresaw. Hubble’s original plans mention none of the discoveries now seen as its greatest hits: plumes of water erupting from Jupiter’s moon Europa, the vortex around black holes, invisible dark matter that holds the universe together, and the dark energy that is pulling it apart.

    The Hubble Space Telescope being deployed from the space shuttle in April 1990.
    Nasa/Smithsonian Institution/Lockheed Corporation

    Webb, launched on December 25 2021, now spends a third of its time looking at planets around other stars that weren’t even known about when it was designed.

    The stated goal of an expensive telescope is usually just a sales pitch to space agencies, governments and (shhh…) taxpayers. The Webb telescope should achieve its original science goals, but astronomers have always known that seeing further, finer or in more colours can achieve so much more. The unexpected discoveries by telescopes are often more significant than the science objectives stated at the outset.

    Taking the long view

    For scientists, it’s a relief that telescopes go beyond their brief, because Hubble and Webb both took more than 25 years from napkin to launch. In that time, new scientific questions arise.

    Building a large space telescope typically takes about two decades. The Chandra and XMM-Newton space telescopes took 23 years and 15 years to build, respectively. They were designed to observe X-rays coming from hot gas around black holes and galaxy clusters, and were launched very close together in 1999.

    They were followed by Japan’s Hitomi X-ray satellite, which took 18 years to build, and the German eRosita instrument on Russia’s Spektr-RG space observatory, which took 20 years.

    Similar timescales apply to the European Space Agency’s Hipparcos and Gaia space telescopes, which have mapped all the stars in the Milky Way. The Cobe and Planck missions to study the microwave-light afterglow of the Big Bang also took two decades. Precise dates depend how you count, and a few exceptions have been “faster, better, cheaper”, but national space agencies are generally risk averse and slow when developing these projects.

    Chandra and XMM-Newton were launched to study X-rays from hot gas around black holes.
    ESO, Esa/Hubble, M. Kornmesser, CC BY

    The latest space telescopes are therefore millennials. They were designed at a time when astronomers had measured the universe’s newborn expansion following the Big Bang, and also its old-age, accelerating expansion. Their main goal now is to fill the gap –- because, surprisingly, interpolations from early times to late times don’t meet in the middle.

    The measured rates for the expansion of the universe are inconsistent, as are results for the clumpiness of matter in the cosmos. Both measurements create challenges for our theories of how the universe evolved.

    Observing the middle age of the universe requires telescopes operating at long wavelengths, because light from distant galaxies is stretched by the time it reaches us. So, Webb has infrared zoom cameras, while the European Space Agency’s Euclid space telescope, launched in 2023, and Nasa’s Nancy Grace Roman telescope, which is set to launch in 2026, both have infrared wide-angle views.

    Three buses come along at once

    Most stars shine in ultraviolet and infrared colours that are blocked by the Earth’s atmosphere, as well as the colours our eyes evolved to see.

    Extra colours are useful. For example, we can weigh stars on the other side of our galaxy because massive stars are bright in infrared, while smaller ones are faint – and they stay that way throughout their lifetimes. However, we know where stars are being born because only young stars emit ultraviolet light.

    In addition, independent measurements of the same thing are vital for rigorous science. Infrared telescopes, for example, can work together and have already made surprising discoveries. But it’s not great for diversity that the Webb, Euclid and Roman space telescopes all see infrared colours.

    Hubble’s visible light camera has just been switched off due to budget cuts. Nasa will not swing back to ultraviolet wavelengths until the 2030s, with the Ultraviolet Explorer and Habitable Worlds Observatory.

    Earthly politics gets in the way, too. Data from China’s Hubble-class space telescope, Xuntian, is unlikely to be shared internationally. And in protest at Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, in February 2022 Germany switched off its eRosita X-ray instrument that had been operating perfectly, in collaboration with Russia, a million miles from Earth.

    Cheap commercial launches may save the day. Euclid was to have lifted off on a Russian Soyuz rocket from a European Space Agency spaceport in French Guiana. When Russia ended operations there in tit-for-tat reprisals, Euclid’s launch was successfully switched at the last minute to a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

    If large telescopes can also be folded inside shoebox-size “cubesat” satellites, the lower cost would make it viable for them to fail. Tolerating risk creates a virtuous circle that makes missions even cheaper.

    Telescopes are also being tried in innovative locations such as giant helium balloons and aeroplanes. One day, they might also be deployed on the Moon, where the environment is advantageous for certain types of astronomy.

    But perhaps the most unusual telescope technology, which may bring the most unexpected discoveries, is gravitational wave detectors. Gravitational waves are not part of the electromagnetic spectrum, so we can’t see them. They are distortions, or “ripples”, in spacetime caused by some of the most violent and energetic processes in the universe. These might include a collision between two neutron stars (dense objects formed when massive stars run out of fuel), or a neutron star merging with a black hole.

    If telescopes are our eyes, gravitational wave detectors are our ears. But again, current gravitational wave detectors on Earth are mere dry runs for the ones astronomers will ultimately deploy in space.

    Asked what the next generation of observatories will discover, I have no idea. And that’s a good thing. The best science experiments shouldn’t just tell us about the things we expect to find, but also about the unknown unknowns.

    Richard Massey receives funding from the UK Space Agency to support Euclid, and leads UK involvement in the SuperBIT balloon-born telescope.

    – ref. A new generation of telescopes will probe the ‘unknown unknowns’ that could transform our knowledge of the universe – https://theconversation.com/a-new-generation-of-telescopes-will-probe-the-unknown-unknowns-that-could-transform-our-knowledge-of-the-universe-240078

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Casey, Fetterman, Wild Secure Major Federal Investment in Lehigh Valley Semiconductor Manufacturer

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Pennsylvania Bob Casey

    Preliminary agreement would support the construction of new Infinera semiconductor manufacturing plant in Bethlehem

    Funding was made possible by the CHIPS and Science Act

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) and U.S. Congresswoman Susan Wild (D-PA-7) announced a critical first step in a major federal investment to help the semiconductor manufacturer Infinera build a new plant in Bethlehem, PA. This investment, made possible by the CHIPS and Science Act, would support the expansion and modernization of a new Advanced Test and Packaging (ATP) facility creating good-paying jobs in the Lehigh Valley and increasing Infinera’s capacity to manufacture semiconductors, which are vital to national security and American supply chain resilience.

    “I fought to pass the CHIPS and Science Act to ensure that Pennsylvania workers can continue leading the world in building the technology of tomorrow. This agreement is another critical step to deliver jobs and dollars to our Commonwealth, while protecting our Nation’s national and economic security,” said Senator Casey. “Infinera is emblematic of the future of the Lehigh Valley and I will keep fighting to bring manufacturing jobs to Pennsylvania.”

    “This is exactly what ‘Making Stuff Here’ in America and Pennsylvania looks like. Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration’s implementation of the CHIPS Act, we’ll be seeing hundreds of good-paying jobs brought to Bethlehem. The Lehigh Valley has a rich history of innovation––it’s where the first facility to mass-produce transistors was built. By investing in companies like Infinera, we’re standing up to global competitors and building on American legacies,” said Senator Fetterman.

    “By supporting the construction of a new Advanced Test and Packaging Facility right here in Bethlehem, this grant will not only create hundreds of new jobs in our community, but it will revitalize our local semiconductor industry and address key national security concerns,” said Congresswomen Wild. “I was proud to help secure this funding for Infinera, to support our national security and intelligence communities and bolster our local economy and manufacturing ecosystem. I will continue to advocate for our community to receive federal resources, promote Made in America policies, and protect our nation from foreign adversaries.” 

    The preliminary agreement between the U.S. Department of Commerce and Infinera Corporation would provide major investments to Infinera plants in Pennsylvania and California. Infinera is a semiconductor and telecommunications equipment manufacturer that has operated for over 20 years. The proposed CHIPS funding would support the construction of a new Advanced Test and Packaging (ATP) facility in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and would be expected, with the California facility, to increase Infinera’s existing domestic manufacturing capacity by an estimated factor of 10.

    Senator Casey and Congresswoman Wild have long advocated for semiconductor manufacturing investments in Pennsylvania. Earlier this year both Casey and Wild urged the U.S. Department of Commerce to support the construction of a new Infinera manufacturing plant in Pennsylvania., Additionally, Casey and Wild visited Infinera to see the high-tech manufacturing already happening in the Commonwealth.

    Senator Casey and Congresswoman Wild are fighting to bring jobs and economic investment back to Pennsylvania. The Members worked to pass the CHIPS and Science Act to produce semiconductors in the United States, reducing the U.S. reliance on foreign adversaries, including China, for critical technology manufacturing. In addition to the CHIPS Act, Casey and Wild worked to pass Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act?and Inflation Reduction Act—two pieces of landmark legislation that have brought thousands of jobs and billions of dollars to Pennsylvania. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China unveils new measures to stabilize housing market

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

    BEIJING, Oct. 17 — Chinese officials announced new measures on Thursday to cement signs of stabilization in the property sector, after a bundle of pro-housing policies rolled out last month brought about “positive changes in the market.”

    Minister of Housing and Urban-Rural Development Ni Hong and other officials unveiled the fresh stimulus package and assessed the effects of previously announced policies at a press conference, after China’s leadership pledged last month to reverse the downturn of the property market and stabilize it.

    NEW PRO-HOUSING POLICIES

    The government will step up support for urban village and dilapidated housing renovation projects, Ni said, adding that China will renovate an additional 1 million such housing units with measures such as providing monetary compensation to residents.

    The minister stressed that all eligible real estate projects will be included in the “white list” mechanism and that their reasonable financing needs will be met through loans.

    Under the “white list” mechanism launched in January, local authorities are recommending that financial institutions provide financial support to eligible real estate projects.

    As of Oct. 16, loans approved for “white list” real estate projects had reached 2.23 trillion yuan (about 313 billion U.S. dollars), Xiao Yuanqi, deputy head of the National Financial Regulatory Administration, said at the press conference.

    It is expected that by the end of this year, the approved loan amount for the “white list” projects will surpass 4 trillion yuan, Xiao said.

    Last week, the Ministry of Finance announced a plan to allow local governments to issue special-purpose bonds to acquire commercial properties for use as affordable housing and to purchase idle land. Song Qichao, assistant minister of finance, told reporters that the ministry will work with other departments to formulate detailed regulations so that this policy will be implemented as soon as possible.

    Meanwhile, Ni urged local authorities to increase the provision of affordable housing. Official data showed that the number of affordable apartments nationwide grew to 1.48 million in the first nine months of this year.

    “By the end of the year, we aim to provide affordable housing to 4.5 million new urban residents and young people,” Ni said.

    EFFECTS OF PREVIOUS MEASURES

    A raft of pro-housing policies, which were released at the end of September, are kicking in, as evidenced by narrowing declines in property development investment and in sales of new commercial housing, Ni noted.

    “Particularly, since the end of September, there has been a significant increase in the number of visits to new property projects and in the number of sale contracts. Transactions on pre-owned homes have also gone up. There have been positive changes in the market,” he said.

    “Regulated by a series of policies, China’s real estate market has started bottoming out after three years of adjustment,” Ni stressed.

    To ease the financial burden on homeowners, China’s central bank has requested commercial banks lower interest rates for outstanding mortgage loans. The reduction will save borrowers 150 billion yuan, benefiting 50 million households, said Tao Ling, deputy governor of the People’s Bank of China, at the press conference.

    A key task for China’s policymakers in the housing sector is to ensure the delivery of homes under construction. Since China’s central government launched a campaign to this purpose in May, 2.46 million homes have been delivered to buyers, according to Ni.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China to improve economic, trade cooperation with Vietnam: commerce ministry

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

    BEIJING, Oct. 17 — China will work to enhance economic and trade cooperation with Vietnam, a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.

    Spokesperson He Yadong told a press conference that China is Vietnam’s largest trade partner, while Vietnam is China’s largest trade partner among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

    From January to September 2024, trade volume between the two countries reached 190.38 billion U.S. dollars, up 17.6 percent year on year.

    Vietnam is an important overseas investment destination for China. In the first eight months, direct investment by Chinese enterprises in Vietnam totaled 1.97 billion dollars, maintaining rapid growth.

    Efforts will be made to both explore and pilot the establishment of cross-border economic cooperation zones, expanding cooperation in emerging fields such as information technology, new energy and digital economy, the spokesperson said.

    Enterprises from the two countries will be supported to make full use of platforms like the China International Import Expo, the China Import and Export Fair and the China-ASEAN Expo to expand trade of agricultural and aquatic products, as well as manufactured industrial products, He said.

    Measures will also be taken to deepen cooperation related to supply chains and regional economic integration, He added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Forum on promoting talent exchanges and cooperation between China and Europe held in Beijing

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The 2024 China-Europe Talent Forum is held in Beijing on Oct. 15

    Over 40 politicians, experts, scholars and youth representatives from China and Europe attended the cultural sub-forum of the 2024 China-Europe Talent Forum themed Cultural Integration: A Bridge to Promote Talent Exchange and Cooperation Between China and Europe. Held in Beijing on Oct. 15, the event was co-hosted by the Beijing Talent Work Bureau and Switzerland’s Adecco Group, and organized by CICG Center for Europe and Africa, with guidance from China International Communications Group (CICG). 

    Liu Dawei, vice president of the CICG, and Antonio Miguel Carmona, president of Spain’s Friends of China Association, delivered keynote speeches at the forum. The forum was moderated by Zhao Lijun, president of the CICG Center for Europe and Africa (China Today).  

    Liu Dawei, vice president of the CICG, delivers a speech at the forum 

    In his speech, Liu pointed out that cultural integration serves a unique role in promoting talent exchanges and cooperation between China and Europe. Exchanges and mutual learning between cultures help broaden the perspectives of talents; cooperative innovation helps cultivate versatile talents; and strengthening alignment in talent-related policies helps optimize the environment for talent mobility between China and Europe. As a comprehensive international communications institution, CICG has always been committed to promoting Chinese culture and facilitating exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese and foreign cultures. CICG will further expand cooperation on cultural exchanges with European countries with an aim to enhance mutual understanding and collaboration among the younger generation on both sides.  

    Antonio Miguel Carmona, president of Spain’s Friends of China Association, delivers a speech at the forum 

    Carmona stated that President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative has provided a platform for equal dialogue and communication for countries and different civilizations. In recent years, a series of protectionist measures taken by some Western countries against Chinese products have been false decisions that go against the current tide. Only by promoting exchanges and communication between regions and countries can we achieve common development.  

    The forum witnessed in-depth discussions among Chinese and foreign participants, including Wang Daquan, director-general of Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange under the Ministry of Education; Fan Daqi, vice president of the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies; Joël Ruet; chairman of the Bridge Tank in France; Robert Walker, professor at the Beijing Normal University and fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in the UK; Zhang Jinling, fellow at the Institute of European Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences; Fang Youzhong, deputy dean of the School of European Studies at Beijing International Studies University; Barbara Dietrich, CEO and editor-in-chief of “Diplomatic World”; David Bartosch, fellow of the Institute of Advanced Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences at Beijing Normal University; Jia Jianxin, former cultural counsellor at the Chinese embassy in Austria; Zhao Yongsheng, fellow at the Academy of Global Innovation and Governance at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing; Gilbert Van Kerckhove, rotating chairman of the Foreign Experts Committee of the BRITF Fund of China’s Ministry of Science and Technology; and Nils Bergemann, teacher at the University of International Business and Economics.  

    The discussion focused on three key topics: the overall situation and problems in today’s cross-cultural talent cultivation, the significance of cross-cultural competence in cultural integration, and how to improve cross-cultural management and governance capabilities. The participants provided valuable insights for promoting talent exchanges and cooperation between China and Europe.  

    Wang Daquan, director-general of Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange under the Ministry of Education, delivers a speech at the forum

    Wang Daquan said that international talents serve as a bridge for fostering understanding between different cultures and promoting connections between peoples. The Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange has been promoting the going out and coming in of talents, expanding international platforms for educational exchange and cooperation to support cross-cultural talent cultivation. In the future, the center will collaborate with partner universities and institutions in both China and Europe to jointly build a high-quality, trusted, and secure ecosystem for sustainable development in international education, supporting the cross-cultural exchange and talent development. 

    Fan Daqi noted that as China-Europe relations continue to deepen, considerable progress has been made in the cultivation of cross-cultural talents on both sides, but challenges remain due to cultural differences, technological changes, and a complex international environment. He emphasized that China-Europe cross-cultural talents must enhance their knowledge reserves, engage in practical cross-cultural exchanges, and foster inclusive understanding across cultures, thereby improving their international insight, global competence, and collaborative abilities. 

    In his video speech, Walker stated that global geopolitical issues are becoming increasingly prominent, leading to divisions in the world and regional instability. There is now a vast literature that stresses that China is “different,” which is heavily influenced by Western-centered thinking patterns and biases. He emphasized that cross-cultural exchange is the glue that binds the world together. Countries should strengthen the cultivation of cross-cultural talents to promote exchange and cooperation, and work together to establish a global trade system that aligns with the interests of the vast majority of nations. 

    Zhang Jinling stated that the significance of cross-cultural integration lies in the fact that civilizations can appreciate each other’s beauty while valuing their own. China and Europe should, on the basis of equality and mutual respect, appreciate and support each other, discover the beauty in each other’s cultures, and deepen the exchange and mutual learning between their civilizations to achieve common progress. 

    Dietrich emphasized that open and collaborative innovation is a prerequisite for sustainable growth of the cultural and creative industries and of a prosperous creative economy. Hence, long-term prosperity can only be realised if continents work together. We must build bridges between China and Europe, not tariff walls. Collaboration in trade, science, technology, culture, and education between the two regions can be promoted through talent exchanges. 

    In his video address, Zhao Yongsheng noted that current exchanges between China and France, and China and Europe in general, especially in the fields of humanities and education, are facing numerous challenges. He cautioned against the gradual “instrumentalization” of these exchanges. On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France, he called for greater interaction between young students from both sides and the strengthening of cultural cooperation in various fields. 

    Bergemann highlighted the difference between the education systems of China and Europe. He said every education system has its strengths and weaknesses, noting that we should use the best of both: China’s efficiency and technological progress and Europe’s emphasis on creativity, collaboration, and personal development. This way, we can create an education system that prepares young people for the challenges of the future. 

    CICG and the Leading Group for Talent Work of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee sign a strategic cooperation agreement 

    During the forum, Yang Jianping, director of the Personnel Department of the CICG, and He Yongjiang, deputy director of the Beijing Talent Work Bureau, signed a strategic cooperation agreement on talent exchange and collaboration on behalf of CICG and the Leading Group for Talent Work of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee. This agreement aims to further expand areas of cooperation, deepen collaborative measures, and consolidate practical results, all in order to promote the high-quality development of international communication and enhance the development of high-level talents in Beijing. Liu from CICG, and Zhang Ruobing, director of the Beijing Talent Work Bureau, witnessed the signing.  

    In her concluding remarks, Zhao Lijun, president of the CICG Center for Europe and Africa (China Today), stated that after in-depth discussions, participants reached a broad consensus: the cultivation of cross-cultural talents is a key driving force for China-Europe relations and global development. Cross-cultural competence plays an irreplaceable role in cultural integration, and education, training, and practice are effective ways to improve cross-cultural management and governance capabilities. These shared insights will provide a solid foundation and important guidance for further deepening China-Europe talent exchanges and cooperation. 

    Participants pose for a group photo during the forum

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China-Europe Talent Forum held in Beijing

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Venue of the 2024 China-Europe Talent Forum.  

    The 2024 China-Europe Talent Forum was held in Beijing on October 15. With the theme of Sharing Together, Growing Together, Winning Together – Bridging Continents: Fostering Future-Fit Talent Development, the forum invited more than 240 Chinese and foreign guests to participate in in-depth exchanges and dialogues and promote cooperation between China and Europe in talent innovation. 

    The event, which consisted of one main forum and six sub-forums, was co-hosted by the Beijing Talent Work Bureau and Switzerland’s Adecco Group. During the main forum, renowned Chinese and European scholars, representatives of international organizations, Nobel laureates, academicians and experts, heads of well-known think tanks, executives of multinational enterprises, and other guests conducted in-depth exchanges and dialogues to discuss China-Europe talent cooperation and innovation within the context of globalization. The sub-forums focused on the themes of youth, education, scientific and technological talents, culture, economy and trade, and international sports. Attendees had in-depth discussions on the key role of talents in the development of China-Europe relations, and further promoted practical ways for cooperation. 

    Du Zhanyuan, president of China International Communications Group, presenting a keynote speech.

    Yin Li, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee, attended the opening ceremony and delivered a speech, and former French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin delivered a video speech. Yin Yong, mayor of Beijing, presided over the opening ceremony. Deng Li, vice foreign minister of China, Jürg Burri, Swiss ambassador to China, Du Zhanyuan, president of China International Communications Group (CICG), Gong Qihuang, president of Peking University, and Jean-Christophe Deslarzes, chair of Adecco Group, each delivered keynote speeches.  

    During the forum, a number of talent cooperation projects were launched or unveiled. A Memorandum of Understanding in support of the operations of international science and technology organizations in Beijing was signed by the China Center for International Science and Technology Exchange, Beijing Talent Work Bureau, and Beijing Association for Science and Technology. It is part of Beijing’s efforts to build itself into an international hub of scientific and technological innovation. The GNIS China-Europe Innovation Center was launced by Beijing Overseas Talents Center and the government of  Xicheng District to build a broad stage for the innovation and entrepreneurship of young talents from both China and Europe. The Internship Base between Peking University and Adecco Group was unveiled. It provides internship opportunities, professional internship advice, and career consultation to achieve positive interaction between unviersities and enterprises and strive to improve the global career development ability of outstanding young students. 

    The 2024 Global City Talent Retention Index was released at the forum.

    During the section of publicizing research results, Adecco Group released the 2024 Global Workforce of the Future Report, which delved into a wide range of key topics concerning enterprises and workers worldwide, including employability skills, work practice, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), employee welfare, and the impact of artificial intelligence on the labor market.  With up-to-date opinions on the trend of workforce, this report provides employers with insights into future strategic planning.  

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    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Multiple entry visa allowed for expats from HK, Macao

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Starting Wednesday, foreign residents living in Hong Kong and Macao can apply for multiple-entry visas to the Chinese mainland with a validity period of up to five years by following a simplified procedure, according to the central government.

    The Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region announced on Wednesday that non-Chinese Hong Kong permanent residents and non-Chinese Hong Kong residents who are traveling to the mainland for tourism, business, family visits or cultural and academic exchanges can apply for a visa valid for up to five years, which will allow them to stay on the mainland for up to 180 days.

    Under the new arrangement, applicants are not required to provide proof of round-trip tickets or hotel reservations when applying for visas, the office said.

    Those who successfully applied for visas from overseas Chinese visa-issuing authorities and had their fingerprints collected during the process will be exempted from fingerprint collection when applying from Hong Kong, the office added.

    The office stressed that the validity of the visa and duration of stay will be decided case by case, and applicants may also be asked to submit additional documents or attend interviews.

    The visa policy does not apply to foreign domestic helpers, the office noted.

    Also on Wednesday, the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Macao SAR announced a similar optimization for permanent and temporary foreign residents of the city.

    People who apply from Macao for short-term activities such as tourism, trade and family visits can get visas with a validity period of five years and a stay for no more than 180 days, the office said, adding that proof of outbound transportation and hotel bookings are no longer required under the new arrangement.

    Starting July 10, non-Chinese permanent residents of both Hong Kong and Macao can apply for a new mainland travel permit, which allows multiple entries into the mainland within a five-year validity period, with each stay capped at 90 days.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 2024 China-Europe Talent Forum held in Beijing

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The 2024 China-Europe Talent Forum was held in Beijing on Oct. 15, attracting over 200 international professionals from European countries to discuss and advance China-Europe talent cooperation.

    Themed “Sharing Together, Growing Together, Winning Together – Bridging Continents: Fostering Future-Fit Talent Development,” the forum explored the crucial role of talent in strengthening China-Europe relations. Discussions spanned youth, education, scientific and technological research, culture, economy and trade, and international sports, aiming to enhance practical talent cooperation.

    Key cooperation projects were announced, including the establishment of the GNIS China-Europe Innovation Center and an internship partnership between Peking University and the Adecco Group.

    The forum also launched a memorandum to support international science and technology organizations in Beijing, aiming to attract more global entities through international collaboration.

    Su Xiaojun, director of the China Center for International Science and Technology Exchange, highlighted Beijing’s role as a global hub for innovation, attracting international organizations and talent. He noted that the forum aims to inspire new ideas, host major international conferences, and attract diverse scientific talent.

    The forum, held for six consecutive years, serves as a vital platform for deepening China-Europe ties and fostering exchanges. Looking ahead, the forum is set to enrich China-Europe talent cooperation further.

    You Jun, head of the Organization Department of the Communist Party of China Beijing Municipal Committee, emphasized Beijing’s commitment to creating a world-class talent environment. He underscored that by adopting an open and inclusive approach, the capital seeks to attract global talent, enhance cooperation among universities and research institutions, and contribute to a global community of shared future.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Beijing Pavilion opens at Macao int’l trade, investment fair

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The Beijing Pavilion at the 29th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) officially opened on Wednesday in Macao, featuring a themed event highlighting the capital’s offerings.

    The pavilion, adorned in Chinese red and modeled after the Temple of Heaven’s echo wall, blends tradition and modernity with Beijing cultural elements. It includes exhibition areas showcasing the capital’s high-quality development, the Central Axis, traditional Chinese medicine, Fengtai district and local enterprises.

    Beijing companies from sectors including traditional Chinese medicine, health, scientific innovation, finance, culture and tourism are participating, unveiling special products and services.

    This year marks Beijing’s 15th participation in the fair. The city aims to deepen cooperation with Macao in key areas and expand exchanges with Portuguese-speaking countries worldwide to boost Macao’s economic diversification and promote high-quality development in both regions.

    MIL OSI China News –