NewzIntel.com

Category: China

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese, Pakistani nationals killed, injured in terrorist attack in Pakistan’s Karachi

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Two Chinese nationals were killed, one Chinese national injured, and several Pakistani nationals were killed and injured in a terrorist attack in Pakistan’s southern port city of Karachi on Sunday night, the Chinese embassy in Pakistan confirmed.

    The attack happened at about 11:00 p.m. local time on Sunday (1800 GMT) when a convoy from the Port Qasim Electric Power Company was attacked by terrorists near Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, the capital city of the country’s south Sindh province, the embassy said in a statement.

    “The Chinese Embassy and Consulate in Pakistan strongly condemn this terrorist act, express deep condolences to the victims of the two countries, and extend sincere condolences to the injured and their relatives,” the statement said, adding that the Chinese side has been working with the Pakistani side to do their best to deal with the aftermath of the incident.

    A big fire following a huge blast on Sunday night engulfed several vehicles near an airport in Karachi, police said.

    The Chinese missions in Pakistan have initiated emergency response work as soon as possible, requiring Pakistan to do its best to treat the injured, conduct a thorough investigation of the attack, and severely punish the perpetrators, the statement said.

    The embassy stressed that practical and effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens, institutions, and projects in Pakistan should be taken by the Pakistani side at the same time.

    “The Chinese embassy and consulates in Pakistan remind Chinese citizens and companies in Pakistan to be vigilant, pay close attention to the local security situation, strengthen security measures, and make every effort to take safety precautions,” said the statement.

    The banned outfit Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for the attack through a statement on a social media platform, while the Pakistani authorities have not confirmed it. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 11 killed, 17 injured in Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    This photo taken on Oct. 6, 2024 shows destroyed buildings after Israeli airstrikes in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)

    Eleven people were killed and 17 others injured Sunday evening in Israeli airstrikes targeting different areas in Lebanon, according to Lebanese official and military sources.

    According to the Ministry of Health, six people were killed and 13 others injured in an Israeli airstrike on a residential building in the village of Kayfoun in Aley district, Mount Lebanon Governorate.

    Another Israeli airstrike killed five people and injured four others when an Israeli drone launched an air-to-ground missile on a motorcycle traveling at the northern entrance to the town of Marjeyoun, east of southern Lebanon.

    “An Israeli air strike destroyed a mosque in the village of Yaroun in the central sector of the border area this afternoon,” according to the military sources, who required anonymity.

    The Israeli army has been carrying out extensive operations in Lebanese territory intending to diminish Hezbollah’s military capabilities and facilitate the return of Israelis to the northern region of the country along the border with Lebanon.

    Since Oct. 8, 2023, Hezbollah and the Israeli army have been exchanging fire across the Lebanese-Israeli border. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Tourism festival ignites consumption boom in Shanghai

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China’s Shanghai, an economic powerhouse and also a popular tourist destination, is seeing a boom in cultural and tourism consumption following the launch of a tourism festival ahead of this year’s week-long National Day holiday, also known as “golden week,” which started on Oct. 1.

    From dazzling parades to exciting cultural exhibitions, the 35th Shanghai Tourism Festival dropped its curtain on Sunday, having created an unforgettable experience for both residents and travelers from around the world.

    This year’s festival, which opened on Sept. 14, generated total tourism consumption of 92.4 billion yuan (about 13 billion U.S. dollars), a 4.2-percent increase compared to the previous festival. The occupancy rate of hotel rooms in Shanghai during this period was 61 percent — 2 percentage points higher than during the previous edition, data from the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism shows.

    Notably, the “Great Art of Dunhuang” exhibition, which started during the festival and will run through December, features 168 sets of the most representative and rare artworks from the Dunhuang Academy collection. Since its launch on Sept. 20, this exhibition has attracted more than 40,000 domestic and international visitors, with over 200,000 tickets sold. Many young tourists came to the exhibition in traditional Chinese Hanfu clothing.

    Overseas performance teams also returned after a five-year hiatus at this year’s festival, appearing in the opening parade and various celebration activities. Philipp Betschart, a performer from Switzerland, was fully immersed in the charm of the “China Travel” fiesta. Lauding China’s expanding visa-free policy, he said it has allowed foreign performers more time for both rehearsals and sightseeing.

    Betschart and his team were deeply impressed by the historical buildings of the Bund in Shanghai and the Zhujiajiao ancient town, while they fell in love with delicacies such as Xiaolongbao (or steamed soup dumplings).

    During the festival, authorities in the city’s 16 districts have taken advantage of their unique resources and organized a variety of festive events, turning Shanghai into a vast “urban theme park.”

    “We will foster more innovative scenarios, business models and formats that synergize culture, commerce, tourism, sports and exhibitions, aiming to enhance the quality of urban tourism in Shanghai and draw more visitors from home and abroad,” noted an official with the municipal administration of culture and tourism. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese hospital promotes heart disease treatment without radiation

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    A Chinese hospital specializing in cardiovascular care has widely applied a radiation-free percutaneous intervention method in its treatment of heart disease.
    The treatment, introduced by Fuwai Hospital under the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS), is guided by ultrasound images and involves sending the treatment instruments from the peripheral blood into the heart in a minimally invasive manner.
    This method avoids the use of surgery and radiation, and even allows patients to remain awake during the treatment process.
    Pregnant women, allergy sufferers and cancer patients can also receive this treatment, and the technical difficulty has been reduced as expensive imported large devices are not required, according to the hospital.
    This procedure is expected to enhance the capacity of primary medical services and make effective heart disease treatment available to outpatients. Therefore, access to heart disease treatment in countries and regions with limited medical resources will be improved.
    This form of heart treatment has received funding from the United Nations.
    Thus far, Fuwai Hospital has invented more than 17 new treatments to deal with different types of cardiovascular diseases such as congenital heart disease, valvular disease and arrhythmia — achieving 65 patents.
    In addition, the hospital has also developed a series of therapeutic instruments and equipment, including an ultrasonic catheter and a surgical robot. Of these items, 23 are available both in China and abroad.
    Medical teams from the hospital have been invited to conduct surgeries and introduce Chinese treatment solutions in more than 30 countries, including France, Germany, Canada, Russia and Kenya. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: HK to attract new batch of key enterprises: financial chief

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government Paul Chan said on Sunday that the HKSAR government’s Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises will announce next month a list of more than 10 enterprises that will establish a foothold in Hong Kong.

    These enterprises are from the Chinese mainland, the United States, Europe and other places, with more than half of them specializing in artificial intelligence and big data. Some of them are leading enterprises in their fields.

    Chan said that entering the fourth quarter of 2024, the overall market atmosphere has improved significantly. From September to last Friday, the average daily turnover was about 192 billion HK dollars (about 24.72 billion U.S. dollars), which was double of that in August.

    Chan said that the continuous reform and innovation of Hong Kong’s listing system over a past period of time have enhanced Hong Kong stock market’s attractiveness and vitality.

    In 2018, Hong Kong allowed pre-revenue/pre-profit biotechnology companies, and new economy companies with different share structures, to list in Hong Kong.

    There are more than 330 new economy companies listed in Hong Kong. Although they only account for about 30 percent of the listed companies, their total market value exceeded 9.6 trillion HK dollars, accounting for more than 26 percent of the total market value of Hong Kong stocks and accounting for nearly 23 percent of the average daily trading volume of Hong Kong stocks. This has brought the Hong Kong stock market to a new level.

    Last year, Hong Kong further introduced a special listing rule for specialist technology companies to support these companies to raise funds.

    These reforms have made Hong Kong a preferred listing destination for many tech companies, Chan said.

    At the end of this month, Chan will lead a delegation from the financial and innovation sectors to the Middle East to promote Hong Kong’s latest development as an international financial, trade and innovation center, Hong Kong’s unique advantages and functions under “one country, two systems,” as well as new opportunities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Belt and Road Initiative. (1 HK dollar equals 0.13 U.S. dollars) 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s railways to see surge in return trips as holiday nears end

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    China’s railway operator is expecting a surge in return trips on Sunday as the week-long National Day holiday draws to a close.
    On Sunday, 18.73 million train trips are expected, with more than 1,400 additional trains scheduled to meet the growing travel demand, according to the China State Railway Group Co., Ltd.
    The operator said that the railway network is experiencing a peak in return travel, with a sharp rise in long-distance trips. For six consecutive days since the holiday rush began, daily passenger numbers have surpassed 17 million, reflecting the sustained high demand during this period.
    As of 9 a.m. Sunday, 155 million tickets had been sold through China’s official railway ticket-booking website, 12306.cn, and its mobile app, during the “golden week” travel period.
    To accommodate the surge, railway authorities across the country have added extra trains on popular routes and boosted capacity to ensure smooth travel. Local stations have also enhanced services by optimizing entry and exit processes, ensuring safe and orderly returns of the passengers.
    China’s railway network is expected to handle 175 million passenger trips during the 10-day National Day holiday travel rush from Sept. 29 to Oct. 8. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Green transformation revives, improves traditional high-emission industries

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    This photo taken on Aug. 23, 2023 shows the Big Air Shougang in the Shougang Park in Shijingshan District of Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Ren Chao)
    Riding along Beijing’s iconic Chang’an Street to the city’s west, cycling enthusiasts have the chance to sip a cup of iced coffee and enjoy the grand view of steel furnaces at Shougang Park, a recreation destination that has been transformed from an area known for steel mills.
    Echoing China’s high-quality development drive, Shougang Park, where the Beijing Winter Olympic venue Big Air Shougang is located, is striving to act as a model of industrial zone revival, through the integration of industrial upgrading and green development.
    RELOCATION, INNOVATION & TRANSFORMATION
    Shougang Group, a leading heavyweight steelmaker in China founded in 1919, once posted an annual output record of 10 million tonnes.
    As part of Beijing’s economic restructuring and pollution control initiatives, Shougang Group started relocating its production base to the neighboring Hebei Province in 2005, where the steel conglomerate has managed to build high-end and eco-friendly iron and steel production lines.
    Its steel-making operations in Beijing were halted in 2010, which left a large stretch of industrial heritage in the area. Deserted repair workshops, coking plants and shaft furnaces were renovated into a high-end industrial comprehensive service area integrating business, science and technology, sports, culture and tourism.
    All completed buildings in this park satisfy the green building standard, and many sports events were held here.
    Zheng Kai, a veteran who has been serving at Shougang Group since 2005, was deeply impressed by the stunning transformation of Shougang Park.
    “When I go back to the park where I used to sweat to work, I realize that the rapid changes there are beyond my imagination,” he said.
    It is not only the original site of the steel giant that has undergone a transformation, but also its new factories in Hebei Province. These new factories feature production methods achieving both energy conservation and carbon reduction, setting up another model of green and low-carbon development.
    The group has achieved 10 million tonnes of low-carbon steel production via a process of high-ratio pellet smelting, which transforms powdered iron ore into pellets in blast furnaces, thereby reducing carbon emissions.
    “Energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions during the iron and steel making process are major carbon contributors throughout the whole steel industry,” said Teng Zhaojie, a senior researcher of the Shougang Group.
    “It is a difficult mission for such a long process of steel and iron production to achieve carbon reduction,” Huang Wenbin, an official with the Shougang Group, said. From 2016 to 2018, they carried out eight industrial experiments before finally achieving their goal of mastering high-ratio pellet smelting technology.
    The proportion of pelletizing in super-large blast furnaces has reached more than 55 percent in the Shougang Group — cutting carbon dioxide emissions by 10 percent per tonne of iron and lowering pollutant emissions by 53 percent.
    In addition, Shougang uses efficient dust removal, desulfurization and denitrification technologies to reduce the emission of air pollutants. It will also complete a heat test in its zero-carbon furnace in Hebei this month.
    “The green transformation of the group in terms of carbon trading, digital intelligence, ultra-low emission, energy saving and clean production was remarkable,” Zheng said.
    CARBON CAPTURE
    Like those of the Shougang Group, many other traditional coal-fired factories in China are undergoing a green transition by upgrading carbon reduction technologies.
    During the China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in Beijing last month, Longyuan Environmental Protection Co., Ltd. under CHN Energy shared details of efficient recycling and carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS) technology used in its power plants.
    A CCUS project went operational at a power plant in Taizhou, east China’s Jiangsu Province, in 2023. It was designed to capture approximately 500,000 tonnes of carbon each year.
    China has nearly 100 CCUS projects in operation or under construction, with over half already operational, according to incomplete statistics. These projects have a combined annual carbon capture capacity of 4 million tonnes.
    Efficient use of carbon capture technology can produce high value-added chemical products, reduce regional carbon emissions, increase social and economic benefits, and encourage a more harmonious relationship between power plants and cities, according to CHN Energy.
    China has made historic breakthroughs in green and low-carbon development over the past decade, amid its quest for a sustainable future, a white paper issued in August stated. The country had reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 3 billion tonnes during the period from 2013 to 2023.
    China has also worked to enhance the clean energy percentage of its total energy use, while the share of coal in its energy consumption dropped by 12.1 percentage points during the past decade.
    Such progress comes as China continues its efforts to peak carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.
    During the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China in July, China pledged to “prioritize ecological protection, conserve resources and use them efficiently, and pursue green and low-carbon development.” 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: World’s largest lego enlivens iconic ancient Chinese painting

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The National Day Golden Week has seen a highlight, with tourists flocking to New Town Plaza in Sha Tin, the eastern New Territories, to see for themselves another new Guinness World Record.

    Here a long scroll of the “Along the River During the Qingming Festival,” an iconic painting of Northern Song Dynasty (960-1126), unfolded and has been on display, ingeniously constructed straight from lego bricks.

    Covering 47 square meters, the world’s largest lego exhibit, shown from Sept. 25 through Oct. 31, has been the latest weekend and holiday hotspot, delicately piecing together a marvellous world where the old and the new converge.

    For viewers, the exhibit is impressive in a way that it blends two vastly different cultural representatives from the East and the West: a masterpiece of ancient Chinese painting and a classic toy igniting childhood memories of westerners.

    “We rolled out this exhibit mainly to promote traditional Chinese culture through creative events, in a way that is more relaxed, entertaining and appealing to young people,” said Tania Wan, deputy general manager of Personal Banking and Wealth Management with Bank of China (Hong Kong), which initiated the program.

    As people walk along the 26-meter-long and three-dimensional diorama made from up to 3 million lego bricks, they can picture themselves in bustling streets centuries ago, where vendors were selling melons and kids were playing hide and seek.

    “There were myriad depictions of people in all walks of life going about their daily activities and no two objects are identical,” Hong Kong local surnamed Chung told Xinhua. “Everything seemed to be brought to life within seconds.”

    Pointing at a two-storey building with a front door decorated with colorful ribbons, Li Chun-tung, an art lecturer at the University of Hong Kong, said, “This was one of the busiest restaurant then, with decorations typical of taverns and bars in Nothern Song Dynasty. It was among many buildings and structures that were vividly restored in this model.”

    The lego diorama recaptures many details of life over centuries ago, much the same as those depicted in the painting. There were various trades including a joss stick shop, barber, fortune teller and medical clinic, and larger businesses such as teahouses, restaurants, taverns, butchers, and hawkers, as well as different means of transportation like sedan chairs, wagons, donkeys, horses and camels.

    However, program executive and lego certified professional Andy Hung was far from being satisfied. With over 10 years of coordinator and creator of lego exhibitions, the veteran admitted there were still details unrestored due to the limitation of lego in displaying human figures.

    For Hung, it was by no means an easy job, with five months spent on sorting out blueprint. Hung has polished lego solutions, consulted historians and architects, in addition to inspirations from archives.

    “Every project is new to me, because every time I face a different scene, a different architecture, and a different culture. And recreating those through lego is a challenge,” Hung said.

    In his studio in Lai Chi Kok, Kowloon, among items on display were fun lego recreations stemming from traditional Chinese culture, including the Forbidden City, Peking Opera facial masks, Suzhou double-sided embroidered fans, the Terracotta Warriors and the Yellow Crane Tower.

    “Young people in Hong Kong are very interested in recreating traditional Chinese cultural works with lego. This time, we invited many young people and students from Hong Kong for the item, and they were very passionate,” Hung said.

    “I am simply demonstrating traditional culture with my works, and let ingenious toys tell traditional culture,” Hung said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China embraces world economy with unswerving opening-up

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    This aerial photo taken on Nov. 24, 2022 shows a freight train to enter the China-Laos Railway’s Friendship Tunnel connecting Mohan in southwest China’s Yunnan Province and Boten in northern Laos. (Xinhua/Hu Chao)
    Mohan, a small town in the southernmost part of southwest China’s Yunnan Province, reached a trade milestone last month, with over 10 million tonnes of freight, including fresh fruits, coffee, air conditioners and new-energy vehicles, transported on the China-Laos Railway over the previous three years.
    Since the launch of the 1,035 km rail line in December 2021, Mohan has become an important transport hub with significant highway and railway ports. Also, it’s the only national-level land port linking China and Laos, with new development opportunities mushrooming.
    The story of Mohan is a telling example of China’s unwavering high-level opening-up. Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China 75 years ago, China has achieved leapfrog development in opening wider to the world.
    Confident that opening-up is the right path, China has been implementing proactive strategies, including spurring trade growth, attracting foreign investment and expanding institutional opening-up, to accelerate cultivating new international competitive advantages and achieving mutual benefits with other countries.
    BOLSTERING FOREIGN TRADE, INVESTMENT
    In 1950, China’s foreign trade in goods was only 1.1 billion U.S. dollars, accounting for 0.9 percent of the world’s total. By 2023, China’s total goods trade had reached 5.9 trillion U.S. dollars, accounting for 12.4 percent of the global share, and has consistently ranked first in the world for seven consecutive years.
    Service trade has also undergone tremendous expansion. When the People’s Republic of China was founded, the country’s service trade was almost zero. While in 2023, China’s total service trade import and export volume reached 933.1 billion U.S. dollars, ranking fourth in the world.
    The country is actively expanding imports to share market opportunities with the rest of the world. In 2023, China’s import sources have covered over 200 countries and regions. The China International Import Expo (CIIE), the world’s first national-level import-themed expo, has been held for six consecutive years.
    “China should continue to offer new opportunities nurtured from its vast market to other countries by holding international fairs such as the CIIE, the China International Consumer Products Expo and the Global Digital Trade Expo,” said Ma Xiangdong, a professor at the Party School of the Communist Party of China of Beijing Municipal Committee.
    Continuous efforts have been made on lowering tariffs. China’s overall tariff level has been reduced to 7.3 percent, approaching the average level of developed countries. The country recently announced a move to give all the least developed countries that have diplomatic relations with China zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines starting from Dec. 1 of this year.
    China has built 22 pilot free-trade zones, covering coastal, inland and border areas, contributing about 20 percent of the total foreign investment and import-export volume of the country.
    The country also keeps expanding its “friend circle” globally. By the end of 2023, China had signed 22 free-trade agreements with 29 countries and regions, and it had signed over 200 Belt and Road cooperation documents with over 150 countries and over 30 international organizations.
    At the same time, foreign investment has been encouraged. The country’s negative list for foreign investment had been shortened for five consecutive years from 2017 to 2021, and laws and regulations, including the Foreign Investment Law, were put into force to step up protection for foreign investors.
    In 2023, China’s foreign direct investment, in actual use, reached 163.3 billion U.S. dollars, an increase of 176 times compared to 920 million U.S. dollars in 1983, maintaining its world-leading position in terms of scale for multiple consecutive years.
    China’s investment is playing an increasingly prominent role in promoting economic development worldwide. In 2023, China’s non-financial outbound direct investment reached 130.1 billion U.S. dollars, an increase of 61 times on that of 2003, and ranking third worldwide for 11 consecutive years.
    PROPELLING INSTITUTIONAL OPENING-UP
    China has been unswervingly expanding institutional opening-up in recent decades to realize high-quality development and offer the world new growth momentum and opportunities, rolling out various policies.
    In the latest move of this kind, China announced in September that it would allow the establishment of wholly foreign-owned hospitals in certain cities and regions, including Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Nanjing, Suzhou, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and throughout the island of Hainan.
    In the same month, the country issued the 2024 version of the negative list for foreign investment access, reducing the number of restrictions from 31 to 29 and achieving zero restrictions on the manufacturing sector.
    This fully demonstrates China’s active willingness to expand mutual benefits and a clear attitude to supporting economic globalization, said Jin Xiandong, an official with the National Development and Reform Commission, adding that further efforts will be made to improve the level of foreign investment liberalization and facilitation, and to optimize service for foreign-invested enterprises.
    At its third plenum, the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China renewed the country’s commitment to the basic state policy of opening to the outside world and continuing to promote reform through opening up.
    “Leveraging the strengths of China’s enormous market, we will enhance our capacity for opening up while expanding international cooperation and develop new institutions for a higher-standard open economy,” reads a resolution adopted at the plenum.
    Opening up to the outside world is not just a matter of “opening the door”, but more importantly, is actively aligning with international economic and trade regulations as well as other high-standard rules, said Zhang Bin, deputy director of the Institute of World Economics and Politics at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.
    Zhang underlined the need to enhance synergy between the domestic and international markets as well as resources to constantly cultivate and consolidate new advantages in international economic cooperation and competition. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Price scale for emission allowances as a tool for European competitiveness on the global market – E-001860/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001860/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Tomáš Zdechovský (PPE)

    The EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) requires polluters to pay for their greenhouse gas emissions. The price of emission allowances is a key parameter of the entire system. If it is too low, the polluter can buy the necessary allowances cheaply, and the principle of paying an appropriate price for pollution caused remains unfulfilled[1]. The issue nowadays is, firstly, that European industries and power plants pay twice as much per tonne of emissions as businesses in California and ten times as much as emitters in China, which makes them uncompetitive[2]. Secondly, the price of the permit cannot be estimated in advance.[3]

    • 1.How will the Commission help to set a reasonable scale of minimum and maximum prices for these allowances to help support the European economy’s competitiveness on the global market?
    • 2.In what other ways will the Commission help European businesses so that efforts to reduce emissions will not lead to them being forced to shut down?
    • 3.Is the Commission devoted to delivering a transparent and predictable overview of future price developments for emission allowances?

    Submitted: 27.9.2024

    • [1] https://faktaoklimatu.cz/explainery/emisni-povolenky-ets
    • [2] https://ekonomickydenik.cz/knotek-ceny-emisnich-povolenek-by-se-mely-zastropovat/
    • [3] https://www.statista.com/statistics/1322214/carbon-prices-european-union-emission-trading-scheme/
    Last updated: 3 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Members underline need for services trade to be inclusive

    Source: World Trade Organization

    Follow-up to outcomes of ministerial conferences

    At the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) held in February 2024, ministers stressed that services generate more than two-thirds of global economic output and account for over half of all jobs. They also emphasized the importance of advancing work on trade in services at the WTO. Stemming from this, the Council agreed to hold an informal discussion on the WTO-World Bank report entitled “Trade in Services for Development“. The ministerial mandate on the WTO’s work on trade in services can be found in paragraph 18 of the MC13 Declaration.

    Several members also expressed an interest in exploring the interplay between services trade and the green transition. The WTO’s Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States announced that it is working on updating the note entitled “Vulnerable ACP State services sectors impacted in the context of the COVID-19 Pandemic” submitted in 2021. A suggestion was made to hold a workshop on crisis preparedness in response to the MC13 mandate.

    Participation of LDCs in services trade

    The WTO LDC Group presented to the Council a new questionnaire that aims to assess how LDC services suppliers are working with consumers and enterprises, particularly in the member economies that have notified preferences for LDCs, with the aim of identifying the challenges they may face.

    Members reaffirmed their commitment to increasing the participation of LDCs in global services trade in line with the MC12 Outcome Document and the MC13 Declaration. They reiterated their continued support for putting the Services Waiver into practice as a means of reaching this goal. The waiver was formalized by a decision adopted at the 2011 Ministerial Conference. Preferences for LDC services and service suppliers have been notified by 51 WTO members under the waiver. Members’ notifications can be found here.

    A total of 35 WTO members are classified as LDCs.

    Work Programme on E-commerce

    Some members proposed that the Council complement the work done in the General Council’s dedicated discussions on e-commerce in light of its services-trade focus. Some of the issues suggested for discussion include trade in digitally delivered services, artificial intelligence, cloud computing and financial inclusion.

    The importance of making digital trade more inclusive and of boosting the participation of developing economies in e-commerce was also highlighted.

    Services trade concerns

    Members discussed three previously addressed specific trade concerns involving cybersecurity measures and mobile applications, among other services-related topics.

    Japan and the United States, supported by several other members, reiterated concerns about the cybersecurity measures of China and Viet Nam. China repeated concerns with certain services measures of the United States. China also reiterated its concerns regarding India’s measures in relation to mobile applications.

    Trade in financial services

    Crisis preparedness

    In the Committee on Trade and Financial Services, Pakistan underscored the important role played by financial services in supporting crisis management frameworks. It stressed that the capacities of developing economies in this area should be reinforced, as mandated by ministers at MC13 (see paragraph 21 of the Ministerial Declaration). Members expressed readiness to look into ways of discussing this.

    The Committee is one of the Services Council’s subsidiary bodies.

    Facilitating electronic payments

    Introducing a new proposal, China said that developing economies lack an effective infrastructure and regulatory framework to keep up with international organizations and governments in terms of making online payments more secure. Given that emerging technologies are heavily impacting international economic activities, China suggested a discussion on the WTO’s role in facilitating the expansion of electronic payments across economies.

    The proposal will be discussed at the next Committee meeting in December.

    Reducing the cost of remittance services

    Members were unable to reach consensus on establishing a work programme on reducing the cost of remittance services in the Committee – as proposed by India in a communication dated 8 March – but there was support among members for exploring how the WTO can complement discussions in other international fora.

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Brown, UAW Leaders Call on Administration to Stop China from Sending Cars, Trucks, and Other Goods Through Mexico to Evade U.S. Trade Laws

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Ohio Sherrod Brown
    TOLEDO, OH – Today, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and local UAW leaders in Toledo called on the Biden Administration to take immediate steps to prevent China from undermining U.S. manufacturing by routing goods, including cars and trucks, through Mexico to evade U.S. tariffs and other trade enforcement. China is actively avoiding U.S. tariffs by moving its manufacturing to Mexico.
    “Few understand better than Ohio workers what bad trade policy does to our workers, our industries and our communities. We cannot allow China to undermine American manufacturers by sending cars into the U.S. through Mexico,” said Brown. “I will keep pushing the administration to take action now to stop China’s cheating and protect Ohio auto workers.”
    “We have a saying in the UAW.  We support those who support us.  Senator Sherrod Brown is supporting us against the dumping of millions of Chinese autos into the United States.  China is looking to use Mexico as a trojan horse to help facilitate the devastation of American and Ohio jobs,” said Tony Totty, UAW Local 14, President.
    “I have worked at General Motors for 39 years, I’m closer to the end of my career than the beginning.  This new threat could be just as devastating as the one my generation faced with NAFTA.  We are fortunate to have Senator Sherrod Brown leading the charge to stop this invasion of cheap, subsidized vehicles from China to infiltrate our markets and put us out of our jobs,” said Rhoni Clark, UAW Local 14, Recording Secretary.
    Brown is leading the push for the Biden administration to ensure the goods that China produces in Mexico do not qualify for duty-free entry into the U.S. and to increase tariffs on Mexican steel imports.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Cabinet approves India to Join International Energy Efficiency Hub by signing the Letter of Intent

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Cabinet approves India to Join International Energy Efficiency Hub by signing the Letter of Intent

    Decision will help India gain access to an exclusive 16 nation group sharing strategic energy practices and innovative solutions

    Posted On: 03 OCT 2024 8:25PM by PIB Delhi

    The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the signing of ‘Letter of Intent’ thus enabling India to join the ‘Energy Efficiency Hub’.

     India will join the International Energy Efficiency Hub (Hub), a global platform dedicated to fostering collaboration and promoting energy efficiency worldwide. This move solidifies India’s commitment to sustainable development and aligns with its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

     Established in 2020 as the successor to the International Partnership for Energy Efficiency Cooperation (IPEEC), in which India was a member, the Hub brings together governments, international organizations, and private sector entities to share knowledge, best practices, and innovative solutions. By joining the Hub, India will gain access to a vast network of experts and resources, enabling it to enhance its domestic energy efficiency initiatives. As of July, 2024, sixteen countries (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, European Commission, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Luxembourg, Russia, Saudi Arabia, United States and United Kingdom) have joined the Hub.

     As a member of the Hub, India will benefit from opportunities for collaboration with other member states, sharing its own expertise and learning from international best practices. The country will also contribute to global efforts to address climate change by promoting energy-efficient technologies and practices.

     Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), the statutory agency, has been designated as the implementing agency for the Hub on behalf of India. BEE will play a crucial role in facilitating India’s participation in the Hub’s activities and ensuring that India’s contributions align with its national energy efficiency goals.

     By joining the Hub, India is taking a significant step towards more sustainable future. The country’s participation in this global platform will help to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy and improve energy security.

     *****

    MJPS/BM

    (Release ID: 2061655) Visitor Counter : 8

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese envoy urges Somali parties to stay committed to resolving differences through dialogue

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    A Chinese envoy on Thursday called on all Somali parties to keep up the momentum, strengthen dialogue and unity, and stay committed to resolving differences through dialogue.

    In remarks at the UN Security Council briefing on Somalia, Dai Bing, China’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, noted that in recent years, Somalia has made important headway in national reconstruction and peace and security, and both the UN and African Union (AU) missions have entered a critical transition period.

    “At this important stage, the support and assistance of the international community cannot relax,” Dai said.

    He emphasized three points — maintaining the overall situation of political stability; strengthening the foundation of security transition; and advancing UNSOM (UN Assistance Mission in Somalia) transition in an orderly manner.

    Underscoring that the Somali federal government has maintained communication with the governments of federal member states and reached important consensus on the constitution, elections, and political parties, the ambassador said, “We expect all Somali parties to keep up the momentum, strengthen dialogue and unity, and stay committed to resolving differences through dialogue.”

    He stressed that China has consistently supported the efforts of the Somali government to safeguard national unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and called on the international community to support the country in exploring a development path that suits its national conditions, and provide guarantees for Somalia to embark on the path of long-term and stable development.

    Dai noted that in the next phase, ATMIS (African Union Transition Mission in Somalia) will transition into a new AU mission, and expressed the hope that Somalia, the AU, the UN, and others will strengthen their communication and coordination to reach consensus on new mission arrangements and to ensure the smooth progress of the relevant work.

    “Under-funding is an important challenge to AU missions’ mandate performance,” he said, calling on the European Union and other traditional donors to maintain their funding for the new mission and continue to contribute to the security and stability of Somalia. Dai also urged the Security Council to respond to the initiative of the AU and actively study various effective options to provide sustainable and predictable financial support for the new mission.

    Noting that the Somali government has repeatedly called for the transition of UNSOM to a UN country team, and has recently submitted a two-year transition proposal to the Security Council, the ambassador called on the council to use this as a base and, in line with Somalia’s national development priorities, adjust and streamline UNSOM’s mandate, with a view to ensuring a smooth and orderly transition.

    “China supports the peace and development process in Somalia, as well as the enhancement of Somalia’s capacity for autonomous development, counter-terrorism, and stability. We will continue to provide support to international peacekeeping operations in Somalia,” Dai said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Adjusted policies motivate realty sales

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Fueled by favorable policies, China’s residential real estate market witnessed an uptick in inquiries and viewings over the first three days of the National Day holiday. Experts have predicted a country-wide market revival marked by increased transactions, with first-tier cities leading the trend.

    They said recent policy adjustments that eased restrictions on leveraging, along with previous measures such as ensuring the delivery of pre-sale properties and the 300 billion yuan ($42.7 billion) loan to State-owned enterprises for affordable housing projects, are crucial for stabilizing the market. However, further support from the central bank may still be required to sustain the momentum.

    “Our phones rang non-stop the day new policies were announced, as they captured the attention of numerous potential homebuyers,” said Wu Libin, sales manager at house-letting agency 5i5j in Beijing, adding that inquiries are still coming in.

    Another sales manager in Beijing E-Town told Beijing News on Tuesday that transactions worth 125 million yuan had been completed and more than 100 families had visited the development area since Beijing announced its policies on Monday.

    There was a rush of inquiries elsewhere too. In Guangzhou, Guangdong province, a housing sales center in Liwan district extended its office hours and stayed open throughout the night following Guangzhou’s policy announcement on Sunday.

    By Monday noon, the number of visitors to the sales center had surged by 200 percent compared to usual levels, according to Jimu News. A staff member surnamed Liu said while some buyers jumped at the chance to buy following the policy announcement, others had opted for a wait-and-watch approach.

    Shenzhen in Guangdong province and Shanghai also reported a rise in the number of visitors to various sales offices. Latest data from a research center of realty agency Leyoujia revealed a nearly 40 percent surge in pre-owned home transactions at Leyoujia sales centers on Monday compared to the previous day — the highest since February 2021. New home transactions also hit a two-year high. Xinmin Evening News revealed that multiple sales offices in Shanghai are fully booked for house viewings next week.

    The Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development said on Sunday that cities, especially first-tier cities, should utilize policies and adjust housing purchase restrictions based on local conditions.

    The same day, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen all made significant policy changes. Shanghai streamlined its purchase restrictions, notably reducing the threshold and initial payment costs. Among first-tier cities, Guangzhou was the first to completely remove home purchase restrictions. Shenzhen also lifted such restrictions in several areas.

    On Monday, Beijing also announced measures such as further reducing interest rates on existing housing loans and lowering the minimum down payment for personal housing loans.

    Yan Yuejin, vice-president of the Shanghai-based E-House China R&D Institute, said the new policies in the four major cities, in conjunction with financial policies from the People’s Bank of China, are timely, precise and comprehensive, playing a positive role in stabilizing the real estate market.

    “All of the four first-tier cities have modified their purchase restrictions in response to new market demands, continuously optimizing relevant policies to better support the release of reasonable housing consumption demands. Other cities nationwide are expected to follow suit, indicating a period of comprehensive policy relaxation,” Yan said.

    “China’s real estate market is anticipated to witness a wave of transactions in the fourth quarter, potentially seeing a favorable trend of both increased sales volume and prices.”

    Charlie Zheng, chief economist at Samoyed Cloud Technology Group Holdings, took a more cautious stance. He said that while the property market had previously experienced an overall decline in sales, the introduction of positive policies could halt this trend in cities particularly with strong demand and population influxes. However, a combined effort of existing policies and potentially further increased loan support from the central bank could be necessary for a nationwide rebound in the realty market in the future.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China-built supply chains to benefit all

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China’s intensified efforts to build resilient industrial and supply chains and expand international collaboration will further drive global industrial development and unlock a wealth of opportunities for companies worldwide, experts and company executives said.

    The comments were made in response to the central authorities’ resolution to this end. The third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China — a meeting key to the nation’s reforms and modernization progress — said the country will move faster to build industrial and supply chains that are self-supporting and risk-controllable.

    Meanwhile, China will further deepen reform and opening-up, and facilitate international cooperation in industrial and supply chains, the meeting said.

    “China is both a participant and beneficiary of global industrial and supply chains, as well as a firm defender and builder of these chains,” Zhang Qingwei, vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, China’s top legislature, said during a recent meeting.

    He added that the country will integrate more deeply with the global industrial and supply chain system and firmly oppose protectionism and any form of decoupling, while maintaining the desired outcome of global public good.

    Zhang Yansheng, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Macroeconomic Research, said that China has witnessed momentum in emerging sectors like new energy in recent years despite headwinds such as decoupling moves initiated by the United States and its relocation strategies.

    “The US is leveraging new protectionism, industrial policies and government intervention to undermine the solid foundation of China’s industrial and supply chains. This retrogressive approach is not only unfair to Chinese companies and global consumers, but also a step backward in the global transition toward sustainability.

    “What is to the benefit of all is that China will further deepen market-oriented reforms, expand high-standard opening-up, improve the legal system, and enhance the institutional framework for fair competition, green development and the advancement of clean energy domestically.”

    Zhang added that if there were no negative spillovers of geopolitical tensions and protectionism, the supply and demand of new energy vehicles, photovoltaics and lithium batteries — areas in which the US unfairly accuses China of overcapacity — would achieve a dynamic balance at the global level.

    Recalling that the US and China have both benefited tremendously from more bilateral trade, Neil Bush, chairman of the George H. W. Bush Foundation for US-China Relations, said while addressing a recent event that countries that rely solely on local manufacturing face significant challenges.

    “Manufacturing is no longer confined to national borders. Countries that embrace innovation while working together can unlock new potential and drive economic growth by sharing research and best practices in technical advancements,” he said.

    As Chinese companies continue to weave themselves into the fabric of global industrial and supply chains, Wang Yang, president of SinoEV (Hefei) Powertrain Technologies, a developer of electric vehicle power systems, said it is challenging for some countries to be independent of China’s new energy industry supply chain in the short term.

    “Developing a robust supply chain requires a long time and certain favorable conditions, such as comprehensive policy and a large market scale,” Wang said.

    “China’s new energy industry supply chain is competitive on the global stage, thanks to its complete industry chain covering research and development, engineering design, manufacturing management and final assembly integration. It will bring benefits to companies around the world.”

    According to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, China is the only country in the world that has all industrial categories listed in the United Nations Industrial Classification, covering almost all traditional and emerging manufacturing sectors.

    Zeng Yuqun, founder of Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd, a leading EV battery maker, said that countries can actually benefit from the new energy sector by sharing the industry chain.

    “CATL has already taken some measures to diversify its overseas market and is willing to share its technology with the world,” he added.

    Citing challenges faced by the global industrial and supply chains, Xue Lan, dean of Schwarzman College at Tsinghua University, said China will not isolate itself, but rather integrate more actively into the global innovation system to avoid severe disruptions in the global industrial chain.

    “With its position in the global industrial chain key to the world, China must continue to innovate and open up to reinforce this position,” Xue said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Death toll rises to 87 after ferry sinks in eastern DR Congo: official

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    At least 87 people were killed Thursday after a ferry sank on Lake Kivu in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), according to a report by local authorities seen by Xinhua.

    People gather at a port after a ferry sank on Lake Kivu near Goma, North Kivu province, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), on Oct. 3, 2024. At least 87 people were killed Thursday after a ferry sank on Lake Kivu in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), according to a report by local authorities seen by Xinhua. (Xinhua/Alain Uaykani)

    The ferry, coming from the town of Minova in the South Kivu province, capsized near the port of Kituku, on the outskirts of Goma, capital of the North Kivu province.

    In the report addressed to the central government in Kinshasa, the provincial government also spoke of 78 people still missing. The 87 bodies recovered were transported to the morgue of the general hospital in Goma and nine other survivors were taken to hospital.

    The number of passengers aboard the boat remains unknown. Local sources, however, told Xinhua a “significant overload” of the boat.

    The boat failed to withstand a violent wave before it capsized about 700 m away from the port, said staff of the Kituku port.

    Till late Thursday, the population still gathered at the port of Kituku with anxiety and the hope of finding the bodies of their loved ones, observed Xinhua.

    The roads between Goma and Minova have been cut off for months due to hostilities between armed groups and the DRC military. Cases of boat accidents are frequent on Lake Kivu due to strong winds and overloading.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: G7 voices concern over ‘deteriorating situation’ in Mideast

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Group of Seven (G7) leaders on Thursday voiced “deep concern” over the “deteriorating situation” in the Middle East.

    The “dangerous cycle of attacks and retaliation risks fuelling uncontrollable escalation in the Middle East, which is in no one’s interest. Therefore, we call on all regional players to act responsibly and with restraint,” said a G7 statement released by 10 Downing Street.

    The statement said G7 leaders had discussed “coordinated efforts and actions” to avoid further escalation of conflict in the region, without specifying details.

    “We also reiterate our call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the unconditional release of all hostages, a significant and sustained increase in the flow of humanitarian assistance, and an end to the conflict,” it said.

    As to the recent escalating conflicts between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, leaders of the seven biggest developed countries urged all actors to protect civilian populations, saying they are committed to providing humanitarian assistance to address the urgent needs of civilians in Lebanon.

    In the statement, they stressed “the importance of the United Nations in resolving armed conflict and mitigating the humanitarian impact in the Middle East,” saying that “we are committed to reinforcing our support to the mission, pursuant to applicable UN resolutions.”

    The G7 comprises the United States, Britain, Canada, Italy, France, Germany and Japan.

    Also on Thursday, Lebanese Health Minister Firas Abiad reported that a total of 1,974 people have been killed, including 127 children and 261 women, since the onset of the Hezbollah-Israeli conflict in October last year. The World Health Organization said on the same day that 28 healthcare workers were killed in the past 24 hours in Lebanon amid escalating hostilities.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: DPRK top leader threatens nuclear response if sovereignty breached

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The top leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) said the country would use all offensive forces, including nuclear weapons, if enemies attempt to use armed forces encroaching upon the DPRK sovereignty, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Friday.

    Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the DPRK, made the remarks while inspecting a training base of the special operation units earlier this week.

    Kim stressed that the enemies’ threatening rhetoric, action, trick and attempt will not take away the DPRK’s nuclear weapons and the country “has irreversibly secured the absolute strength as a nuclear power and the system and function for using it,” according to the KCNA report.

    “To pray for a good luck of survival in a military conflict with the nuclear weapons state would be a foolish thing,” and “if such situation comes, the permanent existence of Seoul and the Republic of Korea would be impossible,” the DPRK leader was quoted by the KCNA as saying.

    Noting the necessity for the DPRK military force to keep cultivating its strength, Kim stressed that “strength in our hands is the only guarantee for keeping under control the enemy and defending ourselves,” the KCNA report said.

    During the inspection of the training base of the special operation units in the western area on Wednesday, Kim touted the DPRK special operation forces as the “pivotal and core force” in the country’s war deterrence and war-fighting capabilities, while underlining the need of expanding and strengthening the special operation forces into the country’s strongest combat forces, the KCNA said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: NASA’s Psyche mission sends signal from Mars orbit

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    NASA’s Psyche mission has sent signal from Mars orbit, marking a critical milestone of the mission, NASA said on Thursday.

    The Psyche spacecraft, launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida in October last year, is the first-ever U.S. mission to study a metal-rich asteroid in the far reaches of the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

    Almost a year since launch, NASA’s Deep Space Optical Communications experiment sent a laser signal from Earth to Psyche spacecraft about 460 million kilometers away, according to NASA.

    Soon after reaching that milestone on July 29, the technology demonstration concluded the first phase of its operations since launching aboard Psyche.

    The milestone is a proof that human could one day relay data to and from Mars with lasers, according to NASA.

    By transporting data at rates up to 100 times higher than radio frequencies, lasers can enable the transmission of complex scientific information as well as high-definition imagery and video, which are needed to support humanity’s next giant leap when astronauts travel to Mars and beyond, said NASA.

    Psyche spacecraft remains healthy and stable, using ion propulsion to accelerate toward a metal-rich asteroid in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, according to NASA

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Hurricane Helene death toll tops 200 in US

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Death toll exceeded 200 on Thursday in hurricane-stricken southeastern U.S. states, according to NBC News.

    At least 204 people are known to have died across six states as a result of the destruction wrought by Hurricane Helene since it made landfall in Florida a week ago, reported the news outlet, adding that hundreds are still missing and nearly a million customers remain without power.

    Helene has become the deadliest hurricane to strike the U.S. mainland since Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

    More than half of the fatalities were confirmed in storm-ravaged North Carolina, with at least 98 deaths. In particular, Buncombe County, which located in western North Carolina, reported 61 deaths.

    U.S. President Joe Biden decided Wednesday to immediately deploy “up to 1,000 active-duty soldiers to support the delivery of food, water and other critical commodities to communities affected by Hurricane Helene.”

    The active-duty military personnel are in addition to more than 1,000 North Carolina National Guard soldiers currently deployed, who are surging food, water, supplies and conducting search and rescue operations, according to North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper.

    The governor noted on Thursday that “around-the-clock efforts continue to provide resources and assistance” to communities in western part of the state.

    Biden toured the Carolinas to survey damage on Wednesday and is scheduled to visit Florida and Georgia on Thursday. The White House said in a news release that Biden will further survey damage caused by Helene and meet with state and local leaders regarding ongoing response efforts.

    “The president and his entire administration will continue to do everything in our power to help the people of Florida, Georgia, and every community affected by this storm,” said the White House.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Mainland expresses condolences following Taiwan hospital fire

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Thursday expressed condolences to the families of the victims after a hospital fire killed nine people in Pingtung County in southern Taiwan.
    “We offer our condolences for the loss of lives, and extend our sympathy to their families and all the injured,” said Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council.
    Speaking to the media earlier, Su Ching-chyuan, the hospital’s honorary dean, said that the fire was caused by the combustion of an air compressor in a machine room, adding that most of the victims were elderly hospitalized patients.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: New fish species found in east China

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Chinese researchers have discovered a new species of fish, Opsariichthys iridescens, in east China, which features beautiful colors.
    The research findings describe how the species is distinguished from congeners by morphological features, which have been validated through gene-based phylogenetic analysis.
    The discovery was published in a recent edition of the international academic journal Zookeys. The research was led by Yang Jinquan, a professor at Shanghai Ocean University, in collaboration with the Zhejiang Forest Resource Monitoring Center and other institutions.
    The new species can be distinguished from its closely related species with a genetic divergence of over 14 percent, according to the research findings. The new species is found in the Qiantang and Oujiang River systems in Zhejiang Province and the tributaries of the lower Yangtze River adjacent to the Qiantang River.
    Yang said that the discovery of several new species living in fast-flowing rivers or streams including Opsariichthys iridescens, indicates that the diversity of freshwater fish species in the region is still underestimated.
    According to Yang, these stream fish species are food resources for waterfowl and other animal, contributing to the nutrient cycling and water purification of rivers.
    Yang said protecting these fish species is essential to maintaining the balance of aquatic ecosystems, which helps to maintain biodiversity and promote the sustainable development of ecotourism and fisheries.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: New toad species discovered in south China’s Guangdong

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Chinese researchers have discovered a new horned toad species, which has been named Boulenophrys pepe, in Lianshan Bijiashan Nature Reserve in south China’s Guangdong Province.
    The research findings, led by Guangdong Polytechnic of Environmental Protection Engineering and other institutions, were published in a recent edition of the international academic journal Zootaxa.
    The new species was discovered in evergreen broadleaf forests at altitudes of 490 to 540 meters, where mountain streams and a layer of leaf litter create diverse microhabitat systems.
    The toad, notable for its swollen lips, differs significantly from closely related species in the same area, according to Lin Shishi, a member of the research team.
    Lin noted that Boulenophrys pepe is highly sensitive to changes in the forest ecosystem. The discovery of this new toad species enhances the understanding of biodiversity and shows that China’s conservation efforts to protect mountain forest ecosystems have been very effective, Lin said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Stats NZ information release: International travel: July 2024

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    International travel: July 2024 – 11 September 2024 – International travel covers the number and characteristics of overseas visitors and New Zealand resident travellers (short-term movements) entering or leaving New Zealand.

    Key facts
    Monthly arrivals – overseas visitors
    Overseas visitor arrivals were 221,800 in the July 2024 month, an increase of 8,000 from the July 2023 month. The biggest changes were in arrivals from:

    • Australia (up 11,400)
    • China (up 10,000)
    • United States (down 13,100).

    July 2023 saw a boost in overseas visitor arrivals from the United States, coinciding with the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 hosted by New Zealand and Australia.

    Visit Statistics NZ’s website to read this information release:

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: A wet and unseasonably hot September

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    A wet and unseasonably hot September
    A wet and unseasonably hot September
    ************************************

         Mainly attributing to weaker than normal northeast monsoon over southern China, September 2024 was much hotter than usual in Hong Kong. The mean temperature of 29.2 degrees, mean maximum temperature of 32.0 degrees and mean minimum temperature of 26.8 degrees were 1.3 degrees, 1.5 degrees and 0.7 degrees above the respective normals and were respectively the third, one of the fourth and one of the seventh highest for September on record. With stronger than normal troughing flow in the lower atmosphere over the coast of southern China and the northern part of the South China Sea, the month was also cloudier and wetter than usual. The mean amount of cloud in the month was 74 per cent, 8 per cent above the normal of 66 per cent and one of the ninth highest on record for September. The monthly total rainfall was 520.9 millimetres, about 62 per cent above the normal figure of 321.4 millimetres. The accumulated rainfall this year up to September was 2104.3 millimetres, about 6 per cent lower than the normal figure of 2242.8 millimetres for the same period.      Under the influence of an anticyclone aloft, the weather of Hong Kong was very hot with sunny periods during the day on the first four days of the month. High temperatures also triggered thundery showers over the territory from September 2 to 4. The showers were particularly heavy on September 3 and more than 30 millimetres of rainfall were recorded over many places of Hong Kong.       After a quiet period of tropical cyclone activities over the South China Sea in August, an area of low pressure over the seas east of the Philippines intensified into a tropical depression on September 1 and was named Yagi. Yagi moved across Luzon the next day and entered the northern part of the South China Sea on September 3. Moving generally westward across the northern part of the South China Sea, Yagi rapidly intensified from a severe tropical storm to a super typhoon in just 24 hours. Yagi attained its peak intensity with an estimated maximum sustained wind of 230 kilometres per hour near its centre on September 6, making it the second strongest tropical cyclone in the South China Sea since the Observatory’s records began in 1950. After moving across Hainan Island and Beibu Wan, Yagi made landfall over the northern part of Vietnam later on September 7 and progressively weakened into an area of low pressure over the inland areas on September 8.      In Hong Kong, it was still very hot with sunny intervals during the day on September 5. With the approach of Yagi, the weather of Hong Kong deteriorated later on that day and the Observatory issued the first No. 8 Gale or Storm Signal in the year. Strong to gale force winds generally affected the territory with occasional storm force winds on high ground later on September 5 and at first on September 6. With Yagi departing from Hong Kong, local winds moderated later on September 6. The outer rainbands of Yagi brought heavy showers, violent gusts and thunderstorms to Hong Kong on the night of September 5 and the next two days. Violent gusts of around 139 kilometres per hour were once recorded at Central Pier on the night of September 5. More than 100 millimetres of rainfall were recorded over most parts of Hong Kong from September 5 to 7 and rainfall even exceeded 200 millimetres over the northeastern part of the New Territories.      Under the influence of an upper-air disturbance, it was mainly cloudy with occasional heavy showers and thunderstorms on September 8 and 9. The showers were particularly heavy over parts of Sha Tin, Wong Tai Sin and Eastern Districts with more than 80 millimetres of rainfall recorded on these two days. Under light wind conditions, apart from isolated showers and thunderstorms, the weather was generally fine and very hot from September 10 to 13 and the morning of September 14. Thundery showers associated with upper-air disturbances affected the territory on the afternoon of September 14 and more than 50 millimetres of rainfall were recorded over Kowloon. Affected by an upper-air disturbance, the weather was a mixture of sunny periods and showers on September 15 and 16.      The weather was generally fine and very hot during the day from September 17 to 19. With plenty of sunshine, it was extremely hot on September 17, with temperatures at the Observatory rising to a maximum of 35.7 degrees, the highest of the month and also the hottest Mid-Autumn Festival on record. However, thundery showers triggered by high temperatures developed over the coast of eastern Guangdong and moved towards Hong Kong at night, bringing around 30 millimetres of rainfall to many places of the territory.      A broad trough of low pressure lingered over the northern part of the South China Sea and the coast of Guangdong from September 20 to 24, causing local weather to turn cloudy with occasional heavy showers and thunderstorms. The showers were particularly heavy during the day on September 21 when an area of low pressure over the trough moved across Hong Kong, necessitating the issuance of the Red Rainstorm Warning Signal. More than 50 millimetres of rainfall were recorded over many places of the territory and rainfall even exceeded 70 millimetres over Hong Kong Island on that day. The weather remained unsettled in the next few days. More than 100 millimetres of rainfall were generally recorded over the territory and rainfall even exceeded 250 millimetres over most parts of Hong Kong Island from September 20 to 24. Furthermore, a northeast monsoon reached the coast of southern China on September 22 and brought slightly cooler weather to Hong Kong on September 22 and 23. Under the rain and affected by the northeast monsoon, the temperatures at the Observatory dropped to a minimum of 23.4 degrees on the morning of September 23, the lowest of the month.      With the weakening of the trough of low pressure, the showers eased off with sunny periods during the day on September 25. An anticyclone aloft brought generally fine weather on September 26 and 27. Affected by an upper-air disturbance, the weather turned cloudier with more showers on September 28 with severe squally thunderstorms in the afternoon. Waterspout was also reported over the sea area off Hung Hom, the first occurrence in Victoria Harbour according to reports received by the Observatory since 1959. Under the influence of the outer subsiding air of Super Typhoon Krathon, apart from isolated showers, it was generally fine in Hong Kong on the last two days of the month.      Eleven tropical cyclones occurred over the South China Sea and the western North Pacific in September 2024.      Details of issuance and cancellation of various warnings/signals in the month are summarised in Table 1. Monthly meteorological figures and departures from normal for September are tabulated in Table 2.

     
    Ends/Friday, October 4, 2024Issued at HKT 12:15

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: “Roving Exhibition on the 75th Anniversary of the Founding of People’s Republic of China” to be held this Saturday and Sunday

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    “Roving Exhibition on the 75th Anniversary of the Founding of People’s Republic of China” to be held this Saturday and Sunday
    “Roving Exhibition on the 75th Anniversary of the Founding of People’s Republic of China” to be held this Saturday and Sunday
    ******************************************************************************************

    ​The following is issued on behalf of the Committee on the Promotion of Civic Education:           The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau and the Committee on the Promotion of Civic Education (CPCE) will organise the “Roving Exhibition on the 75th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China” (note) this Saturday and Sunday (October 5 and 6) from 11am to 7pm at the Interactive Wall Area, G/F, Central Market. Members of the public are invited to visit.           The Roving Exhibition aims to promote patriotic education and introduce the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, the national flag, the national emblem and the national anthem, major national events in the past 75 years and the country’s latest developments and remarkable achievements. There will also be games and distribution of souvenirs.           An online exhibition is also available and members of the public are welcome to visit the Civic Education Resource Centre website from October 5 onwards.           The CPCE is a non-statutory advisory body. It advises the Government on the promotion of civic education outside schools, launches various publicity and educational programmes in the community, and provides sponsorship to eligible organisations for promoting civic education and national education.           For details, please call 2708 2455 or visit the CPCE’s website.           Note: The panel contents of the exhibition are in Chinese only.

     
    Ends/Friday, October 4, 2024Issued at HKT 11:00

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Jackie Chan stars in panda-themed action comedy

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Internationally known kung fu megastar Jackie Chan stars in a new comedy-action film featuring China’s treasured giant panda while advocating for the beloved species.

    Kung fu star Jackie Chan interacts with the audience at the premiere of “Panda Plan” in Beijing, Sept. 28, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Maoyan Entertainment]

    The new film “Panda Plan,” directed by Zhang Luan, stars Chan as himself alongside actors Wei Xiang, Shi Ce, Andy Friend and Temur Mamisashvili. The story follows Chan as he’s invited to adopt a panda cub at an island wildlife zoo, only to discover a Middle Eastern tycoon has hired mercenaries to kidnap the bear for a $100 million bounty. Chan enlists his agent and the cub’s caretaker in an outrageous adventure to outsmart the villains.

    Chan has long been passionate about giant pandas, often carrying panda plush toys at events, including the Oscars red carpet. Since 2009, he’s served as a panda ambassador for the Chengdu Giant Panda Research and Breeding Base, adopting two pandas and advocating for their protection. He was also previously associated with pandas in Hollywood’s iconic franchise “Kung Fu Panda,” where he voiced the character Monkey in the first three installments. However, he had long hoped to be involved in a Chinese panda film but didn’t know where to start until this project emerged.

    A poster for “Panda Plan.” [Image courtesy of Emei Film Group]

    Initially, Chan refused the role. “The director asked me to play myself in the film. I don’t want to be myself in a film; I want to be somebody, a character, not me,” Chan revealed at a premiere held in Beijing on Sept. 28. However, after reading the script, he agreed, understanding it as family entertainment with interesting ideas.

    “And also, now I do movies with purpose,” Chan said. “I want to make this film to promote this animal, our national treasure, and the culture associated with it. I want more children around the world to know about pandas and discover their cuteness. If you look at it, the giant panda is very Chinese, representing love and peace. This is what the world needs right now.”

    Chan is known for action comedies like “Project A” (1983), its sequel “Project A II” (1987) and “Rob-B-Hood” (2006). “Panda Plan,” initially titled “Project P,” returns to Chan’s classic kung fu comedy roots with nostalgic stunts and hilarious actions. No real pandas were harmed during filming; the panda cub was created using CGI.

    Kung fu star Jackie Chan and the cast and crew pose for a group photo at the “Panda Plan” premiere in Beijing, Sept. 28, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Maoyan Entertainment]

    Playing himself at 70, Chan delivers a heartfelt line in “Panda Plan.”

    “When I was young on set, as soon as I heard the word ‘Action!’ I felt an inexplicable excitement and endless energy throughout my body,” he says in the film. “Later, this ‘Action!’ became my signature, my rallying call, my starting gun. Before I heard ‘Action!’, I was just like you — afraid, feeling pain, and tired. But as soon as I heard ‘Action!’, I became that invincible hero who could conquer the heavens and the earth. Wow, just like that, decades have passed, like a dream. What should I do when I wake up from the dream? I’d just turn over and continue dreaming.”

    “Panda Plan” opened in Chinese theaters nationwide during the weeklong National Day holiday, starting Oct. 1.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Ethiopia lauds Chinese investors for boosting economy, jobs

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The Ethiopian Industrial Parks Development Corporation (IPDC), a public enterprise overseeing the country’s manufacturing sector, has praised Chinese investors for their significant contributions to Ethiopia’s economy and job creation through their operations in the nation’s industrial parks and first free trade zone.

    According to a statement released by the corporation Wednesday, IPDC Chief Executive Officer Fisseha Yitagesu made this remark during discussions with potential Chinese investors keen on entering Ethiopia’s industrial parks.

    Chinese investors form the largest group of foreign investors in the 13 industrial parks and the recently established Dire Dawa Free Trade Zone, which the IPDC manages, Yitagesu said. He added that over 40 Chinese companies operate at full capacity within these parks, creating more than 25,000 jobs, primarily for Ethiopian youth.

    As Africa’s second-most populous country, Ethiopia has demonstrated a strong commitment to deepening its cooperation with China in industrial park development, with the long-term goal of becoming the continent’s manufacturing hub. Recently, the Ethiopian government invited Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers to explore opportunities for producing and assembling EVs in the country.

    Yitagesu encouraged Chinese investors to explore opportunities in Ethiopia’s industrial parks and free trade zone, as the Ethiopian government is focusing on strengthening its manufacturing sector. He also noted the incentive packages and support available to potential investors, which aim to ensure a smooth and swift start to operations for Chinese companies.

    The IPDC, he said, will continue providing support and oversight throughout the investment process.

    According to recent IPDC data, hundreds of local and foreign investors are active in Ethiopia’s industrial parks, many of which were developed by Chinese firms. These facilities have generated both permanent and temporary jobs for over 100,000 Ethiopians.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: New toad species discovered in Guangdong

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    This image shows the habitat of Boulenophrys pepe, a new horned toad species. Chinese researchers have discovered a new horned toad species, which has been named Boulenophrys pepe, in Lianshan Bijiashan Nature Reserve in south China’s Guangdong Province. (Xinhua)

    Chinese researchers have discovered a new horned toad species, which has been named Boulenophrys pepe, in Lianshan Bijiashan Nature Reserve in south China’s Guangdong Province.

    The research findings, led by Guangdong Polytechnic of Environmental Protection Engineering and other institutions, were published in a recent edition of the international academic journal Zootaxa.

    The new species was discovered in evergreen broadleaf forests at altitudes of 490 to 540 meters, where mountain streams and a layer of leaf litter create diverse microhabitat systems.

    The toad, notable for its swollen lips, differs significantly from closely related species in the same area, according to Lin Shishi, a member of the research team.

    Lin noted that Boulenophrys pepe is highly sensitive to changes in the forest ecosystem. The discovery of this new toad species enhances the understanding of biodiversity and shows that China’s conservation efforts to protect mountain forest ecosystems have been very effective, Lin said.

    MIL OSI China News –