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Category: China

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese vice premier calls for application of Green Rural Revival Program experience

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

    Chinese vice premier calls for application of Green Rural Revival Program experience

    HEFEI, Sept. 23 — Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong on Monday said that learning from and applying the experience gained through the Green Rural Revival Program will give full play to the main role of farmers and improve work efficiency in the nation’s efforts to promote comprehensive rural revitalization.

    Liu, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during a meeting held in Hefei, the capital of east China’s Anhui Province, on the experience gained from the Green Rural Revival Program.

    Liu said that the program has involved many innovations in theory, mechanisms and practice, and that applying the experience gained through the program will bring tangible benefits to farmers.

    He also called for more efforts to upgrade entire rural industry chains, carry out rural planning and construction according to local conditions, promote the integrated development of urban and rural areas in counties, and improve the level of governance in rural regions.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Capito, Colleagues Reintroduce Bill to Crack Down on Illicit Drug Analogues

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) joined a bipartisan group of colleagues to reintroduce the Stop Importation and Manufacturing of Synthetic Analogues (SIMSA) Act. The legislation is led by U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.).

    Specifically, the SIMSA Act targets deadly drugs that are substantially similar to already-controlled substances, but carefully engineered—often in China or Mexico—to slip into the U.S. undetected.  

    “Preliminary data from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources shows that fentanyl and fentanyl analogues were involved in approximately 82% of all drug overdose deaths in West Virginia in 2023,” Senator Capito said. “These deadly substances are flowing into our communities from China and across our southern border, and criminals know that they can get around existing law by slightly changing the chemical makeup of a drug while still having the same negative effect on the human body. This legislation will allow for law enforcement to crack down on synthetic drugs and save lives.”

    BACKGROUND:

    U.S. law prohibits the unauthorized use of certain controlled substances. However, illicit drug makers and importers circumvent those laws by altering single atoms in controlled substances to create tweaked drugs that are not yet outlawed, but have similar effects on users. Currently, uncontrolled substances must undergo a time-consuming analysis before the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) can permanently schedule them. 

    Full text of the bill can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China to further promote ties with Maldives: Chinese FM

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

    NEW YORK, Sept. 23 — Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu on Monday met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in New York, during which Wang expressed China’s willingness to continuously promote bilateral relations to new levels.

    Conveying Chinese President Xi Jinping’s cordial greetings to Muizzu at the start of the meeting, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, noted the fact that China and the Maldives are friendly neighbors across the Indian Ocean, recalling the successful state visit by Muizzu to China in January.

    During the state visit, the heads of state announced the elevation of bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, and the two countries will work together to build a community with a shared future, Wang said.

    Thanks to the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China and the Maldives have conducted close exchanges at all levels and promoted practical cooperation, bringing tangible benefits to the Maldivian people, Wang said.

    China and the Maldives have always understood, trusted and supported each other despite the many uncertainties in the region and around the world, and the development of bilateral ties have remained steady and healthy, Wang said.

    China, Wang told Muizzu, is willing to work with the Maldivian side to thoroughly implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and continuously promote the China-Maldives relations to new levels.

    China’s development will enhance the force for peace in the world and augment the strength of developing countries, and will hence bring new opportunities for developing countries like the Maldives, Wang said.

    China-Maldives relations have become an example of countries large and small treating each other equally, helping and supporting each other, and striving for mutual benefits and win-win results, Wang said, adding that it is the wish of China to carry forward its traditional friendship with the Maldives and march alongside the Maldives at the forefront of the endeavor to build a community with a shared future for mankind.

    China will always support the Maldives’ effort to protect its sovereignty independence, territorial integrity and national dignity, and support the Maldives’ search for a development path that suits the country’s reality, Wang said.

    Wang mentioned in particular the development of small island countries, saying that China is willing to lend a helping hand through the Chinese proposal known as the Global Development Initiative, meanwhile coping with challenges such as climate change together with small island countries.

    Muizzu, for his part, asked Wang to convey his best regards to President Xi, expressing his warm congratulations on the 75th anniversary of the founding the People’s Republic of China.

    Muizzu said his historic state visit to China in January was not only a total success that injected vigor into the development of Maldives-China relations, but also a personal honor for himself, as he was the first foreign head of state invited to China by President Xi this year.

    The Maldives, Muizzu stressed, firmly adheres to the one-China policy and supports a series of prominent international cooperation initiatives proposed by the Chinese president.

    Noting the visits by multiple Maldivian ministers to China since the start of this year and the smooth cooperation between the two countries, Muizzu said the Maldivian government and people wholeheartedly thank China for its selfless assistance in the economic and social development of the Maldives.

    The Maldives looks forward to strengthening cooperation with China in the fields of finance, housing, agriculture, infrastructure and tourism, and promoting greater development of bilateral relations.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Peters Applauds New Biden Administration Rule Banning Chinese Vehicle Software and Technologies to Protect National Security

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters

    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) released the following statement on the U.S. Department of Commerce’s new rule banning key Chinese and Russian-controlled software and hardware in vehicles. The proposal would help safeguard American consumers and companies against the national security threat posed by allowing certain vehicles and technologies made by Chinese Community Party-backed (CCP) companies to be imported or sold in the United States:

    “I applaud the Administration for taking this needed step to protect American citizens and critical infrastructure from the serious national security threats posed by Chinese and Russian vehicle components. We simply cannot allow technologies controlled by foreign entities of concern on our roads that are capable of storing and sharing Americans’ personal data, committing espionage, and even manipulating our cars.

    “Vehicle technologies made by Chinese Communist Party-backed companies, assisted by China’s unfair trade practices, also present a real threat to U.S. economic competitiveness, intellectual property, and automotive manufacturing. This rule would help improve the security of the U.S. automotive supply chain and keep Michigan at the forefront of global mobility innovation and the creation more good-paying, union jobs here at home.”

    Peters has consistently worked to combat the national security and economic threats posed by Chinese-made vehicles. Peters recently sent a letter to several Chinese automakers pressing for more transparency into their ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The letter highlighted the significant national security concerns associated with importing vehicles made by companies with CCP ties into the U.S, such as allowing the CCP to access Americans’ sensitive personal data and gathering information about our critical infrastructure by leveraging certain connected vehicle technologies. During a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing earlier this year, Peters urged U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo to ensure the Commerce Department takes further action to combat threats posed by vehicles and high-risk technologies controlled by Chinese Communist Party-backed companies. In March, Peters also wrote a letter to Secretary Raimondo and the United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai highlighting the need for continued application of Section 301 tariffs on Chinese-made vehicles and supporting the Department of Commerce’s announcement of an investigation into the national security concerns posed by Chinese-made vehicles which led to this proposed rule. Peters then applauded the Commerce Department’s decision to raise tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles and other goods across numerous key sectors, including steel and aluminum imports, lithium batteries, critical minerals, solar cells, semiconductors, and medical equipment. 

    Peters has also consistently worked to boost American development of connected vehicles and other critical roadway safety technologies to support Michigan’s auto industry and create good-paying jobs for Michiganders. Last year, Peters – who Chairs the Senate Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Maritime, Freight, and Ports – called on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to allow the deployment of safe, secure Cellular Vehicle to Everything (C-V2X) technology in order to accelerate the use of this lifesaving mobility safety technology and ensure the U.S. does not fall behind other countries in its development and adoption. Following this bipartisan call from Peters, the FCC approved the deployment of C-V2X technology – which is an intelligent transportation system (ITS) technology that enables data sharing between vehicles, the infrastructure they operate on, and nearby road users – improving roadway safety and efficiency. In 2022, Peters welcomed the U.S. Department of Commerce’s $52.2 million investment in the Global Epicenter of Mobility to drive and advance mobility innovation across Michigan’s automotive sector. Peters secured this funding through the American Rescue Plan he helped enact. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep Mike Garcia’s Bipartisan ANCHOR Act Passes House to Upgrade National Security on Research Vessels

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Garcia (CA-25)

    WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Rep. Mike Garcia’s (CA-27) ANCHOR Act, H.R. 7630, a bipartisan bill co-led by Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI-11), passed the House unanimously. This critical legislation facilitates much-needed cybersecurity and telecommunications upgrades for the 17 oceanographic vessels in the U.S. Academic Research Fleet, including three based in California.

    “These ships are vital to our national security and environmental research, but they’re outdated and vulnerable to rising cyber threats from adversaries like Russia and China,” said Rep. Garcia. “The ANCHOR Act is about securing these vessels and making sure they can continue their important missions—whether it’s studying our oceans or supporting our national defense—for years to come.”

    The ANCHOR Act directs the National Science Foundation (NSF) to create a detailed plan within one year to modernize the fleet’s cybersecurity and telecommunications systems and implement it within the following two years and report back to Congress.

    “These vessels have already made significant discoveries, like locating WWII-era munitions off the Los Angeles coast,” said Rep. Garcia. “We’re protecting not just our oceans, but our national interests and future research, ensuring America stays at the forefront of global innovation.”

    The ANCHOR Act is endorsed by leading research institutions, including Scripps Institution of Oceanography and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, and marks a major step forward in securing the tools and technologies critical to our nation’s research and security.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: FS continues to visit Madrid, Spain (with photos/video)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    FS continues to visit Madrid, Spain (with photos/video)
    FS continues to visit Madrid, Spain (with photos/video)
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         ​The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, continued his visit to Madrid, Spain, yesterday (September 23, Madrid time).     Mr Chan visited the Plenary of the City Council of Madrid yesterday and met with its President, Mr Francisco de Borja Fanjul Fernández-Pita. They exchanged views on strengthening co-operation between the two places. Mr Chan presented the latest developments in Hong Kong across various sectors and noted that, with staunch support from the Central Government, the “One Country, Two Systems” arrangement will continue to be implemented in Hong Kong in the long run. He emphasised that Hong Kong will maintain an international, open and friendly business environment practising the common law. Mr Chan expressed hope for enhancing mutually beneficial co-operation in areas such as finance, innovation and technology (I&T), culture, and education. He also welcomed Spanish enterprises to invest in Hong Kong and leverage it to explore the vast markets of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, broader Mainland China, and Asia.     In the afternoon, Mr Chan called on the Chinese Ambassador to Spain, Mr Yao Jing. Mr Chan briefed Ambassador Yao the latest situation in Hong Kong, as well as its development direction and strategies. They had in-depth exchanges on topics including economic and trade co-operation between China and Spain, and promoting collaboration in business and I&T between Hong Kong and Spain.     Mr Chan then met with Mr José Moisés Martín Carretero, the Director General of the Centro para el Desarrollo Tecnológico y la Innovación (CDTI). The CDTI provides funding support for projects aligned with Spain’s I&T development strategy, and promotes technological co-operation between Spain and other countries and regions. Mr Chan highlighted the progress Hong Kong has made in recent years by investing substantially in I&T, and presented the support provided by Hong Kong’s full-spectrum financial services to I&T enterprises and projects at various development stages. They also exchanged ideas on strengthening co-operation on technology projects and the matching of funds with projects.     In the morning, Mr Chan led the delegation of technology startups to visit Wayra, one of Spain’s innovation accelerators and venture capital funds, where he met with its investment team leaders. Through its global network, Wayra helps startups connect with technology and capital worldwide and provides guidance to expand their markets. During the meeting, Wayra’s technology and investment teams introduced the organisation’s operations and development strategies, and both sides discussed ways to promote mutual co-operation. Mr Chan expressed hope that the visit would facilitate better connections between the I&T ecosystems of both places and create more practical collaboration opportunities for their startups.     The Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Dr Peter Lam; the Executive Director of the HKTDC, Ms Margaret Fong; the Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Science and Techlogy Parks Corporation, Mr Albert Wong; the Chief Public Mission Officer of Cyberport, Mr Eric Chan, and the Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Miss Shirley Yung, participated in all or parts of the visit above.     Mr Chan will continue his visit in Madrid today (September 24, Madrid time), including attending a themed business luncheon organised by the HKTDC to promote Hong Kong’s advantages to local political, business, financial, and innovation communities.

     
    Ends/Tuesday, September 24, 2024Issued at HKT 9:00

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: ADB approves $500M loan to support Indonesia’s energy transition

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a 500 million U.S. dollars loan for Indonesia to help the Southeast Asian country accelerate its energy transition agenda, the bank’s official said on Saturday.

    ADB Country Director for Indonesia Jiro Tominaga said in a statement that the loan would support the development of Indonesia’s basic and collaborative policy that would be formulated to identify and address the complex challenges it faces in speeding up the transition into sustainable and clean energy.

    “Indonesia is at a very important junction in its energy transition journey. It has rapid growth of power generation capacity that helps it overcome most of its electricity supply constraints. However, it has also made the country heavily dependent on fossil fuel-based power sources such as coal, gas and diesel,” Tominaga said.

    Therefore, he said, the loan would be mainly used in efforts to build a strong policy and regulatory framework to facilitate the transition to clean energy, strengthen sector governance and financial sustainability, and ensure an equitable and inclusive transition.

    Indonesia, one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of coal, is currently pursuing a reduction of carbon emissions to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s Dunhuang Academy celebrates 80th founding anniversary

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Tourists visit the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, northwest China’s Gansu Province, March 16, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Zhimin)

    China’s Dunhuang Academy, a comprehensive national institution for the conservation, management and research of the world-famous grottoes in Gansu Province, held a meeting on Monday to celebrate the 80th anniversary of its founding.

    The meeting reviewed the history of the Dunhuang Academy over the past eight decades and called for the future high-quality development of the academy.

    While delivering remarks, Xie Bing, deputy head of China’s National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA), praised the academy’s contributions to cultural heritage protection, academic studies and education.

    Xie also urged efforts to promote the innovative transformation and development of Dunhuang’s cultural sector, as well as efforts to foster more talent capable of providing intellectual support to this high-quality development.

    Attendees at the meeting included representatives of the NCHA, relevant government departments in Gansu, and higher education and cultural heritage institutions. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: All-green electricity smart energy service station opens in Xinjiang

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

    An all-green electricity smart energy service station has recently opened in Bole city of Bortala Mongolian autonomous prefecture in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. This station marks a significant achievement in new green comprehensive energy generation, consumption, display, and experience in the prefecture.

    The station features an advanced smart integrated energy production and display system, incorporating a small, intelligent, and comprehensive energy network that integrates power generation, storage, charging, and consumption.

    The station is divided into indoor and outdoor sections, with four functional zones: a green energy production display area, a green energy consumption display and experience area, a smart energy display and interaction area, and a customer service area.

    All the electricity for the station is generated using a combined electricity power generation method, which includes roof photovoltaic panels, photovoltaic curtain walls, and photovoltaic sunflowers. This method achieves zero carbon emissions, providing pure green electricity.

    Wang Yongli, an executive at State Grid Bortala Electric Power Supply Co, mentioned that the data display platform at the station allows customers to clearly see the entire process of electricity generation, storage, and consumption. This enables customers to monitor their electricity usage while charging, making consumption transparent.

    The station not only facilitates new green comprehensive energy production, consumption, and display, but also provides green electricity-related consulting services. Additionally, it offers warm volunteer services for resting, drinking, and charging.

    The company aims to leverage the station’s advantages to enhance green electricity smart energy services and provide high-quality and efficient services to electricity customers, contributing to local economic development.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Permanent basic farmland inquiry platform opens to public

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

    Starting Monday, the public can access information online about the area and location of permanent basic farmland to confirm the nature of cultivated land and report illegal actions, such as any unauthorized changes to the nature of the permanent basic farmland, according to an official from the Ministry of Natural Resources.

    As the permanent basic farmland inquiry platform launches on Monday, the public can now easily access information about the permanent basic farmland through various channels such as the WeChat mini-program, the ministry’s official website, or its app, said Su Qiang, deputy director of the farmland protection supervision department of the ministry, at a news conference in Beijing.

    Citizens are encouraged to report to local county-level natural resources authority when discovering illegal or unauthorized occupation of permanent basic farmland via the platform. The ministry will guide relevant departments at all levels to verify and handle any suspected illegal activities reported by the public, according to Su.

    He added that the rollout of the platform marks the first time at the national level that permanent basic farmland inquiry services are being provided to the public via the internet. The scope of information available for inquiry follows the principle of maximum disclosure, although a small amount of data still requires further processing and refinement. The data will be updated and improved annually to achieve full coverage over time.

    “The rollout of the platform aims to strictly enforce the special protection system for permanent basic farmland, strengthen social supervision, ensure the public’s right to know and supervise, and firmly establish the responsibility for cultivated land protection at all levels,” Su said.

    Permanent basic farmland is high-quality arable land designated by law and plays a crucial role in ensuring national food security. No unit or individual is allowed to occupy or change its use without authorization, according to the Land Administration Law of the People’s Republic of China.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China adds over 30,000 rural place names to protection lists

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    More than 30,000 old rural place names have been added to China’s protection lists since a rural geographic naming project was launched last year, a senior official of the Ministry of Civil Affairs (MCA) said Monday.
    Tang Chengpei, vice minister of civil affairs, said at a press conference that the project, which collects rural place names and inputs them into maps, aimed to improve geographic naming and cultural protection in rural areas.
    As of August this year, the government had standardized the naming of 430,000 locations, installed 330,000 place name signs, and placed 14.42 million building and door plaques in rural areas under the project, Tang said.
    He added that as the project was promoted, more nameless rural places and places with multiple names had obtained their own standardized names.
    The government has also provided guides for online map services to present correct and consistent rural place names, which has facilitated backpacking and road trips in rural areas as well as the delivery of both parcels into villages and rural goods to urban areas, Tang said.
    Benefiting from the naming project, many places have created a range of geographic brands of agricultural products, and rural place naming has been integrated with the development of rural e-commerce and agricultural tourism, he added.
    The MCA announced the launch of the rural place naming project as a measure to advance rural revitalization in May 2023. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s top political advisor urges advancing political consultative conference system

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, presides over a brain-storming session of the Chairpersons’ Council of the CPPCC National Committee and delivers a speech, Sept. 23, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    China’s top political advisor Wang Huning on Monday urged efforts to uphold and advance the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) system and fully tap into the CPPCC’s political strength.
    Wang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, made the remarks while addressing a brain-storming session of the Chairpersons Council of the CPPCC National Committee.
    Wang urged efforts to ensure the integration of Party leadership, the united front and consultative democracy, promote high-quality development of the CPPCC, and give better play to the CPPCC’s role as a specialized consultative body.
    Wang also called for efforts to strengthen confidence in the path, theory, system, and culture of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and to maintain a lively, stable, and united political atmosphere.
    Efforts should be made to deliberate and offer suggestions on advancing Chinese modernization, raise the efficacy of democratic oversight, and refine the working systems and mechanisms of the CPPCC, Wang said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: STL to visit Beijing and Tianjin

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    STL to visit Beijing and Tianjin
    STL to visit Beijing and Tianjin
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         The Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Lam Sai-hung, will leave for a visit to Beijing and Tianjin this evening (September 24).     Mr Lam will attend the Global Sustainable Transport Forum (2024) hosted by the Ministry of Transport of the People’s Republic of China in Beijing tomorrow (September 25), where he will speak at a thematic session. During his visit in Beijing, Mr Lam will also meet with officials of the Ministry of Transport.     Mr Lam will then visit Tianjin to attend the 11th China Air Finance Development (DFTP) Summit and deliver a speech at the opening ceremony on September 26.     He will return to Hong Kong on the evening of September 26. During his absence, the Under Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Liu Chun-san, will be the Acting Secretary for Transport and Logistics.

     
    Ends/Tuesday, September 24, 2024Issued at HKT 10:00

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China to cut mortgage rates for existing home loans

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    This aerial photo taken on July 4, 2023 shows the construction site of a residential housing project in the start-up area in Xiong’an New Area, north China’s Hebei Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China will lower mortgage rates on existing home loans to a level similar to those of newly issued housing loans, Pan Gongsheng, governor of the People’s Bank of China, said on Tuesday.

    The average reduction in mortgage rates for existing home loans is expected to be around 0.5 percentage points, he told a press conference.

    The minimum down payment ratio for both first and second homes will be unified, with the nationwide minimum down payment ratio for second homes to be reduced from 25 percent to 15 percent, Pan said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Number of China’s manufacturing firms tops 6M

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Workers assemble parts at a children wheels factory in Pingxiang County, north China’s Hebei Province, Aug. 19, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China had 6.03 million enterprises in the manufacturing sector as of the end of August, surging 5.53 percent from the end of last year, data showed.

    Among them, 515,300 were related to the strategic emerging industries, accounting for 8.55 percent of the total, according to statistics from the China Organization Data Service.

    The number of manufacturing companies in China’s eastern region totaled 3.87 million, accounting for 64.21 percent of the total. The central region had 1.13 million manufacturing companies, followed by 755,900 and 268,300 in the western and northeastern regions, respectively, by the end of August, the data showed.

    In the first eight months of this year, the number of manufacturing companies in China showed a steady growth trend, with the central region having recorded the fastest growth of 6.55 percent compared to the end of 2023.

    The scale and quality of China’s manufacturing enterprises have gradually improved as policies to promote the optimization and upgrading of economic structure have begun to take effect, it said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Shift toward new engines of growth underway

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Robots work on an assembly line of a factory of a private enterprise in Zouping City, east China’s Shandong Province, Sept. 13, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

    A sustained focus on supporting innovation in strategic emerging sectors, future industries and traditional industries will be high on the agenda as China advances its economic structural reforms, which are aimed at fostering new quality productive forces and driving a shift from old growth drivers to new ones, economists and entrepreneurs said.

    Economists said the new quality productive forces will serve as a key driver for boosting the country’s economic growth in the coming years, which will help offset the real estate downturn, accelerate the building of a modern industrial system and promote high-quality development in the long run.

    Huang Hanquan, head of the Chinese Academy of Macroeconomic Research, said that fostering new quality productive forces is of vital importance in promoting high-quality economic growth, boosting total factor productivity and realizing Chinese modernization.

    “Various regions and departments across China have embraced this approach to drive economic progress, which will significantly accelerate technological innovation, enhance industrial application and facilitate the shift of growth drivers from old to new ones,” Huang said.

    A new report says that despite geopolitical headwinds that are having an impact on China’s economic growth trajectory and momentum, the nation is achieving success by boosting investment in science and technology, as well as by refocusing its efforts to enhance capabilities in emerging industries including artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles and electric vehicles, and this is key to reinvigorating China’s growth engine.

    According to the Milken Institute’s Best-Performing Cities China Index, cities that were home to a significant number of tech hubs displayed a high level of economic resilience. According to the report, Chinese cities that have strategically invested in emerging technologies will continue to thrive, even as the broader economy faces challenges at home and abroad.

    Highlighting that sci-tech innovation is a key element in the development of new quality productive forces, Huang from the Chinese Academy of Macroeconomic Research called for more efforts to achieve breakthroughs in core technologies by investing more in fundamental research and tackling choke points, and by stepping up reforms in the science and technology, education and talent systems.

    More efforts should also be made to advance reforms in the market-based allocation of production factors, allowing factors such as land, labor, capital and technology to flow freely and efficiently to fields of new quality productive forces, he said.

    Looking ahead, Huang said the country should foster new pillar industries, including next-generation information technology, new energy vehicles, new energy and new materials, to offset the impact of the decline in real estate on China’s economy and create new growth drivers.

    Huang’s remarks came after a resolution adopted in July at the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China placed great emphasis on improving the institutions and mechanisms for fostering new quality productive forces in line with local conditions.

    Justin Yifu Lin, dean of Peking University’s Institute of New Structural Economics, said that regions with development gaps should measure their progress compared with their own past rather than shifting their focus to the pursuit of success in frontier activities, which could result in haphazard or uneven development.

    There are two types of new quality productive forces — one that invents new technologies and one that applies them, Lin said. Therefore, applying new technologies in traditional sectors should be treated as part of the drive to harness new quality productive forces, he added.

    “Regions with gaps in development should use new technologies to improve productivity. It’s essential to follow the principle of seeking truth from facts and develop according to competitive advantages,” Lin said.

    China must better leverage the role of the market and tap the opportunity of technological innovation to enhance productivity, especially as it stands at the same starting line with other countries for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which is an opportunity that China “cannot afford to miss”, he said.

    The nation, which recently released a guideline to improve its market access system, is taking solid steps to optimize its business environment and foster new quality productive forces. This marks the country’s key push to implement the resolution adopted at the third plenary session.

    The guideline details 10 measures, including improving the negative list management model, strengthening the coordination of policies for domestic and foreign-funded enterprises, and optimizing the market access environment for new forms of business and new sectors.

    Liu Qiao, dean of Peking University’s Guanghua School of Management, said that high-standard opening-up and deeper institutional reforms will create immense room for improvement in resource allocation efficiency, leading to an increase in the growth rate of total factor productivity.

    Liu noted that the path to new quality productive forces involves expanding into industries and fields that can enhance total factor productivity and form new quality productive forces, adding that there are two paths to achieving this objective.

    “The first route involves leveraging revolutionary technological changes to foster strategic emerging industries and future endeavors, including sectors associated with energy transition and digital transformation, as well as future-oriented industries like quantum computing and AI-driven big data. These will create new momentum, aiding in the acceleration of total factor productivity growth.

    “The second path involves opportunities brought about by China’s transformation and upgrade of traditional industries. Currently, the productivity in China’s agricultural and services sectors, for example, is relatively low, offering significant potential for increasing total factor productivity,” he said.

    Global executives hailed China’s reform initiatives aimed at fostering new quality productive forces, saying that they present opportunities for global stakeholders.

    Nancy Wang, country manager at LinkedIn China, said that China’s vigorous pursuit of new quality productive forces aims to foster an innovation-driven economic growth model centered on technological advancement, sending a signal of China’s readiness to face the challenges of globalization and technological revolution with greater openness, inclusivity and innovation.

    Victor Tsao, vice-president of open-source solutions provider Red Hat and general manager of Red Hat Greater China, said, “We believe that through further deepening reform and opening-up, and optimizing the business environment, China will continue to attract more foreign enterprises.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China makes notable progress via equipment, consumer goods renewal program

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    This photo taken on April 24, 2024 shows a new energy vehicle (NEV) assembly line of BYD, China’s leading NEV manufacturer, at the plant of BYD in Zhengzhou, central China’s Henan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China has made noteworthy progress in promoting large-scale equipment upgrades and consumer goods trade-ins this year, an official said on Monday.

    China unveiled an action plan to implement the renewal program in March 2024 in an effort to expand domestic demand and shore up the economy, and stepped up policy support in July with an extra funds injection of 300 billion yuan (about 42.53 billion U.S. dollars) via ultra-long special treasury bonds.

    Zhao Chenxin, deputy head of the National Development and Reform Commission, cited a string of positive results achieved by the program, highlighting increased equipment manufacturing investment and robust sales of automobiles and home appliances, when addressing a press conference on Monday.

    In the first eight months of 2024, China’s investment in equipment and tool purchases had increased by 16.8 percent year on year — well above the 3.4 percent increase in total fixed-asset investment.

    Retail sales of passenger vehicles in August rose by 10.8 percent compared with the previous month, while new energy vehicle (NEVs) sales increased by 17 percent month on month in August. The market share of NEVs remained above 50 percent for a second consecutive month. Sales of home appliances and audio and video products returned to growth last month, up 3.4 percent year on year.

    Thanks to the renewal program, many enterprises are optimistic about the prospects of sectors related to equipment and consumer goods, leading to brisk investment, Zhao said.

    The program, riding on the great potential of green and digital transition, will provide more impetus to economic sustainability and transformation efforts, Zhao added.

    China’s drive to promote equipment upgrades covers a wide range of areas including industrial equipment, environmental infrastructure, operating vessels, new energy buses and agricultural machinery, while consumer goods trade-ins involve products ranging from automobiles to home appliances and electric bicycles.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China to cut reserve requirement ratio in near future

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China will cut the reserve requirement ratio by 0.5 percentage points in the near future, providing about 1 trillion yuan (about 141.78 billion U.S. dollars) in long-term liquidity to the financial market, Pan Gongsheng, governor of the People’s Bank of China, said Tuesday.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: New index to help cultivate new quality productive forces

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The China Securities Index Co., Ltd. (CSI) officially launched a new stock index, CSI A500, on Monday.

    The index tracks 500 securities with large market values to reflect the overall stock performance of the listed companies most representative of China’s various industries, according to the company.

    With a sample selection including leading companies in emerging industries such as information technology and biomedicine, the index is expected to help channel funds toward the cultivation of new quality productive forces.

    Screening criteria, including connectivity and ESG (environmental, social and governance), have been included when compiling the index to facilitate medium- and long-term domestic and foreign capital allocation to A-share assets, according to the company.

    The first batch of 10 exchange-traded funds tracking the index were launched on Sept. 10.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Beijing boosts Central Axis protection with digital tech

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    This photo taken on Aug. 12, 2024 shows the Drum Tower seen from the Jingshan Hill on the Beijing Central Axis on a sunny day in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

    At the recently concluded 2024 Beijing Culture Forum on Sept. 21, Beijing Central Axis garnered widespread attention as a prime example of how digital technologies can revitalize and preserve cultural heritage.

    The forum, themed “Deepening Cultural Exchange to Achieve Common Progress,” saw over 800 guests from China and abroad gather in Beijing. With over 700 years of history, Beijing Central Axis embodies the city’s memory and its rich civilization. Its heritage value and preservation efforts have become focal points of discussion during the forum.

    Stretching 7.8 km from Yongding Gate in the south to the Bell and Drum Towers in the north, the Beijing Central Axis was constructed based on ancient architectural philosophies to create an ideal layout for a capital city. In July, it was listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

    Cultural heritage preservation requires both reverence for history and a spirit of innovation. The cultural essence of the heritage sites should be integrated into everyday life, enhancing the public’s spiritual well-being, said Sun Xinjun, Party secretary of the Dongcheng District of Beijing.

    Whether it is the digital bell at the Bell and Drum Towers that uses light and shadow to capture the passage of time, or the contemporary interpretations of traditional opera in Qianmen Street, Beijing has brought its historical legacy to the public in more dynamic forms in recent years. This has allowed people to experience the charm of cultural heritage through immersive interactions.

    The inscription of Beijing Central Axis on the UNESCO World Heritage List has opened up new perspectives on urban heritage. Beijing Central Axis demonstrated the lasting vitality of traditional urban planning while urban heritage protection policies must consider the dynamic evolution of cities in response to changing needs, according to Jad Tabet, president of the Association of Architects and Engineers of Arab Countries.

    The participants at the forum agreed that digitization is an effective way to revitalize cultural heritage. Beijing’s status as a global leader in the digital economy can be leveraged by applying technologies like artificial intelligence and digital twins to enhance the preservation and transmission of Beijing Central Axis.

    Chinese tech giant Tencent recreated the core heritage area of the central axis with a digital microcosm encompassing approximately 300,000 plants and 2.2 million buildings. Through a mobile mini-program called “Digital Central Axis,” users can embark on an immersive journey of the region, guided by virtual characters.

    Notably, the mini program also provides a platform for the Digital Watchman project, an innovative crowdsourced conservation initiative launched in December 2023. By simply scanning QR codes, taking photos and uploading inspection reports through the mini program, locals and visitors can become citizen stewards, logging signs of deterioration or damage.

    The rapid development of digital technology has brought new opportunities for cultural inheritance. Tencent’s “Digital Central Axis” project has played a key role in Beijing’s application for World Heritage status, with digitization becoming an essential innovation and hallmark of the application, said Chen Juhong, vice president of Tencent.

    While in the view of Roman Jeannaeu, chairman of the organizing committee of the Sunny Side of the Doc, audiovisual media are a powerful means of promoting cultural heritage. China’s vast and diverse cultural heritage holds tremendous potential for global exposure. It is hoped that there will be more international documentaries focusing on Beijing Central Axis in the years to come. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Mid-autumn concert celebrates China-Greece ties

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Thirty-six Chinese and Greek musicians came together Sunday evening to perform classical and contemporary music in celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival, creating a new bridge of communication between the two countries.

    “The Moon” was the theme of the event featuring musical pieces by composers such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven, alongside works by 20th-century Greek composer Manos Hatzidakis.

    The event was co-organized by the Athens Conservatoire and the Athens State Orchestra.

    This was not the first time the Athens State Orchestra has collaborated with Chinese artists in recent years. However, each occasion brings additional steps toward deepening bilateral understanding through art, members of the orchestra told Xinhua.

    This time, the Athens State Orchestra was conducted by Chinese maestro Qian Junping. The audience was captivated by their surprise performance of the traditional Chinese song “Green Willow” at the closing.

    “We had a wonderful collaboration, and we hope to meet again. I also hope the Chinese audience appreciated our effort to perform the Chinese song,” said Manos Gouvelis, who played the viola.

    “We had limited time to practice together, but we all gave our best, and I believe the outcome was positive,” said violinist Faidon Miliadis.

    “The audience responded very positively, and I enjoyed it immensely,” conductor Qian Junping told Xinhua. This marked his third visit to Greece since 2016 to perform and collaborate with Greek musicians.

    For Chinese violinist Weng Qingzhu, this was his first visit to Greece. He performed the “Polonaise in D Major” by Henryk Wieniawski, accompanied by Chinese pianist Yu Hanwen.

    “It was a wonderful atmosphere. The audience was very welcoming, and I felt that they enjoyed the piece, which features Chinese elements,” Weng said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China, Switzerland begin free trade upgrade talks

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    This aerial photo shows a cargo ship at a smart container terminal of Tianjin Port in north China’s Tianjin, July 7, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China and Switzerland on Monday began negotiations on an upgrade of the Sino-Swiss free trade agreement (FTA), with both sides agreeing to intensify consultations and reach a high-level upgrade agreement as soon as possible on the basis of mutual benefits.

    The Chinese Ministry of Commerce said in a statement that Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao and Guy Parmelin, Swiss federal councilor and head of the Swiss Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research, announced the launch of talks through a livestream.

    Wang said that since it came into effect 10 years ago, the Sino-Swiss FTA has played a positive role in promoting the growth of bilateral trade, and enterprises in both countries have truly benefited.

    Upgrading the FTA will help expand bilateral trade and boost two-way investment, and promote the upgrading of economic and trade cooperation between the two countries, Wang said, adding that it will also showcase the two countries’ support for free trade and openness to the outside world at a time when economic globalization is encountering headwinds.

    Parmelin said that with trade protectionism on the rise globally, it is of great significance that China and Switzerland have launched their FTA upgrade negotiations. It shows that the two countries are always committed to building an open, standardized environment for international economic and trade cooperation, and it has sent a positive signal to the outside world that the two countries will deepen cooperation, he added.

    The Sino-Swiss FTA was signed in July 2013 and came into effect in July 2014.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Manufacturing convention drives future industry innovations

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Qijiang-2 humanoid robot hands an orange to a visitor at the 2024 World Manufacturing Convention in Hefei, east China’s Anhui Province, Sept. 20, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The 2024 World Manufacturing Convention concluded Monday with a showcase of cutting-edge technologies and pivotal agreements that are set to drive the evolution of future industries.

    The convention, which brought together industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers from across the globe, highlighted the critical role of innovation in shaping the next generation of manufacturing.

    Throughout the four-day convention held in Hefei, capital of east China’s Anhui Province, a total of 718 investment projects worth 369.2 billion yuan (about 52 billion U.S. dollars) have been signed, underscoring strong collaboration in fields such as artificial intelligence, green technology and advanced manufacturing.

    Among the most notable was a partnership agreement between Hefei and Chinese drone maker EHang, which focused on the operations and sales of the company’s passenger-carrying autonomous aerial vehicles in east China.

    In addition, a cooperation agreement on the production of high efficiency cadmium telluride thin film solar cells was also inked at the convention.

    This type of cell has a much lower production cost compared to crystalline silicon and other solar cells. Additionally, their spectrum is the most consistent with sunlight, allowing them to absorb some 95 percent of sunlight.

    A highlight of the event was the display of several groundbreaking products and technologies that are poised to reshape the manufacturing landscape. Humanoid robots that can mimic human movements with remarkable precision were prominently featured.

    One of the standout presentations came from the Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Humanoid Robots, which introduced the Qijiang-2 humanoid robot capable of performing delicate tasks such as folding clothes, opening bottles, wiping dishes and navigating uneven terrain.

    “In the future, these humanoid robots will be able to adapt to both industrial production and elderly care scenarios, serving as robot workers and caregivers,” said Liu Houde, director of the laboratory.

    The convention not only served as a platform for technological advancements but also offered an immersive experience.

    At the convention’s outdoor exhibition area, visitors were enthralled by an unmanned sightseeing bus equipped with Shine Auto’s self-developed autonomous driving technology.

    They can either scan a QR code to board or reserve a ride through a WeChat mini program, with the option to disembark at multiple sightseeing stops.

    “The future of automobiles will undoubtedly enter the era of autonomous driving. Cars are no longer just a means of transportation, they have also become intelligent mobile terminals, transforming into mobile spaces that make life better,” said Zhou Ji, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Kashgar transforms into unique tourist destination blending history, modernity

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

    Kashgar transforms into unique tourist destination blending history, modernity

    Updated: September 24, 2024 10:00 Xinhua
    Tourists select leather bags in the ancient city of Kashgar, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 19, 2024. The ancient city of Kashgar, located in southwestern Xinjiang, served as a vital transportation hub connecting China with Central Asia and South Asia in ancient times. The confluence of diverse ethnic cultures in this region has given rise to a wealth of historical and cultural treasures. Today, Kashgar has harnessed its cultural and geographical advantages, transforming into a unique tourist destination that blends history and modernity. In the first eight months of 2024, Kashgar received over 19.5 million domestic tourists, an increase of 29.46 percent year-on-year, and generated tourism revenue of nearly 15.35 billion yuan (about 2.18 billion U.S. dollars), up 38.83 percent. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A tourist poses for a photo in the ancient city of Kashgar, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 19, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Local residents enjoy their leisure time in the ancient city of Kashgar, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 19, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A tourist tries a headdress in the ancient city of Kashgar, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 19, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An ice cream maker gives a tourist her ice cream through magic tricks in the ancient city of Kashgar, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 19, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists visit a local residential building with more than 300 years of history in the ancient city of Kashgar, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 19, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A tourist buys local snacks in the ancient city of Kashgar, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 19, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists visit the ancient city of Kashgar in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 19, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Copper wares are pictured in the ancient city of Kashgar, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 19, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A tourist buys pomegranate juice in the ancient city of Kashgar, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 19, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A tourist selects wool carpets in the ancient city of Kashgar, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 19, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A local cook introduces his food to tourists in the ancient city of Kashgar, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 19, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China to cut reserve requirement ratio in near future: central bank governor

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

    BEIJING, Sept. 24 — China will cut the reserve requirement ratio by 0.5 percentage points in the near future, providing about 1 trillion yuan (about 141.78 billion U.S. dollars) in long-term liquidity to the financial market, Pan Gongsheng, governor of the People’s Bank of China, said Tuesday.

    Depending on the liquidity situation in the market, RRR may be further lowered by 0.25 to 0.5 percentage points within the year, Pan told a press conference.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SCST visits Sichuan

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    SCST visits Sichuan
    SCST visits Sichuan
    *******************

         ​The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, is on his way to Chengdu, Sichuan, this morning (September 24), where he has been invited by the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda to attend the ceremony seeing off the two giant pandas “An An” and “Ke Ke”. The Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Mickey Lai, and representatives from Ocean Park Hong Kong are also joining the visit.           During his stay in Sichuan, Mr Yeung will visit the heritage sites and arts and cultural facilities in Chengdu to learn about the integrated development of culture and tourism, as well as the promotion of tourism development.           Mr Yeung will depart from Sichuan for Hong Kong on the evening of September 25. During his absence, the Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Raistlin Lau, will be the Acting Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism.

     
    Ends/Tuesday, September 24, 2024Issued at HKT 10:22

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Registration to activities at Maritime Carnival in celebration of National Day begins today

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Registration to activities at Maritime Carnival in celebration of National Day begins today
    Registration to activities at Maritime Carnival in celebration of National Day begins today
    ******************************************************************************************

         To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the Marine Department (MD) will organise a Maritime Carnival at the Hong Kong Maritime Museum (HKMM) at Central Pier No. 8 on October 6 (Sunday). Through a series of family-friendly activities and display panels, the carnival aims to enrich public’s understanding about the development of maritime industry as well as to promote patriotic education.     The carnival will be held from 10.30am to 7pm and highlights will include two demonstrations of marine refuse and oil cleansing at 11.30am and 4pm, as well as shipboard visits to the MD’s newly launched vessels, patrol launch “MARINE 1” and hydrographic survey vessel “HYDRO 2”. The vessel visits will provide members of the public with a rare opportunity to view the equipment of the operation vessels up close. In addition, ship-handling simulator will also be set up at the HKMM to provide citizens with an immersive opportunity to navigate a virtual boat journey through Hong Kong waters.     Persons interested in participating either the shipboard visits to the MD’s vessels or trying out the ship-handling simulator can register at the respective website starting from today (September 24) till 11.59pm on September 29 (Sunday). The registration form for shipboard visits can be found at the website forms.gle/GAFcfk3Sdmynbiw66, and for the ship-handling simulator at forms.gle/X6gcLwfVFFs5syDw8. Registration is free and on a first-come, first-served basis. Successful registrants will receive a confirmation email on or before October 4.     Other interesting activities of the carnival include demonstrations of unmanned underwater system challenge, marine movie screenings, tattoo sticker experience, maritime-themed talks, game booths and guided tours to the HKMM.      All activities of the Maritime Carnival are free of charge. For more information about the carnival, please visit the website: www.hkmaritimemuseum.org/event-details/celebrating-the-75th-anniversary-of-the-founding-of-the-peoples-republic-of-china-maritime-carnival. For enquiries, please contact the HKMM at 3713 2500 during office hours.     Should there be adverse weather, for example, the Standby Signal No.1 or Red Rainstorm Signal to be issued by the Hong Kong Observatory at 8am on the event day, or the relevant signal is still in force at 8am on the event day, the Maritime Carnival will be rescheduled to October 13 for safety reason. Visitors should regularly check the HKMM’s website www.hkmaritimemuseum.org/ for the latest information. 

     
    Ends/Tuesday, September 24, 2024Issued at HKT 10:18

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Plateau care center offers homely comfort to orphans, elderly

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Tsechok Dorje (1st L) and Tsering Drolma (2nd R) pose for a photo at a care center in Ngari Prefecture, southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, Sept. 14, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Seeing Tsechok Dorje’s scar on the right side of his face, Tsering Drolma couldn’t help but feel heartbroken, with tears welling up in her eyes.
    Several days ago, the eighth grader accidentally fell onto a heater and injured his face at school. When a teacher called Tsering Drolma about the accident, she was so panicked that she immediately asked her husband to drive her to the hospital to check on Tsechok Dorje’s condition.
    “I dared not be present while he was receiving treatment,” said Tsering Drolma, 36. “Luckily, his eyes are fine. Otherwise, I would feel guilty for the rest of my life.”
    Tsering Drolma is not Tsechok Dorje’s biological mother, but a Tibetan worker at a care center in Ngari Prefecture, southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region. She serves as a custodian-like “mother” of 12 orphans, including Tsechok Dorje.
    Sheltering 81 children and 54 elderly people without any family members or living with disabilities, the care center combines the functions of an orphanage and a nursing home, with workers serving like family members and creating an atmosphere like a big family.
    Tsering Drolma still remembers when Tsechok Dorje first arrived there two years ago. “Back then, he was still immersed in the sorrow of losing his loved ones. He would often sit alone in the corner without uttering a word,” Tsering Drolma recalled.
    To help him embrace the new environment, the workers in the care center often took him out to play, made his favorite meals for him and helped him study. These acts of affection and care have gradually transformed him, turning his quiet and reserved persona into a sociable and outgoing one.
    In addition to helping his “mother” take care of the younger children, Tsechok Dorje also shares what happened in school as well as his observations during a museum visit with his “siblings.” Over the two years, his academic performance has also significantly improved.
    To better take care of the children, Tsering Drolma often attends various training sessions, including caring for the orphaned and children living with disabilities, performing first aid and preparing nutritious meals. “Our only wish is for these children to grow up healthy and happy,” she said.
    The care center was established in 2015 under the support of central and regional governments and the donation of an insurance company, with a total spending of more than 58 million yuan (about 8.2 million U.S. dollars). The center has facilities including a massage therapy room, a dining hall and a laundry room. It also gives allowance to elderly people and children every month.
    Compared with the traditional charity institutions that separate children and elderly people, the two-in-one care center offers space as well as an atmosphere for social interactions like a big family, said Jampel, the legal representative of the center, adding that they also organize galas during festivals such as the Tibetan New Year.
    After a cup of buttered tea in the morning, Tseten, 83, likes to go to the sunlight hall during the weekends, with children surrounding him to hear his stories about his misery in the past when he was a serf.
    “I used to be whipped hard by the master for losing a yak. I had no time to wait for my wounds to heal and had to stand on my feet the next day to herd cattle,” said Tseten, who has been living in the center since 2016.
    Tseten was in a wheelchair due to his bad knees when he first arrived there. Now, with years of meticulous care and treatment from doctors from a Tibetan medicinal hospital and nurse assistants in the care center, he is able to walk without a cane.
    Lhadro, a nursing assistant, is responsible for caring for Tseten and five other elderly people. In addition to bringing buttered tea, doing the laundry and changing sheets regularly for them, she conducts massage therapies and applies Tibetan medicine for external use on them based on doctors’ prescriptions.
    “Seeing the elderly gradually regain their health, I have a great sense of achievement,” said Lhadro.
    In recent years, a total of 80 nursing homes for elderly people with extreme financial difficulties have been built in Xizang. By the end of 2022, more than 5,800 elderly people in extreme financial difficulty had been cared for at nursing homes with government support, according to government figures.
    A soccer player at school, Tsechok Dorje likes wearing his training vest even at “home” and dreams of becoming a professional soccer player when he grows up. On a wall in his room, where four children live in bunk beds, is a poster of the Brazilian soccer player Neymar.
    “I hope I can play soccer as well as Neymar someday,” Tsechok Dorje said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Hungary, China vow to deepen cooperation on green finance

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Delegates attend a panel discussion during the Budapest Renminbi (RMB) Initiative Conference 2024 in Budapest, Hungary on Sept. 23, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Hungary and China have agreed to strengthen financial cooperation and promote green finance at the Budapest Renminbi (RMB) Initiative Conference 2024 in Budapest on Monday.

    At the conference, co-hosted by the National Bank of Hungary (MNB) and the Bank of China, Barnabas Virag, deputy governor of MNB highlighted the importance of the initiative in fostering Hungary-China relations and supporting sustainable investments.

    “The Budapest Renminbi Initiative, launched in 2015, has been instrumental in deepening financial and economic ties between China and Hungary,” he said, adding that “this year, our focus is on green finance and the internalization of the RMB, two crucial areas for the future of our economies.”

    Virag spoke highly of China’s strides in developing its green finance market, citing the issuance of green bonds and the financing of environmentally sustainable projects, a trend that Hungary is also embracing.

    He also underscored the role of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in promoting sustainable development. “As the BRI evolves, its potential to promote sustainable future-proof investment is becoming increasingly clear. By aligning BRI projects with green finance principles, we can ensure that economic growth driven by the initiative is both inclusive and responsible,” Virag noted.

    The BRI, which Hungary joined in 2015, has bolstered infrastructure projects and increased trade between the two countries, said Virag at the conference, which is also part of celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

    Yang Chao, minister counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Hungary, said the conference is a significant step toward expanding RMB cooperation and promoting green finance.

    “China and Hungary share similar development concepts and policy goals. We hope to expand the breadth and depth of RMB cooperation and elevate financial cooperation to new heights under the Belt and Road framework,” Yang added.

    The first half of 2024 saw robust growth in cross-border RMB settlements between China and Hungary. The Bank of China processed a total of 26.4 billion yuan in settlements through its domestic and Hungarian branches.

    Lin Jingzhen, executive director and vice president of the Bank of China, said that after more than a decade of development, the global influence of the RMB has continued to expand.

    “The Bank of China will continue to improve its green financial products and services, fully supporting Hungary and Central and Eastern European customers in implementing green strategies,” Lin noted.

    Li Kexin, chief executive officer of the Bank of China (Central and Eastern Europe) Ltd., also reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to green finance, saying that the Bank of China helped Hungary issue 1 billion yuan in green sovereign panda bonds in 2021 and 2 billion yuan in 2022.

    This year, the Hungarian branch also issued 500 million U.S. dollars in sustainable development bonds as part of the Belt and Road Initiative, Li said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China will follow WTO rules to handle EU’s challenge of dairy products anti-subsidy probe

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOC) on Monday said that it has received the consultation request that the European Union (EU) issued through the World Trade Organization (WTO) regarding China’s anti-subsidy investigation into imports of EU dairy products.

    In a statement, the MOC said China regrets that the EU has challenged the case through the WTO dispute settlement mechanism, but the country will handle the challenge in accordance with relevant WTO rules.

    “As a member of the WTO, China has always used trade remedy measures with caution and restraint to safeguard fair and free trade,” the statement said.

    It noted that China launched its anti-subsidy investigation into EU dairy products in accordance with Chinese laws and in response to an application from the domestic industry, and that the Chinese government has a responsibility to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of its domestic industries.

    Last month, China launched the anti-subsidy investigation into certain dairy products imported from the EU. It will look into products such as fresh cheese, curd and blue cheese. It will also examine any damage brought to related Chinese industries from Jan. 1, 2020, to March 31, 2024, according to the commerce ministry.

    MIL OSI China News –