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Category: China

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s vehicle software market exceeds 65 bln yuan: report

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China’s vehicle software market is worth more than 65 billion yuan (about 9.2 billion U.S. dollars), accounting for 30 percent of the country’s total software market, according to a report released on Friday.

    The report on the development of new quality productive force in China’s automobile industry was jointly published by China Automotive Engineering Research Institute Co., Ltd and China Economic Information Service. It was released during the Automobile New Quality Productive Force Development Forum held in Chongqing Municipality on Friday.

    “The first half of the car industry development is electrification. It is now time for it to enter the second half, featuring intelligent technologies, with the software, operating systems and car chips as the core,” said Xu Haidong, deputy chief engineer of the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.

    He added that vehicle software can precisely manage the entire car, including its facilities, driving and communication capabilities.

    The report also pointed out that the localization rate of automobile chips is on the rise as enterprises such as Huawei are making headway in chip development. The localization rate of power semiconductors has risen to 15 percent to 20 percent.

    The automobile industry is one of major pillars of China’s economy, with the gross output of the whole industrial chain of automobiles contributing 10 percent to the country’s gross domestic product, according to the report. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Japanese schoolboy mourned in Shenzhen, attack believed to be ‘isolated incident’

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    The death of a 10-year-old Japanese boy stabbed on his way to school in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen has sparked public grief and condemnation, while police have detained a 44-year-old male suspect who was caught at the attack scene.
    On Thursday evening, some local citizens laid flowers near the Japanese school where the boy was enrolled, expressing both anger and sorrow over the attack, according to local media reports. One message on a bouquet read: “The boy lived and studied here. He was a child of Shenzhen, regardless of his nationality.”
    According to local media reports, the boy, a Japanese national born to a Japanese father and a Chinese mother, was stabbed by the suspect who was only identified by his surname Zhong at 7:55 a.m. on Wednesday. The boy was rushed to the hospital and succumbed to injuries early on Thursday.
    “Our medical staff immediately took several emergency measures. We restored his heartbeat and put him in surgery,” Ma Xiaopeng, head of the doctors’ team and president of Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, was quoted as saying. “A team of specialists made every possible effort to save him, but unfortunately, due to the severity of injuries, the boy was pronounced dead at 1:36 a.m. on Thursday.”
    Local police said that the investigation into the case is still ongoing, and initial findings showed it was an “isolated incident.”
    In response to the stabbing, local public security and education authorities in Shenzhen have heightened security measures around schools and other public venues.
    The city has pledged to take further steps to safeguard the lives, property and legal rights of everyone there, including foreign nationals.
    The education department in Nanshan District, where the school is located, has also established a psychological counseling team for students of the school, which serves Japanese nationals living in Shenzhen and its surrounding areas.
    “We regret and are saddened by this tragic incident. We mourn for the passing of the boy and our hearts go out to his family,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Thursday.
    “The Chinese government never allows any illegal or violent activities and will conduct an investigation into the case and bring the criminal to justice in accordance with law,” Lin said. “We believe individual cases will not affect exchanges and cooperation between China and Japan.” 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s political advisory body turns 75

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    There is some good news for farmers in Yinjiayuan, a village in Jiangsu Province, east China. The cost of watering their land has dropped by 20 percent, and pump malfunctions have significantly decreased — all thanks to a local political advisor.
    Shi Weidong is a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the country’s political advisory body. As former president of Nantong University in Jiangsu, he is also an expert on fluid machinery.
    In 2023, Shi submitted a proposal through the CPPCC highlighting the advantages of using a digital twin platform — a virtual replica of physical systems — to improve the precision and efficiency of pump management. His suggestion resonated with a nationwide initiative to invest heavily in extensive water conservancy infrastructure. That year alone, the country began the construction of 23,000 water supply facilities in its rural areas.
    Shi’s proposal provides a glimpse into the important role of the CPPCC as an institutional platform for consultative democracy, an essential element of China’s political system, alongside electoral democracy. According to political scientists, these two complimentary facets of socialist democracy allow China to better pool wisdom and strengths for the overarching endeavor of modernization.
    Consultative democracy takes many forms in China. For example, the government listens to ideas and opinions from all sectors throughout the processes of planning, decision-making and administration. With the CPPCC celebrating an important anniversary this year, many will be reviewing its crucial role and growing list of accomplishments.
    Effective democracy
    The CPPCC plays vital roles in multiparty cooperation and political consultation under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Its members are drawn from political parties, people’s organizations, personages without party affiliation and various sectors of society. Among the CPPCC’s diverse membership are political figures, celebrities and experts. Shi himself is a member of the Jiusan Society, a political party primarily composed of scientists and researchers.
    This year marks the 75th anniversary of the CPPCC. On Sept. 21, 1949, driven by great hopes for a bright future, more than 600 deputies from various sectors overcame obstacles to gather in Beijing.
    Decades later, the CPPCC has now transformed and improved itself to play a more effective role in state governance.
    One of its most notable recent developments is the addition of the environment and resource sector to the CPPCC National Committee in 2023. This is one of the biggest changes to the Committee’s composition in 30 years. The last such adjustment was the establishment of the economic sector in 1993.
    Over the past decade, China has undergone comprehensive changes in ecological and environmental protection. The country is making unprecedented efforts to conserve its ecology. The establishment of a new sector dedicated to this initiative would help pool efforts, facilitate research and promote consultation, said experts on the CPPCC.
    Moreover, the consultation topics have evolved over time to address emerging national challenges and public concerns.
    Zhang Yi, a national political advisor from Shanghai, has closely examined the ethical and judicial implications of algorithms.
    A partner at the law firm King & Wood Mallesons, Zhang represents the country’s new social groups.
    Zhang submitted a proposal in March on AI algorithms governance. He recently presented a report on social trends and public sentiment regarding privacy protection. “It’s great to see how my work as a political advisor turns into policies and measures that really push forward the development of the economy and society,” he said.
    Strengthening the foundations 
    The CPPCC is also improving its foundational elements — institutions, standards and procedures — to facilitate in-depth consultations.
    Earlier this month, municipal political advisors in Beijing met to discuss how the integration of AI and digital technologies could help the city respond to natural disasters and workplace accidents. It was one of 12 key topics highlighted by the municipal CPC committee and government to be included on the consultation and deliberation agenda this year.
    In the summer of 2023, Beijing experienced its heaviest rainfall in more than 140 years. This year, heavy rain and gales battered the city again, uprooting trees and causing chaos across the urban road network.
    Political advisors began their investigation and research in March. It included 14 collective and group studies, 13 discussions, as well as fact-finding trips to Fujian and Guangdong provinces, which were attended by non-CPC political party members, scholars and experts.
    A vice mayor overseeing city administration, traffic, agriculture and rural areas attended a session on Sept. 6 to gather advice. Along with him were officials from departments including water resources, emergency response, digital resources, firefighting and meteorology.
    Wei Xiaodong, chairman of the CPPCC Beijing municipal committee, encouraged participants to speak openly about issues and provide advice tailored to reality.
    While most speakers focused on the application of technologies, Zhang Chengfu, a professor at the School of Public Administration and Policy, Renmin University of China, cautioned against inappropriate development practices and over-reliance on technology.
    A final report incorporating the session’s advice is expected to feed into a government plan to enhance the city’s emergency response capabilities for the next three years.
    Greater solidarity 
    As a legacy of the CPC’s cooperation with other political parties and social stakeholders during the revolutionary years, the CPPCC is also the patriotic united front’s most inclusive organization.
    China is currently undergoing profound changes in areas such as social structure, relations between strata, and ways of thinking. Coupled with drastic global shifts, these factors have made it more challenging for the country to foster unity and pool strength.
    On March 5, 2023, new leaders of non-CPC political parties and the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce made a collective debut at a press conference during the first plenary session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee. They pledged to stand in solidarity with the CPC through thick and thin, and build China into a modern socialist country in all respects.
    Political advisors are also key in ensuring that the frank exchange of views that build consensus and fortify unity occurs at the grassroots.
    In Shanghai, they set up tables in the open air to collect public opinions about the renovation of a decades-old plaza in 2023. They also engaged with neighborhood leaders and posted topics online.
    When streetlights were swiftly installed on the plaza at the request of elderly residents, “people realized that authorities are serious about their opinions,” said district political advisor Li Peilei.
    The prompt resolution to a community issue inspired more members of the public to get involved in decisions regarding the plaza’s logo and facilities. The plaza has now been completely revamped. More importantly, residents were made aware of the value that consultation plays in such processes.
    During a 2018 trip to a village in Chongqing, in southwest China, entrepreneur Shan Yi was struck by the stark contrast of cement houses among hundreds of stilted wooden homes — the traditional residence of the Tujia people. This jarring sight, coupled with stagnating local tourism due to poor management and inadequate facilities, inspired him to take action.
    Shan himself identifies as Tujia and runs a domestic services company in town. Leaving his business in his wife’s care, Shan moved to the village. He soon set to work building a museum showcasing Tujia architecture and opened stilt-house homestays to explore successful models.
    So far, the mu
    seum, featuring traditional structures, including residences and academies, is starting to take shape along the bank of a broad, winding river. And the village received over 50,000 visits in the first half of the year, generating more than 20 million yuan (around 2.8 million U.S. dollars) in revenue.
    “Personal and family comfort aside, you’ve got to do something for society one way or another,” said Shan, who became a political advisor last year.
    The CPPCC is also reaching out to the younger generation. For example, two students sat in on the session of political advisors of Beijing on emergency response on Sept. 6.
    It was part of an experimental program that invites students from middle school to university to observe the CPPCC sessions.
    Qi Xin, a sophomore at Miyun High School Affiliated with Capital Normal University, has a keen interest in public governance. He signed up as soon as he learned about the opportunity.
    “I noticed how CPPCC members shared the realities of their communities,” he said. “The will of the people is respected and reflected here.” 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: PLA to resolutely defeat any ‘Taiwan independence’ attempt: defense spokesperson

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) will take decisive measures to resolutely defeat any separatist attempt for “Taiwan independence,” said a Chinese defense spokesperson on Friday.
    In response to a query concerning recent U.S. plans to sell arms to Taiwan, Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, said the PLA would continue to step up military training and improve combat preparedness.
    “We urge the U.S. side to earnestly honor its commitment of not supporting ‘Taiwan independence,’ and stop arming Taiwan in any form,” Zhang added.
    Voicing strong dissatisfaction with and firm opposition to the plan, Zhang said it severely violates the one-China principle and the provisions of the three China-U.S. joint communiques.
    He stressed that “Taiwan independence” is the most toxic tumor to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and the Taiwan question is the first red line that must not be crossed in China-U.S. relations.
    “The U.S. side has sent a seriously wrong signal to the separatist forces for ‘Taiwan independence,’ which is gradually pushing Taiwan to the danger of a treacherous war, and escalating tensions over the Taiwan Strait,” he noted.
    The security of Taiwan depends on the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, Zhang stressed, adding that U.S.-made weapons are not a shield for the Democratic Progressive Party authorities in Taiwan, but will rather hasten their own destruction. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DEMS attends International Railway Safety Council 2024 Conference (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    DEMS attends International Railway Safety Council 2024 Conference (with photo)
    DEMS attends International Railway Safety Council 2024 Conference (with photo)
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         The Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services (DEMS), Mr Poon Kwok-ying, attended the International Railway Safety Council (IRSC) Conference in Vienna, Austria from September 18 to 20 (Austrian time). The Conference was an annual forum for railway safety regulators, operators and relevant stakeholders worldwide to exchange knowledge, experience and lesson learnt on railway safety.            The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) gave presentations on four separate railway safety topics to share its experience in the applications of innovation and technology (I&T) for enhancing railway safety as well as the regulatory experience and preventive measures on handling catastrophic flooding.           At the closing ceremony of the Conference on September 20 (Austrian time), Mr Poon, together with the Administrator of the National Railway Administration, Mr Fei Dongbin, and the Operations and Innovation Director of the MTR Corporation, Dr Tony Lee, were handed over the “IRSC Triangle” by the Organising Committee Chairman of this year’s Conference, symbolising that Hong Kong, China will be the host city of the next Conference.           Under the theme “Advancing Railway Safety through Innovations and Collaborations”, the IRSC 2025 Conference will be jointly hosted by the EMSD, the National Railway Administration and the MTR Corporation. The delegates around the world will be invited to participate the Conference in Hong Kong, China to carry out in-depth exchanges on the issue of railway safety development and also personally experience the China’s railway development in recent years. Over 300 internationally renowned railway experts from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and more are expected to attend the Conference.

     
    Ends/Saturday, September 21, 2024Issued at HKT 11:00

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Book fair delights visitors with discounts, activities

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Bringing a festive atmosphere to Beijing, nearly 230,000 people visited the ongoing “The Temple of Earth and Me” book fair at the Ditan Park during the three-day Mid-Autumn Festival holiday. Named after an essay by renowned novelist Shi Tiesheng, the 11-day book fair being held as part of the 2024 Beijing Culture Forum, will conclude on Monday.

    The admission is free to the event that comprises 10 exhibition zones, including a bookstore street, creative cultural products zone, children’s books area and an original foreign-language books section, in its 18 square-kilometer exhibition area.

    More than 330 publishing houses, physical bookstores and other exhibitors from across the country have brought 400,000 types of books to the book festival. To attract readers, each buyer is offered discount coupons worth 50 yuan for book purchases at the fair.

    A joint exhibition and sale of old books is also being held, showcasing ancient texts and over 100,000 types of old books.

    Xu Mei, a staff member at The Forbidden City Bookstore booth, said that most of the books exhibited this time are included in promotional activities with discounts ranging from 40 percent to 70 percent, providing the public with more, better and richer cultural experience.

    Sun Ying, a sales representative at the Beijing Taihu Publications Exhibition and Trade Center, says that this year’s book fair has been more bustling than last year, with a larger number of young student customers. “Many young readers like to purchase creatively designed book bags and bookmarks.”

    Sun added that books such as Cold Enough for Snow by the Australian-Chinese writer Jessica Au published by the Shanghai Translation Publishing House, Virginia Woolf’s To the Lighthouse and A Room of One’s Own, as well as Albert Camus’s The Myth of Sisyphus and The Stranger are popular among book buyers.

    Kang Chunhua, a visitor to the book fair, said that the tranquil and lush park in Beijing was bustling with people giving her an opportunity to witness the vibrant side of an ancient garden. As a young mother, she focused on the children’s book zone.

    “We took many photos to capture the beauty of early autumn in Ditan Park. We also let the children choose what they wanted at the zones for children’s books and cultural and creative products. They had the opportunity to practice calligraphy with a brush, watch vendors making traditional sugar-blowing sculptures, try their hand at lacquer fan painting at a workshop and experience various types of interactive toy books. The children were thrilled.”

    “In this era of convenient online book shopping, this will help children have such beautiful memories and experiences,” she says, adding she purchased picture books for over 700 yuan at the book fair.

    Over 160 activities, such as cultural lectures, poetry recitals, singing and dancing performances, are planned for the event.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Hezbollah confirms senior leader killed in Israeli airstrike

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Lebanon’s Hezbollah on Friday night mourned the acting commander of its Elite Radwan Force, Ibrahim Akil, who was killed earlier in the day by an Israeli airstrike on Beirut’s southern suburbs.

    “Today, the great jihadist leader Ibrahim Akil joined the procession of his brothers, the great martyr leaders, after a blessed life full of jihad, work, wounds, sacrifices, risks, challenges, achievements, and victories,” read a statement released by Hezbollah.

    Meanwhile, the local MTV channel reported that the body of Akil was found along with seven other members of Hezbollah’s Elite Radwan Force.

    The channel reported earlier that the whole command committee of the Elite Radwan Force was meeting in the building that was targeted by the Israeli airstrike.

    Civil defense teams are still searching for bodies under the rubble.

    According to the Health Ministry, the Israeli airstrike has killed 14 people and injured 66 others.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: At least 12 killed, 66 injured in Israeli airstrike on Beirut

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    A firefighting plane extinguishes fires caused by rocket attacks from Lebanon, near northern Israeli border with Lebanon, on Sept. 20, 2024. Hezbollah launched over 100 rockets at more than 30 settlements in western Galilee and a key intelligence base in northern Israel on Friday, retaliating for an Israeli airstrike on Beirut’s southern suburbs that killed at least 12 people and wounded 66 others, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. (David Cohen/JINI via Xinhua)

    Hezbollah launched over 100 rockets at more than 30 settlements in western Galilee and a key intelligence base in northern Israel on Friday, retaliating for an Israeli airstrike on Beirut’s southern suburbs that killed at least 12 people and wounded 66 others, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry.

    The Israeli strike hit a building in the Jamous area of Dahieh, a Beirut suburb. Rescue teams were clearing rubble to find casualties, the ministry said.

    Local TV footage showed extensive damage and chaos in the densely populated neighborhood. Lebanese media reported the strike targeted Ibrahim Akil, a Hezbollah Jihad Council member.

    Israel Defense Forces spokesman Daniel Hagari said that Akil was killed along with other senior commanders in the Lebanese group during the operation. However, Hezbollah has not disclosed any information about Akil’s situation.

    Earlier Friday, the Israeli military said about 120 projectiles were fired from Lebanon into northern Israel, triggering alarms in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, Safed, and Upper Galilee. Some were intercepted, with debris causing fires. No injuries in Israel have been reported.

    Lebanese military sources reported Israeli airstrikes hit six locations in southern Lebanon, while artillery shelled 11 border towns earlier in the day.

    Tension along the Israel-Lebanon border has escalated sharply following two explosions from communications devices in Lebanon earlier this week that killed 37 and injured 2,931.

    Lebanon’s government denounced the explosions as a sovereignty violation and sought an urgent UN Security Council meeting. Hezbollah blamed Israel for targeting its units and vowed retaliation.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: FS to visit Spain and the UK

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    FS to visit Spain and the UK
    FS to visit Spain and the UK
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         The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, will depart for Europe in the early hours tomorrow (September 22).  He will first visit Madrid, Spain, and then London, the United Kingdom (UK). For this visit, Mr Chan will lead a delegation from the innovation and technology (I&T) sector, comprising senior executives from the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks (HKSTP) and Cyberport, as well as heads of a group of startups engaged in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, fintech, green technology, Web 3.0, etc.     While in Madrid from September 22 to 25, Mr Chan will visit various local I&T institutions and enterprises, as well as meet with members from the political, business and I&T communities. The delegation will also attend a themed business luncheon organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) to promote Hong Kong’s advantages to the local political, business, financial and I&T sectors, particularly Hong Kong’s burgeoning I&T ecosystem.     Mr Chan will visit London from September 25 to 28. There, he will participate in a series of events, including the Plenary of the Hong Kong-European Business Council (Note 1); the Hong Kong Dinner hosted by the HKTDC; a luncheon organised by the Hong Kong Association (Note 2), and a roundtable meeting hosted by Asia House, a think tank based in the UK. On these occasions, he will share the latest developments and advantages of Hong Kong. He will also meet with members of the local political, business and financial communities.     While in Spain and the UK, representatives from the HKSTP, Cyberport as well as startups in the delegation will engage in exchanges with relevant institutions and members of local venture capital funds and I&T circles to seek cooperation opportunities.     Mr Chan will return from London in the evening of September 28 (local time) and arrive in Hong Kong in the afternoon of September 29. During his absence, the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong, will be the Acting Financial Secretary.Note 1: The Hong Kong-European Business Council is a bilateral committee established by the HKTDC with Europe to foster high-level dialogue between Hong Kong business leaders and their local counterparts, promoting bilateral trade, investment, and economic cooperation.Note 2: The Hong Kong Association is an organisation based in the UK aimed at promoting business and trading relationship between Hong Kong and the UK. The association has over 80 corporate members including global banks, international enterprises, the China-Britain Business Council, etc.

     
    Ends/Saturday, September 21, 2024Issued at HKT 11:30

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Bridges inject vitality into tourism sector in SW China’s Guizhou

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

    GUIYANG, Sept. 20 — In recent years, Guizhou Province has strived to upgrade its transportation system with an eye toward modernity and connectivity. Currently, more than 30,000 bridges have been built or are under construction in the province. Today, Guizhou boasts about half of the world’s 100 highest bridges. Some not only help shorten travel time from major cities to scenic spots but also become tourist attractions.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: High-altitude weather observation platform put into operation

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    A weather observation platform at a 5,287.71-meter altitude has been recently put into operation in the middle section of Kunlun Mountains in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

    China Meteorological Administration (CMA) said that the comprehensive weather observation platform, the highest of its kind in China, is located in the Hotan Prefecture of Xinjiang. It is designed to observe artificial weather modification and scientific research for cloud-water resources in the Kunlun Mountains, ScienceNet.cn reported on Thursday.

    The platform integrates various systems of ground-based meteorological observation, unmanned aerial vehicle high-altitude detection, cloud ice microphysics research and monitoring, and aerosol lidar detection.

    According to the CMA, together with high-performance lidar, high-definition video imaging technology, the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System, and a stable solar power supply system, it has thus formed a comprehensive ground-air-space monitoring network.

    The integration and application of these technologies have significant scientific research value and application potential in accurately capturing cloud dynamics, optimizing artificial rain (snow) operations, evaluating the impact of climate change, and exploring adaptive strategies for ecosystems in extreme environments, the CMA said.

    This is the only comprehensive scientific research platform for cloud water resources in the Kunlun Mountains. Xinjiang has reached new heights in artificial weather modification and cloud water resource development and utilization.

    It is also of great significance for water resource security, agricultural irrigation, disaster prevention and mitigation in Xinjiang and the entire northwest region. According to the CMA, it will also provide valuable first-hand data for global climate change research and ecological environmental protection.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Beijing’s sub-center pursues high-quality development

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Beijing’s sub-center in Tongzhou district is making sound progress in high-quality development, featuring solid investment, booming industries, prosperous culture and tourism, and coordinated regional development, according to officials at a recent press conference.

    The sub-center has received investments of over 100 billion yuan (US$14.2 billion) for four consecutive years, said Zheng Hao, head of Tongzhou district, at the press briefing. 

    The district is actively developing six industrial clusters, namely the digital economy, modern finance, advanced manufacturing, commercial services, cultural tourism, and modern seed industry, while exploring three future-oriented sectors: information, energy, and healthcare. 

    In the first eight months of the year, Tongzhou district added 25,000 new market entities, leading the capital city in this regard. The financial industry has become a pillar industry of the sub-center, with over 460 registered financial institutions. 

    Furthermore, 102 subsidiaries of centrally-administered state-owned enterprises have established operations in the district. In addition, the sub-center has been improving its business environment, rolling out 26 measures to facilitate high-quality industrial development. 

    The new municipal administrative center has also been improving its urban layout. A highlight in urban construction is East 6th Ring Road, which connects five areas with diverse functions. Additionally, the High Line Park, currently under construction, will stretch 14 kilometers and feature running, cycling, and tourism lanes, along with over 200 public leisure zones. Upon completion, the park is expected to increase the regional greenery coverage from 50% to 80%. 

    The sub-center is also focusing on developing the culture and tourism sectors. The three major cultural venues – the Beijing Performing Arts Center, the Beijing Library, and the Grand Canal Museum of Beijing – have received more than 7 million visitors so far this year. Moreover, another three major projects are under construction, including Beijing’s biggest outlet shopping complex, an amusement park, and the Haichang Ocean Park, which are expected to attract tens of millions of visitors upon completion. 

    The district is also advancing regional integration by building the Chaobaihe Bridge, which will connect with neighboring counties in Hebei province. The district has organized project matchmaking events with counties in Hebei for five years straight, which witnessed the signing of over 210 projects. Moreover, the district has collaborated with neighboring Hebei counties to facilitate cross-regional services for over 3,600 administrative items.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 27th Beijing-Taiwan Science and Technology Forum opens

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The 27th Beijing-Taiwan Science and Technology Forum kicked off at the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area on Thursday. Nearly 500 attendees, including entrepreneurs and tech professionals, will dive deep into the economy, trade, and sci-tech exchange and cooperation between Beijing and Taiwan during the three-day event. 

    The event will feature a summit, four parallel sessions, and several sub-forums. The four parallel sessions will look into energy and digitalization, fin-tech, healthcare, and intelligent electric vehicles, while the sub-forums will discuss topics including youths, women, human resources, and intellectual property protection. 

    At the opening ceremony on Thursday, the Cross-Strait Sci-Tech Innovation Center, which was established last year, signed strategic cooperation agreements with several research institutions. The center also unveiled a second batch of policies, which include over 10 measures to support businesses from Taiwan to develop in Beijing. The measures cover a range of issues including research and development, financial support, industry upgrade, and talent recruitment.  

    The Beijing-Taiwan Science and Technology Forum was established in 1998, and has since become an important economic and trade exchange platform for companies across the Taiwan Strait.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Typhoon Pulasan drenches Shanghai

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Shanghai finds itself in the grip of a prolonged spell of inclement weather as the aftermath of Typhoon Pulasan continues to unfold, following its landfall on Thursday night, marking the city’s second typhoon encounter in a week. With the impending convergence of cold air from the north, residents are bracing for further challenges amid heavy downpours and disruptions.

    Pulasan, the 14th typhoon of the year, made its presence felt with a maximum wind force of 23 meters per second near its center, striking Fengxian district at 9:45 pm on Thursday, after its initial landfall earlier in Zhoushan’s Daishan county in Zhejiang province. The storm’s impact has been significant, exacerbating the already fragile conditions in the aftermath of Typhoon Bebinca, the year’s 13th typhoon, which ravaged Shanghai just days prior.

    The relentless downpours unleashed by Pulasan have inundated Shanghai, with heavy to severe rainfall affecting the entire city. Particularly hard-hit areas — Pudong and Fengxian districts — have borne the brunt of the storm, with Situan town in Fengxian experiencing exceptionally severe rainfall, according to the Shanghai Meteorological Service.

    Notably, Pengzhen Water Station in Nicheng town, Pudong, recorded 308 millimeters of rainfall in six hours, while the Yangjiazhai Meteorological Observatory Station in Situan tallied 327.7 mm of rainfall during the same period, marking a historical deluge not witnessed since 1978, the Shanghai Meteorological Service said.

    The repercussions of the torrential rainfall have been swift and widespread, prompting the suspension of classes in 334 schools across Shanghai, the city’s education authority said. Beyond the city limits, neighboring cities in Jiangsu province, including Changzhou, Wuxi and Jingjiang in Taizhou, have taken preemptive measures by suspending classes to safeguard the well-being of students in the wake of Pulasan’s trajectory, local flood control officials said.

    As Pulasan gradually weakens and moves northeastward, Shanghai has witnessed a gradual subsiding of winds and rains as of late Friday. However, the meteorological department has issued warnings of an impending resurgence of downpours over the weekend, fueled by the lingering effects of Pulasan and the convergence of cold air from North China, heightening concerns over potential flooding and disruptions in the Yangtze River Delta region.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Hainan to fully restore tourism in time for National Day holiday

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    South China’s island province of Hainan will fully restore its tourism industry by the week-long National Day holiday starting Oct. 1, after being struck by Super Typhoon Yagi, the provincial government said on Friday.

    According to the provincial tourism authority, as of Thursday, the resumption rate of tourism and culture related work across the island reached 93.75 percent. This includes 92 scenic spots, 581 hotels, and 82 cultural and sports venues.

    Hainan will be ready to accommodate domestic and overseas tourists during the upcoming holiday, during which 71 activities will be held, including 27 cultural and performing arts activities and 20 sports events, the authority said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Lufthansa hoping to increase China capacity

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The German carrier Lufthansa has said the airline is looking to further expand capacity to China, after restoring capacity to Shanghai to pre-COVID levels.

    “For Lufthansa, China is one of the most important markets in the world outside Europe. We are pretty happy that we already received pre-pandemic capacity here in Shanghai,” said Jens Ritter, CEO of Lufthansa Airlines. “Hopefully in the next couple of years we can extend our network also here in China.”

    Having a strong connection and close relationship between Germany and China, Lufthansa will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026, as well as the carrier’s first connection between the two countries.

    “I think it is a great relationship we have here for almost 100 years. There’s a strong connection between the fourth-biggest economy in the world Germany and the second-biggest economy China,” Ritter said. “We are pretty proud of our strong connection. We truly believe in the recovery of air travel between Germany and China for the next years.”

    Currently operating the most flights to China among all European carriers, Lufthansa offers 40 weekly direct connections between the German cities of Frankfurt and Munich to the Chinese cities of Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing in the summer time.

    “In comparison to last year, we increased our capacity by over 70 percent,” added Ritter. “Hopefully next year with the introduction of new aircraft we can increase this capacity further.”

    The expanding capacity is accompanied with a rapid recovery in the passenger load factor, “especially during the summer time with a seat factor of more than 90 percent,” Ritter said.

    “We are looking forward to further development and we are pretty sure that we will come back to pre-pandemic capacity here between Europe, Germany and China,” said Ritter.

    Plus, in a bid to boost the China travel market during the holiday season and further enhance the customer experience onboard, Shanghai was the airline’s first Asian destination, as well as the fourth worldwide following Vancouver, Toronto and Chicago, to introduce the carrier’s brand-new cabin products on a daily basis since Aug 14.

    Under the name, Lufthansa Allegris, the completely new travel experience is available on select long-haul routes for passengers of economy, premium economy, business and first class.

    “We truly believe that people do not want a standard product anymore, they would like to have more choices, more exclusivity and they would like to have more individuality,” explained Ritter. “I think also the Chinese people would like to have a choice. One standard product does not fulfill the needs of the requirements for the premium sector of Chinese people. They would like to have more individuality, more possibility for exclusivity and they would like to choose. We are pretty happy to introduce our new Allegris product because we definitely believe that this will fulfill the needs of our Chinese customers.”

    Confidence in the Chinese market is based on the optimistic outlook of China’s economy, the strong economic ties between China and Germany, and China’s visa-free policies.

    “Germany has a strong connection with China, because so many companies are based from Germany here in China,” Ritter said. “It is a long-lasting relationship and we truly believe in those two economies and we need to tie them.”

    Figures provided to the Financial Times by Germany’s central bank, the Bundesbank, show that Germany’s direct investment in China totaled 2.48 billion euros ($2.76 billion) in the first three months of 2024, and the figure rose substantially to 4.8 billion euros in the second quarter.

    “I think this represents a strong relationship between our two economies,” said Ritter.

    In the meantime, China’s visa-free policy presents new opportunities for carriers such as Lufthansa, as eligible ordinary passport holders from countries including Germany can enjoy visa-free travel to China for up to 15 days.

    Thanks to the collaborated efforts of Civil Aviation Administration of China and related government divisions, international passenger flights have been restored to nearly 80 percent of the 2019 level during the first week of July, and passenger flights to 30 countries, including the UK and UAE, surpassing the 2019 level, according to Xu Qing, an official with the CAAC.

    “The expansion of China’s visafree policy to more countries has created an incentive effect on the aviation market,” Xu said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Photo exhibition on China-Mongolia friendship opens in Ulan Bator

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

    ULAN BATOR, Sept. 20 — A photo exhibition marking a long-standing friendship between China and Mongolia opened here in Ulan Bator, the capital of Mongolia, on Friday.

    The event, co-organized by the Chinese Embassy in Mongolia and the Mongolia-China Friendship Association, was part of a series of activities of the China-Mongolia Friendship Week, celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

    A total of 75 photographs showcasing significant events in the history of bilateral relations over the past 75 years were on display at the exhibition.

    Chinese Ambassador to Mongolia Shen Minjuan said at the opening ceremony that the exhibition reminded all of a deep friendship between the two countries, expressing hope that bilateral cooperation will yield more fruits in the years to come.

    The exhibition will run through Sept. 27.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Innovation to power China growth

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Innovation capacity, the digital sector and green industries have significant potential to be major engines of China’s growth, fueled by the nation’s commitment to reform and opening-up, said Japanese scholars.

    Hidetoshi Tashiro, chief economist at Japan’s Infinity LLC, predicts that China’s economy is poised to enter a new phase of growth.

    Speaking at a seminar on Chinese-style modernization in Osaka last week, Tashiro highlighted China’s significant share of the global market in various industries. While noting the nation’s leading position in sectors such as electric vehicles and solar panels, he also said that as digitalization expands globally, demand for products and services supporting this shift will continue to rise.

    Tashiro stressed the digital sector is the key driver of China’s economic growth. Reflecting on his visit to China last November, he observed that cash payments had become obsolete in the nation.

    “The rise of this vast digital ecosystem, unlike anything the world has ever seen, is now powering China’s economy. This momentum is driven by advancements in semiconductor design and application development,” Tashiro said.

    A World Intellectual Property Organization report shows that from 2014 to 2023, China-based inventors filed more than 38,000 generative artificial intelligence patents, six times the number filed by inventors in the United States.

    China’s economy is shifting from a labor-intensive to a capital-intensive model, making intellectual contributions increasingly important. The country is producing a huge number of highly-skilled scientists and engineers, fostering the growth of a vast and expanding digital ecosystem, he added.

    Yangchoon Kwak, a professor at Rikkyo University’s College of Economics, emphasized that green industries will be the main driver of China’s future economic growth.

    “China’s focus is not just on quantitative expansion but on pursuing environmentally-friendly development that contributes to global peace and prosperity,” Kwak explained.

    Another key growth area is tourism. With a history spanning several millennia, China has a rich cultural heritage to share with the world. If the nation continues to open up, it could attract more than 100 million visitors, fostering a deeper international understanding and appreciation of the country, he said.

    “China’s dynamism will continue to accelerate, and it’s vital for Japanese companies to seize this opportunity,” Kwak added. He advised them to engage in proactive capital and technology partnerships with China, aligning with the country’s evolving trends, rather than focusing on low-cost labor as they did in the past.

    Confidence emphasized

    Satoshi Tomisaka, a professor at the Institute of World Studies at Takushoku University, emphasized the importance of fostering an environment in China where people feel confident in their spending.

    “As Western economies face stagnation and institutional difficulties, China’s model is starting to make a significant global impact,” said Tomisaka.

    However, for the world to truly acknowledge China’s achievements, soft power is crucial. International recognition would not only elevate China’s global reputation but also strengthen its domestic standing, he added.

    Kiyoyuki Seguchi, research director at the Canon Institute for Global Studies, said that the future of China’s economic growth will be driven by the innovation capacity of its companies. If policies continue to energize private companies, China still has significant potential for further growth, he added.

    Seguchi’s remarks came after a recent lecture in Tokyo organized by the Japan-China Belt and Road Initiative Promotion Association.

    The foundation for China’s growth is rooted in its reform and opening-up policy. Seguchi emphasized that the focus given by the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, which was held in July, on reform and opening-up is essential. He stressed the need to create mechanisms that deliver specific reform measures desired by private enterprises, noting this is critical for sustained development.

    According to Seguchi, the major challenges facing China’s economy include the end of high-speed growth, issues in the real estate sector and local fiscal problems. While the government has introduced policies to address these issues, he highlighted the importance of accurately implementing them in a way that responds to market needs, maintaining a market-oriented approach to enhance policy effectiveness.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese technology boost uptake of e-mobility in Africa: experts

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Chinese green vehicle technology is boosting the adoption of e-mobility in Africa, experts said Friday.

    Warren Ondanje, managing director of the Africa E-mobility Alliance, said in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, that Chinese e-vehicle manufacturers have positioned themselves as key partners for the growing number of e-mobility startups on the continent.

    “Chinese firms have played a key role in accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles in Africa,” Ondanje said during the Africa E-Mobility Week 2024 conference.

    The five-day event brought together more than 200 delegates, including representatives from United Nations agencies, senior government officials and innovators from across Africa, to foster collaboration and advance the sustainable mobility movement on the continent.

    Michael Muchiri, deputy superintending engineer at Kenya’s Ministry of Roads and Transport, said that Chinese e-vehicle brands are attracting significant interest from environmentally conscious Kenyan consumers due to their high-quality, clean transportation solutions offered at affordable prices.

    Muchiri said that taxi and public transport operators have embraced Chinese e-vehicles because their low operational costs make them more competitive than conventional fossil-fueled cars.

    According to the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Kenya currently has an estimated 5,000 e-vehicles, comprising two-wheel, three-wheel, passenger and commercial vehicles.

    Hilina Legesse, president of the Addis Ababa E-mobility Association, said that Chinese e-vehicles had facilitated Ethiopia’s enforcement of its ban on importing fossil-fueled cars, which took effect in January, by providing affordable green vehicles.

    Legesse said that several Chinese e-vehicle manufacturers have set up local assembly plants to meet the growing demand for clean modes of transport.

    Claire Liu, sales manager at Chogori Technology, a Chinese manufacturer of e-vehicle accessories, said her firm has partnered with e-mobility companies in Africa to expand access to and affordability of electric-powered cars on the continent. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Guinness World Record set at National Day Celebration and Thousand-Person Stretching Exercises event (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Guinness World Record set at National Day Celebration and Thousand-Person Stretching Exercises event (with photos)
    Guinness World Record set at National Day Celebration and Thousand-Person Stretching Exercises event (with photos)
    ******************************************************************************************

         To mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the Labour Department (LD) and the Occupational Safety and Health Council (OSHC) today (September 21) held the National Day Celebration and Thousand-Person Stretching Exercises event in D·PARK, Tsuen Wan, with 750 participants taking part, setting a new record for the “Largest resistance band demonstration/class” in the Guinness World Records.     Officiating and speaking at the event, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, said that this event aims to raise employees’ awareness of doing stretching exercises and promote occupational health. He explained that timely stretching exercises can reduce employees’ muscle ache and risk of injury, improve work performance and create a healthier and more efficient work environment.           Guided by fitness instructors, 750 participants performed a 30-minute resistance band stretching exercise together during the event, setting a world record as a tribute to the motherland, and to demonstrate the unity and collective effort of the Government and various sectors in raising public awareness of occupational health.           The stretching exercise event is one of the key events celebrating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Another highlight is a two-day occupational health carnival being held today and tomorrow (September 21 and 22) by the LD and the OSHC at the same venue. It offers a diverse range of activities, apart from a variety of performances, booth games, occupational health talks as well as photo corners. Health risk assessment stations will also be available, where registered nurses will offer complimentary health checks to enhance public awareness of occupational health.

     
    Ends/Saturday, September 21, 2024Issued at HKT 14:20

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi stresses cultivating more high-caliber cadres for Xinjiang

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

    BEIJING, Sept. 21 — Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, has stressed cultivating more loyal, upright, responsible and high-caliber cadres for Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

    Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in a recent instruction, which was read out at a symposium held on Saturday to mark the 70th anniversary of a training program for ethnic cadres in Xinjiang under the Party School of the CPC Central Committee.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese vice premier meets board chair of Roche Group

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

    BEIJING, Sept. 21 — Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng met with Severin Schwan, chairman of the Board of Directors of Roche Group, in Beijing on Friday evening.

    He, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said that China is implementing the reform measures of the third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee, promoting high-quality development and high-standard opening up, further relaxing market access, including for biopharmaceuticals, and creating a better business environment.

    China’s super-large market advantages will certainly provide more and better development opportunities for foreign enterprises, He noted.

    Schwan said that as a world-renowned pharmaceutical company, Roche Group is full of confidence in China’s economic prospects and business environment, and is willing to continue deepening investment cooperation in China.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN to participate in 21st CAEXPO and sideline events in Nanning, People’s Republic of China

    Source: ASEAN

    At the invitation of Secretary-General of the China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) Secretariat Dr. Wei Zhaohui, Secretary-General of ASEAN Dr. Kao Kim Hourn will lead the ASEAN Secretariat’s team to attend the 21st CAEXPO and sideline events in Nanning, People’s Republic of China, on 23-26 September 2024. Dr. Kao will deliver remarks at the Opening Ceremony of the 21st CAEXPO and will take part in several related events during the visit, which include China-ASEAN Business Leaders’ Forum, ASEAN Plus Three Industrial Chain & Supply Chain Partnering Conference, China-ASEAN Young Leaders’ Roundtable Dialogue, and the visit to CAEXPO Pavilion, among others. Dr. Kao will also take the opportunity to meet with high-level government officials and representatives from the private sector and the media to further promote the work of ASEAN as well as to explore ways to further advance the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. During his stay in China, Dr. Kao will also present a special lecture to a group of students and scholars at the Guangxi University on “Fostering Friendship and Cooperation: The Role of People-to-People Connections and Exchanges in ASEAN-China Relations,” in order to promote ASEAN diplomacy and enrich the knowledge of ASEAN among the youths. 
    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN to participate in 21st CAEXPO and sideline events in Nanning, People’s Republic of China appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Financial services growing apace

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion Charles Ng says Hong Kong’s financial services sector is currently undergoing accelerated growth, thanks to the ongoing recovery seen in the city’s overall economy, as well as favourable government policies.

    In the first eight months of this year, Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) assisted 40 companies in the financial sector in setting up or expanding their operations in Hong Kong, a 60% increase compared to the same period last year.

    Half of these companies are from Mainland China, followed by the US, the UK, Switzerland, Luxembourg, France, Malaysia, and five other economies.

    The scope of the companies covers a broad spectrum, but a sizeable 14 among them provide asset management services. This aligns with Hong Kong’s position as Asia’s leading asset and wealth management hub and offers further demonstration that the city remains the region’s premier global financial centre.

    Hong Kong’s unique geographical location and the advantages it enjoys under “one country, two systems” are hugely appealing to investors and companies.

    Mr Ng noted an increasing trend among Mainland companies of using Hong Kong as a platform to expand their global reach. Complementing this, he said, firms from overseas markets continue to leverage Hong Kong to enter the Chinese market, particularly that of the Greater Bay Area.

    “Through our international network, we are exploring strategies to help Mainland or overseas companies already established in Hong Kong tap into emerging markets, such as the Middle East and countries along the Belt & Road Initiative.”

    Wealth management hub

    Hong Kong’s capital markets, boasting a total market capitalisation of about US$5 trillion, are among the most vibrant and liquid in the world. The city is also Asia’s biggest global offshore wealth management centre, and the second largest in the world behind Switzerland.

    Furthermore, it has the highest number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) of any Asian city. 

    Hong Kong’s asset and wealth management business was worth HK$31.2 trillion at the end of 2023. Mr Ng said it now stands as the second largest cross-border wealth management centre globally, and is poised to become the largest booking centre for wealth management business by 2027.

    Noting that investors across the globe are seeking better returns by allocating capital to alternative asset classes such as private equity, hedge funds and more, he added that alternative investments in Hong Kong are experiencing extraordinary growth.

    Outside of the Mainland, Hong Kong has the largest number of hedge funds and the biggest private equity market in Asia.

    Hong Kong also serves as the largest offshore renminbi centre, and its RMB liquidity pool, exceeding RMB600 billion, is the world’s largest outside of the Mainland.

    Enabling growth

    The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is committed to attracting global investment through various initiatives, including tax concessions for private equity funds and relaxed listing rules for pre-revenue biotech and specialist technology companies.

    Hamilton Lane, a distinguished leader in alternative asset management, has announced the establishment of its first Hong Kong Limited Partnership Fund, further solidifying its presence in Asia. The company manages approximately US$130 billion in discretionary assets and US$810 billion in non-discretionary assets.

    Having opened its inaugural Asian office in Hong Kong in 2009, Hamilton Lane is poised to celebrate its 15th anniversary in the region this month.

    Shannon Chow, Managing Director and Head of Greater China Client Solutions at Hamilton Lane, remarked: “Our Hong Kong office has operations in asset management and client solutions. If you ask me whether Hong Kong is our inaugural office in Asia, the answer is yes. We are very pleased to have this office in the heart of Hong Kong to expand our business further in Asia.”

    Ms Chow also expressed her admiration for the InvestHK team, acknowledging its dedication and strenuous efforts in promoting the family office sector, and praised the Hong Kong SAR Government’s successful initiatives aimed at enhancing the city’s talent pool.

    According to Ms Chow, one of Hong Kong’s key advantages is its low tax rates, which underpin the development of alternative investment companies and other industries.

    She stated: “Hong Kong is renowned for having some of the lowest tax rates in the global market, which significantly helps in the development of these sectors.”

    Furthermore, she noted, “Hong Kong possesses a robust and skilled talent pool, which is vital for our operations.”

    The Hong Kong SAR Government, Ms Chow highlighted, has launched various initiatives to attract talent, fostering an environment that draws professionals from around the world.

    “These programmes allow overseas individuals and those from Mainland China to work in Hong Kong, making Hong Kong their home.”

    In addition to Mainland talent moving to Hong Kong, many businesses from the Mainland are also choosing to expand their operations in the city. A notable example is Guolian Securities International, which is headquartered in Jiangsu Province. The company established a presence in Hong Kong in 2019, and engages in both wealth management and investment banking.

    Franklin Yang, CEO of Guolian Securities International, highlighted the numerous advantages Hong Kong offers, stating: “There are many benefits to operating in Hong Kong, both from a policy-making perspective and in terms of the advantages it provides within Greater China.”

    He also stressed that the city’s commendable education system contributes to a pool of graduates proficient in both English and Mandarin, making it easier to attract top talent for larger-scale deals.

    Mr Yang emphasised Hong Kong’s unique position in the financial industry, remarking: “Guolian takes full advantage of Hong Kong’s status as a financial capital. We attract many reputable companies from Mainland China, who either list on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange or engage in merger and acquisition activities here.”

    He added, with optimism: “I believe Guolian can bring more capital into these markets.”

    As Hamilton Lane continues to expand its operations and Guolian Securities International consolidates its offerings, Hong Kong remains a pivotal hub for financial services in the region, attracting businesses and talent alike.

    Targeting wealthy individuals

    To draw UHNWIs to the city, the Hong Kong SAR Government has introduced measures to enhance offerings for global wealth owners and promote the development of family offices.

    “Hong Kong’s family office sector is flourishing, with more than 2,700 single-family offices,” Mr Ng explained.

    Over the past year, facilitating measures have been implemented to support the business development of family offices.

    “As of end-May this year, we have assisted 89 family offices to set up or expand their operations in Hong Kong and more than 130 family offices indicated that they had decided or were preparing to set up or expand their operations in Hong Kong.”

    The New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) is another vital initiative that is contributing to Hong Kong’s status as a leading financial hub. Under the scheme, high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) can settle in the city if they invest a minimum of HK$30 million here, with a portion being directed towards companies and projects with a Hong Kong nexus.

    “When HNWIs choose to invest through the New CIES, they create a demand for financial services, further strengthening the city’s reputation as a premier destination for wealth management and investment.”

    Highlighting the scheme’s appeal, Mr Ng said that since its launch in March, the scheme had received over 5,000 enquiries and more than 500 applications.

    The insurance sector is another important pillar of Hong Kong’s financial industry, with the city housing around 160 authorised insurers, including six of the world’s top 10, as of July. Hong Kong has also achieved exceptional insurance density, ranking first in Asia and second globally for insurance premiums per capita as of the end of last year.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Huawei Launches F5G-A Series Products for Five Industrial Intelligence Scenarios Sep 20, 2024

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: Huawei Launches F5G-A Series Products for Five Industrial Intelligence Scenarios
    Sep 20, 2024

    [Shanghai, China, September 20, 2024] At HUAWEI CONNECT 2024, Huawei successfully held the optical summit themed “Accelerate F5G-A, Amplify Intelligence”. At the summit, Huawei launched new F5G Advanced (F5G-A) products based on the “3 In 3 Out” trends, with an aim to boost industrial intelligence.
    Bob Chen, President of Huawei Optical Business Product Line

    “Facing the intelligent era, the optical industry has accelerated its ‘3 In 3 Out’ trends,” noted Bob Chen, President of Huawei Optical Business Product Line, at the summit. “More than 9000 all-optical campuses around the world have implemented Fiber-in Copper-out. In terms of fgOTN-in SDH-out, SDH has been replaced by fgOTN in industries such as electric power and transportation, and large-scale fgOTN deployment has been started. For Optical-sensing-in Hard-work-out, optical fiber sensing has been commercially used in more than 80 cases. Huawei calls on all industry customers and partners to seize new ‘3 In 3 Out’ opportunities and accelerate industrial intelligence together.”
    “Fiber-in Copper-out”: For home network scenarios, Huawei launched a new Wi-Fi 7 ONT — OptiXstar EN8145 — to help ISPs upgrade its service package from 100Mbps to 1000Mbps level, providing users with ultimate Wi-Fi experience while supporting high-speed access of home storage.
    For campus scenarios such as classrooms and offices, Huawei has updated its FTTO 2.0 solution and launched the industry’s first high-density and ultra-10Gbps optical terminal — OptiXstar P884E — achieving 12.5/25Gbps coverage. Four OptiXstar series Wi-Fi 7 optical terminals and optical gateways (including W617E) have been released, covering hospitals, hotels, and education network scenarios, to develop a new standard configuration for Wi-Fi 7 intelligent campuses.
    fgOTN-in SDH-out: For communication networks in industries such as electric power and transportation, Huawei launched the industry’s first optical transmission product portfolio that supports the fgOTN standard in an E2E manner — OptiXtrans E6600/9600 — helping to build a solid and reliable communication network for these industries. In smart power distribution and consumption scenarios, Huawei released the high-speed power line communications (HPLC) dual-mode solution, which raises the meter collection success rate to 99.9%. For 300 households, this solution shortens the collection time from 15 minutes to 1 minute, achieving reliable and quick meter collection. All this drives the digital and intelligent upgrade of the electric power industry.
    Moreover, Huawei extends ” fgOTN-in SDH-out” from WANs to data centers. For ultra-large-scale intelligent computing cluster network, Huawei launched OptiXtrans DC808, an all-optical switch, to address issues such as difficult expansion of traditional networks and low reliability caused by failure-prone optical modules. With the all-optical cross-connect OXC technology introduced to data center networks, the switch supports flexible expansion of networking capabilities, eliminates the need for optical modules, and cuts the fault rate by 20%. In addition, it also supports long-term smooth evolution from 400G to 1.6T.
    Optical-sensing-in Hard-work-out: Huawei also released an intelligent gas leakage detection product — OptiXsense ES100 — based on spectral sensing technologies to ensure urban gas safety. Huawei’s solution improves the precision by 40%, prolongs the service life by 50%, and eliminates the need to replace batteries in 3 years. It has been in use in Chengdu Hi-Tech Zone for half a year, with its precision and reliability fully verified.
    We call on all industry customers and partners to join us in seizing new “3 In 3 Out” opportunities, and to accelerate industrial intelligence. Together, we can achieve win-win results in the intelligent era.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Huawei Launches F5G-A Series Products for Five Industrial Intelligence Scenarios

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: Huawei Launches F5G-A Series Products for Five Industrial Intelligence Scenarios

    [Shanghai, China, September 20, 2024] At HUAWEI CONNECT 2024, Huawei successfully held the optical summit themed “Accelerate F5G-A, Amplify Intelligence”. At the summit, Huawei launched new F5G Advanced (F5G-A) products based on the “3 In 3 Out” trends, with an aim to boost industrial intelligence.
    Bob Chen, President of Huawei Optical Business Product Line

    “Facing the intelligent era, the optical industry has accelerated its ‘3 In 3 Out’ trends,” noted Bob Chen, President of Huawei Optical Business Product Line, at the summit. “More than 9000 all-optical campuses around the world have implemented Fiber-in Copper-out. In terms of fgOTN-in SDH-out, SDH has been replaced by fgOTN in industries such as electric power and transportation, and large-scale fgOTN deployment has been started. For Optical-sensing-in Hard-work-out, optical fiber sensing has been commercially used in more than 80 cases. Huawei calls on all industry customers and partners to seize new ‘3 In 3 Out’ opportunities and accelerate industrial intelligence together.”
    “Fiber-in Copper-out”: For home network scenarios, Huawei launched a new Wi-Fi 7 ONT — OptiXstar EN8145 — to help ISPs upgrade its service package from 100Mbps to 1000Mbps level, providing users with ultimate Wi-Fi experience while supporting high-speed access of home storage.
    For campus scenarios such as classrooms and offices, Huawei has updated its FTTO 2.0 solution and launched the industry’s first high-density and ultra-10Gbps optical terminal — OptiXstar P884E — achieving 12.5/25Gbps coverage. Four OptiXstar series Wi-Fi 7 optical terminals and optical gateways (including W617E) have been released, covering hospitals, hotels, and education network scenarios, to develop a new standard configuration for Wi-Fi 7 intelligent campuses.
    fgOTN-in SDH-out: For communication networks in industries such as electric power and transportation, Huawei launched the industry’s first optical transmission product portfolio that supports the fgOTN standard in an E2E manner — OptiXtrans E6600/9600 — helping to build a solid and reliable communication network for these industries. In smart power distribution and consumption scenarios, Huawei released the high-speed power line communications (HPLC) dual-mode solution, which raises the meter collection success rate to 99.9%. For 300 households, this solution shortens the collection time from 15 minutes to 1 minute, achieving reliable and quick meter collection. All this drives the digital and intelligent upgrade of the electric power industry.
    Moreover, Huawei extends ” fgOTN-in SDH-out” from WANs to data centers. For ultra-large-scale intelligent computing cluster network, Huawei launched OptiXtrans DC808, an all-optical switch, to address issues such as difficult expansion of traditional networks and low reliability caused by failure-prone optical modules. With the all-optical cross-connect OXC technology introduced to data center networks, the switch supports flexible expansion of networking capabilities, eliminates the need for optical modules, and cuts the fault rate by 20%. In addition, it also supports long-term smooth evolution from 400G to 1.6T.
    Optical-sensing-in Hard-work-out: Huawei also released an intelligent gas leakage detection product — OptiXsense ES100 — based on spectral sensing technologies to ensure urban gas safety. Huawei’s solution improves the precision by 40%, prolongs the service life by 50%, and eliminates the need to replace batteries in 3 years. It has been in use in Chengdu Hi-Tech Zone for half a year, with its precision and reliability fully verified.
    We call on all industry customers and partners to join us in seizing new “3 In 3 Out” opportunities, and to accelerate industrial intelligence. Together, we can achieve win-win results in the intelligent era.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Stretch exercise breaks record

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    A total of 750 people took part in a stretching exercise at D·PARK in Tsuen Wan today, setting a new Guinness World Record for the “Largest resistance band demonstration/class”.

    The “National Day Celebration & Thousand-Person Stretching Exercises” event was held by the Labour Department and the Occupational Safety & Health Council to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

    Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun said at the event that it was aimed at raising employees’ awareness of the importance of stretching and at promoting occupational health. He said timely stretching exercises can reduce muscle aches and the risk of injury, and improve work performance.

    Guided by fitness instructors, the 750 participants performed a 30-minute resistance band stretching exercise together, setting a world record as a tribute to the motherland and demonstrating the collective effort of the Government and various sectors in raising public awareness of occupational health matters.

    The department and council are holding a two-day occupational health carnival today and tomorrow at the same venue. It includes a variety of performances, booth games, occupational health talks and photo corners. Health risk assessment stations are also available to provide complimentary health checks for visitors.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Database on Xi Jinping thought launched

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    A database of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era was officially launched on Saturday.
    Developed by institutions including the People’s Publishing House, the database was unveiled at the 14th China International Digital Publishing Expo that opened on the same day in south China’s Hainan Province.
    The database collects and updates the important speeches, articles, instructions, comments, congratulatory letters and replies by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee. It also includes related books and news reports.
    The database provides comprehensive and rich information for studying and interpreting Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China remains top source of scientific ‘hot papers’

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    China remains the top source of scientific “hot papers,” contributing 48.4 percent of the global total, according to a think tank report released on Friday.
    Hot papers are scientific studies published within two years of their classification that have received a significant number of citations over the most recent two months and have been cited in the top 0.1 percent of their respective disciplines.
    China had published 2,071 hot papers as of July 2024, with the United States coming in second with 1,625, according to the report, which was released by the Ministry of Science and Technology’s Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China.
    China ranked second in the number of highly cited papers, which are studies whose citations over the past decade rank in the top 1 percent of their respective fields.
    According to the report, China had 65,700 highly cited papers as of July this year, accounting for 33.8 percent of the global total and securing its second-place rank. The United States had produced 76,500 highly cited papers, or 39.3 percent of the global total and ranking first.
    The report also highlighted that in 2023, China published a total of 395 papers in the three most widely recognized scientific journals — Cell, Nature and Science — which led to its global ranking rise from fourth place in 2022 to second place last year.
    The number of China’s scientific research papers has ranked first for many years, and the country will continue striving to fill the void in the production of top-quality papers, the report said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese technology boost uptake of e-mobility in Africa

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Chinese green vehicle technology is boosting the adoption of e-mobility in Africa, experts said Friday.

    Warren Ondanje, managing director of the Africa E-mobility Alliance, said in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, that Chinese e-vehicle manufacturers have positioned themselves as key partners for the growing number of e-mobility startups on the continent.

    “Chinese firms have played a key role in accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles in Africa,” Ondanje said during the Africa E-Mobility Week 2024 conference.

    The five-day event brought together more than 200 delegates, including representatives from United Nations agencies, senior government officials and innovators from across Africa, to foster collaboration and advance the sustainable mobility movement on the continent.

    Michael Muchiri, deputy superintending engineer at Kenya’s Ministry of Roads and Transport, said that Chinese e-vehicle brands are attracting significant interest from environmentally conscious Kenyan consumers due to their high-quality, clean transportation solutions offered at affordable prices.

    Muchiri said that taxi and public transport operators have embraced Chinese e-vehicles because their low operational costs make them more competitive than conventional fossil-fueled cars.

    According to the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Kenya currently has an estimated 5,000 e-vehicles, comprising two-wheel, three-wheel, passenger and commercial vehicles.

    Hilina Legesse, president of the Addis Ababa E-mobility Association, said that Chinese e-vehicles had facilitated Ethiopia’s enforcement of its ban on importing fossil-fueled cars, which took effect in January, by providing affordable green vehicles.

    Legesse said that several Chinese e-vehicle manufacturers have set up local assembly plants to meet the growing demand for clean modes of transport.

    Claire Liu, sales manager at Chogori Technology, a Chinese manufacturer of e-vehicle accessories, said her firm has partnered with e-mobility companies in Africa to expand access to and affordability of electric-powered cars on the continent. 

    MIL OSI China News –