NewzIntel.com

Category: China

  • MIL-OSI China: National conference calls for decisive measures to fight Chikungunya fever

    Source: People’s Republic of China Ministry of Health

    BEIJING — China on Tuesday held a national conference on the prevention and treatment of Chikungunya fever, a mosquito-borne viral disease, calling for decisive measures to fight against it.

    The meeting stressed that strengthened efforts should be made to assess epidemic risks, resolutely safeguard people’s health, and ensure overall economic and social stability, according to a statement released on the website of the National Health Commission Wednesday.

    The meeting called for monitoring and issuing early warnings concerning the disease via multiple channels to prevent its further spread and relevant imported cases.

    It emphasized efforts to enhance environmental sanitation and disinfection in high-risk locations, as well as scientific and effective measures for mosquito prevention and repellent strategies.

    Hospitals and health institutions are urged to strengthen quality control of relevant testing and management of outpatient and emergency services to ensure early detection and proper treatment of the disease and to minimize possible severe cases or deaths.

    It also stressed sound public health education and information release to boost people’s confidence in the fight.

    Chikungunya fever is an acute infectious disease caused by the Chikungunya virus, with clinical symptoms including fever, rashes and joint pains. The virus is transmitted to humans through bites from infected mosquitoes.

    From July 20 to 26, a total of 2,940 new local cases have been reported in South China’s Guangdong province. The reported cases have been mild, with no severe or fatal cases seen to date, according to the province’s disease control and prevention authority on Sunday.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Digital Policy Office introduces initiatives to promote cybersecurity in second half 2025 (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Digital Policy Office introduces initiatives to promote cybersecurity in second half 2025  
    The Commissioner for Digital Policy, Mr Tony Wong, said that with rapid developments in the digital era, cybersecurity threats have grown increasingly severe. The Government is adopting a multipronged strategy to continuously enhance the cybersecurity resilience of Hong Kong. Reviewing the DPO’s work on cybersecurity in the first half of the year, Mr Wong stated that in addition to co-ordinating with the HKIRC to launch the Cybersec One Programme to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), schools, and non-governmental organisations in strengthening their cybersecurity protection level, the DPO also worked closely with the CSTCB, the HKCERT and various stakeholders to organise a range of awareness campaigns and cybersecurity drills to raise cybersecurity awareness and response capabilities among government departments and the public. In the second half of the year, the DPO will continue to launch a variety of initiatives, including co-ordinating with the HKCERT to implement the Cybersecurity Service Providers Connect Programme, leading the organising of the second Hong Kong Cybersecurity Attack and Defence Drill, and hosting a series of activities to fully support the annual China Cybersecurity Week. These initiatives will further promote cross-sectoral and cross-regional collaboration, strengthen the local cybersecurity ecosystem, and drive the sustainable development of Hong Kong’s digital economy.
     
    At the briefing, the Chief Superintendent of the CSTCB, Mr Lam Cheuk-ho, announced the technology crime figures recorded in the first half of 2025. A total of 16 262 cases were recorded, with financial losses exceeding $3 billion, mainly attributable to substantial losses from online investment fraud, with both figures representing an increase of 0.5 per cent and 14.7 per cent respectively compared to the same period last year. Among these cases, there were only 42 incidents involving destructive hacking, a 22 per cent decrease compared to the same period last year. Mr Lam emphasised that in the face of escalating cybersecurity threats, the Police are intensifying law enforcement while actively strengthening the development of Hong Kong’s cybersecurity ecosystem from multiple dimensions through raising public awareness, nurturing professionals and enhanced public-private partnerships to comprehensively solidify the city’s cybersecurity defence.
     
    The Chief Executive Officer of the HKIRC, Mr Wilson Wong, shared the latest security scan findings, which revealed that around 65 per cent of websites belonging to SMEs, educational and social welfare organisations are at risk of data leakage, reminding organisations to act proactively by patching vulnerabilities and strengthening cybersecurity measures. He encouraged enterprises and organisations to leverage the services of the Cybersec One Programme, including free website risk assessments, vulnerability identifications, staff training and phishing email drills in order to foster a cybersecurity culture and comprehensively improve defence capabilities.
     
    The Chief Digital Officer of the Hong Kong Productivity Council, Mr Edmond Lai, speaking on behalf of the HKCERT, highlighted findings from the 2024 Hong Kong Enterprise Cyber Security Readiness Index and AI Security Survey, noting that nearly 70 per cent of surveyed businesses had experienced cyberattacks, underscoring the urgent need for companies to continue strengthening cybersecurity measures to confront increasingly complex and frequent threats. He added that the Cybersecurity Service Providers Connect Programme launched by the HKCERT will effectively connect cybersecurity service providers with local enterprises and organisations to help them find suitable solutions. The Programme is now open for applications, and the classified and vetted service providers will be showcased on a dedicated platform.
     
    In conclusion, Mr Tony Wong emphasised the theme of “Cybersecurity for the People, Cybersecurity relies on the People”, and maintained that cybersecurity requires the joint efforts of the whole society. Several large-scale major events will take place in Hong Kong in the second half of this year, including the 15th National Games and the Legislative Council general election, etc. These events extensively utilise information technology, and cybersecurity is critical to ensure the smooth execution of the large-scale events. The DPO will continue to partner with all sectors to launch diverse activities and training to continuously enhance Hong Kong’s overall capabilities to tackle risks in cybersecurity, and he appealed for media support in jointly disseminating the importance of cybersecurity and the building of a safer and more resilient digital future.
    Issued at HKT 18:38

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: QuantaSing Announces Further Investments into Letsvan

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BEIJING, July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — QuantaSing Group Limited (NASDAQ: QSG) (“QuantaSing” or the “Company”), a leading lifestyle solution provider empowering adults to live better and longer, today announced that it will undertake further steps to acquire all of the remaining equity interests in Shenzhen Yiqi Culture Co., Ltd. (深圳市熠起文化有限公司) (“Letsvan”) from the other investors with a combination of cash and stock consideration (the “Transactions”).

    Through a series of previous transactions from December 2024 to March 31, 2025, the Company invested in Letsvan, a PRC-based company primarily engaged in IP incubation and discovery, IP operation, copyright commercialization, and the promotion and sales of pop toys and other cultural products for global artists. By March 31, 2025, the Company had obtained control over and was able to consolidate the results of Letsvan into the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Upon the consummation of the Transactions, Letsvan will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.

    In furtherance of the Transactions and by way of private placement, the Company will issue an aggregate of 18,219,330 Class A ordinary shares of the Company to Mr. Huiyu Zhan (Zack) (“Mr. Zhan”), the founder and chief executive officer and a director of Letsvan, as consideration for his remaining interests in Letsvan. The share issuance will take place in three installments and be subject to certain restrictions and limitations, including respective vesting schedules and lock-up requirements. To promote the development and integration of Letsvan as part of the Company’s strategies in the consumer sector, the Company also intends to appoint Mr. Zhan as a member of its board of directors, effective upon August 1, 2025. Mr. Zhan is a seasoned entrepreneur with profound experience in the consumer sector. Prior to founding Letsvan in 2020, he had been engaged in continuous entrepreneurship in the cultural gifts and pop toys sectors. He had also served at Walmart (Shenzhen), Hong Kong Weiya Group, and CITIC Health, among others, with extensive experience in sales and management.

    The Company believes that the Transactions will further integrate the resources of both the Company and Letsvan, seamlessly aligning their business opportunities to create a more powerful synergy and reinforcing its competitive advantages in the pop toy segment and strategic positioning in the consumer sectors, and also enhance the platform capabilities of the Company.

    Safe Harbor Statements

    This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1955. All statements other than statements of historical or current fact included in this press release are forward-looking statements, including but not limited to statements regarding QuantaSing’s financial outlook, beliefs and expectations. These statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “potential,” “continue,” “ongoing,” “targets,” “guidance” and similar statements. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases, and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: the Company’s growth strategies; its future business development, results of operations and financial condition; its ability to attract and retain new users and learners and to increase the spending and revenues generated from users and learners; its ability to maintain and enhance the recognition and reputation of its brand; its expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of its services and products; the expected growth, trends and competition in the markets that the Company operates in; changes in its revenues and certain cost or expense items; PRC governmental policies and regulations relating to the Company’s business and industry, general economic and political conditions in China and globally, and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties, or factors is included in the Company’s filings with the SEC, including, without limitation, the final prospectus related to the IPO filed with the SEC dated January 24, 2023. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date this press release. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, and the Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.

    About QuantaSing Group Limited

    QuantaSing is a leading lifestyle solution provider that offers engaging, affordable and accessible online and offline services, as well as consumer products in selected areas that address senior users’ wellness aspirations. QuantaSing has expanded into the pop toys sector and continues to strategically diversify its portfolio by capturing opportunities in promising consumer sectors while maintaining financial discipline. For more information, please visit: https://ir.quantasing.com.

    Contact

    Investor Relations
    Leah Guo
    QuantaSing Group Limited
    Email: ir@quantasing.com
    Tel: +86 (10) 6493-7857

    Robin Yang, Partner
    ICR, LLC
    Email: QuantaSing.IR@icrinc.com
    Phone: +1 (212) 537-0429

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Sweden hosts trade dialogue between United States and People’s Republic of China

    Source: Government of Sweden

    On 28–29 July, Sweden hosted a high-level dialogue on trade and other related matters between the United States and China in Stockholm. The meeting was arranged at the joint request of the parties and is an important step in the ongoing trade negotiations between the US and China.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s Foreign Ministry: China urges Japan to take effective measures to ensure safety of Chinese citizens in Japan

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) — China has noted relevant reports that two Chinese were seriously beaten in Tokyo, calling on the Japanese side to take effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens in Japan, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Thursday.

    Earlier it was reported that on Thursday, four men in Tokyo attacked two Chinese people and caused them serious injuries.

    Answering questions from reporters at a regular departmental press conference, Guo Jiakun said that China has taken note of the relevant reports, adding that the Chinese Embassy in Japan, having immediately expressed its concerns to the Japanese side, continues to establish the circumstances of the incident.

    “We urge the Japanese side to take effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens,” Guo Jiakun concluded. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s Wushi County to Host 2 International Go Tournaments

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) — Two international invitational Go (Chinese name Weiqi) tournaments will be held from Aug. 4 to 6 in Wushi County, Aksu Prefecture, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the prefectural government said.

    The upcoming competition will bring together 10 teams of Go players from eight countries, namely China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Russia, Mongolia, Vietnam and Laos.

    On the sidelines of the sporting events, the Chinese side is expected to sign strategic cooperation agreements in the field of go with Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.

    The two events are aimed at promoting cultural exchanges between participating countries, local authorities said. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Lithuanian Prime Minister Resigns

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    VILNIUS, July 31 (Xinhua) — Lithuanian Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas on Thursday announced his resignation as head of the country’s government and chairman of the Social Democratic Party of Lithuania.

    “I have informed the President… that I have decided to resign from the post of Prime Minister,” G. Paluckas said in a statement.

    The resignation came ahead of a planned vote by the party’s executive council and followed a warning from the speaker of the Seimas (parliament) and leader of the Union of Democrats “For Lithuania” Saulius Skvernelis, who threatened to withdraw his party from the coalition government if Paluckas remained in his post.

    According to the Constitution of Lithuania, the entire cabinet of ministers will resign along with the prime minister.

    Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda on Thursday welcomed the resignation of G. Paluckas, calling the decision “the only right choice.”

    G. Paluckas’ resignation from the post of the head of government comes amid an investigation into his financial transactions and alleged improper involvement in business, connections with certain businessmen and failure to compensate for damages caused to the Vilnius municipality.

    G. Paluckas, however, denied any wrongdoing and called the criticism a “coordinated attack” by political opponents. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Russian Armed Forces Take Control of Chasov Yar

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    Moscow, July 31 /Xinhua/ — Russian armed forces took control of Chasov Yar on Thursday, TASS reported, citing the Russian Defense Ministry.

    The battles for Chasov Yar lasted for more than a year. The city was one of the most powerful fortified areas of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in Donbass due to the complexity of the landscape and the peculiarities of the buildings and infrastructure. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Thailand adjusts EV subsidy program to boost exports

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BANGKOK, July 31 (Xinhua) — The Thai government on Wednesday approved adjustments to the country’s key incentive programs to encourage manufacturers to boost exports of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), a move aimed at bolstering the country’s position as a regional EV manufacturing hub.

    Manufacturers participating in the EV subsidy program, which started in 2022, are required to produce electric vehicles domestically as compensation for receiving subsidies and exemption from import duties.

    Under the revised terms, one BEV produced for export will count as 1.5 vehicles under the local production quota, making it easier to meet production commitments.

    “The changes will allow for greater flexibility and help Thailand, already a leader in the region’s auto industry, become a key base for electric vehicle production,” said Narit Terdsteerasukdee, secretary general of the Thai Board of Investment (BOI).

    The adjustments to the program come as total investment in the country’s EV supply chain as of June reached 137.7 billion baht (about US$4.21 billion), the BOI said in a statement.

    The move is expected to boost Thailand’s EV exports to around 12,500 units in 2025 and 52,000 units in 2026.

    In the first half of 2025, the number of new BEV registrations increased by 52.4 percent year-on-year to reach 57,289 units, accounting for 15 percent of all new vehicle registrations in Thailand.

    To date, the Thai government has provided subsidies totaling more than 12 billion baht (approximately $367.82 million) for 175,064 BEVs and 34,559 electric motorcycles under the EV 3.0 and 3.5 subsidy programs. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China calls on EU to ensure fair, impartial and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) — China calls on the European Union (EU) to provide a fair, impartial and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies to invest in and trade with Europe, Ministry of Commerce spokesman He Yadong said at a press conference on Thursday.

    China, he said, hopes the EU will keep its market open, pay attention to the concerns of Chinese companies and show restraint in using restrictive trade and economic measures.

    He Yadong stressed that China will continue to expand high-level opening-up, continuously improve its own business environment, comprehensively ensure national treatment for foreign investors, and strengthen the protection of intellectual property rights to provide quality services to foreign-invested enterprises.

    China welcomes investments in its own economy from more European companies, expansion of their activities in the Chinese market and joint sharing of the country’s development opportunities, the department representative summed up. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi signs order to unveil flag patterns of four PLA branches 2025-07-31 20:33:07 Xi Jinping, chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), has signed an order to unveil the flag patterns of four branches of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), namely the aerospace force, cyberspace force, information support force and joint logistics support force.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense

      BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) — Xi Jinping, chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), has signed an order to unveil the flag patterns of four branches of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), namely the aerospace force, cyberspace force, information support force and joint logistics support force.

      On the occasion of China’s Army Day that falls on Aug. 1, Xi extended festive greetings to service personnel of the PLA and the People’s Armed Police Force, civilian personnel posted in the military, and members of reserve forces and militia.

      The release of the branch flags marks the establishment of a military flag system of the people’s army in the new era, comprising the PLA flag, the flags of the army, navy, air force and rocket force, as well as the flags of the aerospace force, cyberspace force, information support force and joint logistics support force.

      The branch flags will be put into official use starting Aug. 1.

      The CMC has issued a decision to adjust the current trial regulations on the administration of military flags, revising provisions on the types and usage of military flags to standardize their management and safeguard their dignity through legal measures, according to the statement.

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    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Statement by all Members of Seventh LegCo on safeguarding national security

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:
     
         All Members of the Seventh Legislative Council (LegCo) today (July 31) issued the following statement through the LegCo Secretariat:
     
         Safeguarding national security is the highest principle of “One Country, Two Systems”. All Members of the Seventh LegCo have full confidence that the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) fully and faithfully implements, and resolutely protects the authority of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL) and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. This is also the constitutional duty and the bottom line of the HKSAR. The HKSAR Government and the governance team of the HKSAR, including LegCo, have resolute determination to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests.
     
         All LegCo Members stress that the Basic Law of the HKSAR of the People’s Republic of China (Basic Law) clearly stipulates that LegCo of the HKSAR shall be the legislature of the region. Fugitives endangering national security who fled overseas have been challenging the bottom line of “One Country, Two Systems” and the HKSAR’s national security. They blatantly organised the so-called “election” for the “Hong Kong Parliament”, seriously violating the Basic Law and the HKNSL, and undermining the Constitution and constitutional order of the HKSAR as established by the Basic Law. The unlawful election is nothing but a farce. Their aim was to disrupt the hard-earned stability and peace in Hong Kong, and attempted to commit the offence of subversion of state power, seriously endangering national security.
     
         Safeguarding national security is in line with international practice. LegCo Members firmly reject and castigate the biased, groundless, smearing and double-standard remarks by some politicians in western countries against the HKSAR Government’s lawful pursuit of individuals who endangered national security.
     
         The HKSAR Government’s decisive and swift law enforcement actions are not only righteous, but also reasonable, legal and constitutional. The actions are also widely supported by various sectors of the community. All LegCo Members fully support the Hong Kong Police Force in their lawful efforts to apprehend national security offenders who fled overseas. They also resolutely support the statement issued by the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, and firmly support sanctions against the fugitives in order to safeguard national security and the stability of Hong Kong.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Strengthening collective labor rights can help reduce economic inequality

    Source: The Conversation – USA (2) – By Skip Mark, Assistant professor of political science, University of Rhode Island

    Only about 1 in 10 U.S. workers belong to unions today. champc/iStock via Getty Images Plus

    Despite the strength of the U.S. economy, the gap between rich and poor Americans is increasing.

    The wealthiest 1% of Americans have more than five times as much wealth as the bottom 50%, according to the U.S. Federal Reserve. That’s up from four times as much in the year 2000. In 2024 alone, the wealthiest 19 families got a total of US$1 trillion richer – the largest one-year increase on record.

    And yet 59% of Americans don’t have enough money saved up to cover an unexpected $1,000 expense.

    We are political scientists who study human rights and political economy.

    In a 2023 study, our team looked at 145 countries, including the U.S., to understand the link between labor rights and inequality. We found evidence that strengthening collective labor rights may reduce economic inequality.

    Empowering workers

    Collective labor rights include the rights to form and join a union, bargain collectively for higher pay and better working conditions, go on strike, and get justice if employers punish workers who exercise these rights.

    In the U.S., where less than 10% of workers belong to unions, union members typically earn higher wages than their nonunion counterparts.

    Through negotiations on behalf of their members, unions can pressure employers to provide fair wages and benefits. If negotiations break down, the union can call for a strike – sometimes winning better benefits and higher wages as a result.

    Some U.S. unions don’t have the right to strike, including air traffic controllers, teachers and those working on national security issues. But most unions have some ability to implement work stoppages and impose costs on employers to negotiate for raises and better benefits and conditions.

    Reducing inequality

    For our study, we analyzed the human rights in the CIRIGHTS dataset, which uses human rights reports from the U.S. State Department, Amnesty International and other sources to measure government respect for 24 human rights, including the rights to unionize and bargain collectively. The dataset is produced by the University of Rhode Island, Binghamton University and the University of Connecticut. One of us, Skip Mark, serves as a co-director of the project.

    Using a scoring guide, a team of researchers reads human rights reports and gives each country a score of zero if they have widespread violations, one point if they have some violations, or two if they have no evidence of violations. The team has assigned scores for all 24 rights from 1994 through 2022.

    Using this data, we created a measure of collective labor rights by adding scores for the right to workplace association and the right to collective bargaining. The resulting collective labor rights score ranges from zero to four.

    Countries where workers’ rights are routinely violated, such as Afghanistan, China and Saudi Arabia, scored a zero. The United States, Macedonia and Zambia, three countries with little in common, were among those that tended to get two points, placing them in the middle. Countries with no reported violations of the rights to workplace association and collective bargaining, including Canada, Sweden and France, got four points.

    According to the CIRIGHTS dataset, the strength of respect for collective labor rights around the world declined by 50%, from 2.06 in 1994 to 1.03 in 2022.

    At the same time, according to the World Inequality Dataset, the share of income earned by the 1% with the biggest paychecks increased by 11%.

    We used advanced statistical methods to figure out whether better worker protections actually reduce inequality or are just associated with it.

    Gaps between individuals and ethnic groups

    We also measured what’s been happening to economic inequality, using two common ways to track it.

    One of them is vertical inequality, the gap between what people earn within a country – the rich versus the poor. The more unequal a society becomes, the higher its vertical inequality score gets. We measured it using the disposable income measure from the Gini index, a commonly used indicator of economic inequality that captures how much money individuals have to spend after taxes and government transfers.

    We found that a one-point increase in collective labor rights on our four-point scale reduces vertical inequality by 10 times the average change in inequality. For the U.S., a one-point increase in collective labor rights would be about enough to undo the increase in inequality that occurred between 2008 and 2010 due to the Great Recession and its aftermath. It would also likely help stem the growing wealth gap between Black and white Americans. That’s because income disparities compound over time to create wealth gaps.

    We also assessed the connection between horizontal inequality, which measures income inequality between ethnic or other groups, and collective labor rights.

    Negative horizontal inequality measures the amount of a country’s income held by the poorest ethnic group. Higher scores for this metric indicate that the lowest-earning ethnic group has less income relative to the rest of society. Black Americans have the lowest median income of any racial or ethnic group, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

    Positive horizontal inequality measures the income earned by the richest ethnic group. When positive horizontal inequality rises, that means the richest ethnic group has more income relative to the rest of society. According to the same Census Bureau report, Asian Americans had the highest median earnings.

    We found that stronger collective labor rights, both in law and in practice around the world, also reduce both types of horizontal inequality. This means they raise the floor by helping to improve the income of the poorest ethnic groups in society. They also close the gap by limiting the incomes of the richest ethnic group, which can reduce the likelihood of conflicts.

    That is, our findings suggest that when workers are free to advocate for higher wages and better benefits for themselves, it also benefits society as a whole.

    Stephen Bagwell is a researcher with the Human Rights Measurement Initiative, a charitable trust registered in New Zealand

    Skip Mark does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Strengthening collective labor rights can help reduce economic inequality – https://theconversation.com/strengthening-collective-labor-rights-can-help-reduce-economic-inequality-254258

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: U.S. Drone Market Outlook and Competitive Landscape Becoming a Sector Poised for Prosperous Expansion

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – Recently, drone market insiders, have issued very optimistic reviews on where the U.S. drone market is heading. Industry observers note that this legislative backing de-risks investment in defense and dual-use drone companies, making them more attractive to institutional investors and venture firms alike. The new funding is poised to expand domestic manufacturing capabilities, support R&D in autonomy and AI, and reward companies prepared to operate within the tightened regulatory and sourcing frameworks. On such report from Dronelife.com said: “Compare the U.S. surge in drone investment to the investment contraction and global market realignment that Drone Industry Insights (DRONEII), reported on just a few months ago. The earlier DRONEII report underscores the U.S. government’s legislative actions as especially impactful, setting the pace for global realignment and influencing investment priorities worldwide. The direct result of these policy moves has been an influx of both venture and public market investment into U.S.-aligned drone companies. Companies such as Firestorm Labs and Unusual Machines have openly referenced the “clear demand signals” coming from Washington in their fundraising releases. Meanwhile, market analysis on platforms like Nasdaq and Investing.com track a sector-wide uptick in share prices and capital-infused balance sheets in July 2025 alone.”   Active Companies in the drone industries include ZenaTech, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZENA), Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE: TDY), ParaZero Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: PRZO), Safe Pro Group Inc. (NASDAQ: SPAI), Arbe Robotics Ltd. (NASDAQ: ARBE).

    The article continued discussing how legislative backing is a growth catalyst saying: “The strengthened investment environment for U.S. drone companies in the summer of 2025 is a direct response to aggressive legislative and executive action. As enhanced procurement mandates and funding priorities solidify, companies with domestic manufacturing capabilities and compliance adherence are best positioned to benefit. This unique interplay of policy and market forces is not only revitalizing the American drone industrial base but is also driving a more resilient, innovation-focused sector poised for further expansion.”

    ZenaTech (NASDAQ:ZENA) ZenaDrone Initiates AUVSI Membership Upgrade, Enabling Leadership on Drone Policy and Strengthening US Defense and Government Engagement – ZenaTech, Inc. (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) (“ZenaTech”), a business technology solution provider specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drones, Drone as a Service (DaaS), Enterprise SaaS, and Quantum Computing solutions, today announces its drone subsidiary ZenaDrone has initiated upgrading its membership to the Advocacy level with the influential Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), enabling it to join both the Defense Advocacy Committee and Air Advocacy Committee. This upgrade enables the company to engage alongside top US drone and defense innovators, such as Skydio, Anduril, Leidos and Shield AI, to elevate its leadership role in shaping critical drone policy and procurement as well as deepening relationships with important stakeholders and decisionmakers.

    “This is a clear investment in speed to market and long-term procurement success,” said Shaun Passley, Ph.D., ZenaTech CEO. “By joining AUVSI’s Defense and Air Advocacy Committees, ZenaDrone gains direct access to the policy, compliance, and acquisition conversations that shape Department of Defense agency procurement. It positions us alongside trusted defense leaders and innovators, accelerating our path to Green and Blue UAS certification by strengthening our ability to meet the security, interoperability, and regulatory expectations of federal buyers and leverage growth opportunities.”

    Through an upgraded Advocacy membership, ZenaDrone will be able to collaborate with AUVSI’s network of industry leaders and regulators to influence federal drone policies and shape the future of the drone industry in the US. This participation provides direct access to federal decision-makers, enabling influence on key policy areas such as BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) regulation and streamlined procurement, while ensuring the company’s drone platforms remain aligned with the evolving operational needs and priorities of US defense and government agencies.

    This involvement comes at a pivotal time, as recent Executive Orders and policy directives from the White House and Department of Defense accelerate support for NDAA-compliant, secure, and domestically produced drone technologies. These directives now move toward implementation, requiring practical policy frameworks and procurement processes—an area where ZenaDrone aims to contribute meaningfully.

    Founded in 1972, AUVSI is the largest nonprofit advancing uncrewed and autonomous systems through innovation, policy, and collaboration. It connects government, industry, and academia to drive safe, efficient integration of emerging technologies. The Air Advocacy Committee shapes policies to expand drone operations in national airspace, while the Defense Advocacy Committee influences defense acquisition policies and promotes NDAA-compliant drone technology. Continued… Read this full release by visiting: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-zena/

    Other recent developments in the markets include:

    Teledyne FLIR Defense, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE: TDY), recently announced the winners of the 30th Annual ‘FLIR Vision Awards’ at the APSCON 2025 Conference in Phoenix, Arizona.

    The FLIR Vision Awards are presented to members of the airborne law enforcement community who have best demonstrated use of thermal imaging systems in carrying out their missions, whether conducting search and rescue efforts, pursuing suspects, or saving lives in other ways. The awards are divided into four categories, including the FANG Award for operations involving a K-9 support team.

    ParaZero Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: PRZO) recently announced the launch of its latest product, the SafeAir Raptor. This latest and innovative safety system is specifically engineered for compatibility with Anzu Robotics’ Raptor and Raptor T (thermal) drone models.

    The SafeAir Raptor offers performance capabilities akin to ParaZero’s acclaimed SafeAir Mavic 3 System, providing autonomous monitoring and real-time failure detection to ensure optimal safety during drone operations. Notably, the SafeAir Raptor complies with ASTM F3322-22 standards, making it eligible for operations over people in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations.

    Safe Pro Group Inc. (NASDAQ: SPAI), a leader in artificial intelligence (AI)-powered defense and security solutions, recently announced that it has been selected by the U.S. Army to participate in the Army Futures Command’s (AFC) Concept Focused Warfighting Experiment (CFWE) Maneuver (CFWE-M) 2026 event being held at Fort Benning, Georgia in March through April 2026.

    Army Futures Command, established in 2018, helps ensure the Army and its soldiers remain at the forefront of technological innovation and warfighting ability. The CFWE-M is a live and constructive simulation experiment held annually by the U.S. Army and serves as the primary venue for experimentation focusing on the small unit level. CFWE-M supports small unit modernization by providing Cross Function Teams (CFT), Centers of Excellence (CoE) capability developers, Science and Technology (S&T) community, and industry an opportunity to collaborate with the Army.

    Arbe Robotics Ltd. (NASDAQ: ARBE) recently announced that Sensrad, a leading radar Tier-1 supplier based in Sweden, has begun delivering its first radar series powered by Arbe’s chipset to customers. These radars are destined for deployment in a defense sector autonomous off-road vehicle application and in an intelligent road infrastructure project.

    Sensrad recently placed a significant purchase order for Arbe chipsets, a key step toward the commercialization of its radar solutions. These chipsets will be used in multiple programs, including an initiative involving autonomous vehicles for off-road applications for a strategic US customer in the defense sector, the China-based Tianyi Transportation project, and several customer evaluations. Sensrad’s progress reflects its growing commitment to expanding radar adoption across diverse verticals beyond traditional passenger automotive markets.

    To accelerate the deployment Arbe and Sensrad have signed a comprehensive support and maintenance agreement to reinforce Sensrad’s 4D Imaging Radar program built on Arbe’s advanced chipset technology. Under the terms of the agreement, Sensrad will pay Arbe a recurring fee for continued support, maintenance, and professional services.

    About FN Media Group:

    At FN Media Group, via our top-rated online news portal at www.financialnewsmedia.com, we are one of the very few select firms providing top tier one syndicated news distribution, targeted ticker tag press releases and stock market news coverage for today’s emerging companies. #tickertagpressreleases #pressreleases

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    DISCLAIMER: FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates FinancialNewsMedia.com and MarketNewsUpdates.com, is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. FNM’s market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks. All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release. FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks. For current services performed FNM has been compensated fifty one hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by ZenaTech, Inc. by the Company. FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

    This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. “Forward-looking statements” describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as “may”, “future”, “plan” or “planned”, “will” or “should”, “expected,” “anticipates”, “draft”, “eventually” or “projected”. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company’s annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNM undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

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    SOURCE: FN Media Group

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Metaforms raises $9M to give market research agencies their own AI workflows

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    San Francisco, July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The market research boom is creating an unexpected casualty: the agencies themselves. In an industry where clients expect faster turnarounds, competitive pricing, and diverse capabilities, agencies are turning down work – not for lack of interest, but because outdated operational systems keep them from meeting client expectations. Metaforms, a startup born from this bottleneck, is helping research teams scale without burning out. Today, the company announces a $9 million Series A to expand its AI infrastructure platform and accelerate adoption across the $130 billion global research industry.

    The round was led by Peak XV Partners (formerly Sequoia India), with participation from Nexus Venture Partners and Together Fund. It brings Metaforms’ total funding to just over $10 million and will be used to grow the team, expand into new workflows like report generation and voice-based research, and deepen integrations with tools like Decipher, SPSS, and Confirmit.

    Metaforms cofounders Arjun S and Akshat Tyagi.

    “We’re thrilled to partner with Akshat and Arjun as they reimagine what a market research agency could look like in an AI-first world. Metaforms is scaling rapidly, by enabling some of the largest research agencies globally to automate workflows such as survey programming and data processing through their suite of AI agents.” Shailendra Singh, MD, Peak XV

    When a global brand like a shoe company wants to make critical decisions about how to market it’s new pair of shoes in a geography it has never ventured into before. It engages a market research agency to figure out lifestyle habits and cultural perceptions of a population. For this the agency has to recruit a target population, design a research study, convert the survey questions into an online link, clean the data for fraud, do in-person interviews, combine all the data to finally make a presentation.

    Metaforms builds AI agents designed to work within research agencies’ existing workflows, automating the manual processes that limit capacity and erode margins. Instead of replacing research expertise, the platform acts as a force multiplier: turning questionnaires into survey code, flagging bad data before it breaks a project, coordinating panel vendors, and tracking quotas across complex multi-country studies. 

    Survey programming dashboard in Metaforms.

    For many agencies, this means the difference between turning away work and scaling up confidently.

    Metaforms has been incredibly successful thanks to their uniquely thoughtful approach to modernizing research operations—embedding seamlessly into the workflows, tools, and platforms that researchers and agencies already use. I’m excited to continue supporting the team as they build on that momentum with this Series A— Jonathan Tice, GTM Consultant [Prev: Chief Customer Officer, Forsta]

    Founded in 2022 by Akshat Tyagi and Arjun S, Metaforms was born out of a personal pain point. As early-stage founders, they struggled to access professional market research. The problem wasn’t demand – it was bandwidth. So Akshat and Arjun set out to build software that gave agencies a way to do more with what they already have.

    “Our goal is simple: help great research teams spend less time firefighting and more time doing the work that actually matters,” said Akshat Tyagi, co-founder and CEO of Metaforms. “When you automate the grunt work, you make high-quality research more accessible to more companies.”

    Since launching commercially just six months ago, Metaforms has signed four of the world’s top twenty research agencies, including Strat7, one of the largest market research agencies globally. The platform now processes over 1,000 surveys per month, and serves Fortune 500 companies. Every customer that started with a single AI agent has expanded to adopt additional ones, achieving a 100% expansion rate.

    Bidding management with Metaforms.

    “Metaforms is a breakout example of the India-to-global play in AI,” said Manav Garg, Co-founder and managing partner at Together Fund. “They’re not just automating tasks — they’re rebuilding research infrastructure for the modern era. With their early traction across global agencies, Akshat and Arjun are showing what’s possible when deep customer empathy meets technical ambition.”

    That accessibility is already changing the industry. By compressing turnaround times and reducing operational costs, Metaforms enables agencies to serve clients they would otherwise turn away, from early-stage startups testing their first ideas to global brands launching multi-country trackers.

    “Our partnership has delivered strong ROl, thanks to Metaforms’ exceptional service and prompt support” added Tabita Razaila Head of operations, Strat7

    “They’re solving a major pain point for the entire industry. That focus and ability to deeply understand customer needs and address that using genetic AI is the hallmark of Metaforms team. We are thrilled to back Akshat and Arjun in their journey of building a remarkable company!”, said Jishnu Bhattacharjee and Arjun Gandhi, Nexus Venture Partners.

    Looking ahead, Metaforms plans to triple its team and continue expanding the breadth of its agent capabilities. Voice research, automated report generation, and expanded language support are all on the roadmap. The long-term vision is to process over 100,000 surveys per year and make professional-grade research available to every business that needs it.

    “When research agencies grow, better business decisions get made,” added Akshat Tyagi. “We’re not here to replace the humans in the loop. We’re here to give them leverage.”

    Media images can be found here. 

    About Metaforms
    Metaforms is the AI platform that helps market research agencies operate smarter and win more business. Our AI Agents augment research teams’ work output across survey programming, data processing, bidding management, and voice research; enabling them to handle exponentially more projects while maintaining quality.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The first Chinese-Russian choral festival opened in Suifenhe

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) — Suifenhe, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, sparkled with new colors on July 30 thanks to an international cultural event – the grand opening of the first China-Russia Choir Festival.

    According to the city government website, the event was attended by about 500 Chinese and foreign artists and choral singing enthusiasts, representing 8 leading groups from Harbin Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Anshan, Suzhou University, as well as Russian Vladivostok and Bolshoy Kamen /Primorsky Krai/.

    In his welcoming speech, Gao Jun, head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Suifenhe Municipal Committee, said that every corner of Suifenhe, which is the vanguard of China’s opening up to the north, is permeated with the atmosphere of spiritual intertwining of the peoples of the two neighboring countries. Eight Chinese and Russian choirs, like eight timbres merging into a single harmony, wrote notes in the camp of friendship on the Suifenhe stage.

    According to him, every sound becomes a new starting point for cultural mutual enrichment, and the warmth of mutual attraction of hearts penetrates into the souls of the peoples of the two countries.

    The festival is organized by the Suifenhe Cultural and Tourism Group and the Sing, China! New Choral Works Promotion Committee under the leadership of the Suifenhe City Department of Culture and Tourism.

    To ensure the professional level and international status of the festival, an authoritative jury of eight Chinese and foreign experts was formed. The festival program consists of 4 main blocks: the opening ceremony, competitive performances of high-level performers, master classes and an award ceremony. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The first Chinese-Russian choral festival opened in Suifenhe

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) — Suifenhe, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, sparkled with new colors on July 30 thanks to an international cultural event – the grand opening of the first China-Russia Choir Festival.

    According to the city government website, the event was attended by about 500 Chinese and foreign artists and choral singing enthusiasts, representing 8 leading groups from Harbin Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Anshan, Suzhou University, as well as Russian Vladivostok and Bolshoy Kamen /Primorsky Krai/.

    In his welcoming speech, Gao Jun, head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Suifenhe Municipal Committee, said that every corner of Suifenhe, which is the vanguard of China’s opening up to the north, is permeated with the atmosphere of spiritual intertwining of the peoples of the two neighboring countries. Eight Chinese and Russian choirs, like eight timbres merging into a single harmony, wrote notes in the camp of friendship on the Suifenhe stage.

    According to him, every sound becomes a new starting point for cultural mutual enrichment, and the warmth of mutual attraction of hearts penetrates into the souls of the peoples of the two countries.

    The festival is organized by the Suifenhe Cultural and Tourism Group and the Sing, China! New Choral Works Promotion Committee under the leadership of the Suifenhe City Department of Culture and Tourism.

    To ensure the professional level and international status of the festival, an authoritative jury of eight Chinese and foreign experts was formed. The festival program consists of 4 main blocks: the opening ceremony, competitive performances of high-level performers, master classes and an award ceremony. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Global Adaptability of China’s Creative Industry as Seen by SCO Representatives

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    TIANJIN, July 31 (Xinhua) — China exported dolls and toy animals worth 47.63 billion yuan in 2024, up 4.9 percent year on year, data from the General Administration of Customs showed.

    Representatives of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) countries believe that this not only shows that Chinese design is becoming increasingly recognizable around the world, but is also inseparable from China’s strong manufacturing industry and ideal support for its production chains.

    “Labubu is very popular among the youth of Kazakhstan. The surprise box meets the psychological needs of the youth and has become a new fashion trend in the world,” said Ekaterina Khvaniz of Kazakhstan, who studies at Tianjin University of Foreign Languages.

    Thanks to innovative design concepts and business models, China’s creative industry is now enjoying great popularity worldwide.

    In 2024, The Monsters series conquered global markets, generating over 3 billion yuan in revenue, with a year-on-year increase of 726.6%. This makes it the most successful IP in the company’s history.

    “Labubu showcases the uniqueness of Chinese creative products, breaking through language and cultural barriers and attracting many international consumers,” said Abdul Rahman, a Pakistani student at Tianjin University.

    It is worth noting that, thanks to digital technology, China’s cultural and creative products are quickly attracting the attention of the global audience through a younger, digital and interactive way.

    “Social platforms such as TikTok and Xiaohongshu and other e-commerce platforms are popular all over the world, introducing Chinese creative and cultural products to the world in a new way,” said Adel Baktygulova, a Kyrgyz student at Tsinghua University.

    According to the data, the operating income of China’s cultural industry and related industries exceeded 19 trillion yuan in 2024, a record high. The operating income of content development and production and creative design services increased by 8.4 percent and 7.2 percent, respectively. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Global Adaptability of China’s Creative Industry as Seen by SCO Representatives

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    TIANJIN, July 31 (Xinhua) — China exported dolls and toy animals worth 47.63 billion yuan in 2024, up 4.9 percent year on year, data from the General Administration of Customs showed.

    Representatives of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) countries believe that this not only shows that Chinese design is becoming increasingly recognizable around the world, but is also inseparable from China’s strong manufacturing industry and ideal support for its production chains.

    “Labubu is very popular among the youth of Kazakhstan. The surprise box meets the psychological needs of the youth and has become a new fashion trend in the world,” said Ekaterina Khvaniz of Kazakhstan, who studies at Tianjin University of Foreign Languages.

    Thanks to innovative design concepts and business models, China’s creative industry is now enjoying great popularity worldwide.

    In 2024, The Monsters series conquered global markets, generating over 3 billion yuan in revenue, with a year-on-year increase of 726.6%. This makes it the most successful IP in the company’s history.

    “Labubu showcases the uniqueness of Chinese creative products, breaking through language and cultural barriers and attracting many international consumers,” said Abdul Rahman, a Pakistani student at Tianjin University.

    It is worth noting that, thanks to digital technology, China’s cultural and creative products are quickly attracting the attention of the global audience through a younger, digital and interactive way.

    “Social platforms such as TikTok and Xiaohongshu and other e-commerce platforms are popular all over the world, introducing Chinese creative and cultural products to the world in a new way,” said Adel Baktygulova, a Kyrgyz student at Tsinghua University.

    According to the data, the operating income of China’s cultural industry and related industries exceeded 19 trillion yuan in 2024, a record high. The operating income of content development and production and creative design services increased by 8.4 percent and 7.2 percent, respectively. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Thematic presentation and business meeting on Russian projects held in Daqing

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) — A thematic presentation of “Open Heilongjiang, Innovative Daqing” and a business meeting on Russian projects were held in Daqing, Heilongjiang Province, northeast China, on July 29.

    According to the news portal sohu.com, Liu Xiuli, an official of the Daqing municipal government, warmly welcomed the participants in her welcoming speech. She expressed hope that the event would strengthen the ties and contacts between Daqing and its partners, creating a long-term platform for local enterprises to cooperate in trade with Russia.

    At the business meeting, the Foreign Affairs Office of Daqing City presented the achievements and prospective plans for cooperation with the Russian Federation. Representatives of the city’s specialized companies held project presentations.

    Cheng Xiang, director of the Heilongjiang Provincial Center for Trade and Economic Cooperation with Russia, said the center will fully play a role as a link, providing Daqing enterprises with a range of services, including policy clarification, market analysis, vocational training, etc.

    Following the event, the delegation of the Center for Trade and Economic Cooperation with Russia in Heilongjiang Province held a working meeting with the Daqing City Commerce Department. The parties agreed to organize training for the city’s enterprises engaged in trade with Russia. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Thematic presentation and business meeting on Russian projects held in Daqing

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) — A thematic presentation of “Open Heilongjiang, Innovative Daqing” and a business meeting on Russian projects were held in Daqing, Heilongjiang Province, northeast China, on July 29.

    According to the news portal sohu.com, Liu Xiuli, an official of the Daqing municipal government, warmly welcomed the participants in her welcoming speech. She expressed hope that the event would strengthen the ties and contacts between Daqing and its partners, creating a long-term platform for local enterprises to cooperate in trade with Russia.

    At the business meeting, the Foreign Affairs Office of Daqing City presented the achievements and prospective plans for cooperation with the Russian Federation. Representatives of the city’s specialized companies held project presentations.

    Cheng Xiang, director of the Heilongjiang Provincial Center for Trade and Economic Cooperation with Russia, said the center will fully play a role as a link, providing Daqing enterprises with a range of services, including policy clarification, market analysis, vocational training, etc.

    Following the event, the delegation of the Center for Trade and Economic Cooperation with Russia in Heilongjiang Province held a working meeting with the Daqing City Commerce Department. The parties agreed to organize training for the city’s enterprises engaged in trade with Russia. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Xi Jinping signs decree on awarding some military units and individuals /detailed version-1/

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) — Chairman of the Central Military Commission Xi Jinping signed an order recognizing the achievements of two military units and five individuals.

    One of the organs of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Unit 63920 was awarded the First Class Merit Award. Ding Yang of the PLA Unit 92853 was awarded the First Class Merit Award in Defense Science and Technology.

    PLA Unit 96712 was awarded the Second Class Merit Award.

    Wang Haidou of the former Army Armored Academy, Gao Yuqi of the Army Medical University, Yang Zichun of the Naval Engineering University and Chen Wei of the Institute of Military Medicine under the Academy of Military Sciences were each awarded third-class merits in defense science and technology. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China Southern Airlines and Air Astana have entered into a codeshare agreement

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) — China Southern Airlines and Air Astana officially signed a codeshare agreement on Tuesday, according to a statement on the website of the Guangzhou-based Chinese carrier.

    The entry into force of the document, as stated by China Southern Airlines, will provide more convenience to passengers of both countries.

    The agreement envisages the joint operation of a number of air routes between China and Kazakhstan. These include the routes opened by China Southern Airlines Guangzhou-Almaty, Beijing /Daxing/-Almaty, Urumqi-Almaty, Xi’an-Almaty, Guangzhou-Astana, Urumqi-Astana and the routes opened by Air Astana Almaty-Beijing /Shoudu/, Almaty-Urumqi, Almaty-Guangzhou, Astana-Beijing /Shoudu/.

    China Southern Airlines is paying increased attention to the Kazakh market and plans to further increase the frequency of flights between the two countries through cooperation with Air Astana, said its CEO Han Wensheng.

    Air Astana Chief Executive Officer Peter Foster noted that China has always been a strategically important market for Air Astana.

    The new step in cooperation taken by Air Astana and China Southern Airlines will help strengthen the airline’s position in the Chinese market and open a new page in the annals of cooperation between the airlines of both countries, he believes.

    The conclusion of the code-share agreement has created a new paradigm for aviation cooperation between China and Kazakhstan and will effectively promote the development of bilateral ties in trade, tourism and humanitarian exchanges, China Southern Airlines noted. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Xi Jinping signs decree on awarding some military units and individuals /detailed version-1/

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) — Chairman of the Central Military Commission Xi Jinping signed an order recognizing the achievements of two military units and five individuals.

    One of the organs of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Unit 63920 was awarded the First Class Merit Award. Ding Yang of the PLA Unit 92853 was awarded the First Class Merit Award in Defense Science and Technology.

    PLA Unit 96712 was awarded the Second Class Merit Award.

    Wang Haidou of the former Army Armored Academy, Gao Yuqi of the Army Medical University, Yang Zichun of the Naval Engineering University and Chen Wei of the Institute of Military Medicine under the Academy of Military Sciences were each awarded third-class merits in defense science and technology. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China Southern Airlines and Air Astana have entered into a codeshare agreement

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) — China Southern Airlines and Air Astana officially signed a codeshare agreement on Tuesday, according to a statement on the website of the Guangzhou-based Chinese carrier.

    The entry into force of the document, as stated by China Southern Airlines, will provide more convenience to passengers of both countries.

    The agreement envisages the joint operation of a number of air routes between China and Kazakhstan. These include the routes opened by China Southern Airlines Guangzhou-Almaty, Beijing /Daxing/-Almaty, Urumqi-Almaty, Xi’an-Almaty, Guangzhou-Astana, Urumqi-Astana and the routes opened by Air Astana Almaty-Beijing /Shoudu/, Almaty-Urumqi, Almaty-Guangzhou, Astana-Beijing /Shoudu/.

    China Southern Airlines is paying increased attention to the Kazakh market and plans to further increase the frequency of flights between the two countries through cooperation with Air Astana, said its CEO Han Wensheng.

    Air Astana Chief Executive Officer Peter Foster noted that China has always been a strategically important market for Air Astana.

    The new step in cooperation taken by Air Astana and China Southern Airlines will help strengthen the airline’s position in the Chinese market and open a new page in the annals of cooperation between the airlines of both countries, he believes.

    The conclusion of the code-share agreement has created a new paradigm for aviation cooperation between China and Kazakhstan and will effectively promote the development of bilateral ties in trade, tourism and humanitarian exchanges, China Southern Airlines noted. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Carbajal Statement on Trump Administration Revoking Approval of Ocean Areas Designated for Wind Power

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

    Carbajal Statement on Trump Administration Revoking Approval of Ocean Areas Designated for Wind Power

    Washington, July 30, 2025

    U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) released the statement below following the Trump administration’s decision to revoke approval for millions of acres of ocean to be set aside for offshore wind development. 

    “This is another backwards policy decision by the Trump administration that will hurt our wind energy sector and the thousands of jobs it supports,” said Rep. Carbajal. “Wind power is no longer theoretical—it’s vital to our economy and energy security. Undermining renewables not only hurts American workers and businesses, it hands the future of clean energy to global competitors like China. This is an America Last policy approach.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu Attends the Opening Ceremony of O-Bank’s Sydney Representative Office

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    irector General David Cheng-Wei Wu was honoured to attend the opening ceremony of O-Bank’s Sydney Representative Office, alongside distinguished guests including the Hon. Anthony Roberts MP, the Hon. Rod Roberts MLC, Dr. Hugh McDermott MP, President of the Australia-Taiwan Business Council John Toigo, President of the Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce in Australia Peter Huang, as well as leaders from the Taiwanese banking, business, and community sectors.
    O-Bank President Elton Lee envisions the Sydney Representative Office as a pivotal hub in the bank’s roadmap for global expansion. The bank aims not only to upgrade the office to a full branch but also to establish additional locations across Australia. By collaborating with fellow Taiwanese financial institutions in Australia, O-Bank seeks to deepen financial, trade, and cultural ties between Taiwan and Australia.
    Director General Wu began his remarks by thanking the three members of the New South Wales Parliament for their presence, which demonstrated bipartisan support for the Taiwanese community, the Representative Office, and O-Bank. He noted that, as Taiwan’s first native digital bank, O-Bank’s presence marks the ninth Taiwanese bank in Sydney and the twelfth in Australia — a clear indication of growing financial ties between Taiwan and New South Wales. He further emphasized Taiwan’s active pursuit of membership in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), with the support of Australia. Taiwan’s inclusion would strengthen supply chain integration among like-minded democracies and generate concrete economic benefits at both bilateral and multilateral levels. In short, the CPTPP will be stronger with Taiwan on board.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: PLA garrison in HK holds reception to celebrate 98th anniv of founding of PLA

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

    The Hong Kong Garrison of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) on Wednesday held a reception to celebrate the 98th anniversary of the founding of the PLA at Stonecutters Island Barracks, attended by around 400 people.

    John Lee, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Zhou Ji, director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, Dong Jingwei, director of the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, Cui Jianchun, commissioner of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the HKSAR, Peng Jingtang, commander of the Chinese PLA Hong Kong Garrison, Lai Ruxin, political commissar of the PLA Hong Kong Garrison, veterans of the Hong Kong Independent Battalion of the Dongjiang Column, and people from all walks of life in Hong Kong attended the event.

    In his speech, Peng said that over the past 98 years, under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the PLA have endured the flames of war and made remarkable historical contributions to the party and the people.

    Peng said that this year marks the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and in the World Anti-Fascist War. Led by the CPC, the Hong Kong Independent Battalion of the Dongjiang Column played a vital role in defending Hong Kong and fighting against Japanese invaders, making an important contribution to the global victory over fascism.

    Peng also reviewed the hard work of the PLA garrison in Hong Kong, which has faithfully fulfilled its sacred duty of safeguarding Hong Kong’s long-term prosperity and stability, serving as a vital anchor of security and reassurance.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Cambodia, Thailand reaffirm commitment to ceasefire agreement at trilateral meeting with China

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

    Cambodia and Thailand reaffirmed to China their commitment to abiding by their ceasefire agreement at an informal trilateral meeting, according to a statement released on the Chinese foreign ministry’s website.

    China, Cambodia and Thailand held the meeting in Shanghai on Wednesday. Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong and representatives of Cambodia and Thailand were in attendance.

    Cambodia and Thailand reaffirmed to China that they will abide by the ceasefire agreement, and expressed their appreciation for the positive role China has played to date in calming down the situation, the statement said.

    It noted that the meeting had a frank, friendly and harmonious atmosphere.

    China has continuously played a constructive role in supporting Cambodia and Thailand in the peaceful resolution of their border disputes, and the Wednesday meeting was China’s latest diplomatic effort in this regard, the statement said.

    Cambodia and Thailand reached a common understanding on an immediate and unconditional ceasefire effective from 24:00 hours (local time) on July 28, 2025, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia, rotating chair of ASEAN, said after hosting the leaders of the two countries in Putrajaya, Malaysia.

    The on-site ceasefire situation is relatively fragile, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a regular news briefing on Wednesday, explaining the reason for the trilateral meeting in Shanghai.

    Since conflict broke out on the Cambodia-Thailand border, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has communicated with his Cambodian and Thai counterparts, as well as the secretary-general of ASEAN, Guo said.

    The Chinese foreign ministry has also maintained close communication with Cambodia and Thailand, dispatched its special envoy for Asian affairs to conduct shuttle diplomacy twice, and sent representatives to attend the meeting between the leaders of Cambodia and Thailand, he said.

    China has no selfish interests in this border conflict, and supports ASEAN in promoting the political settlement of the issue in “the ASEAN way,” he said.

    China is willing to continue to maintain close communication on this issue with Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia and other regional countries, and to play a constructive role in consolidating the ceasefire agreement and restoring peace and stability as soon as possible, the spokesperson said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Russia’s Klyuchevskaya Sopka volcano erupts after major earthquake

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

    A damaged kindergarten is pictured after earthquake in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatka, Russia, July 30, 2025. Russia’s Far Eastern Kamchatka Peninsula was hit by a magnitude 8.7 earthquake, the strongest since 1952, according to the Kamchatka branch of the Geophysical Service of the Russian Academy of Sciences. [Government of Kamchatka Territory/Handout via Xinhua]

    The Klyuchevskaya Sopka volcano is erupting in Kamchatka following a major earthquake in the region, the Kamchatka Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences’ (RAS) Geophysical Service said in a Wednesday Telegram post.

    “Right now, the Klyuchevskaya Sopka is erupting,” the RAS branch reported, with the message accompanied by a photo of the volcanic eruption.

    Also, scientists are tracking flows of incandescent lava down the western slope. Currently, explosions and intense glowing are visible above the volcano. Footage has been published on the Geophysical Service’s Telegram channel.

    Earlier in the day, an 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck offshore Kamchatka, the strongest in the region since 1952.

    Klyuchevskaya Sopka stands 4,850 meters above sea level, making it Eurasia’s highest active volcano. It forms a symmetrical cone with a summit crater approximately 700 meters in diameter. Its slopes contain around 80 secondary explosion craters and cinder cones.

    The volcano lies 30 km from the settlement of Klyuchi in the Ust-Kamchatsky District, where roughly 4,500 people reside. Its last eruption was in April 2025.

    MIL OSI China News –