NewzIntel.com

Category: CTF

  • MIL-Evening Report: Air New Zealand to resume Auckland-Nouméa flights from November

    By Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk

    Air New Zealand has announced it plans to resume its Auckland-Nouméa flights from November, almost one and a half years after deadly civil unrest broke out in the French Pacific territory.

    “Air New Zealand is resuming its Auckland-Nouméa service starting 1 November 2025. Initially, flights will operate once a week on a Saturday. This follows the New Zealand Government’s decision to update its safe travel advisory level for New Caledonia”, the company stated in its latest update yesterday.

    “The resumption of services reflects our commitment to reconnecting New Zealand and New Caledonia, ensuring that travel is safe and reliable for our customers. We will continue to monitor this route closely.

    “Passengers are encouraged to check the latest travel advisories and Air New Zealand’s official channels for updates on flight schedules”, said Air New Zealand general manager short haul Lucy Hall.

    In its updated advisory regarding New Caledonia, the New Zealand government still recommends “Exercise increased caution” (Level 2 of 4).

    It said this was “due to the ongoing risk of civil unrest”.

    In some specific areas (the Loyalty Islands, the Isle of Pines (Iles de Pins), and inland of the coastal strip between Mont Dore and Koné), it is still recommended to “avoid non-essential travel (Level 3 of 4).”

    Warning over ‘civil unrest’
    The advisory also recalls that “there was a prolonged period of civil unrest in New Caledonia in 2024. Political tensions and civil unrest may increase at short notice”.

    “Avoid all demonstrations, protests, and rallies as they have the potential to turn violent with little warning”.

    Air New Zealand ceased flights between Auckland and the French territory’s capital, Nouméa on 15 June 2024, at the height of violent civil unrest.

    Since then, it has maintained its no-show for the French Pacific territory, one of its closest neighbours.

    Air New Zealand’s general manager international Jeremy O’Brien said at the time this was due to “pockets of unrest” remaining in New Caledonia and “safety is priority”.

    New Caledonia’s international carrier Air Calédonie International (Aircalin) is also operating two weekly flights to Auckland from the Nouméa-La Tontouta international airport.

    The riots that broke out on 13 May 2024 resulted in 14 deaths and more than 2.2 billion euros (NZ$4.1 billion) in damages, bringing New Caledonia’s economy to its knees, with thousands of businesses and jobs destroyed.

    Tourism from its main regional source markets, namely Australia and New Zealand, also came to a standstill.

    Specifically regarding New Zealand, local statistics show that between the first quarters of 2024 and 2025, visitor numbers collapsed by 90 percent (from 1731 to 186).

    New Caledonia’s tourism stakeholders have welcomed the resumption of the service to and from New Zealand, saying this will allow the industry to relaunch targeted promotional campaigns in the New Zealand market.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Coons, colleagues statement on recent developments in the DRC and Rwanda

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), and John Cornyn (R-Texas) issued the following statement in response to recent developments in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda:
    “Safety, security, and prosperity in Central Africa are in the clear interest of the United States. For too long, armies from the region, their proxy militia – including the Rwanda-backed M23 – terrorist organizations, and malign actors have terrorized communities and plundered resources in Eastern Congo. The escalation of conflict since January 2025 has dramatically heightened regional instability, displaced hundreds of thousands of people, and unleashed profound suffering. 
    “Now is the time for all parties to redouble their efforts at the negotiating table to achieve a lasting and sustainable resolution to the conflict. We are encouraged by the progress made by the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda in negotiations facilitated by the United States. The April 25 Declaration of Principles, signed in Washington at a ceremony hosted by Secretary Rubio, is a clear step forward toward achieving this goal and the latest testament to the power of U.S. engagement and leadership in this region. As negotiations continue, we hope there will be a concerted effort to include civil society, and that any agreement will allow for the neutral and unimpeded access to and delivery of robust humanitarian aid. We urge all parties to continue negotiating in good faith and in adherence to the Declaration of Principles, building on African-led efforts.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Strengthening rural resilience & celebrating Rural Women

    Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

    The Government is backing the grassroots work of Rural Women New Zealand – the people who support and connect rural families, communities, and businesses across the country.

    Budget 2025 includes a $250,000 investment for the 2025/26 financial year to help the organisation expand its reach during its centenary year and continue its vital role supporting rural families and communities.

    “If agriculture is the backbone of the New Zealand economy, then rural women are its beating heart,” Associate Agriculture Minister Nicola Grigg says.

    “Rural women are at the heart of our rural economy – they lead businesses, care for families, and hold communities together.

    “By backing Rural Women New Zealand, we’re investing in the strength and resilience of the rural sector itself. This is about ensuring women have the resources and support they need to lead their communities into the next century.”

    Founded in 1925, the organisation has stood the test of time by adapting to the evolving needs of rural women and their communities.

    “Rural Women New Zealand has been a backbone of rural life for 100 years,” Minister for Rural Communities Mark Patterson says.

    “This funding will support the important work they do every day – helping connect people to services, building strong local networks, and advocating for rural voices to be heard.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: Brompton Split Banc Corp. Renews At-the-Market Equity Program

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Not for distribution to U.S. newswire services or for dissemination in the United States.

    TORONTO, May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — (TSX: SBC, SBC.PR.A) Brompton Split Banc Corp. (the “Fund”) is pleased to announce it has renewed its at-the-market equity program (“ATM Program”) so that the Fund can issue class A and preferred shares (the “Class A Shares” and “Preferred Shares”, respectively) to the public from time to time, at the Fund’s discretion. This ATM Program replaces the prior program established in April 2023 that has terminated. Any Class A Shares or Preferred Shares sold under the ATM Program will be sold through the Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX”) or any other marketplace in Canada on which the Class A Shares and Preferred Shares are listed, quoted or otherwise traded at the prevailing market price at the time of sale. Sales of Class A Shares and Preferred Shares through the ATM Program will be made pursuant to the terms of an equity distribution agreement dated May 22, 2025 (the “Equity Distribution Agreement”) with RBC Capital Markets (the “Agent”).

    Sales of Class A Shares and Preferred Shares will be made by way of “at-the-market distributions” as defined in National Instrument 44-102 Shelf Distributions on the TSX or on any marketplace for the Class A Shares and Preferred Shares in Canada. Since the Class A Shares and Preferred Shares will be distributed at the prevailing market prices at the time of the sale, prices may vary among purchasers during the period of distribution. The ATM Program is being offered pursuant to a prospectus supplement dated May 22, 2025 to the Fund’s short form base shelf prospectus dated May 22, 2025. The maximum gross proceeds from the issuance of the shares will be $75 million for each of the Class A and Preferred Shares. Copies of the prospectus supplement and the short form base shelf prospectus may be obtained from your registered financial advisor or from representatives of the Agent and are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

    The volume and timing of distributions under the ATM Program, if any, will be determined at the Fund’s sole discretion. The ATM Program will be effective until June 22, 2027, unless terminated prior to such date by the Fund. The Fund intends to use the proceeds from the ATM Program in accordance with the investment objectives and investment strategies of the Fund, subject to the investment restrictions of the Fund.

    The Fund invests in a portfolio (the “Portfolio”) consisting of common shares of the six largest Canadian banks: Royal Bank of Canada, The Bank of Nova Scotia, National Bank of Canada, The Toronto-Dominion Bank, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and Bank of Montreal. In addition, the Fund may hold up to 10% of the total assets of the Portfolio in investments in global financial companies for the purpose of enhanced diversification and return potential.

    The investment objectives for the Class A Shares are to provide holders with regular monthly cash distributions targeted to be at least $0.10 per Class A Share and to provide the opportunity for growth in the net asset value per Class A Share.

    The investment objectives for the Preferred Shares are to provide holders with fixed cumulative preferential quarterly cash distributions, in the amount of $0.15625 per Preferred Share (6.25% per annum on the original $10.00 issue price), and to return the original issue price to holders of Preferred Shares on November 29, 2027.

    Over the last 10 years, the Class A Shares have delivered a 12.0% per annum total return based on NAV, outperforming the S&P/TSX Composite Total Return Index by 3.7% per annum.(1) The Preferred Shares have returned 5.3% per annum over the last 10 years, outperforming the S&P/TSX Preferred Share Total Return Index by 1.7% per annum.(1)

    About Brompton Funds

    Founded in 2000, Brompton is an experienced investment fund manager with income and growth focused investment solutions including exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and other TSX traded investment funds. For further information, please contact your investment advisor, call Brompton’s investor relations line at 416-642-6000 (toll-free at 1-866-642-6001), email info@bromptongroup.com or visit our website at www.bromptongroup.com.

    (1) See Performance table below.

      Brompton Split Banc Corp.
    Compound Annual Returns to April 30, 2025    		 1-Yr 3-Yr 5-Yr 10-Yr Since Inception
      Class A Shares (TSX: SBC) 33.1% 7.8% 26.4% 12.0% 11.2%
      S&P/TSX Composite Total Return Index 17.9% 9.6% 14.4% 8.3% 7.6%
      Preferred Shares (TSX: SBC.PR.A) 6.4% 6.1% 5.7% 5.3% 5.2%
      S&P/TSX Preferred Share Total Return Index 11.7% 5.9% 9.4% 3.5% 2.9%
                 

    Returns are for the periods ended April 30, 2025, and are unaudited. Inception date November 16, 2005. The table shows the compound return on a Class A Share and Preferred Share for each period indicated compared to the S&P/TSX Composite Total Return Index (“Composite Index”), and the S&P/TSX Preferred Share Total Return Index (“Preferred Share Index”) (together the “Indices”). The Composite Index tracks the performance, on a market weight basis and total return basis, of a broad index of large-capitalization issuers listed on the TSX. The Preferred Share Index tracks the performance, on a market‑weight basis and total return basis, of a broad index of preferred shares trading on the TSX that meet the criteria relating to size, liquidity and issuer rating. The Fund is actively managed; therefore, its performance is not expected to mirror that of the Indices, which have more diversified portfolios and include a substantially larger number of companies. Furthermore, the Indices’ performance is calculated without the deduction of management fees, fund expenses and trading commissions, whereas the performance of the Fund is calculated after deducting such fees and expenses. Additionally, the performance of the Class A Shares is impacted by the leverage provided by the Preferred Shares. The performance information shown is based on the net asset value per Class A Share and the redemption price per Preferred Share and assumes that cash distributions made by the Fund during the periods shown were reinvested at net asset value per Class A Share and redemption price per Preferred Share in additional Class A Shares or Preferred Shares of the Fund. Past performance does not necessarily indicate how the Fund will perform in the future.

    You will usually pay brokerage fees to your dealer if you purchase or sell shares of the Fund on the TSX or other alternative Canadian trading system (an “exchange”). If the shares are purchased or sold on an exchange, investors may pay more than the current net asset value when buying shares of the Fund and may receive less than the current net asset value when selling them.

    There are ongoing fees and expenses associated with owning shares of an investment fund. An investment fund must prepare disclosure documents that contain key information about the fund. You can find more detailed information about the Fund in its public filings available at www.sedarplus.ca. The indicated rates of return are the historical annual compounded total returns including changes in share value and reinvestment of all distributions and does not take into account sales, redemption, distribution or optional charges or income tax payable by any securityholder that would have reduced returns. Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.

    Certain statements contained in this document constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information may relate to matters disclosed in this document and to other matters identified in public filings relating to the Fund, to the future outlook of the Fund and anticipated events or results and may include statements regarding the future financial performance of the Fund. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by terms such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “expect”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “intend”, “estimate”, “predict”, “potential”, “continue” or other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. Actual results may vary from such forward-looking information. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and we assume no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances.

    The securities offered have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or any applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities nor will there be any sale of such securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: What’s the difference between skim milk and light milk?

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Margaret Murray, Senior Lecturer, Nutrition, Swinburne University of Technology

    bodnar.photo/Shutterstock

    If you’re browsing the supermarket fridge for reduced-fat milk, it’s easy to be confused by the many different types.

    You can find options labelled skim, skimmed, skinny, no fat, extra light, lite, light, low fat, reduced fat, semi skim and HiLo (high calcium, low fat).

    So what’s the difference between two of these common milks – skim milk and light milk? How are they made? And which one’s healthier?

    What do they contain?

    Skim milk

    In Australia and New Zealand, skim milk is defined as milk that contains no more than 1.5% milk fat and has at least 3% protein. On the nutrition information panel this looks like less than 1.5 grams of fat and at least 3g protein per 100 millilitres of milk.

    But the fat content of skim milk can be as low as 0.1% or 0.1g per 100mL.

    Light milk

    Light milk is sometimes spelled “lite” but they’re essentially the same thing.

    While light milk is not specifically defined in Australia and New Zealand, the term “light” is defined for food generally. If we apply the rules to milk, we can say light milk must contain no more than 2.4% fat (2.4g fat per 100mL).

    In other words, light milk contains more fat than skim milk.

    You can find the fat content by reading the “total fat per 100mL” on the label’s nutrition information panel.

    How about other nutrients?

    The main nutritional difference between skim milk and light milk, apart from the fat content, is the energy content.

    Skim milk provides about 150 kilojoules of energy per 100mL whereas light milk provides about 220kJ per 100mL.

    Any milk sold as cow’s milk must contain at least 3% protein (3g protein per 100mL of milk). That includes skim or light milk. So there’s typically not much difference there.

    Likewise, the calcium content doesn’t differ much between skim milk and light milk. It is typically about 114 milligrams to 120mg per 100mL.

    You can check these and other details on the label’s nutrition information panel.

    How are they made?

    Skim milk and light milk are not made by watering down full-cream milk.

    Instead, full-cream milk is spun at high speeds in a device called a centrifuge. This causes the fat to separate and be removed, leaving behind milk containing less fat.

    Here’s how fat is removed to produce skim and light milk.

    Who should be drinking what?

    Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend we drink mostly reduced-fat milk – that is, milk containing no more than 2.4g fat per 100mL. Skim milk and light milk are both included in that category.

    The exception is for children under two years old, who are recommended full-cream milk to meet their growing needs.

    The reason our current guidelines recommend reduced-fat milk is that, since the 1970s, reduced-fat milk has been thought to help with reducing body weight and reducing the risk of heart disease. That’s because of its lower content of saturated fat and energy (kilojoules/calories) than full cream milk.

    However, more recent evidence has shown drinking full-cream milk is not associated with weight gain or health risks. In fact, eating or drinking dairy products of any type may help reduce the risk of obesity and other metabolic disorders (such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes), especially in children and adolescents.

    The science in this area continues to evolve. So the debate around whether there are health benefits to choosing reduced-fat milk over full cream milk is ongoing.

    Whether or not there any individual health benefits from choosing skim milk or light milk over full cream will vary depending on your current health status and broader dietary habits.

    For personalised health and dietary advice, speak to a health professional.

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

    – ref. What’s the difference between skim milk and light milk? – https://theconversation.com/whats-the-difference-between-skim-milk-and-light-milk-255608

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Russia is labelling Oscar Jenkins a ‘mercenary’, not a prisoner of war. What’s the difference – and why does this matter?

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Shannon Bosch, Associate Professor (Law), Edith Cowan University

    Oscar Jenkins, a 33-year-old former teacher from Melbourne, was one of many foreigners who responded to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s call in 2022 for volunteers to join Ukraine’s armed forces to help repel Russia’s invasion.

    In early 2024, Jenkins joined Ukraine’s International Legion of Territorial Defence, which has attracted some 20,000 fighters from 50 countries since the war began. He had no previous military experience, but this wasn’t a requirement to join.

    In December, Jenkins was captured by Russian forces in Russian-occupied eastern Ukraine and accused of serving as a “mercenary” in Ukraine’s 66th Mechanised Brigade’s 402nd Rifle Battalion. He was tried in a Russian court and sentenced on May 16 to 13 years imprisonment in a maximum-security penal colony.

    When a foreigner volunteers to fight in a war, their legal status under international law can be complicated.

    Are they a soldier with the full authorisation of one of the warring parties to engage in hostilities? Or are they an illegal mercenary?

    And what happens if they are captured?

    Why legal status matters

    The answers to these questions have very real importance to the thousands of foreigners who have joined Ukraine’s International Legion since 2022.

    Russian authorities have classified all of Ukraine’s foreigner fighters as “mercenaries”. They’ve used this label to deny foreign fighters the status of “prisoner of war” (POW), with the requisite protections that come along with that under international humanitarian law.

    While foreigners are permitted under international law to enlist in the armed forces of a state for political or moral reasons, mercenaries have historically been outlawed due to their sole motivation being financial gain.

    International humanitarian law (the rules that govern war) define mercenaries as individuals who are not nationals or residents of a state engaged in war and are recruited to fight outside that state’s official armed forces.

    They are motivated solely by private gain (like money or promises of reward), often well in excess of what the traditional armed forces are paid. Mercenaries are essentially professional soldiers who sell their services to a state without any real ties to that country.

    Once a fighter is classified as a “mercenary”, they lose all the legal protections that are traditionally afforded lawful combatants.

    This includes prisoner of war status if they are captured and immunity from prosecution for fighting in a conflict. Prisoners of war are also entitled to humane treatment and access to food and medical care. And they cannot be subjected to sham trials or torture.

    According to my research, many of the foreign nationals who joined the International Legion were motivated by a desire to defend Ukraine against Russia’s aggression. They were sworn into Ukraine’s armed forces and paid the same as a Ukrainian soldier of equal rank.

    Once enlisted in the armed forces, they were immediately exempt from “mercenary” status, irrespective of their motivation for joining.

    As such, these foreign fighters should be entitled to the full range of protections guaranteed to members of Ukraine’s armed forces under the Geneva Conventions.

    Labelling lawful foreign members of the Ukrainian armed forces as “mercenaries”, and denying them their protections, is an abuse of international law.

    How can Australia protect its nationals?

    If an Australian enlists in Ukraine’s armed forces and is captured by Russian forces, there is a limited toolkit the Australian government can use to help him or her. However, it is not powerless.

    Through its embassy in Moscow, Australia can request access to detainees to assess their welfare while in prison. Russia can, however, decline this access. Details of a detainee’s capture may also be withheld.

    Australia can also apply diplomatic pressure to ensure humane treatment of prisoners and their full POW rights.

    This can be done by working with international bodies, such as the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention or organisations like the International Committee for the Red Cross (ICRC), which can request access to detainees.

    It appears the government is already doing some of these things. According to Foreign Minister Penny Wong, the government has been working with Ukraine and the ICRC to advocate for Jenkins’ welfare and release, and providing consular support to Jenkins’ family.

    Australia also has an obligation to warn its citizens they will likely face severe consequences if they travel to Ukraine to fight and are captured by Russian forces, given Russia’s misuse of the “mercenary” label.

    Through back-channel negotiations, Australia could also push Ukraine or its allies to include Australians being held by Russia in future prisoner swaps.

    In January of this year, Ukraine and Russia carried out such an exchange of 470 prisoners from both nations. And in talks last week in Turkey, both sides agreed to release another 1,000 prisoners on each side.

    Such exchanges have involved foreign fighters in the past. In 2022, 10 foreign citizens were included in a prisoner swap, including five Britons, two Americans, a Croatian, a Swede and a Moroccan. Several of them had been convicted of being mercenaries and sentenced to death after a Russian sham trial.

    There is no guarantee Jenkins would qualify for such an exchange, however, if Russia continues to classify him as a mercenary.

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

    – ref. Russia is labelling Oscar Jenkins a ‘mercenary’, not a prisoner of war. What’s the difference – and why does this matter? – https://theconversation.com/russia-is-labelling-oscar-jenkins-a-mercenary-not-a-prisoner-of-war-whats-the-difference-and-why-does-this-matter-256996

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Semicolons are becoming increasingly rare; their disappearance should be resisted

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Roslyn Petelin, Honorary Associate Professor in Writing, The University of Queensland

    Tung Cheung/Shutterstock

    A recent study has found a 50% decline in the use of semicolons over the last two decades. The decline accelerates a longterm trend:

    In 1781, British literature featured a semicolon roughly every 90 words; by 2000, it had fallen to one every 205 words. Today, there’s just one semicolon for every 390 words.

    Further research reported that 67% of British students never or rarely use a semicolon; more than 50% did not know how to use it. Just 11% of respondents described themselves as frequent users.

    These findings may not be definitive. According to the Guardian, the Google Books Ngram Viewer database, which surveys novels and nonfiction, indicates that

    semicolon use in English rose by 388% between 1800 and 2006, before falling by 45% over the next 11 years. In 2017, however, it started a gradual recovery, with a 27% rise by 2022.

    Yet when you put the punctuation mark itself into the database, rather than the word “semicolon”, you get a quite different result – one that looks very much like a steady decline.

    Virulent detractors

    The semicolon first appeared in 1494, so it has been around for a long time. So have arguments about it.

    Its dectractors can be quite virulent. It is sometimes taken as a sign of affected elitism. Adrian Mole, the pretentious schoolboy protagonist of Sue Townsend’s popular novels, says snobbishly of Barry Kent, the skinhead bully at his school: “He wouldn’t know what a semicolon was if it fell into his beer.” Kurt Vonnegut (whose novels are not entirely free of semicolons) said semicolons represented “absolutely nothing” and using them just showed that you “went to college”.

    Kurt Vonnegut, antagonist of the semicolon.
    Bernard Gotfryd / Adam Cuerden, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

    Other writers have expressed pure animosity. American journalist James Kilpatrick denounced the semicolon “girly”, “odious”, and the “most pusillanimous, sissified utterly useless mark of punctuation ever invented”.

    The utility of this much maligned punctuation mark in contemporary prose has been called into question. British author Ben McIntyre has claimed Stephen King “wouldn’t be seen dead in a ditch with a semicolon”.

    He obviously hasn’t read page 32 of King’s wonderful book On Writing, where King uses semicolons in three sentences in a row.

    Impeccable balance

    Before I defend the semicolon, it is worth clarifying what it actually does. Its two uses are as follows:

    1) it separates independent clauses, but establishes a relation between them. It suggests that the statements are too closely connected to stand as separate sentences. For example: “Speech is silver; silence is golden.”

    2) it can be used to clarify a complicated list. For example: “Remember to check your grammar, especially agreement of subjects and verbs; your spelling, especially of tricky words such as ‘liaison’; and your punctuation, especially your use of the apostrophe.”

    Semicolons have long played a prominent role in classic literature. Journalist Amelia Hill notes that Virginia Woolf relies heavily on semicolons in her meditation on time, Mrs Dalloway. The novel includes more than 1000 of them, often used in unorthodox ways, to capture the flow of its protagonist’s thoughts.

    Virginia Woolf, semicolon enthusiast.
    Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons

    Other supporters of the semicolon include Salman Rushdie, John Updike, Donna Tartt, Mark Twain, Charles Dickens and Jane Austen. Novelist Philip Hensher has celebrated the semicolon as “a cherished tool, elegant and rational.” In 1953, theatre critic Kenneth Tynan called it “the prize-winning supporting crutch of English prose”.

    In his essay Semicolons: A Love Story, Ben Dolnick refers to William James’s deft use of semicolons to pile on the clauses. He claims this is like saying to a reader, who is already holding one bag of groceries, “Here, I know it’s a lot, but can you take another?”

    “The image of the grocery bags,” observed Mary Norris, a highly respected copyeditor at the New Yorker, “reinforces the idea that semicolons are all about balance.” Harvard professor Louis Menand has praised as “impeccable” the balancing semicolon on a public service placard (allegedly amended by hand) that exhorted subway riders not to leave their newspapers behind on the train: “Please put it in a trash can; that’s good news for everyone.”

    The poet Lewis Thomas beautifully captures the elegance of a well-used semicolon in his essay Notes on Punctuation:

    The semicolon tells you there is still some question about the preceding full sentence; something needs to be added. It is almost always a greater pleasure to come across a semicolon than a full stop. The full stop tells you that is that; if you didn’t get all the meaning you wanted or expected, you got all the writer intended to parcel out and now you have to move along. But with a semicolon there you get a pleasant little feeling of expectancy; there is more to come; read on; it will get clearer.

    As Australian novelist David Malouf has argued, the semicolon still has a future, and an important function, in nuanced imaginative prose:

    I tend to write longer sentences and use the semicolon so as not to have to break the longer sentences into shorter ones that would suggest things are not connected that I want people to see as connected. Short sentences make for fast reading; often you want slow reading.

    We cannot do without the semicolon. The Apostrophe Protection Society is going along very strongly. I would be more than happy to join a Semicolon Supporting Society.

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

    – ref. Semicolons are becoming increasingly rare; their disappearance should be resisted – https://theconversation.com/semicolons-are-becoming-increasingly-rare-their-disappearance-should-be-resisted-257019

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why do I procrastinate? And can I do anything about it?

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Catherine Houlihan, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology, University of the Sunshine Coast

    Dima Berlin/Shutterstock

    Can you only start a boring admin task once your house is clean? Do you leave the trickiest emails to the end of the day?

    Delaying a goal or task – usually to do something less important instead – is known as procrastination and it affects many of us. Most people report procrastinating some of the time, but for others it can be chronic.

    While procrastination is common, it can be frustrating and lead to feelings of shame, guilt and anxiety.

    Here’s why you might be avoiding that task – and five steps to get on top of it.

    Am I procrastinating?

    You might find yourself putting off starting something, abandoning it before it’s finished or leaving it to the very last minute.

    Thoughts such as “I can catch up later” or “I’ll turn it in late” can be telltale signs of procrastination. Maybe you’ve Googled “Why do I procrastinate?” while procrastinating and have come across this article.

    Other times, you might not even be aware you’re doing it. Perhaps you look up and realise you’ve been scrolling online shopping and kitten videos for the past hour, instead of doing your assignment.

    Procrastination is not a character flaw, and it doesn’t mean you’re lazy or even bad at managing time. Framing it this way can make you feel even worse about the behaviour, and stops you learning the real reasons behind it.

    If you want to stop procrastinating, it’s important to understand why you do it in the first place.

    You may find yourself doing another, less urgent task, without even realising you’re procrastinating.
    Daenin/Shutterstock

    Why do I procrastinate?

    Procrastination can be a way of dealing with tricky emotions. Research shows we put off tasks we find boring or frustrating, as well as those we resent or that lack personal meaning.

    We may avoid tasks that create stress or painful emotions, such as completing a tax return where you owe a lot of money, or packing up a parent’s house after their death.

    There a few deeper reasons, too.

    Procrastination can be a sign of perfectionism. This is when an intense fear of failure – of getting something wrong – creates so much pressure to be perfect that it stops us from even getting started.

    People with low self-esteem also tend to procrastinate, whether or not they experience perfectionism. Here, it’s a negative self-view (“I’m not good at most things”) coupled with low confidence (“I probably won’t get it right”) that gets in the way of beginning a task.

    Distraction can be a factor, too. Most of us battle constant interruptions, with pings and alerts designed to redirect our attention. But being very easily distracted can also be a sign you’re avoiding the task.

    For some people, difficulty completing tasks could be a sign of an underlying issue such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. If you’re worried procrastination is affecting your day-to-day life, you can speak to your doctor to seek help.

    Distraction can be a factor.
    F8 Studio/Shutterstock

    Is procrastination ever helpful?

    It depends.

    Some people enjoy the pressure of a deadline. Leaving a task to the last minute can be a strategy to improve motivation or get it done in a limited time.

    Procrastination can also be a coping mechanism.

    Delaying unpleasant tasks may make us feel better in the moment. Avoiding the task may mean we don’t have to face the possibility of getting it wrong, or the negative emotions or consequences it involves.

    But this usually only works in the short term, and in the long term it’s more likely to cause problems.

    Procrastination can trigger self-criticism as well as negative emotions such as guilt and shame.

    In the long term it can also lead to mental health problems including anxiety and depression. Procrastinating has even been linked to poor outcomes in education – such as being caught copying in exams – and at work, including lower salaries and higher likelihood of unemployment.

    So what can we do about it?

    5 steps to tackling procrastination

    1. Face it – you’re procrastinating. Being able to identify and name these patterns is the first step to overcoming procrastination.

    2. Explore why. Understanding the underlying causes is key. Are you afraid of getting it wrong? Is your to-do list unrealistic? Or do you just love a tight deadline? If your procrastination results from perfectionism or low self-esteem you may wish to explore evidence-based treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy, with a therapist or through self-guided activities.

    3. Start prioritising. Take a good look at your to-do list. Are the most urgent or important things at the top? Have you given yourself enough time to complete the tasks? Breaking a task into smaller chunks and taking regular breaks will help prevent you from becoming overwhelmed. If you’re not sure what’s the most important, try talking it through with someone. If you tend to leave the most boring things to the last minute and then never get around to them, set some time aside at the start of each day to get these tasks done.

    4. Avoid distractions. Set your phone to “do not disturb”, hang a sign on the door, tell those around you you’ll be “offline” for a little while. Setting a clear start and end time can help you stick to this rule.

    5. Build in rewards. Life is hard work – be kind to yourself. Whenever you complete a difficult task or cross something off your to-do list, balance this by doing something more enjoyable. Building in rewards can make facing the to-do list a little bit easier.

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

    – ref. Why do I procrastinate? And can I do anything about it? – https://theconversation.com/why-do-i-procrastinate-and-can-i-do-anything-about-it-255770

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Evidence shows AI systems are already too much like humans. Will that be a problem?

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Sandra Peter, Director of Sydney Executive Plus, University of Sydney

    Studiostoks / Shutterstock

    What if we could design a machine that could read your emotions and intentions, write thoughtful, empathetic, perfectly timed responses — and seemingly know exactly what you need to hear? A machine so seductive, you wouldn’t even realise it’s artificial. What if we already have?

    In a comprehensive meta-analysis, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, we show that the latest generation of large language model-powered chatbots match and exceed most humans in their ability to communicate. A growing body of research shows these systems now reliably pass the Turing test, fooling humans into thinking they are interacting with another human.

    None of us was expecting the arrival of super communicators. Science fiction taught us that artificial intelligence (AI) would be highly rational and all-knowing, but lack humanity.

    Yet here we are. Recent experiments have shown that models such as GPT-4 outperform humans in writing persuasively and also empathetically. Another study found that large language models (LLMs) excel at assessing nuanced sentiment in human-written messages.

    LLMs are also masters at roleplay, assuming a wide range of personas and mimicking nuanced linguistic character styles. This is amplified by their ability to infer human beliefs and intentions from text. Of course, LLMs do not possess true empathy or social understanding – but they are highly effective mimicking machines.

    We call these systems “anthropomorphic agents”. Traditionally, anthropomorphism refers to ascribing human traits to non-human entities. However, LLMs genuinely display highly human-like qualities, so calls to avoid anthropomorphising LLMs will fall flat.

    This is a landmark moment: when you cannot tell the difference between talking to a human or an AI chatbot online.

    On the internet, nobody knows you’re an AI

    What does this mean? On the one hand, LLMs promise to make complex information more widely accessible via chat interfaces, tailoring messages to individual comprehension levels. This has applications across many domains, such as legal services or public health. In education, the roleplay abilities can be used to create Socratic tutors that ask personalised questions and help students learn.

    At the same time, these systems are seductive. Millions of users already interact with AI companion apps daily. Much has been said about the negative effects of companion apps, but anthropomorphic seduction comes with far wider implications.

    Users are ready to trust AI chatbots so much that they disclose highly personal information. Pair this with the bots’ highly persuasive qualities, and genuine concerns emerge.

    Recent research by AI company Anthropic further shows that its Claude 3 chatbot was at its most persuasive when allowed to fabricate information and engage in deception. Given AI chatbots have no moral inhibitions, they are poised to be much better at deception than humans.

    This opens the door to manipulation at scale, to spread disinformation, or create highly effective sales tactics. What could be more effective than a trusted companion casually recommending a product in conversation? ChatGPT has already begun to provide product recommendations in response to user questions. It’s only a short step to subtly weaving product recommendations into conversations – without you ever asking.

    What can be done?

    It is easy to call for regulation, but harder to work out the details.

    The first step is to raise awareness of these abilities. Regulation should prescribe disclosure – users need to always know that they interact with an AI, like the EU AI Act mandates. But this will not be enough, given the AI systems’ seductive qualities.

    The second step must be to better understand anthropomorphic qualities. So far, LLM tests measure “intelligence” and knowledge recall, but none so far measures the degree of “human likeness”. With a test like this, AI companies could be required to disclose anthropomorphic abilities with a rating system, and legislators could determine acceptable risk levels for certain contexts and age groups.

    The cautionary tale of social media, which was largely unregulated until much harm had been done, suggests there is some urgency. If governments take a hands-off approach, AI is likely to amplify existing problems with spreading of mis- and disinformation, or the loneliness epidemic. In fact, Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg has already signalled that he would like to fill the void of real human contact with “AI friends”.

    Relying on AI companies to refrain from further humanising their systems seems ill-advised. All developments point in the opposite direction. OpenAI is working on making their systems more engaging and personable, with the ability to give your version of ChatGPT a specific “personality”. ChatGPT has generally become more chatty, often asking followup questions to keep the conversation going, and its voice mode adds even more seductive appeal.

    Much good can be done with anthropomorphic agents. Their persuasive abilities can be used for ill causes and for good ones, from fighting conspiracy theories to enticing users into donating and other prosocial behaviours.

    Yet we need a comprehensive agenda across the spectrum of design and development, deployment and use, and policy and regulation of conversational agents. When AI can inherently push our buttons, we shouldn’t let it change our systems.

    Jevin West receives funding from the National Science Foundation, the Knight Foundation, and others. The full list of funders and affiliated organizations can be found here: https://jevinwest.org/cv.html

    Kai Riemer and Sandra Peter do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Evidence shows AI systems are already too much like humans. Will that be a problem? – https://theconversation.com/evidence-shows-ai-systems-are-already-too-much-like-humans-will-that-be-a-problem-256980

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Please don’t tape your mouth at night, whatever TikTok says. A new study shows why this viral trend can be risky

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Moira Junge, Adjunct Clincal Associate Professor (Psychologist), Monash University

    K.IvanS/Shutterstock

    You might have heard of people using tape to literally keep their mouths shut while they sleep. Mouth taping has become a popular trend on social media, with many fans claiming it helps improve sleep and overall health.

    The purported benefits of mouth taping during sleep are largely anecdotal, and include claims of better airflow, less snoring, improved asthma symptoms, less of a dry mouth, being less likely to have bad breath, and better sleep quality.

    As the trend has gained momentum in recent years the claims have also come to include improved skin, mood and digestion – and even a sharper jawline.

    The rationale for mouth taping during sleep is to encourage breathing through the nose rather than through the mouth. When a person’s nasal passages are blocked, breathing switches from the nose to the mouth. Mouth breathing has been linked to conditions such as obstructive sleep apnoea.

    But is mouth taping an effective way to address these issues, and is it safe? A new review suggests taping your mouth shut while you sleep offers limited benefits – and could pose risks.

    What did the review find?

    In a new paper, Canadian researchers reviewed the scientific literature on mouth taping, searching for studies that mentioned terms such as “mouth breathing”, “mouth taping” and “sleep”.

    They searched specifically for studies looking at people with known mouth breathing and breathing-related sleeping problems such as obstructive sleep apnoea to understand the potential benefits and harms of mouth taping for this group.

    Obstructive sleep apnoea is a condition where your airway is partly or completely blocked at times while you’re asleep. This can cause you to stop breathing for short periods, called “apnoeas”. Apnoeas can happen many times a night, resulting in lowered oxygen levels in the blood as well as sleep disruption.

    The researchers found ten eligible studies published between 1999 and 2024, with a total of 213 participants. Eight studies looked at mouth taping, and two studies involved using a chin strap to keep the mouth shut.

    Only two studies identified any benefits of mouth taping for mild obstructive sleep apnoea. The observed improvements – to measures such as oxygen levels in the blood and number of apnoeas per hour – were modest.

    And although they were statistically significant, they were probably not clinically significant. This means these changes likely wouldn’t make much difference to symptoms or treatment decisions.

    The remainder of studies found no evidence mouth taping helps to treat mouth breathing or related conditions.

    Mouth taping has become a popular social media trend.
    K.IvanS/Shutterstock

    What’s more, four studies warned about potential serious harms. In particular, covering the mouth could pose a risk of asphyxiation (lack of oxygen that can lead to unconsciousness or death) for people whose mouth breathing is caused by significant blockage of the nasal airways. This kind of nasal obstruction could be a result of conditions such as hay fever, deviated septum, or enlarged tonsils.

    In other words, mouth taping is definitely not a good idea if you have a blocked nose, as it’s unsafe to have both the nose and the mouth obstructed at the same time during sleep.

    What’s the take-home message?

    The authors concluded there are very few benefits and some potential serious risks associated with mouth taping in people who are mouth breathers or have obstructive sleep apnoea.

    They did however note we need further high-quality evidence to better understand if mouth taping is safe and works.

    This review didn’t focus on any research relating to mouth taping for proposed improvements to mood, skin, digestion, sharper jaw lines and other things, so the researchers could not draw conclusions about the efficacy and safety of mouth taping for those purposes.

    Snoring is one of the problems mouth taping has been suggested to help with.
    Kleber Cordeiro/Shutterstock

    Internationally, qualified sleep health professionals do not recommend mouth taping.

    If you have concerns about your sleep, the best thing to do is to consult trusted scientific sources or a health-care professional who will be able to guide you to address the underlying causes of your sleep challenges.

    Trying social media trends such as mouth taping before you seek expert advice could lead to delays in diagnosing serious conditions for which there are evidence-based treatments available.

    Mouth taping should definitely not be attempted in children.

    It’s possible that in some healthy adults, without respiratory conditions, without significant sleep disorders, and who don’t have tape allergies, that mouth taping could pose little harm and produce some modest benefits. But we don’t have enough evidence yet to know one way or the other.

    Moira Junge is CEO of The Sleep Health Foundation. She is also affiliated with the Healthylife Health Advisory Board and is a psychologist and clinic director at Yarraville Health Group.

    – ref. Please don’t tape your mouth at night, whatever TikTok says. A new study shows why this viral trend can be risky – https://theconversation.com/please-dont-tape-your-mouth-at-night-whatever-tiktok-says-a-new-study-shows-why-this-viral-trend-can-be-risky-256901

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Compression tights and tops: do they actually benefit you during (or after) exercise?

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Ben Singh, Research Fellow, Allied Health & Human Performance, University of South Australia

    Olena Yakobchuk/Shutterstock

    You’ve seen them in every gym: tight black leggings, neon sleeves and even knee-length socks.

    Compression gear is everywhere, worn by weekend joggers, elite athletes and influencers striking poses mid-squat.

    But do compression garments actually improve your performance, or is the benefit mostly in your head?

    Let’s dive into the history, the science and whether they are worth your money.

    From hospitals to hashtags

    Compression garments didn’t start in sport. They were originally used in medical settings to improve blood flow in patients recovering from surgery or with circulation issues such as varicose veins.

    Doctors found tight garments that applied gentle pressure to limbs could help move blood and reduce swelling.

    But in the late 1990s and early 2000s, athletes, scientists and sports brands began experimenting with compression wear in training and competition.

    Companies such as SKINS, 2XU, and Under Armour entered the scene with bold promises: improved performance, reduced fatigue and faster recovery.

    Then, by the 2010s, compression wear wasn’t just for athletes – it had become a fashion statement.

    Social media helped drive the trend: influencers wore these items in gym selfies, TikTokers praised the sleek, sculpted look. And with the rise of athleisure, compression garments became everyday apparel, blending fitness with fashion.

    What are these garments supposed to do?

    Compression gear is designed to fit tightly against the skin and apply gentle, consistent pressure to muscles. The big claims made by manufacturers include:

    You’ll hear gym-goers say they feel “more supported” or “less sore” after using compression gear.

    Some even report improved posture or a mental boost – like stepping into a superhero suit.

    What the science says

    Research into compression garments has been growing steadily and the results are mixed – but interesting.

    A 2013 major meta-analysis reported moderate benefits across several recovery markers, including lower levels of creatine kinase (a sign of muscle damage) and less delayed-onset muscle soreness up to 72 hours after exercise.

    A 2016 review found compression garments reduced muscle soreness and swelling and boosted muscle power and strength. These improvements were up to 1.5 times greater (compared to people who didn’t wear compression garments) in some cases.

    Building on this, a 2017 review found people who wore compression gear recovered strength more quickly, with noticeable improvements within eight to 24 hours after a workout. Strength recovery scores were around 60% higher in those wearing compression gear compared to those who didn’t.

    But the findings are not consistent. A 2022 review of 19 trials found little effect on strength during the first few days post-exercise.

    And when it comes to actual performance, a comprehensive 2025 review of 51 studies concluded compression garments do not enhance race time or endurance performance in runners. And while they may reduce soft tissue vibration (which might feel more comfortable), they offered no meaningful edge in speed, stamina or oxygen use.

    Overall, in simpler terms: compression gear may help you recover faster but don’t expect it to turn you into an Olympic sprinter.

    When compression gear might help (and when it won’t)

    Here are some situations when compression garments can be genuinely useful:

    But don’t count on them to:

    • improve your times: there’s no strong evidence they boost speed or endurance

    • make you stronger: while some research has noted improvements in strength and power, this won’t necessarily have a noticeable effect on your athletic performance

    • replace training or good sleep: recovery still depends on the basics – rest, hydration and nutrition.

    So, should you wear them?

    Compression outfits won’t magically transform your body or training results. But they aren’t a waste of money either.

    If they make you feel more comfortable, confident or supported, that’s a valid reason to wear them. The psychological boost alone can be enough to enhance motivation or focus.

    And when it comes to post-exercise recovery, the evidence is solid enough to justify keeping a pair in your gym bag.

    Think of them like a good pair of shoes. They won’t run the race for you, but they might make the journey a little smoother.

    And if you’re just wearing them for the outfit photo on Instagram? That’s fine, too. Sometimes, confidence is the best workout gear of all.

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

    – ref. Compression tights and tops: do they actually benefit you during (or after) exercise? – https://theconversation.com/compression-tights-and-tops-do-they-actually-benefit-you-during-or-after-exercise-255719

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police advise vigilance with building site property

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police are issuing a reminder to the Rodney community to be vigilant with items being stolen from building sites and new builds.

    Waitematā North Police have seen an increase in Gas califonts being stolen recently.

    Area Prevention Manager Senior Sergeant Roger Small says they are simple to remove and easy to on sell in places such as Facebook Marketplace.

    “We are seeing an increase in the theft of these units, predominately from homes that are currently under construction.

    “These homes are often easy to access as they are not yet properly secured, giving would be thieves an easy entrance.”

    Potential prevention measures include but are not limited to:

    -Installing a security bracket, which can be fitted into the back of the califonts and make it much harder to be removed. Such brackets can be purchased with the unit, or from most hardware shops for a small cost. “These brackets would significantly slow down offenders, making your property a less attractive target,” Senior Sergeant Small says.

    – Install the califont as late in the building process as possible as an occupied dwelling is far less appealing to offenders.

    – CCTV is a fantastic deterrent and investigative tool.

    Top tips:
    • Record serial numbers (either write it down or take a photo) – as we recover stolen property regularly.
    • Is it too good to be true? Items sold online at a cheap price may be stolen property!
    • Report offending to Police online
    • Be vigilant – if you see suspicious activity call Police on 111

    Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
    ENDS.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Bulgarian saffron, Croatian tuna granted Chinese market access

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

    NINGBO, May 22 — Bulgarian saffron and Croatian tuna were granted Chinese market access on Thursday, adding to the list of imported agricultural and food products from Central and Eastern European Countries (CEECs) for Chinese consumers.

    Import access was approved for these products during the fourth China-CEEC Expo & International Consumer Goods Fair, which opened on Thursday in Ningbo, east China’s Zhejiang Province.

    According to data released by China’s General Administration of Customs (GAC) on the same day, a total of 126 types of agricultural and food products from CEECs have been granted access to China.

    China has streamlined its approval processes and enhanced its customs clearance efficiency in recent years, allowing CEEC delicacies such as Polish amber beer and Latvian canned fish to enter the Chinese market more easily.

    Against the backdrop of a complex international landscape, China-CEEC cooperation is providing greater certainty and vitality to the world economy, according to GAC deputy chief Zhao Zenglian.

    China’s expansion of agricultural imports has bolstered bilateral trade. Customs data shows that China-CEEC trade totaled 142.27 billion U.S. dollars in 2024 — up 6.3 percent year on year and outpacing China’s overall import-export growth by 2.5 percentage points.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Western China trade fair inks deals worth over 200 billion yuan

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

    CHONGQING, May 22 — The 7th Western China International Fair for Investment and Trade kicked off in southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality on Thursday, with on-site project agreements exceeding 200 billion yuan (about 27.8 billion U.S. dollars).

    The event invited Thailand as the guest country of honor, Sichuan Province as the permanent guest province, and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region as a newly added guest city.

    The fair attracted over 1,300 enterprises from 39 countries and regions, including 56 central state-owned enterprises, 47 Fortune Global 500 companies, 93 multinational corporations, and 286 leading private firms.

    According to the organizing committee, manufacturing and modern service industries accounted for over 75 percent of the total contracted projects, spanning sectors such as aerospace, advanced materials, energy, and smart equipment.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China slams Philippines’ infringement on South China Sea reefs

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

    The China Coast Guard (CCG) on Thursday slammed the Philippines’ illegal activities around China’s Zhubi Jiao and Tiexian Jiao, calling such acts a violation of China’s territorial sovereignty, and urging the Philippines to cease such infringements immediately.

    Without approval from the Chinese government, two Philippine official ships illegally entered waters off China’s Zhubi Jiao and Tiexian Jiao on Wednesday, with some personnel unlawfully landing on Tiexian Jiao, according to Liu Dejun, the CCG spokesperson.

    CCG enforcement personnel have taken measures against the ships, landing on the reef to deal with the situation in a professional, standard, reasonable and legal manner, Liu said.

    However, one of the Philippine ships, ignoring multiple serious warnings from the Chinese side, dangerously approached a CCG ship conducting its duties, causing a bump between the two vessels. The Philippine side is fully responsible for the incident, Liu said.

    Liu stated that China holds indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Qundao and the adjacent waters, adding that the Philippines’ actions have severely infringed upon China’s territorial sovereignty, violated the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and undermined peace and stability in the region.

    “We urge the Philippine side to immediately cease such violations. The CCG will continue its law enforcement activities to legally safeguard China’s sovereignty and rights in waters under the country’s jurisdiction,” Liu said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese police clamp down on wildlife crime to safeguard biodiversity

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

    A patrol team ploughs through ice and snow in Hoh Xil, northwest China’s Qinghai Province, on Feb. 9, 2024, or the Eve of Chinese New Year. [Photo/Xinhua]

    From 2023 to date, Chinese police have filed and investigated 89,000 wildlife-related criminal cases, arresting 97,000 individuals suspected of relevant criminal offences, according to the Ministry of Public Security (MPS).

    The MPS said that public security authorities have launched in-depth investigations into and cracked down on criminal activities endangering wild animals, dismantling a number of underground industrial chains that illegally hunt, catch, transport and sell wild animals.

    During their campaign against illegal hunting, public security authorities have filed and investigated 1,497 criminal cases, apprehending 4,105 criminal suspects.

    Chinese police have also participated in a joint law enforcement mission launched by Interpol, during which 63 cross-border cases involving wildlife were resolved, the MPS said.

    Thursday marked this year’s International Day for Biological Diversity, which took on the themes of harmony with nature and sustainable development.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese, Dutch FMs hold talks, reach six-point consensus

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

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Foreign Minister of the Netherlands Caspar Veldkamp in Beijing, capital of China, May 22, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Foreign Minister of the Netherlands Caspar Veldkamp in Beijing on Thursday.

    Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that China is willing to enhance communication with the Netherlands, deepen practical cooperation and strengthen multilateral collaboration, thereby making new contributions to the development of China-EU relations, the recovery of the world economy and the stability of global industrial and supply chains.

    Wang said China has introduced a number of new opening-up measures and welcomes the Netherlands to seize opportunities. He expressed the hope that the Dutch side will provide a just, fair and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises.

    Veldkamp said the Dutch side adheres to the one-China policy, and is willing to work with China to enhance high-level exchanges, deepen practical cooperation and uphold multilateralism.

    He said the relationship between Europe and China is of vital importance, and the Netherlands is willing to make active efforts to enhance EU-China relations.

    Following a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views, the two sides reached six points of consensus.

    Both sides agreed to maintain close exchanges and deepen practical cooperation in such fields as economy and trade, science and technology, agriculture and water conservancy.

    They agreed to maintain close communication concerning cooperation in multiple fields, including semiconductor technology, via existing channels.

    They reaffirmed support for multilateralism, pledged to adhere to free trade and the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at its core, and promised to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in areas such as climate adaptation and green transformation.

    Both sides reaffirmed the goal of jointly promoting the realization of equal rights for all, especially women and girls, which requires significant actions on a global scale.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: UNESCO intangible cultural heritage: Gesar epic tradition

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

    Editor’s note: The Gesar epic tradition was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009. This recognition honors the Gesar epic as one of the world’s oldest and most important oral traditions.

    The epic, which is performed through storytelling, song and recitation, is an integral part of the cultural heritage of the Tibetan, Mongolian, Tu, Yugu and other ethnic groups in China. It is a narrative that tells the heroic tale of King Gesar, a divine warrior and ruler who defends his people, fights against evil forces, and brings justice and prosperity to his kingdom.

    The epic is significant not only for its literary and artistic merit but also for its social function as a way to preserve cultural values, history and identity. Its performance often involves both professional and amateur performers, who engage in the oral tradition of storytelling, sometimes accompanied by music and dance, providing a dynamic experience for audiences. The epic’s deep roots in various cultures make it a key symbol of shared heritage across the region.

    The Gesar epic is believed to have originated in ancient Tibetan oral traditions, with some estimates suggesting its origins as far back as the 10th century. The story of King Gesar was initially passed down orally by bards and storytellers, evolving over time as it spread across different regions and cultures. Over the centuries, the epic has undergone numerous adaptations, with various versions in different languages, including Tibetan, Mongolian and Chinese.

    The earliest written records of the Gesar epic began to appear in the 11th century, with manuscripts preserved in Tibetan monasteries. The oral tradition, however, remained the dominant mode of transmission for much of its history. In these performances, the narrative is typically sung or chanted by a “Gesar bard” or “epic singer,” who often improvises parts of the story, tailoring it to the particular audience or occasion. The epic was passed down through generations, not only as a form of entertainment but also as a source of moral instruction and cultural pride.

    King Gesar, as portrayed in the epic, is depicted as a supernatural hero with divine powers. He battles against malevolent forces and brings peace and justice to his people. The story is filled with symbolism and allegory, reflecting themes of good versus evil, the struggle for justice, and the importance of wisdom and courage. The epic’s cultural significance grew as it spread to different ethnic communities, each of which contributed its own variations and perspectives on the narrative.

    Today, the Gesar epic remains an important cultural treasure, though it faces challenges in the modern world. The rise of digital media, urbanization and the decline of oral traditions have all affected the transmission of the epic. However, the epic is still performed in many regions, particularly in Tibetan and Mongolian communities, and there have been efforts to revitalize and preserve the tradition.

    Many local communities continue to celebrate the Gesar epic during festivals, religious ceremonies and other social gatherings. Professional epic singers, some of whom are well-known figures, continue to perform the epic at public events and festivals, drawing large audiences. 

    Additionally, there are ongoing efforts to document the various versions of the epic, ensuring that its linguistic and cultural diversity is preserved. Some academic institutions and cultural organizations have worked to promote the study and performance of the epic, providing training for new generations of epic performers. Initiatives to include the epic in educational curricula and to integrate it into cultural tourism have also helped raise awareness and foster greater appreciation for this heritage.

    UNESCO’s recognition of the Gesar epic tradition acknowledges its status as a masterpiece of oral literature. The epic, according to UNESCO, is a vital part of the region’s cultural identity, fostering social cohesion, moral values and a sense of belonging among the communities that perform it.

    UNESCO has praised the epic for its multifaceted role in preserving history, culture and language, saying the epic is not only an art form but also an essential means of transmitting traditional knowledge and wisdom across generations.

    In its recognition, UNESCO also emphasizes the need for ongoing efforts to preserve the tradition in the face of modernization. The inclusion of the Gesar epic on the Representative List is intended to ensure its preservation through documentation, promotion and the encouragement of new performances. It is hoped that such efforts will help ensure the continuity of this important cultural heritage and its transmission to future generations.

    Discover more treasures from China on UNESCO’s ICH list:

    • 2024: Spring Festival

    • 2022: Traditional tea processing

    • 2020: Wangchuan ceremony, taijiquan

    • 2018: Lum medicinal bathing of Sowa Rigpa

    • 2016: Twenty-four solar terms

    • 2013: Abacus-based Zhusuan

    • 2012: Training plan for Fujian puppetry performers

    • 2011: Shadow puppetry, Yimakan storytelling

    • 2010: Peking opera, acupuncture and moxibustion, wooden movable-type printing, watertight-bulkhead technology of Chinese junks, Meshrep

    • 2009: Yueju opera, Xi’an wind and percussion ensemble, traditional handicrafts of making Xuan paper, traditional firing techniques of Longquan celadon, Tibetan opera, sericulture and silk craftsmanship, Regong arts, Nanyin, Khoomei, Mazu belief and customs, Dragon Boat Festival, Manas, Craftsmanship of Nanjing Yunjin brocade, Xinjiang Uygur Muqam art, Hua’er, China engraved block printing technique, Chinese traditional architectural craftsmanship for timber-framed structures, Chinese paper-cut, Chinese calligraphy, Chinese seal engraving, Grand song of Dong ethnic group, Traditional Li textile techniques, Traditional design and practices for building Chinese wooden arch bridges, Farmers’ dance of China’s Korean ethnic group

    • 2008: Kunqu opera, Guqin, Urtiin Duu

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Iran to respond forcefully to any ‘transgression’: FM

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

    This file picture shows Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi speaking at a joint press conference in Tehran, Iran, on Feb. 25, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Thursday warned that the country will not hesitate to forcefully respond to any “transgression,” and will spare no effort to protect its interests and people.

    He made the remarks in a post on social media platform X while pointing to a Tuesday report by CNN, which, citing “multiple” informed U.S. officials, said the United States had obtained new intelligence “suggesting that Israel is making preparations to strike Iranian nuclear facilities.”

    Describing the reported Israeli plans as “unlawful” and “alarming,” Araghchi called for urgent condemnation from the UN Security Council and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

    He noted that in a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Rafael Grossi, IAEA’s director general, earlier in the day, he had called on the international community to take effective preventive measures against the continuation of Israeli threats.

    Araghchi stressed that the letter was a “serious pre-action warning,” saying that Iran would take “special measures” to defend its people, interests, and nuclear facilities, according to the official news agency IRNA.

    In response to the reported Israeli threats, Ali-Mohammad Naeini, a spokesman for Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, said should Israel perpetrate any act of aggression against Iran, it would definitely receive a “devastating and decisive” response, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency.

    The report of Israel’s preparations for a potential military action against Iran’s nuclear facilities comes as Iranian and U.S. delegations have so far held four rounds of indirect talks since April on Tehran’s nuclear program and the lifting of U.S. sanctions, and are expected to hold a fifth round in Rome on Friday.

    In recent days, U.S. officials have repeatedly demanded that Iran completely cease uranium enrichment, a request firmly rejected by Tehran. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Trump’s conversation with European leaders triggers controversy

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

    What U.S. President Donald Trump told European leaders after his two-hour phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin has triggered controversy.

    Three days after the high-stake talks for Trump, The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday, citing senior European officials familiar with the conversation, that Trump told European leaders that Putin “isn’t ready to end the Ukraine war because he thinks he is winning.”

    The White House denied this account immediately. Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, said that Trump “did say he believes Putin is winning the war, but he never said ‘Putin isn’t ready to end the war’.”

    During the call, Trump said several times that “he believes Putin wants peace and wants the war to be over,” Leavitt noted.

    Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov also dismissed the WSJ report, saying Russia was only aware of what was said during the phone call between the two leaders on Monday.

    “Look, we know what Trump told Putin. We don’t know what Trump told the Europeans after that phone call. We know the official statement by President Trump,” Peskov said.

    According to Trump, the afterward call’s participants included Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

    The controversy came as European officials accused Trump of handing Putin a win after their phone call since he suggested abandoning being a mediator in ending the war and refused to impose fresh sanctions on Russia.

    “Several European officials said the message they took from the call was that they should not expect the United States to join them any time soon in piling additional financial pressure onto Mr. Putin,” The New York Times said in a analysis published Thursday.

    “The disagreement between the Americans and the Europeans over support for Ukraine will likely come to a head over two nearly back-to-back summits: the Group of 7 in Canada in mid-June and the NATO summit a week later in The Hague,” the report added. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 90 truckloads of UN aid delivered to Gazans, breaking 11-week blockade

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

    A displaced boy stands by a tent among the rubble of a destroyed building in the seaport area of western Gaza City, on May 21, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The first aid in 11 weeks delivered to Gazans includes nutrition supplies, flour, medicines and other critical goods, UN humanitarians said Thursday.

    The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said about 90 trucks loaded at the Kerem Shalom/Karem Abu Salem checkpoint headed for multiple destinations, carrying the supplies to Gazans facing the threat of famine.

    OCHA said nearly 20 truckloads, carrying about 500 pallets of nutrition supplies, were safely offloaded in UNICEF’s warehouse in Deir al Balah. The material delivered includes ready-to-use therapeutic food and lipid-based nutritional supplements. The life-saving supplies are being unpacked and repackaged into smaller loads to dozens of distribution points.

    A handful of bakeries in southern and central Gaza, supported by the World Food Programme, have resumed bread production, the office said.

    These bakeries are now operational, distributing bread through community kitchens. However, after nearly 80 days of a total blockade of humanitarian assistance, families still face a high risk of famine, and far more aid is needed across all of Gaza, it said.

    OCHA stressed that the shipment is limited in quantity and nowhere near sufficient to meet the scale and scope of the needs of Gaza’s 2.1 million people. Other supplies as basic as fresh food, hygiene items, water purification agents, and fuel to power hospitals have not been let in for over 80 days.

    Stephane Dujarric, chief spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said it is important for commercial trucking to resume to supply markets with fresh fruits and vegetables.

    He said the latest analysis from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification committee concluded that people across Gaza are at risk of famine, with nearly 500,000 people teetering on the edge of starvation.

    The spokesman said humanitarian workers in Gaza going to and from the Kerem Shalom crossing have to travel through an Israeli-militarized area.

    “This means that our teams need to wait, often for hours, for military activities to pause for their safety for a green light to be given by the Israeli authorities to proceed,” he told a regular briefing. “We also need to ensure the use of secure routes from Kerem Shalom onward into Gaza, as we did last (Wednesday) night and hope to do again today (Thursday).”

    The spokesman also reminded reporters that military operations continue across the Gaza Strip, with reports of strikes, shelling and fresh ground incursions.

    “In recent days, our colleagues on the ground report that attacks have struck tents and buildings where people are sheltering, causing scores of casualties,” he said.

    OCHA said Israeli authorities must facilitate the movement of humanitarian convoys, including from southern Gaza to the north, so that all supplies can reach people in need wherever they are across the Gaza Strip.

    The office said Al Awda Hospital of North Gaza caught fire on Thursday, reportedly after being attacked. Through coordination with Israeli authorities, OCHA facilitated access for Palestinian Civil Defense to the area, where they spent hours fighting the fire. According to initial reports, the medicine warehouse was heavily damaged.

    OCHA also said water wells in some areas of Gaza are shutting down as they remain out of reach or lack fuel. It said Israeli authorities continue to deny attempts to retrieve fuel from areas where coordination is required. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: DPRK conducts full-scale investigation into destroyer launch accident

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

    An investigation group of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) got down to a “full-scale investigation” into the serious destroyer launch accident which occurred at the Chongjin Shipyard on Wednesday, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said Friday.

    The accident investigation group included a public prosecutors organ and relevant experts, said the KCNA report.

    “Detailed underwater and internal inspection of the warship confirmed that, unlike the initial announcement, there were no holes made at the warship’s bottom, the hull starboard was scratched and a certain amount of seawater flowed into the stern section through the rescue channel,” the KCNA said, citing the investigation result.

    Experts estimated that “it will take two or three days to keep the balance of the warship by pumping up the seawater from the flooded chamber and making the bow leave the slipway and 10-odd days to restore the warship’s side,” according to the KCNA. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Culture-driven innovation behind giant NEV manufacturer

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

    This photo taken on May 13, 2025 shows a product displayed in the exhibition hall at the headquarters of BYD Company Limited in Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    In south China’s Shenzhen, people from across the country are often seen lining up to visit the headquarters of BYD Company Limited. As the world’s top-selling new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturer in 2024, BYD not only displays its impressive electric vehicles but also offers a glimpse into its “enigmatic” cultural elements.

    Many of its car models incorporate traditional Chinese elements. Some bear distinctively Chinese names such as “Han” and “Tang,” which are inspired by the two glorious ancient Chinese dynasties. One of the company’s sub-brand logos is inspired by the ancient oracle bone script character for “electricity.”

    “We don’t change these features when selling overseas, because they are Chinese-made cars. Buyers also appreciate them as they bring with them the charm of Eastern civilization,” said a BYD representative.

    BYD was founded in 1994. In 2022, the company’s operating revenue exceeded 10 billion yuan (about 1.39 billion U.S. dollars) for the first time. Last year, the company sold over 4.27 million NEVs.

    “Within the company, there has been an unwavering belief from the chairman to employees that to improve global ecology and benefit humanity, we must embrace green energy. This belief aligns with China’s philosophy of harmony between man and nature,” he said.

    A visitor at the headquarters shared a similar sentiment, telling Xinhua that in China, it’s common for several generations to live together. When traveling, elderly family members often prefer to sit in the back seat, and BYD’s newly launched business vehicle thoughtfully caters to this aspect of Chinese family values, she said.

    An “engineer culture” is also a hallmark of BYD. As the representative put it, it means “focusing on solving real problems based on real-world situations.” Such a culture is further enriched through broad interaction and exchange with diverse segments of society, drawing inspiration from a wide range of sources.

    BYD Chairman Wang Chuanfu himself is an engineer. To address urban traffic congestion, he envisioned a new energy-based rail system called “SkyShuttle,” which costs much less than building a subway system and is already operating in several cities.

    The company currently employs more than 120,000 research and development (R&D) personnel and holds over 59,000 patent applications, mastering a number of core technologies across the NEV industrial chain. The new generation of its independently developed “blade battery” can ensure a driving range of 1,000 kilometers and boasts strong fire resistance.

    Previously, BYD had invited 11 Chinese science fiction writers to its headquarters to brainstorm with engineers. The result of that experience, a sci-fi short story collection titled “The Dream Builders,” was published earlier this month. It envisions the future of human transportation.

    “The spirit of the engineer is like the divine spark of creation in science fiction. As a sci-fi writer, I feel privileged to witness this transformative force,” said sci-fi author Wanxiangfengnian.

    “We saw that BYD’s team is young, vibrant, and full of upward momentum. They have R&D in their blood, and the perseverance they’ve shown over time is incredibly touching,” said Ji Shaoting, head of the sci-fi agency Future Affairs Administration.

    “This is the secret behind the success of China’s smart manufacturing,” she said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s textile industry tiding through challenges with reforms

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

    An employee works at a workshop of a textile enterprise in Zunhua City, north China’s Hebei Province, April 16, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    While braving headwinds, textile industrial players in China are continuing with reforms in production models, technology innovation and marketing that help tide them through challenges.

    These entrepreneurs increasingly realized that taking the initiative in reforming for high-quality development is the best choice, whether in prosperity or adversity.

    “The world is changing, and if you don’t change, you’ll be left behind,” said Xiong Li, chairman of Foshan Cape of Good Hope Clothing Co., Ltd. in south China’s Guangdong Province.

    It is worth mentioning that Shein, a fast fashion cross-border e-commerce company, has deeply influenced the internal structure of the global textile industry chain with its pioneering “small order, quick response” production model.

    “Collaborating with Shein has helped alleviate the decline in our company’s orders. What we need to do now is to continuously enhance our production capabilities to adapt to this ‘quick response’ model,” Xiong said.

    Xiong’s remarks came against the background that the international situation is constraining, and domestic production capacity is declining, posing severe challenges to China’s textile industry.

    Many textile enterprises, under the pressure of international circumstances, are increasingly investing in research and development of new materials and are actively moving toward the high end of the international industrial chain. Many entrepreneurs have also expressed that the era of low-end competition is outdated, and future development lies in originality, branding and technology.

    “Since 2017, we have felt uncertainties of the foreign market, prompting us to shift towards the domestic market. This transformation is very challenging. Without progress, there can be no future,” said Pang Runwo, chairman of Foshan Xiangweirun Textile Co., Ltd.

    Pang is planning to create a comprehensive production line that spans knitting, dyeing, apparel and branding, noting that “we must focus on supporting the industrial chain and innovation, which needs generations of relentless efforts.”

    Zhang Yinfang, general manager of Foshan Ruien Clothing Co., Ltd., noted that the company’s transformation has been successful, and it has become a core supplier for Li-Ning, a leading Chinese athletic apparel and footwear brand.

    “We used to be an export-oriented enterprise heavily reliant on foreign orders, which once accounted for 80 percent of our business. Now, that share has dropped to around 10 percent,” said Zhang.

    Experts analyze that although international market volatility has intensified and domestic challenges persist, the textile industry, as a traditional sector, still possesses significant scale, broad market demand, and strong employment capacity. It maintains its role as an important pillar of the economy and people’s livelihoods.

    Enhancing risk resilience and achieving high-quality development in the industry is of great significance, experts added.

    Zhang Jiangping, chairman of the Peacebird Group, one of China’s most well-known apparel brands, said that from the perspective of enterprises, it is crucial to leverage brand leadership, actively embrace new business formats and channels, drive digital transformation, and accelerate upgrades in strategy, products, channels and marketing.

    Zhang Weiwei, board secretary of Texpro Precision Technology (Guangdong) Co., Ltd., said that “apparel consumption represents a vast market. As long as we adapt to global shifts, we will always find viable paths.”

    Meanwhile, insiders suggested that there is an urgent need to create a healthier development environment for enterprises and to combat rat-race irrational competition by focusing on the legal enforcement against false advertising, traffic hijacking, and commercial defamation.

    An experienced entrepreneur in the textile industry noted that China has a complete self-sufficient production chain for textile machinery, auxiliaries, and products, which is unique globally.

    “No matter what winds blow internationally, we firmly believe that China’s textile industry will not falter,” said Pang. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China continue winning streak on Day 3 of Malaysia Masters

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

    Chinese shuttlers continued their winning streak on Day 3 of the 2025 Malaysia Masters on Thursday, scoring decisive victories in all categories.

    Men’s singles shuttler Li Shifeng knocked out Singapore’s Jason Teh Jia Heng 21-10, 21-17 at the Axiata Arena, while his teammate Weng Hongyang also advanced after defeating Indonesia’s Farhan.

    In the women’s singles, Wang Zhiyi overpowered compatriot Han Qianxi 21-8, 21-17, while fellow Chinese shuttlers Gao Fangjie and Han Yue also secured their places in the next round.

    Men’s doubles duo Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang easily outplayed Christo Popov and Toma Junior Popov of France 21-17, 21-15.

    In the women’s doubles, Jia Yifan and Zhang Shuxian smashed Go Pei Kee and Teoh Mei Xing of Malaysia 21-6, 21-13, while their compatriots Liu Shengshu and Tan Ning knocked out Thailand’s Tidapron Kleebyeesun and Nattamon Laisun, and Keng Shuliang and Li Huazhou overcame Hsieh Pei-Shan and Hung En-Tzu of Chinese Taipei.

    Mixed doubles pairs Jiang Zhenbang/Wei Yaxin, Cheng Xing/Zhang Chi and Feng Yangzhe/Huang Dongping all progressed to the next round.

    The only blot on China’s copybook came as mixed doubles pair Guo Xinwa and Chen Fanghui were knocked out by their Indonesian opponents. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Ultimate Fighting Championship returns to Chinese mainland

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

    The Ultimate Fighting Championship is coming back to the Chinese mainland by staging a Fight Night event, its first live showpiece since the pandemic, in Shanghai on Aug 23, following a sold-out event in Macao in November.

    The Las Vegas-based mixed martial arts promotion announced the event on Thursday in Shanghai at a news conference, where all of its top-ranked Chinese fighters, including reigning women’s strawweight belt holder Zhang Weili and men’s bantamweight contender Song Yadong, celebrated the long-awaited return.

    The roster on the Fight Night card has not been confirmed yet, but Zhang, the first Chinese athlete to win a world title under the organization, said she cannot wait to get involved in any possible roles.

    Zhang Weili (R) of China in action against Brazilian Amanda Lemos at  UFC 292 in Boston, Massachusetts, August 19, 2023. (UFC/Handout via Xinhua)

    “You will probably see me cheering them on from the sideline, or commenting, or promoting the event as an ambassador. I will for sure be there,” said Zhang, who beat Brazilian wrestler Jessica Andrade to claim the strawweight belt in UFC’s third and last event in the mainland in Shenzhen, Guangdong province in August 2019.

    “To fight at home is always the most exciting experience, without having to get used to the jet lag, language barrier and different weather fighting overseas. The home fans’ vocal support has been nothing but a huge source of energy for every athlete,” Zhang recalled her experience of the home fight.

    Shanghai also hosted the organization’s mainland debut in 2017, followed by a second Fight Night in Beijing in 2018. The Macao Special Administrative Region, meanwhile, has also played host to UFC events four times since 2012.

    To further help grow the sport’s profile in the birthplace of ancient martial arts, the UFC opened its second, and largest, Performance Institute in Shanghai in 2019, and has helped an increasing list of not just MMA talents, but also national team athletes from across Olympic sports to improve their performances at the multi-functional elite-level training center as part of an agreement with the Chinese Olympic Committee.

    The organization also launched its fourth consecutive edition of the “Road to UFC” talent development program on Thursday with promising MMA fighters from across Asia to vie for coveted professional contracts awarded for winners at the selection tournament.

    A total number of six Chinese athletes have earned pro contracts with UFC by punching through the pathway since the first edition in 2022.

    “Every country has its own style of martial arts and China is widely recognized of having the oldest and most respected traditions,” Kevin Chang, UFC’s senior vice-president and head of Asia, said at the launch of the Shanghai Fight Night.

    “The UFC has quickly become a global phenomenon and China has quickly become the most important overseas market for the UFC. The goal, with the PI in Shanghai, was not only developing a new generation of mixed martial artists, but also raising the bar of the sport as a whole,” he said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Raphinha extends Barcelona deal until 2028

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

    FC Barcelona announced Thursday that Brazilian forward Raphinha has signed a contract extension through June 2028.

    Raphinha (R) of FC Barcelona breaks through during a La Liga football match between FC Barcelona and Sevilla FC in Barcelona, Spain, Sept. 29, 2023. (Photo by Joan Gosa/Xinhua)

    “The Brazilian forward signed his new contract on Thursday at the Club offices in the presence of FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta, first vice-president Rafa Yuste and Club sporting director Anderson Luis de Souza ‘Deco’, among others,” the club said on its website.

    The announcement marks a reversal in fortunes for the 28-year-old, who joined Barcelona from Leeds United in the summer of 2022.

    The club had considered selling him last summer, but ultimately decided to keep him due to difficulties in signing new players. Raphinha has since delivered an impressive return of 34 goals and 25 assists in 54 appearances under coach Hansi Flick. Only Robert Lewandowski, with 40 goals in all competitions, has scored more as Barcelona went on to win La Liga and the Copa del Rey.

    The confirmation of Raphinha’s contract extension comes just a day after Flick extended his own deal with the club through 2027. Barcelona is also working to secure the future of 17-year-old rising star Lamine Yamal. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: The Make America Healthy Again Report, May 22, 2025

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    Make America Healthy Again

    “This is a milestone. Never in American history has the federal government taken a position on public health like this. And because of President Trump’s leadership, it’s not just one cabinet secretary, it’s the entire government…” –Sec. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rw4A9gdNiM0

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Showing Children How Possibilities Open Up by Changing the Way They Think and Feel: Michiko Ogawa, Executive Officer, Pavilion Director, The Land of NOMO, Panasonic Holdings Corporation

    Source: Panasonic

    Headline: Showing Children How Possibilities Open Up by Changing the Way They Think and Feel: Michiko Ogawa, Executive Officer, Pavilion Director, The Land of NOMO, Panasonic Holdings Corporation

    Michiko Ogawa joined Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (now Panasonic Holdings Corporation) in 1986. Her career has spanned R&D of audio equipment, new business development, and CSR activities. In 2015, she was appointed Executive Officer, and in 2021 she became Director in charge of EXPO Promotion. She is also the Director of the Panasonic Group’s The Land of NOMO Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan.
    Ogawa has also served in numerous public roles across various fields. She delivered a surprise final presentation at the General Assembly of the International Exhibitions Bureau in Paris on November 23, 2018, as part of Japan’s successful bid to host the Expo. In 2021, she was appointed Chairperson in charge of International Exchanges for the International Committee of the Kansai Economic Federation, and she also became Executive Board Member, Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: The Answer Found from the Fusion of Technology and Sensibilities—Our Message for the Future Conveyed Through The Land of NOMO: Yuichiro Haraguchi

    Source: Panasonic

    Headline: The Answer Found from the Fusion of Technology and Sensibilities—Our Message for the Future Conveyed Through The Land of NOMO: Yuichiro Haraguchi

    Yuichiro Haraguchi
    General Producer of the Panasonic Group’s Pavilion The Land of NOMOEXPO Promotion ProjectPanasonic Operational Excellence Co., Ltd.
    Yuichiro Haraguchi joined Panasonic in 2004 and was assigned to the Corporate eNet Business Division, where he was responsible for planning services for internet-connected home appliances. He was later transferred to the former Television Business Division, where he worked on overseas consumer marketing and global brand strategy. After promoting CSR communications in the Brand Communication Sector, he was transferred in 2014 to the former Tokyo Olympic & Paralympic Enterprise Division, where he led new business development in the field of accessibility. He has held his current position since 2022.

    The Idea Behind the Panasonic Group’s Pavilion The Land of NOMO
    It has already been about three years since I got involved with the Expo. Starting from scratch, we brought together the strengths of many people and have now grown our project into something we’re proud to present to everyone. It is deeply moving to finally witness this long-awaited moment.

    The Land of NOMO is an experiential pavilion designed primarily for children, based on the concept “Set your heart and mind free, and the world will open up.” In the 720° cycle where human and natural activities interact and circle around each other, I hope children will feel a sense of hope that, by becoming aware of their own sensibilities and unleashing their imagination, they can change the future.
    What we value most in The Land of NOMO is the opportunity for everyone to enjoy it with a free and honest heart. You don’t have to be bound by the rules. You can run around, lie down, or jump inside the pavilion. In this space, you can discover your own potential by touching various objects, having unique experiences, and playing to your heart’s content.

    Mobilizing the Collective Strengths of the Panasonic Group, Grounded in Konosuke Matsushita’s Philosophy
    A general producer typically begins by giving form to their own philosophy and concepts. However, the Panasonic Group has a guiding philosophy passed down from the founder Konosuke Matsushita. We are also fortunate to be in a corporate environment rich in technical expertise, sophisticated design, and partners who foster co-creation. My main role has been to connect Konosuke Matsushita’s vision with the company’s diverse technologies and ideas, and then embody them in a story.
    The biggest challenge in designing the exhibition was how to incorporate and convey Konosuke Matsushita’s philosophy. Conversations with those involved in developing educational support services gave me a clue. They explained that differences in individual strengths and learning styles significantly affect the quality of learning. For example, some people prefer to work intently with their hands, while others mull things over or chat with others to move forward. Their services work as tailored approaches to teaching, thinking, and learning for each personality type, based on an analysis of extensive questionnaire results and other data. We realized that by combining this analysis with our facial expression and behavior analysis technologies—developed through years of engaging with people’s daily lives and grounded in our human insight (Japanese only) research—we could study children’s individuality and characteristics. This is how we came up with a story in which children play and explore The Land of NOMO, with different messages appearing depending on their actions. This program was made possible using the ideas of our colleagues who work with children every day. The dedicated Expo team alone could not have come up with the concept of The Land of NOMO. We were able to fully leverage our strengths and the unique quality of Panasonic as a company that has long been committed to the betterment of people’s lifestyles.

    Through our activities, many people connected to Panasonic expressed their desire to be part of the Expo or try out their ideas. However, only about 10–20 percent of the ideas from nearly 1,000 people have actually been incorporated. Even still, we aim to bring more voices to life through events and other opportunities during the Expo.

    What Makes a Pavilion Truly Panasonic?

    Meet Matemon—playful characters created by our team and hidden throughout the pavilion as a secret surprise!

    Resource circulation is an initiative that reflects the passion of many people within the Panasonic Group. Panasonic has a system of recycling resources that our colleagues have developed through the recycling of home appliances, and our pavilion maximizes this system. At first glance, using wood might seem more environmentally friendly. However, we believe our strength lies in exploring the potential of metal, which can be reshaped into new forms after just six months of use at the Expo. About 98% of the columns and beams supporting the pavilion are made from scrap iron obtained from home appliances. The trunk cables that power the various electrical features of the pavilion experience are made using copper recovered from the printed circuit boards of used home appliances. In a sense, the pavilion has been reborn from home appliances.
    We have also collaborated with many partners, asking ourselves what kind of legacy we can leave to the next generation for a better future society. For example, we are conducting hydrogen pipeline demonstrations as part of a co-creation initiative with NTT. Hydrogen produced by the NTT Pavilion, using non-CO2-emitting energy sources such as solar power, is transported through an underground pipeline to a pure hydrogen fuel cell generator at the Panasonic Group Pavilion, where it is used to illuminate the pavilion after sunset. This six-month demonstration at the Expo is designed to contribute to the creation of a hydrogen society.

    At the pre-opening lighting ceremony of The Land of NOMO, the illumination designed with students and children was unveiled in front of the children and their families.

    I believe the Expo is a place where we will be evaluated by the real reactions of the public. As we operate the pavilion over the next six months, we want to stay mindful of how children feel and how much they enjoy their experience. There is no greater joy than offering children an opportunity, through this pavilion, to discover their hidden potential and take a step toward the future.

    The content in this website is accurate at the time of publication but may be subject to change without notice.Please note therefore that these documents may not always contain the most up-to-date information.Please note that German, French and Chinese versions are machine translations, so the quality and accuracy may vary.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –