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Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI China: Rural market in spotlight to tap growth

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

    The campaign to promote new energy vehicles in China’s rural areas features a larger and more diversified portfolio this year, catered to evolving consumer demands to unlock consumption potential in the extensive market.

    Now in its sixth year, the “NEVs Going to the Countryside” initiative — launched by government bodies including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the Ministry of Commerce — has selected 124 models, 25 more than 2024.

    The selected models need to meet essential requirements including good sales performance, high brand recognition, and a well-established network of maintenance service points, said Xu Haidong, vice-chief engineer of the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, one of the campaign organizers.

    BYD’s Dynasty and Ocean series, along with models from Dongfeng, Geely, Changan and BAIC, have joined in the program with high cost-performance offerings. Their product portfolios span plug-in hybrid SUVs to new energy commercial vehicles, including newcomers such as off-roaders and pickup trucks.

    Notably, the Model Y and Model 3 have been selected, marking Tesla’s first inclusion in the initiative.

    Other models priced above 200,000 yuan ($27,850) on the list include the Li Auto L6 SUV, Nio ES6 SUV and ET5 sedan, Zeekr 001 shooting brake, and XPeng G9 SUV.

    The involvement of the high-end brands indicates the upgrading of rural consumption, Xu said. Many automakers are keen to capture this significant vast market by providing high-performance, cost-effective models.

    Cui Dongshu, secretary-general of the China Passenger Car Association, said that counties, towns and villages have a certain level of economic strength, and consumers there are willing to improve their quality of life. The untapped potential for NEV consumption in rural areas could become another driving force of growth in the Chinese automotive market.

    At the first stop of the 2025 “NEVs Going to the Countryside” campaign held in Rugao, Jiangsu province, in mid-June, some models on display were tailored for rural consumers.

    For those engaged in freight transport, some vehicles featured extra-large cargo spaces. For users balancing personal and commercial needs, there were models that offer five, six, or seven-seat configurations alongside pure electric and range-extended powertrain options.

    However, Xu pointed out that the lack of charging infrastructure remains an obstacle to the widespread adoption of NEVs in rural areas, saying the vast geographical area and low population density result in high construction costs and long payback periods for charging stations.

    In recent years, relevant departments have issued documents aimed at filling the gaps in county-level charging facilities, specifying annual construction tasks, and investment.

    At the event in Rugao, some 10 charging station companies showcased their products and technologies. For example, private charging piles can be shared via apps, providing innovative solutions.

    Xu suggested that properly advancing the layout of charging stations could promote NEV popularization, boost rural tourism, and aid the development of commercial vehicles.

    He cited examples of automakers piloting integrated solar energy storage charging projects in rural areas, which use photovoltaic power generation to power charging stations, thereby cutting operational costs.

    This year, the incentives for “NEVs Going to the Countryside” have been increased. In addition to the national trade-in policy and local government support, automakers such as BYD and Wuling have introduced exclusive discounts, with some models seeing price reductions of more than 10,000 yuan.

    Financial institutions are contributing by offering low-interest loans, interest-free installment plans, and other financial solutions.

    According to data from the CAAM, NEV sales in rural outreach activities exhibited growth from 2020 to 2024.Sales increased from 397,000 vehicles in 2020 to nearly 7.6 million in 2024, surpassing the sector’s total market growth.

    Fu Bingfeng, secretary-general of the CAAM, said over the past five years, there were more than 500 NEV models involved in the program with combined sales totaling 15 million units. Some rural areas have one NEV per five households, driving green mobility transformation in these regions, he added.

    From January to May, NEV sales reached 5.61 million units in China, a year-on-year increase of 44 percent. NEVs accounted for 44 percent of the total new car sales during this period.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Robocops hit Chinese city streets

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

    Robot police have officially been deployed in southwest China’s Chengdu, one of the country’s top tourist cities, as part of its smart policing initiative in the lead-up to the 2025 World Games in this city in August.

    At Tianfu Square, the city’s busiest public space with daily foot traffic of up to 100,000 people, five Robocop officers have begun routine patrols alongside human police. Working in pairs and rotating every two to three hours, they can send real-time footage and alerts to command centers to assist nearby officers.

    The robots, which include quadruped robots, wheeled robots and humanoid robots, have been undergoing real-world testing since June 16. These trials are designed to improve their operational algorithms in authentic urban environments and adaptability for complex scenarios.

    One humanoid robot has drawn special attention from the public. It waves its arms in sync with traffic lights to guide vehicles and pedestrians, serving as a futuristic presence in this city in Sichuan Province.

    Equipped with autonomous navigation, intelligent obstacle avoidance, real-time audio-video streaming and remote communication capabilities, these Robocop officers assist with policing duties, serve tourists and manage traffic. They can also return to their charging docks automatically, enabling round-the-clock functionality.

    “Robocops can operate overnight and reach high-risk or narrow areas that human officers may not easily access. They can carry up to 20 kilograms of gear, which is a big help to us,” said Zhang Lihang, deputy director of the technology and informatization department of the Chengdu Public Security Bureau. “Despite temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius and light rain this week, the Robocops performed their duties smoothly.”

    “If tourists suffer from heatstroke and fall, the Robocops can detect it in a timely manner and call for rescue,” he added.

    “We continuously iterate our algorithms in real-world deployments to enhance the Robocops’ environmental perception and motion control capabilities. At present, our wheeled robots demonstrate outstanding performance in speed regulation and stable video transmission,” said Xu Qin, head of the robotics division at the Chengdu Humanoid Robot Innovation Center and a co-developer of the Robocops.

    Chengdu’s Robocop program reflects China’s broader efforts to accelerate the embodied intelligence industry and advance new productive forces. Cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Hangzhou are also conducting pilot programs and real-world trials.

    Industry estimates suggest that China’s embodied intelligence market exceeded 480 billion yuan (about 66 billion U.S. dollars) in 2024. With continued advances in large language models, this market is expected to surpass 1 trillion yuan by 2031.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Instant retail reshapes consumption habits in China, driving new growth

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

    In the charming countryside of south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Alex Turner, a British expat, made a few taps on his phone as he hobbled back to his guesthouse, careful not to knock the toe he had just hurt while out for a hike. In just 30 minutes, a sealed yellow paper bag arrived at his doorstep.

    “I bought a nail clipper and some first-aid stuff to deal with the injury,” said Turner. “And I also bundled some dental floss and mosquito repellent for a bigger discount.”

    This prompt service epitomizes China’s rapidly growing instant retail sector. E-commerce giants like Alibaba, JD.com, and Meituan have all placed significant bets on a new model centered around the concept of “everything can be delivered within 30 minutes.” As more and more consumers in China turn to smartphone apps for everything from groceries to medical supplies, instant, or “flash,” delivery has become a game-changer to daily life.

    A recent report by MoonFox Data, a leading Chinese data insights provider, shows that China’s instant retail sector reached 780 billion yuan (about 108.8 billion U.S. dollars) in 2024 and is projected to exceed 2 trillion yuan by 2030. Platforms run by Alibaba, JD.com and Meituan are fueling this growth by catering to consumers’ increasing demand for instant gratification.

    “Today’s consumers prioritize speed and accessibility above all,” said Zhao Feng, dean of the school of business administration at Guangxi University of Finance and Economics. “The promise of half-hour delivery is not just a marketing ploy — it’s a game-changer. It taps into consumers’ desire for convenience, reduces the hassle of shopping, encourages impulse buying, and ultimately drives up overall spending.”

    A study by consultancy firm Accenture shows that over half of consumers born after 1995 expect same-day delivery for their purchases and are more willing to pay a premium for faster shipping.

    For Li Wei, a personal trainer in Nanning, Guangxi’s capital city, the speed of instant retail eliminates the need to plan ahead.

    “I don’t have to stock up on toilet paper, snacks or energy drinks anymore,” said Li. “With a few clicks on my phone, the groceries will be here before I can second-guess myself.”

    The appeal extends beyond on-demand convenience as many cost-conscious shoppers chase discounts and enjoy the thrill of snagging a deal.

    “Sometimes, it goes beyond the convenience,” said Zhang Chaozhen, a postgraduate student at Guangxi University as she scrolled through an app during her lunch break, hunting for the steepest discounts on a skincare product. “It’s about getting a deal and feeling smart about it.”

    Behind the scenes, the explosive wave of instant retail is reshaping supply chain logistics, fostering a deeper connection between online platforms and brick-and-mortar stores.

    Unlike traditional e-commerce, which typically depends on a few centralized warehouses, instant retail platforms utilize advanced AI to connect hundreds of local stores with a vast network of strategically placed, highly automated micro-warehouses.

    These facilities are designed to process retailer orders efficiently, expedite inventory shipment, and prevent the accumulation of excess “wrong” products in stores, according to Zhou Yimu, an industry insider and brand manager of Guishuangbai, a local convenience store chain in Guangxi.

    In late May, Alibaba reported that its flash delivery platform has logged a daily order volume exceeding 40 million in less than one month since its official launch.

    The model of instant retail unleashes a “triple wins” dynamic as the digital platforms gain access to a vast network of inventory, retailers boost sales through online channels, and consumers enjoy faster delivery and broader product selections, said Liu Yuanshuai with Chaoyigou, a supermarket chain that specializes in instant retail business in Guangxi.

    “Partnering with those instant retail platforms has been the revenue booster,” said Tao Zhaogui, a manager at a chain pharmacy in Nanning. “Before, we largely relied on walk-in customers, but now, with the round-the-clock access to online prescriptions, our online orders have increased by 41 percent year on year.”

    However, the rapid growth of the sector has also raised concerns about consumer rights. Some platforms are accused of exploiting big data to engage in “discriminatory pricing,” adjusting prices based on individual consumers’ purchase histories, according to Tang Yating, a lawyer specializing in civil and commercial law. Additionally, after-sales services often fall short, with cumbersome return and exchange policies that remain unresolved. There is also a tendency for platforms and sellers to shirk responsibility.

    “Stronger oversight is the key,” said Tang. “Clear regulations must safeguard consumer interests within this rapidly evolving sector by ensuring transparency and accountability in pricing and service.” 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Let’s move! China celebrates Olympic Day in fitness-for-all activities

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

    500 participants join a 4.5-kilometer race during a fitness-for-all activity to celebrate International Olympic Day in Beijing, China, June 21, 2025. (Xinhua)

    As an integral part of Beijing Marathon’s classic route, the central avenue between China’s capital city’s iconic dual Olympic venues “Bird’s Nest” and “Water Cube” has long been an attraction for runners.

    On Saturday morning, 500 participants started an event here on the avenue, which was one of the fitness-for-all activities held nationwide to celebrate the upcoming International Olympic Day, which falls on June 23.

    The 4.5-kilometer race took place mainly around the National Stadium, known as the Bird’s Nest, where both the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics were staged. The finish line was near the Beijing Olympic Museum, located south of the stadium.

    Wang Shuchuan, a former triathlete, came to the starting area early in the morning to prepare for his vlog. “I kept exercising and participating in marathon events after my athletic career had ended. I hope to lead more people to join in sporting events through my videos and enlarge our running community,” he said.

    Runner poses for pictures in the central avenue between Beijing’s dual Olympic venues. (Xinhua/Dai Mingxuan)

    The race also attracted the likes of Italy’s Paola Marras, who took part in an event at Beijing’s Olympic Park. “I work in Beijing. During the 2022 Winter Olympics, I watched competitions on TV. The sports atmosphere in Beijing is good, and I like the [tennis] China Open in particular,” she said.

    During the activity, Chinese Olympic champions Ma Long and Zhang Yufei sent their best wishes to sports lovers in an interview.

    China’s swimmer Zhang Yufei (front left) and table tennis player Ma Long (front right) interact with sports lovers. (Xinhua/Dai Mingxuan)

    “Physical exercise is relevant to health. I can feel the public’s enthusiasm for sports. The outstanding performance of Chinese athletes on the international stage is inspiring more people to get involved. Exercise is a lifelong hobby. I hope people can find the sports they love and practice in a healthy and scientific way,” said Ma, 36, China’s most decorated Olympian with six gold medals.

    Swimmer Zhang reflected on her Olympic journey, saying, “At the 2016 Rio Games, I might not have fully understood the significance of the Olympics. Then, after winning gold at Tokyo [2020], I felt the power of our teamwork. Last year at the Paris Olympics, I realized that even though I had made the utmost effort, it was still hard to get corresponding rewards. That is sport.”

    Zhang Yufei (L) takes a group photo with staff members. (Xinhua/Dai Mingxuan)

    “However, what remains unchanged is that the Olympic spirit leads me to pursue my next goal,” Zhang added.

    Established in 1948, the Olympic Day is a global celebration of sport and takes place on June 23 each year to commemorate the day the International Olympic Committee was founded in 1894 – the birth of the modern Olympic Games.

    With the theme of “Let’s Move,” the celebrating activities of Olympic Day were held in 12 cities in China on Saturday, also including Shenzhen, Nanjing, Ningbo, Zhangjiakou and Chengde. A variety of activities such as hiking, running, cycling, football, basketball and table tennis had a wide participation all over the country.

    Li Jing, Deputy Director of the General Administration of Sport of China, said, “At the Paris Olympics, the Chinese delegation achieved its best results in the history of participating in the Olympics abroad, which interpreted the Olympic motto of ‘Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together’ and demonstrated the confidence, optimism, passion, and friendliness of Chinese youth.”

    “Those remarkable moments of Chinese athletes at the Olympics motivated more people to embrace sports activities. Looking ahead, we hope the Chinese sports spirit will continue to shine at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics,” Li noted. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: SW China city brewing champion coffee culture

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

    Guiyang, in southwest China’s Guizhou Province, has earned the title “City of Coffee Champions,” a remarkable feat for a region that grows no coffee beans but fosters champion baristas and thousands of cafes.

    Its streets, lined with over 3,000 cafes boasting a density surpassing even that of east China’s Shanghai, serve as the training ground for an elite cadre of baristas dominating global competitions.

    PIONEER SHOPS TO WORLD STAGE

    Guiyang’s coffee culture started in 2005 when pioneering cafes introduced specialty coffee years before it became mainstream in China. This sparked passion in a generation of young coffee enthusiasts.

    Peng Jinyang is among the pioneers. In May 2025, the Guiyang native won the World Brewers Cup Championship in Jakarta, Indonesia. Already China’s 2024 champion, this marked the first such win for a Chinese mainland competitor since 2019.

    Peng discovered specialty coffee in a Guiyang cafe during high school. His career faced early struggles — his first coffee bean venture sold only 40 bags in its opening month. He then temporarily diversified his business before again focusing solely on coffee roasting via his Captain George brand.

    To improve his skills, Peng traveled for training purposes and learned directly from world champions. He also brought global expertise back to Guiyang by organizing workshops featuring top baristas.

    His competitive record is impressive — champion roaster at Taiwan’s Takao International Coffee Competition (2016), repeated top finishes in the China Brewers Cup Championship (CBrC), and his recent world title. His team, meanwhile, has dominated the CBrC for five consecutive years since 2020.

    Notably, Guiyang has so far nurtured more than 10 world and national titleholders.

    COMMUNITY COFFEE CULTURE

    Black Rock Coffee owner Lei Ming faced a critical choice during a 2017 business slump. Rather than close down, he opted to borrow money to renovate and deepen his coffee expertise. This risk succeeded handsomely.

    After the renovation, his customer base recovered, while Lei also transitioned from competitor to certified coffee judge. During this year’s Dragon Boat Festival, Black Rock served over 300 cups daily, with tourists making up nearly 75 percent of its patrons.

    Lei’s story echoes that of Liu Kaisheng, who started as a barista at one of Guiyang’s earliest specialty coffee cafes. Unhappy with the inconsistent bean quality, Liu taught himself roasting, progressing from temporary setups to a professional studio.

    “Focus entirely on the quality of coffee,” he said. Such dedication is common among Guiyang cafe owners — many of whom are both competition champions and certified judges.

    LOCAL FLAVORS DRIVE INNOVATION

    Guiyang’s cafes stand out through specializing in niches like roasting, brewing, latte art and creative drinks, thereby building unique identities in a crowded market.

    Innovation often carries a local flavor. Lei’s unexpected fusion, a blending of Guiyang’s fish mint with an Americano, evolved from a curiosity into a signature hit. In addition, his “One Bean, Three Ways” menu, pairing single-origin coffee with regional ingredients like fish mint, became a bestseller.

    Beyond taste, unique spaces also fuel the Guiyang coffee scene. Orchard Coffee, housed in a concrete-and-glass structure resembling an art community more than a traditional cafe, merges a roastery with an educational hub. Founder Qiang Hua, himself a top competition judge, said that “champions aren’t just about brewing well — they must elevate the entire industry and push peers forward.”

    At Good Coffee, meanwhile, artistry is evident on the cup. Cups hand-painted by owner Luo Nianyu and her team transform each serving into a unique canvas, earning the cafe a reputation as Guiyang’s “most warm-hearted.” 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Behind Labubu craze: China’s rise as global IP powerhouse

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

    Toys themed on Labubu, a popular furry doll from Chinese toy company Pop Mart, are pictured during the opening ceremoy of a new offline store of Pop Mart in Bangkok, Thailand, July 5, 2024. (Xinhua/Sun Weitong)

    The shop floor of a pajama factory in Jiangsu Province, east China, had stood still for some time before recently springing back to life, its resurrection kickstarted by a fluffy toy.

    “Labubu was not really my cup of tea, but now I think it is adorable,” said Qiu Zunzun, general manager of Shuofeng daily necessities company in Suzhou, jokingly.

    With its signature spiky toothed grin, Labubu has taken the world by storm. Noticing the craze, Qiu, spotted a gap in the market — outfits for collectors to dress up their fluffy friends. So, he bought some toy samples and cloth, and by the end of May, the factory was rolling out dresses for the little imp.

    “In less than 20 days we produced more than 80 kinds of doll’s dresses, with a turnover of about 170,000 yuan (about 23,643 U.S. dollars).” Qiu estimated that with orders still growing, the monthly sales revenue could reach 1 million yuan.

    The punky, cute, bunny-eared creature from China has inspired fans around the world to line up for a chance to own one. It is the latest case of Chinese IP globalization, which signals a shift in China’s role from a manufacturing hub to a source of original cultural exports, and injects vitality into traditional industries.

    CHINESE IP GOES ABROAD

    Maraid Vintena in Sydney, Australia, lined up for an hour earlier this week to check the Pop Mart Labubu vending machine in her suburb. “There are four Pop Mart vending machines near my house,” she said. “But most of the time, they’re sold out. I check their website like ten times a day… I’m really addicted, but it’s fun.”

    “As you get older, life is a little bit mundane. Something small, like a Labubu, a blind box, is like a little bit of excitement,” Vintena said, explaining why she fell in love with the doll.

    Amid the ever-growing Labubu craze, fashion brand Uniqlo has announced to partner with Pop Mart for their new collection The Monsters.

    It is not the only Chinese IP which gained recognition around the world. From the hit video game “Black Myth: Wukong” last year that amassed 1.04 million concurrent players merely an hour after its debut, to the cinematic marvel of “Ne Zha 2,” which has risen to the fifth spot on the worldwide box office chart, success of Chinese IP shows the rise of both cultural confidence and the empowerment of the country’s industrial system, said Wang Ruotong, a researcher with the Tianjin Foreign Studies University.

    Beyond the cultural sector, a number of Chinese brands have made inroads into the world-class IP categories, from the artificial intelligence (AI) to new energy vehicles and consumer technology.

    Data from China’s General Administration of Customs shows that China sustained its growth momentum on exports of new energy vehicles, with the volume of pure electric car exports topping 2 million units for the first time in 2024.

    Chinese carmaker BYD is establishing factories in Thailand and Mexico, integrating Chinese aesthetics into automotive design.

    In the AI domain, China has made holistic advancements in AI development, fostering a thriving AI industrial ecosystem. The country now hosts over 400 “little giant” firms — specialized small and medium-sized enterprises that excel in niche AI markets, including AI innovator DeepSeek.

    The vibrant growth of creative Chinese IPs has been driven by China’s booming domestic cultural consumption and a solid industrial manufacturing foundation. As China shifts from mass production to smart, high-end manufacturing, the fusion of aesthetics and craftsmanship is driving the country’s manufacturing sector to move up the global value chain.

    In 2024, China’s per-capita expenditure on education, culture, and entertainment registered 3,189 yuan, marking a 9.8-percent increase and accounting for 11.3 percent of total per-capita consumption spending, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. The continuously expanding cultural consumption market is emerging as a robust engine driving the development of China’s IP industry.

    INJECTING VITALITY INTO TRADITIONAL INDUSTRIES

    At Yiwu International Trade Market, buyers carrying black plastic bags walk from one booth to another asking “do you have dresses for Labubu?” The global frenzy for this tiny creature has offered business opportunities for China’s “world supermarket”.

    In Zhu Hui’s store, one could not only find shirts, trousers and skirts for Labubu, but also accessories like glasses and hats. “Our dresses are sold at seven to 15 yuan a piece, while the accessories are one or two yuan each,” she said.

    Zhu’s store opened only half a month ago, with number of orders increasing quickly. “At first we received orders for dozens or several hundred pieces a day, but now it is more than 10,000 pieces,” she said. Zhu has about 50 workers in her factory, all of whom are working overtime recently.

    Inspired by Labubu, other toy producers also tried to make their products more attractive.

    Sun Lijuan is manager of the Yiwu Hongsheng Toys Factory, which exports dolls to more than 80 countries and regions in South America, Middle East, Central Asia, Europe and Africa.

    “Our dolls can talk, sing and tell stories,” she said. Recently they are applying AI technology to create products to meet different needs of consumers.

    Sun told Xinhua that in recent years, they had witnessed the development of new technology which has empowered their business and helped them avoid homogeneous competition. Their toy factory was founded 13 years ago, but in recent years its turnover has been growing steadily.

    “The greatest potential for future IP to go global lies in the continuous development of content and its deep integration with technology,” said Wang Ruotong. “With the maturation of technologies such as AI and virtual reality, the presentation of IP is going towards immersive and interactive experience.”

    “China has a solid foundation in manufacturing,” she continued. “Therefore, the popularity of Labubu this time brought a huge development opportunity to this industry. I’m sure that in the future there will be more Labubus emerging.” 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Money Market Operations as on June 20, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India
    (Amount in ₹ crore, Rate in Per cent)
      Volume
    (One Leg)    		 Weighted
    Average Rate    		 Range
    A. Overnight Segment (I+II+III+IV) 9,033.70 5.25 4.75-6.55
         I. Call Money 1,610.95 5.12 4.75-5.30
         II. Triparty Repo 4,634.75 5.17 5.00-6.25
         III. Market Repo 54.00 5.00 5.00-5.00
         IV. Repo in Corporate Bond 2,734.00 5.47 5.40-6.55
    B. Term Segment      
         I. Notice Money** 16,583.27 5.28 4.80-5.35
         II. Term Money@@ 459.00 – 5.30-5.75
         III. Triparty Repo 3,90,573.45 5.23 5.20-5.40
         IV. Market Repo 1,83,185.10 5.13 1.00-5.50
         V. Repo in Corporate Bond 0.00 – –
      Auction Date Tenor (Days) Maturity Date Amount Current Rate /
    Cut off Rate
    C. Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF), Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) & Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)
    I. Today’s Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF# Fri, 20/06/2025 1 Sat, 21/06/2025 2,109.00 5.75
      Fri, 20/06/2025 2 Sun, 22/06/2025 0.00 5.75
      Fri, 20/06/2025 3 Mon, 23/06/2025 550.00 5.75
    4. SDFΔ# Fri, 20/06/2025 1 Sat, 21/06/2025 2,86,050.00 5.25
      Fri, 20/06/2025 2 Sun, 22/06/2025 0.00 5.25
      Fri, 20/06/2025 3 Mon, 23/06/2025 17,836.00 5.25
    5. Net liquidity injected from today’s operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*       -3,01,227.00  
    II. Outstanding Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF#          
    4. SDFΔ#          
    D. Standing Liquidity Facility (SLF) Availed from RBI$       7,032.31  
    E. Net liquidity injected from outstanding operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     7,032.31  
    F. Net liquidity injected (outstanding including today’s operations) [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     -2,94,194.69  
    G. Cash Reserves Position of Scheduled Commercial Banks
         (i) Cash balances with RBI as on June 20, 2025 9,46,593.60  
         (ii) Average daily cash reserve requirement for the fortnight ending June 27, 2025 9,54,173.00  
    H. Government of India Surplus Cash Balance Reckoned for Auction as on¥ June 20, 2025 0.00  
    I. Net durable liquidity [surplus (+)/deficit (-)] as on May 30, 2025 5,84,684.00  
    @ Based on Reserve Bank of India (RBI) / Clearing Corporation of India Limited (CCIL).
    – Not Applicable / No Transaction.
    ** Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 2 to 14 days tenor.
    @@ Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 15 days to one year tenor.
    $ Includes refinance facilities extended by RBI.
    & As per the Press Release No. 2019-2020/1900 dated February 06, 2020.
    Δ As per the Press Release No. 2022-2023/41 dated April 08, 2022.
    * Net liquidity is calculated as Repo+MSF+SLF-Reverse Repo-SDF.
    ¥ As per the Press Release No. 2014-2015/1971 dated March 19, 2015.
    # As per the Press Release No. 2023-2024/1548 dated December 27, 2023.
    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    
    Press Release: 2025-2026/576

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI USA: REP LIEU STATEMENT ON TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S MILITARY ACTION IN IRAN

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ted Lieu (33 District of California)

    WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) issued the following statement:

    “Our service members executed a dangerous mission and I’m relieved they have returned safely. The first priority is to ensure our service members and all Americans are safe from any potential retaliatory attacks by the Iranian regime and the terrorist organizations that they fund. 

    “While I strongly support the goal of preventing the Iranian regime from ever getting nuclear weapons, I believe military strikes ordered by President Trump on Iran need congressional authorization. From my first term in Congress until the present, I have consistently believed the Constitution means what it says: only Congress has the power to declare war. I publicly stated at the time that President Obama needed congressional authorization before striking Syria. My position that only Congress has the power to declare war has remained the same regardless of which party the President happens to belong to.

    “A world with fewer nuclear weapons is a safer one for everyone. The autocratic and theocratic Iranian regime—if it had nuclear weapons—could launch those weapons of mass destruction at U.S. military bases, other U.S. interests, and Israel. Preventing the Iranian regime from getting nuclear weapons has been a longstanding, bipartisan goal. 

    “There will be a bipartisan, classified briefing by the Administration this Tuesday. I urge the Administration to address what congressional authorization it relied on for the military strikes, if any. I also want the Administration to address many unanswered questions, such as if the strikes achieved their intended objectives, how the Administration intends to protect Americans and our service members from potential future attacks, and what the Administration’s plan is going forward.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Elderly Health Care Voucher Greater Bay Area Pilot Scheme to extend to Zhuhai from June 26

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Government announced today (June 23) that the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University (FIFAH-SYSU) and Zhuhai People’s Hospital (ZHPH) in Zhuhai will launch the Elderly Health Care Voucher Greater Bay Area Pilot Scheme this Thursday (June 26), accepting eligible Hong Kong elderly persons to use Elderly Health Care Vouchers (EHCVs) to pay for outpatient healthcare services at designated departments. With the two additional service points, the number of service points in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) where EHCVs can be used will increase to 11, benefitting more than 1.78 million eligible Hong Kong elderly persons.
     
    EHCVs are applicable for outpatient healthcare services provided by 16 designated departments at the FIFAH-SYSU, including Department of Internal Medicine, Department of Surgery, Department of Orthopedics, Department of Cardiology, Department of Neurology, Department of Gynecology, Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Department of Dermatology, Department of Ophthalmology, Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, Department of Stomatology, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Department of Clinical Nutrition, Health Management Center and Department of Emergency Medicine.
     
    For ZHPH, EHCVs are applicable for outpatient healthcare services provided by 15 designated departments, including Department of Internal Medicine, Department of Surgery, Department of Orthopaedics, Department of Gynecology, Department of Ophthalmology, Department of Stomatology, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Department of General Medicine, Health Management Center, Department of Dermatology, Department of Psychological Counseling and Department of Clinical Nutrition.
     
    The arrangements for shared use of EHCVs between spouses and the EHCV Pilot Reward Scheme under the EHCV Scheme are equally applicable to the FIFAH-SYSU and ZHPH. In other words, when an elderly person receives designated primary healthcare outpatient services for health checks, preventive health services, and follow-up/monitoring of long-term conditions at the designated departments, the EHCV spending for that service encounter can be accumulated for the allotment of rewards. Further information and treatment flow are set out in the Annex.

         The fees for the healthcare services provided by the pilot medical institutions are denominated in Renminbi. Medical institutions will make EHCV claims for elderly persons, and the EHCV amount deducted in Hong Kong dollars will be calculated according to a monthly updated voucher conversion factor under the EHCV Scheme. The monthly voucher conversion factor under the EHCV Scheme will be displayed at the cashier offices of the medical institutions for reference by the elderly.
     
         “Elderly persons cannot use EHCVs together with national medical insurance to pay for the fees of the same healthcare service encounter. The scope of using EHCVs on the Mainland is the same as that in Hong Kong, which does not include inpatient services, prepaid healthcare services and day surgery procedures. EHCVs cannot be used solely for the purchase of goods, medication, medical equipment or products, nor can they be redeemed for cash,” the spokesperson reminded.
     
         Hong Kong elderly persons should register with eHealth before using EHCVs at any designated service point in the GBA. To facilitate Hong Kong citizens in using electronic health records (eHRs) across the boundary in a secure manner and to enhance the continuity of healthcare services, the “Cross-boundary Health Record” and “Personal Folder” functions of the eHealth mobile application (eHealth App) will be extended to the two hospitals from the same day (June 26). In addition, elderly persons can also use the eHealth App to check their EHCV balance and usage record, as well as access at any time important information such as their medications, allergies and adverse drug reactions stored in the eHealth App. If elderly persons wish to use EHCVs at the GBA medical institutions but they have not yet registered with eHealth, the medical institutions will instantly register them for eHealth upon their consent so that they can use EHCVs right away.
     
         If elderly persons suspect that the participating medical institutions have violated the EHCV Scheme rules, they can call the EHCV Scheme hotline (2838 2311) to provide relevant information and details to the Health Care Voucher Division of the Department of Health (DH). All suspected cases of violation of the EHCV Scheme rules or false declarations will be strictly dealt with by the DH. Furthermore, each GBA medical institution has set up an enquiry and complaint hotline. Elderly persons can also offer their views to the relevant medical institution or file complaints against the medical institutions under the Pilot Scheme to the health authority at the provincial or city level if necessary. Members of the public can visit the following thematic website (www.hcv.gov.hk/en/hcv_gba_pilot_scheme/index.html) for more information.
     
         The Government launched the Pilot Scheme in 2024 to extend the coverage of EHCVs to seven integrated medical/dental institutions in the GBA, covering Guangzhou, Zhongshan, Dongguan and Shenzhen, and offering more convenience and flexibility to the eligible Hong Kong elderly persons. The Government announced the extension of Pilot Scheme in May 2025, further increasing the service points to cover all nine Mainland cities in GBA. With the extension of the Pilot Scheme to 12 additional medical institutions offering integrated healthcare services (including dental services), together with the two existing service points operated by the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, eligible elderly persons can use EHCV at a total of 21 service points in the GBA cities.
     
    The Government is actively preparing the implementation of the Pilot Scheme in the remaining 10 medical institutions included in the Pilot last month. It is expected that relevant arrangements will be launched gradually in the second half of this year.
     
    Members of the public may visit the EHCV Scheme website (www.hcv.gov.hk) or call the hotline (2838 2311) for more information on the EHCV Scheme.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Firing practice for July 2025

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Firing practice for July 2025 
         Red flags or red lamps will be hoisted at the firing areas before and during firing practice. For their safety, people are advised not to enter the firing area.
     
         Following are the dates and times for the firing practice sessions in July 2025:
     
    San Wai/Tai Ling Firing Range
    ————————————-
     

    DateJuly 3 (Thursday)
    July 4 (Friday)
    July 5 (Saturday)
    July 7 (Monday)
    July 8 (Tuesday)
    July 9 (Wednesday)
    July 10 (Thursday)
    July 11 (Friday)
    July 12 (Saturday)
    July 14 (Monday)
    July 15 (Tuesday)
    July 16 (Wednesday)
    July 17 (Thursday)
    July 18 (Friday)
    July 19 (Saturday)
    July 21 (Monday)
    July 22 (Tuesday)
    July 23 (Wednesday)
    July 24 (Thursday)
    July 25 (Friday)
    July 26 (Saturday)
    July 28 (Monday)
    July 29 (Tuesday)
    July 30 (Wednesday)
    July 31 (Thursday)8am-9pm
    8am-9pm
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    8am-9pmTsing Shan Firing Range
    ——————————-
     

    DateJuly 3 (Thursday)
    July 4 (Friday)
    July 5 (Saturday)
    July 7 (Monday)
    July 8 (Tuesday)
    July 9 (Wednesday)
    July 10 (Thursday)
    July 11 (Friday)
    July 12 (Saturday)
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    July 15 (Tuesday)
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    July 21 (Monday)
    July 22 (Tuesday)
    July 23 (Wednesday)
    July 24 (Thursday)
    July 25 (Friday)
    July 26 (Saturday)
    July 28 (Monday)
    July 29 (Tuesday)
    July 30 (Wednesday)
    July 31 (Thursday)8am-9pm
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    8am-9pmIssued at HKT 11:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN reaffirms ASEAN’s commitment in realising the rights of persons with disabilities at the 6th ASEAN Autism Congress

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today delivered a pre-recorded keynote address at the 6th ASEAN Autism Congress held in Vientiane, Lao PDR. In his remarks, he reaffirmed ASEAN’s strong commitment to advancing disability-inclusion and the empowerment of persons with autism as integral to building a caring, people-centred, inclusive, and socially responsible ASEAN Community. Organised by the ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) and the Association for Autism of Lao PDR, the event serves as a platform for ASEAN Member States and stakeholders to promote regional cooperation, strengthen civil society engagement, and advance the implementation of the ASEAN Enabling Masterplan 2025:Mainstreaming the Rights of Persons with Disabilities through inclusive sports, dialogue, and strategic collaboration on autism advocacy.
     

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN reaffirms ASEAN’s commitment in realising the rights of persons with disabilities at the 6th ASEAN Autism Congress appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN reaffirms ASEAN’s commitment in realising the rights of persons with disabilities at the 6th ASEAN Autism Congress

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today delivered a pre-recorded keynote address at the 6th ASEAN Autism Congress held in Vientiane, Lao PDR. In his remarks, he reaffirmed ASEAN’s strong commitment to advancing disability-inclusion and the empowerment of persons with autism as integral to building a caring, people-centred, inclusive, and socially responsible ASEAN Community. Organised by the ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) and the Association for Autism of Lao PDR, the event serves as a platform for ASEAN Member States and stakeholders to promote regional cooperation, strengthen civil society engagement, and advance the implementation of the ASEAN Enabling Masterplan 2025:Mainstreaming the Rights of Persons with Disabilities through inclusive sports, dialogue, and strategic collaboration on autism advocacy.
     

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN reaffirms ASEAN’s commitment in realising the rights of persons with disabilities at the 6th ASEAN Autism Congress appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Bean Hosts Tax Reform Roundtable in Duval County

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Aaron Bean Florida (4th District)

    WASHINGTON—This week, U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean (FL-04) hosted a roundtable discussion with members of the First Coast Manufacturers Association to discuss the impact of expiring tax cuts, industry challenges, and how the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) will provide real tax relief and drive economic growth in Northeast Florida. 

    After the roundtable, Congressman Bean said, “Northeast Florida manufacturers cannot afford the burden of higher taxes that would cripple growth and threaten jobs. Roundtable participants confirmed the success of the Trump tax cuts and their critical importance to their daily operations. During the roundtable, I heard directly from manufacturers about the challenges of finding workers, being competitive, accessing products, and the need for immediate relief. As the fight continues to preserve the Trump tax cuts, I’m taking their stories back to D.C. and will continue to advocate for policies that help our manufacturers expand, hire, and drive our economy forward.”

    BACKGROUND:

    The House has passed the One Big Beautiful Bill by a 215-214 vote, and now all eyes are on the Senate as President Trump urges swift approval before July 4th to deliver historic tax relief and economic growth for hardworking Americans. 

    For an overview of the One Big Beautiful Bill, click here.

     

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Bean Hosts Tax Reform Roundtable in Duval County

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Aaron Bean Florida (4th District)

    WASHINGTON—This week, U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean (FL-04) hosted a roundtable discussion with members of the First Coast Manufacturers Association to discuss the impact of expiring tax cuts, industry challenges, and how the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) will provide real tax relief and drive economic growth in Northeast Florida. 

    After the roundtable, Congressman Bean said, “Northeast Florida manufacturers cannot afford the burden of higher taxes that would cripple growth and threaten jobs. Roundtable participants confirmed the success of the Trump tax cuts and their critical importance to their daily operations. During the roundtable, I heard directly from manufacturers about the challenges of finding workers, being competitive, accessing products, and the need for immediate relief. As the fight continues to preserve the Trump tax cuts, I’m taking their stories back to D.C. and will continue to advocate for policies that help our manufacturers expand, hire, and drive our economy forward.”

    BACKGROUND:

    The House has passed the One Big Beautiful Bill by a 215-214 vote, and now all eyes are on the Senate as President Trump urges swift approval before July 4th to deliver historic tax relief and economic growth for hardworking Americans. 

    For an overview of the One Big Beautiful Bill, click here.

     

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Concern for welfare – Ngukurr

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Police hold concerns for the welfare of 21-year-old Regen who is believed to have departed his home address in Ngukurr yesterday at 6am and has not arrived at his destination.

    Regen may have been heading to the Nulawan Outstation, 23km to the east of the Ngukurr community.    

    The Search and Rescue Section (SRS) and local police are currently conducting a land search and rescue operation around Ngukurr Community.

    The SRS are currently coordinating aerial assets and ground teams in response to the situation.

    Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Regen or his intended destination are encouraged to call police on 131 444.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: CPTPP Symposium, Opening statement

    Source: Australian Attorney General’s Agencies

    [Acknowledgments omitted]

    The CPTPP is a symbol of what can be achieved through regional engagement in the face of global pressure.

    It is an agreement that is working every day to grow trade, make it easier, and spread the benefits of free and fair trade.

    It is an agreement that new countries want to join, and one that existing members continue to improve.

    A turn away from free and fair trade has emerged in some parts of the world in recent years.

    But all of us know the benefits of an open, rules-based global trading system.

    That doesn’t mean that our system is perfect, we know it needs work and some of the rules need to change.

    WTO rules can’t always be enforced, and its dispute resolution function has not been performing as it should.

    We will all prosper through improvements to the rules around how we trade and invest across international borders.

    Australia remains committed to reforming the WTO system in ways that both prioritises our national interest and supports a predictable, stable and transparent global trading environment.

    The United States has imposed tariffs on every nation in the world and we’re seeing firsthand the effect that is having on the global economy.

    Tariffs are a tax on consumers. They are an act of economic self harm.

    In this age of uncertainty, the CPTPP offers a model of fairness, sustainability and mutual benefit.

    Free trade is critical to our national security and prosperity, and Australia remains committed to it.

    As the 2025 CPTPP Chair, Australia will keep pushing for the evolution of a robust, rules-based global trading system, beyond the gold standard already set by this Agreement.

    As chair, our theme is “delivering sustainable trade and resilient growth”.

    We have three priorities.

    First, we want to increase trade.

    That might seem a simple goal, since we know that trade increases economic prosperity at all ends.

    But when people are talking about turning inwards , it only makes it more important that we focus on the opposite approach.

    An approach focused on improving market access opportunities for business, industry and communities.

    Second, we want to facilitate trade.

    We must always ask ourselves, as member economies, how do we make it easier for businesses and people to trade among our economies?

    And third, we want to spread the benefits of trade.

    We know that when women participate more in the economy, they drive growth.

    We want to see more female entrepreneurs active in trade across CPTPP members.

    We also want to see more businesses led by Indigenous Peoples trading in the region.

    And making the agreement more inclusive is another way CPTPP can show leadership to the world.

    While some are arguing that trade is a threat, we must show what trade delivers.

    We must show it delivers prosperity to the individual and the nation.

    So as the 2025 CPTPP Chair, we will be pleased to mark continued progress on the General Review of the CPTPP agreement.

    This is a great opportunity for all members to future-proof the agreement, so that it continues to deliver for our economies and remains resilient in the face of global pressures.

    The benefits aren’t hypothetical.

    The benefits are real, and many more are possible if we continue to engage, learn and shape this agreement to meet evolving needs.

    For our part, Australia isn’t just working through one mechanism to bolster trade.

    We take every opportunity to diversify our markets, strengthen our partnerships and open doors for business.

    In February, my department launched a new roadmap for Australia’s economic engagement with India backed by $16 million in trade accelerator funding and an additional $4 million for the Maitri program.

    This initiative deepens cultural and business ties through cooperation in education, research and continued advancements in technology and innovation.

    We have signed a new trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates, expected to generate $700 million in Australian exports to the Middle East.

    We have ratified the upgraded ASEAN-Australia New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, supporting small businesses, digital trade and gender equality across the region.

    Nearly half a million Australian jobs are tied to trade with Southeast Asia, and through our Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, we are ensuring that number continues to grow.

    And of course, we are continuing to work on a Free Trade Agreement with the European Union.

    Friends, as the 2025 CPTPP Chair, Australia is focused on making sure we take a strategic approach to global trade issues.

    At the heart of that project is bolstering and strengthening the rules of the global trading system.

    The CPTPP is a gold standard agreement – and we are keen to work to maintain its credentials as a catalyst for collaboration, innovation and ambition across our region.

    Thank you for sharing your thoughts today and I look forward to hearing about your insights.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Northland Regional Council News – 23 June 2025

    Source: Northland Regional Council

    ENVIRONMENTAL AWARDS LIVESTREAM
    Northland Regional Council’s Whakamānawa ā Taiao – Environmental Awards are happening this Thursday, 26 June, celebrating the incredible people and organisations making a real difference for Northland’s environment.
    Their dedication and mahi are helping our environment thrive, and we deeply value their contributions.
    Join the celebration live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15kgLhvKgU/
    Learn more about the winners and their inspiring mahi after the event at: www.awards.nrc.govt.nz
    THINKING ABOUT STANDING FOR COUNCIL?
    Are you considering standing for the Far North District Council or Northland Regional Council?
    Join us for a Candidate Information Session on Wednesday, 25 June at 6:00pm at Te Kona – Digital, Business and Learning Hub, 74 Guy Road, Kaikohe.
    This is your opportunity to:
    – Learn about the nomination and election process from our Electoral Officer and expert panel
    – Gain insights about the role of an elected member from experienced elected officials
    – Understand the functions of governance and operations and how they work together to achieve community aspirations.
    No bookings required.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Save the Children – Adventurers set off on 4,500km ‘Alpine Odyssey’ across Aotearoa New Zealand

    Source: Save the Children

    Australian adventurer Huw Kingston and former Kiwi representative cyclist Laurence Mote will set off on their 4500km human powered journey the length of New Zealand this week, in an effort to raise vital funds for climate-resilient classrooms in Vanuatu.
    Dubbed ‘Alpine Odyssey Aotearoa’, the pair will begin their ambitious 90-day ski, hike, cycle and sail winter journey from Cape Reinga on Wednesday (25 June) to Slope Point. The route covers skiing at all 24 outdoor ski fields across the country, as well as Snowplanet in Auckland, along with extensive cycling, hiking trails, and sailing the Cook Strait.
    For Mote, who is legally blind and continues to manage symptoms from a life-changing brain injury in 2013, caused by a bee sting, anaphylactic shock, and subsequent stroke, the expedition is expected to be exceptionally demanding.
    Kingston completed a 700km ski and trek journey through the Australian Alps to raise funds for an Indigenous literacy project, Our Yarning in 2022. He says Alpine Odyssey Aotearoa is even more ambitious.
    Says Kingston: “It’s good to be in New Zealand, to have met up with Laurence and to be sorting a mound of equipment for the next three months. Alpine Odyssey Aotearoa is an adventure, a celebration of New Zealand, of mountain life and a call to action. Our Pacific neighbours are living on the frontline of the climate crisis and it’s vital we all step up to make a difference.
    “I arrived across the Tasman just in time to attend the celebrations for Matariki, the Māori New Year, an auspicious start to our journey across the landscapes of this stunning country.”
    Mote added that over the weekend he was “blessed with a perfect view of Matariki” which left him with a “shiver of anticipation of what was to come”.
    The pair is aiming to raise more than $75,000NZD to support Save the Children’s and the Vanuatu Government’s Ministry of Education and Training’s innovative climate classrooms pilot project in Vanuatu. Recent climate-related emergencies, including back-to-back and out of season cyclones, have caused widespread damage and destruction to schools across the country and disrupted children’s learning.
    Save the Children Vanuatu Country Director Polly Banks says the forward-thinking shipping container classrooms will help children get back to learning and a sense of normality faster.
    “In times of crisis, children returning to normal routines as soon as possible, including school, helps with their recovery.
    “Our climate resilient classrooms will give children the chance to get back to school quickly, reconnect with fri

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: MEDIA RELEASE: High Court sends powerful message on unlawful conduct

    Source:

    Statement by Australian Resources & Energy Employer Association CEO Steve Knott AM 

    AREEA welcomes today’s High Court decision backing the validity of the Federal Government’s action to administer the CFMEU and its branches.

    In the interests of fairness and transparency – and ultimately, workforce conditions and productivity – enterprise agreements and all facets of contracting must comply with Australian law and regulation.

    This is across the spectrum of industrial and employee relations and occupational health and safety – wherever jobs, sound management and the welfare of employees is concerned.

    The High Court ruling returns a strong measure of certainty to the construction sector while sending a powerful message on unlawful conduct across industries.

    In the land of the ‘fair go’, Australian lives and livelihoods must be free from coercion, intimidation and criminality.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: LGBTIQA+ guide to Canberra

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    • Canberra is Australia’s most welcoming city for the LGBTIQA+ communities.
    • This article lists art and entertainment, events, sports and activities and health related information for LGBTIQA+ communities.

    As the Capital of Equality, Canberra offers a lot for LGBTIQA+ people who call it home.

    For people living here, this isn’t just a saying — it’s something you can see and feel every day. Whether you’ve lived in Canberra your whole life or just moved here, there are many ways to feel safe, meet others, and be yourself.

    Across the city, there are support services, social groups, and events that celebrate LGBTIQA+ communities. You can find places to connect, have fun, and get help if you need it.

    This guide will help you discover a glimpse of what’s out here and how to get involved.

    Art and entertainment

    Canberra Qwire is Canberra’s own LGBTIQA+ choir which celebrates a common love of music and singing. With 120+ members from all walks, you can join the choir or attend a concert.

    SpringOUT is Canberra’s own pride festival held annually in November. While still a little away, the applications to run a range of LGBTIQA+ events or to hold a stall at the Fair Day will soon open.

    FLESH: Queer Life Drawing sessions feature a life model run by and for LGBTIQA+ folks. Join the relaxed, social atmosphere to pursue your own creative approaches.

    Queer Variety Show is a bi-monthly event featuring LGBTIQA+ and disabled performers held at Smith’s Alternative.

    Smith’s Alternative is one of Canberra’s most iconic and loved performance venues. The bar and performing arts cafe celebrate queerness and local culture. Smiths is known for providing a safe and inclusive space. It offers live music, poetry, comedy, burlesque, theatre, drag, queer shows, cabaret, art exhibitions and dance parties.

    She Shapes History is on a mission to promote gender equality through tourism. Join their walking tour to learn about women’s and LGBTIQA+ history of Canberra. You can also listen to the She Shapes History Queer Past podcast about Canberra’s queer history.

    Tuggeranong Arts Centre is a creative hub and gathering place in South Canberra. The centre aims to connect people, create new experiences and celebrate the arts. Keep an eye out for events and workshops.

    Belconnen Arts Centre is an inner-north hub for visual and performing arts classes. As part of the many LGBTIQA+ events and workshops they run, Kaleidescope, an annual exhibition, celebrating LGBTIQA+ experiences.

    Sport and the outdoors

    Queer run CBR is an inclusive community of runners, riders, rollers and strollers. If you are looking to find a space that celebrates LGBTIQA+ folks and allies, look no further.

    ACT Water Polo is an inclusive and diverse club that promotes physical activity and friendship in a safe and judgement free space.

    Pink Tennis is a welcoming group of LGBTIQA+ individuals who encourages people of all abilities to pick up a racquet and join a bunch of queer people in Canberra who like to play tennis.

    Rainbow Racquets Squash is a squash group for LGBTIQA+ people and their allies. They create a relaxed and inclusive space to enjoy squash and connect.

    Canberra Roller Derby League are a competitive flat track roller derby club run by the skaters, for the skaters. They are dedicated to promoting health, sport, community and inclusion.

    Pride Fitness Canberra is a business focused on providing a safe space for community to meet and get active. They offer bootcamp, running meets and post workout coffees.

    Support for LGBTIQA+ communities and their families

    A Gender Agenda is a community organisation that supports intersex, trans, and gender diverse people. Check out their resources and support services.

    Meridian is a community organisation that provides health and social support services to LGBTIQA+ communities.

    Seahorse Playgroup is a local playgroup and community space for LGBTIQA+ parents, carers, and their children.

    Community and support for young LGBTIQA+ people

    Encampment 2025 is a locally run initiative that brings LGBTIQA+ young people aged 13-17 years old together. They help to navigate gender identities and sexualities and strengthen their connection to the community. Check their application dates for 2025/26.

    Bit Bent offers weekly culturally safe and participant-led groups for LGBTIQA+ young people aged 10 to 25. Whether you’re looking for resources, connections, or simply a place to hang out and be with like-minded individuals, they have you covered.

    Rainbow Mob is a local community organisation run for and by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTIQASB+ young people.

    Variations in sex characteristics is a psychosocial service at Canberra Health Services that provides support to children and young people born with sex characteristics that do not fit the typical definitions for male or female bodies.

    Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT (SHFPACT) supports public, private and faith-based schools in Canberra with age-appropriate, accurate and sexuality education. View their resources and education workshops.

    Stun Magazine is a Canberra born and bred queer magazine. New to the scene but already making a huge impact. The magazine covers readers across Sydney, Canberra, Wollongong and Newcastle with high-quality entertainment and queer content.

    FUSE Magazine is a national gay, lesbian bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer lifestyle magazine. It covers everything from news, entertainment, fashion health and social issues.

    LGBTIQA+ Directory is exactly what is sounds like. If you are looking for LGBTIQA+ support, businesses, or community-based connections, look no further.

    ACT Government 

    The Office of LGBTIQA+ Affairs run a community grants program called Capital of Equality Grants, hosts LGBTIQA+ events and engages with LGBTIQA+ communities to help make Canberra the capital of equality.

    For more information visit their website, follow their Facebook page for the Office of LGBTIQA+ Affairs or subscribe to their newsletter.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for June 23, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on June 23, 2025.

    Illegal US attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities came in spite of no evidence
    BEARING WITNESS: By Cole Martin in occupied Bethlehem Kia ora koutou, I’m a Kiwi journo in occupied Bethlehem, here’s a brief summary of today’s events across the Palestinian and Israeli territories from on the ground. The US struck three of Iran’s nuclear facilities overnight, entering the illegal aggression on Iran with heavy airstrikes despite no

    My kids only want to eat processed foods. How can I get them eating a healthier and more varied diet?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nick Fuller, Clinical Trials Director, Department of Endocrinology, RPA Hospital, University of Sydney If it feels like your child’s diet consists entirely of breakfast cereal, chicken nuggets and snacks that’d outlast the apocalypse, you’re not alone. Processed foods are the go-to for many kids, and for some,

    Defence Force to send plane to assist New Zealanders stranded in Iran and Israel
    By Giles Dexter, RNZ News political reporter The Defence Force is sending a plane to the Middle East to assist any New Zealanders stranded in Iran or Israel. The C-130J Hercules, along with government personnel, will leave Auckland on Monday. Airspace is still closed in the region, but Defence Minister Judith Collins said the deployment

    Trump’s decision to bomb Iran exposes fissures in US politics
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lester Munson, Non-Resident Fellow, United States Studies Centre, University of Sydney US President Donald Trump’s strike on Iran’s nuclear weapons program, which he foreshadowed on and off for the past few days, has revealed a surprisingly broad middle ground in US politics, even as it has provoked

    Leaders in US-affiliated Pacific react to surprise strikes on Iran
    By Mark Rabago, RNZ Pacific Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas correspondent Leaders in the US-affliliated Pacific Islands have reacted to the US strikes on Iran. US president Donald Trump said Iran must now make peace or “we will go after” other targets in Iran, after US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Iran’s Foreign Ministry said

    Global warming is changing cloud patterns. That means more global warming
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Christian Jakob, Director, ARC Centre of Excellence for the Weather of the 21st Century, Monash University Caleb Weiner / Unsplash At any given time, about two-thirds of Earth’s surface is covered by clouds. Overall, they make the planet much cooler than it would be without them. But

    NZ’s changing diet: Māori bread and jackfruit join other new foods in the country’s nutritional database
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nick William Smith, Associate Investigator in Nutritional Science, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University Shutterstock/Alesia Bierliezova The latest update to the New Zealand food composition database, a comprehensive collection of nutrient data collated jointly by Plant & Food Research and the Ministry of Health, brings more

    How pregnant women are tested for gestational diabetes is changing. Here’s what this means for you
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alexis Shub, Obstetrician & Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist, The University of Melbourne How Australian pregnant women are tested for gestational diabetes is set to change, with new national guidelines released today. Changes are expected to lead to fewer diagnoses in women at lower risk, reducing the burden

    Freak wind gusts made worse by climate change threaten airline passenger safety
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Milton Speer, Visiting Fellow, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney Unexpected severe turbulence injured crew and passengers on a Qantas Boeing 737 during descent at Brisbane on May 4 2024. The subsequent Australian Transport Safety Bureau investigation suggested the severity of the turbulence

    Labubu plushies aren’t just toys. They’re a brand new frontier for Chinese soft power
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ming Gao, Research Fellow of East Asia Studies, Lund University Katerina Elagina/Shutterstock One of the most sought-after items of 2025 isn’t a designer handbag or the latest tech gadget. It’s a plush elf with a snaggle-toothed grin. Labubu (拉布布) is a global sensation. From David Beckham and

    Pro-independence advocates urge MSG to elevate West Papua membership
    By Scott Waide, RNZ Pacific PNG correspondent Two international organisations are leading a call for the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) to elevate the membership status of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) at their upcoming summit in Honiara in September. The collective, led by International Parliamentarians for West Papua (IPWP) and International Lawyers

    Starving Gaza civilians toll climbs at Israeli humanitarian ‘death traps’
    Pacific Media Watch BEARING WITNESS: By Cole Martin in occupied Bethlehem Kia ora koutou, I’m a Kiwi journo in occupied Bethlehem, here’s a brief summary of today’s events across the Palestinian and Israeli territories from on the ground. Israeli forces killed over 200 Palestinians in Gaza over the last 48 hours, injuring over 1037. Countless

    NZ group slams Israeli ‘hoodwinking’ of US over nuclear strikes – Peters calls for talks
    Asia Pacific Report The Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa has called on New Zealanders to condemn the US bombing of Iran. PSNA co-chair Maher Nazzal said in a statement that he hoped the New Zealand government would be critical of the US for its war escalation. “Israel has once again hoodwinked the United States into fighting

    The US has entered the Israel-Iran war. Here are 3 scenarios for what might happen next
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Parmeter, Research Scholar, Middle East Studies, Australian National University After prevaricating about whether the United States would enter Israel’s war on Iran, President Donald Trump finally made a decision. Early Sunday, US warplanes struck three of Iran’s nuclear sites at Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow, where the

    What is a ‘bunker buster’? An expert explains what the US dropped on Iran
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Dwyer, Lecturer, School of Social Sciences, University of Tasmania The jagged silhouette of a B2 stealth bomber seen during a 2015 flyover in the US. Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images Late on Saturday night, local time, the United States carried out strikes against Iranian nuclear enrichment

    Muted response from Albanese government on US attack on Iran
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The Albanese government has given a tepid response to the United States’ bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities. The Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement from a government spokesperson, but there were no plans on Sunday afternoon for Anthony Albanese or

    What is a ‘bunker buster’? An expert explains what the US dropped on Iran – and what might happen now
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Dwyer, Lecturer, School of Social Sciences, University of Tasmania The jagged silhouette of a B2 stealth bomber seen during a 2015 flyover in the US. Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images Late on Saturday night, local time, the United States carried out strikes against Iranian nuclear enrichment

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: NSU student finds out why laser-textured surfaces retain water-repellent properties in a vacuum

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    Superlyophobicity of laser-textured surfaces in rarefied atmosphere conditions was studied by a 4th-year student Faculty of Physics Novosibirsk State University Nikita Smirnov under the scientific supervision of Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Senior Lecturer of the Department of General Physics of the Physics Faculty of NSU, Leading Researcher, Acting Head of Laboratory 10.1 of the S.S. Kutateladze Institute of Thermophysics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences Sergey Starinsky. As part of his scientific work, the young researcher compared the indicators of the wetting properties of such surfaces with the data that were obtained under normal atmospheric conditions, and found that the differences between them are insignificant and in both cases the wettability of the surface under study is affected by the temperature factor.

    Superlyophobicity is the property of a surface to repel liquid, forming almost spherical drops that do not spread but roll off it. This state of the surface is determined by such an indicator as the contact angle of wetting – the angle between the solid surface and the tangent to the liquid drop at the point of contact. In superlyophobic surfaces in a normal state without tilting, it exceeds 150°. Superlyophobicity can be achieved by creating structures on the surface that minimize the contact of liquid with the surface. This property of the surface can be useful in various applications where it is necessary to minimize its contact with liquids.

    — It was important for us to study the superlyophobicity of laser-textured materials in a vacuum to test the classical Cassie-Baxter wetting theory, according to which these properties are achieved due to the air retained in the surface texture. And we had a question: what will happen if it is completely removed? Will the liquid flow into the structures or will the surface retain its water-repellent properties. The study of this problem is important and relevant, since the use of superlyophobic surfaces in airless space will solve a number of problems, for example, with icing, protection from condensation and corrosion of various space and suborbital vehicles. Such materials with a “water-repellent” structure have many areas of application. They can also be used in combustion physics. They can be in demand in the space industry – provided that they retain superlyophobicity in vacuum conditions. This is what we had to find out, — said Nikita Smirnov.

    The young researcher turned to the literature on such studies of laser-textured surfaces in vacuum conditions and found only a few published scientific articles on this topic. The authors of only one of them managed to achieve water-repellent properties that would be fully preserved in vacuum conditions. At the same time, the reasons for this phenomenon were not studied in detail, and it was unknown what makes the main contribution to the preservation of these properties in a rarefied atmosphere. In his work, Nikita Smirnov proposed using superlyophobic surfaces with a developed structure, created using pulsed laser exposure and covered with a repellent fluoropolymer layer. This approach is easy to implement, since it is quite easy to reproduce the results obtained under known conditions and no special conditions are required for texturing. Another important advantage is the low cost of the technology, achieved due to the fact that in recent decades lasers have become more widespread and effective, and their use is widely used in various areas of production. It was proposed to spray the fluoropolymer coating in a thin layer so that the texture obtained by the laser would not change at the micron level, but would only be covered with a repellent layer. Nikita Smirnov decided to study the hydrodynamics of liquid droplets on superlyophobic surfaces inclined at a small angle (

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: International passenger airlines have linked Xinjiang with all Central Asian countries

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    URUMQI, June 23 (Xinhua) — International passenger airlines have linked northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region with all five Central Asian countries, according to Xinjiang Airport Group Co., Ltd.

    According to the data, international passenger air routes have now linked Xinjiang with a total of 21 cities in 17 countries, including Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Russia, as well as countries in Western, South and Southeast Asia.

    As previously reported by the Xinjiang branch of China Southern Airlines, since the beginning of 2025, the volume of passenger and cargo air transportation from Xinjiang to Central Asia has grown by 36 percent and 200 percent year-on-year, respectively.

    During the peak summer holiday season, up to 70 flights are expected to operate weekly between Xinjiang and the Central Asian region.

    The aforementioned corporation expressed its willingness to continue to open, increase the frequency or restore passenger flights connecting Xinjiang with more places around the world to advance the construction of an efficient and smooth connectivity network under the Belt and Road Initiative.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Inner Mongolia: Creating a ‘Blue Sea’ in the Desert

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    Over the past two years, the “solar photovoltaic panel desertification control” model has been widely applied in the Kuzupchi and Ulanbukh deserts in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, resulting in 14.89 million mu of land being greened. Photo by Xinhua News Agency correspondent Lian Zhen.

    1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   >  

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Announcement on Open Market Operations No.118 [2025]

    Source: Peoples Bank of China

    Announcement on Open Market Operations No.118 [2025]

    (Open Market Operations Office, June 23, 2025)

    The People’s Bank of China conducted reverse repo operations in the amount of RMB220.5 billion through quantity bidding at a fixed interest rate on June 23, 2025.

    Details of the Reverse Repo Operations

    Maturity

    Rate

    Bidding Volume

    Winning Bid Volume

    7 days

    1.40%

    RMB220.5 billion

    RMB220.5 billion

    Date of last update Nov. 29 2018

    2025年06月23日

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Two arrested following aggravated robbery

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police have made two arrests following an aggravated robbery in New Lynn this morning.

    At around 8.30am, Police attended a Parker Avenue convenience store.

    Detective Senior Sergeant Megan Goldie, Waitematā CIB, says two offenders have entered the store, one armed with a knife.

    “The offenders have jumped over the counter and stolen the till before leaving the store and fleeing in a stolen car.

    “Fortunately, the shop keeper was uninjured.”

    Police located the stolen vehicle a short distance away and the two occupants were taken into custody without incident.

    Detective Senior Sergeant Goldie says two young people, aged 14 and 16, will appear in the Waitākere Youth Court, charged with aggravated robbery and unlawful taking a motor vehicle.

    Enquires are ongoing to locate the stolen property.

    ENDS.

    Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Man arrested following Takanini assault

    Source: New Zealand Police

    A 33-year-old man has been arrested following an assault near a Sikh Temple in Takanini late yesterday afternoon.

    The incident occurred at a sports complex on the grounds at around 5pm.

    Detective Senior Sergeant Simon Taylor, of Counties Manukau CIB, says the man presented on site and was taken into custody this afternoon.

    “We have charged the man with two counts of assault with a weapon and one count of threats to kill,” he says.

    “He will remain in custody overnight and will appear in the Papakura District Court tomorrow.”

    Police will be opposing this man’s bail.

    Police thank the community for their support in enquiries to-date.

    “We reiterate that this incident is not being treated as a hate-motivated crime, and involves two parties known to each other,” Detective Senior Sergeant Taylor says.

    Police are continuing to carry out reassurance patrols around the temple.

    ENDS.

    Nicole Bremner/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New licence system for Taupō trout fishery

    Source: NZ Department of Conservation

    Date:  23 June 2025

    DOC Senior Community Ranger James Barnett says the new platform will provide enhanced features at no extra cost to anglers.

    “The old system served us well but was based on old technology and was becoming expensive to run and maintain. The new platform offers anglers an improved user experience with a more intuitive interface, increased stability and greater security.

    “We’re delighted with the benefits of the new online-only system, particularly for those who purchase more than one licence or want a more convenient way to buy a season licence each year.”

    James says the licence platform is catching up with the functionality people expect from online transactions.

    “You can choose to set up a profile which shows, at a glance, all the licences you’ve bought, and stores your information to make your next licence purchase easier. A guest function is available for those who prefer not to save their information.”

    Taupō Trout Fishery has an international reputation, offering excellent fishing experiences in a stunning volcanic landscape.

    It’s also a significant contributor to the regional economy. A survey conducted in 2013 found the Taupō Trout Fishery supported nearly 300 jobs, created at least $29 million in business turnover and added $11 million to the size of the economy.

    The new platform is considered customer-friendly, but a user guide is available online and at fishing retailers in the area.

    “Although licenses are no longer available from local agents, they’re still great places to buy gear and pick up local knowledge about the fishery,” says James.

    All season licences for the 2025/26 Taupō fishing season will be available to purchase online on 24 June 2025. Short-term licences will go on sale when the new season starts on 1 July 2025.

    Contact

    For media enquiries contact:

    Email: media@doc.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Illegal US attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities came in spite of no evidence

    BEARING WITNESS: By Cole Martin in occupied Bethlehem

    Kia ora koutou,

    I’m a Kiwi journo in occupied Bethlehem, here’s a brief summary of today’s events across the Palestinian and Israeli territories from on the ground.

    The US struck three of Iran’s nuclear facilities overnight, entering the illegal aggression on Iran with heavy airstrikes despite no evidence that nuclear weapons are being developed. Israel continued its strikes attacking dozens of locations across Iran throughout the day. Three were killed in an Israeli drone attack on an ambulance in central Iran. At least 400 have been killed and 2000 injured, according to the latest Health Ministry figures.

    *

    Heavy Iranian retaliation strikes on Israeli territories saw about 27 injured.

    *

    At least 47 killed by Israeli attacks in Gaza today, 18 while seeking aid. Two killed and 15 wounded in an Israeli airstrike on a house west of Gaza city. The murder of firefighter Muhammad Ghurab brings the total Gaza civil defence casualties to 121, representing 14.3 percent of its employees.

    Today I met a 10-year-old kid called Hassan on the streets of Bethlehem. He was looking for work. His dad had recently stopped working, unemployed like many in Bethlehem; around 80 percent of jobs here depend on tourism. He lives in al-Khader village, an hour’s walk away, but without opportunities there he had walked all this way in an attempt to help support his family.

    Israel’s illegal occupation of the West Bank has suffocated the economy here for decades. Now, as the genocidal war on Gaza continues and Israeli aggression expands to Iran, drawing in the USA and threatening regional collapse, a 10-year-old boy takes to the streets of Bethlehem to find work.

    *

    Israel’s illegal siege across the West Bank continues. Large numbers of Israeli soldiers conducted extensive raids on Bethlehem’s Dheisheh camp including demolitions, arrests, and interrogations last night. Mass demolitions continue across Nour Shams camp in the north, and further arrests, demolitions, and incursions took place across the West Bank. Bethlehem’s gasoline shortages continue due to Israel’s ongoing siege.

    *

    Twenty five killed in a terror attack targeting Mar Elias Church in Damascus, Syria.

    Cole Martin is an independent New Zealand photojournalist based in the Middle East and a contributor to Asia Pacific Report.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Ceremonies honor Fu Xi on both sides of Taiwan Strait

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

    Ma Ying-jeou (3rd from left), former chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang party, and Song Tao (left), head of the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, participate in a commemorative ceremony honoring Fu Xi, a mythical ancestor of the Chinese people, in Tianshui, Gansu province, on Saturday. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The majority of people in Taiwan hold a strong belief in Chinese culture and identity, which is an enduring virtue, said Ma Ying-jeou, former chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang party, during a commemorative ceremony on the Chinese mainland on Saturday.

    On Saturday morning, the annual ceremony honoring Fu Xi, a mythical ancestor of Chinese civilization, took place at Fu Xi Temple in Tianshui, a city in Northwest China’s Gansu province that is regarded as the birthplace of Fu Xi and the cradle of Fu Xi culture. Paying tribute to Fu Xi is a local tradition in Tianshui that dates back to ancient times.

    Ma and a delegation of students from China’s Taiwan island participated in the ceremony.

    “This is not only a time-honored tradition of the Chinese nation to trace its roots and honor its ancestors, but also a valuable opportunity for young people to experience the profound influence of Chinese culture and civilization,” Ma said after the ceremony.

    The ceremony, which began at 9:50 am, was held simultaneously on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, with a parallel event held at Xianse Temple in New Taipei City in Taiwan. It marked the 12th consecutive cross-Strait joint commemoration of Fu Xi.

    On Saturday, which marked the solar term Summer Solstice, the ceremony began with 34 drumbeats, symbolizing the descendants of Chinese civilization across the 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities on the mainland, as well as the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions and Taiwan. A series of solemn rituals followed, including the reading of a eulogy, ceremonial bows and ritual music and dance performances.

    Ma and Song Tao, head of both the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, attended the ceremony together and paid their respects at the ancestral temple.

    Ma said he brought the student delegation to take part in the ceremony to demonstrate the importance that people in Taiwan place on honoring their ancestors and respecting traditional Chinese culture, and to raise awareness about the need to preserve and pass on the nation’s cultural heritage.

    “I hope that through the solemn tribute to the cultural ancestor of Chinese civilization, young people across the Strait could join hands and work together to build a bright future for the Chinese nation,” Ma said.

    The ceremony in Tianshui drew around 750 participants from home and abroad, including more than 240 compatriots from Taiwan.

    In New Taipei City, Wang Jinpyng, the officiant of the commemorative ceremony and a KMT politician, noted that Fu Xi represents the root of Chinese culture. He expressed the hope that Fu Xi culture could be further promoted on the island to strengthen cultural confidence and identity.

    Lee Chien-lung, who is in charge of Xianse Temple, said that the ceremony served not only to honor the ancestor but also to educate and inspire the younger generation, according to a Xinhua News Agency report.

    MIL OSI China News –