Category: DJF

MIL-OSI Russia: Heavy rain and thunderstorms expected in the capital

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

In the near future and until the end of June 18, Moscow is expected to see heavy rain and thunderstorms in some places. During thunderstorms, the wind will increase, its gusts can reach 15 meters per second.

Residents are asked to be careful on the streets, not to be near billboards and shaky structures, not to take shelter under trees and not to park cars near them.

In an emergency, you must call the emergency services at the single number: 112 or the single helpline of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia for the city of Moscow: 7 495 637-31-01.

Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channelthe city of Moscow.

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

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MIL OSI Russia News –

June 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Ordos held a cultural week in Qingdao

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

From June 13 to 15, Ordos City, located in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, held a cultural week in Qingdao City, Shandong Province. The event featured exhibitions of culinary products, local products, photographs and works of art, allowing guests to fully experience the charm of the “warm city” of Ordos.

The series of events “Ordos Culture in China” has been held since 2006 and has been held in cities and regions such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Chengdu, Xi’an, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Chongqing, Tianjin and so on. The purpose of this visit to Qingdao is to introduce the history and culture, regional characteristics, and charm of Ordos to Qingdao locals and tourists through exhibitions of cultural and creative products, photographs, unique local products, gastronomic products, stage performances, as well as the introduction of Ordos, its talents, agriculture and animal husbandry, tourism and investment attraction.

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Astana Declaration of the Second Central Asia-China Summit

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

ASTANA, June 18 (Xinhua) — The second China-Central Asia Summit was held in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, on June 17, 2025. Below is the full text of the Astana Declaration of the Second Central Asia-China Summit.

Astana Declaration of the Second Central Asia-China Summit

On June 17, 2025, the second Central Asia-China summit was held in Astana with the participation of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan K.K. Tokayev, the Chairman of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping, the President of the Kyrgyz Republic S.N. Japarov, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan E.Rahmon, the President of Turkmenistan S.G. Berdimuhamedov and the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Sh.M. Mirziyoyev.

The heads of state of the Central Asia-China format, recognizing the strategic importance of the region and recognizing the importance of further deepening multilateral cooperation based on equality, mutual respect and mutual benefit, declare their commitment to further strengthening friendly relations, deepening political trust and expanding economic cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and China.

In a friendly atmosphere, the parties summed up the results of comprehensive cooperation between the Central Asian states and China, summarized the experience of multifaceted mutually beneficial cooperation, outlined guidelines for further cooperation and stated the following.

1. The Parties highly appreciate the results of the first Summit of Heads of State of the Central Asia-China format (May 19, 2023, Xi’an), the meeting of foreign ministers of the Central Asia-China format (December 1, 2024, Chengdu and April 26, 2025, Almaty), and also actively support the development of priority areas of cooperation at the level of heads of relevant ministries, departments and various forms of interaction.

The Parties agree that the development of fruitful multifaceted cooperation between the Central Asian states and China meets the fundamental interests of all countries and their peoples. Against the backdrop of changes unprecedented in a century, the Parties, based on favorable prospects for the peoples of the region, confirm their desire to jointly create a closer community of common destiny for Central Asia and China.

Based on a comprehensive review of the experience of cooperation between Central Asia and China, the Parties noted the formation of the “Central Asia-China spirit”, characterized by mutual respect, mutual trust, mutual benefit, mutual assistance and the promotion of joint modernization through high-quality development. It is important to fully develop this spirit, which is intended to serve as a basis for the development of friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation between the states of the Format.

2. The Parties reaffirm their support for the protection of each other’s fundamental interests in the spirit of mutual understanding and respect.

China firmly supports the development path of the Central Asian states, their efforts to safeguard their national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as their independent foreign and domestic policies. The Central Asian states reaffirm their commitment to the one-China principle and recognize that there is only one China in the world, Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory, and the PRC government is the sole legitimate government representing the whole of China. The Central Asian states oppose “Taiwan independence” in any form and firmly support the Chinese government’s efforts to reunify the country.

The parties reaffirmed their determination to strengthen centuries-old good-neighborliness, lasting friendship and reliable partnership, and noted the high relevance of signing a multilateral Treaty on Eternal Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation, which will contribute to the long-term, healthy and sustainable development of relations between China and the Central Asian states.

The Parties reaffirm their commitment to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, including respect for the state independence, equality, sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.

The Parties express their firm determination to uphold multilateralism, the generally recognized principles and norms of international law and international relations, promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and accessible and inclusive economic globalization, and jointly defend international justice and equality.

The parties will make efforts to further develop fruitful, multifaceted interaction within the framework of strengthening cooperation in various areas of the “Central Asia – China” format.

3. The heads of state of the participating countries of the Secretariat of the Central Asia-China format note the important role of the Secretariat of the Central Asia-China format in implementing the initiatives and tasks set by the heads of state, and also expressed their readiness to fully support the work of the Secretariat and provide it with favorable conditions and guarantees for development.

The Heads of State of the participating States of the Secretariat of the Central Asia-China format, on the basis of consensus, welcome the assumption of office of Secretary-General Sun Weidong from 1 May 2025.

4. The Parties confirm their commitment to strengthening the central role of the UN in ensuring international peace, security and sustainable development, disseminating universal human values – peace, development, justice, equality, democracy and freedom, and oppose attempts to politicize human rights issues. In this regard, they agreed to co-author the UN General Assembly resolution “On world unity for a just peace, harmony and development.”

The parties confirm their commitment to strengthening political dialogue and cooperation within the UN and other international organizations, exchanging views and coordinating positions on current regional and international issues.

The Parties welcome the proclamation of 2025 as the “International Year of Peace and Trust” in accordance with UN General Assembly Resolution No. 78/266 of 21 March 2024 and the holding of the “International Forum for Peace and Trust” in 2025 in Ashgabat.

The parties welcomed the UN General Assembly Resolution declaring Central Asia a “Zone of Peace, Trust and Cooperation,” adopted at the initiative of Turkmenistan.

The parties also welcome the adoption by the UN General Assembly of the Resolution “Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan”, dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the status of permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan.

The Parties note the importance of developing a Global Security Strategy based on UN principles and generally recognized principles and norms of international law, taking into account current realities and trends in global inequality.

The Parties reaffirm their strong commitment to the principles and objectives of international humanitarian law and highly appreciate the efforts of Kazakhstan and China as co-initiators of the Global Initiative to Strengthen Political Commitment to International Humanitarian Law. The Parties take note of the Global Initiative aimed at strengthening the principles of humanity and creating conditions conducive to achieving peace and breaking the endless cycle of violence in armed conflicts.

The parties participating in the SCO support China’s chairmanship of the SCO in 2024-2025 and are ready to provide all possible assistance in the successful holding of the SCO Summit in Tianjin.

5. The parties highly value the “One Belt, One Road” initiative and will continue to increase work to align this initiative with their national development strategies for the Central Asian states.

6. The Parties shall make efforts to strengthen the multilateral trading system based on WTO rules, support the adaptation of international trade rules to the changing world, and promote the liberalization and simplification of trade and investment procedures.

The Parties reaffirm the importance of intensifying the WTO discussion on development issues and emphasize the need to support open, inclusive, sustainable, resilient, diversified and secure global supply chains.

WTO member states also support the aspirations of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan to join the WTO.

The interested parties intend to develop cooperation in six priority areas, including unimpeded trade, industry, investment, infrastructure connectivity, green subsoil use and agricultural modernization, and simplification of mutual travel for citizens.

The parties note the significant potential for trade and economic cooperation between the countries of the Format, express their readiness to use the role of the meeting of ministers of economy and trade “Central Asia – China”, promote high-quality development of trade, promote diversification of trade structure and simplification of trade procedures, update agreements on the promotion and mutual protection of investments between the countries of Central Asia and China, reveal the potential of the working group on unimpeded trade, the Roundtable on Digital Trade and the mechanism “Dialogue on Cooperation in the Field of Electronic Commerce”, as well as intensify interaction in new industries.

The parties intend to strengthen investment and industrial cooperation in the field of “green” minerals, alternative energy sources and infrastructure projects, as well as in ensuring the stable and uninterrupted operation of the production chain in the region. The parties expressed interest in strengthening exchanges and cooperation in housing and communal construction, increasing the interconnectivity of digital and green infrastructure, and jointly developing cooperation in the field of infrastructure and engineering construction.

The parties will continue their efforts to increase the contribution of the Central Asian states and China to ensuring international energy and food security, to develop international transport and logistics routes, and to prevent disruptions in the supply of key products.

The parties intend to expand the possibilities of transport corridors and cargo containerization in every possible way to simplify transportation as much as possible, strengthen cooperation in the framework of container train movement along the China-Europe route through Central Asia, develop transit and logistics potential, and promote joint projects that serve the interests of the states in the region.

The parties welcome the start of the implementation of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project, which is of great importance for the Central Asian region and China.

The Parties are interested in the active use of the Turkmenbashi International Sea Port and the Aktau International Sea Trade Port by large transport and logistics companies of the Parties when transporting goods.

The parties, with the active participation of multimodal operators and based on geographical location, are developing a logistics mechanism for the railway, automobile and maritime industries in order to develop regular container transportation to expand the export of goods from Central Asian countries and further to world markets.

The parties welcomed the holding of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3) in Turkmenistan in 2025.

The Parties support raising the level of favourable conditions for international road transport by digitalising permits for international road transport and jointly increasing the exchange of experience and cooperation in the field of sustainable transport.

The parties noted the importance of the established Central Asia-China Business Council and expressed their readiness to support trade promotion agencies, chambers of commerce and interested organizations in strengthening cooperation in the areas of trade and investment in order to make a greater contribution to the development of trade and economic cooperation between the Central Asian states and China.

The parties noted the important role of the Central Asia-China Industrial and Investment Cooperation Forum in promoting investment cooperation between the Central Asian states and China, expanding industrial cooperation, and ensuring the stability and efficiency of production and supply chains.

The parties highly appreciate the mechanism of the meeting of heads of customs services within the framework of the “Central Asia-China” format, are ready to expand the exchange of experience and mutual cooperation in the implementation of the “Smart Customs, Smart Borders and Smart Communications” project, effectively promote practical cooperation in the field of interconnection of relevant services within the framework of the work of checkpoints, “single window”, risk management, simplification of customs procedures, mutual assistance in customs matters.

7. The Parties believe that building and expanding scientific and technological partnerships and continuously deepening scientific and technological cooperation based on complementary advantages and mutual benefits are of great importance.

The parties are ready to further intensify the dialogue on scientific and technological development, regularly exchange information on national strategies, priority areas and programs for scientific and technological development, share development experience, and support the holding of the China (XUAR)-Central Asia Cooperation Forum on Scientific and Technological Innovation.

The parties will actively support exchanges between research institutes and employees, the establishment of a network of partner institutes for the implementation of joint and exemplary projects on the application of technologies, and the creation of platforms for interaction on this basis.

The Parties support efforts to transfer technology and implement scientific and technological achievements in order to promote economic and social development through scientific and technological innovation.

The parties shall strengthen cooperation in the field of science and technology, including the exchange of best practices.

China welcomes the participation of the Parties in the Group of Friends of International Cooperation on AI Capacity Building. The Parties are willing to jointly promote the implementation of the UN General Assembly Resolution on Strengthening International Cooperation on AI Capacity Building.

The parties noted the importance of the draft UN General Assembly Resolution “The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Creating New Opportunities for Socioeconomic Development and Acceleration of the Achievement of the SDGs in Central Asia,” initiated by Tajikistan.

8. The Parties express their readiness to utilize the potential of cooperation in the field of agriculture, including promoting investment in agriculture, industry interaction and cooperation in the field of trade in agricultural products. The Chinese side welcomes the active promotion of agricultural products of Central Asian countries, including through such important exhibitions as the China International Import Expo in Shanghai.

The parties will intensify efforts in the development of “smart” agriculture, exchange of experience in the implementation of water-saving, green and other highly efficient technologies, as well as best practices in this area.

The parties agreed to intensify the exchange of technologies and specialists in the field of melioration of arid, saline and alkaline soils, water-saving irrigation, pest control, livestock farming and veterinary medicine, and to strengthen the stress resistance of the agricultural sector with the aim of its sustainable development.

The Parties reaffirm the need for concerted efforts to ensure food security in the context of a changing climate, and also note the importance of farming in the most environmentally friendly ways that support biodiversity and make efficient use of land resources.

The parties welcomed the UN General Assembly Resolution “Central Asia Facing Environmental Challenges: Strengthening Regional Solidarity for Sustainable Development and Prosperity”, adopted at the initiative of the Republic of Uzbekistan, which confirms that climate change is one of the most complex problems of our time and creates serious difficulties on the path to sustainable development of all countries.

The parties also welcomed the UN General Assembly Resolutions “Promoting sustainable forest management, including afforestation and reforestation, on degraded lands, including in drylands, as an effective solution to environmental problems” and “The United Nations Decade of Afforestation and Reforestation in accordance with the Principles of Sustainable Forest Management (2027-2036)”, adopted at the initiative of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The parties note the importance of consolidating efforts to improve policies in the area of poverty reduction, increasing employment and incomes of the population and creating jobs. The parties expressed their readiness to intensify cooperation in this area by implementing effective social support programs for the population, exchanging specialists and modern methodologies.

9. The parties support the establishment of a Central Asia-China partnership on energy development, strengthening cooperation along the entire industrial chain, further expanding cooperation in traditional energy sources, including oil, natural gas and coal, strengthening cooperation in hydropower, solar, wind, hydrogen and other environmentally friendly energy sources, deepening cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, implementing projects using green technologies and clean energy sources, and implementing the concept of innovative, coordinated, green, open and common development.

The Parties highlight cooperation in the energy sector as an important component of sustainable development of the region. The Parties express their readiness to continue deepening energy cooperation for the purpose of joint high-quality development of the energy industry of all countries in the spirit of mutually beneficial cooperation and taking into account the interests of the Parties.

10. The interested parties support further expansion of cooperation between China and the Central Asian states along the entire industrial chain of development and use of mineral resources. The Parties will explore the possibility, within the framework of the current legislation of the Parties, of conducting joint work on geological research, exploration of mineral resources and the development of green subsoil use.

11. The Parties confirm their readiness to hold joint events in such areas as culture, cultural heritage and tourism. The Parties also intend to expand youth exchange mechanisms, develop cooperation in conducting joint archaeological expeditions, research into the history and heritage of the Great Silk Road, preserving and restoring cultural heritage, museum exchanges, and searching for and returning missing and stolen cultural valuables.

The parties highly appreciated the successful holding of the International High-Level Conference on Glacier Conservation, as well as the documents adopted following the results of this conference (Dushanbe, May 29-31, 2025).

The parties also welcomed the decision of the UNESCO General Conference to hold its 43rd session in Samarkand in 2025. This event will be an important step in advancing UNESCO’s global agenda and promoting international dialogue in the field of cultural, educational and scientific cooperation.

The Parties will support the holding of youth festivals, forums and sports competitions, including the organization of the World Nomad Games in 2026, initiated by the Kyrgyz Republic, as a unique event that promotes traditional sports and cultural diversity.

Interested parties will continue their efforts to mutually establish cultural centers.

The parties support the joint practice of declaring cultural and tourist capitals in the “Central Asia-China” format.

The parties highly appreciate the successful holding of the first meeting of education ministers in the “Central Asia – China” format.

The parties support cooperation between higher education institutions and businesses, the integration of production and education, and the acceleration of the implementation of international cooperation projects in vocational training, including within the framework of the Lu Ban Workshop.

The Parties support joint scientific research by higher education institutions in such areas as energy, agriculture, medicine and healthcare, and artificial intelligence. The Parties support the establishment of Confucius Institutes and the teaching of the Chinese language in Central Asian countries.

The parties highly appreciate the establishment by China of the Central Asia-China Poverty Alleviation Cooperation Center, the Central Asia-China Education Exchange and Cooperation Center, the Central Asia-China Desertification Cooperation Center, and the Central Asia-China Unimpeded Trade Cooperation Platform.

The parties noted the initiative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to create a Global Coalition on Primary Health Care, the purpose of which is to support the fundamental reorientation of health systems towards primary health care throughout the world.

12. The Parties reaffirmed their commitment to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, which are the main platform and legal basis for the international community to make joint efforts to combat climate change, and emphasized the need to comply with the goals, principles and institutional framework enshrined in the Framework Convention and the Paris Agreement, in particular the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, and to promote the full and effective implementation of the provisions of the Framework Convention and the Paris Agreement with an emphasis on the formation of a fair, rational, cooperative and generally beneficial global climate governance system.

The parties expressed their readiness to hold dialogues within the framework of the “Central Asia – China” format to study the issue of developing and implementing measures to preserve biological diversity and adapt to climate change.

The parties noted the importance of implementing the Resolution adopted at the 77th session of the UN General Assembly “Sustainable Mountain Development”, which declared 2023-2027 the “Five Years of Action for Mountain Development”, in order to strengthen international cooperation on the mountain agenda and its further effective implementation.

The parties welcomed the initiatives of the Kyrgyz side aimed at promoting the issues of the mountain agenda and climate change, as well as the holding of the “High-Level Dialogue: Advancing the Mountain Agenda and Mainstreaming the Theme of Mountains and Climate Change” on the sidelines of COP-29 on November 13, 2024 in Baku, and expressed their readiness to explore the possibility of joining the “Declaration on Climate Change, Mountains and Glaciers” initiated by the Kyrgyz side, presented during the said Dialogue.

The parties took into account the proposal of the Tajik side to create transboundary specially protected natural areas, transboundary corridors and buffer zones for the conservation of individual species of fauna, the restoration and maintenance of populations of rare endangered and migratory species of animals, as well as the exchange of relevant experience and technologies.

The parties welcomed the accession of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan to the Mountain Partnership Negotiating Group, representing the interests of mountain countries on the basis of the UNFCCC.

The Parties welcome the successful holding of the International Conference “Global Mountain Dialogue for Sustainable Development” in Bishkek on 24-25 April 2025, and also support the holding of the World Mountain Youth Festival (August 2025) and the Second Global Mountain Summit “Bishkek 25” (2027) in the Kyrgyz Republic.

The parties welcome the initiative to open a regional climate technology center for Central Asia under the auspices of the UN in Ashgabat as a platform for the transfer of technologies for adaptation to climate change and mitigation of its consequences.

The parties noted the significance of the results of the First Climate Forum, held in Samarkand on April 4-5, 2025, as an important step towards deepening regional dialogue and coordinating approaches to the climate agenda.

The Parties welcome the successful holding of the Central Asian Climate Change Conference 2025 in Ashgabat in May 2025 on the theme “Achieving the global goal on climate finance through regional and national actions in Central Asia”.

The parties support the holding of the Regional Climate Summit in Kazakhstan in 2026 under the auspices of the UN, which will give new impetus to climate action in Central Asia and consolidate the climate efforts of the countries of the region.

In this regard, the Parties call for exploring ways of cooperation within the framework of the Project Office for Central Asia on Climate Change and Green Energy, whose work is aimed at accelerating the climate transition in Central Asia through support for policies, innovation and partnership.

13. The Parties believe that stability, development and prosperity in Central Asia meet the common interests of the peoples not only of the six countries, but of the entire world community.

While strongly condemning terrorism, separatism and extremism in all their forms and manifestations, the Parties expressed their readiness to work together to combat the “three forces of evil”, in particular the cross-border movement of terrorist groups, illegal drug trafficking, transnational organized crime and cybercrime, to ensure the stable and successful progress of cooperation projects and to jointly counteract security threats.

The parties consider the platform for dialogue on security within the framework of the Dushanbe process on combating terrorism, as well as the initiative put forward by Tajikistan “Decade of Strengthening Peace for Future Generations”, to be important.

The parties will take joint measures to strengthen cooperation in the field of environmental protection, prevention of large-scale disasters and crises, joint response to the epidemiological situation, as well as in other relevant areas of security.

The parties confirmed the importance of UN General Assembly Resolution 72/283 of 22 June 2018 on strengthening regional and international cooperation to ensure peace, stability and sustainable development in Central Asia, adopted at the initiative of Uzbekistan.

The parties welcomed the UN General Assembly Resolution “Readiness of Central Asian countries to act as a united front and cooperate to effectively address and eliminate drug-related problems,” adopted at the initiative of Uzbekistan.

The parties noted the need to strengthen cybersecurity in the region against the backdrop of the rapid development of information technology and artificial intelligence. The parties intend to use the infrastructure of IT parks in Central Asian countries to implement innovations, launch startups, conduct joint projects and exchange experiences.

The parties expressed their readiness to regularly exchange information, as well as to apply best practices and advanced experience aimed at ensuring the stable functioning of the information infrastructure in the region.

The parties are ready, together with the international community, to continue to provide assistance to the people of Afghanistan in maintaining peace and stability, restoring social infrastructure, and integrating into the regional and global economic system.

The Parties support and advocate the development of Afghanistan as a peaceful, stable, prosperous country free from terrorism and drugs.

The Parties reaffirm their commitment to actively participate in the Doha process under the auspices of the UN and welcome the efforts in this area undertaken by UNAMA and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime.

The parties welcomed the inclusion of the regional humanitarian logistics centre in Termez, Republic of Uzbekistan, into the UNHCR global network of warehouses for emergency humanitarian response, which will strengthen the ability of the international community to quickly deliver essential supplies to internally displaced persons around the world.

The Parties highly appreciate the efforts of Kazakhstan to institutionalize the initiative to establish in Almaty the UN Regional Centre for Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan with the aim of accelerating the achievement of the SDGs in the region and addressing development challenges in Afghanistan, and also welcome the efforts of the Government of Tajikistan to provide its logistical capabilities for the delivery of international humanitarian aid to the people of Afghanistan.

The Parties welcomed Turkmenistan’s efforts to create appropriate conditions for the transportation of goods to/from Afghanistan, as well as humanitarian aid through its territory. In this regard, the Parties highly appreciated the commissioning of the Serhetabat-Turgundi and Kerki-Imamnazar railway links, as well as the start of work on the construction of a warehouse complex in the dry port of the Turgundi railway station.

The Parties note the need for joint efforts in combating the illegal trafficking of drugs and their precursors, the problem of the spread of new psychoactive substances, including through the use of new technologies and means for these purposes, and consideration of the possibility of developing a Joint Anti-Drug Action Plan with the participation of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

14. The Parties are ready to actively cooperate within the framework of the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative, and, through joint efforts, accelerate the implementation of the UN Agenda for Sustainable Development, ensure peace and security in the region and throughout the world, and promote the exchange and mutual enrichment of civilizations.

The Parties express their readiness to jointly hold relevant events based on the Resolution of the International Day of Dialogue among Civilizations adopted by the UN General Assembly, and to jointly promote the exchange and mutual enrichment of civilizations.

The Parties support the development of a peaceful, open, secure, cooperative and orderly cyberspace within the framework of the Global Data Security Initiative, emphasize the importance of jointly promoting the Central Asia-China Digital Data Security Cooperation Initiative, deepening practical cooperation in the field of ensuring international information security, jointly combating cybercrime and cyberterrorism, emphasize the key role of the UN in countering threats in the information space, in particular relevant rules in the field of data security, support the development within the UN of universal rules of responsible behavior of states in the information space, call on the international community to sign as soon as possible the UN Comprehensive Convention on Countering the Use of Information and Communication Technologies for Criminal Purposes, approved by UN General Assembly Resolution 79/243 of December 24, 2024.

The Parties emphasize the significant role of the Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia in strengthening the global nuclear non-proliferation regime. In this regard, the Parties note the need for further development of cooperation between countries within the framework of the Treaty, as well as the establishment of interaction with other regional nuclear-weapon-free zones in the world.

The parties note the importance of expanding cooperation in the field of biological safety.

The parties noted Kazakhstan’s efforts to establish the UNESCAP Digital Solutions Centre for Sustainable Development in the Asia-Pacific region.

15. The Parties declare that, starting from the Second Central Asia-China Summit, they will hold thematic years every two years, with 2025-2026 being declared the “Years of High-Quality Development of Central Asia-China Cooperation”.

16. The parties express their gratitude to the Kazakh side for the high level of organization of the second Central Asia-China summit.

The parties decided to hold the third Central Asia-China summit in 2027 in China.

President of the Republic of Kazakhstan K. Tokayev

Chairman of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping

President of the Kyrgyz Republic S. Japarov

President of the Republic of Tajikistan E.Rahmon

President of Turkmenistan S. Berdimuhamedov

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Sh. Mirziyoyev

Astana, June 17, 2025

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Treaty on Eternal Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation between the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, the Republic of Uzbekistan and the People’s Republic of China

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

ASTANA, June 18 (Xinhua) — The second China-Central Asia Summit was held in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, on June 17, 2025. Below is the full text of the Treaty on Eternal Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation among the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, the Republic of Uzbekistan and the People’s Republic of China.

TREATY on eternal good-neighborliness, friendship and cooperation between the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, the Republic of Uzbekistan and the People’s Republic of China

The Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, the Republic of Uzbekistan and the People’s Republic of China, hereinafter referred to as the Parties,

considering that the comprehensive strengthening of good-neighborliness, friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation meets the fundamental interests of the peoples of the Parties,

Noting that ensuring peace, stability and development in the region and strengthening comprehensive cooperation meets the common aspirations and fundamental interests of the peoples of all countries and is of great importance for Asia and the entire world,

Reaffirming their commitment to the purposes of the Charter of the United Nations and other generally recognized principles and norms of international law,

based on the provisions of the legislation of each Party,

reaffirming strong support for the independence, state sovereignty, territorial integrity and principles of sovereign equality and inviolability of borders of the Parties,

striving to ensure sustainable development of relations between the Parties and an increase in the level of cooperation between States in various areas,

wishing to strengthen and pass on from generation to generation the friendship of the peoples of their states,

reaffirming their commitment to jointly creating a closer community of shared destiny for Central Asia and China,

agreed on the following:

Article 1

The Parties, in accordance with the generally recognized principles and norms of international law, shall comprehensively develop long-term and strong strategic partnership relations based on the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in internal affairs, equality, mutual benefit and peaceful coexistence.

The Parties also confirm the mutual non-use of force or threat of force, and the peaceful settlement of disputes.

Article 2

The parties comprehensively strengthen mutual trust and strategic interaction, support each other in choosing development paths and models that correspond to their national realities, support each other’s positions on key issues affecting their fundamental interests, and support the economic development strategies being implemented.

Article 3

The Parties, respecting the principles of state sovereignty and territorial integrity, shall take measures to prevent any activity on their territory that is contrary to these principles.

The Parties do not participate in alliances or blocs directed against other Parties, and do not support any actions hostile to other Parties.

Article 4

The parties attach great importance to holding political consultations and use the mechanism of meetings at all levels, including visits at the highest and high levels, to regularly exchange and coordinate positions on relations between the Central Asian countries and China, global and regional issues of mutual interest.

Article 5

The parties are ready to develop cooperation on the principles of equality and mutual benefit in such areas as trade, economics, investment, infrastructure connectivity, engineering, energy, including hydropower, renewable energy sources, transport, minerals, agriculture, environmental protection, processing industry, science and technology, and in other areas of mutual interest.

Article 6

The Parties shall take the necessary measures to develop exchanges and cooperation in the fields of culture, education, healthcare and medical services, tourism, sports, mass media, as well as in other areas of mutual interest.

Article 7

The Parties, in accordance with their legislation and international obligations, develop cooperation in bilateral and multilateral formats in the joint fight against terrorism, separatism, extremism and transnational organized crime, illegal migration, illegal trafficking of weapons and narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors.

Article 8

The Parties, in accordance with their legislation and international obligations, shall strengthen mutual trust in the areas of defense, defense industry and security, and shall expand bilateral and multilateral cooperation on other issues in these areas.

Article 9

The Parties shall strengthen contacts and interaction within the framework of the United Nations and other multilateral organizations and mechanisms of which they are members, and shall make efforts to ensure global and regional peace, stability and sustainable development.

Article 10

Any disputes and disagreements that may arise during the interpretation and implementation of this Agreement shall be resolved by the Parties through friendly negotiations and consultations.

Article 11

This Treaty does not affect the rights and obligations of the Parties arising from other bilateral and multilateral international treaties to which they are parties, and is not directed against any third state.

Article 12

In order to implement the provisions of this Agreement, the Parties shall, if necessary, conclude separate international agreements in specific areas of cooperation of mutual interest.

Article 13

By agreement of the Parties, amendments and additions may be made to this Agreement, which shall be formalized in separate protocols that shall be an integral part thereof.

Article 14

The depositary of this Treaty shall be the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China.

The Depository shall send a certified copy of this Agreement to all signatory Parties within 15 (fifteen) days from the date of its signing.

Article 15

This Agreement is concluded for an indefinite period and shall enter into force on the date of receipt by the depositary through diplomatic channels of the last written notification of the completion by the Parties of the internal state procedures necessary for the entry into force of this Agreement.

The Depository shall notify the Parties of the date of entry into force of this Agreement.

Each Party shall have the right to withdraw from this Agreement by notifying the Depository in writing through diplomatic channels.

In relation to such Party, this Agreement shall terminate upon expiration of 12 (twelve) months from the date of receipt of such notice by the depository. The depository shall notify the other Parties of such decision.

The Depository shall inform the other Parties of the termination of this Agreement with respect to such Party.

Done in the city of Astana on June 17, 2025, in one copy in the Russian and Chinese languages, both texts being equally authentic.

For the Republic of Kazakhstan K. Tokayev

For the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping

For the Kyrgyz Republic S. Japarov

For the Republic of Tajikistan E.Rahmon

For Turkmenistan S. Berdimuhamedov

For the Republic of Uzbekistan Sh. Mirziyoyev

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: High nanotechnology: Polytechnic scientists presented research results at the Elbrus Educational and Scientific Complex

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

Representatives of the Higher School of Engineering and Physics of SPbPU – professor, advisor to the rector’s office Alexey Filimonov and associate professor Vyacheslav Bondarenko – took part in the work of the XV International Scientific and Technical Conference “Micro- and Nanotechnologies in Electronics”, which was held in the Elbrus Educational and Scientific Complex of the Kabardino-Balkarian State University named after Kh. M. Berbekov.

At the conference, representatives of the scientific community from different regions of Russia, as well as Azerbaijan and Belarus, discussed current issues in research into the structure and properties of nanomaterials and nanosystems, and prospects for their application. 82 reports were presented on topics such as: physical and chemical properties of materials and structures of micro- and nanoelectronics; phase equilibria and transformations in materials of electronic equipment; technologies of nanomaterials and thin-film structures for micro- and nanoelectronics; devices and instruments; information and digital intelligent technologies and mathematical modeling in micro- and nanoelectronics.

Alexey Filimonov gave a plenary report on the topic “Nanoheterogeneous structures in solid solutions of antiferroelectrics and their dynamic nature”. Antiferroelectrics and their solid solutions have been known for almost 70 years. For a long time, the main attention was attracted by solid solutions of the PbZrxTi1-xO3 (PZT) type in the field of morphotropic compositions demonstrating ferroelectric properties and high values of piezoelectric coefficients. In the last two decades, compounds that are antiferroelectrics at room temperature have attracted great interest. The reason is the broad prospects for using such materials in fast capacitor-type electrical energy storage systems, as well as for creating electrocaloric devices or the basis for information storage systems on nanodomains and, first of all, on domain walls. The reason for using these materials is their high “compliance” with respect to external influences, due to the complex mesoscopic structure of the compounds.

Alexey Filimonov presented the results of a comprehensive study of incommensurate, modulated and nanodomain structures in PbZr1-xTixO3 crystals using synchrotron radiation scattering methods, which have been carried out for many years at the SPbPU Research and Educational Center for Physics of Nanocomposite Materials in Electronic Engineering together with colleagues from the Ioffe Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The speaker presented the formation of antiphase domains of the antiferroelectric phase, antiphase domain boundaries and the effect of an electric field on them. In solid solutions of such compounds, polar antiphase domain boundaries with a width of about 4 nm are formed in the antiferroelectric phase, which can be oriented in a given direction upon cooling and application of an electric field. In solid solutions of antiferroelectrics of this group, a complex system of modulated and disproportionate structures arises, which are very labile with respect to external influences, which determines their high prospects for practical use.

Vyacheslav Bondarenko in the report “Natural size effect on the surface of alloyed III-nitrids in conditions of self-compensation” highlighted the problem of contact phenomena on the boundaries of semiconductor structures that is relevant for modern microelectronics. Nitriand technologies conquer the world. Already now, on the basis of the III-nitrides (Aln, Gan, Inn), devices of power microwave electronics and optoelectronic devices in the short-wave region of the spectrum are produced. Due to a number of electrophysical parameters of the indicated nitride materials, for example, the corresponding powerful field transistors with high -moving two -dimensional electronic gas can operate at frequencies of up to 100 GHz at temperatures up to 400 degrees. However, the widespread introduction of nitride materials is still prevented by the complexity of the technology for growing crystals of the III-nitrides due to the lack of suitable substrates. The presence of the difference in the parameters of the lattices means that synthesized crystals, as a rule, contain more than a billion linear defects (dislocations) of inconsistencies on a square centimeter of the surface. Dislocations in the III-nitrides-electrical defects-have a compensating effect and form random electric fields that modify the properties of the surface of the semiconductor data and contact structures, where the dimensional effects are significant. In the previously conducted studies, it was found that in the wide range of semiconductor systems on the surface and in contacts, there is a natural dimensional effect – the comparability of the lengths of screenings and the average distance between charged defects.

The report considered the natural size effect on the surface of alloyed III-nitrides using n-type gallium nitride as an example. It was shown that at high degrees of self-compensation, inhomogeneities of charged dislocation fields dominate on the surface. Thus, technologically permissible densities of misfit dislocations were established.

The conference participants went on an excursion to the Baksan Neutrino Observatory of the Institute for Nuclear Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences. This is the first (operating since 1973) and one of two large-scale underground laboratories operating in the world today, including a complex of unique installations that complement each other for interdisciplinary research at the intersection of fundamental physics, astrophysics and geophysics. Only in laboratories located deep underground can an extremely low level of background radiation be achieved, which is necessary for the majority of key studies in the field of neutrino physics and experiments aimed at searching for rare events in the physics of elementary particles. Only underground laboratories can provide conditions for the creation of ultra-low-background gamma spectrometers for determining trace amounts of radioactive impurities in materials used in low-background experiments.

In general, the works presented at the conference covered both the results of fundamental studies of the structure and properties of nanomaterials and nanosystems, and methods of their practical application. Based on the results of the conference, a collection of materials was published, posted on the Internet and indexed in the Russian Science Citation Index.

Photo: KVSU.ru

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MIL OSI Russia News –

June 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Contemporary Antiquity. Premiere of the play “Lysistrata” at the Shalom Theatre

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

“Lysistrata” is a story about women who spoke out against the situation of their time and backed up their words with deeds. A fantastic story for Ancient Greece, when women not only decided to intervene in state affairs, but also proposed a program of social transformation and achieved stunning success in this.

After 75 years, the only professional Jewish theater in the country for all nationalities returned to the center of the capital, opening its second venue this winter at 23 Novoslobodskaya Street. As a basis for the first premiere in the new building, Shalom’s artistic director, director Oleg Lipovetsky, chose the ancient Greek comedy by Aristophanes, one of the most famous ancient authors whose works have survived to this day. We tell you what came of it.

Antiquity is a synonym for eternity

It is known that the ancient Greeks loved comedy and tragedy equally. Playwrights competed at the festivities in honor of Dionysus, showing the public the passions and twists of various plots. In comedies, buffoonery, obscenities and masks became the expression of acute social issues, allowing authors to express themselves in a satirical form, polemicizing with opponents – poets, politicians, philosophers. Aristophanes himself mercilessly ridiculed the public figure Cleon, whom his contemporaries suspected of corruption and theft, carrying out the feud with him through such works as “The Riders” and “The Babylonians”. And in “Clouds” the playwright mercilessly went over the teachings of the sophists, popular at that time. At the same time, comedy was supposed to entertain and distract the public from pressing problems, and therefore brought laughter and joy specific to its time. According to Oleg Lipovetsky, a person’s heart opens when he laughs, and if his heart is open, you can talk to him about serious things. This form of presentation remains relevant to this day.

Aristophanes wrote Lysistrata during the protracted Peloponnesian War, when the Athenians were suffering from defeats in battle and misfortunes that had befallen the city. Ancient Greece was fragmented, the city-states formed coalitions and fought desperately among themselves. The peaceful inhabitants were struggling with hunger, their souls and bodies demanded circuses and bread. Then Aristophanes decided to invent a heroine who would change the course of history, at least in his imagination.

Women’s revolt in ancient Greek

Exhausted and enraged by the endless civil strife, Lysistrata gathers representatives of other cities for a women’s council to convince them of the need to take radical measures in the name of saving Greece: to refuse any intimacy with their chosen ones until they stop the bloodshed and return home in peace. Here one could reproach the comedy writer for manipulating basic instincts, but the ancient Greeks were not only not embarrassed by such details, but also encouraged them in every possible way, including detailed visual embodiments through props on the stage.

Oleg Lipovetsky’s stage version culturally reworks Aristophanes’ plot, repeating and developing it. Here the beautiful Biotinians, Corinthians, Milesians and Thebans gather at the call of the Athenian Lysistrata, here they almost faint from her daring proposal, and here, following the mighty Spartan, they agree to support the uprising. Here it is necessary to note the brilliant performance of Yevgeny Ovchinnikov, who embodies the athlete Lampito, and the eloquent homage to the ancient Greek theater, where all roles, including female ones, were played by men.

Then the comedy plays out like clockwork: in one corner of the ring there is a group of enraged and at the same time confused men in military uniform with a touch of Greek cyberpunk, in the other – gorgeous young ladies, stubbornly determined to hold the Acropolis at any cost. Their eclectic attire also refers to famous dystopias, eloquently hinting at the true timelessness of what is happening. Male and female collide like fire and water, and this battle of the elements shakes the rectangular space of the stage, supported by antique columns. The action, however, is not limited to these limits, boldly moving to the upper tiers of the hall, taking the heroes to the side benches and encouraging them to interact with the audience: at any moment the viewer can be asked about his health and asked for a glass of water for those in need. Thus, the director, as usual, gets rid of the fourth wall in the theatre, and this technique works without fail, involving the viewer even more in what is happening.

“The Distaff of the Union” as a Powerful Symbol of Creation

Aristophanes speaks of creation, and Elizaveta Potapova’s Lysistrata echoes him, calling for weaving a single canvas of peaceful coexistence from all the cities. Each character has individual traits, liveliness and depth thanks to the fine work of the actors, who create multi-layered images even in secondary roles, filigree playing out witty inserts-sketches that expand the action, but it is the main character who reveals her motivation most fully. Oleg Lipovetsky adds a detail to his version that makes the heart ache: at the peak of the farcical game, after an important scene at a meeting of politicians, where women have come to express their point of view, and the subsequent musical suffering for loved ones, there is suddenly silence. And in this silence appears little Lysistrata, together with her adult version, heartfeltly telling the backstory of the character. The reception against the background of the fast, energetic rhythm of the performance sounds deafening.

There is no difference between the long past and the distant future, there is no greater thirst for man than the desire to live. In the play’s program, the compilers provide a brief historical background on other similar strikes, when women acted in a similar way to achieve social, political and cultural changes. The results are impressive!

And who are the judges?

There is an interesting character in the play, played by Sergei Shadrin. “Everything should work for the story, I work for it,” the actor emphasizes. The chorus, also a referee, also a mediator, also a celestial being in the literal and figurative sense, since it wears a gilded crown on its head, lives mainly on the upper tier of the hall and comes on stage only for short but bright performances (as was the case, for example, with the song “Call me, call” in the film “Carnival”). There are quite a few allusions from different areas of art here, which will be interesting for an attentive viewer. This helps to connect even more emotionally to the process through a cultural code that finds expression in recognizable references.

The chorus does not simply direct the action, reworking the classical structure of the composition of ancient Greek comedy and intentionally preserving only certain parts of it so that modern audiences are more accustomed to watching. It asks important questions at the right time and supports the characters in the difficult task of finding a common language, becoming a meta-figure that does not condemn everyone else, but understands, accepts and reconciles. A higher power that gives meaning to what is happening.

Oleg Lipovetsky said this about his play “My God!”: “There is a phrase there: “Believing is so painful that religion is like a pearl.” Do you know how a pearl is made? A grain of sand gets into a mollusk, and it envelops it because it hurts. It’s the same here: theater cannot exist without form, without the packaging in which we present these thoughts. Content is metal, and the form in which we forge the metal, the edge, is already form, it is theater.” In the play “Lysistrata,” the content is love, and its form only needs room for a step forward.

You can buy tickets atMos.ru.

Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channelthe city of Moscow.

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June 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: “Active Citizens” will evaluate the venues of the “Teatralny Boulevard” festival

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

The Active Citizen project has begun new vote, in which residents will evaluate the work of the sites of the International Open Festival “Theater Boulevard”Among them are the spaces on Pokrovsky, Tsvetnoy, Chistoprudny Boulevards and in the Polytechnic Museum Park.

For the second year in a row, city streets and boulevards have become a venue for open-air performances by participants of the “Theater Boulevard”, which is taking place in the capital as part of a large-scale project “Summer in Moscow”This season will give residents and tourists even more vivid impressions: over 600 performances of various genres will be held at 12 venues – from classics to bold performances.

From drama to circus performances

All summer long, theatre companies from Russia, China, Mexico and other countries will delight guests with classical productions and surprise them with bold creative experiments. Thus, the fantasy space on Tsvetnoy Boulevard will immerse viewers in a carefree childhood. Here you can admire the skill of artists on stilts, laugh with talented clowns, and also watch performances with giant puppets or participate in immersive productions.

Voters will also have to evaluate the beloved space of the amphitheater on Pokrovsky Boulevard. It has become a stage for dramatic productions, musicals and operettas. Here, viewers can meet foreign groups, Moscow and regional theaters, as well as actors and directors of theater and cinema.

The space in the park of the Polytechnic Museum has become a new point of attraction for spectators. In the comfortable space of the amphitheater, student groups from leading creative universities of Russia, as well as Moscow and regional theaters, present their performances.

The stage on Chistoprudny Boulevard differs from the stages on Pokrovsky Boulevard and in the Polytechnic Museum Park. According to Alina Pazhentseva, assistant stage producer, its main difference is the absence of an amphitheater and a chamber format. Puppet and solo show artists perform as close to the audience as possible, further immersing and involving guests in the creative process. In addition, lectures dedicated to the legends of Moscow theaters, meetings with theater and film stars, and other events are held here.

More information about the events can be found on the festival website “Theater Boulevard” and the project page “Summer in Moscow”Many performances can be attended for free.

The vote was prepared by the project “Active Citizen” together with the capital Department of Culture And By the Tourism CommitteeUsers with a full or standard account on the mos.ru portal can take part in it.

Project “Active Citizen” has been operating since 2014. During this time, more than seven million people have joined it, and more than seven thousand votes have been held. Every month, 30 to 40 decisions made by Muscovites are implemented in the city. The project is being developed by the capital Department of Information Technology together with the State Institution “New Management Technologies”.

The creation, development and operation of the e-government infrastructure, including the provision of mass socially significant services, as well as other services in electronic form, corresponds to the objectives of the national project “Data Economy and Digital Transformation of the State” and the regional project of the city of Moscow “Digital Public Administration”.

“Book in the City”: from June 1, the capital will have places for reading, communication and creativity

Project “Summer in Moscow” — the main event of the season. It brings together the most vibrant events of the capital. Every day, charity, cultural and sports events are held in all districts of the city, most of which are free. The Summer in Moscow project is being held for the second time, and this season will be more eventful: new, original and colorful festivals and events will be added to the traditional ones.

Get the latest news quickly official telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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MIL OSI Russia News –

June 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Frank Elderson: Europe at a crossroads: it is high time to complete the Single Market

Source: European Central Bank

Keynote speech by Frank Elderson, Member of the Executive Board of the ECB and Vice-Chair of the Supervisory Board of the ECB, at the SRB Legal Conference 2025

Brussels, 18 June 2025

Thank you for your kind invitation. It is a pleasure to join you this morning to discuss the key obstacles to completing the single European market from the ECB’s perspective.

40 years ago Jacques Delors presented a now-famous “White Paper”, outlining a bold and comprehensive vision for completing the single European market. This historic document identified 279 obstacles, many of them legal in nature, that stood in the way of the free movement of goods, people, capital and services across Europe.

Delors’ White Paper did not come out of nowhere – it was conceived as a solution to tackle the challenges plaguing Europe in 1985: eurosclerosis^[1], competitiveness crisis, paralysing political tensions. These issues dominated the headlines of the time.

Policymakers overcame these obstacles with the Single European Act building on a clear and actionable timeline. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Fast-forward 40 years and we now stand at a similar crossroads in Europe, this time facing even greater challenges. Geopolitical fragmentation is on the rise, sparking demand for more strategic autonomy to ensure we remain the masters of our own destiny. Our economies are undergoing profound structural changes as we navigate the clean energy and digital transitions. Meanwhile, there is a growing concern we are losing out on competitiveness, which risks threatening European standards of living.

I will start my remarks today by taking a look at why deepening the Single Market matters. I will then cover some of the main obstacles hindering the Single Market from developing its full potential and conclude by outlining a possible way forward.

In this, I am guided by Jacques Delors’ insight from 40 years ago, which could not be more relevant today – “The time for talk has now passed. The time for action has come.”

Deepening the Single Market is key for prosperity and our mandates

Over the past decades the Single Market has delivered remarkable economic results and substantially improved the wellbeing of more than 440 million citizens across the continent.

ECB economists have found that the Single Market has added between 12% and 22% to long-run EU GDP^[2]. We saw a remarkable five-fold increase in the intra-EU trade of goods between 1993 and 2021^[3]. And, importantly, the Single Market forms the bedrock of a predictable investment and business environment, founded on the rule of law.^[4]

Yet, markets remain fragmented and too many internal barriers are preventing the Single Market from developing its full potential.

This is particularly the case for services, which account for around 75% of the EU’s GDP. Soberingly, 60% of barriers to trade in services are still the same as they were 20 years ago. And, worryingly, intra-EU services trade is no higher than services trade with non-EU countries, suggesting that the Single Market for services operates significantly below its potential.

This self-induced straightjacket comes with a significant price tag.

The IMF estimates that internal barriers to the Single Market are, on average, equivalent to a tariff of 44% for goods and a staggering 110% for services. These figures underline an ironic reality: while much of our focus is directed at the potential economic impact of external tariffs applied to goods traded with non-EU trading partners, we risk overlooking the far greater burden of self-imposed internal barriers. These barriers are weighing on our economy every single day. Fortunately, unlike external tariffs imposed on us by non-EU countries, the decision to address internal barriers lies entirely within our own competence.

One might ask: why should deepening the Single Market concern the ECB?

The establishment of a fully integrated single market could enhance the effectiveness of our monetary policy. The euro area’s single monetary policy cannot be tailored to national circumstances. Economic theory identifies this as one of the inherent costs for countries joining a monetary union. However, merging currencies can still yield substantial net benefits when countries’ economic cycles are closely synchronised, as this ensures that the ECB’s single monetary policy is appropriate for all euro area countries.^[5] A deeper internal market works as a catalyst for such synchronisation by aligning the economic structures of the countries subject to a single monetary policy. This is achieved either through enhanced risk sharing and the free movement of goods, services, capital and labour.^[6]

A more integrated single market is also crucial for effective banking supervision. Although we have a Single Rulebook in the banking union, national variations remain within this single prudential rulebook. In addition, foundational elements of the prudential framework, such as accounting standards, securities and insolvency laws, continue to differ across Member States, which adds unnecessary complexity. A more integrated banking system with more harmonised rules would yield significant benefits: it would make the allocation of credit inside the Single Market more efficient while providing opportunities for banks to grow and compete across borders.^[7]

Deepening the internal market also offers broader advantages. It could enhance euro area competitiveness by enabling businesses to scale up, achieve economies of scale and allocate resources more efficiently. Increased competition drives innovation and productivity, while harmonised regulations lower costs and reduce administrative burdens for firms across borders. This environment attracts investment, strengthens supply chains and enhances the euro area’s strategic autonomy by reducing dependence on external markets. These advancements not only support the effectiveness of our monetary policy and banking supervision but also address the challenges of an increasingly fragmented geopolitical landscape.^[8]

But we cannot succeed if we have 27 different policies for our firms and industries.

We cannot succeed if we fail to recognise professional qualifications across the EU.

And we certainly will not succeed if we allow a self-defeating spiral of national fragmentation to take hold. Instead, any meaningful debate on growth, productivity and strategic autonomy must begin – and end – with a firm commitment to completing the Single Market and to do so in a timely manner.

Deepening the Single Market is a legal imperative

Completing the Single Market is not only necessary in light of the challenges of our times – it is also a legal imperative anchored in the EU Treaties.

Let me first recall that the ultima ratio of the Single Market is its completion. As long as barriers persist to the free movement of persons, goods, services and capital, the Single Market remains an unfinished promise.

Second, the completion of the Single Market is not just an aspiration – it is a legal obligation. Article 3.4 of the Treaty on European Union states unequivocally that “the Union shall establish an internal market”. Hence, the Single Market is nothing less than an explicit objective of the Union under the Treaties.

And third, the Treaties are very clear that the Single Market is a key lever to foster citizens’ welfare and promote the Union’s interests in the world.^[9] This is important at a time when increasing strategic autonomy has become essential in light of geopolitical rifts and shifts.

Thus, completing the Single Market is not merely something that is “nice to have”, something we might do when the moment is right, something that depends on the political winds and tides. It is a legal imperative strongly anchored in the Treaties.

So, if the Treaties are crystal clear about the need to complete the internal market, one may ask: what are the main impediments to its full completion? And, more importantly, what can be done to address them?

The “troubling three” for the ECB

To be clear, Member States and EU institutions are in the driving seat when it comes to addressing the barriers hindering the Single Market – not central bankers or prudential supervisors. However, the ECB very much welcomes the recent momentum to deepen the internal market, and I would like to reflect on this important endeavour from our perspective.

Encouragingly, the challenge of completing the internal market is well understood. The Commission has accelerated its work on making the Single Market simpler, seamless and stronger.^[10] As a first step, the EU and the Member States must work together to prevent the emergence of new barriers. However, to achieve meaningful progress, the EU must also remove the barriers that obstruct the functioning of the Single Market.

In this regard, the European Commission’s new single market strategy provides a clear and focused roadmap by identifying the “terrible ten” – the most significant barriers that must be addressed.^[11] This prioritisation is both pragmatic and effective. While clearly all barriers need to be removed in the long term, the Commission’s strategy wisely concentrates efforts on those whose resolution promises the greatest economic impact.

Let me highlight three key points relevant for delivering on our mandate.

Overly complex EU rules

The first one is complexity. The key issue here is not complexity per se, but excessive complexity. As Albert Einstein wisely said, “Everything should be made as simple as possible, but no simpler”. This principle applies equally to regulation.

EU market legislation must often balance a wide array of diverse market interests and national policy preferences, which inevitably results in complexity and diverging rules. In this context, we welcome ongoing simplification efforts provided they do not compromise the fundamental purpose of the rules.^[12]

In this respect, it is important to emphasise that reducing complexity is best achieved through European harmonisation, not by lowering regulatory requirements. Harmonisation not only simplifies the legal framework but also makes it more seamless and, when based on best practices, stronger. As I stated earlier this year: don’t cut rules, harmonise them.^[13] After all these decades of European integration there is still no better way to simplify and to lower the regulatory burden than to reduce 27 regimes to one.

Lack of Single Market ownership by Member States

Another main obstacle to advancing the internal market lies in the fact that it is a shared competence between the EU and the Member States.^[14] Member States have legitimate policy interests that may have unintended consequences for the Single Market. Think about areas like consumer protection or health and safety. In these fields, national preferences differ, driving fragmentation and complexity in EU regulation.

Member States also contribute to market fragmentation through delayed transposition, incorrect application, or overly burdensome and unnecessarily divergent implementation of EU law – a practice commonly referred to as “gold-plating”, although it would be more fitting to speak of “lead-plating” as from a European perspective this practice results in something that is not shiny like gold but heavy like lead.

Such practices are also evident in banking supervision because the prudential framework also consists of EU directives that need to be transposed into national law.

For example, in several areas, including licensing and governance, rules differ across Member States because laws transposing EU directives are not fully harmonised. Dealing with a wide array of different national rules is far from ideal for the single European supervisor. Further harmonising the regulatory framework for the banking sector would further enhance our effectiveness as a bank supervisor.

While harmonisation within the internal market has typically been achieved through directives, there is an increasing reliance on regulations to legislate in the financial sector. Regulations offer a clear advantage: they do not require transposition into national legislation, thereby avoiding delays, transposition deficits and the risk of national preferences diluting the intended benefits of internal market rules. In areas where full harmonisation is currently politically or technically unfeasible, alternative approaches, such as introducing a “28th regime”, could provide a practical and effective interim step.

Complicated business establishment and operations

Finally, the establishment and operation of companies across the EU remains unnecessarily complex and costly, largely due to the fragmentation of legal rules across Member States. This hinders businesses, particularly start-ups, from scaling up effectively.

A related challenge persists in the banking sector where cross-border banking integration remains limited despite the banking union’s Single Rulebook, Single Supervisory Mechanism and Single Resolution Mechanism.

The advantages of deeper cross-border banking integration are clear.

Eliminating barriers to integration would enable banks to achieve economies of scale and enhance risk diversification, with cross-border mergers offering opportunities for greater profitability. However, the current limited level of cross-border integration restricts the potential for private risk-sharing within the European banking market. This fragmentation also hampers banks’ ability to optimise liquidity management, ultimately increasing risks to financial stability.^[15]

European banking supervision has taken important steps to tackle obstacles to cross-border banking integration. For example, we issued a guide affirming that cross-border mergers within the euro area will be treated the same as domestic mergers.^[16] We clarified that European banking supervision will not hinder banks wishing to convert subsidiaries into branches.^[17] Additionally, we made it clear that banks operating across borders through subsidiaries can apply for liquidity waivers to pool liquidity across legal entities. In short, we made it as clear as we could and let me repeat this message just as clearly today: as long as regulatory prudential requirements are met, we will not stand in the way of cross-border banking consolidation and cross-border integration more generally, very much to the contrary.

However, despite these efforts, progress on financial integration in the euro area remains limited. This indicates that remaining obstacles are influenced by factors unrelated to banking supervision. In this context, reaching a political agreement on the banking union’s third pillar, a European deposit insurance scheme, is more critical than ever. Moreover, avoiding undue fragmentation of the single market and unjustified impact on the freedoms of the Treaty is critical.

Beyond progress on the banking union, advancing the capital markets union is equally critical, as the two are intrinsically linked and mutually reinforcing.^[18] A stronger banking union, for instance, helps prevent shocks from spreading to broader capital markets, while robust capital markets diversify funding sources and reduce banking risks.

Currently, financial institutions looking to expand across borders face a fragmented landscape of national specificities and procedures, for example, securities, accounting and insolvency laws. Addressing these barriers through the harmonisation of securities laws, accounting frameworks and corporate insolvency rules is essential to fostering a truly integrated financial market.

Encouragingly, the Commission’s savings and investment union (SIU) proposal, with the capital markets union as a key pillar, brings renewed momentum to these efforts. Swift implementation of the full SIU strategy requires decisive action. At EU level, this includes advancing policy initiatives on supervision, as well as trading and post-trading infrastructure. At national level, reforms such as taxation of cross-border investments remain crucial.

Conclusion

Before concluding, let me offer one final practical suggestion drawing from our own experience with the Economic and Monetary Union. The success of the euro was, in part, built on the foundation of a clear and well-defined timeline in the Maastricht Treaty setting out a roadmap for economic convergence and the creation of a common currency.

Similarly, the adoption of the Single Market in 1993 crucially built on the timeline contained in the Single European Act of 1986, which was championed by Jacques Delors.

Also today, in light of the mounting challenges we face, we do not have time to waste.

Also today, we need to move forward and complete the Single Market.

To effectively drive progress, we need a clear and time-limited roadmap, which includes concrete interim milestones and – crucially – a final “mobilising deadline”, as the governor of the Banque de France has called it.^[19]

We must undertake this endeavour jointly – EU institutions, Member States, businesses – ultimately all of us. Because, ultimately, completing the Single Market concerns all of us.

As Jacques Delors wisely said “Europe is not just about markets. It is about a way of life.”

To protect that European way of life and to foster prosperity, strategic autonomy and competitiveness, our best course of action is to timely complete the Single Market.^[20]

Thank you for your attention.

MIL OSI Europe News –

June 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Appeal for information after police car vandalised in Clapham

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Appeal after police vehicle damaged in Clapham

Officers are appealing to the public for information after a Met police car was damaged in Clapham.

The car was so badly damaged, with the windscreen smashed after somebody jumped on the bonnet and kicked the glass, that it cannot be used.

Police were called to Rookery Road, by Clapham Common, at around 18:21 hrs on Saturday, 14 June to reports of an altercation.

Once they attended one person started attacking the vehicle with others nearby joining in. Thankfully, no officers were injured and the group were dispersed at approximately 20:15hrs.

Inspector Darren Watson, from the Local Neighbourhood Policing Team in Clapham, said:

“One of our marked police vehicles, a vital asset in responding and protecting our community, was deliberately damaged. This has rendered the vehicle completely unusable and means there is one less police car available to respond to calls for help.

“Those responsible have shown a complete disregard for the local community.

“If you have any information regarding this incident or the identity of those responsible, I urge you to come forward. The information could be the crucial piece of the investigation that helps us identify the suspect and bring them to justice.”

We’re aware of footage circulating on social media showing a teenage boy in a white top, black and orange shorts and white socks and trainers on the car.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police by calling 101 or reporting online via our website, quoting reference 01/7614619/25.

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

MIL Security OSI –

June 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: UK 🔴 LIVE: Prime Minister’s Questions with British Sign Language (BSL) – 18 June 2025

Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

Prime Minister’s Question Time, also referred to as PMQs, takes place every Wednesday the House of Commons sits. It gives MPs the chance to put questions to the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer MP, or a nominated minister.

In most cases, the session starts with a routine ‘open question’ from an MP about the Prime Minister’s engagements. MPs can then ask supplementary questions on any subject, often one of current political significance.

The Leader of the Opposition, Kemi Badenoch MP, asks six questions and the leader of the second largest opposition party asks two. If another minister takes the place of the Prime Minister, opposition parties will usually nominate a shadow minister to ask the questions.

Want to find out more about what’s happening in the House of Commons this week? Follow the House of Commons on:

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/HouseofCommons
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ukhouseofcommons
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ukhouseofcommons

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqIXEma8sxc

MIL OSI Video –

June 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: UK 🔴 PMQs LIVE: Prime Minister’s Questions – 18 June 2025

Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

Watch PMQs with British Sign Language (BSL) –

Prime Minister’s Question Time, also referred to as PMQs, takes place every Wednesday the House of Commons sits. It gives MPs the chance to put questions to the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer MP, or a nominated minister.

In most cases, the session starts with a routine ‘open question’ from an MP about the Prime Minister’s engagements. MPs can then ask supplementary questions on any subject, often one of current political significance.

The Leader of the Opposition, Kemi Badenoch MP, asks six questions and the leader of the second largest opposition party asks two. If another minister takes the place of the Prime Minister, opposition parties will usually nominate a shadow minister to ask the questions.

Want to find out more about what’s happening in the House of Commons this week? Follow the House of Commons on:

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/HouseofCommons
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ukhouseofcommons
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ukhouseofcommons

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JE39Q-3TVkI

MIL OSI Video –

June 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: “Spring Labor Watch” of Polytechnic student teams

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

This year, 17 student teams from the Polytechnic University went to the “Spring Labor Watch” – an annual volunteer event to provide assistance to urban and rural settlements and their residents. Every year it becomes larger: both the number of participants and the volume of work grow.

The work shift of the Polytechnic student teams extended from Karelia to the Pskov region. Six teams worked at the Polytechnic University facilities. At the Severny recreation center in the Priozersk district of the Leningrad region, the Skovoroda and Nika construction teams, as well as the Los agricultural team, helped with landscaping. In the Krasnodar region, at the Polytechnic health and recreation center, the BORSCH construction team was engaged in painting and household chores. Members of the Provorny guide team cleaned the territory of the Polytechnic educational and tourist center in Ushkovo, and the Vikhr construction team improved the Polytechnic educational and sports center in Toksovo.

The SSO “Flame” worked in the children’s health camp “Chaika” in the Priozersky district of the Leningrad region, “Iskra” – in the women’s skete of the Holy Dormition Svyatogorsky Monastery in the village of Izvoz in the Pskov region, “Orion” and “GOST” – in the village of Syandeba in the Olonetsky district of the Republic of Karelia, “Molot” – in the Educational and Historical Reserve “Prince A. G. Gagarin’s Estate “Kholomki” in the Pskov region.

The labor landing party of the agricultural brigades “Django” and “Astra” landed in Staraya Ladoga in the Volkhov district and in the village of Lyubytino in the Novgorod region.

Archaeological teams also did not remain on the sidelines: “Alabaster” and “Argo” worked at the “Krasnaya Gorka” fort in the Lebyazhensky urban settlement of the Lomonosovsky district, “Archon” – in the “Gontovaya Lipka” tract of the Kirovsky district of the Leningrad region, ARTIFEX – in the Uspenskaya Makaryevskaya Hermitage in the Lyubansky urban settlement of the Tosnensky district.

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 18, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ15: Providing support for non-local students

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

LCQ15: Providing support for non-local students
Question:

     In recent years, Hong Kong has spared no effort in building the “Study in Hong Kong” brand to develop Hong Kong into an international hub for post-secondary education, and has been gradually enhancing support measures for non-local students while they are studying in Hong Kong. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) of the respective numbers of non-local students applying through different ways for studying full-time locally-accredited programmes in Hong Kong who have obtained bachelor’s degrees or higher qualifications and those who have eventually been admitted, as well as the percentages of non-local students in the number of places of the relevant programmes, in each of the past three years;

(2) given that full-time non-local undergraduate and postgraduate students were required to obtain a “No Objection Letter” (NOL(s)) issued by the Immigration Department before they were allowed to take up part-time jobs in Hong Kong in the past, of the number of non-local students who took up part-time jobs after obtaining NOLs in each of the past three years and, among them, the respective numbers of those who were pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies;

(3) given that the Government temporarily exempted full-time non-local postgraduate and undergraduate students from the restrictions on taking up part-time jobs in November 2023 and November last year respectively (the temporary exemption arrangements), whether the authorities have compiled statistics afterwards on the number of non-local students who have taken up part-time jobs under the temporary exemption arrangements; if they have not compiled the statistics, whether they will collect the relevant data and review the effectiveness of such measure in future; whether they will consider regularising the temporary exemption arrangements in the long run;

(4) as some non-local students have relayed to me that some local employers are deterred from employing non-local students to take up part-time jobs because they are not clear about the temporary exemption arrangements, how the authorities will publicise and promote the temporary exemption arrangements, and whether they have co-operated with the relevant tertiary institutions to provide non-local students with the relevant employment information and support services; and

(5) as it has been reported that the Chief Executive has indicated earlier that Hong Kong fully welcomes students who suffer from unfair treatment as a result of the policies of the United States to study in Hong Kong, and that he will do his best to provide the most appropriate support and assistance to students in collaboration with the local universities, of the work progress made by the authorities in supporting such students so far; whether they have set up task forces with various local universities to provide one-stop transfer services for such students, e.g. expediting their admission, transfer of credits, as well as urgent support measures such as providing accommodation arrangements, so as to attract more outstanding students to Hong Kong?

Reply:

President,

     Hong Kong has sound education infrastructure and our overall competitiveness in education ranked top five in the world. Among others, Hong Kong’s post-secondary education is highly internationalised and diversified, and we boast five of the world’s top 100 universities with outstanding talent in technology and research, making Hong Kong an international hub for exchange and collaboration among high-calibre talent. To fully leverage the distinctive advantages of the post-secondary education sector in Hong Kong under “one country, two systems”, and to develop Hong Kong into an international post-secondary education hub, we strive to build the “Study in Hong Kong” brand and attract more non-local students to study and conduct research in Hong Kong.

     After consultation with the Labour and Welfare Bureau, our consolidated replies to Hon Kenneth Leung’s questions are as follows:

(1) In the 2022/23 to 2024/25 Academic Year (AY), the numbers of non-local students pursuing locally-accredited programmes at undergraduate level or above in Hong Kong, and the number of non-local students as a percentage of relevant undergraduate student places are tabulated below:

(Note 2) Non-UGC-funded programmes cover publicly-funded programmes offered by the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) and self-financing programmes offered by UGC-funded universities, the HKAPA, and other institutions. Relevant figures refer to the headcounts of full-time and part-time programmes.
(Note 3) Referring to non-local student enrolment as a percentage of local student places in UGC-funded undergraduate programmes.
(Note 4) The percentages of non-local students of non-UGC-funded undergraduate programmes refer to the percentages of intakes of non-local students as a share of the estimated intake places of relevant programmes. Estimated intake places are based on estimates made by institutions for planning purposes and may not necessarily represent the maximum approved intake quotas or admission targets.

In the 2022/23 to 2024/25 AY, the number of applications from non-local students for UGC-funded first-year-first-degree undergraduate programmes ranged between 70 000 and 80 000. The Education Bureau (EDB) does not maintain information on the number of applicants of other taught programmes.

(2), (3) and (4) The Government has temporarily exempted full-time non-local postgraduate students of local programmes from the restriction on taking up part-time jobs since November 2023, and has extended the temporary exemption arrangement to full-time non-local undergraduate students from November 2024 onwards. Since November 2023, the Immigration Department (ImmD) has issued “No Objection Letters” to nearly 150 000 eligible non-local students, who are allowed to take up part-time jobs under the temporary exemption arrangement without making applications. There is no restriction on the number of hours or the location of the part-time employment. The breakdown of the numbers of “No Objection Letters” issued by the ImmD under this arrangement by student category are tabulated below:

Student category(November to December)(as of May)
     Non-local students benefitting from this arrangement are eligible to apply to stay in Hong Kong after graduation for development through the “Immigration Arrangement for Non-local Graduates”. Allowing them to take up part-time jobs during their studies enables them to gain personal exposure and knowledge for working in Hong Kong, enhances their incentives to stay in Hong Kong for development after graduation, and helps attract more outside students to study in Hong Kong.

     Under the temporary exemption arrangement, non-local students are not required to apply to the ImmD or notify their institutions for part-time employment. Therefore, the Government does not maintain statistics of non-local students taking up part-time jobs. According to the institutions, many non-local students have made use of the arrangement to take up various types of part-time jobs, including business support, retailing, and marketing, etc. The institutions generally agree that this arrangement helps attract non-local students to stay in Hong Kong for development after graduation, thereby expanding the city’s potential talent pool.

     The Government promotes this temporary exemption arrangement through various channels such as press releases, the ImmD’s website and communications with employers, etc, and introduces the arrangement to chambers of commerce, employers and human resources practitioners through meetings with chambers of commerce, joint meetings of Human Resources Managers’ Clubs, and other occasions. The Government also encourages relevant institutions to assist in enhancing on-campus promotion and providing appropriate support to eligible students. The Government will review the entire temporary exemption arrangement this year.

(5) In the light of the changes in the global higher education landscape, the EDB has promptly called on all universities in Hong Kong to introduce facilitation measures for affected students and scholars with a view to safeguarding their legitimate rights and interests, while attracting top talent in accordance with their diversified admissions and talent policies. The EDB is pleased to see that local universities are responding proactively and closely monitoring the situation, fully utilising the Government’s facilitation initiatives that support the capacity expansion and quality enhancement of post-secondary institutions in Hong Kong.

     The EDB will continue to keep a close eye on the development and accordingly consider support measures for them in a holistic approach so as to give full play to Hong Kong’s role as an international post-secondary education hub. Apart from the recruitment measures of the institutions, the Government attracts more top talent to pursue their studies in Hong Kong through a range of initiatives, including doubling the cap on non-local students in publicly funded post-secondary institutions to 40 per cent, increasing scholarship quotas, and gradually increasing the number of places under the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme. We remain committed to pursuing various policies and initiatives, fostering networks and partnerships at the national, regional, and international levels, and will continue to work collaboratively with stakeholders to promote the “Study in Hong Kong” brand. These efforts align with the national strategies to invigorate the country through science and education, cultivate high-calibre talent, and advance innovation and development, thereby contributing to meeting the needs of our nation.
Issued at HKT 14:58

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

June 18, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ17: Consolidating Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

LCQ17: Consolidating Hong Kong’s status as international financial centre
Question:

     There are views that Hong Kong should continue to consolidate and enhance the development of an international financial centre, further dovetail with the national development strategies, expand various mutual access mechanisms, and enhance Hong Kong’s functions in the overall development of the country, so as to attract more Mainland and international capital to Hong Kong. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) as some members of the industry have relayed that at present, under the Cross-boundary Wealth Management Connect (WMC) in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, products under the Southbound Scheme cannot be directly promoted in the Mainland by Hong Kong financial institutions, and products under the Northbound Scheme cannot be directly promoted in Hong Kong by Mainland financial institutions, whether the authorities will discuss with Mainland regulators enhancement measures on cross-boundary sales and promotion, so as to enable practitioners in both places to fully launch their businesses;

(2) as it is learnt that under the existing arrangements for mutual recognition of professional qualifications with the Mainland, Hong Kong practitioners holding the relevant licences of the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission are still required to pass the examination on relevant Mainland laws and regulations before they are allowed to practise in the Mainland, whether the authorities will further discuss with the Mainland regulators to explore the streamlining or exemption of the examination on relevant laws and regulations, so as to facilitate Hong Kong practitioners to develop their business in the Mainland;

(3) given the views relayed by some members of the industry, whether the authorities can expand the scope of investment products under the WMC Scheme, including providing additional investment options other than those with low or medium risk, including but not limited to alternative investments or private equity funds, so as to meet the diversified risk management needs of both Mainland and overseas investors; and

(4) as it has been mentioned in this year’s Budget that the Government will actively enhance the mutual market access mechanism with the Mainland, including the plan for the issuance of offshore Mainland government bond futures in Hong Kong, and implementing block trading of stocks as soon as possible, what measures the authorities have in place to further improve market liquidity and facilitate market transactions when exploring further expansion initiatives in the future?

Reply:

President,

     Hong Kong has been actively leveraging our unique advantages under the “one country, two systems” principle, with the support of our motherland and our connectivity to the world. We have proactively aligned with national strategies such as the 14th Five-Year Plan, the Belt and Road Initiative, and the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, with an aim to promoting deeper integration with the Mainland financial markets and to fully capitalising on the opportunities brought by our country’s development. In consultation with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), my reply to the various parts of the question is as follows:

(1) and (3) Cross-boundary Wealth Management Connect (WMC) in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) provides GBA residents with a formal, direct and convenient channel for cross-boundary investment in diverse wealth management products and marks a milestone in the financial development of the GBA.

     WMC has seen continuous and steady development since its launch in September 2021. “WMC 2.0” commenced in February 2024. Enhancement measures include increasing the individual investor quota from RMB1 million to RMB3 million, lowering the threshold for participating in the Southbound Scheme to support more GBA residents to participate in the scheme, expanding the scope of participating institutions to include eligible securities firms, expanding the scope of eligible investment products, and further enhancing the promotion and sales arrangements.

     In terms of sales and promotion, taking banks as an example, enhanced promotion and sales arrangements were introduced last year under the Southbound Scheme. After obtaining written consent from a Southbound Scheme client, the Hong Kong bank concerned could proactively introduce products and relevant information that align with the client’s risk appetite during that sales promotion process. This not only simplifies the sales process of the relevant institutions but also allows Southbound Scheme investors to more conveniently access the needed product information and professional guidance.

     In June 2025, we also jointly implemented with relevant Mainland financial regulatory authorities a “Tri-party Online Meeting” sales arrangement. Under this arrangement, at the request of a Southbound Scheme client, a Mainland bank may assist him/her at its Mainland branch to set up a tri-party online dialogue or video conference with a Hong Kong bank in relation to the Southbound Scheme services. During such meeting, representative(s) from the Hong Kong bank can introduce eligible wealth management products under the Southbound Scheme to the Southbound Scheme client. This arrangement provides Southbound Scheme investors with a convenient online channel to learn about relevant Hong Kong wealth management products and is also expected to enhance the convenience of sales and communication for local banks.

     Furthermore, we are committed to further enhancing the range of investment products under the “WMC 2.0” policy framework. For example, in the area of funds, since the launch of “WMC 2.0”, the number of eligible public funds under the Southbound Scheme has increased from around 160 in end-2023 to 358 by the end of March 2025, thereby strengthening the range of products available. We will continue to review the operation of “WMC 2.0” under the principles of controllable risk and adequate investor protection, and work with relevant Mainland regulatory authorities to explore the feasibility of further optimisation and expansion of WMC.

     As an innovative financial co-operation measure in the GBA involving three different regulatory systems, WMC has been implemented under a pilot approach in a gradual and incremental manner. Since the implementation of “WMC 2.0”, operations have been smooth, with a significant increase in the number of investors and amount of cross-boundary fund remittances. According to statistics from the People’s Bank of China, up to end-April 2025, over 154 200 individual investors in the GBA participated in WMC, with cross-boundary fund remittances (including Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao) amounting to over RMB112.2 billion had been recorded. The Government and the financial regulators will continue to monitor market developments and the operation of WMC, collaborate with the Mainland regulatory authorities and the industry to explore room for further enhancement.

(2) Regarding mutual recognition of financial professional qualifications with the Mainland, the SFC and the China Securities Regulatory Commission have implemented an arrangement for mutual recognition of professional qualifications for the securities and futures sector, and simplified the relevant procedures for obtaining securities practising registration and applying for the futures or fund practising qualifications in the Mainland. Hong Kong professionals with relevant licence issued by the SFC only need to pass the Mainland’s examination on the relevant laws and regulations; and the examination on the foundation paper is not required.

     For the banking sector, the Hong Kong Institute of Bankers (HKIB) and the China Banking Association (CBA) signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Mutual Recognition of Personal Wealth Management Qualification Certificates in 2009, officially launching the mutual recognition mechanism. Subsequently, the two sides signed addendums twice to improve the relevant arrangements. The CBA, the China Bankers Institute and the HKIB signed Addendum III in 2022 to ensure eligible practitioners can obtain the Associate Retail Wealth Professional (ARWP) professional qualification issued by the HKIB. Under the Agreement, financial practitioners from the Mainland and Hong Kong can obtain “dual qualifications” (Level 1 of Qualification Certificate of Banking Professional and ARWP) through the mutual recognition mechanism.

     We will continue to examine enhancement measures with Mainland regulatory authorities to explore ways of broadening Hong Kong professionals’ entry into the Mainland market, thereby increasing the flexibility in the provision of human capital for the Mainland and Hong Kong markets.

(4) The Government, together with financial regulatory authorities, is actively working with relevant Mainland authorities to advance the inclusion of the Renminbi counters under the Southbound Trading of Stock Connect, introduction of block trading, and the expansion of mutual-market access regime to cover Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), with a view to attracting and facilitating greater participation in Hong Kong’s securities market and enhancing market liquidity. We will continue discussions with Mainland counterparts on further expansion and optimisation of the financial market connectivity schemes. This will better meet the needs of domestic and overseas investors for cross-market and diversified asset allocation, supporting the healthy integration and development of the Mainland and Hong Kong capital markets.
Issued at HKT 15:00

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CategoriesMIL-OSI

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

June 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Online auction of vehicle registration marks to be held from July 3 to 7

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Online auction of vehicle registration marks to be held from July 3 to 7 (5) A VRM can only be assigned to a motor vehicle registered in the name of the purchaser. Relevant information on the Certificate of Incorporation must be provided by the successful bidder in the Purchaser Information of the Memorandum of Sale if the VRM purchased is to be registered under the name of a body corporate.

(6) Successful bidders will receive a notification email around seven working days after payment has been confirmed and can download the Memorandum of Sale from the E-Auction. The purchaser must apply for the VRM to be assigned to a motor vehicle registered in the name of the purchaser within 12 months from the date of issue of the Memorandum of Sale. If the purchaser fails to do so within the 12-month period, in accordance with the statutory provision, the allocation of the VRM will be cancelled and a new allocation will be arranged by the TD without prior notice to the purchaser.Issued at HKT 15:00

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CategoriesMIL-OSI

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

June 18, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: 95 lawyers demand stronger NZ stand over Israel amid Middle East tensions
Asia Pacific Report

Ninety-five New Zealand lawyers — including nine king’s counsel — have signed a letter demanding Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Foreign Minister Winston Peters and two other ministers urge the government to take a stronger stand against Israel’s “catastrophic” actions in Gaza.

The letter has been sent amid rising tensions in the region, following Israel’s surprise attacks on Iran last Friday, and Iran’s retaliatory attacks.

A statement by the Justice For Palestine advocacy group said the letter’s signatories represented all levels of seniority in the legal community, including senior barristers, law firm partners, legal academics, and in-house lawyers.

The letter cited the 26 July 2024 joint statement by the prime ministers of Canada, Australia and New Zealand which acknowledged: “The situation in Gaza is catastrophic. The human suffering is unacceptable. It cannot continue.”

“But it has continued,” said the letter. “The plight of the civilian population in Gaza has significantly deteriorated, featuring steadily escalating levels of bombardment, forced displacement of civilians, blockades of aid and deliberate targeting of hospitals, aid workers and journalists.”

The same month, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) had declared Israel’s continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory to be unlawful.

Obligations under international law
In September last year, New Zealand voted in favour of a UN General Assembly resolution calling on all UN member states to comply with their obligations under international law and take concrete steps to address Israel’s ongoing presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, said the Justice For Palestine statement.

At the time, New Zealand had noted it expected Israel to take meaningful steps towards compliance with international law, including withdrawal from the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The letter stated that Israel had done nothing of the sort.

Part of the lawyers’ letter appealing to the NZ government for a stronger stance over Israel. Image: J4P

The letter points out that last month independent UN experts had demanded immediate international intervention to “end the violence or bear witness to the annihilation of the Palestinian population in Gaza.”

UN experts have observed more than 52,535 deaths, of which 70 percent continue to be women and children, said the statement.

The UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher, had called for a response “as humanitarians” urging “Humanity, the law and reason must prevail”.

The Justice For Palestine letter urged the government to consider a stronger response, including:
- condemning Israel’s unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory,
- reviewing immediately all diplomatic and political and economic ties with Israel, and
- imposing further sanctions after New Zealand had imposed sanctions on two extremist Israeli politicians.
Rising concern over Israeli breaches
One of the letter’s signatories, barrister Max Harris, said:

“This letter reflects rising concern among the general community about Israel’s breaches of international law.

“The Government has tried to highlight red lines for Israel, but these have been repeatedly crossed, and it’s time that the Government considers doing more, in line with international law,”

Aedeen Boadita-Cormican, another barrister, who signed the letter, said: “The government could do more to follow through on how it has voted at the United Nations and what it has said internationally.”

“This letter shows the depth of concern in the legal community about Israel’s actions,” she added.

Article by AsiaPacificReport.nz
MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –
June 18, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: 95 lawyers demand stronger NZ stand over Israel amid Middle East tensions
Asia Pacific Report

Ninety-five New Zealand lawyers — including nine king’s counsel — have signed a letter demanding Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Foreign Minister Winston Peters and two other ministers urge the government to take a stronger stand against Israel’s “catastrophic” actions in Gaza.

The letter has been sent amid rising tensions in the region, following Israel’s surprise attacks on Iran last Friday, and Iran’s retaliatory attacks.

A statement by the Justice For Palestine advocacy group said the letter’s signatories represented all levels of seniority in the legal community, including senior barristers, law firm partners, legal academics, and in-house lawyers.

The letter cited the 26 July 2024 joint statement by the prime ministers of Canada, Australia and New Zealand which acknowledged: “The situation in Gaza is catastrophic. The human suffering is unacceptable. It cannot continue.”

“But it has continued,” said the letter. “The plight of the civilian population in Gaza has significantly deteriorated, featuring steadily escalating levels of bombardment, forced displacement of civilians, blockades of aid and deliberate targeting of hospitals, aid workers and journalists.”

The same month, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) had declared Israel’s continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory to be unlawful.

Obligations under international law
In September last year, New Zealand voted in favour of a UN General Assembly resolution calling on all UN member states to comply with their obligations under international law and take concrete steps to address Israel’s ongoing presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, said the Justice For Palestine statement.

At the time, New Zealand had noted it expected Israel to take meaningful steps towards compliance with international law, including withdrawal from the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The letter stated that Israel had done nothing of the sort.

Part of the lawyers’ letter appealing to the NZ government for a stronger stance over Israel. Image: J4P

The letter points out that last month independent UN experts had demanded immediate international intervention to “end the violence or bear witness to the annihilation of the Palestinian population in Gaza.”

UN experts have observed more than 52,535 deaths, of which 70 percent continue to be women and children, said the statement.

The UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher, had called for a response “as humanitarians” urging “Humanity, the law and reason must prevail”.

The Justice For Palestine letter urged the government to consider a stronger response, including:
- condemning Israel’s unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory,
- reviewing immediately all diplomatic and political and economic ties with Israel, and
- imposing further sanctions after New Zealand had imposed sanctions on two extremist Israeli politicians.
Rising concern over Israeli breaches
One of the letter’s signatories, barrister Max Harris, said:

“This letter reflects rising concern among the general community about Israel’s breaches of international law.

“The Government has tried to highlight red lines for Israel, but these have been repeatedly crossed, and it’s time that the Government considers doing more, in line with international law,”

Aedeen Boadita-Cormican, another barrister, who signed the letter, said: “The government could do more to follow through on how it has voted at the United Nations and what it has said internationally.”

“This letter shows the depth of concern in the legal community about Israel’s actions,” she added.

Article by AsiaPacificReport.nz
MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –
June 18, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China showcases its top aviation products at 55th Paris Air Show

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

People visit the booth of Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) during the 55th Paris Air Show at Le Bourget Airport near Paris, France, June 17, 2025.

The 55th edition of the Paris Air Show officially opened on Monday and will run until June 22. China is showcasing some of its top aviation products at the exhibition. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

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MIL OSI China News –

June 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: The CPC Central Committee held a symposium to mark the 120th anniversary of Comrade Chen Yun’s birth, at which Xi Jinping delivered an important speech.

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

BEIJING, June 18 (Xinhua) — The Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) held a symposium to mark the 120th anniversary of Comrade Chen Yun’s birth at the Great Hall of the People on the morning of June 13. General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee and Chinese President and Chairman of the Central Military Commission Xi Jinping delivered an important speech, stressing that Comrade Chen Yun’s life was truly great and glorious. The high moral principles he established, the rich leadership experience he gained, and the scientific thinking and work he systematized are all priceless assets for eternity. This precious spiritual heritage should be thoroughly studied, creatively applied, and developed and glorified in keeping with contemporary realities. With the determination to move forward with determination and work hard in the new era and new campaign, we will make unremitting efforts to comprehensively advance China’s development into a great country and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through Chinese modernization.

Li Qiang, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang and Li Xi attended the event. Zhao Leji, a member of the Standing Committee of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee, chaired the symposium.

In his speech, Xi Jinping paid tribute to Comrade Chen Yun’s brilliant life and summed up his immortal merits in the historical process of revolution, construction and reform of the country, stressing that Comrade Chen Yun was a great proletarian revolutionary and political figure, an outstanding Marxist, one of the pioneers of the formation of socialist economy in China, and a time-tested outstanding leader of the Party and state. As an important member of both the first-generation leading staff of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Mao Zedong at its core and the second-generation leading staff of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Deng Xiaoping at its core, Comrade Chen Yun made great contributions to the cause of the Party and the people.

In his many years of revolutionary activity, Comrade Chen Yun upheld and defended unwavering adherence to his ideals and convictions, unwavering adherence to Party principles, a pragmatic work style based on the pursuit of truth, sincere and devoted service to the people, and an unremitting pursuit of learning, Xi Jinping noted. These qualities embody the lofty moral values inherent in a communist. Following Comrade Chen Yun’s example, we should cultivate high moral qualities and strengthen faith in our ideals and convictions, remain confident of inevitable victory, and demonstrate political steadfastness in the face of a changing and complex situation characterized by a mixture of instability and uncertainty. At the same time, we must consciously implement selfless service to the people as the fundamental purpose of the Party, firmly adhere to the Party’s mass line in the new era, and, relying on the creative power of the people, accomplish the great historical cause. It is important to ensure that the spirit of the “Eight Points” of the CPC Central Committee is deeply implemented, backed up by real achievements in improving the work style, and thereby gain broad support from the people.

Xi Jinping focused on the fact that, regardless of the leading position and the scope of responsibility, Comrade Chen Yun invariably demonstrated exceptional zeal in his studies, the depth of analysis of issues, the ability to identify patterns and penetrate the essence of the matter. Outstanding leadership qualities and the rich experience of the leadership of comrade Chen Yunya are a valuable heritage that retains its relevance to this day. We must study and master the extensive experience of the leadership of comrade Chen Yun, directing our efforts both to build the party’s potential in the leadership of socio-economic development, and to increase the efficiency of party construction. It is fundamentally important to strengthen the leading role of the party in economic work, deepening the understanding of the objective laws of socialist economic construction. It is necessary to fully, accurately and comprehensively implement a new concept of development, accelerate the formation of new development architecture and steadily contribute to the achievement of high -quality development. The dynamic and confident stimulation of a comprehensive deepening of the reforms in the future, along with the decisive and consistent expansion of the horizons of high -level openness to the outside world, are designed to give a new impetus and inexhaustible energy process of Chinese modernization. The intensive promotion of the comprehensive arrangement of the intra -party management and continuous contribution to self -purification, self -improvement, self -renewal and its own growth of the party makes it possible to create reliable guarantees so that the party always serves strong leading core in socialism with Chinese specifics.

As Xi Jinping pointed out, steady adherence to the principle of realistic analysis of reality based on facts was a distinctive feature of comrade Chen Yun. In his creative arsenal there is a quintessence of materialistic dialectics, expressed in the laconic “fifteen -eared motto”: “Do not lift the opinions of the authorities over yourself, do not follow blindly book dogmas, rely only on facts, exchange opinions, compare and rethink.” Possessing the ability to apply strategic thinking, Comrade Chen Yun considered a preliminary study and study a prerequisite for making reasonable decisions. It is necessary to master the scientific methods of thinking and work embodied by Comrade Chen Yun. Adhering to the ideological line of the party, we must deeply study and effectively apply the worldview and methodological foundations of ideas about socialism with the Chinese specificity of the new era, as well as the positions, points of view and methods contained in them. This will provide us with the opportunity to adequately evaluate the current situation, in a scientific plan to plan development prospects and consistently increase the systemicity, prudence and creative potential of our work. It is necessary to pay special attention to improving the quality of examination and study in order to timely identify and correctly evaluate new circumstances, new problems and new trends in socio-economic development. Only on the basis of a clear definition of needs at the lower level and a deep understanding of the aspects of the masses can be developed and decisions that are more consistent with the realities and expectations of the people.

Chairmaning at the Symposium, Zhao Lesji noted that in his important speech, General Secretary of Xi Jinping with spiritual warmth and deep respect paid tribute to the life of Chang Yun’s life path, characterizing him as great and glorious. Highly appreciating the immortal contribution of Chen Yun to the Communist Party of China and the Chinese people, Xi Jinping addressed all members of the party calling for an example of Chen Yuni and comprehend the depth of his spiritual heritage, which includes high moral qualities, the rich experience of managing work and a scientific-based approach to thinking and work. Zhao Lesji noted that the performance of the Secretary General, made by him from the dominant height of strategic wisdom and far -sighted planning, has significant political, ideological and directive value. It is of great importance for the CCP in terms of firmly following the path of socialism with Chinese specifics, a steady continuation of the policy of reform and the openness and advance of the Chinese modernization, and requires a thorough study, deep understanding and effective implementation in practice. Zhao Lesji called for more closely rally around the CPC Central Committee, whose core is Comrade Xi Jinping, to comprehensively implement the spirit of the 20th All-Chinese Congress of the CPC, the 2nd and 3rd plenums of the Central Committee of the CPC of the 20th convocation under the guidance of the ideas of Xi Jinping about socialism with the Chinese specificity of the new era, and it is not good to fight for the comprehensive Promoting the great work of building a powerful power and national revival at the expense of Chinese modernization.

The symposium featured speeches by Qu Qingshan, Director of the Institute for the Study of Party History and Documentation under the CPC Central Committee; Liu Qi, Secretary General of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress; Wang Zhijun, Deputy Secretary General of the State Council; and Gong Zheng, Mayor of Shanghai.

The symposium was attended by members of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, relevant leading comrades from the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, the State Council, the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and the Central Military Commission.

The participants of the symposium included responsible comrades from the competent bodies of the central party, government and military departments, mass organizations, responsible comrades from the cities of Beijing and Shanghai, relatives of Comrade Chen Yun, representatives from his small homeland, as well as comrades who worked alongside him in different years. -0-

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: New Mongolian government sworn in

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

ULAN BATOR, June 18 (Xinhua) — A new government led by Mongolian Prime Minister Gombojavin Zandanshatar was sworn in at the Government Palace in Ulan Bator on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, the ruling Mongolian People’s Party (MPP), the HUN (Labour National Party) and the Civil Will-Green Party agreed to form a joint government consisting of a prime minister, 19 ministers and 16 ministries.

Among them are 16 ministers from the MPP, two ministers from the HUN party and one from the Civic Will-Greens party.

G. Zandanshatar retained some ministers from the government of Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene, including Minister of Energy Battogtokhyn Choijilsuren, Minister of Roads and Transport Borkhuugiyn Delgersaikhan and Minister of Finance Boldyn Zhavkhlan.

HUN Party leader Togmidyn Dorjkhand has been appointed Deputy Prime Minister for Emergency Situations. HUN Party’s Purevsurengiin Naranbayar will continue to serve as Education Minister. Civil Will-Greens Party Chairman Batyn Batbaatar will assume the duties of Environment and Climate Change Minister.

The new cabinet is expected to focus on promptly addressing Mongolia’s development issues and strengthening national unity. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Egypt’s Foreign Minister Calls for Stopping Military Escalation Between Israel and Iran

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

CAIRO, June 18 (Xinhua) — Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Atty on Tuesday called for an end to the ongoing military escalation between Israel and Iran in two separate phone calls with U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for the Middle East Steven Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

During the telephone conversation, B. Abdel Aty stressed the need to work towards de-escalation in the region and to seek diplomatic and political solutions that help contain the escalation of the situation and prevent the risk of a large-scale conflict in the Middle East, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

He stressed the need for an immediate ceasefire and a return to negotiations as the only means of achieving a sustainable agreement on the Iranian nuclear program.

B. Abdel Aty further reiterated the need to prevent the conflict from spreading and plunging the region into all-encompassing chaos that would harm all parties.

The ongoing Israeli-Iranian conflict began on June 13, when Israel launched large-scale airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites, killing several senior Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists. Iran then retaliated with missiles and drones into Israeli territory. The five-day conflict has left at least 244 people dead in Iran and 24 in Israel. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Trade and economic cooperation between XUAR and Central Asian countries continues to deepen

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 18 (Xinhua) — Trade and economic ties between northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR) and Central Asian countries (CA) continue to deepen, with the volume of trade steadily growing, local customs officials said.

According to the agency, in the first five months of this year, the volume of foreign trade between Xinjiang and the five Central Asian countries exceeded 100 billion yuan, which accounted for 39.4 percent of the total volume of foreign trade between China and the five Central Asian countries.

In particular, in January-May 2025, the volume of agricultural exports from XUAR to five Central Asian countries amounted to 4.47 billion yuan, which is 100.1 percent more than a year earlier. The increased agricultural export items included such items as dried and fresh fruits, nuts, grains, vegetables, edible mushrooms, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

In recent years, checkpoints in XUAR have continuously deepened trade and economic contacts with Central Asian countries. For example, the Karasu checkpoint, located in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region /Northwest China/, is the only land checkpoint on the border between China and Tajikistan. In recent years, it has become an important window for exchanges and cooperation between the two countries.

The data show that there was a significant increase in the number of people and vehicles entering and leaving China through the Karasu Port in January-May 2025. In particular, the number of commercial vehicles exported through the Karasu Port during the reporting period jumped 102.4 percent to 9,096 units.

Urumqi Customs representative Cheng Tao noted that in the future, the customs will continue to improve the efficiency of customs clearance, fully utilize the advantages to promote stable growth of trade turnover between XUAR and Central Asian countries. -0-

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Trade and Economic Expo Shows High Interest in China-Africa Cooperation

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

CHANGSHA, June 17 (Xinhua) — The 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo held in Changsha, capital of central China’s Hunan Province, over the weekend showed high interest in cooperation from both sides. In this picture, the Minister Counselor of the Ethiopian Embassy conducts a live stream during the expo (June 14).

CHANGSHA, June 17 (Xinhua) — The 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo held in Changsha, capital of central China’s Hunan Province, over the weekend showed high interest in cooperation from both sides.

CHANGSHA, June 17 (Xinhua) — The 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo held in Changsha, capital of central China’s Hunan Province, over the weekend showed high interest in cooperation from both sides.

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ19: Facilitating admission of high-calibre overseas students and scholars to Hong Kong

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is a question by the Hon Tang Fei and a written reply by the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, in the Legislative Council today (June 18):

Question:

     It has been reported that the United States (US) Government has recently barred Harvard University from enrolling international students. There are views that, due to political factors, it is expected that more top-tier institutions will face restrictions on international student recruitment in the future. This could lead to significant shifts in the global talent mobility within the higher education sector. As such, Hong Kong, as an international education hub, should seize the opportunity to actively attract and retain high-calibre international students and scholars, so as to consolidate its position as a regional hub for knowledge, innovation and technology. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) whether, in the face of the aforesaid abrupt change in overseas higher education policies, the Government has formulated a systematic plan to assist Hong Kong institutions in attracting high-calibre students affected by the turbulent international situation to pursue studies in Hong Kong, and to ensure that they can stay in Hong Kong for career development after graduation; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;

(2) how the University Grants Committee (UGC) will avoid resource misallocation and vicious competition in the course of promoting talent competition among the eight UGC-funded universities, and whether UGC will take the lead in establishing a unified platform to foster collaboration among institutions, so as to enhance their overall international competitiveness; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and

(3) whether, in the face of the China-US confrontation and competition, the Government will introduce specific policy measures to encourage Hong Kong’s higher education institutions to capitalise on new opportunities arising from the shifting geopolitical landscape, with a view to further strengthening Hong Kong’s position as an international education hub; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

Reply:

President,

Hong Kong’s overall competitiveness in education ranks among the top five in the world, and our post-secondary education is highly internationalised and diversified. To date, five University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded universities have been ranked among the top 100 in the world, six are ranked among the top 50 in Asia, a number of them have been ranked among the top universities in the most international universities ranking, and they have excellent research talent, which make them attractive to students and scholars from all over the world. Under the leadership of the Committee on Education, Technology and Talents led by the Chief Secretary for Administration, the Government will continue to promote Hong Kong as an international hub for high-calibre talent, co-ordinate and drive the integrated development of education, technology and talent, expand connections, formulate policies to attract and cultivate talent, and foster the co-ordinated development of technologies, so as to strengthen Hong Kong’s position as an international post-secondary education hub and an international innovation and technology centre.

     Our reply to the Hon Tang Fei’s question is as follows:

(1) and (3) In the light of the changes in the global higher education landscape, the Education Bureau (EDB) has promptly called on all universities in Hong Kong to introduce facilitation measures for affected students and scholars with a view to safeguarding their legitimate rights and interests, while attracting top talent in accordance with their diversified admissions and talent policies. The EDB is pleased to see that local universities are responding proactively and closely monitoring the situation, fully utilising the Government’s facilitation initiatives that support the capacity expansion and quality enhancement of post-secondary institutions in Hong Kong.

     We will continue to keep a close eye on the development and accordingly consider support measures for them in a holistic approach so as to give full play to Hong Kong’s role as an international post-secondary education hub. Apart from the recruitment measures of the institutions, the Government attracts more top talent to pursue their studies in Hong Kong through a range of initiatives, including doubling the cap on non-local students in publicly funded post-secondary institutions to 40 per cent, increasing scholarship quotas, and gradually increasing the number of places under the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme. We remain committed to pursuing various policies and initiatives, fostering networks and partnerships at the national, regional, and international levels, and will continue to work collaboratively with stakeholders to promote the “Study in Hong Kong” brand. These efforts align with the national strategies to invigorate the country through science and education, cultivate high-calibre talent, and advance innovation and development, thereby contributing to meeting the needs of our country.

(2) The EDB and the UGC have been actively fostering collaboration among the eight UGC-funded universities, including supporting the jointly-established Heads of Universities Committee’s Standing Committee on Internationalisation (HUCOMSCI) to promote the “Study in Hong Kong” brand around the world. We will continue to deepen institutional collaboration through the HUCOMSCI to attract more talent from around the world and accelerate the development of Hong Kong into an international post-secondary education hub.

     Each of the eight UGC-funded universities has its own strengths and characteristics, and is making full use of the Government’s facilitation policies and measures to bring their strengths into full play in recruiting and attracting more outstanding students and academics. With the Government increasing the non-local student quota for UGC-funded universities from 20 per cent to 40 per cent from the 2024/25 academic year onwards, the proportion of non-local students enrolled in UGC-funded undergraduate programmes has increased from about 19.9 per cent in 2023/24 academic year to 23.2 per cent. Universities will adopt the principle of meritocracy to attract more non-local students to study in Hong Kong. Non-local students will also make choices of further studies that suit their own strengths and interests.

     As for academic staff, the UGC-funded universities have also been actively expanding capacity while enhancing quality by increasing the number of academic staff in the UGC-funded universities from 4 974 in the 2021/22 academic year to 5 398. The universities will continue to recruit top scholars from around the world through various measures to create a favourable environment for scientific research and contribute to the development of our country and Hong Kong.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

June 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Chair of the NATO Military Committee visits Türkiye

Source: NATO

Ankara, 16-17 June 2025 – The Chair of the NATO Military Committee (CMC), Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, visited Türkiye, upon the invitation of the Chief of the Turkish General Staff, General Metin Gürak.

During his engagements with General Metin Gurak, the discussions focused on the road to the NATO Summit in The Hague, next week. Among other priorities, Admiral Cavo Dragone underscored in particular the importance for Allies to invest more in deterrence and defence. The CMC also praised Türkiye’s significant contributions within the Alliance, highlighting the country’s support and participation in NATO missions and exercise activities. Türkiye devotes more than 2 percent of its GDP in defence, and is channeling significant investment into its defence industrial base, working in close conjunction with countries across Europe and the United States.

While in Ankara, the Chair paid his respects to the memory of Türkiye’s fallen soldiers, by participating in a wreath-laying ceremony in Antikabir. In addition, he took the opportunity to engage with Turkish defence industry.

MIL Security OSI –

June 18, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Announcement on Open Market Operations No.114 [2025]

Source: Peoples Bank of China

Announcement on Open Market Operations No.114 [2025]

(Open Market Operations Office, June 18, 2025)

The People’s Bank of China conducted reverse repo operations in the amount of RMB156.3 billion through quantity bidding at a fixed interest rate on June 18, 2025.

Details of the Reverse Repo Operations

Maturity

Rate

Bidding Volume

Winning Bid Volume

7 days

1.40%

RMB156.3 billion

RMB156.3 billion

Date of last update Nov. 29 2018

2025年06月18日

MIL OSI China News –

June 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Getting sustainable and equitable power to the people – how’s the global energy transition going?

Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

The Energy Transition Index is the World Economic Forum’s annual report on global efforts to get sustainable, secure and equitable energy to all. We hear from the Forum’s Espen Mehlum, head of energy transition intelligence, and speak to two experts on energy in Africa and Latin America.

Guests:

Clarissa Lins, Founding Partner at Catavento, Brazil
Andrew Herscowitz, CEO of the Mission 300 (M300) Accelerator

The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. We believe that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to make positive change.

World Economic Forum Website ► http://www.weforum.org/
Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/worldeconomicforum/
YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/wef
Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/worldeconomicforum/
Twitter ► https://twitter.com/wef
LinkedIn ► https://www.linkedin.com/company/world-economic-forum
TikTok ► https://www.tiktok.com/@worldeconomicforum
Flipboard ► https://flipboard.com/@WEF

#WorldEconomicForum

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeePBeo0nwc

MIL OSI Video –

June 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Tackling Hatred in Society: EU citizens influencing EU policies

Source: European Commission (video statements)

Watch how 150 randomly selected EU citizens are tackling hatred in society by shaping EU policies.
Follow the story of Gemma, from Sicily, Martin, from Slovakia and Daniel, from Germany, and find out how they actively participated in designing the future EU policies aimed at combating hatred and discrimination in our society.
During in-person working groups and online meetings, the citizens have analysed and debated so that at the end to present 21 concrete recommendations to the European Commission on how to tackle hatred in society

00:00 Meet the heroes
00:17 The lessons learned

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/eIaXbJp9ip4

MIL OSI Video –

June 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Combating hate in society: How people are shaping EU policies

Source: European Commission (video statements)

Imagine the EU asks you to help with combating hate in society by shaping its policies. Do you say yes?

Gemma – a lovely Italian grandma, Martin – an actor and drag performer from Slovakia, Daniel – a cargo office agent from Germany, and 147 other randomly selected EU citizens didn’t just imagine it—they lived it. Over three weekends in Brussels, they engaged in fruitful debates and discussions on how to tackle hatred in society.
The result? 21 concrete recommendations presented to the European Commission.

Want to discover how their insights influenced the discussion? Follow their journey on the European Citizens’ Panel on Tackling Hatred in Society.
▬▬ Contents of this video ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

00:00 Introduction
01:57 The state of Hate in Society
03:36 Bringing people together
04:12 Going beyond prejudice
04:55 How hate can take lives
05:49 Accepting Differences
06:50 People’s recommendations

Watch on the Audiovisual Portal of the European Commission: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-264626

Follow us on:
-X: https://twitter.com/EU_Commission
-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/europeancommission/
-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EuropeanCommission
-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/european-commission/
-Medium: https://medium.com/@EuropeanCommission

Check our website: http://ec.europa.eu/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Acymq8B02Yg

MIL OSI Video –

June 18, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM meeting with President Lee Jae Myung of the Republic of Korea: 17 June 2025
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release

PM meeting with President Lee Jae Myung of the Republic of Korea: 17 June 2025

The Prime Minister met President Lee Jae Myung of the Republic of Korea at the G7 Summit
The Prime Minister met President Lee Jae Myung of the Republic of Korea at the G7 Summit this afternoon and congratulated him on his recent election victory.

Both leaders agreed to aim to complete the upgrade the existing Free Trade Agreement between the two countries as soon as possible.

They also agreed on the need to cooperate on addressing the climate crisis and reducing carbon emissions.

Finally, the leaders discussed support for Ukraine and the challenges posed by Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

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Published 18 June 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
June 18, 2025

Maturity	Rate	Bidding Volume	Winning Bid Volume
7 days	1.40%	RMB156.3 billion	RMB156.3 billion

Category: DJF

Antiquity is a synonym for eternity

Women’s revolt in ancient Greek

“The Distaff of the Union” as a Powerful Symbol of Creation

And who are the judges?

From drama to circus performances

Keynote speech by Frank Elderson, Member of the Executive Board of the ECB and Vice-Chair of the Supervisory Board of the ECB, at the SRB Legal Conference 2025

Deepening the Single Market is key for prosperity and our mandates

Deepening the Single Market is a legal imperative

The “troubling three” for the ECB

Overly complex EU rules

Lack of Single Market ownership by Member States

Complicated business establishment and operations

Conclusion

PM meeting with President Lee Jae Myung of the Republic of Korea: 17 June 2025

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Updates to this page