NewzIntel.com

Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Pakistan sees gradual economic recovery, GDP grows 2.7 percent – Economic Review

    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

    ISLAMABAD, June 10 (Xinhua) — Pakistan’s economy registered a 2.7 percent growth in its gross domestic product (GDP) in the outgoing fiscal year, according to the Economic Survey 2024-25 released by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Monday.

    Although the figure remained below the government’s initial target of 3.6 percent, the growth was achieved despite the difficult global economic situation, the minister said.

    “I think this is the right way forward in terms of sustainable growth,” Aurangzeb said, describing the 2.7 percent figure as a sign of gradual economic recovery.

    Pakistan’s GDP contracted by 0.2 percent in the previous fiscal year, but has grown to 2.5 percent this year. The minister stressed that the government is keen to avoid a return to cyclical fluctuations. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Automated container berth in Qingdao Port, Shandong Province

    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

    QINGDAO, June 10 (Xinhua) — This photo shows an automated container berth at the Qingdao Port in east China’s Shandong Province.

    QINGDAO, June 10 (Xinhua) — This photo shows an automated container berth at the port of Qingdao in east China’s Shandong Province.

    QINGDAO, June 10 (Xinhua) — This photo shows an automated container berth at the Qingdao Port in east China’s Shandong Province.

    QINGDAO, June 10 (Xinhua) — This photo shows an automated container berth at the Qingdao Port in east China’s Shandong Province.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New Tourism Growth Roadmap

    Source: Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE)

    This includes investing more than $19 million in international marketing across core and emerging tourism markets plus $8 million on attracting business and major events to New Zealand.

    The Government is also investing $4 million towards improving the visitor experience along the Milford Road corridor.

    This is the first stage of the Tourism Growth Roadmap, which sets out steps the Government is taking to grow the value of tourism, which is currently New Zealand’s second largest export. As visitor numbers increase, the Roadmap will shift over time to focus more on the supply side of tourism to support this growth.

    Funding comes from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL).

    Find out more on the MBIE website:

    Tourism Growth Roadmap

    Read the Minister’s release:

    More funding to grow international tourism(external link) — Beehive.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash: Seaview Avenue, Northcote

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police are attending a fatal single vehicle crash in Northcote this evening.

    The crash occurred just after 4.30pm, where a vehicle left Onewa Road and collided with a power pole on Seaview Avenue.

    Despite medical assistance being provided at the scene, sadly we can confirm the sole occupant has died.

    The Serious Crash Unit attended the scene and carried out an examination.

    Enquiries will be carried out on behalf of the Coroner.

    ENDS

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Search for Victorian man at Cradle Mountain

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Search for Victorian man at Cradle Mountain

    Tuesday, 10 June 2025 – 4:23 pm.

    Parks and Wildlife Service rangers, with the support of a Tasmania Police drone, are continuing to search at Cradle Mountain for a 52-year-old Victorian man.
    There are concerns for the welfare of Christopher Michael Inwood, whose white Toyota HiAce van (VIC Rego 1TZ8PQ) was located in the car park of a ranger station on Cradle Mountain Road about 7.30am on Tuesday.
    A backpack, believed to belong to Mr Inwood, was located about 500m along the Cradle Mountain Road leading from the car park, in the direction of Dove Lake.
    Initial inquiries established Mr Inwood’s last confirmed location as Kelso, in the state’s north, on Sunday night.
    However, further investigation has identified a possible sighting of Mr Inwood and his vehicle in the Kindred area, about 8:30pm on Monday. It is believed he may have travelled to Cradle Mountain later that night.
    Police have released a CCTV image of Mr Inwood, captured over the weekend, to assist in identifying him.
    The search operation is being coordinated by Tasmania Police Search and Rescue however, specialist search officers have not yet been deployed.
    As of 3pm today, weather conditions in the area remain relatively clear, with a temperature of about 3°C.
    Anyone who has seen Mr Inwood, knows of his movements, or has any information that may assist the search, is urged to contact Tasmania Police on 131 444.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Announcement on Open Market Operations No.108 [2025]

    Source: Peoples Bank of China

    Announcement on Open Market Operations No.108 [2025]

    (Open Market Operations Office, June 10, 2025)

    The People’s Bank of China conducted reverse repo operations in the amount of RMB198.6 billion through quantity bidding at a fixed interest rate on June 10, 2025.

    Details of the Reverse Repo Operations

    Maturity

    Rate

    Bidding Volume

    Winning Bid Volume

    7 days

    1.40%

    RMB198.6 billion

    RMB198.6 billion

    Date of last update Nov. 29 2018

    2025年06月10日

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: AFRICA GREEN HYDROGEN SUMMIT LAUNCH

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements-2)

    AFRICA GREEN HYDROGEN SUMMIT LAUNCH

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=layePzK4MfI

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: More funding to grow international tourism

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government is increasing funding for attracting overseas visitors and investing in tourism infrastructure as part of its new Tourism Growth Roadmap, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says.
    “We’re investing $35 million to deliver the first stage of the Roadmap, which sets out the Government’s plan to double the value of tourism,” Louise Upston says.
    “International visitors bring billions of dollars into New Zealand, from big ticket spends to everyday purchases in local cafes and accommodation. 
    “We want to welcome more visitors to New Zealand, and we want our regional communities to improve their capacity to look after those visitors.
    “The Government must work with industry to unlock the full potential of our tourism sector, and the Roadmap lays out initiatives and investments to ensure our infrastructure, workforce and communities can support further growth.
    “For the 2025/26 financial year, we’re investing $6 million in international marketing across emerging tourism markets, $3 million to increase the number of business events hosted in New Zealand, and an additional $5 million towards the Major Events Fund.
    “These commitments follow the recent announcements of $13.5 million invested in international tourism marketing and $4 million of investment towards improving the visitor experience along the Milford Road corridor.
    “Recent tourism funding has been about boosting visitor numbers. As those higher numbers become established, the Roadmap will shift over time to focus more on supporting communities to look after them well,” Louise Upston says. 
    This investment comes from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy. This levy is charged to most international visitors, and ensures they are contributing to the public services, facilities and natural environment they will enjoy while in New Zealand.
    More information can be found on the MBIE website.
    Notes to editor: 
    The Tourism Growth Roadmap is attached as a separate document.
    New tourism investments for the 2025/26 financial year include:

    $6 million in Tourism New Zealand’s marketing in the emerging markets of India and Southeast Asia,
    $3 million to increase the number of business events hosted in New Zealand, as part of Tourism New Zealand’s collaboration with Business Events Industry Aotearoa,
    An additional $5 million towards the Major Events Fund,
    $13.5 million in Tourism New Zealand’s marketing in core markets of Australia, the United States and China,
    $4 million towards a wider package of work to improve visitor experiences and reduce congestion along the Milford Road corridor. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Tourism Growth Roadmap speech to Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA)

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Tēnā koutou katoa. Thank you for the warm welcome. It is my pleasure to welcome you all to MEETINGS 2025.

    First, I would like to acknowledge Mayor Wayne Brown attending MEETINGS 2025 today and a special acknowledgment to Ngāti Whatua Orakei for their pōwhiri and welcome. 

    I would also like to recognise Tataki Auckland Unlimited and in particular the Auckland Convention Bureau for their dedication and hard work advocating for Auckland as a world-class visitor destination.

    Last but not the least, I’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to some incredible individuals who make events like this possible, a huge thank you again to BEIA Chief Executive Lisa Hopkins and Board Chair Martin Snedden.

    Your leadership across the business events in New Zealand and creating such vibrant and energetic gatherings like MEETINGS 2025 are truly appreciated and make a difference to New Zealand.

    To our local and international buyers, exhibitors and media – thank you for making the journey from around the world to join us in Auckland. 

    Events like MEETINGS are so important for bringing incredible opportunities to our regions, building valuable connections with our offshore markets and strengthening our business events sector.

    There is no doubt that New Zealand’s business events industry is on the rise – and that’s thanks to the fantastic organisations and individuals like you in this room today. 

    You are the driving force behind a growing pipeline of high-value deals across sectors. These opportunities are helping boost productivity, support local communities, and grow our regions.

    Together, we are putting New Zealand as a top place to do business – and the conversations and connections you make over the next few days will help us even further.

    Events like this are a powerful reminder of what it takes to deliver world-class experiences – whether its state-of-the-art venues, exceptional food and catering, smooth logistics, or engaging content. 

    Beyond their direct economic benefits, business events connect us, foster new ideas and drive innovation across industries. I want to acknowledge the vital role you all play – not just as the professionals of tourism and hospitality, but as ambassadors of New Zealand.

    Your commitment lay the foundation for successful events and help position our country as a world leader in the excellence we are known for.

    Increasing tourism and creating a strong economy is a key focus for the next few years, and the economic contribution of the business events sector is a critical element to success. 

    Business events punch well above their weight in attracting high-value international conferences to our regions and main centres throughout the year, and MEETINGS is a prime example of this. 

    I hope you enjoy your Auckland experience and participate in the amazing visitor experience while you are here. 

    As Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, I have two priorities for the portfolio. 

    My first priority is to grow international tourism by both increasing the number of international visitors to New Zealand in the short term, and doubling the value of tourism exports by 2034.

    My second priority is to grow the number of Kiwis in tourism and hospitality jobs which will further support our wider economic growth objectives.

    Our business events sector plays a huge role in showcasing New Zealand as a progressive, entrepreneurial destination and will play a significant role in achieving our goal of doubling tourism exports. 

    Business event participants spend an average of $175 more per day than other visitors, and importantly, often visit in the off-peak period between March and November, boosting tourism and economic activity year-round. This is exactly why we are making positive changes to support its growth.

    In April, alongside the Minister of Health and the Minister for Regulation, I was thrilled to announce a change to the Medicines Act. The change will allow for medicines to be advertised that have not yet been consented by Medsafe at medical conferences in New Zealand. 

    This shift removes a long-standing barrier and opens the door to hosting more international medical conferences and trade shows, unlocking an estimated $90 million in future revenue. 

    On top of that, we’re continuously working to attract high-value incentive business to New Zealand. It’s all part of our effort to make our country a go-to place for significant business events.

    As part of my Tourism Boost package, I provided $3 million to Tourism New Zealand to make an additional 15-20 bids for business events in 2026 and beyond through its existing Conference Assistance Programme. 

    This investment has already supported Tourism New Zealand to win three bids valued at $7.5 million.

    Our message is clear, New Zealand is open for business. We are looking forward to welcoming more business events and conferences to New Zealand and hosting them in our great facilities.

    Tourism is our second largest export earner and a crucial component of our workforce, and we cannot understate the benefits it provides to our country.

    We’re committed to continue growing the sector, which is why today, I am announcing the launch of the Tourism Growth Roadmap. The Roadmap follows my recent Tourism Boost package and is the second step towards doubling our tourism export value by 2034.

    The final Roadmap has been carefully developed based on the conversations I have had with industry leaders since taking over the portfolio and reflects what I’ve heard is important to you. 

    The first package of investment will continue to prioritise increasing international visitor volumes, with around 80 per cent of the investment going towards demand initiatives and 20 per cent towards supply initiatives.

    I am also announcing a $35 million investment from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy to deliver the first stage of the Roadmap.

    Yesterday, the Prime Minister and I announced $13.5 million in new funding to Tourism New Zealand to uplift marketing activity in our core markets of Australia, the United States and China. 

    This investment is expected to generate around $300 million in spending and deliver an extra 72,000 international visitors to our shores.

    These are big numbers, but this is only part of the full $35 million package we’re unveiling today.

    I am also committing a further $6 million in new funding to uplift marketing activity in our emerging markets of India and Southeast Asia. 

    We know that Tourism New Zealand does an important job of marketing our country internationally, acting as the primary influence for approximately 14 per cent of international holiday visitors. I expect these investments to result in almost $360 million in incremental visitor spend in the economy.

    As I have been saying today, I see the business events sector as an incredibly valuable visitor market for supporting tourism growth.

    That is why I’m thrilled to announce I am committing an additional $3 million to Tourism New Zealand to boost business events attraction for a further year. This reinforces the important role that all of you play, and I am excited to see the positive outcomes from this investment. 

    I am also providing a $5 million boost for major events attraction. Major events drive economic benefits to New Zealand through international visitation and additional direct spend in the host region. 

    To complement these demand initiatives, I am investing in specific regional tourism infrastructure projects. 

    Last week, alongside Minister Potaka, I announced $4 million to improve visitor experiences along the Milford Road corridor. This investment is co-funded and will be delivered by the Department of Conservation.

    As you all know, Milford Sound Piopiotahi is one of our most iconic destinations and a huge drawcard for international visitors. This investment will support improved visitor experiences, infrastructure and reduced congestion. 

    We have an enormous opportunity on our hands. 

    Tourism has the potential to become our biggest export earner – we’ve done it before, and I believe we can do it again. It will take significant effort from us all, and the industry is united with shared purpose, aspirations, and enthusiasm.

    Achieving this will require action on the supply-side and I have asked my officials to begin a review of our tourism system to support this. This includes looking at issues surrounding our workforce:

    • data
    • infrastructure
    • funding
    • our regions and communities
    • aviation and cruise connectivity
    • and the overall visitor experience that we offer.

    We’re looking at what is working well and what do we need to change to ensure we are fit for the future.

    The key to our success will be working together.

    There is plenty of work to do and I am excited to continue working alongside the tourism and hospitality sector to build on the incredible foundations already in place. 

    Ladies and Gentlemen, the next few days are packed with opportunities. 

    New Zealand is open for business, and we welcome the opportunity to attract more business, exhibition and incentive travellers to New Zealand and grow our economy. Together, let’s maximise the value tourism brings to our beautiful country!

    Thank you again.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Local News – ELECTRIFY QUEENSTOWN TO RETURN IN 2026

    Source: Destination Queenstown

    Queenstown, New Zealand (10 June 2025) – Electrify Queenstown will return for a third year, following the huge success of the 2025 event which built strong momentum across the region.

    Now a cornerstone event in Queenstown’s calendar, Electrify Queenstown will take place from 17 – 19 May 2026, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, politicians and policymakers to share practical, cost-effective ways for businesses and households to electrify.

    Mat Woods, Chief Executive of Destination Queenstown and Lake Wānaka Tourism, says Electrify Queenstown is an event designed to turn ideas into action.

    “The energy this year was incredible with hundreds of people turning up to explore new and emerging technologies and future-focused solutions that not only save you money, but are good for the environment too.” he said.

    Attendees this year included local residents, visitors from around New Zealand, business owners, and change makers all eager to share the opportunities and challenges involved in a low-emissions future.

    The event featured bold announcements including plans for a low-emissions urban cable car network in Queenstown, the debut of new electric marine propulsion technology on Lake Whakatipu, and the release of Rewiring Aotearoa’s policy manifesto.

    Mike Casey, CEO of Rewiring Aotearoa, says there’s an exciting opportunity for New Zealand to lead the global energy transition, and events like Electrify Queenstown are helping educate kiwis about what’s possible.  

    “Aotearoa New Zealand is one of the few countries that has reached the electrification tipping point where it’s cheaper to electrify than use the fossil fuel alternative.

    “Whether you’re in it for the cost savings, lowering emissions, or energy security, we all win by going electric.” Mike said.

    Electrify Queenstown is proving to be a valuable platform for businesses and innovators to showcase energy-efficient solutions for homes and enterprises.  

    Sharon Fifield, CEO of Queenstown Business Chamber of Commerce, says it’s inspiring to see the momentum that’s been built since the inaugural one-day event in 2024.

    “Businesses are seeing the economic value of electrification alongside the environmental benefits, and there’s genuine enthusiasm to get involved and make a difference.” Sharon said.

    With strong interest from locals eager to lower their bills, become more energy efficient and resilient, organisers say Electrify Queenstown 2026 will again cater to everyone with even more opportunities for collaboration and innovation.

    “Each year, more people are seeing what’s possible through electrification and it’s exciting to think about what 2026 will bring.” Mat added.

    Electrify Queenstown 2026 will take place at the Queenstown Events Centre, Sunday 17 May – Tuesday 19 May 2026.

    The event supports Queenstown Lakes’ destination management plan and the broader goal of regenerative tourism and a carbon-zero visitor economy by 2030.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Education – Ara researchers publish groundbreaking work on AI in vocational education

    Source: Ara Institute of Canterbury

    Ara Institute of Canterbury is celebrating the publication of a pioneering book that reframes the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in education, shifting the narrative from plagiarism prevention to unlocking its potential for better learning.
    AI in Vocational Education and Training, published by Springer Nature, brought together a multi-disciplinary group of educators and researchers from Ara and Otago Polytechnic to critically explore the use of AI-supported learning across a wide range of vocational education contexts.
    The book was edited by Dr Selena Chan, an Ara Education Developer and previous Ako Aotearoa Prime Minister’s Supreme award winner for excellence in tertiary teaching. The collection presents practical insights and research-backed strategies for integrating teaching and learning to improve student success.
    Dr Chan said the book offers a roadmap for using AI tools effectively in vocational education and training (VET).
    “It also addresses ethical concerns, ensuring AI supports learning rather than undermine academic integrity,” she said.
    While the arrival of AI-powered natural language chatbots such as ChatGPT have sparked widespread debate about plagiarism, Dr Chan said the book offers an alternative perspective – highlighting AI’s enormous potential to support deeper engagement, critical thinking and independent analysis.
    Covering disciplines from construction management and graphic design to nursing and business, the book also highlights a significant project exploring how AI can be adapted to support neurodivergent learners.
    Dr Chan said educational developers, learning designers, tutors and senior students collaborated on designing AI-supported activities that not only engage learners but also foster independent analysis and strengthen practical application skills.
    She wanted to acknowledge the invaluable input of ākonga (students) in the research, “without whom the work would not have been completed,” as well as the support of Scott Klenner who is both Ara’s Research Manager and the Director of Rangahau, Research and Postgraduate Studies at Otago Polytechnic. “Scott’s guidance on inclusivity, rangahau (Māori research) and the incorporation of mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) in research design was invaluable.
    Klenner said the publication highlighted the two institutes’ leadership in applying AI to vocational education in New Zealand. He commended “our academics’ te hinengaro me te ringa mahi (thinking and work) for producing leading research, with an international publisher, exploring the most significant evolution of education this century”.
    With case studies, guidelines and frameworks, the book provides a valuable resource for educators and policymakers working to future-proof vocational education in Aotearoa New Zealand.
    Notes: 
    Dr Chan is an educational developer, academic capability leader and co-editor of the International Journal of Training Research. She has published extensively on vocational education and technology-enhanced learning and received the Ako Aotearoa Prime Minister’s Supreme Award in 2007 for teaching excellence.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • Making India stronger: PM Modi highlights 11 years of defence reforms, self-reliance

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday hailed the remarkable strides made by India’s defence sector over the past 11 years, underlining the twin focus on modernisation and self-reliance.

    In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, “The last 11 years have marked significant changes in our defence sector, with a clear focus on both modernisation and becoming self reliant when it comes to defence production. It is gladdening to see how the people of India have come together with the resolve of making India stronger! #11YearsOfRakshaShakti”.

    The post was part of a broader national campaign highlighting the transformation of India’s defence capabilities since 2014, coinciding with the beginning of PM Modi’s first term as the Prime Minister.

    From being heavily import-dependent to becoming a notable arms exporter, India’s defence journey has seen a fundamental shift.

    The Ministry of Defence and senior officials echoed the Prime Minister’s sentiment, praising the nation’s move towards indigenisation and innovation.

    The Ministry of Defence elaborated on this transformation in a post on X: “Over the past 11 years, under PM Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership, India’s defence sector has transformed from import-dependent to a global exporter, powered by Aatmanirbhar Bharat & Make In India. Indigenous innovations like Brahmos missile & advanced submarines have fortified our security and global standing. Defence exports now reach 100+ countries, marking a historic rise in self-reliance. As we celebrate 11 Years Of Raksha Shakti, we salute the strides toward a safer, stronger India.”

    Key milestones during this period include the record growth in defence exports, which have surpassed Rs 21,000 crore in recent years, the successful deployment of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, the commissioning of indigenous aircraft carriers like INS Vikrant, and the development of homegrown fighter jets like the HAL Tejas.

    The celebration of ’11 Years of Raksha Shakti’ underscores the government’s emphasis on reducing dependency on foreign suppliers and promoting indigenous defence production under flagship initiatives like Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Greens denounce Labour’s Spending Review as ‘spreadsheet Britain’ and call for a ‘hopeful vision for a better future’  

    Source: Green Party of England and Wales

    Ahead of Wednesday’s Spending Review, Adrian Ramsay MP, co-leader of the Green Party, accused the government of lacking a vision for a better future. He said: “This Spending Review shows that the government knows the cost of everything but the value of nothing.” 

    He went on to say: 

    “This looks like a spreadsheet Britain approach, leading the country into deliberate decline, when we need a hopeful vision for a better future.  

    “Austerity has meant our hospitals, schools and transport services have sustained real terms budget cuts, and long-term capital investment will not deliver fast enough to impact people’s lives. Millions of people are facing financial, health and housing insecurity right now. The Spending Review will fail those children stuck in poverty today – children who need warm homes and enough to eat.” 

    “We need to invest in a more secure future for everyone. Real security comes from people feeling warm and comfortable in their homes, valued in their communities and secure in the knowledge that climate action will safeguard the future for their children and grandchildren.” 

    Ramsay said there should be a much stronger focus on building, providing and retrofitting social homes. He said: 

    “Rather than turning the screw further on councils which are already on their knees, the Chancellor must commit the billions that councils need to buy, build and design social housing instead of offering a blank cheque to developers to build executive homes that few can afford.  

    “We know this is what people want. A new YouGov survey commissioned by the Greens has found that people are three times more likely to want the Government to build more social housing than encouraging developers to build more private homes.” 

    Ramsay also repeated calls for a fairer tax system to raise money and reverse chronic underspending in public services.    

    “A wealth tax of 1% on assets over £10 million and 2% on assets above £1 billion could raise £24 billion a year. Cutting support to disabled people while billionaires are gaining £35 million a day in wealth is indefensible. We are one of the wealthiest countries in the world – it’s time the super-rich paid up and for Labour to start taxing wealth fairly. 

    Adrian Ramsay MP concluded: 

    “From child poverty to climate breakdown, the challenges we face are not small – and neither should be our response. People want a government that invests in them, in their homes, in their services, in building a resilient future. Cuts don’t create hope. Investment does. We need public services that are fit for purpose, homes that are warm and affordable, and a tax system that serves the many, not the wealthy few.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Australia should stand up for our feta and prosecco in trade talks with the EU

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hazel Moir, Honarary Associate Professor; economics of patents, geographical indications and other “IP”; trade treaties, Australian National University

    TY Lim/Shutterstock

    Trade Minister Don Farrell has confirmed Australia and the European Union will restart negotiations for a free trade agreement immediately. Two years ago, Australia walked away over a disappointing market access offer for our beef, sheep, dairy and sugar exporters.

    But with US President Donald Trump’s unilateral tariff increases, the world has changed. The chances of successfully completing the negotiations with the EU on increasing access for some agricultural products and cutting red tape now seem good.

    Australia wants improved access for its beef and lamb exports to Europe, but European farmers have significant political influence. The 2023 offer from the EU would have accounted for just 0.3% of its agricultural imports. It was also less than that offered to other trading partners.

    Another major stumbling block was the EU’s demand that Australia give up naming rights for hundreds of food and drink products.

    The EU wants Australia to adopt its system of regulating names for regional food and spirit specialties. If accepted, this could negatively impact on consumers, Australian dairies and boutique spirit makers.

    What is the EU asking for?

    The EU wants Australia to adopt its so-called “geographical indications” approach to protect the names of European products. It has listed 170 food names and 236 spirit names for Australia to give up.

    The EU argues Australia should allow only Greek feta to be sold here; currently Australian, Greek, Danish and Bulgarian feta are all sold in our shops. It also wants the names prosecco and parmesan reserved for European producers.

    Australia approaches food product labels differently, mainly through consumer protection laws. Further, there is little culture of fraud here, while the European system was originally introduced for wines because of widespread fraud, before it spread to food products.

    Problems arise with the specific food and spirit names the EU wants reserved for their producers. Australia argues these are common names for the food items and we shouldn’t lose access to them.

    Intellectual property privileges limit what other producers can do. So there is always a process to allow other parties to object. Our trade agreements also provide for objections processes.

    In 2019, the Australian government called for producers to raise any objections, but provided no follow-up and no process for the resolution of objections. Producers have received no feedback. This denies those affected by the European naming demands access to due process of law.

    The problem with parmesan

    The worst problems are with the common names that, in Australia, are recognised as generic product names.

    Prosecco grapes growing in the Veneto region of Italy. The EU wants to restrict use of the name prosecco.
    StevanZZ/Shutterstock

    The EU does recognise many food names as common names, such as gouda, brie, edam and camembert cheese. But they want Australia to declare that feta, parmesan and prosecco are not common names in Australia. Australian producers, retailers and consumers would disagree.

    The Europeans argue parmesan is a translation of its geographical indication, Parmigiano Reggiano. It refuses to accept that in Australia consumers recognise parmesan as the common name for a hard cheese while Parmigiano Reggiano is an Italian cheese.

    In 2024, the Singapore Court of Appeal ruled parmesan is not a translation of Parmigiano Reggiano in Singapore and is available for use in Singapore as a common name. It is also clearly recognised as a common name in the EU-Korea trade agreement.

    Carve-outs for feta producers

    Feta is not a place name (it means slice). Canada solved the feta problem in its trade deal with Europe by accepting feta as a geographical indication, but grandfathered the right of all existing Canadian producers to continue to produce and sell feta. Vietnam achieved similar safeguards.

    Australia could ask for the same deal as provided to Canada, and this would ensure no negative impacts on producers or Australian consumers. To protect Australian consumers, who are currently also able to buy Danish and Bulgarian feta, Australia should ensure this exception includes companies exporting into Australia.

    Who can make prosecco?

    Prosecco is specified as a grape variety in the 1994 Australia-Europe bilateral wine treaty, and in Italy until 2009.

    Since then the Italian government took action to privatise the name prosecco and the EU endorsed prosecco as a proprietary name.

    However, all treaties with geographical indications provisions recognise that animal breed and plant variety names should remain free for common use. Our prosecco producers make wine with the prosecco grape, and should be allowed to label it as such. Just like pinot noir is labelled as pinot noir, the grape variety, and not Burgundy, the region.

    If the EU does not provide better access to its agricultural markets, and demands naming provisions which hurt Australian dairies and consumers, and our boutique spirits industry, we would be better to walk away from the proposed treaty.

    Hazel Moir is affiliated with the Centre for European Studies in the Research School of Social Sciences at the Australian National University. From 2017-2019 she was lead researcher in a co-funded ANU and EU’s Erasmus+ Programme study which involved a meta-analysis of the available empirical evidence on the impact of GIs on farmers and regional development. The project funding was purely for research costs and involved no personal remuneration.

    John Power worked for the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry from 2003 to 2019. He contributed to negotiations of the 2010 Australia-EU Trade in Wine Agreement and Australia’s FTAs. John led the amendments of the Wine Australia Act 2013 that introduced an objections process for wine GIs. In 2020 he joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as a GI specialist negotiator.

    – ref. Australia should stand up for our feta and prosecco in trade talks with the EU – https://theconversation.com/australia-should-stand-up-for-our-feta-and-prosecco-in-trade-talks-with-the-eu-258392

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: New ultra-high voltage project begins operation to deliver power from Xinjiang to Chongqing

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

    New ultra-high voltage project begins operation to deliver power from Xinjiang to Chongqing

    BEIJING, June 10 — The State Grid Corporation of China on Tuesday announced the operation of the ±800 kV ultra-high voltage direct current transmission project linking eastern Xinjiang’s Hami with southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality.

    This marks China’s third major project to transmit electricity from the energy-rich Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region to other parts of the country.

    The transmission line spans 2,260 kilometers and is supported by 14.2 million kilowatts of installed power capacity, including 10.2 million kilowatts from wind, solar photovoltaic, and solar thermal sources. New energy accounts for over 70 percent of the total capacity.

    Xinjiang serves as a key sending hub in China’s west-to-east power transmission program. The new line is expected to deliver more than 36 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually to Chongqing’s power load center, significantly enhancing the municipality’s energy supply capacity.

    It is also expected to contribute to economic development in both Xinjiang and Chongqing, enhance regional coordinated development, facilitate rural revitalization, and help improve public welfare, the corporation said.

    The corporation now operates the world’s largest ultra-high-voltage transmission network, providing strong support for ensuring a secure and reliable power supply and advancing green, low-carbon development.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Finke Desert Race 2025

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Members of the Northern Territory Police Force were generally pleased with the behaviour of attendees at the Finke Desert Race over the long weekend. Police were deployed across the weekend to support event officials and other emergency services in maintaining spectator and competitor safety.

    The Territory Road Policing Division, comprised of members from both Darwin and Southern Traffic Operations, achieved the following results:

    • 2629 negative alcohol breath tests
    • 13 positive alcohol breath tests
    • 42 negative drug tests
    • 10 positive drug tests
    • 7 arrests
    • 8 notices to appear issued
    • 254 traffic infringement notices issued

    Police would like to thank road users for their cooperation and understanding.

    Around 12:50pm on Monday 9 June, police arrested a 60-year-old man who had allegedly been previously instructed by event officials to move at least 30-metres away from the racetrack. He was later sighted by police within 30-metres of the track within a clearly marked area. He subsequently was issued a Notice to Appear in the Alice Springs Local Court and directed not to return to the event area.

    Superintendent Michael Budge said, “Overall, we were happy with the conduct of attendees and hope everyone enjoyed the long weekend.

    “Police would like to remind the public of drone regulations at events that involve helicopters or other aircraft.

    “Throughout the event, police and officials responded to multiple reports of drones being operated within the airspace surrounding the course. Due to the nature of the event, helicopters are required to fly at low altitudes and in close proximity to the track to conduct safety sweeps and facilitate medical evacuations.

    “The presence of drones in this environment poses a serious collision risk to aircraft and their occupants, and we’re thankful that no such incident occurred.”

    For more information on drone regulations, visit: https://www.casa.gov.au/knowyourdrone/drone-rules.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Result of the Daily Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction held on June 10, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Tenor 1-day
    Notified Amount (in ₹ crore) 25,000
    Total amount of bids received (in ₹ crore) 3,853
    Amount allotted (in ₹ crore) 3,853
    Cut off Rate (%) 5.51
    Weighted Average Rate (%) 5.51
    Partial Allotment Percentage of bids received at cut off rate (%) NA

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2025-2026/518

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Symposium on “One State – Two Systems” Held in Beijing

    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 10 (Xinhua) — An academic symposium on “one country, two systems” was held in Beijing on Monday to mark the fifth anniversary of the enactment of the Law on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR).

    The event was attended by about 100 guests, experts and scholars from mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions, as well as 11 countries including the UK, Portugal and Malaysia.

    The symposium, hosted by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, included sub-forums on topics such as the theory and practice of national security legislation, national security and economic development, and national security and social governance.

    The guests and scholars present agreed that the Law on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has played a comprehensive and fundamental role in curbing unrest in Hong Kong, ensuring the implementation of the “one country, two systems” policy, and promoting economic development and human rights protection in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

    The Law on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is a model for maintaining and improving the “one country, two systems” policy, said symposium participants, adding that the law has not only played a decisive role in restoring order and ensuring prosperity in Hong Kong, but has also served as a valuable guide for other countries and regions in shaping their legal systems related to national security.

    According to the guests and scholars present, the successful implementation of the “one state – two systems” course will open up new prospects for advancing global governance. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s Defense Ministry Warns DPP Administration That US Weapons Won’t Save Taiwan

    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 10 (Xinhua) — Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Jiang Bin on Monday warned Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration that U.S. weapons will not save them and seeking outside help to support “Taiwan independence” is doomed to fail.

    Jiang Bin made this comment at the request of journalists on reports that the United States is supplying Taiwan with a new batch of M1A2 tanks and plans to increase arms sales to Taiwan over the next four years.

    The reporters’ request also cited a former US military official as saying there were about 500 American troops in Taiwan, more than ten times the number previously released by the US Congress.

    “This is further convincing evidence that the US side and the separatist forces advocating ‘Taiwan independence’ are violating China’s core interests, trying to change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait region and promote escalation of tensions in the region,” Jiang Bin said.

    The Taiwan issue lies at the core of China’s core interests and is the first red line in Sino-US relations that must not be crossed, he confirmed.

    “We urge the American side to stop its military collusion with Taiwan in any form. Otherwise, it will bring trouble upon itself, and what it gains will not compensate for what it loses,” Jiang Bin said.

    The People’s Liberation Army will continue to strengthen its military training and combat readiness and comprehensively enhance its ability to win the war, Jiang Bin stressed, adding that China will take resolute measures to defeat secessionist activities aimed at achieving “Taiwan independence” and thwart plans of external interference. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The number of China-Europe freight trains sent from China has exceeded 110 thousand.

    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

    JINAN, June 10 (Xinhua) — The 110,000th freight train to operate on the China-Europe international freight train route departed from Qingdao in east China’s Shandong Province on Tuesday morning, marking a milestone in the high-quality development of the railway service.

    The train, loaded with 55 containers of home appliances worth nearly 20 million yuan (about $2.78 million), including LCD monitors and refrigerators, will leave China through the Ereen Port in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, the largest land border crossing on the China-Mongolia border, and is expected to arrive in Europe in 17 days, according to Gao Yitian, an employee of the Jiaozhou branch of the Jinan Railway Logistics Center.

    Over the past decade, China-Europe freight rail services have expanded significantly, with not only the number of trains leaving China increasing but also the range of goods carried expanding, Gao Yitian said, adding that the international logistics network in Shandong not only transports Chinese export products but also cross-border goods from Japan, the Republic of Korea and Southeast Asian countries.

    “I believe these trains will continue to deliver more Made in China products while providing better services to Belt and Road countries and their people,” Gao Yitian added.

    Currently, China-Europe routes link 128 Chinese cities with 229 cities in 26 European countries and more than 100 cities in 11 Asian countries. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Lightning: Xi Jinping Calls on China, South Korea to Jointly Safeguard Multilateralism, Free Trade, and Ensure Stability and Smooth Operation of Global Industrial and Supply Chains

    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

    Xinhua | 10. 06. 2025

    Key words: China,Republic of Korea

    Source: Xinhua

    Flash: Xi Jinping Calls on China, South Korea to Jointly Safeguard Multilateralism, Free Trade, and Ensure Stability and Smoothness of Global Industrial and Supply Chains Flash: Xi Jinping Calls on China, South Korea to Jointly Safeguard Multilateralism, Free Trade, and Ensure Stability and Smoothness of Global Industrial and Supply Chains

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Urgent: China, ROK Should Elevate Strategic Cooperation and Partnership to Higher Level – Xi Jinping

    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 10 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping said Tuesday that China and the Republic of Korea (ROK) need to take their strategic partnership to a higher level.

    Xi Jinping made the statement during telephone talks with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung.

    China and the ROK should bring more certainty to the regional and international situation, he said, adding that the two countries should jointly safeguard multilateralism and free trade, and ensure the stability and smoothness of global and regional supply chains. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: ‘Above our expectations’ – Aucklanders borrow millions of library books over past year

    Source: Auckland Council

    Auckland Council Libraries are leading the way lifting literacy across Tāmaki Makaurau with a stack of activities, support and smart technology.

    With 56 local libraries across the Auckland region, a fleet of mobile libraries on the road and borrowing available online, Aucklanders have access to the largest public library network in Australasia.

    Auckland Council Libraries carry a whopping 3.4 million items available to borrow or view for free. Anyone with a library card can access the collection, thanks to a network of specialist teams and technology constantly moving items around the region on request. 

    Head of Library and Learning Services Catherine Leonard says customer demand for requests across the collection is strong, with between 12,000 to 15,000 items moving through the central book sorting system each day.

    “On top of that, we’ve had an incredible 14 million items borrowed in total over 12 months and our visitor numbers have climbed to 6.75 million so far this financial year, which is well above our expectations,” Catherine says.

    E-books continue to gain popularity with 5 million checkouts in 2024, which places Auckland Council Libraries in the top ten eLending libraries worldwide.

    On top of the borrowing figures, Catherine says a key indicator that things are going well for regional library services is the customer feedback they receive. Over the past two years, customer satisfaction has consistently hit 90 per cent or higher and is currently sitting at 93 per cent.

    To keep the momentum going, Auckland Council Libraries team has adopted a new three-year service plan (2025-2028), which includes key priorities to inspire creativity, learning and discovery.

    This ensures our region-wide focus consistently supports those aspects of community wellbeing that libraries uniquely hold, says Catherine.

    Every day, Auckland Council librarians support literacy by encouraging reading. They work hard to make sure everyone has access to the safe and inclusive environments of libraries and the wide array of resources they hold.

    Other priorities include improving participation, championing Mātauranga Māori and celebrating cultural identity.

    An innovative content-creation and publishing programme launched in 2000 has led to the creation of 20 bilingual books to fill a gap in the collection for Māori and Pacific readers, 16 documentary films, 10 podcasts and a range of other material including virtual reality content.

    Catherine says demand for free digital equipment and library programmes continues to grow. All Aucklanders have unlimited access to public computers, internet, printing and Wi-Fi when visiting their local libraries.

    For researchers, Auckland Central City Library contains a treasure trove of resources with one of the largest collections of heritage and research materials in the country. Access to rare and precious taonga (manuscripts, historical maps, photographs, rare books) can be easily arranged.

    “Our staff are always looking for new ideas and developments in libraries to improve and engage new customers. Responding to feedback continues to be a priority for us, and the hugely-popular Bestie collection celebrating local authors is an example of this. We have just launched a new board game collection and plans for a Bestie collection for children are on track with the collection set to be launched towards the end of the year,” she adds.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Be vigilant: Fake Police scam doing the rounds again

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Real Police officers are warning Kiwis to be vigilant of cold callers posing as Police officers, as a pesky scam rears its head.

    In the past year, Police have worked quickly to warn the public as these scam calls emerged.

    Waitematā CIB’s acting Detective Senior Sergeant Ben Bergin says, “unsuspecting victims are essentially being called out of the blue under a ruse”.

    “The story changes slightly, but it will usually involve some sort of investigation and this ‘officer’ will report having located a valuable item of yours, such as a passport.

    “He will need your help or ask for your personal information. 

    “The caller speaks with an English accent and provides a bogus ID number to the victim.”

    If you receive a phone call such as this, Police advise the public to be extremely cautious.

    Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Bergin says previous iterations of this scam has involved scammers asking people to withdraw cash as part of ‘an investigation’ or handing over bank details.

    Police made several arrests last year over the scam.

    “We strongly advise that you hang up,” he says.

    “From time-to-time, Police officers may contact you as part of their genuine duties.

    “It can be a bit surprising to receive a call unexpectantly, so stop and think if you get a far-fetched story shared down the telephone line.”

    In the past week, Police have received reports from Kiwis on both islands, including: Warkworth, Riverhead, Royal Oak, Ngaruawahia and in the Clutha and Queenstown-Lakes districts.

    “Fortunately, at this stage we are not aware of any victims losing money,” acting Detective Senior Sergeant Bergin says.

    “Those recipients have done the right thing and ended the call and reported it to the real Police.”

    If you have received a similar call, please report this to Police online now or call 105.

    Important advice from New Zealand Police:

    – Police will never ask for your bank details, pin numbers or banking log in.
    – Police do not offer prize money
    – Police will never ask you to go to a bank and withdraw your own cash
    – Stop and think: If the call seems off, hang up and call 105 to verify the officer’s identity, or request a callback.

    ENDS. 

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New Secretary to the Treasury

    Source: Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry

    I welcome the Prime Minister’s announcement today that Jenny Wilkinson will serve as the next Secretary to the Treasury and I thank him for the way he has involved and included Katy Gallagher and me in his decision.

    I am really excited by this opportunity to work even more closely with Jenny, whose contribution as the Secretary of the Department of Finance has been instrumental to our first four budgets and so much of the broader work of our government.

    I’m so grateful to Steven Kennedy for our very close and effective partnership over the past three years, for his friendship over a much longer period, for his service to my predecessor as well, and for the chance to work with him now in his new role.

    It was such a valued opportunity to work with him at Treasury.

    Steven and Jenny are the best of the best. Outstanding public servants and even better people. I’m really happy for them both and they should be very proud.

    Australia was incredibly fortunate to have someone of Steven’s calibre leading the Treasury, and is just as fortunate having him now lead the Australian Public Service.

    I pay tribute again to outgoing Prime Minister and Cabinet Secretary Glyn Davis, another friend, and thank him for his friendship and service.

    Jenny will make history as the first woman to lead the Treasury. Under our government women now lead the Treasury, Reserve Bank and Productivity Commission all for the first time.

    Jenny is one of Australia’s most distinguished and experienced economists and public servants and has served with distinction under governments of both political persuasions.

    I am really pleased that someone with her skills and experience will guide and lead the department, as we continue to develop and implement our economic agenda.

    Jenny holds a Masters Degree in Public Affairs from Princeton University, a Bachelors Degree in Economics (with Honours) from the Australian National University, and was awarded a Public Service Medal in 2021.

    Thank you Steven and Jenny for agreeing to serve and to the Prime Minister for appointing them to these key roles at such an important time.

    MIL OSI News –

  • Russia’s latest drone strikes hit Kyiv, maternity ward in Odesa, Ukraine says

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Russia launched another prolonged drone attack on Ukraine, killing one person and damaging swathes of Kyiv as well as striking a maternity ward in the southern port of Odesa, regional officials said early on Tuesday.

    The overnight strikes followed Russia’s biggest drone assault on Ukraine on Monday – part of stepped-up operations that Moscow said were retaliatory measures for Kyiv’s recent brazen attacks in Russia.

    At least four people were hospitalised as a result of the hours-long attacks that hit seven of the city’s 10 districts, city officials said.

    “You can’t break Ukrainians with terror,” Andriy Yermak, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s chief of staff, said in a Telegram post after the attacks.

    Air raid alerts in Kyiv and most Ukrainian regions lasted five hours until around 5 a.m. (0200 GMT), according to military data.

    “A difficult night for all of us,” Timur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv’s military district, said on Telegram. “Throughout the night, the enemy relentlessly terrorized Kyiv with attack drones. They targeted civilian infrastructure and peaceful residents of the city.”

    The attack sparked fires in residential and non-residential neighbourhoods and open space areas, city officials said. Reuters’ witnesses heard and saw countless loud explosions shaking the city and lighting the night sky.

    Photos and videos posted on Telegram channels showed heavy smoke rising in the darkness in different parts of Kyiv. The scale of the attack was not immediately known.

    Moscow has dramatically increased the pace of its attacks on Ukraine following Kyiv’s strikes on strategic bombers at air bases inside Russia on June 1. Moscow also blamed Kyiv for bridge explosions on the same day that killed seven and injured scores.

    The attacks come despite pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump on both sides to move towards a resolution on the war. Moscow and Kyiv returned to negotiations for the first time in more than three years, but outside an agreement on the exchange of war prisoners, there has been no tangible progress.

    In addition to swarms of drones and missiles launched in recent days, Russia has also been advancing further on the ground along the frontline in eastern Ukraine, claiming on Tuesday to take more territory there.

    In the southern port of Odesa, a “massive” overnight drone attack targeted an emergency medical building and a maternity ward, as well as residential buildings, Oleh Kiper, governor of the broader Odesa region, said on Telegram.

    A 59-year-old man was killed in the attack on a residential area, and four people were injured, but patients and staff were safely evacuated from the maternity hospital, Kiper said.

    He posted photos of broken windows in what looked like a medical facility and of damage to the facade of several buildings.

    Both sides deny targeting civilians in the war. But thousands of civilians have been killed in the conflict, the vast majority of them Ukrainian.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-Evening Report: Australia’s government is pledging better protection for our vulnerable seas – but will it work?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Carissa Klein, Associate Professor in Conservation Biology, The University of Queensland

    Nigel Marsh/Getty

    Ahead of this week’s crucial United Nations ocean conference, federal Environment Minister Murray Watt promised that by 2030, 30% of Australian waters would be “highly protected”.

    This is a telling pledge. After all, 52% of Australian waters are now protected following years of rapid expansion. But many are “paper parks” – lines on a map with very little real protection.

    Watt is proposing to expand the area under gold-standard protection, meaning fishing, mining and drilling would be banned inside the parks. This is welcome. But it must be done strategically, protecting ecologically representative and high biodiversity areas.

    If Watt is serious, he must ensure these upgraded marine parks cover poorly protected habitats important for biodiversity. These include shallow coastal zones, submarine canyons, seamounts and rocky reefs on the continental shelf. It’s not just about protecting 30% of the seas – marine parks must protect the full range of species and habitats in Australia.

    Bottom trawling and other fishing practices can do great damage to underwater ecosystems.
    mjstudio.lt/Shutterstock

    Impressive on paper

    Australia’s waters cover all five of the world’s climate zones, from the coral reefs of the tropics to the icy shores of Antarctica. At least 33,000 marine species are found in the nation’s marine boundaries – the most on Earth. Australia also has the most endemic marine species.

    For more than 30 years, successive federal and state governments in Australia have claimed global leadership roles in conserving ocean areas. Just last year, the Albanese government claimed the latest expansion meant Australia now protected “more ocean than any other country on earth”.

    When 196 countries committed to the goal of “30% by 2030” – the effective protection and management of at least 30% of the world’s coastal and marine areas by decade’s end – Australia was already well past that in terms of the size of areas considered marine protected areas.

    About 45% of marine waters were protected in 2022, up from 7% in 2002. Now that figure is 52%.

    Job done? Not even close. Even as Australia’s marine protected areas have rapidly expanded, marine species populations have shrunk while entire ecosystems hover on the brink.

    More than half of Australia’s marine parks allow commercial fishing and mining. The latest large protection around the sub-Antarctic Heard and McDonald Islands doesn’t give strong protection to species-rich areas such as seamounts and undersea canyons.

    Losses everywhere

    Tasmania’s giant kelp forests once ringed the island state. At least 95% have vanished since the 1990s, wiped out by warmer waters and voracious sea urchins.

    Before European settlement, oyster reefs carpeted shallow sea floors in temperate east coast waters. But 99% of these have gone.

    Half the Great Barrier Reef’s coral cover died between 1995 and 2017 – a period with only two mass bleaching events. Bleaching has become more regular and more severe since then.

    Many marine species are in serious trouble. The most comprehensive assessment to date found populations of 57% of species living on coral, rocky and kelp reefs had fallen between 2011 and 2021. In 2020, a Tasmanian endemic species, the smooth handfish, became the first marine fish officially listed as extinct on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

    As the oceans get hotter, coral reefs are forecast to be wiped out. Poor marine water quality is drowning coastal species and ecosystems in sediments, nutrients, chemicals, and pathogens, including in The Great Barrier Reef.

    That’s not to say marine park expansion and other government efforts have been worthless. Far from it.

    Some whales have rebounded strongly due to the moratorium on commercial whaling. Good management of the southern bluefin tuna led to its removal from the threatened species list last year.

    Efforts to phase out gill net fishing are bearing fruit, while water quality has improved a little in the Great Barrier Reef.

    But these wins don’t offset an overall rapid decline.

    Action needed on climate and improving marine parks

    Giving Australia’s marine parks better protection won’t solve the problem of hotter, more acidic oceans due to climate change.

    Australia’s current emission target is consistent with a 2°C warming pathway. That level of warming would mean the loss of 99% of the world’s coral reefs.

    Australia is one of the world’s biggest producers of coal and liquefied natural gas and still has one of the world’s highest rates of land clearing, accounting for up to 12% of the country’s total emissions in some years.

    Protecting life in the seas means Australia must dramatically reduce emissions, end widespread land clearing and halt the approval of new coal and gas projects.

    Better protection inside marine parks will stop other major threats, such as seabed mining, gas and oil exploration and fishing.

    To date, Australia’s marine parks with high levels of protection are typically in remote areas with minimal human activity threatening biodiversity.

    From paper parks to real conservation leadership

    For decades, Australian leaders have touted their efforts to protect the seas. It’s now abundantly clear that paper protection isn’t enough.

    To arrest the steep decline in marine life, Australia must properly protect its marine areas by preventing fishing and mining in areas important for all marine species, while expanding its highly protected marine parks to save unprotected ecosystems.

    Minister Watt’s pledge is welcome. But it must actually prevent damaging human activities such as fishing and oil and gas extraction which are major contributors to the extinction crisis.

    Leaders must also focus on sustainable production and consumption of seafood and ramp up their ambition to tackle climate change and marine pollution.

    If Australia continues to expand paper parks without doing the hard work of genuine protection, it will set a dangerous precedent.

    Carissa Klein receives funding from the Australian Research Council

    James Watson has received funding from the Australian Research Council, National Environmental Science Program, South Australia’s Department of Environment and Water, Queensland’s Department of Environment, Science and Innovation as well as from Bush Heritage Australia, Queensland Conservation Council, Australian Conservation Foundation, The Wilderness Society and Birdlife Australia. He serves on the scientific committee of BirdLife Australia and has a long-term scientific relationship with Bush Heritage Australia and Wildlife Conservation Society. He serves on the Queensland government’s Land Restoration Fund’s Investment Panel as the Deputy Chair.

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

    – ref. Australia’s government is pledging better protection for our vulnerable seas – but will it work? – https://theconversation.com/australias-government-is-pledging-better-protection-for-our-vulnerable-seas-but-will-it-work-258286

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi urges China, S. Korea to take strategic cooperative partnership to higher level

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

    Xi urges China, S. Korea to take strategic cooperative partnership to higher level

    BEIJING, June 10 — Chinese President Xi Jinping said Tuesday that China and South Korea should promote their strategic cooperative partnership to a higher level.

    Xi made the remarks during his talks with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung over phone.

    China and South Korea should inject more certainty into regional and international landscape, he said, adding that the two countries should jointly safeguard multilateralism and free trade, and ensure stable and smooth global and regional industrial and supply chains.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: SCIO briefs media on innovation-driven development in Jiangsu

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

    SCIO briefs media on innovation-driven development in Jiangsu

    China SCIO | June 10, 2025

    Organized by the State Council Information Office (SCIO), a media trip kicked off on June 9 in eastern China’s Jiangsu province, with over 40 journalists exploring the province’s innovation-driven development. Foreign correspondents from the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain, the Netherlands, Indonesia, Turkey, South Korea, Japan, and Brazil joined the three-day trip. 

    A press briefing was held Monday, where Ma Xin, a member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China Jiangsu Provincial Committee and executive vice governor of Jiangsu province, briefed the media and answered questions.

    On June 9, 2025, the State Council Information Office holds a press briefing in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, about the province’s progress in innovation-driven development. [Photo by Luan Haijun/China SCIO]

    1   2   3   4   5   6   7   >  

    MIL OSI China News –

  • Market trade flat after early gains; US-China talks in focus

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Equity benchmarks opened higher on Tuesday, extending their winning streak for a fifth consecutive session, but pared early gains to trade largely flat as investors awaited the outcome of key US-China talks.

    At 9:17 a.m., the BSE Sensex was up 28.49 points or 0.03% at 82,473.70, while the NSE Nifty rose 21.15 points or 0.08% to 25,124.35.

    Technology, metal, and media stocks led sectoral gains, while banking counters witnessed mild selling pressure amid profit booking. Broader markets outperformed, with both midcap and smallcap indices rising up to 0.5%, reflecting broader participation.

    Akshay Chinchalkar, Head of Research at Axis Securities, said Monday’s performance was a continuation of Friday’s breakout. “Whether the index is breaking out of a pennant or a rectangle pattern, the implication is bullish with a target of 25,800. The 25,200 level is crucial on the upside, and as long as the index holds above 24,800, the momentum remains with the bulls,” he said, adding that the outcome of US-China talks could be the next major trigger.

    Vikram Kasat, Head of Advisory at PL Capital, said while efforts to ease tensions between the US and China are welcome, a comprehensive deal could take longer to materialise. “Investors are also eyeing progress on agreements with other trading partners,” he added.

    Analysts noted that with valuations stretched after the recent rally, selective profit booking may be prudent to guard against potential volatility.

    Globally, Wall Street ended marginally higher on Monday, supported by gains in Amazon and Alphabet, as markets closely monitored developments in US-China negotiations. Asian shares also edged up on hopes of a positive outcome.

    On the institutional front, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) continued to support the market, buying equities worth ₹1,992 crore on Monday. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) were net buyers for the 15th straight session, purchasing stocks worth ₹3,503 crore.

    — IANS