Source: Council of the European Union
Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/966 of 20 May 2025 amending Decision (CFSP) 2024/2643 concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s destabilising activities.
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
India has called for sweeping reforms to the World Trade Organization (WTO) during a high-level mini-ministerial meeting of 25 member countries in Paris, pressing for action against non-tariff barriers and the restoration of the WTO’s stalled dispute settlement mechanism. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal outlined India’s vision for a modernized WTO, emphasizing the need to address trade distortions and bolster multilateral governance ahead of the organization’s crucial ministerial conference next year.
Speaking to reporters after the Australia-convened meeting, Goyal detailed India’s three-pronged reform agenda: tackling non-tariff barriers that restrict market access, addressing distortions caused by non-market economies, and reviving the WTO’s dispute settlement system, which has been paralyzed since 2009 due to U.S. opposition to appellate body appointments. The minister stressed the importance of preserving the WTO’s consensus-based decision-making and special treatment for developing nations, which India views as cornerstones of the organization’s legitimacy.
The dysfunctional dispute settlement system has left countries without a mechanism to resolve trade disputes, undermining the WTO’s enforcement capabilities. While some members have proposed the Multi-Party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement (MPIA) as a temporary solution, Goyal expressed doubts about its effectiveness. “Only one or two members spoke about it, but there doesn’t seem to be much consensus or traction. I haven’t heard of any cases resolved through MPIA,” he remarked.
India also firmly opposed efforts to expand the WTO’s mandate beyond traditional trade issues, particularly rejecting a China-led Investment Facilitation for Development proposal supported by 128 countries. Goyal argued that such initiatives risk fragmenting the multilateral system and creating divisions among members. “Issues mandated at the WTO should take priority and be resolved first. Non-trade issues should not be introduced, as they would deepen differences,” he said.
The Paris discussions also tackled longstanding challenges, including agricultural trade reforms and environmental concerns. Key priorities included finding permanent solutions for public food grain stockholding programs and addressing overfishing practices that threaten marine ecosystems. Goyal emphasized resolving existing mandated issues before introducing new frameworks, reflecting India’s focus on completing unfinished business.
Despite growing tensions within the 166-member organization, Goyal dismissed claims of an existential crisis for the WTO. “One should not jump to conclusions about a crisis,” he said, advocating for pragmatic solutions within existing frameworks. He highlighted a collective resolve among participating countries to strengthen the WTO, respect its core principles, and promote global trade growth.
(With ANI inputs)
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The book festival will take place from June 4 to 7, 2025 on Red Square in Moscow.
Dear friends!
I am glad to welcome you to the main square of the capital, which has become these days the center of attraction for all who love to read, as well as representatives of the book industry, writers and poets, publishers, and librarians.
Every year this large-scale celebration, which is held on the birthday of Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin and Russian Language Day, is gaining more and more popularity. Participants and guests get acquainted with literary novelties, long-awaited works of favorite authors, rare editions, communicate with masters of the word, exchange creative ideas.
In the year of the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory, preserving historical memory and countering attempts to falsify it acquire special significance. It is thanks to books about the war that the younger generation can imagine the events of those years, learn about the courage and heroism of the people who defended their Fatherland, and about the greatest feats of the Soviet people. This is not just a tribute to the past, but the foundation of our future, a guarantee that such tragedies will never be repeated.
I wish you interesting meetings and new discoveries, all the best.
M. Mishustin
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As reported by Maksim Liksutov, a single trip using biometric payment costs 63 rubles. In comparison, payment via the «Wallet» ticket is 4 rubles more expensive, and payment by bank card costs 11 rubles more.
Biometrics by the Numbers:
– Over 400,000 users
– More than 160,000 trips every weekday
– 156 million entries since the service’s launch
Nowhere in the world is the most innovative biometric payment method as extensively and conveniently developed as it is in Moscow. Importantly, this is an absolutely secure service with bank-level protection. All data is reliably encrypted. By the end of this year, following the directive of Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin, we will enable facial recognition payment at all metro turnstiles, — added Maksim Liksutov.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
A total of 3,009 Afghan families with 12,724 members returned to their homeland from neighboring Iran and Pakistan from Sunday to Tuesday, Afghanistan’s High Commission for Addressing Returnees Problems said Wednesday.
The refugees have come home via the Torkham border crossing in eastern Nangarhar province, the Spin Boldak border crossing in southern Kandahar province, the Islam Qala border crossing in western Herat province, and the Abrisham border crossing in western Nimroz province, it said.
A total of 500,000 Afghan refugees have returned to their homeland, Afghanistan, from the neighboring countries in April and May, according to the UNHCR report.
Nearly 7 million Afghan refugees, most of whom are undocumented migrants, are currently living abroad, with most living in Iran and Pakistan.
The authorities of both countries have asked undocumented foreign nationals to end their illegal stay and return to their homes.
Source: Toyota
Headline: [Toyota Times] Chairman Toyoda Set to Be Appointed to the Top Position: The History of the Automobile Business Association of Japan and Its Enduring Vision
Chairman Akio Toyoda is slated to be the next chairman of the Automobile Business Association of Japan (ABAJ). For this special program, we welcomed the executive director of ABAJ to the studio to discuss the association’s purpose and history.
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
The first kindergarten built using advanced large-module construction technology has opened in Moscow. Sergei Sobyanin reported this on his Telegram channel.
“Such buildings are assembled like a construction set: super-large modules are delivered to the site and assembled in a short time. A significant part of the production cycle takes place on
factory. This allows us to guarantee the quality of the facility,” the Mayor of Moscow noted.
Source: Sergei Sobyanin’s Telegram channel @mos_sobyanin
An important advantage is the durability and high degree of readiness immediately after production of such modules. They have all the necessary embedded parts for engineering systems, so their installation does not take much time – as well as facade and finishing works.
Thus, thanks to innovative technologies, it was possible to reduce the construction time of the facility while maintaining its quality and ensuring the durability of the building.
A new kindergarten for 300 children in Izmailovo with an area of 4.5 thousand square meters was built using funds from the Moscow City Targeted Investment Program. The above-ground part of the building required 114 modules, which were installed in just two weeks. For comparison, this stage of construction usually takes six to nine months.
The three-story kindergarten has everything you need: it has 12 groups, sleeping areas, a gym and music room, a spacious lobby, and changing rooms. In addition, the building has a medical block and a full-cycle food block, administrative offices, and a security room. The interiors are decorated with paintings, and the facade is done in a calm color scheme.
Sergei Sobyanin: Schools and kindergartens in Moscow are built with a unique designSchools, kindergartens and clinics: investors are building 194 social facilities in the capital
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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
https: //vv.mos.ru/mayor/tkhemes/12902050/
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
On June 6, the exhibition pavilion “Moscow Model” will host a large-scale cultural program dedicated to Russian Language Day and the 226th anniversary of the birth of Alexander Pushkin. This was reported by the Minister of the Moscow Government, head of the capital’s Department of Urban Development Policy Vladislav Ovchinsky.
Interactive tours of Pushkin’s Moscow, lighting shows with poems about the capital, and quizzes with memorable prizes have been prepared for guests. Participation in the festive events is free, no registration is required.
“Citizens and guests of the capital will be able to immerse themselves in the poet’s era with the help of interactive excursions and lighting shows. This is a great way to learn more about the places associated with Pushkin’s life and work in our city. This Friday, guests will learn where the poet was born and lived, in which house he first read his drama “Boris Godunov”, as well as many other interesting facts about Alexander Sergeevich’s stay in the capital. The excursion program is scheduled for 12:10, 14:10, 16:10 and 18:10,” said Vladislav Ovchinsky.
Everyone will be able to test their knowledge of Pushkin’s Moscow at quizzes after the tour. They will be held at 12:40, 14:40, 16:40 and 18:40. For poetry lovers, there will be lighting shows with poems about Moscow, musical accompaniment and bright video footage every half hour from 11:00 to 19:30.
You can visit the Moscow Model pavilion free of charge from 10:00 to 20:00 daily, except Mondays.
You can find detailed information, view the schedule of light shows, and sign up for excursions at website, via the mobile application “Moscow Model” or by phone: 7 925 237-37-28 and 7 925 237-37-29.
Get the latest news quickly official 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
https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/154790073/
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –
Researchers from the Higher School of Economics and AIRI have proposed a method for quickly fine-tuning neural networks: data is processed in groups, which are then mixed in an optimal way to improve their interaction. The method copes better than its analogues with generating and analyzing images, and fine-tuning text models. At the same time, it requires less memory and training time. Results The works were presented at the NeurIPS 2024 conference.
The larger the neural network, the more difficult it is to quickly adjust it to a new task. Retraining a model from scratch is long and expensive. Therefore, developers are looking for low-cost ways to adapt it to a specific task while maintaining the overall quality of the original version.
One of them is fine-tuning using orthogonal matrices: unlike alternative approaches, they preserve important features of the original model. But popular options like block-diagonal or butterfly matrices have drawbacks: they are either limited or require a lot of calculations.
Researchers Faculty of Computer Science HSE and AIRI have proposed a new method for constructing matrices, which they call “Group-and-Shuffle”. Instead of working with all the data, they divide its parameters into small groups, process each one separately, and shuffle them together. This structure turned out to be both flexible and compact: it helps the model to more accurately adapt to the task, but at the same time requires less computation and memory.
Based on GS matrices, the researchers developed the GSOFT method, a new implementation of orthogonal fine-tuning of neural networks. Unlike previous approaches, GSOFT uses fewer parameters, but maintains stability and training quality even with a small amount of data. The team also proposed a two-sided version of the method, Double GSOFT, which allows you to change the parameters on both sides at once, increasing the flexibility and accuracy of the model.
“We figured out how to form orthogonal matrices using just two matrices of a special type, rather than five or six as in previous approaches. This saves resources and training time,” explains Nikolai Yudin, a research intern Scientific and educational laboratory of matrix and tensor methods in machine learning National Research University Higher School of Economics.
The researchers tested the approach on three types of tasks. In additional training of the RoBERTa language model, the method worked better with a comparable number of parameters. In image generation, where the model must preserve the features of the original but adapt to the user’s request, GSOFT and Double GSOFT performed better than popular approaches such as LoRA and BOFT, while requiring less memory and training time.
The authors also tested their approach on convolutional neural networks, which are most often used to analyze images and videos, such as in face recognition. They adapted GS matrices even for cases where the model needs to be highly resistant to noise and distortion.
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Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed an order to extend the implementation period of the state program “Development of the military-industrial complex” until 2036.
The main goal of this program is the dynamic development of the scientific, technical, production, technological, human resources and intellectual potential of the Russian defense industry complex, as well as the expansion and implementation of its competitive advantages.
The extension of the program is connected with the need to synchronize the timing of its implementation with the timing of the implementation of the state armament program, developed on the instructions of the President for a new 10-year period.
The signed document introduces changes toby order of the Government of the Russian Federation dated November 11, 2010 No. 1950-r.
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Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova held a meeting of the organizing committee for the preparation and holding of the celebration in 2025 in accordance with the decree of President Vladimir Putin of the 800th anniversary of the founding of the city of Yuryevets in the Ivanovo region. The Governor of the Ivanovo region Stanislav Voskresensky, representatives of the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Construction, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Rosmolodezh, and Rossotrudnichestvo reported on the program of key events and readiness to celebrate the city’s anniversary.
“Yuryevets has many attractions that are important for the history of the Russian state and the history of the formation of small towns in Russia. Preparatory work for the celebration of the 800th anniversary of Yuryevets has been completed. The program of the main events of the celebration, which started on June 1 and will last until August 30 of this year, has been published. Some events related to restoration and major repairs will be completed in 2026-2027,” noted Tatyana Golikova.
The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that the plan to prepare for the celebration of the 800th anniversary of Yuryevets included 75 major events and projects financed from the federal and regional budgets. Among them are the repair of buildings, social infrastructure, street and road network, including repair of access roads, modernization of the city’s housing and utilities engineering system, improvement of urban spaces, restoration of cultural heritage sites, educational and cultural events.
To date, major repairs have been completed at the Yuryevets Secondary School and the Central District Hospital, and all six city kindergartens have been repaired. Gasification of Yuryevets, including its historical part, is underway. The Volga embankment has been completely landscaped. 11 streets in Yuryevets have been repaired, as well as regional roads approaching the city, and street lighting has been updated.
The Governor of Ivanovo Region Stanislav Voskresensky reported in detail on the program of key events for the celebration of the 800th anniversary of Yuryevets.
“There is attention to Yuryevets, people come and are interested. I hope that all this will be converted into sustainable development of a wonderful small town. We do not set a main date in the cultural program; significant events will be held all summer. I would like to draw special attention to and invite everyone to a classical music concert as part of the V International Classical Music Festival “Cantata”, which will be held on June 12, Russia Day, on the embankment, from where a beautiful view of the sights of Yuryevets and the endless Volga opens up,” said Governor Stanislav Voskresensky.
In addition, the governor noted that in accordance with the plan for preparing for the celebration of the 800th anniversary of Yuryevets, it is necessary to complete a major overhaul of the city’s heating networks, a major overhaul of the cultural center and the Vesnin Brothers Museum of Architects, and to implement a new concept for the museum’s exposition.
The program of key events to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the founding of the city of Yuryevets in the Ivanovo region included the inter-museum exhibition project “Ancient City on the Great River. For the 800th Anniversary of the Founding of Yuryevets”, exhibitions dedicated to the life and work of famous directors who lived in Yuryevets – Andrei Tarkovsky and Alexander Rowe, the forum “Small Towns. New Territories of Creative Industries”, an exhibition of Palekh icon painting and many other projects.
The Shchusev State Research Museum of Architecture in Moscow will host an exhibition entitled “The Vesnin Brothers Architects. The Beginning,” dedicated to the architectural path of the Vesnin brothers, who were born and began their work in Yuryevets.
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Source: Republic of China Taiwan
Details
2025-06-03
President Lai welcomes President Hilda C. Heine of Republic of the Marshall Islands with military honors
President Lai Ching-te welcomed President Hilda C. Heine of the Republic of the Marshall Islands and her husband on the morning of June 3 with full military honors. In remarks, President Lai thanked President Heine and the people and government of the Marshall Islands for demonstrating such high regard for our nations’ diplomatic ties. The president said that over our 27 years of diplomatic relations, our cooperation in healthcare, agriculture, fisheries, education and training, and climate change has yielded many positive results. And moving ahead, he said, Taiwan will continue to deepen collaboration across all domains for mutual prosperity and growth. The welcome ceremony began at 10:30 a.m. in the plaza fronting the Presidential Office. President Lai and President Heine each delivered remarks after a 21-gun salute, the playing of the two countries’ national anthems, and a review of the military honor guard. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: On behalf of the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), it is a great pleasure to welcome President Heine, First Gentleman Thomas Kijiner, Jr., and their delegation with full military honors as they make this state visit to Taiwan. When I traveled to the Marshall Islands on a state visit last December, I was received with great warmth and courtesy. I once again thank President Heine and the people and government of the Marshall Islands for demonstrating such high regard for our nations’ diplomatic ties. Taiwan and the Marshall Islands share Austronesian cultural traditions, and we are like-minded friends. Throughout our 27 years of diplomatic relations, we have always engaged with each other in a spirit of reciprocal trust and mutual assistance. Our cooperation in healthcare, agriculture, fisheries, education and training, and climate change has yielded many positive results. This is President Heine’s first state visit to Taiwan since taking office for a second time. We look forward to engaging our esteemed guests in in-depth discussions on issues of common concern. And moving ahead, Taiwan will continue to deepen collaboration with the Marshall Islands across all domains for mutual prosperity and growth. In closing, I thank President Heine, First Gentleman Kijiner, and their entire delegation for visiting Taiwan. I wish you all a pleasant and successful trip. A transcript of President Heine’s remarks follows: Your Excellency President Lai Ching-te, Vice President [Bi-khim] Hsiao, honorable members of the cabinet, ambassadors, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen: It is my pleasure to extend warm greetings of iokwe on behalf of the people and the government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. I wish to also convey my appreciation to Your Excellency President Lai, for the hospitality and very warm welcome – kommol tata. This visit marks my seventh official state visit to this beautiful country. It’s a testament to my strong commitment to further deepening ties between the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of China (Taiwan). During this visit, I look forward to engaging in meaningful discussions with Your Excellency President Lai to further strengthen the bilateral relationship between our two nations and our peoples. For over a quarter-century, Taiwan has been a strong ally and friend to the Marshall Islands. Our partnership has thrived across many sectors, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development. Through Taiwan’s generous support and collaboration, we have made significant progress in improving the lives of our people, empowering our communities, and fostering sustainable growth. The Marshall Islands deeply values our partnership with Taiwan and appreciates Taiwan’s support over the years. Despite our small size and limited voice on the global stage, the Marshall Islands deeply cherishes our friendship with Taiwan, and to that end, I wish to reaffirm my government’s commitment to Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the United Nations system. Taiwan has consistently demonstrated its commitment to the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. In light of current constraints in global affairs, it is now more urgent than ever that the international community of nations recognize the fundamental rights of the 23 million Taiwanese people and recognize Taiwan’s aspiration to engage fully in global affairs. It is with this in mind that I wish to reiterate to Your Excellency President Lai, the Taiwanese people, and the world that under my government, Marshall Islands will continue to acknowledge Taiwan’s contribution on the global stage and urge like-minded countries to advocate for Taiwan’s meaningful engagement in the international arena. In closing, may I once again extend our sincere appreciation to Your Excellency President Lai, the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), for your warm welcome. Also in attendance at the welcome ceremony were Charge d’Affaires a.i. Anjanette Davis-Anjel of the Embassy of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Ambassador Andrea Clare Bowman, and members of the foreign diplomatic corps in Taiwan.
Details
2025-05-29
President Lai attends 2025 Europe Day Dinner
On the evening of May 29, President Lai Ching-te attended the 2025 Europe Day Dinner. In remarks, President Lai stated that Taiwan looks forward to further establishing institutionalized mechanisms with Europe for our trade and investment ties and hopes to take an innovative and diverse approach to sign an economic partnership agreement with the European Union, to provide a more transparent, stable, and predictable business environment for our enterprises. The president said that Taiwan will actively work alongside other democracies, including those in Europe, to jointly build resilient, promising non-red supply chains, and noted that Taiwan and Europe have endless potential for collaboration, whether it is in safeguarding freedom and democracy or advancing our economic and trade relationship. He expressed hope to further strengthen our partnership and work together toward global peace, stability, and prosperity. A transcript of President Lai’s remarks follows: Chairman [Henry] Chang (張瀚書), thank you for the invitation, and congratulations on your second term. I’m confident that under your leadership, the ECCT [European Chamber of Commerce Taiwan] will build even more bridges for cooperation between Taiwan and Europe. I would also like to thank EETO [European Economic and Trade Office] Head [Lutz] Güllner and all the European country representatives stationed in Taiwan. Your hard work over the years has helped deepen Taiwan-Europe relations and brought about such fruitful cooperation. Thank you. This year we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration. In 1950, then-French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman proposed to create a European federation dedicated to preserving peace. The declaration symbolized a new flowering in the post-war era of democracy, unity, and cooperation. As we face the geopolitical challenges and drastic economic changes of today’s world, the Schuman Declaration still speaks to us profoundly. This year is also the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe. Moving forward, Taiwan will continue to advance cooperation with our democratic partners, and will join hands with Europe to build a partnership of even greater resilience and mutual trust. Europe is Taiwan’s third largest trading partner. It is also Taiwan’s largest source of foreign direct investment. Last year, bilateral trade between Taiwan and Europe totaled US$84.7 billion. This demonstrates our vibrant economic and trade ties and reflects the high levels of confidence our businesses have in each other’s markets and systems. We look forward to Taiwan and Europe further establishing institutionalized mechanisms for our trade and investment ties. And we hope to take an innovative and diverse approach to sign an economic partnership agreement with the EU, to provide a more transparent, stable, and predictable business environment for our enterprises. Today’s Taiwan has an internationally recognized democracy and a semiconductor industry vital to global security and prosperity. This enables us to play a key role in restructuring global democratic supply chains and the economic order. In particular, we see supply chains dominated by a new authoritarian bloc expanding their influence through non-market mechanisms, price subsidies, and monopolies on resources, as they seek global control of critical technologies and manufacturing capabilities. Their actions not only distort principles of market fairness, but also threaten the international community’s basic expectations for democracy, the rule of law, and corporate responsibility. In response, Taiwan will actively work alongside other democracies, including those in Europe, to jointly build resilient, promising non-red supply chains. We will also introduce an initiative on semiconductor supply chain partnerships for global democracies. This is more than a proposal for economic cooperation; it is an alliance of shared values and advanced technology. Security in the Taiwan Strait and regional peace and stability have always been issues of mutual interest for Taiwan and Europe. So here today, on behalf of all the people of Taiwan, I would like to thank the EU and European nations for continuing to take concrete actions in public support of peace and stability across the strait. Such actions are vital to regional security and prosperity. Taiwan will continue to bolster itself to achieve real peace through strength, and will work with democratic partners to safeguard freedom and democracy, thereby showing our determination for regional peace. At this critical time, Taiwan and Europe have endless potential for collaboration, whether it’s in safeguarding freedom and democracy or advancing our economic and trade relationship. I look forward to our joining hands at this strategic juncture to further strengthen our partnership and work together toward global peace, stability, and prosperity. Also in attendance at the event was British Office Taipei Representative Ruth Bradley-Jones.
Details
2025-05-28
President Lai meets US delegation led by Senator Tammy Duckworth
On the afternoon of May 28, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by United States Senator Tammy Duckworth. In remarks, President Lai thanked the US Congress and government for their longstanding and bipartisan support for Taiwan. The president stated that Taiwan will continue to strengthen cooperation with the US and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability. He pointed out that the Taiwan government has already proposed a roadmap for deepening Taiwan-US trade ties and will encourage mutual investment between Taiwanese and US businesses. He then expressed hope of deepening Taiwan-US ties and creating more niches for both sides. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I warmly welcome this delegation led by Senator Duckworth, a dear friend of Taiwan. Senator Duckworth previously visited in May last year to convey congratulations after the inauguration of myself and Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao. Your bipartisan delegation was the first group from the US Senate that I met with as president. Today, you are visiting just after the first anniversary of my taking office, demonstrating the staunch support of the US and our deep friendship. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend my sincere appreciation and greetings. And I invite you to come back and visit next year, the year after that, and every year. Taiwan and the US share the values of democracy and the rule of law and believe in free and open markets. Both sides embrace a common goal of peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. I thank the US Congress and government for their longstanding, bipartisan, and steadfast support for Taiwan. In 2021, to help Taiwan overcome the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Senator Duckworth made a special trip here to announce that the US government would be donating vaccines to Taiwan. In recent years, Senator Duckworth has also promoted the TAIWAN Security Act, STAND with Taiwan Act, and Taiwan and America Space Assistance Act in the US Congress, all of which have further deepened Taiwan-US cooperation and steadily advanced our ties. For this, I express my deepest appreciation. I want to emphasize that the people of Taiwan have an unyielding determination to protect their homeland and free and democratic way of life. Over the past year, the government and private sector have been working together to enhance Taiwan’s whole-of-society defense resilience. The government is committed to reforming national defense, and it has proposed prioritizing special budget allocations to ensure that our defense budget exceeds three percent of GDP. This will continue to bolster Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities. Moving forward, Taiwan will continue to strengthen cooperation with the US. In addition to jointly safeguarding regional peace and stability, we also aspire to deepen bilateral trade and economic ties. At the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington, DC, earlier this month, Taiwan’s delegation was once again the biggest delegation attending the event – proof positive of our close economic and trade cooperation. We have already proposed a roadmap for deepening Taiwan-US trade ties. We will narrow the trade imbalance through the procurement of energy and agricultural and other industrial products from the US. We will encourage mutual investment between Taiwanese and US businesses to stimulate industrial development on both sides, especially in such industries as national defense and shipbuilding. We therefore look forward to Congress passing the US-Taiwan Expedited Double-Tax Relief Act as soon as possible, as this would deepen Taiwan-US trade ties and create more niches for business. In closing, I once again thank Senator Duckworth for making the trip to Taiwan. Let us continue to work together to elevate Taiwan-US ties. I wish you a pleasant and successful visit. Senator Duckworth then delivered remarks, saying that she is happy to be back in Taiwan and that she wanted to make sure to come back just after President Lai’s one-year anniversary of taking office to show the dedication and the outstanding friendship that we have. She noted that because no matter who is in the White House, no matter which political party is in power in Washington, DC, she has always believed that if America wants to remain a leader on the global stage, it has to show up for friends like Taiwan. Senator Duckworth mentioned that in the years that she has been coming to Taiwan since pre-COVID times, she has seen a remarkable increase in participation in its defense and the support of the Taiwanese people for defending the homeland. She then thanked Taiwan for making the commitment to its self-defense, and also for being a partner with other nations around the world. The STAND with Taiwan Act, the senator noted, is so named because the US wants to stand side by side with Taiwan. Pointing out that Taiwan is an important leader in the Indo-Pacific and on the global stage, she reiterated that there is support on both sides of the aisle in Washington for Taiwanese democracy, and added that the people of Taiwan are showing that they are willing to shore up their own readiness. Senator Duckworth said that whether it is delivering vaccines to Taiwan or making sure that the US National Guard works with Taiwan’s reserve forces or even with its civilian emergency response teams, these are all important components to the ongoing partnership between our nations. Senator Duckworth indicated that there are many great opportunities moving forward beyond our military cooperation with one another. Whether it is in chip manufacturing, agricultural investments, shipbuilding, or in the healthcare field, those investments in both nations will facilitate stability and development in both our nations. She said that is why she wants to continue the Taiwan-US relationship, underlining that they are in it for the long haul. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by American Institute in Taiwan Taipei Office Director Raymond Greene.
Details
2025-05-27
President Lai meets delegation led by US House Natural Resources Committee Chair Bruce Westerman
On the afternoon of May 27, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Chair of the Natural Resources Committee of the United States House of Representatives Bruce Westerman. In remarks, President Lai stated that Taiwan and the US enjoy close industrial exchanges and continue to explore new opportunities for investment and collaboration. The president said that Taiwan will continue to increase purchases from and together build non-red supply chains with the US, expressing hope that economic and trade relations grow even closer and that both work together to jointly safeguard peace and stability throughout the region. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I am delighted to meet and exchange views with members of the US House Committee on Natural Resources today. Chair Westerman, the leader of this delegation, is an old friend of Taiwan. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend a very warm welcome to the delegation. I also want to thank you all for your long-term close attention to Taiwan-related affairs and your strong support for Taiwan. Taiwan and the US enjoy close ties and share ideals and values. There is an excellent foundation for cooperation between us, particularly in such areas as energy, the economy and trade, agriculture and fisheries, environmental protection, and sustainable development. In recent years, Taiwan-US ties have grown closer and closer. The US has become Taiwan’s largest destination for overseas investment, accounting for over 40 percent of Taiwan’s outbound investment. Taiwan is also the seventh largest trading partner of the US and its seventh largest export market for agricultural products. The SelectUSA Investment Summit held in Washington, DC earlier this month was the largest in its history. Taiwan’s delegation, representing 138 enterprises, was once again the biggest delegation attending the event. This shows that Taiwan and the US enjoy close industrial exchanges and continue to explore new opportunities for investment and collaboration. Looking ahead, with the global landscape changing rapidly, Taiwan will continue to increase purchases from the US, including energy resources such as natural gas and petroleum, as well as agricultural products, industrial products, and even military procurement. This will not only help balance our bilateral trade, but also strengthen development for Taiwan in energy autonomy, resilience, the economy, and trade. Taiwan and the US are also well-matched in such areas as high tech and manufacturing. As the US pursues reindustrialization and aims to become a global hub for AI, Taiwan is willing to take part and play an even more important role. We will strengthen Taiwan-US industrial cooperation and together build non-red supply chains. In addition to bringing our economic and trade relations even closer, this will also allow Taiwanese industries to remain rooted in Taiwan while expanding their global presence, helping bolster the US, and marketing worldwide. As for military exchanges, we are grateful to the US government for continuing its military sales to Taiwan and backing our efforts to upgrade our self-defense capabilities. Taiwan will continue to work with the US to jointly safeguard peace and stability throughout the region. In closing, I thank our guests once again for making the long journey here, not only offering warm friendship, but also demonstrating the staunch bipartisan support for Taiwan in the US Congress. Chair Westerman then delivered remarks, saying that it is an honor for him and his colleagues to be in Taiwan to talk about the strong relationship between the US and Taiwan and how that relationship can continue to grow in the future. The chair pointed out that natural resources are foundational to any kind of economic development, whether it is energy, which is key to manufacturing, or whether it is mining, which provides rare earth elements and all the minerals and metals needed for manufacturing. He said that as for natural resources including fish, wildlife, or timber, all are foundational to any society, but this is especially so for agriculture, noting that the US produces a lot of food and fodder and is always looking for more friends to share that with. Chair Westerman indicated that they are excited about opportunities to work with Taiwan, adding that Taiwan’s investments in the US have been greatly appreciated. He said they also are excited about the talks with the Trump administration and the future going forward on how we can have a stronger trade relationship, a stronger bilateral relationship, and how we can work with each other to help both economies grow and prosper. Chair Westerman concluded his remarks by expressing thanks for the opportunity to visit, saying that they treasure Taiwan’s friendship and our long-term relationship, and are very excited to be able to discuss in more detail how our two countries can work together. The delegation also included US House Natural Resources Committee Representatives Sarah Elfreth, Harriet Hageman, Celeste Maloy, and Nick Begich. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by American Institute in Taiwan Taipei Office Director Raymond Greene.
Details
2025-05-27
President Lai meets and hosts luncheon for delegation led by Governor Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero of Guam
On the morning of May 27, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Governor Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero of Guam and her husband, and hosted a luncheon for the delegation at noon. In remarks, President Lai noted that this is the governor’s first trip to Taiwan, fully demonstrating the Guam government’s support and high regard for Taiwan. The president said that Guam, being the closest United States territory to Taiwan, is an important bridge for collaboration between Taiwan and the US. He stated that aside from promoting tourism, we can also explore even more opportunities for collaboration in other areas to further advance industrial development for both sides. He said that, as we begin a new chapter, we look forward to working together to generate even more momentum in bilateral cooperation and exchanges. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend a warm welcome to Governor Leon Guerrero and her delegation. Last year, I transited through Guam en route for visits to Taiwan’s diplomatic allies in the Pacific. The enthusiastic reception I received from the government, legislature, people, and members of our overseas community in Guam was very touching and left me with a deep impression. During the morning tea reception hosted by Governor Leon Guerrero, we joined in singing our respective national anthems, as well as the Fanohge CHamoru. I also received at the Guam Legislature a copy of a Taiwan-friendly resolution it passed on behalf of the people of Taiwan. And I still remember to this day the striking scenery of the governor’s house and the warm reception I received there. It is therefore a great pleasure to meet with all of you today here at the Presidential Office. This is Governor Leon Guerrero’s first trip to Taiwan. Your visit fully demonstrates the Guam government’s support and high regard for Taiwan. As we begin a new chapter, we look forward to working with you to generate even more momentum in bilateral cooperation and exchanges. Taiwan and Guam are like family. We share the Austronesian spirit and culture. Our wide-ranging and mutually-beneficial collaboration is very fruitful. And now, we are facing the challenges of climate change, public health and medicine, and regional security together. The world is rapidly changing and tensions in the Indo-Pacific continue to rise. But if we combine our strengths, come together as one, and enhance cooperation, we can maintain regional peace, stability, and prosperity. Last Tuesday, I delivered an address on my first anniversary of taking office. I mentioned that for many years, Taiwan, the US, and our democratic partners have actively engaged in exchange and cooperation. Taking a market-oriented approach, we will promote an economic path of staying firmly rooted in Taiwan and expanding the global presence of our enterprises while strengthening ties with the US. Guam is the closest US territory to Taiwan. It is an important bridge for collaboration between Taiwan and the US. Last month, we were pleased to see United Airlines officially launch direct flights between Taipei and Guam. I believe this will benefit tourism and economic and trade exchanges for both sides. In the area of health care, many hospitals in Taiwan already offer referral services to patients from Guam. Both Governor Leon Guerrero and I have backgrounds in medicine. It is my hope that Taiwan and Guam can continue to work hand in hand to create even more positive outcomes from cooperation in public health and medical services. During the governor’s visit, aside from promoting tourism, we can also explore even more opportunities for collaboration in other areas. There is potential for more exchanges in aquaculture, food processing, hydroculture, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and recycling. This will further advance industrial development in Taiwan and Guam. In closing, I thank Governor Leon Guerrero and all our distinguished guests for backing Taiwan. I wish you all a smooth and successful visit. Governor Leon Guerrero then delivered remarks, saying that she is very happy to come to Taiwan. She said that after learning during President Lai’s visit to Guam last year that he is a medical doctor, she felt more relaxed because healthcare colleagues are one in their endeavor to help enhance the health and well-being of people. She then expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the invitation to Taiwan. Governor Leon Guerrero said that as they learn more about opportunities for collaboration with Taiwan, they are humbled by the hospitality they have experienced. In both of our islands, she said, hospitality is more than just a custom – it forms a part of our identities. She noted that despite being nearly 2,000 miles apart, we are connected by the Pacific Ocean and common roots, and our ancestors both value family, community, and tradition. That is why being here today, she said, she feels a strong sense of familiarity, like reconnecting with old friends. The governor remarked that Taiwan has evolved so quickly in all areas of essential life, sustenance, economy, and prosperity, adding that Taiwan’s resources in such areas as health, education, data, AI, advanced technology, aquaculture, agriculture, and commerce enhance our economic stability. She stated her belief that in collaboration and support, and working with each other, we can gain prosperity, maintain freedom and democracy, and live in peace. Governor Leon Guerrero stated that their delegation is here to see how they can partner with Taiwan to help raise the quality of life for both our peoples, mentioning that one special concern of theirs is tourism. Tourism, she said, is the most influential engine and driver for the economy and quality of life in Guam, but they cannot have a vibrant economy and tourism without air connectivity. She added that they are prepared to help in any way to provide incentives and low-cost fees so that they can get more airlines from Taiwan to establish permanent flight schedules to Guam, so as to drive development in Guam’s tourism industry. Governor Leon Guerrero then proceeded to introduce each of the members of her delegation before remarking that while they have been very busy on this visit they are always reminded of the freedom and democracy that the people must protect. She said she looks forward to a great, strong relationship between Taiwan and Guam in cooperation on social and economic issues, in culture, marketing, tourism, and freedom and democracy. Among those in attendance were First Gentleman Jeffrey A. Cook, Chief of Staff Jon Junior Calvo, Director of the Department of Administration Edward Birn, General Manager of the Guam Visitors Bureau Regine Biscoe Lee, Deputy Executive Manager of the Guam International Airport Authority Artemio “Ricky” Hernandez, Board of Directors Chairman of the Guam International Airport Authority Brian J. Bamba, Deputy General Manager of the Guam Economic Development Authority Carlos Bordallo, Director of Landscape Management Systems Guam Bob Salas, Chairperson of the Guam Chamber of Commerce Tae Oh, President of the University of Guam Anita Borja Enriquez, and Director of the Guam Taiwan Office Felix Yen (嚴樹芬). After the meeting, President Lai, accompanied by Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, hosted a luncheon for Governor Leon Guerrero, her husband, and the delegation.
Details
2025-05-20
President Lai interviewed by Nippon Television and Yomiuri TV
In a recent interview on Nippon Television’s news zero program, President Lai Ching-te responded to questions from host Mr. Sakurai Sho and Yomiuri TV Shanghai Bureau Chief Watanabe Masayo on topics including reflections on his first year in office, cross-strait relations, China’s military threats, Taiwan-United States relations, and Taiwan-Japan relations. The interview was broadcast on the evening of May 19. During the interview, President Lai stated that China intends to change the world’s rules-based international order, and that if Taiwan were invaded, global supply chains would be disrupted. Therefore, he said, Taiwan will strengthen its national defense, prevent war by preparing for war, and achieve the goal of peace. The president also noted that Taiwan’s purpose for developing drones is based on national security and industrial needs, and that Taiwan hopes to collaborate with Japan. He then reiterated that China’s threats are an international problem, and expressed hope to work together with the US, Japan, and others in the global democratic community to prevent China from starting a war. Following is the text of the questions and the president’s responses: Q: How do you feel as you are about to round out your first year in office? President Lai: When I was young, I was determined to practice medicine and save lives. When I left medicine to go into politics, I was determined to transform Taiwan. And when I was sworn in as president on May 20 last year, I was determined to strengthen the nation. Time flies, and it has already been a year. Although the process has been very challenging, I am deeply honored to be a part of it. I am also profoundly grateful to our citizens for allowing me the opportunity to give back to our country. The future will certainly be full of more challenges, but I will do everything I can to unite the people and continue strengthening the nation. That is how I am feeling now. Q: We are now coming up on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, and over this period, we have often heard that conflict between Taiwan and the mainland is imminent. Do you personally believe that a cross-strait conflict could happen? President Lai: The international community is very much aware that China intends to replace the US and change the world’s rules-based international order, and annexing Taiwan is just the first step. So, as China’s military power grows stronger, some members of the international community are naturally on edge about whether a cross-strait conflict will break out. The international community must certainly do everything in its power to avoid a conflict in the Taiwan Strait; there is too great a cost. Besides causing direct disasters to both Taiwan and China, the impact on the global economy would be even greater, with estimated losses of US$10 trillion from war alone – that is roughly 10 percent of the global GDP. Additionally, 20 percent of global shipping passes through the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, so if a conflict breaks out in the strait, other countries including Japan and Korea would suffer a grave impact. For Japan and Korea, a quarter of external transit passes through the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, and a third of the various energy resources and minerals shipped back from other countries pass through said areas. If Taiwan were invaded, global supply chains would be disrupted, and therefore conflict in the Taiwan Strait must be avoided. Such a conflict is indeed avoidable. I am very thankful to Prime Minister of Japan Ishiba Shigeru and former Prime Ministers Abe Shinzo, Suga Yoshihide, and Kishida Fumio, as well as US President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden, and the other G7 leaders, for continuing to emphasize at international venues that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are essential components for global security and prosperity. When everyone in the global democratic community works together, stacking up enough strength to make China’s objectives unattainable or to make the cost of invading Taiwan too high for it to bear, a conflict in the strait can naturally be avoided. Q: As you said, President Lai, maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is also very important for other countries. How can war be avoided? What sort of countermeasures is Taiwan prepared to take to prevent war? President Lai: As Mr. Sakurai mentioned earlier, we are coming up on the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII. There are many lessons we can take from that war. First is that peace is priceless, and war has no winners. From the tragedies of WWII, there are lessons that humanity should learn. We must pursue peace, and not start wars blindly, as that would be a major disaster for humanity. In other words, we must be determined to safeguard peace. The second lesson is that we cannot be complacent toward authoritarian powers. If you give them an inch, they will take a mile. They will keep growing, and eventually, not only will peace be unattainable, but war will be inevitable. The third lesson is why WWII ended: It ended because different groups joined together in solidarity. Taiwan, Japan, and the Indo-Pacific region are all directly subjected to China’s threats, so we hope to be able to join together in cooperation. This is why we proposed the Four Pillars of Peace action plan. First, we will strengthen our national defense. Second, we will strengthen economic resilience. Third is standing shoulder to shoulder with the democratic community to demonstrate the strength of deterrence. Fourth is that as long as China treats Taiwan with parity and dignity, Taiwan is willing to conduct exchanges and cooperate with China, and seek peace and mutual prosperity. These four pillars can help us avoid war and achieve peace. That is to say, Taiwan hopes to achieve peace through strength, prevent war by preparing for war, keeping war from happening and pursuing the goal of peace. Q: Regarding drones, everyone knows that recently, Taiwan has been actively researching, developing, and introducing drones. Why do you need to actively research, develop, and introduce new drones at this time? President Lai: This is for two purposes. The first is to meet national security needs. The second is to meet industrial development needs. Because Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines are all part of the first island chain, and we are all democratic nations, we cannot be like an authoritarian country like China, which has an unlimited national defense budget. In this kind of situation, island nations such as Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines should leverage their own technologies to develop national defense methods that are asymmetric and utilize unmanned vehicles. In particular, from the Russo-Ukrainian War, we see that Ukraine has successfully utilized unmanned vehicles to protect itself and prevent Russia from unlimited invasion. In other words, the Russo-Ukrainian War has already proven the importance of drones. Therefore, the first purpose of developing drones is based on national security needs. Second, the world has already entered the era of smart technology. Whether generative, agentic, or physical, AI will continue to develop. In the future, cars and ships will also evolve into unmanned vehicles and unmanned boats, and there will be unmanned factories. Drones will even be able to assist with postal deliveries, or services like Uber, Uber Eats, and foodpanda, or agricultural irrigation and pesticide spraying. Therefore, in the future era of comprehensive smart technology, developing unmanned vehicles is a necessity. Taiwan, based on industrial needs, is actively planning the development of drones and unmanned vehicles. I would like to take this opportunity to express Taiwan’s hope to collaborate with Japan in the unmanned vehicle industry. Just as we do in the semiconductor industry, where Japan has raw materials, equipment, and technology, and Taiwan has wafer manufacturing, our two countries can cooperate. Japan is a technological power, and Taiwan also has significant technological strengths. If Taiwan and Japan work together, we will not only be able to safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and security in the Indo-Pacific region, but it will also be very helpful for the industrial development of both countries. Q: The drones you just described probably include examples from the Russo-Ukrainian War. Taiwan and China are separated by the Taiwan Strait. Do our drones need to have cross-sea flight capabilities? President Lai: Taiwan does not intend to counterattack the mainland, and does not intend to invade any country. Taiwan’s drones are meant to protect our own nation and territory. Q: Former President Biden previously stated that US forces would assist Taiwan’s defense in the event of an attack. President Trump, however, has yet to clearly state that the US would help defend Taiwan. Do you think that in such an event, the US would help defend Taiwan? Or is Taiwan now trying to persuade the US? President Lai: Former President Biden and President Trump have answered questions from reporters. Although their responses were different, strong cooperation with Taiwan under the Biden administration has continued under the Trump administration; there has been no change. During President Trump’s first term, cooperation with Taiwan was broader and deeper compared to former President Barack Obama’s terms. After former President Biden took office, cooperation with Taiwan increased compared to President Trump’s first term. Now, during President Trump’s second term, cooperation with Taiwan is even greater than under former President Biden. Taiwan-US cooperation continues to grow stronger, and has not changed just because President Trump and former President Biden gave different responses to reporters. Furthermore, the Trump administration publicly stated that in the future, the US will shift its strategic focus from Europe to the Indo-Pacific. The US secretary of defense even publicly stated that the primary mission of the US is to prevent China from invading Taiwan, maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific, and thus maintain world peace. There is a saying in Taiwan that goes, “Help comes most to those who help themselves.” Before asking friends and allies for assistance in facing threats from China, Taiwan must first be determined and prepared to defend itself. This is Taiwan’s principle, and we are working in this direction, making all the necessary preparations to safeguard the nation. Q: I would like to ask you a question about Taiwan-Japan relations. After the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, you made an appeal to give Japan a great deal of assistance and care. In particular, you visited Sendai to offer condolences. Later, you also expressed condolences and concern after the earthquakes in Aomori and Kumamoto. What are your expectations for future Taiwan-Japan exchanges and development? President Lai: I come from Tainan, and my constituency is in Tainan. Tainan has very deep ties with Japan, and of course, Taiwan also has deep ties with Japan. However, among Taiwan’s 22 counties and cities, Tainan has the deepest relationship with Japan. I sincerely hope that both of you and your teams will have an opportunity to visit Tainan. I will introduce Tainan’s scenery, including architecture from the era of Japanese rule, Tainan’s cuisine, and unique aspects of Tainan society, and you can also see lifestyles and culture from the Showa era. The Wushantou Reservoir in Tainan was completed by engineer Mr. Hatta Yoichi from Kanazawa, Japan and the team he led to Tainan after he graduated from then-Tokyo Imperial University. It has nearly a century of history and is still in use today. This reservoir, along with the 16,000-km-long Chianan Canal, transformed the 150,000-hectare Chianan Plain into Taiwan’s premier rice-growing area. It was that foundation in agriculture that enabled Taiwan to develop industry and the technology sector of today. The reservoir continues to supply water to Tainan Science Park. It is used by residents of Tainan, the agricultural sector, and industry, and even the technology sector in Xinshi Industrial Park, as well as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. Because of this, the people of Tainan are deeply grateful for Mr. Hatta and very friendly toward the people of Japan. A major earthquake, the largest in 50 years, struck Tainan on February 6, 2016, resulting in significant casualties. As mayor of Tainan at the time, I was extremely grateful to then-Prime Minister Abe, who sent five Japanese officials to the disaster site in Tainan the day after the earthquake. They were very thoughtful and asked what kind of assistance we needed from the Japanese government. They offered to provide help based on what we needed. I was deeply moved, as former Prime Minister Abe showed such care, going beyond the formality of just sending supplies that we may or may not have actually needed. Instead, the officials asked what we needed and then provided assistance based on those needs, which really moved me. Similarly, when the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 or the later Kumamoto earthquakes struck, the people of Tainan, under my leadership, naturally and dutifully expressed their support. Even earlier, when central Taiwan was hit by a major earthquake in 1999, Japan was the first country to deploy a rescue team to the disaster area. On February 6, 2018, after a major earthquake in Hualien, former Prime Minister Abe appeared in a video holding up a message of encouragement he had written in calligraphy saying “Remain strong, Taiwan.” All of Taiwan was deeply moved. Over the years, Taiwan and Japan have supported each other when earthquakes struck, and have forged bonds that are family-like, not just neighborly. This is truly valuable. In the future, I hope Taiwan and Japan can be like brothers, and that the peoples of Taiwan and Japan can treat one another like family. If Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem; if Japan has a problem, then Taiwan has a problem. By caring for and helping each other, we can face various challenges and difficulties, and pursue a brighter future. Q: President Lai, you just used the phrase “If Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem.” In the event that China attempts to invade Taiwan by force, what kind of response measures would you hope the US military and Japan’s Self-Defense Forces take? President Lai: As I just mentioned, annexing Taiwan is only China’s first step. Its ultimate objective is to change the rules-based international order. That being the case, China’s threats are an international problem. So, I would very much hope to work together with the US, Japan, and others in the global democratic community to prevent China from starting a war – prevention, after all, is more important than cure.
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
Following the election victory and inauguration of Mr. Lee Jae-myung as the 21st-term president of the Republic of Korea, Presidential Office Spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) on June 4 stated that President Lai Ching-te extends sincerest congratulations to the people of the Republic of Korea and President Lee on behalf of the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan).
Spokesperson Kuo stated that Taiwan and Korea share the values of freedom and democracy. Over many years, she said, the two sides have engaged frequently across various fields such as the economy, trade, and culture, with increasing people-to-people exchanges, making Korea an important partner of Taiwan. The spokesperson stated that President Lai looks forward to the well-being of the people of Korea being further enhanced under the leadership of President Lee. The spokesperson then shared President Lai’s hope that through joint efforts, exchanges and cooperation between Taiwan and Korea in areas such as the economy and trade, technology, education, and culture will continue to expand. The president also expressed hope that upon our strong existing foundations, both sides will engage in mutual assistance for mutual benefits, deepen bilateral relations, and jointly help contribute to democracy, peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife, Akshata Murty, added a touch of star power to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 final, as they were spotted in the stands of the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, cheering for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
The couple, known for their Bengaluru roots and love for cricket, joined the sea of red and gold in the grand finale against the Punjab Kings. Sunak was seen celebrating the wicket of Josh Inglis while sitting next to ICC Chairman Jay Shah.
“This is unbelievable, the atmosphere is absolutely buzzing! It’s my first time at an IPL game in India, and I’ve never seen anything quite like it,” Sunak said in a brief on-ground interview after RCB wrapped up their innings.
During the match, Sunak took to X to share a selfie with his wife, captioned: “Let’s go @RCBTweets.”
RCB ended their 17-year title drought on Tuesday by winning their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy, defeating Punjab Kings by six runs in a thrilling final.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
We’ve hosted more than 150 PhD students since 2016, with many going on to policy jobs in government and think tanks
Applications for our 2026 placements in both policy and evaluation are now open. To apply, please complete the application form.
Applications will close at 12pm on Tuesday 1 July.
The Open Innovation Team (OIT) is a cross-government unit that works on a wide range of policies, including health, justice, education, sustainability, energy, international development, and artificial intelligence. This year, the team has launched a new evaluation service which will evaluate the impact of policies across a range of areas.
For years now, PhD students have played an important role in helping us deliver policy projects, working alongside experienced officials, academics and other experts to deliver the highest quality analysis and advice to colleagues across government.
Alongside our policy placements, we are offering placements in the OIT’s Evaluation Services Unit (ESU). The ESU uses a range of methods – quantitative, quasi-experimental as well as qualitative and theory-based – to evaluate government policy and assess its impacts. No prior experience of evaluation methodologies is required, though some knowledge of quantitative and/or relevant qualitative research methods is desirable for this placement.
Our PhD placements run throughout the year, spread across four cohorts. Placements normally last three months, with around 30 placement opportunities each year. Find out what our previous PhD placement students thought of their time with the Open Innovation Team here.
PhD placements work on a diverse range of policy projects and are not expected to have prior experience of policy or knowledge of the policy area that they are asked to work on. This year, there may be additional opportunities to work on the evaluation of policies with the Team’s new evaluation service.
Successful applicants should expect to:
Students will also get the chance to help the team raise its profile, create new products and services for policy colleagues and deliver training and advice to academics.
All PhD placement work aims to build skills and provide students with an insight to what it’s like to work on policy and in government.
There are three stages to the application process. All applicants must complete the initial application form. Those successful at this stage will be invited to complete an online written test. Those successful at the written test will pass onto the final interview stage.
If you would like to find out more about the placement, we will be running two Q&A drop-in sessions, which anyone is welcome to join:
To be considered, you must be studying on a PhD programme at a UK university, and be in a position to take up the placement prior to your expected viva date. The placements are full time for the 3-month period.
You must also secure funding to cover the cost of the placement from your university, PhD funding body or other suitable organisation.
Successful applicants, on receipt of a placement offer, will be expected to be able to pass BPSS security clearance.
Apply for our 2026 PhD placements scheme here
Follow our LinkedIn page for the latest OIT news.
Source: Scotland – City of Dundee
Two economic proposals could be developed for Dundee, if councillors approve reports.
They will consider whether early engagement should begin on a potential visitor levy for the city.
And elected members are also being asked to agree to the council playing a role in efforts to establish a Business Improvement District (BID) in the city centre.
Two separate reports into these issues will come before the Fair Work, Economic Growth and Infrastructure Committee at its next meeting.
On the visitor levy, the committee will hear that under the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act, councils can establish a scheme to raise funds that should be “re-invested locally on facilities and services substantially for or used by visitors”.
Scottish Government guidelines give local authorities the power to determine the rate of the levy, where it applies and the maximum number of nights to apply the levy to visitors.
The committee is being asked to approve early engagement with local businesses, residents and other relevant parties to inform a draft scheme for the city. Work would be carried out to assess the potential income that could be generated by a levy.
Results would be reported back to councillors by next spring, and they would then decide on whether to proceed onto the formal consultation stage.
The committee will hear that early and ongoing engagement with those most likely impacted by the possibility of the introduction of a levy scheme in Dundee is fundamental. The visitor economy in Dundee is continuing to develop. There were 1.35 million visits to Dundee in 2023 with an average length of stay of 2.6 days. The economic impact of the visitor economy is £243 million per annum, with the sector supporting 3500 jobs.
Meanwhile, on the Business Improvement District, the committee will hear that the long-term City Centre Strategic Investment Plan is designed to encourage growth in the city centre and requires close work with private sector interests.
A BID is a business led initiative within a defined area where businesses work together and collectively invest funds raised by a levy on non-domestic rates. The levy is used for projects and improvements which must be additional to services already provided by the local authority.
A steering group of businesses interested in a Dundee BID has been formed, with administrative support provided through Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce.
The steering group has set a provisional date for a ballot of businesses on the issue in March next year.
Councillors are being asked to agree that senior officers will engage in the BID process and provide support and guidance on technical aspects, including collection and management of the levy.
Committee convener Councillor Steven Rome said: “These reports outline the very early stages of what could be significant developments for Dundee.
“We need to carefully consider the views of everyone who expresses an opinion about these matters.
“Both the visitor levy and the Business Improvement District have the potential to be transformative, but we have to take each step at a time.
“There is a real shared desire to make Dundee a better place for everyone, and we must look thoroughly at every tool at our disposal.”
The Fair Work, Economic Growth and Infrastructure Committee meets on Monday June 9.
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 4 (Xinhua) — China is actively promoting the consumption of new energy vehicles (NEVs) in rural areas by creating an optimized policy environment.
Five government departments, including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the Ministry of Commerce, jointly issued a circular on Tuesday, according to which promotional activities will be carried out in a number of counties where the prevalence of NEVs is low and the market potential is large.
Within the framework of such promotions, exhibition events and test drives will be organized, for which NEV car models with a good reputation and reliable quality that meet the needs of use in rural areas will be selected.
The selection includes 124 models, both pure electric and hybrid, from domestic brands such as BYD, Geely, GAC Aion and Xpeng, as well as Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y.
In order to optimize the support environment for the use of NEV vehicles in rural areas, after-sales service and repair companies, electric vehicle charging and battery replacement service providers, and financial services firms will also join the promotions.
In the first four months of 2025, China’s NEV production volume rose 48.3 percent year-on-year to nearly 4.43 million units, while sales jumped 46.2 percent to 4.3 million, data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers showed. NEVs accounted for 42.7 percent of the country’s total auto sales in the period.
At the same time, according to official data, as of the end of March 2025, there were 13.75 million NEV charging infrastructure devices across the country, including 3.9 million public and 9.85 million private. -0-
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 4 (Xinhua) — More than 1.5 billion parcels were picked up and delivered across China during the traditional Duanwu (Dragon Boat Festival) holiday, which runs from May 31 to June 2 this year, the State Post Administration said Tuesday.
This figure increased by 19.4 percent year-on-year.
The postal and express delivery industry has widely used unmanned vehicles and built unmanned stations to improve service convenience, said Liu Jiang, a spokesman for the department.
Enterprises in the industry are also upgrading their logistics systems to effectively reduce the loss of agricultural products during transportation. In addition, sorting centers at the county level are being automated and offices in townships and villages are being standardized, which has greatly improved the quality of courier services in rural areas, he added. -0-
Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –
Sana’a/Amsterdam- After years of providing critical medical care in conflict-affected Marib and Taiz city, Yemen, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), has completed the handover of medical activities to the local authorities.
Since 2019, MSF has worked in Marib with local and health authorities to provide free and high-quality healthcare, and to deliver essential care to displaced and migrant communities in the hygiene fund clinic and supported the Governorate Health Office at Al-Ramsa clinic. Throughout 2024, MSF provided 32,000 outpatient and 2,640 antenatal consultations, admitted 420 children to the outpatient therapeutic feeding centre, and provided 6,000 vaccines.
Taiz city went through a dire health crisis, with conflict and economic collapse leaving people with limited access to care. Since 2021, MSF in collaboration with the Ministry of Health has supported the mother and child healthcare ward at Al-Jomhouri hospital, and helped respond to widespread healthcare needs. During 2024, MSF provided 22,580 antenatal and 5,835 postnatal consultations, admitted 4,214 patients to the maternity ward, 1,558 babies to the neonatal department, and assisted 8,879 deliveries.
In both projects, MSF also responded to cholera and measles outbreaks, as well as delivered essential items to the people who had been displaced by floods.
“I deeply respect and admire the resilience of the Yemeni people during these tough and challenging times. Supporting people in need, especially women and children, was a profound responsibility. We are grateful to have served these communities and remain committed to supporting the access to healthcare across our remaining projects in the country,” says Tila Muhammad, MSF head of mission based in Sana’a.
MSF remains actively present in ten governorates across Yemen, continuing to provide trauma care, maternal and paediatric services, and emergency medical support in regions facing acute humanitarian and health crises.
“In a time when humanitarian access is more precarious than ever, MSF urges all stakeholders to protect medical infrastructure and ensure safe, unhindered access to healthcare for those in need.” says Muhammad.
Years of conflict have decimated public infrastructure, with millions of people lacking access to clean water, food, and medical care. The recent destruction of Sana’a airport and the Hodeidah port, which are critical entry points for humanitarian supplies and staff traveling in and out of Yemen, will be devastating to Yemeni people, who are already suffering from a massive humanitarian crisis.
MSF has been working in Yemen since 1986 and has maintained a continuous presence in the country since 2007. Our work is guided solely by medical needs and carried out independently of political, economic, or religious agendas. This independence is made possible by our funding— of which 98 per cent comes from private donors, allowing us to assess needs freely, access communities, and directly deliver the aid we provide.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
A skate park in Wrexham is safe to be reopened after the completion of works to stabilise the ground around an old mine shaft.
Investigating the existing mine shaft cap.
In April 2023, the Mining Remediation Authority was notified of a ground collapse at the Solvay Banks public park and play area in Southsea, Wrexham, at the location of an old mine shaft.
The area was immediately secured with fencing while we investigated the situation. In May we filled the shaft, measured to be more than 110 metres deep, with around 650 tonnes of material to stabilise the area and prevent further ground collapse.
James Walker, project manager for our public safety and subsidence team, said:
The safety of the public is our paramount concern, and we acted swiftly to secure the collapsed shaft at Solvay Banks Park.
Our initial investigations identified the presence of a further 2 mine shafts in the vicinity, and historical records indicated that all 3 shafts had previously undergone treatment by the local authority in the 1970s.
The locations of the other 2 mine shafts in the area were checked as a precautionary measure and no issues were found.
Ground investigation and surveying works identified that the existing mine shaft cap was in better condition than initially anticipated but the ground around it had collapsed. Our treatment plan was designed to leave the existing cap in place but we strengthened the cap and the ground around it by drilling and grouting the area. Mining Remediation Authority contractors successfully completed these works in August 2024.
With the mine shaft secured and stabilised, the area has been restored to its original condition and the play park is now safe to be reopened and enjoyed by the local community.
The site following completion of the works.
As part of our work to keep people safe and provide peace of mind we investigated and assessed 949 mining hazards and subsidence claims last year.
You can report a coal mining hazard to us, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by calling 0800 288 4242.
For media enquiries contact the community response team
Email communityresponse@miningremediation.gov.uk
Telephone 0800 288 4211
For emergency media enquiries (out of hours) call: 0800 288 4242.
Only urgent media calls will be attended to.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by the Hon Mrs Regina Ip and a reply by the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, in the Legislative Council today (June 4):
Question:
It is learnt that the Government, public organisations and some private enterprises have set biliteracy and trilingualism (i.e. the ability to write Chinese and English fluently along with an excellent command of spoken Cantonese, Putonghua and English) as the language proficiency requirement for recruitment. However, there are views pointing out that such requirement makes it impossible for talents with exceptional qualifications but uneven levels of biliteracy and trilingualism, or those who are proficient in specific languages and possess specific expertise to be recruited, and this may affect the talent diversity and competitiveness of Hong Kong in the long run. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Jammu and Kashmir on June 6 to inaugurate several key infrastructure projects aimed at boosting connectivity and development in the region.
During his visit, PM Modi will inaugurate the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, situated 359 metres above the Chenab River. The 1,315-metre-long steel arch bridge is engineered to withstand seismic and wind forces and will cut travel time between Jammu and Srinagar by two to three hours when the new Vande Bharat trains operate on it.
The Prime Minister will also inaugurate the Anji Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge built in challenging terrain. Later, he will flag off Vande Bharat Express trains between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar, enhancing travel options for residents, tourists, and pilgrims.
The PM will dedicate the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project to the nation. The 272-km rail link, completed at a cost of around ₹43,780 crore, features 36 tunnels spanning 119 km and 943 bridges, providing seamless all-weather rail connectivity to the Kashmir Valley.
In addition to rail infrastructure, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone and inaugurate road projects to improve last-mile connectivity, particularly in border areas. These include the widening of the Rafiabad-Kupwara stretch on NH-701 and the construction of the Shopian bypass on NH-444, with a combined investment exceeding ₹1,952 crore.
He will also inaugurate two flyovers at Sangrama Junction on NH-1 in Srinagar and Bemina Junction on NH-44 to ease traffic congestion.
Further, PM Modi will lay the foundation stone of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Katra. The ₹350 crore project will be the first medical college in Reasi district, enhancing healthcare infrastructure in the region.
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday Tehran will not abandon its uranium enrichment, rejecting a key U.S. demand aimed at resolving a decades-long nuclear dispute, that he said was against the Islamic Republic’s interests.
The U.S. proposal for a new nuclear deal was presented to Iran on Saturday by Oman, which has mediated talks between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff.
After five round of talks, several hard-to-bridge issues remain, including Iran’s insistence on maintaining uranium enrichment on its soil and Tehran’s refusal to ship abroad its entire existing stockpile of highly enriched uranium – possible raw material for nuclear bombs.
“Uranium enrichment is the key to our nuclear programme and the enemies have focused on the enrichment,” Khamenei said in a televised speech. The U.S. proposal “contradicts our nation’s belief in self-reliance and the principle of ‘We Can’,” he said.
“The rude and arrogant leaders of America repeatedly demand that we should not have a nuclear programme. Who are you to decide whether Iran should have an enrichment?,” he added.
Tehran says it wants to master nuclear technology for peaceful purposes and has long denied accusations by Western powers that it is seeking to develop nuclear weapons.
On Monday, Reuters reported Tehran was poised to reject the U.S. proposal on the grounds that it was a “non-starter” that failed to soften Washington’s stance on uranium enrichment or to address Tehran’s interests.
Trump has revived his “maximum pressure” campaign against Tehran since his return to the White House in January, which included tightening sanctions and threatening to bomb Iran if the negotiations yield no deal.
During his first term in 2018, Trump ditched Tehran’s 2015 nuclear pact with six powers and reimposed sanctions that have crippled Iran’s economy. Iran responded by escalating enrichment far beyond the pact’s limits.
Iran’s arch-foe Israel, which sees Iran’s nuclear programme as an existential threat, has repeatedly threatened to bomb the Islamic Republic’s nuclear facilities to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
(Reuters)
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
The annual Hajj pilgrimage officially commenced today with over 1.4 million international pilgrims joining hundreds of thousands of domestic participants in Mecca, as Saudi authorities unveiled the most extensive safety preparations in the pilgrimage’s modern history to combat potentially deadly extreme heat.
Pilgrims began streaming into the tent city of Mina early this morning to observe the Day of Tarwiyah, marking the formal start of one of the world’s largest religious gatherings. The sacred rites are expected to conclude around June 9, with the Day of Arafah anticipated tomorrow and Eid al-Adha celebrations beginning on June 6.
The Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia issued a statement congratulating the thousands of Indian pilgrims participating this year, emphasizing that consular teams are coordinating closely with Saudi authorities and have established administrative and medical teams in all Mina camps. Indian pilgrims can access support through the “Hajj Suvidha” mobile application and dedicated toll-free numbers.
Learning from last year’s tragic consequences when extreme temperatures contributed to over 1,300 deaths, Saudi authorities have deployed unprecedented resources for pilgrim safety. More than 400 high-powered cooling units have been installed at key ritual sites, while over 100,000 square meters of new shade structures have been erected in Mina and Arafat. Approximately 103,000 square meters of heat-reducing rubber flooring now cover pathways, designed to lower surface temperatures by 12 degrees Celsius.
The kingdom has mobilized its largest-ever medical contingent, with the Ministry of Health, announcing the deployment of 50,000 medical and administrative personnel. Over 700 hospital beds have been designated specifically for treating heat-related illnesses, supported by three field hospitals and 71 emergency response points. Healthcare capacity has increased by 60 percent compared to last year, with more than 98,000 medical services already delivered.
Saudi authorities have implemented strict enforcement measures against unregistered pilgrims, imposing fines up to 5,000 dollars and potential deportation for anyone performing Hajj without proper permits. This applies to both foreign visitors and Saudi citizens or residents. The policy aims to ensure all pilgrims have proper access to shelter, water, and medical services during what meteorologists warn could be another dangerously hot pilgrimage season with temperatures potentially reaching or exceeding 50 degrees Celsius.
Advanced technology plays a central role in this year’s safety strategy. Over 250,000 personnel from more than 40 government agencies have been deployed, supported by AI-powered crowd monitoring systems, facial recognition technology, and drones for surveillance and emergency response including fire suppression. The Saudi Arabian Civil Defense confirmed this marks the first time drones will be used during Hajj operations.
Infrastructure improvements extend beyond heat mitigation. Around Namira Mosque, authorities have installed 350 misting fans and 320 canopies, while over 2,400 cold water dispensers have been strategically placed along pedestrian routes. Pilgrims have been advised to avoid direct sun exposure during peak daylight hours.
This year’s pilgrimage features several procedural changes, with first-time pilgrims receiving priority through the digitalized “Nusuk” platform. Women are permitted to perform Hajj without a male guardian, reflecting ongoing social reforms in the kingdom.Mina, located five kilometers east of the Grand Mosque, serves as a crucial waypoint with its iconic landscape of over 100,000 fire-resistant white tents designed to accommodate more than 2.6 million pilgrims. The site represents a feat of modern logistics, featuring a complex network of roads, tunnels, and bridges facilitating movement between the three principal Hajj sites of Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Matthew Purves, National Director of Ofsted Academy, on Ofsted’s renewed approach to mental health and well-being.
Last year, we fully accepted the findings and recommendations of the coroner’s inquest into the death of headteacher Ruth Perry. HM Coroner made clear that we relied too heavily on custom, practice and inspectors’ professional experience to support the well-being of leaders during our inspections. We did not have explicit written guidance for inspectors to follow if they became aware of well-being concerns, so although our approach was well intended it lacked a clear process.
To address this, we’ve made changes to improve our practice. This article will explain those changes and discuss what else we plan to do.
We want inspection to be a collaborative process in which we build positive relationships with leaders and staff. We want everyone to act with professionalism, courtesy, empathy and respect at all times, including when an inspection is challenging.
To help us achieve this, we’ve set 4 objectives. We want to make sure that:
At our autumn 2023 training conference for school inspectors, inspectors considered the theme of ‘doing good as you go’. They took part in a structured session looking at how best to make an inspection as positive as possible for those involved, while maintaining its integrity. This included building and developing positive relationships throughout the inspection.
In December 2023, school inspectors attended a briefing session on how to identify and respond to signs of stress. This briefing was then further developed and rolled out to all education inspectors in January 2024. These briefings let inspectors know that they should:
The briefings also clarified who provisional inspection outcomes can be shared with and our updated policy on pausing inspections.
We also updated our inspection handbooks to:
In January 2024, our Chief Inspector, Sir Martyn Oliver, hosted a half-day training webinar for all inspectors with Mental Health First Aid England (MHFAE). This focused on mental health and our behaviours of professionalism, courtesy, empathy and respect. It was followed by a half-day in-depth online training session, led by MHFAE’s expert trainers. All inspectors were required to complete this training.
The training was further built on in structured discussion sessions, carried out by regional teams. This gave inspectors the opportunity to reflect on the training and share good practice in implementing it. We used feedback from these sessions to identify further learning needs.
Inspectors also engaged in sessions on applying the training at their remit conferences in early 2024.
We have since worked closely with MHFAE to develop a bespoke training package. Completing the package is mandatory for all new inspectors. Additional training on building positive relationships and how to recognise and respond to signs of stress and anxiety is now also built into inspector inductions.
This means that every new inspector joining Ofsted understands from day one the importance of mental health and working collaboratively, and knows how to identify signs of distress in leaders. Inspectors will re-do the training as a refresher every 2 years to ensure that it is current and remains at the forefront of their minds.
In spring 2024, we developed the refresher training mentioned above, which is for all inspectors. It covers how we meet our equalities duties during inspection, for example by providing reasonable adjustments for leaders, staff, children and learners, and parents and carers, where appropriate.
We have also provided support and training for inspectors on how to manage their own stress and anxiety. This is so that they can manage the intensity of our work and be better able to spot and manage anxiety in themselves and others.
Through summer 2024, we sought feedback from a number of education providers that had been inspected since January 2024. This was to find out what difference the training had made. The feedback showed that inspectors took great care in supporting the well-being of leaders and staff. We turned this feedback into a briefing for all inspectors, which was made available in February 2025.
We have also continued to promote mental health first aid training. We now have over 140 qualified mental health first aiders in our workforce, an increase of over 20% since December 2023. We have also trained 2 inspectors to mental health instructor level. This means we have more expertise and oversight in producing relevant training content.
In autumn 2025, we will train all education inspectors to prepare them to inspect under our proposed new approach. This will include training on mental health and leaders’ and staff’s well-being. It will build on previous training but will update it to fit the improved inspection framework and methodology.
We know that what we have done so far is just the beginning. To make sure that this progress is not lost, we will integrate mental health topics into all relevant ongoing training. This will support our inspectors in carrying out their work with professionalism, courtesy, empathy and respect, while ensuring that children, young people and learners receive the very best education and care.
For more information on our inspector training materials, visit the Ofsted Academy page.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
The path around Dorset’s stunning coastline is better than ever thanks to 21 miles of improvements between Kimmeridge Bay and South Haven Point.
Legal provisions are in place so the coast path can be ‘rolled back’ in response to coastal erosion.
These works form part of a national programme to create a coastal path around the whole of England. Once completed, this will be the longest managed coastal walking route in the world and the UK’s longest National Trail.
Stretching from Kimmeridge Bay on the Dorset coast and east to South Haven Point, some 21 miles in total, the path follows the route of the existing South West Coast Path (SWCP) National Trail.
For anyone walking the path, there is plenty to see, not least Kimmeridge Bay which is one of the most loved locations on the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and Studland Bay, recently designated a Marine Conservation Zone, marks the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast. The path follows the coast of the Isle of Purbeck with its dramatic landscape features and impressive coastal views and throughout this stretch of the path there are glorious beaches if you want to feel sand between your toes.
Durlston Country Park and National Nature Reserve is a great place to see wildlife, which might include bottlenose dolphins, sunfish, jellyfish, seals and a variety of seabirds. A live cliff camera records Durlston’s impressive guillemot colonies – they are both the most easterly and second largest on the South Coast. The country park is an easily accessible section of coast path, and also has, for lovers of history, a castle, along with parking and cafe, the Anvil Point lighthouse and the Great Globe stone sphere plus magnificent views.
In establishing the new trail, Natural England has sought to improve the alignment of the SWCP where possible or move it closer to the sea. It also brings legal provision for the trail to ‘roll back’ in response to coastal erosion, thereby securing people’s rights into the future and protecting the investment being made now.
For example, at Chapman’s Pool there was a significant landslip meaning walkers had to take a lengthy diversion. Natural England worked closely with Dorset Council and the landowner to agree a new route that would solve the long-standing difficulties of maintaining a continuous route along this section of the coast.
You will still encounter steep climbs and descents as well as gently undulating walking along the cliff tops.
Tim Hall, Wessex Coast and Seas senior manager for Natural England, said:
We’re pleased to open this new section of the England Coast Path today, 21 miles of spectacular views boasting some of our region’s most iconic wildlife and landscape.
It will provide both the local community and visitors from further afield more opportunities to access the coast and connect with nature.
Julian Gray, director, South West Coast Path Association (SWCPA), said:
We’re really excited by the improvements to the coast path route and signage, helping create a more coastal walking experience in the area.
As the charity championing the coast path we’re looking forward to seeing the remaining Dorset sections of the King Charles III England Coast Path completed.
Cllr Jon Andrews, Dorset Council’s cabinet member for Place Services, said:
This is wonderful news for Dorset. It not only provides a safe and scenic route for people to enjoy this stunning part of the Jurassic Coast, but it also gives our residents and visitors even more opportunities to connect with nature.
The King Charles III England Coast Path (KCIIIECP) is a National Trail around the entire coast of England. Existing coastal national trails and other regional walks make up parts of the KCIIIECP and this newly improved stretch of the South West Coast Path forms part of it.
You can plan your walk on the KCIIIECP, which follows the enhanced route of the SWCP between Kimmeridge Bay and South Haven Point, by visiting the KCIIIECP or the South West Coast Path pages of the National Trails website.
The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 places a duty on the Secretary of State and Natural England to secure a long-distance walking trail around the open coast of England, together with public access rights to a wider area of land along the way for people to enjoy.
Natural England is working at pace to ensure completion of the KCIIIECP – 1,400 miles were open by the end of 2024.Subject to resources we expect to complete the KCIIIECP by spring 2026.
Improvements to existing access to the coastline include:
The Countryside Code is the official guide on how to enjoy nature and treat both it, and the people who live and work there, with respect.
Landowners who have KCIIIECP coastal access rights on their land enjoy the lowest liabilities in England.
Established in 2006, Natural England is the government’s independent adviser on the natural environment. Our work is focused on enhancing England’s wildlife and landscapes and maximising the benefits they bring to the public.
The South West Coast Path Association is a charity (Registered Charity Number 1163422) that works to ensure the South West Coast Path is one of the best walks in the world and protects it for all to enjoy. Supporting the charity helps the South West Coast Path Association to improve the South West Coast Path and keeps the way open to beautiful coastal places.
For more information visit the South West Coast Path Association.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Path improvements along 228 miles of Cornwall’s stunning coastline from St Agnes Head along the south coast to the Tamar at Cremyll have finished.
Mevagissey, one of the many locations to be found on the coast path which has been improved from St Agnes on the north coast of Cornwall around to Cremyll, near Rame on the south coast. Photo: Matt Burtwell, Aerial Cornwall.
These works form part of a national programme to create a coastal path around the whole of England. Once completed, this will be the longest managed coastal walking route in the world and the UK’s longest National Trail.
Earlier this year the 75-mile stretch from Marsland Mouth on the North Cornwall coast down to Newquay was completed. This follows the route of the existing South West Coast Path (SWCP) National Trail. Now the remaining 228 miles of path are completed: heading west from Newquay, down to Land’s End and back along the south coast to Cremyll on the banks of the Tamar.
For anyone walking the path, there is plenty to see, with towns and villages such as Falmouth, Penzance and Polperro, along with popular spots such as Land’s End and The Lizard.
For those interested in the county’s heritage, there are castles in abundance, like St Mawes and St Michael’s Mount, alongside remnants of Cornwall’s industrial past at Botallack engine houses and the Levant mine and beam engine – to say nothing of the famous cliffside Minack Theatre.
There’s also plenty for lovers of wildlife to spot, including choughs, grey seals and peregrine falcons. And, of course, there are glorious sandy beaches to stop off at throughout the route.
In establishing the new trail, Natural England sought to improve the alignment of the coast path where possible or move it closer to the sea. For example, a new route has been created on the western side of the Lizard at Porthkerris instead of the old inland route along country roads. And at Millendreath the new path has been moved away from the road to allow for more scenic views and a safer walking route. Other changes include Downderry where the main route is impassable during high tides, so an alternative follows the coastal road.
While walkers will still encounter steep climbs and descents – as well as gently undulating walking along the cliff tops – there are now more accessible areas. This includes the path between Swanpool and Gyllanvase Beach and the path around Tregantle Fort. Another change is a new legal provision for the trail to ‘roll back’ in response to coastal erosion, thereby securing people’s rights into the future and protecting the investment being made now.
Andrea Ayres, deputy area director for Natural England, said:
This huge stretch of path along two coasts takes in some of the best views in the South West. These much-loved places have been wowing visitors for many years, as well as being loved by local residents.
We hope the improvements to the path, and the additional access rights, will mean even more people will get out and enjoy nature.
This will provide vital health and wellbeing benefits for local communities, as well attracting visitors to the county, with tourism playing a vital role in the South West economy.
While much of Cornwall’s 300-mile section of the South West Coast Path is owned by private landowners and organisations, the path is managed by Cornwall Council. The council and Cormac, together with the National Trust, have worked to deliver the improvements around the county.
Julian Gray, director, South West Coast Path Association (SWCPA), said:
It’s great to see the final sections of the King Charles III England Coast Path open in Cornwall, which creates new open access rights around the coast to help connect people to nature.
The establishment of the KCIIIECP has brought significant investment and improvements to the route of the coast path and also gives us new powers to manage the National Trail in the face of coastal erosion.
We will continue to work with our trail partners to protect, improve and champion the South West Coast Path as one of the world’s great trails.
The Salt Path, starring Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs, was released last week and partly filmed in Newquay, as well as Whitsand Bay and Rame Head on the south east coast of Cornwall. Based on the memoir written by Raynor Winn, the story is about one couple’s walk around the South West Coast Path and could lead to the area attracting a whole new wave of visitors.
The King Charles III England Coast Path (KCIIIECP) is a National Trail around the entire coast of England. Existing coastal national trails will retain their branding and alongside other promoted routes form part of the KCIIIECP.
You can plan your walk on the KCIIIECP, which follows the enhanced route of the SWCP between Newquay and Cremyll, by visiting the KCIIIECP or the South West Coast Path pages of the National Trails website.
The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 places a duty on the Secretary of State and Natural England to secure a long-distance walking trail around the open coast of England, together with public access rights to a wider area of land along the way for people to enjoy.
Natural England is working at pace to ensure completion of the KCIIIECP. 1,400 miles were open by the end of 2024.Subject to resources we expect to complete the KCIIIECP by spring 2026.
King Charles III England Coast Path:
Improvements to existing access to the coastline include:
The Countryside Code is the official guide on how to enjoy nature and treat both it, and the people who live and work there, with respect.
For landowners:
Landowners who have KCIIIECP coastal access rights on their land enjoy the lowest liabilities in England.
About Natural England
Established in 2006, Natural England is the government’s independent adviser on the natural environment. Our work is focused on enhancing England’s wildlife and landscapes and maximising the benefits they bring to the public.
For more information, visit King Charles III England Coast Path: improving public access to the coast .
About the South West Coast Path Association
The South West Coast Path Association is a charity (Registered Charity Number 1163422) that works to ensure the South West Coast Path is one of the best walks in the world and protects it for all to enjoy. Supporting the charity helps the South West Coast Path Association to improve the South West Coast Path and keeps the way open to beautiful coastal places.
For more information visit the South West Coast Path Association.
Source: City of Coventry
A pioneering service that is helping people in Coventry get back to independence after being in hospital is marking its first birthday.
Since going live in June 2024, three Local Integrated Teams (LITS) made up of health and care professionals from University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) and Coventry City Council have cared for over 6000 patients.
The single integrated team support the whole urgent and emergency care pathway.
The team is based in Newfield House, Opal Centre and Tile Hill Primary Care Centre – each covering different areas of the city.
Among the patients cared for by LITS is 88-year-old Joan Foster from Holbrooks. Joan spent eight weeks in hospital after a fall in her home and lying on the floor for 10 hours.
Following discharge, an Occupational Therapist (OT) and Physio from the North LIT provided support, including sourcing equipment, in Joan’s home. Within two months Joan’s care needs were reduced to a single carer once a day.
Joan said: “Without the support, I don’t know where I’d be. They gave me the confidence to realise I can do things. I can now get into bed on my own and get to the kitchen to make a cup of tea.”
Over the year, LITs have helped 840 people to avoid an unnecessary hospital admission, fewer people with an urgent care need a long stay in a care home and over 2000 patients with support for a short while in their home, or close to where they live.
Other achievements include:
Lead for One Coventry Integrated Team (OCIT), Jodie Storrow said: “LITs were trialled under the Improving Lives programme in 2024 after a diagnostic showed that older patients with an urgent health and care need were getting the wrong support. One year in, we are demonstrating that we’re receiving the right patients who are right for our service.”
She added: “What we’ve achieved in a year is truly astonishing. I would like to thank each and every member of the LITs for their compassion and dedication to working differently to deliver improved outcomes for the people of Coventry. Day in, day out, you are working as a single integrated team which is fundamentally changing the way we support people with an urgent need”.
Rae Bottrill, Service Manager in Adult Social Care said: “Health and Social Care colleagues working in an integrated way in the LITS to support people of Coventry is demonstrating fantastic outcomes for people.”
Cllr Linda Bigham, Cabinet Member for Adult Services, said: “In such a short time the new integrated teams are making a big difference. Joan’s experience is a great example of the work being done.
“Where people can be at or nearer to home, and out of hospital is crucial, and I’m delighted that the teams are helping reduce the numbers of patients needing a bed in a care home.”
Source: New Zealand Police
The Police Media Centre will operate at reduced capacity on Thursday 5 June.
Media Advisors will be available to respond to urgent queries and significant events only, during the usual hours of 6am to 9pm.
Other queries may be held until the following day.
We appreciate your patience and understanding.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre
Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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Jun 4, 2025 0730 UTC Day 3 Severe Thunderstorm Outlook
Updated: Wed Jun 4 07:30:16 UTC 2025 (Print Version | | )
Probabilistic to Categorical Outlook Conversion Table
Forecast Discussion
SPC AC 040730
Day 3 Convective Outlook
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0230 AM CDT Wed Jun 04 2025
Valid 061200Z – 071200Z
…THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FROM THE SOUTHERN
HIGH PLAINS TO THE TN/LOWER OH VALLEYS…
…SUMMARY…
Scattered severe thunderstorms are expected from the southern High
Plains to the Tennessee and Lower Ohio Valleys on Friday into Friday
night.
…Southern High Plains to the TN/Lower OH Valleys…
Enhanced zonal mid-level flow within the southern stream will
overlap a richly moist and unstable air mass across the southern
Great Plains to the TN Valley on Friday. An MCS is expected to be
initially ongoing in the OK vicinity at 12Z Friday. Guidance
generally suggests that the remnant MCV will track east-northeast
across the Mid-South and OH Valley through the period. This should
enhance 700-mb winds and support scattered damaging wind swaths
downstream through at least Friday evening. Have broadened the 15
percent severe area eastward through much of KY south to northern
AL/GA, with still much uncertainty on how far south/east remnant MCS
outflow(s) will reach.
Farther west across the southern High Plains to OK vicinity, the
overall setup from the convective-parameterized guidance appears
conditionally more favorable relative to D2. A broader plume of
large buoyancy is progged across OK/TX by Friday afternoon. In
addition, a northern-stream shortwave impulse is progged to dig into
the central Great Plains by Friday evening/night. This would further
enhance the belt of mid/upper-level westerlies to its south. A
similar evolution of supercells developing off the Raton Mesa
vicinity and growing upscale into a nocturnal MCS seems plausible.
The primary limiting factor to a categorical upgrade is with the
potential impact of the late D2/early D3 MCS on instability and
southern extent of convective outflows, which parameterized guidance
are notoriously underdone with. In addition, there is potential for
that MCS to be more intense/widespread than currently forecast. For
now, have opted to maintain a level 2-SLGT, with potential for
upgrades in later outlooks as limiting impacts of the early-period
MCS are likely better resolved.
..Grams.. 06/04/2025
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