Category: DJF

MIL-OSI NGOs: Bangladesh: National Human Rights Commission must not be forgotten amid reform agenda

Source: Amnesty International –

By Rehab Mahmoor, Regional Researcher, Amnesty International

Bangladesh is at a pivotal moment in its history. After one and a half decades under the tight grip of authoritarian practices, the country has now had more than eight months to begin forging a path towards a new future.

While addressing the multiple areas that are in desperate need of systemic reform, the interim government must not lose sight of the important legal and institutional reforms that can ensure an enduring respect for human rights. One such institution is the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which could, if reformed, be key to robust oversight, redress and accountability for human rights violations.

The NHRC has historically had glaring shortcomings in fulfilling its function as an independent mechanism to promote –and monitor compliance with –international standards on human rights and the rule of law. These failings led the UN accreditation body, Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), to give the NHRC a ‘B’ rating in April 2025, for the third consecutive time since its initial accreditation, meaning that it only partially complies with international standards.

The importance of the NHRC cannot be emphasized enough. If during the last decade, the NHRC had functioned according to international standards, with the capacity and willingness to hold inquiries with authorities in cases of enforced disappearances and to carry out unannounced visits of detention sites, victims of human rights violations could have had an avenue for redress. Instead, it remained inefficient. Its inability to intervene for the protection of human rights reached abysmal depth during last year’s July protest movement, when, on 30 July, the then Chairman of the NHRC, reacted to the massacre of protesters with a mere statement calling the situation “unfortunate and a violation of human rights”.

The NHRC currently stands vacant, following the resignation en-masse of its commissioners in November 2024, three months after the interim government came into power. However, simply appointing new commissioners would be wholly insufficient to ensure that the institution functions independently and effectively. Instead, a number of amendments must be made to its founding legislation, the National Human Rights Commission Act, 2009 (NHRC Act) to achieve this end.

While addressing the multiple areas that are in desperate need of systemic reform, the interim (Bangladesh) government must not lose sight of the important legal and institutional reforms that can ensure an enduring respect for human rights.

Rehab Mahmoor, Regional Researcher, Amnesty International

International standards on human rights institutions, set out in the Paris Principles, state that such institutions must be impartial and independent. However, the current politicized process of appointing NHRC members runs counter to these ideals. The process is led by a seven-member selection committee, with a majority of members from the ruling party: the Speaker of the House, two Ministers and the Cabinet Secretary as well as a ruling party MP. The selection process must be participatory inclusive and transparent. For example, a model like Sri Lanka’s Constitutional Council, which has representatives from the legislature (both government and opposition) and civil society, would better ensure the respect of such principles.

The Paris Principles also require that national human rights institutions have a broad mandate and adequate powers. Such scope would enable the NHRC to investigate any human rights violations, collect evidence, work with civil society and government actors, and make their findings and recommendations public. Critically, the NHRC Act also stipulates that the NHRC’s powers do not extend to matters relating to the conduct of public servants and public sector workers. These exemptions must be removed and all public authorities, including the military, police, and intelligence agencies, must come within the purview of the NHRC.

According to the Paris Principles, human rights institutions must have adequate resources to carry out their functions independently, free from external influence or the fear of financial retribution. The NHRC Act sets out that a ‘Human Rights Commission Fund’ shall be constituted to finance the institution. However, the fund can only be serviced by annual grants made by the government, or grants made by local authorities. This provision puts the NHRC at the mercy of government funding, which may be revoked at any time. The state must be compelled by law to provide adequate funding to the Commission, as part of a national budgetary allocation, to discharge its functions, with a guaranteed minimum sum the NHRC can access without fear of revocation.

While these amendments are just the beginning in ensuring adequate oversight by the NHRC, they are indeed a matter of urgency if victims of human rights violations and abuses are to have an efficient, effective human rights mechanism to approach for redress in Bangladesh now and in future.

This op-ed was first published in The Daily Star, Bangladesh

MIL OSI NGO –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI NGOs: DRC: ‘Congolese know all too well the cruelty of M23’ – new investigation of killings and torture at detention sites

Source: Amnesty International –

M23 accused detainees of supporting the Congolese army and government

Witnesses detail deaths in overcrowded cells amid torture, starvation, and denial of contact with family

‘They take a chair and put it on your shoulders so that you don’t move. The soldiers whip you one after the other until they get tired…’ – Former detainee

‘Amnesty demands that M23 immediately release all civilians and cease these unlawful, brutal practices’ – Tigere Chagutah

The Rwandan-backed March 23 Movement (M23) has carried out killings, torture, and enforced disappearances, held individuals hostage, and subjected detainees to inhumane conditions at detention sites in Goma and Bukavu, in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. These grave abuses violate international humanitarian law and may constitute war crimes, Amnesty International said today.

Between February and April 2025, Amnesty interviewed 18 former civilian detainees – all men – who had been held unlawfully in M23 detention sites in Goma and Bukavu, nine of whom were tortured by M23 fighters.

According to testimonies from former detainees, M23’s detention sites in Goma include: the provincial office of the National Intelligence Agency known as Chien Méchant (vicious dog); a compound near the state-owned Radio-Télévision Nationale Congolaise on Mount Goma; the provincial assembly building; the 34th military region compound; and a make-shift detention centre in Kanyaruchinya, outside Goma. In Bukavu, M23 has detained individuals in the main National Intelligence Agency office and a military camp in Bagira neighborhood. Amnesty is aware of four other M23 detention sites in Goma where detainees were held between a few days to over a week.

Amnesty wrote to Rwanda’s Ministry of Justice and Attorney General on 7 May and to the president of M23 and its spokesperson on 9 May. Amnesty shared its findings and requested information about the conduct of Rwanda’s immigration officials and M23 fighters in relation to specific allegations documented in this press release. At the time of publication, Amnesty has not received any response from Rwanda’s Ministry of Justice and Attorney General or M23 representatives.

Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Director for East and Southern Africa, said:

“M23’s public statements about bringing order to eastern DRC mask their horrific treatment of detainees. They brutally punish those who they believe oppose them and intimidate others, so no one dares to challenge them.

“Congolese know all too well the cruelty of M23. They continue to live in misery as international actors have become complacent, waiting patiently for a peace deal while M23 keeps brutalising Congolese.

“Amnesty demands that M23 immediately release all civilians and cease these unlawful, brutal practices. The international community must pressure Rwanda to cease its support for M23.”

Held without contact: detainees witness deaths, torture, and denial of basic needs

Eight detainees said that they witnessed fellow detainees die in detention, likely from torture and harsh detention conditions. They said hundreds were held in overcrowded, unsanitary cells without sufficient food, water, sanitation facilities or healthcare. Most were held incommunicado and denied access to their families and to lawyers.

Two former detainees described how they witnessed M23 fighters kill two detainees with hammers and shoot another who died on the spot. A former detainee from Goma told Amnesty:

“I saw one man who was assassinated. It was like he was a member of a band of bandits. [M23] were asking him where he kept the weapons and where is so and so. They shot him in the stomach and the right arm, like in the shoulder.”

Another detainee, at a different site, said he saw an M23 fighter kill two detainees.

“The M23 [fighter] brought out a hammer and hit him in the ribs. He died on the spot. They took another person. He said he was a former member of the Republican Guard [an elite corps of soldiers that is responsible for the security of the president of the DRC]. They hit him with the hammer, but he didn’t die immediately. In the morning, he was dead.”

Arbitrary detentions: M23 accuses detainees of supporting the Congolese army

Former detainees told Amnesty that M23 accused them of supporting the Congolese army or government through working with civil society, hiding or possessing weapons, knowing the whereabouts or being affiliated with other armed group members, civil servants or government officials, looting, or speaking out against M23 abuses.

Detainees said M23 never produced evidence of these accusations and at least 12 of them were not informed of reasons for their detention. M23 detained others to persuade them to work with them or to forcibly recruit them into their ranks.

Most detainees told Amnesty they had no communication with, or visits from, their families, and were effectively held incommunicado.

The family member of one detainee, who was trying to see him, said:

“They won’t let me talk to him. He’s in bad condition. The [M23 fighters] told me he was sick. They said: ‘We really whipped him, and he has wounds on his buttocks that are hurting him.”

Congolese who have gone to Rwanda have also been subject to arbitrary arrest. Rwandan border officials detained at least three Congolese men in February and handed two of them over to M23 fighters in Goma. The two men were released after almost two weeks at an M23 detention site where they faced inhumane conditions.

Rwanda immigration officials also detained Victoire Hategekimana Hakizimana, a 35-year-old NGO worker, on 12 February at the Ruzizi border crossing. He has been missing ever since.

Torture of detainees: “They were three or four to beat me up”

Amnesty interviewed four family members of three detainees, who were tortured by M23 while in detention and died after their release, and a family member of a detainee who died in M23 custody. All 18 former detainees said they were either tortured or witnessed M23 fighters torture others in detention.

At Chien Méchant, the compound on Mount Goma, the provincial assembly, and the 34th military region compound, former detainees said M23 fighters hit them, including with flexible wooden rods, boards, electric cables, engine belts, gun butts, or sticks, on their backs, legs, buttocks and genitals, leaving them with signs of trauma.

At least nine detainees received medical treatment for their wounds following their release, with five hospitalised. In four other cases, Amnesty reviewed photos of wounds consistent with detainees’ accounts of torture.

M23 fighters beat a man, who was later detained at the National Intelligence Agency office in Bukavu for three weeks, 100 times with wooden rods. Every morning, they whipped him and fellow detainees 10 times on their backsides when they were taken to the bathroom.

“[The M23 fighters] said they were giving us our morning tea,” he said.

At the 34th military region compound in Goma, two detainees held there in early March said M23 beat detainees regularly. “I was beaten for five days,” said a former detainee.

“Everyone was hit. They said they were going to kill me. They said: ‘We don’t need you. We will take your wife, and we will impregnate her.’ ”

In Kanyaruchinya, M23 detained a civilian in late March in a shipping container for five days. Before his death at a hospital in Goma, he described to a family member how M23 fighters had pinned his arm between their knees and then broke two bones in his arm.

At Chien Méchant, in the early morning, most detainees were brought out of their cells to the courtyard for flogging. They were beaten on their backside with a rubber electric cable or wooden rods. In early April, one detainee was beaten so badly that he could not stand up or sit down and could only lie on the ground. Fellow detainees had to pick him up to move him.

At the Mount Goma detention site, two detainees described how M23 fighters whipped them repeatedly on their buttocks and backs. One of them recounted his experience:

“They take a chair and put it on your shoulders so that you don’t move. The soldiers whip you one after the other until they get tired. As soon as the one who is whipping gets tired, another one continues. They were three or four to beat me up.”

Amnesty’s Crisis Evidence Lab verified a video, which first appeared on social media on 18 March, that showed men in uniforms beating a man with wooden rods at the Stade de l’Unité in Goma. M23 fighters controlled the city and were the only fighters who had access to the stadium. Amnesty has documented how M23 used the stadium to torture abducted hospital patients and caregivers in late February and early March.

M23 concealed detainees’ whereabouts, leaving families in the dark

Amnesty documented several cases of enforced disappearance. Relatives looked for their loved ones at detention sites in Goma and Bukavu, but M23 fighters often refused to grant them access or denied that their relatives were there, amounting to enforced disappearances.

Amnesty interviewed three detainees and two relatives of detainees who explained how families looked for their loved ones at M23 detention sites but were often misled by M23 fighters who concealed the whereabouts of their loved ones.

A detainee at a detention site in Goma said:

“I was there five days without my family knowing. The families do the rounds [of the detention centres]. They go to the front gate, and they ask the guards: do you know if so and so is here? [The guards] check the list and say yes if they want to. Or they say no even though you are there. They lied twice to my family that I wasn’t there.”

One family hired a person with ties to M23 and had access to a detention site to verify their loved one was there because M23 would not reveal his whereabouts.

Ransom payments: extorted families for detainee releases

M23 often required families to pay large ransoms to secure the release of their family members. Eight detainees said their family members paid M23 ransoms for their release. Ransom amounts ranged from a few hundred US dollars to over US$2,000. Numerous family members visited M23 detention sites in Goma and Bukavu and attempted to negotiate ransom amounts with M23 fighters.

One family spent several weeks attempting to negotiate the release of a family member, and the amount of ransom, finally asking senior M23 members to intervene.

“My family arrived [where I was detained], and [M23 fighters] asked for money without telling them where I was,” said one detainee. The family eventually paid several hundred dollars for his release.

Inhumane conditions: “It was incredibly hot… people were drinking each other’s urine”

Five detainees held in overcrowded, collective cells on Mount Goma in February told Amnesty there was a lack of space in some cells, which forced detainees to sleep while sitting on the concrete floor or standing up. Cells were dark, hot, and poorly ventilated. Guards brought food only once a day, usually a plate of boiled corn to be shared. There was no running water and detainees spent weeks without bathing.

One detainee said:

“It was incredibly hot… People were drinking each other’s urine. On rainy days, you could drink rainwater.” He said that there were only three toilets for hundreds of detainees, and they were forced to unclog them by hand. The detainees were only allowed one bathroom break a day and, at night, those with diarrhoea defecated into small bags or boxes if they were available.

In mid-March, M23 moved detainees by bus from Mount Goma to the provincial assembly detention site, apparently due to overcrowding, but the cells there also became overcrowded. One detainee said he was held in a tiny cell with many others, some of whom were ill. He said that if they complained about being sick, M23 tortured them.

At a second detention site on Mount Goma, a former detainee described being held in an underground, earthen cell.

“The hole was long. It was more than 2 meters deep. It was really hot. With the heat, some people died. I lost my (relative). He died after one week [in detention]. He died from a combination of torture, lack of food, lack of water.”

M23 violations may constitute war crimes under international humanitarian law

International humanitarian law prohibits parties to the conflict, including organised armed groups, from arbitrarily detaining civilians. Murder, cruel treatment and torture, as well as outrages upon personal dignity, in particular humiliating and degrading treatment, against detainees, as well as enforced disappearances, are also prohibited under international humanitarian law and may amount to war crimes. Moreover, M23’s detention of civilians to compel them or their family members to pay for their release may amount to the war crime of taking hostages.

Amnesty is calling on M23 to immediately release arbitrarily detained civilians, including those forcibly disappeared and whose whereabouts should be disclosed. M23 should treat detainees humanely and provide them with access to lawyers and their families. Independent monitoring bodies must urgently be granted access to all M23 detention sites.

MIL OSI NGO –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI NGOs: DRC: M23 kill, torture and hold civilians hostage at detention sites – new investigation

Source: Amnesty International –

The Rwandan-backed March 23 Movement (M23) has killed, tortured and forcibly disappeared detainees, held some as hostages, and subjected them to inhumane conditions at detention sites in Goma and Bukavu in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). These acts violate international humanitarian law (IHL) and may amount to war crimes, Amnesty International said today.

Between February and April 2025, Amnesty International interviewed 18 former civilian detainees – all men – who had been held unlawfully in M23 detention sites in Goma and Bukavu, nine of whom were tortured by M23 fighters.

“M23’s public statements about bringing order to eastern DRC mask their horrific treatment of detainees. They brutally punish those who they believe oppose them and intimidate others, so no one dares to challenge them,” said Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa. “Regional and international actors must pressure Rwanda to cease its support for M23.”

Amnesty International is calling on M23 to immediately release arbitrarily detained civilians, including those forcibly disappeared and whose whereabouts should be disclosed. M23 should treat detainees humanely and provide them with access to lawyers and their families. Independent monitoring bodies must urgently be granted access to all M23 detention sites.

M23’s public statements about bringing order to eastern DRC mask their horrific treatment of detainees. They brutally punish those who they believe oppose them and intimidate others, so no one dares to challenge them

Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa

Unlawful killings at detention sites

Eight detainees said that they witnessed fellow detainees die in detention, likely from torture and harsh detention conditions. They said hundreds were held in overcrowded, unsanitary cells without sufficient food, water, sanitation facilities or healthcare. Most were held incommunicado and denied access to their families and to lawyers.

According to testimonies from former detainees, M23’s detention sites in Goma include: the provincial office of the National Intelligence Agency (ANR) known as Chien Méchant (vicious dog); a compound near the state-owned Radio-Télévision Nationale Congolaise (RTNC) on Mount Goma; the provincial assembly building; the 34th military region compound; and a make-shift detention centre in Kanyaruchinya, outside Goma. In Bukavu, M23 has detained individuals in the main ANR office and a military camp in Bagira neighborhood. Amnesty International is aware of four other M23 detention sites in Goma where detainees were held between a few days to over a week.

I saw one man who was assassinated…It was like he was a member of a band of bandits. [M23] were asking him where he kept the weapons and where is so and so. They shot him in the stomach and the right arm, like in the shoulder.

Former detainee

Two former detainees described how they witnessed M23 fighters kill two detainees with hammers and shoot another who died on the spot.

“I saw one man who was assassinated,” said a former detainee from Goma. “It was like he was a member of a band of bandits. [M23] were asking him where he kept the weapons and where is so and so. They shot him in the stomach and the right arm, like in the shoulder.”

Another detainee, at a different site, said he saw an M23 fighter kill two detainees. “The M23 [fighter] brought out a hammer and hit him in the ribs. He died on the spot. They took another person. He said he was a former member of the Republican Guard [an elite corps of soldiers that is responsible for the security of the president of the DRC]. They hit him with the hammer, but he didn’t die immediately. In the morning, he was dead.”

Arbitrary detentions

Former detainees told Amnesty International that M23 accused them of supporting the Congolese army or government through working with civil society, hiding or possessing weapons, knowing the whereabouts or being affiliated with other armed group members, civil servants or government officials, looting, or speaking out against M23 abuses.

Detainees said M23 never produced evidence of these accusations and at least 12 of them were not informed of reasons for their detention. M23 detained others to persuade them to work with them or to forcibly recruit them into their ranks.

Most detainees told Amnesty International they had no communication with, or visits from, their families, and were effectively held incommunicado.

The family member of one detainee, who was trying to see him, said: “They won’t let me talk to him. He’s in bad condition. The [M23 fighters] told me he was sick. They said: “We really whipped him, and he has wounds on his buttocks that are hurting him.”

Congolese who have gone to Rwanda have also been subject to arbitrary arrest. Rwandan border officials detained at least three Congolese men in February 2025 and handed two of them over to M23 fighters in Goma. The two men were released after almost two weeks at an M23 detention site where they faced inhumane conditions.

Rwanda immigration officials also detained Victoire Hategekimana Hakizimana, a 35-year-old NGO worker, on 12 February at the Ruzizi border crossing. He has been missing ever since.

Amnesty International wrote to Rwanda’s Ministry of Justice and Attorney General on 7 May 2025 and to the president of M23 and its spokesperson on 9 May 2025. The organization shared its findings and requested information about the conduct of Rwanda’s immigration officials and M23 fighters in relation to specific allegations documented in this press release. At the time of publication, the organization had not received any response from Rwanda’s Ministry of Justice and Attorney General or M23 representatives.

Torture of detainees

Amnesty International interviewed four family members of three detainees, who were tortured by M23 while in detention and died after their release, and a family member of a detainee who died in M23 custody.

All 18 former detainees said they were either tortured or witnessed M23 fighters torture others in detention.

At Chien Méchant, the compound on Mount Goma, the provincial assembly, and the 34th military region compound, former detainees said M23 fighters hit them, including with flexible wooden rods, boards, electric cables, engine belts, gun butts, or sticks, on their backs, legs, buttocks and genitals, leaving them with signs of trauma.

At least nine detainees received medical treatment for their wounds following their release, with five hospitalized. In four other cases, Amnesty International reviewed photos of wounds consistent with detainees’ accounts of torture.

M23 fighters beat a man, who was later detained at the ANR office in Bukavu for three weeks, 100 times with wooden rods. Every morning, they whipped him and fellow detainees 10 times on their backsides when they were taken to the bathroom. “[The M23 fighters] said they were giving us our morning tea,” he said.

At the 34th military region compound in Goma, two detainees held there in early March said M23 beat detainees regularly. “I was beaten for five days,” said a former detainee. “Everyone was hit. They said they were going to kill me. They said: ‘We don’t need you. We will take your wife, and we will impregnate her.’ ”

In Kanyaruchinya, M23 detained a civilian in late March in a shipping container for five days. Before his death at a hospital in Goma, he described to a family member how M23 fighters had pinned his arm between their knees and then broke two bones in his arm.

At Chien Méchant, in the early morning, most detainees were brought out of their cells to the courtyard for flogging. They were beaten on their backside with a rubber electric cable or wooden rods. In early April, one detainee was beaten so badly that he could not stand up or sit down and could only lie on the ground. Fellow detainees had to pick him up to move him.

At the Mount Goma detention site, two detainees described how M23 fighters whipped them repeatedly on their buttocks and backs. One of them recounted his experience: “They take a chair and put it on your shoulders so that you don’t move. The soldiers whip you one after the other until they get tired. As soon as the one who is whipping gets tired, another one continues. They were three or four to beat me up.”

Amnesty International’s Crisis Evidence Lab verified a video, which first appeared on social media on 18 March 2025, that showed men in uniforms beating a man with wooden rods at the Stade de l’Unité in Goma. M23 fighters controlled the city and were the only fighters who had access to the stadium. Amnesty International has documented how M23 used the stadium to torture abducted hospital patients and caregivers in late February and early March 2025.

Enforced disappearances

Amnesty International documented several cases of enforced disappearance. Relatives looked for their loved ones at detention sites in Goma and Bukavu, but M23 fighters often refused to grant them access or denied that their relatives were there, amounting to enforced disappearances.

Amnesty International interviewed three detainees and two relatives of detainees who explained how families looked for their loved ones at M23 detention sites but were often misled by M23 fighters who concealed the whereabouts of their loved ones.

A detainee at a detention site in Goma said: “I was there five days without my family knowing. The families do the rounds [of the detention centers]. They go to the front gate, and they ask the guards: do you know if so and so is here? [The guards] check the list and say yes if they want to. Or they say no even though you are there. They lied twice to my family that I wasn’t there.”

One family hired a person with ties to M23 and had access to a detention site to verify their loved one was there because M23 would not reveal his whereabouts.

Ransom payments

M23 often required families to pay large ransoms to secure the release of their family members. Eight detainees said their family members paid M23 ransoms for their release. Ransom amounts ranged from a few hundred US dollars to over US$2,000. Numerous family members visited M23 detention sites in Goma and Bukavu and attempted to negotiate ransom amounts with M23 fighters.

One family spent several weeks attempting to negotiate the release of a family member, and the amount of ransom, finally asking senior M23 members to intervene.

“My family arrived [where I was detained], and [M23 fighters] asked for money without telling them where I was,” said one detainee. The family eventually paid several hundred dollars for his release.

Inhumane conditions at M23 detention sites

Five detainees held in overcrowded, collective cells on Mount Goma in February 2025 told Amnesty International there was a lack of space in some cells, which forced detainees to sleep while sitting on the concrete floor or standing up. Cells were dark, hot, and poorly ventilated. Guards brought food only once a day, usually a plate of boiled corn to be shared. There was no running water and detainees spent weeks without bathing.

One detainee said: “It was incredibly hot… People were drinking each other’s urine. On rainy days, you could drink rainwater.” He said that there were only three toilets for hundreds of detainees, and they were forced to unclog them by hand. The detainees were only allowed one bathroom break a day and, at night, those with diarrhoea defecated into small bags or boxes if they were available.

In mid-March, M23 moved detainees by bus from Mount Goma to the provincial assembly detention site, apparently due to overcrowding, but the cells there also became overcrowded. One detainee said he was held in a tiny cell with many others, some of whom were ill. He said that if they complained about being sick, M23 tortured them.

Congolese know all too well the cruelty of M23…They continue to live in misery as international actors have become complacent, waiting patiently for a peace deal while M23 keeps brutalizing Congolese. Amnesty International demands that M23 immediately release all civilians and cease these unlawful, brutal practices.

Tigere Chagutah

At a second detention site on Mount Goma, a former detainee described being held in an underground, earthen cell. “The hole was long. It was more than 2 meters deep. It was really hot. With the heat, some people died. I lost my (relative). He died after one week [in detention]. He died from a combination of torture, lack of food, lack of water.”

IHL prohibits parties to the conflict, including organized armed groups, from arbitrarily detaining civilians. Murder, cruel treatment and torture, as well as outrages upon personal dignity, in particular humiliating and degrading treatment, against detainees, as well as enforced disappearances, are also prohibited under IHL and may amount to war crimes. Moreover, M23’s detention of civilians to compel them or their family members to pay for their release may amount to the war crime of taking hostages.

“Congolese know all too well the cruelty of M23,” said Tigere Chagutah. “They continue to live in misery as international actors have become complacent, waiting patiently for a peace deal while M23 keeps brutalizing Congolese. Amnesty International demands that M23 immediately release all civilians and cease these unlawful, brutal practices.”

MIL OSI NGO –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Open Innovation Team’s AI work at the Department for Education
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

News story

Open Innovation Team’s AI work at the Department for Education

Secretary of State for Education highlights Open Innovation Team in Education World Forum speech
The Open Innovation Team (OIT) was highlighted by Secretary of State for Education Bridget Phillipson during her keynote address at the recent Education World Forum 2025.

In her speech, the Secretary of State emphasised the importance of evidence-based innovation in EdTech to improve educational outcomes globally. She announced new investments to test educational technologies, including AI tools, with support from the OIT.

She said:

Working with the Open Innovation Team, we’ll be engaging the sector to understand what works. We’ll look at how tools, including AI, can improve things like staff workload, pupil outcomes and inclusivity. Evidence must be at the heart of all we do, on EdTech and right across education.

This recognition underscores the OIT’s commitment to collaborating with the Department for Education and partners to develop and evaluate innovative solutions that enhance teaching and learning experiences across England, and beyond.

Read the full speech here.

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Published 27 May 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: HSE Oriental Studies students accompanied foreign delegations to the anniversary Victory Parade

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

In early May, official delegations from all over the world arrived in the Russian capital for the Victory Day celebrations. Volunteers were brought in to meet and accompany the distinguished guests, including students from the OP “Oriental Studies” Faculty of World Economy and World Politics (FMEiMP) HSE Natalia Kulakova (3rd year) and Polina Slobodenko (1st year), as well as Anton Klyuev, a 2024 graduate of the same program, visiting lecturer Schools of Oriental Studies HSE.

Volunteers acted as translators and assistants, ensuring the high-ranking guests had a comfortable stay in the capital.

Natalia Kulakova and Polina Slobodenko worked with the delegation from the People’s Republic of China, and Anton Klyuev joined in accompanying the Palestinian delegation. The HSE students not only provided language support, but also participated in a volunteer program, collaborating with liaison officers of the Russian Foreign Ministry.

“The HSE motto “Not for school, but for life” is not just words. It is our approach to relations with the world. The opportunity, as a student, to apply your knowledge, to feel professional life, to see how history is made, from the inside, and not in the news feed – this is not just interesting. Such moments allow you to better understand yourself, what you want to do, what inspires you,” commented Anastasia Likhacheva, Dean of the Faculty of World Economy and International Relations at HSE.

She also added that it is necessary to try professional life as early as possible and that HSE provides such opportunities. At the Faculty of World Economy and World Politics, this is considered one of the priority tasks.

“I learned about volunteering from friends, participation in such an event is professional experience for me, so I was happy to join the volunteer corps. I attended a planning meeting, passed an interview – and I was sent to accompany the delegation of the PRC,” shared Natalia Kulakova.

The student also said that she had to help representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs accompany delegations, mainly at the hotel. “I was pleased with the opportunity to feel the kitchen from the inside. This is an invaluable experience of working with foreign delegations,” she believes.

Before participating in the volunteer project, Polina and Natalia were not acquainted. “We had no problems with work communication. Together with representatives of the embassy in Moscow, we followed the Victory Parade ceremony, we told foreign guests in detail what was happening on the screen,” shared Polina Slobodenko.

Polina has been studying Chinese for a long time and says that she was interested in observing the processes that took place inside the delegations. “What was the process of preparing the motorcades and the reaction of foreign students who were waiting for their country’s delegation to leave on the street worth,” Polina explained.

She is confident that such events can help students, especially juniors, to get in touch with the region they are studying during their studies at the university and gain excellent experience in intercultural communication at a high level. “In addition to achieving professional goals, participation in such events allows us to make a small contribution to the celebration of such an important memorable date for our country,” the student added.

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: United Kingdom: Staff Concluding Statement of the 2025 Article IV Mission
Source: IMF – News in Russian

May 27, 2025

A Concluding Statement describes the preliminary findings of IMF staff at the end of an official staff visit (or ‘mission’), in most cases to a member country. Missions are undertaken as part of regular (usually annual) consultations under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, in the context of a request to use IMF resources (borrow from the IMF), as part of discussions of staff monitored programs, or as part of other staff monitoring of economic developments.

The authorities have consented to the publication of this statement. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF Executive Board for discussion and decision.
- An economic recovery is underway. Growth is projected at 1.2 percent in 2025 and will gain momentum next year, although weak productivity continues to weigh on medium-term growth prospects.
- The authorities’ fiscal plans strike a good balance between supporting growth and safeguarding fiscal sustainability. It will be important to stay the course and deliver the planned deficit reduction over the next five years to stabilize net debt and reduce vulnerability to gilt market pressures. Further refinements of the fiscal framework could help minimize the frequency of fiscal policy changes. In the longer term, the UK will face difficult choices to align spending with available resources, given ageing-related expenditure pressures.
- The Bank of England (BoE) should continue to ease monetary policy gradually, while remaining flexible in light of elevated uncertainty. Calibrating the monetary policy stance has become more complex, given the recent pickup in inflation, still fragile growth, and higher long-term interest rates.
- The authorities’ Growth Mission focuses on the right areas to lift productivity. Given the breadth of the agenda, prioritizing and sequencing of structural reforms, along with clear communication, will be key to success.
Washington, DC – May 27, 2025:

Economic Outlook

After a slowdown in the second half of 2024, an economic recovery is underway and is expected to gain momentum. Economic activity decelerated during 2024 H2, partly reflecting weaker export performance in the challenging global environment. In recent months, high frequency indicators have shown signs of improvement. Growth is projected at 1.2 percent in 2025 and 1.4 percent in 2026, as monetary easing, positive wealth effects, and an uptick in confidence bolster private consumption, while the boost to public spending in the October budget will also help support growth. The forecast assumes that global trade tensions lower the level of UK GDP by 0.3 percent by 2026, due to persistent uncertainty, slower activity in UK trading partners, and the direct impact of remaining US tariffs on the UK. The authorities’ structural reforms, including to planning, and the increase in infrastructure investment could increase potential growth if properly implemented. However, medium-term growth is still forecast to remain subdued relative to the pre-GFC trend, at 1.4 percent, given weak productivity.

Risks to growth remain to the downside. Tighter-than-expected financial conditions, combined with rising precautionary saving by households, would hinder the rebound in private consumption and slow the recovery. Persistent global trade uncertainty could further weigh on UK growth, by weakening global economic activity, disrupting supply chains, and undermining private investment.

Fiscal Policy

The authorities’ fiscal strategy for the next five years appropriately supports growth while safeguarding fiscal sustainability. The new spending plans are credible and growth-friendly, taking account of pressures on public services and investment needs. They are expected to provide an economic boost over the medium term that outweighs the impact of higher taxation. As revenue is projected to increase, deficits are set to decline and stabilize net debt.

It will be important to stay the course and reduce fiscal deficits as planned over the medium term. There are significant risks to the successful implementation of the fiscal strategy, from the high level of global uncertainty, volatile financial market conditions, and the challenge of containing day-to-day spending. Materialization of these risks could result in market pressures, put debt on an upward path, and make it harder to meet the fiscal rules, given limited headroom. To this end, staff recommends adhering to the current plans, and implementing additional revenue or expenditure measures as needed if shocks arise, to maintain compliance with the rules.

In the longer term, difficult fiscal choices will likely be needed to address spending pressures and rebuild fiscal buffers. Under current policies, staff analysis suggests spending to be around 8 percent of GDP higher by 2050, mainly due to additional outlays on health and pensions from population ageing. There is limited space to finance this spending through extra borrowing, given high debt and elevated borrowing costs. Unless revenue is increased, for which there is scope, tough policy decisions on spending priorities and the role of the state in certain areas will be needed to better align the coverage of public services with available resources.

While recent reforms of the fiscal framework enhance its credibility and effectiveness, further refinements could improve predictability and reduce pressure for frequent fiscal policy changes. The new current balance rule helps preserve space for investment, while the debt rule safeguards fiscal sustainability. The transition to a three-year rule horizon, aligned with the spending reviews, is expected to make the rules more credible, while allowing time to adjust gradually to shocks. Staff welcomes the authorities’ commitment to hold a single annual fiscal event, but notes that there is still significant pressure for frequent fiscal policy changes, given that small revisions to the economic outlook can erode the headroom within the rules, which is the subject of intense market and media scrutiny. Refinements to the fiscal framework could promote further policy stability. Options include (1) de-emphasizing point estimates of headroom in OBR assessments of rule compliance; (2) establishing a formal process so that small rule breaches do not trigger corrective fiscal action outside of the single fiscal event; or (3) assessing rules only once per year at the time of the fiscal event.

Monetary Policy and Operations

A gradual and flexible approach to monetary easing continues to be appropriate to support the economy and protect against inflationary risks. The pickup in inflation that began in 2024 is expected to last through the second half of this year, with a return to target later in 2026 as underlying inflationary pressures continue to recede. Although monetary policy calibration has become more difficult due to still-weak growth, the temporary rise in inflation and high long-term interest rates, staff sees the BoE’s gradual pace of easing as appropriate. Given the elevated uncertainty, the MPC is encouraged to retain flexibility to adjust the monetary stance in either direction if needed.

The BoE should continue to strengthen its forecasting capacity and communications. Staff welcomes the implementation of the Bernanke Review and the use of scenarios and conditional guidance in the BoE’s communications. The BoE will benefit from continuing to invest in modeling capacity, data and personnel, to be able to tailor scenarios promptly as economic conditions change. In the scenarios, interest rates should be allowed to adjust to economic developments, so that the scenarios are more informative and consistent, rather than assume that interest rates follow current market expectations. Lastly, MPC members could make greater use of the information from the central forecast and the alternative scenarios to justify the MPC decision and explain their personal views.

The BoE’s transition to a repo-based framework will mitigate balance sheet risks. QT continues to be conducted in a gradual and predictable manner. As the balance sheet normalizes, transitioning to a demand-driven approach, with reserves provided to banks mainly through repo operations, will reduce the market footprint of the BoE and limit its exposure to interest and credit risks. This will also maintain monetary control and the flexibility for new QE in the future, while providing sufficient reserves for financial stability reasons. The transition is being accompanied by a timely review of BoE instruments to consider the relative role of repo operations and asset purchases, as well as the balance between short and long-term repos.

Financial Sector Policies

The banking sector remains broadly resilient and macroprudential settings are appropriate, despite global financial stability risks increasing over the past year. The banking system is adequately capitalized and liquid with healthy levels of profitability, and the 2024 desk-based stress test showed that it can support households and businesses during times of severe stress. Macroprudential settings remain appropriate, as indicators of financial vulnerabilities are close to their long-term average, although global risks have risen in the past year given more volatile asset prices and credit spreads.

Significant progress has been made assessing and reducing vulnerabilities in the non-bank sector and work should continue at the domestic and international levels. Managing risks in the sector is critical, as it accounts for over half of UK financial assets. The system-wide exploratory scenario (SWES) has improved understanding of linkages with the banking sector and contagion risks, while the BoE’s new repo facility for non-banks is in line with previous AIV recommendations. The BoE could, in the future, consider expanding access to this facility so as to include a broader range of non-banks with a large gilt market footprint, provided they are adequately supervised and regulated. Ongoing work, including with the FSB, is essential to better monitor and manage non-bank leverage, concentration, and liquidity risks. Work should also continue on closing data gaps to enhance financial system surveillance.

Recent episodes of global bond market turbulence underscore the importance of enhancing gilt market resilience. Gilt market functioning has remained orderly. Vulnerabilities have nonetheless risen, given increased supply and the reduction in demand by more patient investors, with hedge funds and non-residents playing a greater role, and the BoE reducing its holdings as part of QT. Staff recommends close monitoring as well as regular stress testing and engagement with market participants to detect and manage future risks. In this regard, the shift of issuance toward shorter-dated securities for FY2025/26 has been well received by the market. The authorities are considering policies to enhance structural resilience, such as central clearing for gilt repo transactions, which is welcome.

Reforms to the financial sector and its regulation should balance promoting growth with preserving continuity and financial stability. While staff supports the government’s aim of enhancing the role of financial services as a driver of growth, risks will need to be carefully managed. Regulatory reforms should balance simplification and modernization with mitigating vulnerabilities, while being well-communicated. Consolidating pension funds has the potential to reduce fees and expand access to diverse asset classes, but it will be important to guard against possible unintended side-effects, including from reduced competition. Staff supports the FPC’s recommendation that the Pensions Regulator has the remit to take financial stability considerations into account. This would strengthen its ability to oversee the evolving pensions landscape and help manage potential risks from consolidation of funds and changes in investment strategies.

Structural Policies

Persistently weak productivity remains the UK’s primary obstacle to lifting growth and living standards. The UK has faced a decline in trend productivity growth since the Global Financial Crisis (GFC), further widening the gap with the US. Along with adverse shocks, including Brexit, the pandemic and the energy price crisis, the slowdown has left the level of UK GDP around one quarter below what the pre-GFC trend would imply. This slowdown has multiple causes, including chronic under-investment, low private R&D, limited access to finance for businesses to scale up, skill gaps, and a deterioration in health outcomes.

While the authorities’ Growth Mission focuses on the right areas, careful prioritizing and sequencing of policies will be key to success. The agenda is ambitious and impacts many parts of the economy. Reforms are broadly aligned with past IMF recommendations, although many of them are still at the formulation and consultation stage. Delivering on the Growth Mission involves significant challenges given limited fiscal space, the breadth of the reforms, and the volatile external environment. In refining their strategy, the authorities will thus need to carefully sequence reforms, ensure internal coherence among them, and prioritize early wins to build momentum and garner support for more complex initiatives. Continued clear communication with the public and markets will also be essential.

Stability, capital, and skills are the most important aspects of the Growth Mission. Staff recommends prioritizing the following three most binding constraints to growth. First, policy stability is critical to support business confidence in an increasingly uncertainty global environment. In this context, recent efforts to strike trade agreements with key partners, including the EU, India, and the US, demonstrate the authorities’ commitment to finding common ground and establishing a more predictable environment for UK exporters. Second, the planning reform and complementary public infrastructure projects can lift the chronically-low private investment, which has weighed on productivity. Finally, boosting people’s skills, enhancing their health, and incentivizing work will address shortages in sectors like construction and healthcare, while providing the productive workforce needed by growth industries. Reforms in these three areas are likely to deliver the largest growth benefits, while laying a strong foundation for progress on other fronts.

Industrial policy can play a complementary role to support particular sectors, but economy-wide reforms should remain the main tool to boost competitiveness and growth. Structural reforms that apply horizontally across the whole economy, such as easing planning restrictions, are likely to have the greatest impact. These reforms are prerequisites to realize the full potential of vertical interventions at the sectoral level, such as investments by the National Wealth Fund and initiatives under the new industrial strategy. Sectoral interventions should be focused on addressing market failures, identified using an evidence-based approach, and supported by rigorous appraisal processes, while being subject to strict budgetary limits, prudent risk management, and comprehensive risk reporting.

The mission thanks the authorities and other counterparts for open discussions, productive collaboration, and constructive policy dialogue.

IMF Communications Department

MEDIA RELATIONS

PRESS OFFICER: Camila Perez

Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

@IMFSpokesperson

https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/05/27/cs-uk-aiv-2025

MIL OSI
MIL OSI Russia News –
May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Republic of Iceland Repurchases EUR 204 Million of Its 2026 Bonds

Source: Government of Iceland

The Republic of Iceland has successfully repurchased, for cancellation, EUR 203.7 million in nominal value of its outstanding 0.625% Eurobonds due 2026 (ISIN: XS2182399274), representing over 40% of the original EUR 500 million issue. The buyback was executed at a price of 98.81%, equivalent to approximately ISK 29 billion.

The tender offer was launched on Monday, 19 May 2025 and closed at 17:00 BST on Friday, 23 May 2025.

This transaction is part of the Treasury’s ongoing liquidity and debt management strategy, aimed at reducing near-term refinancing risk and improving the maturity profile of the Government’s debt portfolio. The buyback was financed from proceeds of the new EUR 750 million Eurobond issued earlier last week.

MIL OSI Europe News –

May 27, 2025
India will not tolerate terrorism or nuclear intimidation: Sanjay Jha-led delegation in Singapore

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

An all-party parliamentary delegation led by Janata Dal (United) MP Sanjay Jha on Tuesday conveyed that India will give a fitting reply to any terrorist attack on its soil and will not tolerate any form of nuclear blackmail.

During their meeting with Sim Ann, Singapore’s Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs, the parliamentarians emphasized the importance of Operation Sindoor and reiterated India’s stand against Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism.

Condemning all acts of terrorism, Sim Ann extended Singapore’s support to India in its fight against terrorism. She affirmed that Singapore and India are close partners and will continue efforts to further strengthen bilateral cooperation, according to a statement from the Indian High Commission in Singapore.

During the engagement, Jha briefed the Singaporean side on India’s stance regarding the events following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, the subsequent launch of Operation Sindoor, and the country’s “new normal” strategy in counter-terrorism.

He underlined that the Indian delegation, comprising representatives from various political parties, reflects the nation’s united resolve against terrorism.

“The delegation members conveyed that the terrorist attack in Pahalgam was an attempt to disrupt the trajectory of peace, development, and normalcy in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The Government of India deemed it essential that the perpetrators and planners of the April 22 terror attack be brought to justice. In response to this heinous act, India launched Operation Sindoor, specifically targeting terrorist infrastructure. India’s response was measured, non-escalatory, proportionate, and responsible,” the Indian High Commission said.

The delegation also sought Singapore’s support in combating terrorism at multilateral forums such as the United Nations and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). As close partners, India and Singapore will continue to work together on regional and global issues, particularly on terrorism, the statement added.

Later in the day, the Jha-led delegation met senior representatives from the Singaporean government, academia, media, and businesses, briefing them on developments since the Pahalgam attack.

The delegates expressed appreciation for the presence of Singapore’s Senior Minister of State Janil Puthucheary and Members of Parliament Vikram Nair and Saktiandi Supaat, thanking them for their support in India’s fight against terrorism.

“Our all-party parliamentary delegation held wide-ranging discussions with senior representatives from the Singaporean government, academia, media, and business sectors. We briefed interlocutors on developments following the Pahalgam terror attack, Operation Sindoor, and India’s resolute ‘new normal’ in combating terrorism. We thank Senior Minister of State Janil Puthucheary and MPs Vikram Nair and Saktiandi Supaat for their support in strengthening bilateral cooperation in the global fight against terrorism,” Jha said in a post on X.

The delegation includes BJP MPs Aparajita Sarangi, Brij Lal, Hemang Joshi, and Pradan Baruah; Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee; CPI(M) Rajya Sabha member John Barittas; senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid; and former Indian Ambassador to France Mohan Kumar.

IANS

May 27, 2025
Puducherry hosts 25-day countdown event to International Day of Yoga 2025

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

The countdown to the International Day of Yoga (IDY), celebrated annually on June 21, officially began on Tuesday with a large-scale event in Puducherry.

Over 6,000 yoga enthusiasts gathered at the scenic Gandhi Thidal, a seafront open-air venue, as Union Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, inaugurated the 25-day countdown to IDY 2025.

This year’s theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” reflects a universal vision for a healthier planet and humanity.

Addressing the gathering, Jadhav emphasized the deep cultural roots of yoga in Puducherry, the spiritual home of Maharishi Aurobindo. He described yoga as more than a physical practice—an ancient art that connects the mind and body, promoting peace, power, and clarity.

Jadhav praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his global advocacy of yoga, attributing the worldwide recognition of June 21 as the International Day of Yoga to his efforts.

Lieutenant Governor Kailashnathan echoed these sentiments, calling Yoga an ancient science that integrates physical well-being and mental fortitude. He underlined its global reach and increasing adoption, not only in personal lives but across educational institutions, workplaces, and defence sectors. He also expressed national pride in PM Modi’s contribution to yoga’s global stature.

Chief Minister Rangasamy highlighted Puducherry’s unique environment of peace and spirituality, making it an ideal location for such an inspiring event. He described yoga as a journey of inner exploration and harmony with nature, noting that Puducherry stands as a global destination for spiritual seekers.

A notable outcome of the event was the surge in registrations on the Yoga Sangam Portal, launched earlier during the 50-day countdown event in Nashik. Over 12,000 people have registered so far, reflecting a nationwide surge in Yoga participation and interest.

The Puducherry event builds on a series of significant countdown celebrations leading to IDY 2025, preceded by the 100-day event in New Delhi, the 75-day celebration in Bhubaneswar, and the 50-day program in Nashik.

This year’s International Day of Yoga, marking its 11th edition, promises to be the most inclusive yet, with ten signature programs lined up to spread the message of holistic wellness. These include large-scale synchronized yoga demonstrations, community engagement initiatives like Yoga Parks, inclusive programs for vulnerable groups, sustainability campaigns, and the Global Online Yoga Summit that will connect experts, policymakers, and practitioners from around the world.

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai meets and hosts luncheon for delegation led by Governor Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero of Guam

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Details
2025-05-27
President Lai meets delegation from European Parliament
On the morning of May 27, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation from the European Parliament. In remarks, President Lai thanked the European Parliament for continuing to pay close attention to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and voice support for Taiwan. The president expressed hope for an even closer relationship and diversified cooperation between Taiwan and the European Union. The president said that Taiwan and the EU can work together in such areas as semiconductors, AI, and green energy to create more resilient supply chains for global democracies and contribute to global prosperity and development. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I warmly welcome our guests to the Presidential Office. After being elected last year, MEPs Reinis Pozņaks and Beatrice Timgren are making their first visits to Taiwan, demonstrating support for Taiwan through concrete action. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend my sincerest welcome and appreciation. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the European Parliament for continuing to pay close attention to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Just last month, the European Parliament adopted resolutions with regard to annual reports on the implementation of the European Union’s Common Foreign and Security Policy and Common Security and Defence Policy. These resolutions reaffirmed the EU’s steadfast commitment to maintaining the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. The European Parliament also condemned China for continuing to take provocative military actions against Taiwan and emphasized that Taiwan is a key democratic partner in the Indo-Pacific region. It called on the EU and its member states to continue working closely with Taiwan to strengthen economic, trade, and investment ties. Once again, I thank the European Parliament for voicing support for Taiwan. Just as MEPs Pozņaks and Timgren are visiting Taiwan to strengthen Taiwan-EU exchanges, our Minister of Economic Affairs Kuo Jyh-huei (郭智輝) also led a delegation to Europe last year, marking the first in-person dialogue between high-ranking economic and trade officials of Taiwan and the EU. Moving ahead, we look forward to bringing Taiwan-EU ties even closer and to diversifying our cooperation. The EU is Taiwan’s largest source of foreign investment. Both sides are highly complementary in such areas as semiconductors, AI, and green energy. Through our joint efforts, we can create more resilient supply chains for global democracies and further contribute to global prosperity and development. Looking ahead, I hope that MEPs Pozņaks and Timgren will continue to make the case in the European Parliament for the signing of a Taiwan-EU economic partnership agreement. This would not only yield mutually beneficial development, but also consolidate economic security and boost international competitiveness for both sides. In closing, I am sure that you will gain a deeper understanding of Taiwan through this visit. Please feel welcome to come back as often as possible as we continue to elevate Taiwan-EU ties. MEP Pozņaks then delivered remarks, saying that it is a great honor to be here and thanking everybody involved in arranging this trip that allows them the opportunity to better know Taiwan. He added that it is definitely not the last time they will be here, as Taiwan is a very beautiful country. MEP Pozņaks mentioned that he comes from Latvia, and despite their being on the other side of the world, they know how the Taiwanese people feel, because they also have a big neighbor who is claiming that Latvia belongs to them. Unfortunately, he said, there is already war in Europe, but he is confident that their situation is similar to Taiwan’s, adding that they have a neighbor who uses disinformation attacks. MEP Pozņaks said that we live in very challenging times, and that our choices will define the future of the world, asking whether it will be a world where the rule of law prevails or where physical power and aggression succeeds. Coming from a small country, he said he clearly understands that for them there is no other possibility; they must protect the world where the rule of law prevails. That is why now, he emphasized, it is very crucial for all democracies around the world to stick together to protect our freedoms, values, and democracy. MEP Timgren then delivered remarks, thanking President Lai for meeting with them and saying it is a big honor. Noting that they arrived here two days ago and that while she really loves Taiwan, its food, and the good weather, she stated that the reason they are here is because of the values that we share, our good relationships, and solidarity with other democratic countries in the world, which is important for them in Europe and in Sweden. MEP Timgren, referring to MEP Pozņaks’s earlier remarks, said that they face a big threat from Russia that is discernible even in the European Parliament. Actually, she pointed out, there is a war inside Europe that shows us how important it is that we support one another. She said that the Russian people thought it would be easy to take over Ukraine, but it was not, because all European countries stepped up and provided weapons and support. And that is why, MEP Timgren said, it is important that democratic countries maintain good relationships and let China and Russia see that we have good relationships, because a part of defense is solidarity. In closing, she expressed her gratitude for having the honor to be here in this beautiful country.

Details
2025-05-20
President Lai hosts state banquet for President Surangel Whipps Jr. of Republic of Palau
On the evening of May 20, President Lai Ching-te, accompanied by Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, hosted a state banquet at the Presidential Office in honor of President Surangel Whipps Jr. of the Republic of Palau and his wife. In remarks, President Lai said that he looks forward to working closely with President Whipps to promote tourism exchanges and sports cooperation so that Taiwan and Palau shine brightly together on the international stage. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: It is a pleasure to host this banquet tonight at the Presidential Office for President Whipps, First Lady Valerie Whipps, and the esteemed members of their delegation. Welcome to Taiwan. During my trips to Palau in 2022 and last year, President and First Lady Whipps received me with great hospitality. Wearing my island shirt, I enjoyed a very friendly reception from the people of Palau. It felt warm and friendly, just like being welcomed back home. The first time I visited Palau, President Whipps and I piloted a boat to the Milky Way lagoon. We both tried volcanic mud facial masks. We also fished together and enjoyed the breeze as we walked on the beach. Last year, on my second visit to Palau, I was honored to be invited to address the National Congress. I also observed the results of the close bilateral cooperation between our two nations. Due to its world-famous ocean scenery, Palau is sometimes referred to as “God’s aquarium.” And it is even possible to snorkel with sharks. It leaves a deep impression. Nothing compares to seeing Palau firsthand. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Taiwan and Palau launched a travel bubble that created a safe means of travel. Now, with the pandemic behind us, I hope that even more Taiwanese can tour Palau and gain a greater understanding of our diplomatic ally. In addition to tourism exchanges, I mentioned on my visit to Palau last year that I hoped Taiwan and Palau could promote sports cooperation by providing training away from home. Next month, Palau will be holding the Pacific Mini Games. And right now, Palau’s national baseball and table tennis teams are holding training sessions here in Taiwan. We will do our utmost to support Palau’s national players and we hope they stand out and achieve outstanding results in the events. I look forward to working closely with President Whipps so that Taiwan and Palau shine brightly together on the international stage. Thank you! Mesulang! President Whipps then delivered remarks, saying that it is truly an honor to be here once again one year after President Lai’s inauguration. Mentioning that this is his first state visit after being reelected to a second term, he said that it is important to be here among friends, and that we are more than friends, we are family. He thanked President Lai for the generous words and, most importantly, Taiwan’s enduring support. He remarked that our relationship continues to get stronger in each passing year. President Whipps said that President Lai’s diplomacy initiative, leadership, and vision deeply resonate with them. Diplomacy must be rooted in our shared values, he said, and an unwavering support for our allies and a commitment to a sustainable, inclusive development are all deeply appreciated by their people. President Whipps emphasized that, as we look into the future and the challenges that we face, from security to climate change, it is so important that we are united. He added that it is important for the world, and especially important for them in Palau, that they stand up for Taiwan, so that Taiwan can participate on international fora that address climate change, security, and health, because they know the world is better when Taiwan has a seat at the table. Mentioning that Palau will host the Pacific Islands Forum next year, President Whipps said that Palau remains committed to working closely with Taiwan to ensure a successful event, and that they will continue to speak up for Taiwan’s indispensable contributions as we stand together against any efforts to silence or isolate democratic partners. President Whipps said that our nations have navigated challenges and emerged stronger, bound by a partnership that is built on trust, respect, and hope for a better world. Whether it is in clean energy, education, smart medicine, or tourism, our shared journey is just beginning, he said, and we are stronger together. Also in attendance at the banquet were Palauan Minister of State Gustav Aitaro, Minister of Public Infrastructure and Industries Charles Obichang, Minister of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development Ngiraibelas Tmetuchl, Senate Floor Leader Kerai Mariur, House of Delegates Floor Leader Warren Umetaro, High Chief of Ngiwal State Elliot Udui, Governor of Peleliu State Emais Roberts, and Governor of Koror State Eyos Rudimch.

Details
2025-05-20
President Lai and President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. of Palau hold bilateral talks and witness signing of cooperation agreements
On the afternoon of May 20, following a welcome ceremony with military honors for President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. of the Republic of Palau and his wife, President Lai Ching-te, accompanied by Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, held bilateral talks with President Whipps at the Presidential Office. The two leaders also jointly witnessed the signing of a technical cooperation agreement and an agreement on diplomatic staff training cooperation. In remarks, President Lai thanked Palau for standing firm in its backing of Taiwan’s international participation as geopolitical tensions continue to increase in the Pacific region. He added that he looks forward to the cooperative ties between Taiwan and Palau continuing to expand into even broader areas, allowing our economies and societies to further progress as we jointly advance peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I welcome our guests to Taiwan once again. Last year on May 20, President Whipps led a delegation to attend the inauguration ceremony for myself and Vice President Hsiao. I am delighted, on the anniversary of my first year in office, to meet with old friends of Taiwan again, as President Whipps returns for this visit. Taiwan-Palau relations have grown even closer in recent years thanks to the strong support of President Whipps. In 2022, during my term as vice president, I led a delegation to Palau as a demonstration of how our nations were together boosting tourism development as we jointly faced the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Every time I visit Palau, and every time I meet with President Whipps, I feel very deeply that Taiwan and Palau are like family. We are both maritime nations and share a common Austronesian heritage and culture. We are also staunch partners in upholding such values as freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights. Last December, when I went on my first overseas trip since taking office, one of the nations I visited was Palau. We celebrated the 30th anniversary of Palau’s independence and 25 years of diplomatic relations, underscoring our friendly ties. Taiwan and Palau enjoy close exchanges and cooperation in a range of areas, including climate change, education, agriculture and fisheries, healthcare, humanitarian assistance, sports, and culture. After this meeting, President Whipps and I will witness the signing of a technical cooperation agreement and an agreement on diplomatic staff training cooperation, demonstrating once again our diverse collaboration and strong friendship. I believe that by working together, Taiwan and Palau can contribute to each other’s development and overcome the regional and global challenges we currently face. In particular, as geopolitical tensions continue to increase in the Pacific region, Palau has wisely and courageously upheld democratic values and stood firm in its backing of Taiwan’s international participation. Palau has never stopped voicing support for Taiwan, including at the United Nations General Assembly, the World Health Organization, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties, and the UN Ocean Conference. We have been deeply moved by this support. I thank President Whipps again for his high regard and support for Taiwan. I look forward to the cooperative ties between our nations continuing to expand into even broader areas. This will allow our economies and societies to further progress as we jointly advance peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. President Whipps then delivered remarks, saying that it is a great honor for him to be here, standing in this historic place – a symbol of strength, resilience, and the democratic spirit of the Taiwanese people. On behalf of the government of Palau, President Whipps extended heartfelt gratitude to President Lai and the people of Taiwan for the warm welcome and gracious hospitality toward him and his delegation. President Whipps then extended sincere thanks for President Lai’s visit to Palau in December – his second visit to Palau – and for having Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) attend his inauguration as a special envoy. He added that this also marks his third visit to Taiwan since President Lai took office, saying that this demonstrates the strength of our growing relationship. President Whipps indicated that the increased engagements and numerous entrepreneurs that President Lai has brought from Taiwan to Palau have resulted in fruitful visits, and that President Lai’s leadership represents hope, unity, and continued advancement of democracy and freedom, not only for Taiwan, but for the broader Indo-Pacific region. President Whipps went on to say that this visit to Taiwan reaffirms our deep friendship and shared values between our two nations. He emphasized that Palau and Taiwan are bound not by proximity, but by purpose, in that both are island nations and believe in human dignity, the rule of law, and the right of our people to determine their own futures. President Whipps stated that although we are celebrating 26 years of diplomatic relations, Taiwan has been a steadfast partner of Palau for decades, and that one of the MOUs they are signing further extends the relationship that began in December of 1984. From healthcare and medical missions, to education, agriculture, renewable energy, infrastructure, the private sector, tourism development, and climate resilience, he said, our cooperation has improved lives and strengthened our communities. The president also indicated that during the COVID-19 pandemic, Taiwan stood with Palau, noting that both sides began the tourism bubble, and that President Lai came to Palau to reopen the two weekly direct flights that have now been increased to four. That solidarity will never be forgotten, he said. As the world faces growing uncertainty and complex challenges from climate change to global tensions, President Whipps said, this friendship becomes even more vital. The president concluded his remarks by expressing hope that both nations continue to stand together, work together, and advocate together for peace, prosperity, and for the right of small nations to be seen, heard, and respected. After the bilateral talks, President Lai and President Whipps witnessed the signing of the technical cooperation agreement and the agreement on diplomatic staff training cooperation by Minister Lin and Palauan Minister of State Gustav Aitaro. The delegation also included Palauan Minister of Public Infrastructure and Industries Charles Obichang, Minister of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development Ngiraibelas Tmetuchl, Senate Floor Leader Kerai Mariur, House of Delegates Floor Leader Warren Umetaro, High Chief of Ngiwal State Elliot Udui, Governor of Peleliu State Emais Roberts, and Governor of Koror State Eyos Rudimch.

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.

Details
2025-05-13
President Lai interviewed by Japan’s Nikkei
In a recent interview with Japan’s Nikkei, President Lai Ching-te responded to questions regarding Taiwan-Japan and Taiwan-United States relations, cross-strait relations, the semiconductor industry, and the international economic and trade landscape. The interview was published by Nikkei on May 13. President Lai indicated that Nikkei, Inc. is a global news organization that has received significant recognition both domestically and internationally, and that he is deeply honored to be interviewed by Nikkei and grateful for their invitation. The president said that he would like to take this rare opportunity to thank Japan’s government, National Diet, society, and public for their longstanding support for Taiwan. Noting that current Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and former Prime Ministers Abe Shinzo, Suga Yoshihide, and Kishida Fumio have all strongly supported Taiwan, he said that the peoples of Taiwan and Japan also have a deep mutual affection, and that through the interview, he hopes to enhance the bilateral relationship between Taiwan and Japan, deepen the affection between our peoples, and foster more future cooperation to promote prosperity and development in both countries. In response to questions raised on the free trade system and the recent tariff war, President Lai indicated that over the past few decades, the free economy headed by the Western world and led by the US has brought economic prosperity and political stability to Taiwan and Japan. At the same time, he said, we have also learned or followed many Western values. The president said he believes that Taiwan and Japan are exemplary students, but some countries are not. Therefore, he said, the biggest crisis right now is China, which exploits the free trade system to engage in plagiarism and counterfeiting, infringe on intellectual property rights, and even provide massive government subsidies that facilitate the dumping of low-priced goods worldwide, which has a major impact on many countries including Japan and Taiwan. If this kind of unfair trade is not resolved, he said, the stable societies and economic prosperity we have painstakingly built over decades, as well as some of the values we pursue, could be destroyed. Therefore, President Lai said he thinks it is worthwhile for us to observe the recent willingness of the US to address unfair trade, and if necessary, offer assistance. President Lai emphasized that the national strategic plan for Taiwanese industries is for them to be rooted in Taiwan while expanding their global presence and marketing worldwide. Therefore, he said, while the 32 percent tariff increase imposed by the US on Taiwan is indeed a major challenge, we are willing to address it seriously and find opportunities within that challenge, making Taiwan’s strategic plan for industry even more comprehensive. When asked about Taiwan’s trade arrangements, President Lai indicated that in 2010 China accounted for 83.8 percent of Taiwan’s outbound investment, but last year it accounted for only 7.5 percent. In 2020, he went on, 43.9 percent of Taiwan’s exports went to China, but that figure dropped to 31.7 percent in 2024. The president said that we have systematically transferred investments from Taiwanese enterprises to Japan, Southeast Asia, Europe, and the US. Therefore, he said, last year Taiwan’s largest outbound investment was in the US, accounting for roughly 40 percent of the total. Nevertheless, only 23.4 percent of Taiwanese products were sold to the US, with 76.6 percent sold to places other than the US, he said. The president emphasized that we don’t want to put all our eggs in one basket, and hope to establish a global presence. Under these circumstances, he said, Taiwan is very eager to cooperate with Japan. President Lai stated that at this moment, the Indo-Pacific and international community really need Japan’s leadership, especially to make the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) excel in its functions, and also requested Japan to support Taiwan’s CPTPP accession. The president said that Taiwan hopes to sign an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with Japan to build closer ties in economic trade and promote further investment, and that we also hope to strengthen relations with the European Union, and even other regions. Currently, he said, we are proposing an initiative on global semiconductor supply chain partnerships for democracies, because the semiconductor industry is an ecosystem. The president raised the example that Japan has materials, equipment, and technology; the US has IC design and marketing; Taiwan has production and manufacturing; and the Netherlands excels in equipment, saying we therefore hope to leverage Taiwan’s advantages in production and manufacturing to connect the democratic community and establish a global non-red supply chain for semiconductors, ensuring further world prosperity and development in the future, and ensuring that free trade can continue to function without being affected by dumping, which would undermine future prosperity and development. The president stated that as we want industries to expand their global presence and market internationally while staying rooted here in Taiwan, having industries rooted in Taiwan involves promoting pay raises for employees, tax cuts, and deregulation, as well as promoting enterprise investment tax credits. He said that we have also proposed Three Major Programs for Investing in Taiwan for Taiwanese enterprises and are actively resolving issues regarding access to water, electricity, land, human resources, and professional talent so that the business community can return to Taiwan to invest, or enterprises in Taiwan can increase their investments. He went on to say that we are also actively signing bilateral investment agreements with friends and allies so that when our companies invest and expand their presence abroad, their rights and interests as investors are ensured. President Lai mentioned that Taiwan hopes to sign an EPA with Japan, similar to the Taiwan-US Initiative on 21st-Century Trade and the Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue, or the Enhanced Trade Partnership arrangement with the United Kingdom, or similar agreements or memorandums of understanding with Canada and Australia that allow Taiwanese products to be marketed worldwide, concluding that those are our overall arrangements. Looking at the history of Taiwan’s industrial development, President Lai indicated, of course it began in Taiwan, and then moved west to China and south to Southeast Asia. He said that we hope to take this opportunity to strengthen cooperation with Japan to the north, across the Pacific Ocean to the east, and develop the North American market, making Taiwan’s industries even stronger. In other words, he said, while Taiwan sees the current reciprocal tariffs imposed by the US as a kind of challenge, it also views these changes positively. On the topic of pressure from China affecting Taiwan’s participation in international frameworks such as the CPTPP or its signing of an EPA with Japan, President Lai responded that the key point is what kind of attitude we should adopt in viewing China’s acts of oppression. If we act based on our belief in free trade, he said, or on the universal values we pursue – democracy, freedom, and respect for human rights – and also on the understanding that a bilateral trade agreement between Taiwan and Japan would contribute to the economic prosperity and development of both countries, or that Taiwan’s accession to the CPTPP would benefit progress and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, then he hopes that friends and allies will strongly support us. On the Trump administration’s intentions regarding the reciprocal tariff policy and the possibility of taxing semiconductors, as well as how Taiwan plans to respond, President Lai said that since President Trump took office, he has paid close attention to interviews with both him and his staff. The president said that several of President Trump’s main intentions are: First, he wants to address the US fiscal situation. For example, President Lai said, while the US GDP is about US$29 trillion annually, its national debt stands at US$36 trillion, which is roughly 124 percent of GDP. Second, he went on, annual government spending exceeds US$6.5 trillion, but revenues are only around US$4.5 trillion, resulting in a nearly US$2 trillion deficit each year, about 7 percent of GDP. Third, he said, the US pays nearly US$1.2 trillion in interest annually, which exceeds the US$1 trillion defense budget and accounts for more than 3 percent of GDP. Fourth, President Trump still wants to implement tax cuts, aiming to reduce taxes for 85 percent of Americans, he said, noting that this would cost between US$500 billion and US$1 trillion. These points, President Lai said, illustrate his first goal: solving the fiscal problem. President Lai went on to say that second, the US feels the threat of China and believes that reindustrialization is essential; without reindustrialization, the US risks a growing gap in industrial capacity compared to China. Third, he said, in this era of global smart technology, President Trump wants to lead the nation to become a world center of AI. Fourth, he aims to ensure world peace and prevent future wars, President Lai said. In regard to what the US seeks to achieve, he said he believes these four areas form the core of the Trump administration’s intentions, and that is why President Trump has raised tariffs, demanded that trading partners purchase more American goods, and encouraged friendly and allied nations to invest in the US, all in order to achieve these goals. President Lai indicated that the 32 percent reciprocal tariff poses a critical challenge for Taiwan, and we must treat it seriously. He said that our approach is not confrontation, but negotiation to reduce tariffs, and that we have also agreed to measures such as procurement, investment, resolving non-tariff trade barriers, and addressing origin washing in order to effectively reduce the trade deficit between Taiwan and the US. Of course, he said, through this negotiation process, we also hope to turn challenges into opportunities. The president said that first, we aim to start negotiations from the proposal of zero tariffs and seek to establish a bilateral trade agreement with the US. Second, he went on, we hope to support US reindustrialization and its aim to become a world AI hub through investment, while simultaneously upgrading and transforming Taiwan’s industries, which would help further integrate Taiwan’s industries into the US economic structure, ensuring Taiwan’s long-term development. President Lai emphasized again that Taiwan’s national industrial strategy is for industries to stay firmly rooted in Taiwan while expanding their global presence and marketing worldwide. He repeated that we have gone from moving westward across the Taiwan Strait, to shifting southbound, to working closer northward with Japan, and now the time is ripe for us to expand eastward by investing in North America. In other words, he said, while we take this challenge seriously to protect national interests and ensure that no industry is sacrificed, we also hope these negotiations will lead to deeper Taiwan-US trade relations through Taiwanese investment in the US, concluding that these are our expectations. The president stated that naturally, the reciprocal tariffs imposed by the US will have an impact on Taiwanese industries, so in response, the Taiwanese government has already proposed support measures for affected industries totaling NT$93 billion. In addition, he said, we have outlined broader needs for Taiwan’s long-term development, which will be covered by a special budget proposal of NT$410 billion, noting that this has already been approved by the Executive Yuan and will be submitted to the Legislative Yuan for review. He said that this special budget proposal addresses four main areas: supporting industries, stabilizing employment, protecting people’s livelihoods, and enhancing resilience. As for tariffs on semiconductors, President Lai said, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has committed to investing in the US at the request of its customers. He said he believes that TSMC’s industry chain will follow suit, and that these are concrete actions that are unrelated to tariffs. However, he said, if the US were to invoke Section 232 and impose tariffs on semiconductors or related industries, it would discourage Taiwanese semiconductor and ICT investments in the US, and that we will make this position clear to the US going forward. President Lai indicated that among Taiwan’s exports to the US, there are two main categories: ICT products and electronic components, which together account for 65.4 percent. These are essential to the US, he said, unlike final goods such as cups, tables, or mattresses. He went on to say that what Taiwan sells to the US are the technological products required by AI designers like NVIDIA, AMD, Amazon, Google, and Apple, and that therefore, we will make sure the US understands clearly that we are not exporting end products, but the high-tech components necessary for the US to reindustrialize and become a global AI center. Furthermore, the president said, Taiwan is also willing to increase its defense budget and military procurement. He stated that Taiwan is committed to defending itself and is strongly willing to cooperate with friends and allies to ensure regional peace and stability, and that this is also something President Trump hopes to see. Asked whether TSMC’s fabs overseas could weaken Taiwan’s strategic position as a key hub for semiconductor manufacturing, and whether that could then give other countries fewer incentives to protect Taiwan, President Lai responded by saying that political leaders around the world including Japan’s Prime Minister Ishiba and former Prime Ministers Abe, Suga, and Kishida have emphasized, at the G7 and other major international fora, that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are essential for global security and prosperity. In other words, he explained, the international community cares about Taiwan and supports peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait because Taiwan is located in the first island chain in the Indo-Pacific, directly facing China. He pointed out that if Taiwan is not protected, China’s expansionist ambitions will certainly grow, which would impact the current rules-based international order. Thus, he said, the international community willingly cares about Taiwan and supports stability in the Taiwan Strait – that is the reason, and it has no direct connection with TSMC. He noted that after all, TSMC has not made investments in that many countries, stressing that, on that point, it is clear. President Lai said that TSMC’s investments in Japan, Europe, and the US are all natural, normal economic and investment activities. He said that Taiwan is a democratic country whose society is based on the rule of law, so when Taiwanese companies need to invest around the world for business needs, the government will support those investments in principle so long as they do not harm national interests. President Lai said that after TSMC Chairman C.C. Wei (魏哲家) held a press conference with President Trump to announce the investment in the US, Chairman Wei returned to Taiwan to hold a press conference with him at the Presidential Office, where the chairman explained to the Taiwanese public that TSMC’s R&D center will remain in Taiwan and that the facilities it has already committed to investing in here will not change and will not be affected. So, the president explained, to put it another way, TSMC will not be weakened by its investment in the US. He further emphasized that Taiwan has strengths in semiconductor manufacturing and is very willing to work alongside other democratic countries to promote the next stage of global prosperity and development. A question was raised about which side should be chosen between the US and China, under the current perception of a return to the Cold War, with East and West facing off as two opposing blocs. President Lai responded by saying that some experts and scholars describe the current situation as entering a new Cold War era between democratic and authoritarian camps; others assert that the war has already begun, including information warfare, economic and trade wars, and the ongoing wars in Europe – the Russo-Ukrainian War – and the Middle East, and the Israel-Hamas conflict. The president said that these are all matters experts have cautioned about, noting that he is not a historian and so will not attempt to define today’s political situation from an academic standpoint. However, he said, he believes that every country has a choice, which is to say, Taiwan, Japan, or any other nation does not necessarily have to choose between the US and China. What we are deciding, he said, is whether our country will maintain a democratic constitutional system or regress into an authoritarian regime, and this is essentially a choice of values – not merely a choice between two major powers. President Lai said that Taiwan’s situation is different from other countries because we face a direct threat from China. He pointed out that we have experienced military conflicts such as the August 23 Artillery Battle and the Battle of Guningtou – actual wars between the Republic of China and the People’s Republic of China. He said that China’s ambition to annex Taiwan has never wavered, and that today, China’s political and military intimidation, as well as internal united front infiltration, are growing increasingly intense. Therefore, he underlined, to defend democracy and sovereignty, protect our free and democratic system, and ensure the safety of our people’s lives and property, Taiwan’s choice is clear. President Lai said that China’s military exercises are not limited to the Taiwan Strait, and include the East China Sea, South China Sea, and even the Sea of Japan, as well as areas around Korea and Australia. Emphasizing that Taiwan, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines are all democratic nations, the president said that Taiwan’s choice is clear, and that he believes Japan also has no other choice. We are all democratic countries, he said, whose people have long pursued the universal values of democracy, freedom, and respect for human rights, and that is what is most important. Regarding the intensifying tensions between the US and China, the president was asked what roles Taiwan and Japan can play. President Lai responded that in his view, Japan is a powerful nation, and he sincerely hopes that Japan can take a leading role amid these changes in the international landscape. He said he believes that countries in the Indo-Pacific region are also willing to respond. He suggested several areas where we can work together: first, democracy and peace; second, innovation and prosperity; and third, justice and sustainability. President Lai stated that in the face of authoritarian threats, we should let peace be our beacon and democracy our compass as we respond to the challenges posed by authoritarian states. Second, he added, as the world enters an era characterized by the comprehensive adoption of smart technologies, Japan and Taiwan should collaborate in the field of innovation to further drive regional prosperity and development. Third, he continued, is justice and sustainability. He explained that because international society still has many issues that need to be resolved, Taiwan and Japan can cooperate for the public good, helping countries in need around the world, and cooperating to address climate change and achieve net-zero transition by 2050. Asked whether he hopes that the US will continue to be a leader in the liberal democratic system, President Lai responded by saying that although the US severed diplomatic ties with the Republic of China, for the past few decades it has assisted Taiwan in various areas such as national defense, security, and countering threats from China, based on the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances. He pointed out that Taiwan has also benefited, directly and indirectly, in terms of politics, democracy, and economic prosperity thanks to the US, and so Taiwan naturally hopes that the US remains strong and continues to lead the world. President Lai said that when the US encounters difficulties, whether financial difficulties, reindustrialization issues, or becoming a global center for AI, and hopes to receive support from its friends and allies to jointly safeguard regional peace and stability, Taiwan is willing to stand together for a common cause. If the US remains strong, he said, that helps Taiwan, the Indo-Pacific region, and the world as a whole. Noting that while the vital role of the US on the global stage has not changed, the president said that after decades of shouldering global responsibilities, it has encountered some issues. Now, it has to make adjustments, he said, stating his firm belief that it will do so swiftly, and quickly resume its leadership role in the world. Asked to comment on remarks he made during his election campaign that he would like to invite China’s President Xi Jinping for bubble tea, President Lai responded that Taiwan is a peace-loving country, and Taiwanese society is inherently kind, and therefore we hope to get along peacefully with China, living in peace and mutual prosperity. So, during his term as vice president, he said, he was expressing the goodwill of Taiwanese society. Noting that while he of course understands that China’s President Xi would have certain difficulties in accepting this, he emphasized that the goodwill of Taiwanese society has always existed. If China reflects on the past two or three decades, he said, it will see that its economy was able to develop with Taiwan as its largest foreign investor. The president explained that every year, 1 to 2 million Taiwanese were starting businesses or investing in China, creating numerous job opportunities and stabilizing Chinese society. While many Taiwanese businesses have profited, he said, Chinese society has benefited even more. He added that every time a natural disaster occurs, if China is in need, Taiwanese always offer donations. Therefore, the president said, he hopes that China can face the reality of the Republic of China’s existence and understand that the people of Taiwan hope to continue living free and democratic lives with respect for human rights. He also expressed hope that China can pay attention to the goodwill of Taiwanese society. He underlined that we have not abandoned the notion that as long as there is parity, dignity, exchange, and cooperation, the goodwill of choosing dialogue over confrontation and exchange over containment will always exist. Asked for his view on the national security reforms in response to China’s espionage activities and infiltration attempts, President Lai said that China’s united front infiltration activities in Taiwan are indeed very serious. He said that China’s ambitions to annex Taiwan rely not only on the use of political and military intimidation, but also on its long-term united front and infiltration activities in Taiwanese society. Recently, he pointed out, the Taiwan High Prosecutors Office of the Ministry of Justice prosecuted 64 spies, which is three times the number in 2021, and in addition to active-duty military personnel, many retired military personnel were also indicted. Moreover, he added, Taiwan also has the Chinese Unification Promotion Party, which has a background in organized crime, Rehabilitation Alliance Party, which was established by retired military personnel, and Republic of China Taiwan Military Government, which is also composed of retired generals. He explained that these are all China’s front organizations, and they plan one day to engage in collaboration within Taiwan, which shows the seriousness of China’s infiltration in Taiwan. Therefore, the president said, in the recent past he convened a high-level national security meeting and proposed 17 response strategies across five areas. He then enumerated the five areas: first, to address China’s threat to Taiwan’s sovereignty; second, to respond to the threat of China’s obscuring the Taiwanese people’s sense of national identity; third, to respond to the threat of China’s infiltrating and recruiting members of the ROC Armed Forces as spies; fourth, to respond to the threat of China’s infiltration of Taiwanese society through societal exchanges and united front work; and fifth, to respond to the threat of China using “integration plans” to draw Taiwan’s young people and Taiwanese businesses into its united front activities. In response to these five major threats, he said, he has proposed 17 response strategies, one of which being to restore the military trial system. He explained that if active-duty military personnel commit military crimes, they must be subject to military trials, and said that this expresses the Taiwanese government’s determination to respond to China’s united front infiltration and the subversion of Taiwan. Responding to the question of which actions Taiwan can take to guard against China’s threats to regional security, President Lai said that many people are worried that the increasingly tense situation may lead to accidental conflict and the outbreak of war. He stated his own view that Taiwan is committed to facing China’s various threats with caution. Taiwan is never the source of these problems, he emphasized, and if there is an accidental conflict and it turns into a full-scale war, it will certainly be a deliberate act by China using an accidental conflict as a pretext. He said that when China expanded its military presence in the East China Sea and South China Sea, the international community did not stop it; when China conducted exercises in the Taiwan Strait, the international community did not take strong measures to prevent this from happening. Now, he continued, China is conducting gray-zone exercises, which are aggressions against not only the Taiwan Strait, the South China Sea, and the East China Sea, but also extending to the Sea of Japan and waters near South Korea. He said that at this moment, Taiwan, the Philippines, Japan, and even the US should face these developments candidly and seriously, and we must exhibit unity and cooperation to prevent China’s gray-zone aggression from continuing to expand and prevent China from shifting from a military exercise to combat. If no action is taken now, the president said, the situation may become increasingly serious. Asked about the view of some US analysts who point out that China will have the ability to invade Taiwan around 2027, President Lai responded that Taiwan, as the country on the receiving end of threats and aggression, must plan for the worst and make the best preparations. He recalled a famous saying from the armed forces: “Do not count on the enemy not showing up; count on being ready should it strike.” This is why, he said, he proposed the Four Pillars of Peace action plan. First, he said, we must strengthen our national defense. Second, he added, we must strengthen economic resilience, adding that not only must our economy remain strong, but it must also be resilient, and that we cannot put all our eggs in the same basket, in China, as we have done in the past. Third, he continued, we must stand shoulder to shoulder with friends and allies such as Japan and the US, as well as the democratic community, and we must demonstrate the strength of deterrence to prevent China from making the wrong judgment. Fourth, he emphasized, as long as China treats Taiwan with parity and dignity, Taiwan is willing to conduct exchanges and cooperate with China and seek cross-strait peace and mutual prosperity through exchanges and cooperation. Regarding intensifying US-China confrontation, the president was asked in which areas he thinks Taiwan and Japan should strengthen cooperation; with Japan’s Ishiba administration also being a minority government, the president was asked for his expectations for the Ishiba administration. President Lai said that in the face of rapid and tremendous changes in the political situation, every government faces considerable challenges, especially for minority governments, but the Japanese government led by Prime Minister Ishiba has quite adequately responded with various strategies. Furthermore, he said, Japan is different from Taiwan, explaining that although Japan’s ruling party lacks a majority, political parties in Japan engage in competition domestically while exhibiting unity externally. He said that Taiwan’s situation is more challenging, because the ruling and opposition parties hold different views on the direction of the country, due to differences in national identity. The president expressed his hope that in the future Taiwan and Japan will enjoy even more comprehensive cooperation. He stated that he has always believed that deep historical bonds connect Taiwan and Japan. Over the past several decades, he said, when encountering natural disasters and tragedies, our two nations have assisted each other with mutual care and support. He said that the affection between the people of Taiwan and Japan is like that of a family. Pointing out that both countries face the threat of authoritarianism, he said that we share a mission to safeguard universal values such as democracy, freedom, and respect for human rights. The president said that our two countries should be more open to cooperation in various areas to maintain regional peace and stability as well as to strengthen cooperation in economic and industrial development, such as for semiconductor industry chains and everyday applications of AI, including robots and drones, adding that we can also cooperate on climate change response, such as in hydrogen energy and other strategies. He said our two countries should also continue to strengthen people-to-people exchanges. He then took the opportunity to once again invite our good friends from Japan to visit Taiwan for tourism and learn more about Taiwan, saying that the Taiwanese people wholeheartedly welcome our Japanese friends.

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.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI NGOs: Complementing the knowledge and skills of the medical staff in Sierra Leone

Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –

In Sierra Leone, after the Ebola epidemic heavily affected the country’s healthcare workforce, the Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Academy for Healthcare was launched in 2018 to strengthen the skills and competencies of frontline healthcare workers, with the goal to have a long-term impact on the quality of care provided in healthcare facilities.

Sierra Leone remains one of the top ten countries with the highest maternal mortality rates in the world recording 354 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2023. With the objective to reduce these rates, MSF opened a hospital in Kenema district which started providing healthcare services to children in 2019 and pregnant and lactating mothers in 2022. The MSF Academy, through work-based learning programmes in clinical care, has refined the skills of healthcare workers in the hospital and clinics where our teams support, to foster a better quality of care for patients.

MSF Academy for Healthcare pedagogical manager, Randi Movich, observes a discussion on hand hygiene between two mentees following a bedside observation in the inpatient therapeutic feeding centre, inside the MSF Mother and Child hospital in Kenema district. Sierra Leone, May 2025.
Noor Ahmad Saleem/MSF

From 2018 to May 2025, the MSF Academy has trained 345 national healthcare staff in nursing care and ethical practices, infection prevention and control, patient assessment, supporting women during labour and delivery and surgical care. These curriculums were provided in broader programmes such as basic clinical nursing care, outpatient care, midwifery clinical care, operating theatre nursing care and community healthcare officer programmes. Theses trainings were done through competency-based curricula that are tailor-made using learning methodologies based on theoretical knowledge and workplace practice. The results of the assessments show an increase in participants’ competencies, confidence, decision-making abilities, and the quality of care provided to patients.

“Changing our gloves after every procedure was something that the Academy revised with us and reinforced,” says Gbassa Josphine Jinnah, a nurse working in the in-patient department of the MSF hospital. She has completed the basic clinical nursing care programme at the MSF Academy.

“It was one of my dreams to be a competent nurse. I am very happy and proud of myself to have fulfilled and completed this training,” says Jinnah.

Clinical mentor, Momoh Sao, and nurse aide, Aminata Koroma, examine 6-months-old Ogar Boima in the emergency room of the MSF Mother and Child hospital in Kenema district. Sierra Leone, May 2025.
Noor Ahmad Saleem/MSF

A unique approach that was implemented by the MSF Academy was the introduction of clinical mentors to coach the learners at a patient’s bedside. They observe the care deliverance given to the patients, assess knowledge gaps, as well as support the learners in delivering care. These mentors are often nurses and community health officers working in the hospital who were then upskilled to be trainers. This strategy proved to be very effective as both learners and clinical mentors are peers. The mentors deliver theoretical classroom sessions, bedside mentoring, competency gap assessments and teaching techniques that are often adapted for the learner.

“The clinical mentors and learners brought passion and desire to teach and learn,” says Randi Movich, MSF Academy pedagogical manager in Sierra Leone. “They work hand in hand, and it improved the learning environment.”

With the MSF Academy for Healthcare concluding its support in Sierra Leone, the 345 healthcare workers who upgraded their competencies will continue to play a key role in upholding high standards and delivering quality care to patients in Kenema district.

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May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Safety upgrades due to start at Manchester College crossing
Source: City of Manchester

Pedestrian safety will be at the heart of improvement works due to start at the beginning of June.

From Monday 2 June, work will start to upgrade the junction of Trinity Way/Great Ducie Street providing a larger and improved crossing area for the public.

Adjacent to Manchester College, which will see an increased number of students in the coming years, and in proximity to the AO Arena and Victoria Station this junction is one of the key crossing locations in that part of the city centre.

Coupled with increased investment in the area as part of the Strangeways redevelopment and the more than 400 new homes built on the former Boddingtons site, it is only going to become a busier area which is why it has become clear that improvements to existing infrastructure are needed.

Between 2017 and 2021 there were a total of 15 accidents at this junction resulting in 21 people being injured – one of which was a serious injury.

Running until approximately mid-July the works will consist of:
- Improved controlled pedestrian crossing on the east side of the junction, opposite the Manchester College campus
- Redesigned controlled pedestrian crossing on the west side of the junction, opposite the Kickair trampoline centre
- Guard rails and bollards to prevent pavement parking on the kerb island near to New Bridge Street and Mirabel Street
- A left turn ban of northbound traffic on Great Ducie Street and a build out of the kerb to prevent left turns
- Road markings and signage will be updated to reflect the changes
Working hours for the scheme will be Monday to Friday between 8am and 5pm, with some overnight lane closures planned. For any lane closures during the day, they will only be in operation in off-peak hours between 9.30-15.30.

No work will take place during the weekend.

During the weekends of Parklife (June 14-15) and the Peter Kay and Pulp performances (June 21-22) overnight closures will not be in place.

A traffic management plan will be in place so that motorists will still be able to use this junction during the course of the works. However there will be a degree of disruption as the improvements are made, which is why we would encourage people to plan their journeys ahead and try alternative routes where possible.

For greater detail on the works visit manchester.gov.uk/improvements.

Councillor Tracey Rawlins, Executive Member for Clean Air, Environment and Transport said: “Safety will always be our number one priority which is why the improvement works planned for this junction are so important.

“Thousands of people – many of them attending the nearby college – use this crossing point every day and we must ensure that they can cross what is a very busy road safely.

“We hope to carry out this work as quickly as possible but I would like to thank motorists in advance for their patience as it is carried out.”
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Cabinet Member joins podcast to discuss relationships and community

Source: City of Coventry

Cllr Patricia Seaman, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, is the latest guest on the Relational Social Work Podcast.

Cllr Seaman joins hosts Matt Clayton and Hannah Bedford for an episode about the importance of relationships, community, and help being available for families when they are in need.

The three also discuss her journey into politics, the role that local politics plays in how Children’s Services is delivered, and the role of the Lead Member for Children’s Services.

You can listen to the episode via the podcast’s website – www.therelationalsocialworkpodcast.com.

The Relational Social Work Podcast is aimed at social workers and other professionals working within or in partnership with Children’s and Education Services, and it started here in Coventry!

The podcast is hosted by Matt Clayton, Strategic Lead for Children in Care, Children with Disabilities and Care Leavers, and Hannah Bedford, Family Valued Team Manager, and produced by Arin Sotoudeh, Improvement Officer.

Hannah, Matt and Arin launched the podcast in September 2024, with the aim of starting a conversation about the importance of relationships and love in social work, recognising the challenges faced by the sector, and influencing practice across the UK.

The Relational Social Work Podcast, now in its third series, has built a strong following, with over 8,000 listens, both in the UK and internationally, and has featured a wide variety of guests including Yvette Stanely, Ofsted’s National Director for Social Care, and Coventry City Council’s Director of Children’s and Education Services, Sukriti Sen.

The podcast is also now releasing one episode per series, in partnership with the Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS) to share this platform with their President.

The podcast has a weekly newsletter which you can subscribe to through the website and provides updates and reflective questions based on each episode.

The podcast has teamed up with MADLUG (Make a difference luggage) for the latest series, to promote their mission to ensure that all care experienced young people are given value, dignity and worth, and that no child in care or leaving care should ever have to move their belongings in black bags or carrier bags. Not only is the podcast promoting this, but MADLUG have donated some of their bags as prizes for listeners and subscribers.

All episodes of the podcast can be found on all major podcast platforms or on the website: www.therelationalsocialworkpodcast.com

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: 54 buildings built by individual entrepreneurs in Moscow in five years

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

Since 2020, private investors have built 54 facilities in the capital. The buildings appeared in 11 administrative districts of the capital. This was reported by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Urban Development Policy and Construction Vladimir Efimov.

“Over the past five years, individual entrepreneurs have built 54 buildings in Moscow with a total area of over 105 thousand square meters. Among them are two health and wellness centers, three sports facilities, six administrative and business facilities, and 17 retail and household facilities. Private investors have built the most real estate in TiNAO – since 2020, entrepreneurs have built 36 buildings here,” Vladimir Efimov noted.

Participation of individual entrepreneurs in the development of the city allows creating additional infrastructure for citizens and guests of the capital. Thanks to business, institutions appear in Moscow where you can spend your leisure time and make purchases, as well as receive medical and other services.

“In 2024, entrepreneurs built 14 new facilities in Moscow. Among them are a sports and fitness center with an area of about 6.4 thousand square meters, as well as a department store building in the Molzhaninovsky district with an area of almost 1.1 thousand square meters and a medical center in Khoroshevo-Mnevniki with an area of about a thousand square meters. At the moment, private investors are building a sports and fitness center in Troitsk and a large shopping center in Mitino with an area of 12.5 thousand square meters,” said the Minister of the Moscow Government, head of the capital’s Department of Urban Development Policy

Vladislav Ovchinsky.

Earlier Sergei Sobyanin told, how Moscow helps the capital’s business develop.

Get the latest news quickly official telegram channel the 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/154357073/

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 27, 2025
Fintech driving growth for MSMEs and merchants, says FM Sitharaman

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday said that India’s fintech companies are playing a crucial role in expanding the country’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and empowering merchants as well as micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The Finance Minister visited the office of Pine Labs, a digital fintech company based in Noida, and interacted with its employees and staff members.

She acknowledged “India’s fintech firms’ contribution to expanding the country’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and in enabling seamless, secure, and inclusive financial services for merchants and MSMEs,” the Finance Minister’s Office said in a post on X.

B. Amrish Rau, CEO of Pine Labs, shared his excitement in a post on X, saying that it was “an exciting and unbelievable day… It was a full house and our FM was completely immersed in her interactions and tech discussions.”

Pine Labs is a merchant commerce omnichannel platform operating across India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. The company focuses on simplifying digital payments and helping businesses scale their fintech solutions.

Meanwhile, UPI QR codes have shown the fastest growth in India’s digital payments infrastructure in the financial year 2024–25, registering a 91.5 percent increase over the previous year, reaching 657.9 million.

The number of banks going live on UPI continues to rise, reaching a total of 668 in April, which is expected to boost the value of transactions, according to data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

UPI has emerged as the dominant method for digital transactions in India. Nearly four out of every five digital payments in the country during FY24 were conducted via UPI, according to the RBI’s annual report.

The RBI has also introduced greater flexibility in revising transaction limits for in-person UPI merchant payments. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) can now adjust limits based on user needs, with appropriate safeguards—making UPI even more convenient for users.

India’s digital payments ecosystem witnessed a significant surge in the second half of 2024, driven by the increased use of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), mobile payments, and cards, according to Worldline India’s Digital Payments Report.

IANS

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China activates emergency response to floods in several regions

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

BEIJING, May 27 — China’s flood control authorities on Tuesday activated Level-IV emergency response measures in Jiangxi and Guizhou provinces, as well as the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, in response to heavy rainfall affecting the country’s southern regions.

The Ministry of Emergency Management said in a statement that Guizhou, areas south of the Yangtze River, and much of southern China are expected to face torrential rains and rainstorms over the next three days, citing forecasts from meteorological authorities.

This round of rainfall will be the most intense since the beginning of the year, with some regions facing a high risk of disasters due to extreme downpours, according to the statement.

It added that China’s State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters has dispatched two work teams to guide local flood control efforts.

The flood control and emergency management authorities have also called for intensified efforts to monitor rainfall and flooding, issue timely alerts, assess risks and hidden dangers, and deploy flood control and emergency rescue supplies in key regions in advance.

China has a four-tier flood-control emergency response system, with Level I being the highest level.

MIL OSI China News –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SJ attends legal forum in Xi’an

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Justice Paul Lam today led a delegation to attend the seventh Hong Kong Legal Services Forum in Xi’an to promote Hong Kong’s international legal and dispute resolution services to the legal sector and enterprises in Shaanxi and the neighbouring regions.

Minister of Justice He Rong, CPC Shaanxi Provincial Committee Secretary Zhao Yide and over 800 local lawyers and legal sector representatives were also at the forum.

With the theme of “Serving the Belt & Road Initiative: A New Chapter in Shaanxi-Hong Kong Co-operation”, the forum this year explored issues of interest to Shaanxi enterprises as they go global in handling trade, commerce and foreign investment under the Belt & Road Initiative.

It also introduced the international legal and dispute resolution services which Hong Kong can offer as a “super connector” for cross-border transactions and as a centre for dispute resolution services.

In his opening address, Mr Lam said Shaanxi and Hong Kong have maintained close exchanges and co-operation over the years. He mentioned that the governments of the two places signed the Strengthening Hong Kong/Shaanxi Co-operation Agreement last year, which covers legal and dispute resolution services.

The Department of Justice of Shaanxi Province and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s Department of Justice (DoJ) also signed the Framework Arrangement on Co-operation in Legal Services to Support the Belt & Road Initiative to strengthen the exchanges and co-operation in legal services and talent-nurturing between the two places to better facilitate legal services bodies in both places.

Mr Lam pointed out that the forum represented a significant concrete action in implementing the agreement. He added that he looked forward to strengthening exchanges and co-operation with Shaanxi to serve the country’s needs.

Yesterday, Mr Lam attended the graduation ceremony of the Hong Kong Common Law & Dispute Resolution Practical Training Course, organised by the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy with the assistance of the Shaanxi Province Lawyers Association.

The programme is the first foreign-related legal talent training programme held by the academy in a Mainland city.

A total of about 140 foreign-related lawyers, mainly from Shaanxi Province and the surrounding provinces, cities, autonomous regions and municipalities, participated.

Mr Lam and the delegation also visited the Belt & Road Demonstration Zone for International Commercial Legal Services in Xi’an, and toured the Xi’an Arbitration Commission, Xi’an China-Europe Railway Express Assembly Center and the three centres of the Ministry of Justice.

They learnt about Shaanxi’s efforts in fostering an international first-class business environment and the local demand for foreign-related legal services in the Belt & Road context, and discussed how Hong Kong’s international legal and dispute resolution services can provide relevant professional support.

The seventh Hong Kong Legal Services Forum was jointly organised by the DoJ, the Department of Justice of Shaanxi Province and the Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office of Shaanxi Provincial People’s Government, together with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and the X’ian Municipal People’s Government as co-organisers.

Mr Lam’s delegation comprised more than 120 representatives from the Hong Kong Bar Association, the Law Society of Hong Kong and other related sectors.

He will conclude his visit this afternoon and return to Hong Kong.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

May 27, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: What’s the difference between abs and core? One term focuses on aesthetics – and the other on function

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hunter Bennett, Lecturer in Exercise Science, University of South Australia

Maksim Goncharenok/Pexels

You’ve probably heard the terms “abs” and “core” used in social media videos, Pilates classes, or even by physiotherapists.

Given they seem to refer to the same general area of your body, you might have wondered what the difference is.

When people talk about “abs”, they’re often referring to the abdominal muscles you can see. Conversely, the term “core” is used to describe a broader group of muscles in the context of function, rather than aesthetics.

While abs and core are often spoken about separately, there’s a lot of overlap between them.

What are abs?

The term “abs” is short for abdominal muscles. These are the muscles that run along the front and side of your stomach.

When someone talks about getting a six-pack, they’re usually referring to toning the rectus abdominis, the long muscle that goes from the bottom of your ribs to the top of your pelvis.

Your abdominals also include your obliques, which sit on the side of your body, and your transverse abdominis, which sits underneath your other abdominal muscles and wraps around your waist like a belt.

The term “abs” has been around for a long time, and is perhaps most often used when discussing aesthetics.

For example, it’s common to see health and wellness publications offering advice on how to achieve “flat” or “six-pack” abs.

The long muscle that goes from the bottom of your ribs to the top of your pelvis is called the rectus abdominis.
phoenix creation/Shutterstock

What about the core?

When people talk about the “core”, they are often referring to your abdominals, but also the muscles in your back (your spinal erectors), hips, glutes, pelvic floor, and your diaphragm.

These are the muscles that can stabilise your spine against movement, and aid in the transfer of force between the upper and lower limbs.

The term “core” wasn’t commonly used until the early 2000s, when it became synonymous with core training.

While the exact reason for its surge in popularity isn’t clear, it most likely followed a study published in 1998 that suggested people with lower back pain might have impaired function of their deep abdominal muscles.

From there, the concept of “core training” entered the mainstream, where it was proposed to reduce lower back pain and improve athletic performance.

‘Core’ training only entered the mainstream this century.
nadia_acosta/Shutterstock

What does the evidence say?

When we consider all the muscles that make up the core, it seems obvious they would be important – but it might not be for the reasons you think.

For example, having good core stability doesn’t necessarily prevent lower back pain, as it’s been touted to do.

There’s evidence suggesting core stability training, which might include exercises such as planks and dead bugs, can help reduce bouts of lower back pain. However it doesn’t appear to be any more effective than other types of exercise, such as walking or weight training.

Other research suggests there aren’t any differences in how people with and without lower back pain recruit and use their core muscles.

In a separate study, improvements in core strength and stability after a nine-week core stability training program were not significantly associated with improvements in pain and function, further questioning this relationship.

The link between core strength and athletic performance is also unclear.

A 2016 review found some very small associations between measures of core muscle strength and measures of whole body strength, power and balance. However, because of the design of the studies reviewed, we don’t know whether people who have better strength, power and balance simply have stronger core muscles, or whether stronger core muscles increase strength, power and balance.

An earlier review summarised the effect of core stability training on measures of athletic performance, including jumping, sprinting and throwing. It concluded this type of training is unlikely to provide substantial benefits to measures of general athletic performance such as jumping and sprinting.

However, this review also suggested that, given the important role of the abs in torso rotation, strengthening these muscles might have merit in improving performance in sports that involve swinging a bat or throwing a ball.

This is likely to apply to other sports that involve rapid torso movement as well, such as mixed martial arts and kayaking.

Stronger abdominal muscles could offer an advantage in sports that involve rotation.
Lino Khim Medrina/Pexels

How can you exercise your abs and core?

There’s good evidence that simply getting stronger by lifting weights can help prevent injuries. Training your core to get stronger should have a similar impact, as long as it’s part of a broader training program.

We also know having weaker muscles makes you more likely to experience functional limitations and disability in older age. So alongside any other potential benefits, improving core strength with the rest of your body could help keep you fit and healthy as you get older.

There are plenty of exercises you can do to train your core and abs.

If you’re new to core training, you might want to start off with some lower-level isolation exercises that don’t involve any movement of the core. These include things like planks, bird dogs, and pallof presses. These are unlikely to cause too much muscle soreness, but will train your core muscles.

Once you feel like these are going well, you can start moving into some more dynamic exercises such as sit ups, Russian twists and leg raises, where you train your abdominals using a full range of motion.

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

– ref. What’s the difference between abs and core? One term focuses on aesthetics – and the other on function – https://theconversation.com/whats-the-difference-between-abs-and-core-one-term-focuses-on-aesthetics-and-the-other-on-function-254582

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: NSU student suggests a way to prolong the “life” of a donor heart during transportation

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

A fourth-year student at the Institute of Medicine and Medical Technologies of Novosibirsk State University has won the All-Russian XV Youth Prize in Science and Innovation, proposing a method for directly delivering an oxygen mixture to the heart to maintain the organ’s viability even during long-term transportation. Yaroslav Smirnov won the main prize of 100 thousand rubles for his development. This year, 230 students from 95 universities and 80 schoolchildren from 65 schools across the country sent popular science videos about their projects to the competition. The total prize fund is 1.7 million rubles.

Yaroslav Smirnov told in his competition application that the shortage of donor hearts is due, among other things, to the impossibility of quickly delivering organs to transplant centers. In his project, he proposed a solution – a method of direct coronary persufflation, which allows the heart to work even outside the human body.

— Today, in most cases, the method of pharmaco-cold preservation is used, which allows preserving the heart for only 4 hours. But this method does not satisfy the myocardium’s need for oxygen, so there may not be enough time. If you supply the oxygen mixture directly to the coronary arteries of the heart, then you can extend the period to 8 hours, — Yaroslav explained.

Yaroslav and his team developed a special system that delivers a humidified oxygen mixture to the aorta under stable pressure. The heart is then placed in a plastic bag with a solution and ice. Experiments have shown that the organ’s pumping function is preserved and there is no significant tissue damage.

The MISiS University Youth Prize in Science and Innovation is an all-Russian competition of popular science videos. You can take part in the school, student and popular science nominations. Contestants must record a short video and talk about their own research, development or scientific phenomenon. Winners and prize winners receive from 10 to 100 thousand rubles, as well as additional points when entering the university.

The most popular nomination in 2025 was popular science — participants sent more than 100 videos. The most popular project areas were: chemistry and materials science (more than 30 projects), biology and life sciences, engineering sciences. The youngest participant in the award was 7-year-old Pseush Shumaf from Maikop.

Since its foundation, the Youth Prize has been supported by the Russian Ministry of Education and Science. Partners include: RSF, Rosatom State Corporation, Gazprombank, Decade of Science and Technology, and many others.

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Tianjin Airlines Builds ‘Friendship Air Bridge’ Between China and Russia

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

BEIJING, May 26 (Xinhua) — A large passenger plane takes off smoothly against the backdrop of a cloudless blue sky and bright sunshine, heading for Moscow, the capital of Russia. Last month, Tianjin Airlines launched regular flights GS7941/42 to and from Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport on Tuesdays and Fridays. The route has not only brought the people of China and Russia closer together, but also injected new impetus into the development of tourism, business and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

“2024-2025 have been declared the Cross Years of Culture between China and Russia, with hundreds of various events to be held. The peoples of our countries are becoming closer and closer to each other. Strengthening pragmatic cooperation in trade, education, sports and healthcare, as well as active mutual visits, are increasing demand for convenient air travel,” said Zhao Dingding, deputy chairman of the marketing committee of Tianjin Airlines, in an interview with the Tianjin Daily newspaper.

According to him, the opening of this “Chinese-Russian express”, which meets the needs of the population, has created an effective “air bridge of friendship” for travelers and business representatives of the two countries.

Before the launch of flights, the crews of Tianjin Airlines underwent special training: studying Russian culture, traditions and etiquette. There are stewards on board who speak Russian, and announcements are broadcast in two languages. In addition to traditional dishes such as beef with rice or chicken with noodles, the menu includes European cuisine: for example, cod with potatoes in Russian style.

This autumn, Tianjin will host the SCO summit. As a local carrier and the “first window” for visitors to the city, Tianjin Airlines is preparing for the event. “We will decorate the cabins of our aircraft on the Moscow route with traditional Chinese ink landscapes and Russian nesting dolls. Thematic events and acquaintance of passengers with the history of the SCO and the sights of Tianjin, such as the Wudao area, the Italian quarter and the popular prints of the Yangliuqing village, are also planned,” said Song Jingjing, head of the cabin service service of Tianjin Airlines.

“Interstate relations are built on mutual understanding between peoples, which in turn grows out of the convergence of aspirations of these peoples. Russia is a member of the SCO, and within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, cooperation between our countries continues to reach new heights,” said Li Rongkui, Chairman of the Board of Tianjin Airlines. He stressed that the airline, which is celebrating its 16th anniversary, will turn each flight into a “cultural living room in the sky”, strengthening Sino-Russian ties and contributing to the development of the SCO.

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Banking: Development Asia: Revitalizing Cities Through Sustainable Urban Redevelopment

Source: Asia Development Bank

Regulatory planning framework: A prerequisite for comprehensive urban redevelopment is a functioning and responsive urban planning regulatory framework, complemented by an integrated urban governance system that enables close collaboration across institutions and levels of government. Together, these elements facilitate optimal land use, (including the effective application of floor area ratio (FAR)), infrastructure upgrades, and time-bound, context-specific intervention planning. Development control regulations and by-laws should also promote climate resilience, urban health and safety, gender equity, and social inclusion.

Area-based development: This fosters the holistic development of both existing and new areas while catalyzing further urban growth, contributing to a stronger overall city landscape. An area-based redevelopment planning framework offers a more comprehensive method that integrates amenities, infrastructure upgrades, street improvements, and economic growth. It can transform existing areas—including slums and urban poor neighborhoods—into well-planned, integrated spaces within the urban fabric, thereby enhancing the overall livability of the city.

Robust land records and property valuation systems: Periodic updates to land and property-related information (e.g., land use, ownership, FAR, development control regulations) are essential for effective urban planning and intervention. These updates ensure transparent data, facilitating the most informed and effective decision-making processes.

Cities empowered to access financing, absorb capital: Urban redevelopment projects require significant financing throughout various stages of implementation. States and larger cities should establish an apex urban redevelopment fund to lower finance costs, enable private sector access, and ensure sustained funding. Governments can leverage development partners for advisory services and financing facilitation through risk-sharing instruments.

State governments should empower larger cities to mobilize affordable and sustainable financing solutions, while smaller cities can benefit from state-level funds and bond markets to support urban redevelopment. A financially self-sustaining model, independent of public funds, is key to effective redevelopment. Utilizing land value capture mechanisms can enable governments to generate and redistribute public revenues – augmenting investment in essential infrastructure and supporting more equitable urban transformation.

Public-private-people partnerships: Private sector participation should be incorporated and incentivized through feasibility studies for urban redevelopment projects, easing the burden on the government while enhancing infrastructure development—not only for basic services but also for housing, office spaces, hotels, and other urban facilities (e.g., public open spaces, amenities). Such partnerships provide access to the technical expertise, experience, and efficiency of private entities. Moreover, engaging residents in the process fosters inclusive urban redevelopment strategies and helps mitigate resistance to redevelopment efforts.

Institutional capacity for coordination and cooperation: Holistic urban redevelopment requires extensive coordination across multiple fronts—spatial, economic, social, and financial. Institutions must establish mechanisms to foster cooperation while strengthening their capacities to harness the economic potential of urban areas. Urban local bodies need skilled human resources to effectively negotiate, coordinate, and collaborate with various stakeholders. Ultimately, coherent institutional, governance, and regulatory frameworks are essential for sustaining long-term coordination and cooperation.

Green infrastructure and preservation of cultural heritage: Cities can transition toward a more climate-responsive built environment by mandating green infrastructure provisions in plans and development control regulations, incentivizing their implementation, and fostering convergence across various government schemes. Where applicable, redevelopment plans can also integrate strategies for heritage and cultural preservation through adaptive reuse while maintaining existing built forms. Additionally, promoting pedestrianization and natural cooling mechanisms through sustainable building materials can further revitalize urban areas.

Community engagement and inclusivity: Engaging citizens in a highly technocratic urban redevelopment planning process has traditionally been ineffective. To address this, these processes must be simplified, and dedicated citizen engagement models developed. Platforms that encourage citizen participation in planning and implementation can help mitigate adverse impacts. A strong civil society presence, and partnerships with civil society organizations can enhance citizen engagement, particularly among economically weaker and vulnerable communities.

Databases on urban redevelopment projects: As redevelopment policies and regulatory frameworks evolve, institutional capacities strengthen, and redevelopment gains momentum, cities will need to gather, process, and access relevant information to guide the design, planning, and implementation of redevelopment initiatives across the region. Establishing a database of critical information on ongoing and completed urban redevelopment projects could provide valuable insights and benefits sooner rather than later.

MIL OSI Global Banks –

May 27, 2025
Maldives Foreign Minister to attend High Level Core Group meeting in Delhi

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Maldives Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Khaleel, who is on a three-day visit to India, will lead the Maldivian delegation at 2nd India-Maldives High Level Core Group (HLCG) meeting in New Delhi on Monday. The meeting will oversee progress in the implementation of India-Maldives Vision Document on Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership, adopted during Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu’s India visit in October 2024.

Khaleel will also hold bilateral discussions with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.

On Sunday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal extended a warm welcome to Khaleel on his arrival in New Delhi.

Jaiswal shared a post on X, “Implementing the India – Maldives Joint Vision of a ‘Comprehensive Economic & Maritime Security Partnership’. Warm welcome to FM @abkhaleel of Maldives to India. FM Dr. Khaleel will lead the Maldivian delegation at the 2nd High Level Core Group (HLCG) meeting which oversees implementation of the Joint Vision.”

This will be Khaleel’s third visit to India in 2025, following his earlier visits in January and March, and is in continuation of intensified high level political exchanges between the two nations. Maldives is India’s key maritime neighbour and an important partner in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and Vision MAHASAGAR, i.e., Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.

(With ANI inputs)

May 27, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: The drought is back – we need a new way to help farmers survive tough times
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Linda Botterill, Visiting Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University

Australia in 2025 is living up to Dorothy McKellar’s poetic vision of a country stricken by “drought and flooding rains”.

The clean up is underway from the deadly floods in the Hunter and mid-north coast regions of New South Wales. At the same time, large swathes of Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania are severely drought affected due to some of the lowest rainfall on record.

Do we have the right support arrangements in place to help farmers and communities survive the current dry period?

Or is there a better way to help primary producers through the tough times, which are predicted to become more frequent and severe under climate change?

Managing risk

Drought is not a natural disaster – at least not according to Australia’s National Drought Policy. In 1989, drought was removed from what are now known as the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements.

The decision was made for several reasons, including the high level of expenditure on drought relief in Queensland. The federal finance minister at the time, Peter Walsh, suggested the Queensland government was using the arrangements as a “sort of National Party slush fund to be distributed to National Party toadies and apparatchiks”.

The more considered reason was that our scientific understanding of the drivers of Australia’s climate, such as El Niño, suggested drought was a normal part of our environment. Since then, climate modelling points to droughts becoming an even more familiar sight in Australia as a result of global warming.

So the focus of drought relief shifted from disaster response to risk management.

Building resilience

The National Drought Policy announced in 1992 stated drought should be managed like any other business risk.

Since then, the language of resilience has been added to the mix and the government lists three objectives for drought policy:
- to build the drought resilience of farming businesses by enabling preparedness, risk management and financial self-reliance
- to ensure an appropriate safety net is always available to those experiencing hardship
- to encourage stakeholders to work together to address the challenges of drought.
Since 1992, various governments have introduced, and tweaked, different programs aimed at supporting drought-affected farmers.

The most successful program is the Farm Management Deposits Scheme. This has accumulated a whisker under A$6 billion in farmer savings, which are available to be drawn down during drought to support farm businesses.

Others have come and gone – for example, the much-criticised Exceptional Circumstances Program.

More help needed

In 2025, the federal government is using the Future Drought Fund to invest $100 million per year to promote resilience. It also offers support through the Farm Household Allowance and concessional loans for farms and related small businesses.

Apart from the Farm Management Deposit Scheme and the Farm Household Allowance, these programs do not offer immediate financial assistance to the increasing number of farmers across southern Australia being impacted by drought. If the drought worsens, it is likely there will be increasing calls for greater support.

This provides the government with a dilemma: it is already investing significantly in the risk and resilience approach to drought, but politically, it is hard to resist cries for help from farmers who are a highly valued group in our community.

A better way?

There is a solution available to government to improve support. It can be done through the provision of “revenue contingent loans” for drought-affected farmers. Financial support would be available to farmers when they need it, consistent with the risk management principles underpinning the national drought policy.

Our detailed modelling, extending now over 25 years, shows compellingly that revenue-based loans would mean taxpayers spending less on drought arrangements. But the assistance compared with other forms of public sector help would be greater.

Capacity to repay would be the defining feature of the scheme. A revenue contingent loan is only paid down in periods when the farm is experiencing healthy cash flow. If a farm’s annual financial situation is difficult, no repayments are required.

These loans would also remove foreclosure risk associated with an inability to repay when times are tough. Loan defaults simply can’t happen, a feature which also takes away the psychological trauma associated with the fear of losing the property due to unforeseen financial difficulties.

Good policy

These benefits would address governments’ main motivation with drought policy, which is risk management. That is because repayment concerns and default prospects would be eliminated. With farming, in which there is great uncertainty, these are very significant pluses for policy.

Revenue contingent loans are a proper risk management financial instrument that requires low or no subsidies from government. They would complement the Farm Management Deposit Scheme and be an effective replacement for the concessional loans currently on offer.

A win-win for farmer and taxpayer, alike.

Linda Botterill has in the past received funding from the Australian Research Council, the Grains Research and Development Corporation, and Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (now Agrifutures).

Bruce Chapman has received funding from the Australian Research Council in various years, and was a consultant to the Federal Government’s Department of Education University Accord Enquiry in 2023/24.

– ref. The drought is back – we need a new way to help farmers survive tough times – https://theconversation.com/the-drought-is-back-we-need-a-new-way-to-help-farmers-survive-tough-times-256576
MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –
May 27, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Australia’s first machete ban is coming to Victoria. Will it work, or is it just another political quick fix?

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Samara McPhedran, Principal Research Fellow, Griffith University

Following a shopping centre brawl in Melbourne at the weekend, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan announced the state will ban the sale of all machetes from Wednesday.

In March this year, the Victorian government had already announced that from September 1 machetes would become a “prohibited weapon”.

Prohibited weapons are items considered inappropriate for general possession and use without a police commissioner’s approval or a Governor in Council Exemption Order.

This means machetes will be added to the list of things – such as swords, crossbows, slingshots, pepper spray and about 40 other items – that are essentially banned.

Possession of a prohibited item can result in penalties of two years imprisonment or a fine of more than $47,000.

Victoria is the first state in Australia to outright ban machetes. In other jurisdictions, machetes (like knives) may be used for lawful purposes, and are “controlled” or “restricted” – meaning you need a reasonable excuse or valid reason for possessing one.

Most jurisdictions (except Tasmania and the Northern Territory) prohibit sales to minors.

Will there be exemptions?

Allan said the sales ban will have no exceptions, meaning nobody will be able to purchase a machete.

However, machetes are a useful tool, particularly for agricultural purposes, and outdoor uses such as camping.

When the new laws come into effect in September, people will be able to apply for a special “commissioner’s approval” to possess a machete. The exact details of who may be granted an exemption, and under what circumstances, are not yet clear.

Nor is it clear whether people will have to, for example, pay for a permit to own a machete, or what measures people may have to take to prevent unauthorised access or theft.

How much of a problem is knife crime in Australia?

Despite alarming headlines and political rhetoric about a knife crime epidemic, it is hard to say exactly how much of a problem knife crime is.

Statistics about weapon use and unlawful possession are not always disaggregated by type of weapon.

Crime statistics are notoriously slippery, and what looks like a “crisis” can often be the result of changes in policing practices. For instance, when police run an intensive operation searching for knives in public places, they are more likely to find knives in public places. This does not necessarily mean there are more people out there carrying knives.

The one crime where statistics are fairly clear is homicide: knives or other sharp instruments have long been the most common weapon used in Australia.

The actual number of homicides involving knives or sharp instruments has stayed relatively stable over time. When you take into account the increase in how many people live in Australia, the rate per head of population has fallen.

It is tempting to think a machete ban would reduce these figures even more. Unfortunately, violence prevention is not that simple.

Homicides that involve people using their hands and feet have declined markedly over time. Why has this “method”, which is available to anybody, fallen so much? The answer is: nobody really knows.

This tells us we need to look beyond types of weapons.

Will the ban achieve anything?

Violence is complex and simple “solutions” may make people feel safe (at least temporarily) but seldom deliver real results over the longer term.

It’s easy for governments to ban things, which is why they do it so often. But we should pay close attention to what Victorian Police Minister Anthony Carbine said in March:

This is Australia’s first machete ban, and we agree with police that it must be done once and done right. It took the UK (United Kingdom) 18 months – we can do it in six.

Lawmaking should never be a race. Nor should politicians be mere mouthpieces doing what police tell them.

Police are the ones we turn to for protection when violence breaks out, but this does not mean they are the only ones we should go to when we are looking for the most effective ways to deal with problems.

Tackling violence takes serious commitment to complex and intensive programs that focus on the root causes, particularly among at-risk families and disadvantaged, marginalised youth.

This is hard work that takes a long time, includes many different stakeholders, and seldom sways votes. Focusing on the choice of weapon is simply a distraction.

There is no question the sight of machete-wielding youths storming through a busy shopping centre is terrifying. People should be able to go about their business without fearing they will be attacked.

But reducing violence takes a lot more than banning one particular weapon, as Victoria will likely find out.

Dr Samara McPhedran does not does not work for, consult to, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that might benefit from this article.

– ref. Australia’s first machete ban is coming to Victoria. Will it work, or is it just another political quick fix? – https://theconversation.com/australias-first-machete-ban-is-coming-to-victoria-will-it-work-or-is-it-just-another-political-quick-fix-257541

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

May 27, 2025
Sensex soars 640 points, Nifty crosses 25,000 mark on positive sentiment

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

The Indian stock market opened on a strong note Monday, buoyed by positive investor sentiment following India’s ascent to the fourth spot in the global economy rankings.

By 9:32 a.m., the BSE Sensex had rallied 640.3 points, or 0.78%, to trade at 82,361.46. Meanwhile, the NSE Nifty was up 187.39 points, or 0.75%, at 25,040.45.

The broader market also saw an upward trend. The Nifty Bank index gained 408.25 points, or 0.74%, reaching 55,806.50. The Nifty Midcap 100 rose 426.60 points to 57,114.35, while the Nifty Smallcap 100 advanced 145.90 points to 17,789.25, registering a 0.83% gain.

Analysts attributed the early rally to the news of India becoming the world’s fourth-largest economy, calling it a morale booster for markets in the short term. Additionally, the Reserve Bank of India’s record dividend payout to the central government—exceeding budget estimates—is expected to aid in containing the fiscal deficit at 4.4% for FY26.

“This, in turn, can help sustain the current low inflation trend and a declining interest rate environment, both of which are supportive of equity markets. While foreign institutional investors (FIIs) were strong buyers earlier in May, the trend has turned erratic recently, suggesting profit booking at higher levels,” said V.K. Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services.

In the Sensex basket, top gainers included M&M, PowerGrid, NTPC, Tata Motors, ICICI Bank, SBI, Tech Mahindra, L&T, Asian Paints, and Axis Bank. Eternal was the only notable loser in early trade.

In Asia, markets traded mixed. Indices in Bangkok, Seoul, and Tokyo were in the green, while markets in China, Hong Kong, and Jakarta saw declines.

Globally, the last trading session in the U.S. ended lower. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed at 41,603.07, down 256.02 points or 0.61%. The S&P 500 dropped 39.19 points (0.67%) to 5,802.82, and the Nasdaq declined 188.53 points (1.00%) to settle at 18,737.21.

On the institutional investment front, FIIs were net buyers, purchasing equities worth ₹1,794.59 crore on May 23. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) also bought stocks worth ₹299.78 crore.

Looking ahead, key economic data such as India’s GDP figures, the U.S. Federal Reserve’s meeting minutes, and U.S. inflation numbers are expected to influence market sentiment this week.

“Geopolitical uncertainties, the ongoing corporate earnings season, institutional capital flows, and the upcoming derivatives expiry are currently driving volatility in Indian equity markets,” said Devarsh Vakil, Head of Prime Research at HDFC Securities.

-IANS

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: “It takes a village!” Hihi spread their wings after record breaking breeding season

Source: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house

Date: 26 May 2025 Source: Department of Conservation and Auckland Council

Earlier this month, 40 hihi were relocated to the Auckland Council managed Shakespear Open Sanctuary. They join Shakespear’s small but thriving population translocated in 2024.

Environmental champion Councillor Mike Lee says the reintroduction of hihi to the Whangaparāoa Peninsula enables more people to see and hear them in their natural habitat.

“Thirty years ago, I was present when the ancestors of these hihi birds were introduced to Tiritiri Matangi. To be able to help release their descendants on the mainland is a conservation dream come true,” says Cr Lee.

DOC Tiritiri Matangi Ranger Nick Fisentzidis agrees the translocation from island to mainland shows great outcomes for nature are possible when iwi, DOC, council, and community band together.

“They are one of Aotearoa’s rarest and quirkiest birds. There is a total population of only around 2000 nationwide and they require a lot of special attention, so it takes a village!” says Nick.

“We work side by side with Ngāti Manuhiri, Auckland Council, Hihi Conservation Charitable Trust, Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi, Shakespear Open Sanctuary Society and conservation research institutions to care for these taonga.”

John Ewen, Hihi Conservation Charitable Trust Trustee and Professor of Conservation Science at Zoological Society of London says hihi are nationally threatened, with Te Hauturu-o-toi Little Barrier Island holding the only naturally-surviving population since the 1880s.

“Habitat loss, the introduction of predators such as cats and rats and specimen collection probably contributed to the decline of hihi on the mainland,” says John.

Thanks to significant recovery efforts, there are now small managed populations of hihi on Tiritiri Matangi and Kapiti islands, Zealandia in Wellington, Bushy Park Tarapuruhi near Wanganui, Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, Rotokare Scenic Reserve and Shakepear Open Sanctuary.

“This season has been superb on both Tiritiri Matangi and Shakespear, likely due to lots of natural food. Flax and cabbage trees, in particular, were abundant,” says John.

An initial translocation to Shakespear of 40 birds in May 2024 has been a resounding success, with at least 60 chicks fledging throughout the summer.

The council’s Open Sanctuary Senior Ranger, Matt Maitland, says the support from volunteers through the Shakespear Open Sanctuary Society (SOSSI) has helped to ensure the birds can flourish.

“It’s not an easy journey, being moved to a completely new site but we are working together to give the birds a better chance. A second release to Shakespear brings genetic diversity to the hihi already present, and greater security and resilience for the species against any challenges they may face in the future.”

SOSSI chair Owen Johnston says volunteers will provide nest boxes, ongoing monitoring and supplementary food to help the birds settle into their new home.

All hihi whakapapa to Hauturu o Toi. Hihi are taonga to Ngāti Manuhiri, the iwi with an ancestral land connection to Hauturu, Tiritiri Matangi and Shakespear.

Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust spokesperson Delma O’Kane says “as kaitiaki, we acknowledge the dedication of all involved in this kaupapa, from rangers and conservationists to the local community.

“It is through their unwavering commitment to pest control, monitoring, and habitat restoration that both Tiritiri Matangi and Shakespear Regional Park continue to thrive as a sanctuary for our native flora and fauna.”

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

May 27, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: A not-so-modern epidemic: what 17th-century nuns can teach us about coping with loneliness

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Claire Walker, Associate Professor, School of Historical and Classical Studies, University of Adelaide

La Religieuse Tenant La Sainte Croix (The Nun Holds the Cross), Jacques Callot, French,1621–35. The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Is loneliness a modern epidemic as we are so often told? Did people in the past suffer similar feelings of isolation?

The word “loneliness” was not common before the 19th century. Cultural historian Fay Bound Alberti argues it was rarely used before 1800.

This does not mean people didn’t feel alone. They just had different names for it – and they didn’t always think it was bad. Modern people living hectic lives in bustling cities often yearn for peace and tranquillity; so did our forebears.

From the hermits of the early Christian church escaping society for lives of solitary prayer, to medieval anchorites in secluded cells, isolation was a prerequisite for spiritual success.

But were isolated monks, nuns and hermits also lonely, as we would understand the word today? And do early modern nuns offer solutions for our own loneliness epidemic?

Searching for solitude

Early Christian religious thinkers and medieval churchmen viewed voluntary loneliness positively, with successful practitioners becoming saints. But religious solitude was not without its problems.

Holy recluses, far from escaping society, were pursued for spiritual advice. Some, like Simeon Stylites (390–459), went to extraordinary measures, living atop a pillar near Aleppo for 30-odd years to achieve solitude.

Monasticism provided an alternative. Monastic rules, like that of Benedict of Nursia (480–547), institutionalised isolation. In Benedictine monasteries, solitude was created through seclusion from society, strict silence, and prohibition of close friendships.

Yet, like hermits, monks and nuns couldn’t escape the world completely. Monasteries constituted vital spiritual resources, providing multiple services and conducting business for wider society.

Nuns at Work, Follower of Alessandro Magnasco (Italian, Milanese, first half 18th century).
The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Over the centuries, reforming bishops believed there was too much interaction between monasteries and the wider community. This led to repeated church reforms from the 10th century onwards to secure separation.

Male members of the clergy were particularly worried about nuns who were considered “less capable” of maintaining holy solitude. As a result, women had to observe strict enclosure behind convent walls, limiting their economic and spiritual capacity. Reforms in the 16th century upheld nuns’ incarceration.

Many women resisted, but others embraced isolation as spiritually liberating.

Isolation in exile

Early modern English convents, exiled in Europe after Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries, shed light on nuns’ experiences of loneliness.

The convents were subject to traditional rules of enclosure and silence. To become nuns, women left their homeland, family and friends. They joined English houses, so they were not alone among strangers, but they had to remain emotionally distant from one another, despite living in a community where they did everything together.

Women wanting spiritual fulfilment often sought additional solitude.

Benedictine mystic Gertrude More (1606–33) praised prescribed periods of silence because in them she might hear her Lord’s whispers.

Carmelite prioress Teresa of Jesus Maria Worsley (1601–42) took time from her busy administrative role and hid from the other nuns to pray in solitude.

The Nun in Count Burckhardt, from the periodical Once a Week. After James McNeill Whistler, American. Associated with Dalziel Brothers, British. September 27 1862.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Not all women found seclusion and silence so fulfilling, however, with some experiencing bouts of spiritual doubt and poor mental health. Many missed their family and homeland.

This was particularly common among young sisters and those in convent schools. In the 1660s, Catherine Aston returned to England to recover after suffering poor health and depression.

Alone in a crowd

Nuns’ diverse experiences of monastic solitude reflect modern urban loneliness.

In 1812 Lord Byron expressed the contradictory nature of loneliness in the poem Childe Harold, juxtaposing the positive solitary contemplation of nature with its negative counterpart – aloneness “midst the crowd”.

In the present day many people feel alone in cities, even domestic households, as Olivia Laing and Keith Snell have shown.

How might this be countered? Do early modern nuns offer solutions?

A study of 21st century Spanish monks and nuns found monastic training, prayer and silence create feelings of spiritual satisfaction and purpose which lessens loneliness.

Prayer is not the answer for everyone because modern isolation is caused by multiple factors in a largely secular society. There are alternative paths to meditation, however, through yoga or mindfulness which can provide feelings akin to monks’ and nuns’ “spiritual satisfaction”.

Similarly, the nuns’ sense of “purpose” might be achieved through nostalgia. Nostalgia is the longing for an idealised and unobtainable past – a time when life was better. Research by psychologists suggests nostalgia can be beneficial in counteracting loneliness, even enabling forward-looking and proactive behaviours.

Nuns at Mass, Amedor, Spanish, 1900.
Getty Museum

This was certainly true for the nuns exiled in Europe following Henry VIII’s abolition of monasticism in England. They dreamt of a future when their convents would return to England, family and friends. All nuns prayed both communally and in private for this outcome.

Some went further, engaging in missionary work and political intrigue to achieve their goal.

We cannot know whether this stifled loneliness, but by combining the benefits of meditation and activism it likely fostered a shared sense of purpose.

Just as Gertrude More and Teresa of Jesus Maria Worsley found solitude essential for spiritual satisfaction, activist nuns believed they might reverse the English reformation from their exiled convents. Solitude, prayer and political engagement gave them a sense of purpose.

Everyone’s situation is unique. There is no single solution for resolving isolation in the contemporary world. But the knowledge that it can be positive is perhaps a step towards countering the modern epidemic.

Claire Walker has received funding from the Australian Research Council.

– ref. A not-so-modern epidemic: what 17th-century nuns can teach us about coping with loneliness – https://theconversation.com/a-not-so-modern-epidemic-what-17th-century-nuns-can-teach-us-about-coping-with-loneliness-249487

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Name release: Fatal crash, Wairoa

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can now release the name of the man who died following a crash on Kopu Road in Wairoa on 18 May.

He was Gene Hyrem Popata, 39, from Wairoa.

Police extend our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Man in court after Northcote aggravated robbery

Source: New Zealand Police

A man is appearing in court today following an aggravated robbery at a Northcote liquor shop on Saturday night.

Police were called to the Pearn Crescent store just before 6pm on 24 May.

“A man allegedly entered the store and initially made demands and presented a weapon making further threats when the victim refused,” Waitematā East Area Prevention Manager, acting Inspector Tim Williams says.

“The victim managed to flee to safety and locked the offender inside the store, calling 111.”

Police arrived on scene and attempted to engage with the man inside.

“After a period of time negotiating with this man, he emerged outside and was taken into custody without incident.”

The 42-year-old man has been charged with assault with intent to rob and wilful damage, acting Inspector Williams says.

“It’s pleasing that Police can bring this matter before the court and we will also be opposing this man’s bail.”

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Miller, Davis Reintroduce the Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2025
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV)

Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) and Congressman Danny K. Davis (D-IL) introduced legislation to reauthorize critical reentry grant programs from the Second Chance Act of 2008 to support reentry efforts including housing, career training and job placement, and substance use disorder and mental health treatment. The Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2025 would reauthorize critical programs to reduce recidivism, invest in communities, and promote public safety.

Over 95% of the prison population will eventually be released, with more than 600,000 individuals returning to their communities from prison each year and an even higher number entering and exiting local jails. To address this need and to improve reentry services and lower recidivism rates, the Second Chance Act was passed by Congress with bipartisan support and signed into law by President Bush in April 2008. The Act was last reauthorized by President Trump in 2018.

Senators Capito (R-WV) and Booker (D-NJ) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.

“Since the Second Chance Act passed in 2008, formerly incarcerated West Virginians reentering our communities have received the vital services and support they needed to return home successfully,” said Rep. Miller. “We have seen the benefits of the Second Chance Act in West Virginia and across the country. When we put in place strong reentry programming, we are creating safer communities where individuals feel supported and empowered to break the cycle of recidivism.”

“Second Chance reentry programs and services have reached hundreds of thousands of individuals and families across the country, creating healthier families and safer communities,” said Rep. Davis. “Continuing to invest in these evidenced-based interventions is a commonsense approach to strengthen individuals, re-build families, and grow our economy.”

Joining Representatives Miller and Davis are Representatives Darin LaHood (R-IL), Lucy McBath (D-GA), Bruce Westerman (R-AR), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Laurel Lee (R-FL), Bobby Scott (D-VA), Don Bacon (R-NE), Nydia Velásquez (D-NY), Lloyd Smucker (R-PA), Shontel Brown (D-OH), Mike Turner (R-OH), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Barry Moore (R-AL), and Andre Carson (D-IN).

“As a former federal prosecutor, I understand the importance of accountability to the law, but I also believe that individuals deserve the opportunity to rebuild their lives and contribute to society,” said Rep. LaHood. “I am proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing the Second Chance Act to invest in rehabilitation programs to strengthen services provided in Illinois’ 16th Congressional District to reduce recidivism rates and provide substance abuse treatment for those who need it most.”

“Last month, I was honored to work with colleagues across the aisle to declare April as Second Chance Month, and today’s introduction of the Second Chance Act builds on our bipartisan efforts to break down barriers for formerly incarcerated Americans,” said Rep. McBath. “The goal of our justice system is to reduce and prevent recidivism, which is why we must make smart federal investments to support programs and organizations that assist individuals with reentry. We in Congress can and must be leaders in breaking the stigma and empowering formerly incarcerated individuals to once again make vital contributions to their communities. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this legislation.”

“It is incredibly important to create pathways for incarcerated Arkansans and Americans who have paid their debt to society and are now experiencing the arduous barriers to re-enter their communities. Congress must work towards reducing recidivism rates and breaking the cycle of crime,” said Rep. Westerman. “There is no doubt that each of these Americans have an intrinsic value and are worthy of the dignity that comes with establishing hard-earned jobs and gaining sought-after respect among their peers. I am proud to support the Second Chance Reauthorization Act which will promote second chances and in turn, create safer communities and brighter futures.

“Thousands of citizens return from incarceration to our communities every year,” said Rep. Johnson. “I know how difficult it is for people to get back up on their feet after getting out of the system. We need to fund programs that can remove barriers for returning citizens. That’s what Second Chance Act is all about, and I’m proud to support this critical, bipartisan legislation.”

“Stabilizing services and employment opportunities are critical for recently incarcerated individuals. We know these programs get people back on the right track and facilitate successful reentry,” said Rep. Scott. “The Second Chance Act reduces recidivism and provides critical support for those returning to society and I thank my colleagues for joining this bipartisan effort with me.”

“I am pleased to support the reauthorization of the Second Chance Act, which demonstrates our commitment to the power of forgiveness and rehabilitation,” said Rep. Bacon. “Second Chance programs have helped reintegrate people back into society, heal families, and give much-needed mental health services. With the help of these support systems, individuals can become productive members of society, restoring dignity and respect to those who have served their time and want to contribute back to their communities and families.”

“Everyone deserves the chance to rebuild their life after incarceration, and that means real support, not roadblocks. The Second Chance Reauthorization Act invests in the housing, job training, and mental health services that make successful reentry possible,” said Rep. Velázquez. “I’m proud to support this bipartisan effort to break cycles of incarceration and uplift communities across the country, and I thank Representatives Danny Davis and Carol Miller for their leadership on this important legislation.”

“America is the land of opportunity and second chances. Previously incarcerated individuals who take accountability for their actions and improve their lives should be able to count on our support,” said Rep. Smucker. “By passing the Second Chance Act Reauthorization Act of 2025, we can help more Americans successfully reenter and become productive members of their communities.”

“I am honored to be an original cosponsor of the Second Chance Act Reauthorization of 2025. In Northeast Ohio we know first-hand how the cycles of incarceration can negatively impact families and communities,” said Rep. Brown. “By investing in reentry programs and supporting formerly incarcerated individuals, the Second Chance Act has reduced recidivism, strengthened families, and invested in communities that are far too often left behind. We need to build on that progress and ensure more people have a real path to opportunity and stability.”

“The Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2025 represents a principled and measured approach to criminal justice reform, one that reaffirms our commitment to accountability while acknowledging the vital role of rehabilitation and successful reintegration,” said Rep. Turner. “When we invest in programs that prepare individuals to return to society with purpose and responsibility, we not only restore lives, but strengthen the foundations of our communities.”

“For many incarcerated Alabamians and Americans, paying their debt to society after committing a crime is just the start of a long, burdensome process toward re-entering society,” said Rep. Moore. “The Lord shows each of us grace daily, and that same grace should be shown to those who are committed to breaking the cycle of crime and reintegrating into communities. We must do all we can to help reduce recidivism rates and provide pathways to opportunities that will help incarcerated individuals see a brighter future. I am proud to support the Second Chance Reauthorization Act and look forward to seeing the positive impacts it makes on incarcerated individuals and their communities.”

“I’m honored to join my colleagues as an original cosponsor of the Second Chance Act Reauthorization. These programs have a proven track record of reducing recidivism and helping returning citizens come back home to become productive members of our communities,” said Rep. Carson. “Over half of all Second Chance participants enrolled in re-entry programs for employment, housing and education services. My home state of Indiana has seen a 21% drop in re-incarceration rates since the bill was first enacted, and if we continue to boldly invest in Second Chances, our families and communities will grow stronger with opportunities for everyone.

“For too long, our country’s criminal justice system has focused on punitive measures that do nothing to reduce recidivism or actually make our communities safer. We need to invest in initiatives that center rehabilitation and reentry – which is why I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Second Chance Reauthorization Act,” said Rep. Jayapal. “This legislation will continue giving formerly incarcerated individuals the tools and support they need to come back to their homes and communities and successfully rebuild their lives.”

To read the full text of the bill, click here.

Background:
The Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2025 would:
1. Reauthorize key grant programs that provide vital services, supports, and resources for people reentering their communities after incarceration;
2. Expand allowable uses for supportive and transitional housing services for individuals reentering the community from prison and jail; and
3. Enhance addiction treatment services for individuals with substance use disorders, including peer recovery services, case management, and overdose prevention.
Since its passage 16 years ago, Second Chance has supported states, local governments, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations in their efforts to reduce recidivism. To date, Second Chance grants have reached more than 442,000 justice-involved individuals who participated in reentry services or parole and probation programs. From 2009 to 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice awarded over 1,300 Second Chance Act grants to states, local, and tribal governments, as well as reentry-focused community organizations. Second Chance grants have been administered to 871 agencies across 49 U.S. states, territories, and the District of Columbia.

The legislation is supported by the Council of State Governments Justice Center, Correctional Leaders Association, Major County Sheriffs of America, Conservative Political Action Conference, American Correctional Association, American Jail Association, Prison Fellowship, National District Attorneys Association, American Parole and Probation Association, National Alliance on Mental Illness, National Association of Counties, National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors, National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, National League of Cities, Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities, Unify.US, and U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

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MIL OSI USA News –
May 27, 2025