Category: DJF

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Typhoon Wipha situation report (6)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Hurricane Signal No. 10 issued by the Hong Kong Observatory at 9.20am today (July 20) remains in force.

The Home Affairs Department has so far opened 34 temporary shelters in various districts and 242 people have sought refuge at the shelters.

As at 2pm today, the Government’s 1823 Call Centre and the Fire Services Department received 117 reports and 246 reports of fallen trees respectively. No report of landslide or flooding has been received so far.

According to the Hospital Authority, as at 2pm today, 13 males and eight females have sought medical treatment at the Accident and Emergency Departments at public hospitals so far during the typhoon period.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

July 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: New District Officer for North District assumes office (with photo)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

â€‹Ms Winkie Chick will assume the post of District Officer (North) tomorrow (July 21), succeeding Mr Derek Lai.

Since joining the Administrative Service in 2015, Ms Chick has served in various bureaux, including the then Transport and Housing Bureau, the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau and the Education Bureau.

She was the Assistant Secretary (Heritage Conservation) at the Development Bureau before taking up the new post of District Officer (North).

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

July 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Typhoon Wipha situation report (5)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Hurricane Signal No. 10 issued by the Hong Kong Observatory at 9.20am today (July 20) remains in force.

The Home Affairs Department has so far opened 34 temporary shelters in various districts and 234 people have sought refuge at the shelters.

As at 12 noon today, the Government’s 1823 Call Centre and the Fire Services Department received 76 reports and 164 reports of fallen trees respectively. No report of landslide or flooding has been received so far.

According to the Hospital Authority, as at 12 noon today, seven males and seven females have sought medical treatment at the Accident and Emergency Departments at public hospitals so far during the typhoon period.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

July 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Typhoon Wipha situation report (2)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Hong Kong Observatory replaced the No. 8 Northeast Gale or Storm Signal by the Increasing Gale or Storm Signal No.9 at 7.20am today (July 20).

The Home Affairs Department has so far opened 34 temporary shelters in various districts and 198 people have sought refuge at the shelters.

As at 8am today, the Government’s 1823 Call Centre and the Fire Services Department received two reports and 11 reports of fallen trees respectively. No report of landslide or flooding has been received so far.

According to the Hospital Authority, as at 8am today, one male has sought medical treatment at the Accident and Emergency Departments at public hospitals so far during the typhoon period.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

July 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hospital Authority service arrangement

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

The Hospital Authority (HA) announces that as the Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 has been issued, its general out-patient clinics will be closed today (July 20). Outpatients are advised to make a new appointment after the cancellation of the Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8. The service of Accident & Emergency Department of public hospitals remains normal.

The HA has made preparations to cope with the adverse weather conditions and established contingency plans for inclement weather. Drills have been conducted to ensure uninterrupted medical services across all public hospitals. Also, the HA has reminded all clusters to conduct a comprehensive review of their preparedness to effectively respond to adverse weather conditions.

All clusters have allocated additional manpower, food and medical supplies to maintain normal hospital operations. Enhanced inspections have been carried out at various locations within public hospitals, including potential flood-prone areas, drainage systems and trees. Furthermore, contractors of HA construction sites have been instructed to implement proper reinforcement and safety precautionary measures against strong wind and heavy rain to minimise the impact of severe weather.

The HA Major Incident Control Centre will closely monitor the operations of all hospitals and maintain close communication with relevant government departments to ensure public hospital services remain unaffected during adverse weather conditions.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

July 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Care centres, services units and SWD welfare units operating on Sundays and public holidays will not open

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

Please broadcast the following special announcement immediately, and repeat it at frequent intervals:

“The Social Welfare Department announces that as Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 or above is now hoisted, all welfare services units of the department, services units providing after school care programmes for primary school children and elderly services centres will not open to the public. After the No. 8 signal is cancelled, those centres and units that normally operate on Sundays and public holidays will resume normal operation in two hours, if the weather and conditions permit.”

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

July 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Classes of all day schools are suspended today

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

As the Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 or above is now in force, classes of all day schools, including secondary schools, primary schools, special schools, kindergartens, and kindergarten-cum-child care centres, are suspended today (July 20). If classes of evening schools are required to be suspended tonight, the Education Bureau will make the announcement in due course.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

July 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LD urges employers and employees to make work arrangements in times of tropical cyclones and rainstorms

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

As Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 (T8) will soon be in force, the Labour Department (LD) today (July 19) reminded employers to make work arrangements for employees during and after tropical cyclone warnings, rainstorm warnings and extreme conditions, including arrangements on reporting for duty, release from work, resumption of work and remote work (if applicable).

An LD spokesman said, “In drawing up and implementing the work arrangements, apart from factors such as operational needs of establishments, employers should give prime consideration to employees’ safety and the feasibility of employees travelling to and from their workplaces. Employers should also give consideration as much as possible to the different situations faced by individual employees, such as their place of residence and the road and traffic conditions in the vicinity, and adopt a sympathetic and flexible approach with due regard to their actual difficulties and needs. For example, employers may permit employees who have difficulties in returning to workplaces to work remotely (if applicable) or allow more time for them to report for duty and resume work.”

If the Government makes an extreme conditions announcement, apart from those required by employers to report for duty at workplaces, employees are advised to stay in the place they are currently in or in safe places when extreme conditions are in force, instead of heading for work. Employees who have already reported for duty at workplaces could continue to work as usual in a safe manner. If the workplaces are in danger, employers should release staff from work early under feasible conditions and in a safe manner, or make available a safe place as temporary shelter for employees. If the working time ends while extreme conditions are still in force, employers can release employees from workplaces in a safe manner or provide a suitable area as temporary shelter for those still at workplaces.

If it is necessary for employees to report for duty at workplaces under adverse weather or extreme conditions, employers should work out arrangements for their transportation, safety, meals, rest places and more. If public transport services are suspended or limited when there is a T8 signal or higher, or extreme conditions are in force, employers should provide safe transport services for employees travelling to and from workplaces, or grant them an extra travelling allowance.

The spokesman reminded employers to observe the statutory liabilities and requirements under the Employment Ordinance, Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance, Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance, Employees’ Compensation Ordinance and Minimum Wage Ordinance.

The LD has published the “Code of Practice in Times of Adverse Weather and ‘Extreme Conditions’”, which provides the major principles, reference guidelines and information on relevant legislation on making work arrangements for the reference of employers and employees. The booklet can be obtained from branch offices of the Labour Relations Division or downloaded from the department’s webpage (www.labour.gov.hk/eng/public/wcp/Rainstorm.pdf).

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

July 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Pilotage service to be suspended

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at suitable intervals:

The Marine Department has received notification from the Hong Kong Pilots Association Limited that due to the tropical cyclone, the pilotage service will be suspended from 10pm today (July 19). Shipowners, agents, masters and other port users are advised to pay attention.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

July 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: IAC 2025: “Ace Agent’s Writing class” Parent-child Creative Workshop event cancelled

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Attention TV & Radio Announcers:

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced that the event IAC 2025: “Ace Agent’s Writing class” Parent-child Creative Workshop scheduled for tomorrow at Cultural Activities Hall, Sai Wan Ho Civic Centre at 3pm has been postponed due to the issuance of Typhoon Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8.

For enquiries, please call 2550 7309 (Sai Wan Ho Civic Centre)

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

July 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Service suspension of Children Community Vaccination Centre and Private Clinic COVID-19 Community Vaccination Stations tomorrow

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at suitable intervals:

As the Hong Kong Observatory will issue Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 tomorrow (July 20), the Government announced that the Children Community Vaccination Centre (CCVC) and Private Clinic COVID-19 Vaccination Stations (PCVSs) under the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme will remain closed tomorrow and their vaccination service will be suspended.

If the Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 is cancelled before 1pm tomorrow, the CCVC and PCVSs will reopen and resume vaccination service two hours after the cancellation and they will operate until the normal closing time.

Affected persons can make a new vaccination appointment through the booking system on the website of the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme (booking.covidvaccine.gov.hk) after the scheduled time of the original booking.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

July 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Innovate and Lead – The New Wave Logistics Competition held today for students from Hong Kong and Macao to exhibit innovative solutions

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

â€‹The Innovate and Lead – The New Wave Logistics Competition, funded under the Logistics Promotion Funding Scheme of the Maritime and Aviation Training Fund launched by the Transport and Logistics Bureau (TLB) and organised by the Hong Kong Association of Freight Forwarding and Logistics (HAFFA), was held today (July 19). The competition attracted 40 secondary school teams from Hong Kong and Macao, providing students with the opportunity to propose innovative solutions for the future development of the logistics industry in three specific themes, namely smart city logistics, sustainable logistics and Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) as well as entrepreneurship and innovation in logistics.

In the Action Plan on Modern Logistics Development promulgated in 2023, the TLB proposed to strengthen the promotion of the modern logistics industry with a view to enriching the younger generation’s understanding of the latest developments in the logistics sector, thereby inspiring their interest in and attracting them to join the industry. This competition provides a platform for students to unleash their creativity on one hand and promotes the innovation of the industry on the other hand.

The participating teams showcased their solutions to the public and the professional judging panel via exhibitions at the Grand Hall of Hong Kong Science Park. The judging panel evaluated each team based on their understanding of industry development challenges, the feasibility and practicability of their proposed solutions, and so on. Gold, silver, bronze, and merit prizes, as well as an overall grand champion and Cathay Cargo merit prize were awarded to the winning teams to recognise their efforts and creativity.

At the award ceremony, the Under Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Liu Chun-san, pointed out that the logistics sector has been advancing towards smart development, digitalisation and modernisation. He expressed his trust that the competition helped students experience the professionalism, innovation and vitality of the modern logistics industry. He also encouraged students to participate in the Internship Scheme on Modern Logistics to gain personal exposure to the interesting work of the industry and understand its various opportunities for career development.

To better equip students for the competition, HAFFA arranged a series of logistics-related seminars, simulation and virtual-reality trainings, as well as workshops ahead of the event. Senior industry professionals were invited to share their knowledge and insights, with a view to helping students gain an understanding of the latest developments in the modern logistics industry.

The event was fully supported by the logistics sector and academia, demonstrating the collaborative effort across sectors to promote young talent development in the logistics industry. Members of the Hong Kong Logistics Development Council also visited the exhibitions this morning to understand the details and ideas behind each participating team’s creative proposal and spoke highly of the students for their creativity. For more information on the Innovate and Lead – The New Wave Logistics Competition, please visit haffa.aiatros.com/.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

July 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Red flags hoisted at Cheung Chau Tung Wan Beach and Silver Mine Bay Beach

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (July 19) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Cheung Chau Tung Wan Beach and Silver Mine Bay Beach in Islands District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at these beaches.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

July 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: “She Inspires” Mentorship Programme Launched (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, and the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, officiated at the kick-off ceremony of the first cohort of the “She Inspires” Mentorship Programme launched by the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau today (July 19).

In his speech, Mr Chan noted that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action at the United Nations’ Fourth World Conference on Women. The two milestone documents have laid the foundation for the advancement of women’s causes globally. Hong Kong, as the international gateway for the country, has consistently taken concrete actions to promote women’s development. The launch of the Programme represented a significant step forward in this endeavour.

Mr Chan also encouraged the mentees of the Programme, “I hope that all of you will not only possess professional expertise, but also resilience and a heart that cares for our country and gives back to society. Today, you benefit from the selfless guidance of your mentors. I hope that when you become leaders in the future, you will also be beacons for the next generation, your juniors, passing on the power of women.”

Miss Mak expressed her gratitude to the mentors and mentees for their active participation, as well as to the local universities for their assistance and support.

She said, “Looking forward, we hope this Programme will become a source of strength which encourages more women to realise their potential in the workplace. I look forward to seeing each mentee to face challenges bravely, discover their talents, and achieve excellence in their future careers under the guidance of mentors.”

Also officiating at the ceremony were the Chairperson of the Women’s Commission (WoC), Dr Eliza Chan, and the Permanent Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Ms Shirley Lam. Members of the WoC, mentors and mentees participating in the Programme as well as representatives from local universities also attended the ceremony.

The Programme matches local female university students who aspire to pursue a career in the professional or business sectors with women leader mentors, and provides relevant training and activities to help them enhance their skills, build confidence and network to thrive in their future career and nurture the future strength that “hold up half the sky”. For the first cohort of the Programme, over 50 women leaders participated as mentors, and more than 250 applications from students were received, with more than 80 of them being selected as mentees.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

July 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Cluster of Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci cases in Princess Margaret Hospital

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Cluster of Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci cases in Princess Margaret Hospital The hospital will continue the enhanced infection control measures and closely monitor the situation of the ward concerned. The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.

Issued at HKT 17:50

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CategoriesMIL-OSI

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

July 21, 2025
Landmine dispute escalates tensions between Thailand and Cambodia

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Thailand has accused Cambodia of recently placing landmines in a disputed border area after three soldiers were injured, but Phnom Penh said they had veered off agreed patrol routes and triggered a mine left behind from decades of war.

Thai authorities made the claim after three soldiers were injured, with one losing a foot, by a landmine explosion while on a routine patrol on July 16 on the Thai side of the disputed border area between Ubon Ratchathani and Cambodia’s Preah Vihear province.

Cambodia’s Defence Ministry denied that new mines had been planted, saying in a statement on Sunday the soldiers had strayed from agreed patrol routes into areas that contain unexploded landmines. The country is littered with landmines laid during decades of war.

Thailand’s army said on Monday that 10 freshly laid Russian-made PMN-2 type landmines, which are not used or stockpiled by Thailand, were found between July 18 and July 20 in areas near where the soldiers were injured.

“This is a clear violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Thailand and an outright breach of principles that are fundamental to international law,” Maratee Nalita Andamo, deputy spokesperson for the Thai Foreign Ministry, said on Monday in Bangkok.

Data from the Cambodia Mine Action Centre, which estimates there are still 4 to 6 million landmines scattered across the country, shows five people were killed and a dozen injured by mines and unexploded ordnance in Cambodia in the first four months of 2025.

The area where the mine exploded is near where a Cambodian soldier was killed in May after a brief exchange of gunfire between troops on both sides.

The incident has flared into a broader diplomatic dispute between the Southeast Asian neighbours that has destabilised the Thai government and seen the Prime Minister suspended from office.

Thailand said it will issue a formal condemnation and call for accountability from Cambodia for breaching the anti-landmine convention under the Ottawa Treaty, and the army will also increase vigilance during border patrols.

(Reuters)

July 21, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Automated passenger services permitting scheme

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

Written statement to Parliament

Automated passenger services permitting scheme

Have your say on the proposals that will help regulate new self-driving vehicle passenger services.

I wish to provide the House with an update on steps the government is taking to progress the implementation of automated passenger services (APS) regulations to kickstart economic growth, a top priority in the government’s Plan for Change.

The APS permitting regime was created to address complexities of applying current taxi, private hire vehicle and public service vehicle legislation to passenger services that would operate without a driver. This scheme will help facilitate commercial pilots of services with paying passengers and no safety driver to be deployed from spring 2026.

In June, I announced the government’s intention to accelerate the introduction of APS regulations, subject to the outcome of a consultation launching in summer. Today (21 July 2025) I can announce that the consultation on the draft regulations and wider considerations in respect of the management and use of the permitting scheme has been published. The consultation will run until 28 September 2025.

Through the APS permitting scheme, we intend to provide businesses with the regulatory confidence to invest in testing and deploying these innovative services on our streets, reinforcing Great Britain’s position among the world leaders in tech deployment.

Safety, including the safeguarding of passengers, is at the heart of the proposed permitting scheme. Where automated vehicle technology needs approval by government before it can be used, government will use comprehensive safety standards that take into account the developing United Nations regulation for automated driving systems.

Government intends that the accessibility of services will be a factor in consideration of whether to grant a permit, alongside a reporting requirement placed on to permit holders. Pilot deployments will continue building government’s understanding of new ways in which accessibility can be achieved through these services. Government will continue to explore the role for research in further understanding of how self-driving passenger services can best enable older and disabled people to travel, alongside others with limited or restricted mobility.

Consultation proposals

The consultation is divided into 7 chapters, covering a range of matters relevant to the implementation of APS permitting.

These chapters consider the outline of the legislative scheme, necessary guidance regarding the consent process for local licensing authorities and bus franchising authorities, the application process, the variation, suspension and withdrawal of a permit, accessibility, the review process and disclosure of information.

A copy of this publication and associated annexes will be placed in the libraries of both houses and published on GOV.UK.

Updates to this page

Published 21 July 2025

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

July 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: The first meeting of the Board of Directors of PJSC NK Rosneft was held following the annual shareholders meeting

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada was elected Chairman of the Board of Directors of PJSC NK Rosneft. The meeting also formed the composition and elected the chairmen of three standing committees of the Board of Directors.

Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada was first elected as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Rosneft in June 2023. He has over 40 years of experience in the energy sector. Al-Sada is currently Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University of Science and Technology (Doha, State of Qatar), a member of the Board of Trustees of the Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Attiyah International Fund for Energy and Sustainable Development, a member of the Advisory Committee of the Governing Body of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of Nesma Infrastructure.

From 2007 to 2011, Al-Sada served as Minister of State for Energy and Industry of Qatar, and from 2011 to 2018, Minister of Energy and Industry of Qatar, and Chairman of the Board of Qatar Petroleum (now QatarEnergy).

Department of Information and AdvertisingPJSC NK RosneftJuly 21, 2025

These materials contain statements about future events and expectations that are forward-looking in nature. Any statement in these materials that is not a statement of historical fact is a forward-looking statement that involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements to differ. We assume no obligations to update the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or changes in factors affecting these statements.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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MIL OSI Russia News –

July 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Two killed, nine injured in Kunming road accident

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

KUNMING, July 21 (Xinhua) — Two people were killed and nine others were injured in a traffic accident in Kunming, capital of southwest China’s Yunnan Province, on Sunday, the city’s public security bureau said Monday.

The incident happened at 1:16 p.m. on Sunday on Jinbi Road in Xishan District, a thoroughfare in Kunming’s main commercial area.

According to police, a 49-year-old local resident surnamed Li, who was driving a small blue SUV, collided with pedestrians and e-bikers who were following the rules while entering Jinbi Road. The driver then fled the scene, hitting and colliding with other road users.

The accident left two people dead, four people with minor injuries and five people with minor injuries. All victims were taken to hospitals for treatment and are reported to be in stable condition.

The driver has now been detained by the police. The results of the preliminary investigation have confirmed that the incident has been classified as a hit and run. According to the report, suspicions of drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs have been ruled out.

Further investigation into the accident is underway. -0-

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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MIL OSI Russia News –

July 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: China’s Fujian Province Activates Emergency Response Over Typhoon Flood Threat

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

FUZHOU, July 21 (Xinhua) — East China’s Fujian Province issued a Level 4 emergency response at 8 a.m. Monday to address the flood threat posed by Typhoon Wipha, the provincial flood and drought relief headquarters said.

Under the influence of the outer circulation of Typhoon Wipha, the sixth this year, heavy rains and downpours have been lashing coastal areas of Fujian Province since Sunday.

According to meteorological services, heavy rains will continue in some areas of the province over the next three days.

The Provincial Flood and Drought Management Headquarters calls for heightened vigilance against severe weather. All districts and agencies must quickly adopt or make necessary adjustments to emergency response measures, with increased emphasis on monitoring, early warning, and joint consultation to assess risks.

It is necessary to carefully formulate and implement a large-scale strategy to mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall disasters and respond to secondary hazards such as flash floods in mountainous areas, floods in small and medium-sized rivers, geological disasters and urban flooding, the headquarters stressed.

On Sunday at around 8:15 p.m., Vipha made landfall for the second time as a strong tropical storm near Hailing Island in Yangjiang, Guangdong Province, southern China. Maximum sustained winds near its epicenter reached 25 meters per second.

China has a four-tier emergency response system, with tier one being the most serious. -0-

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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MIL OSI Russia News –

July 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Russia to allocate about 180 billion rubles for construction and repair of state border checkpoints — Prime Minister

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

Vladivostok, July 21 (Xinhua) — About 180 billion rubles will be allocated in Russia within the current three-year budget for the construction, repair and technical re-equipment of checkpoints across the state border using advanced digital and technical solutions, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said on Monday.

According to TASS, during an inspection of the automobile checkpoint across the state border “Kani-Kurgan” in Blagoveshchensk, M. Mishustin said that, in general, a lot of work is being done throughout the country to develop cross-border logistics.

“In the next five years, we plan to modernize more than a quarter of all existing ones. These are priority points in terms of existing and prospective trade turnover. And in the Far Eastern District alone, such work is planned for more than 30 of them,” the Prime Minister noted. –0–

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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MIL OSI Russia News –

July 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Japan’s PM vows to stay in office after election defeat

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

TOKYO, July 21 (Xinhua) — Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba vowed on Monday to remain in office despite a major defeat in the House of Councillors (upper house) election where the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition partner failed to secure a majority.

Speaking at a press conference, he acknowledged the poor election results and stressed that he felt a great responsibility. “The most important thing now is to avoid stagnation in national politics,” the prime minister said, promising to make efforts to fulfill the duties befitting a leading party.

His comments come amid growing public discontent over rising living costs and policy mistakes that analysts say contributed to the ruling coalition’s election defeat.

In the current election, Japanese people voted for candidates for 125 of the 248 seats in the House of Councillors. After the final vote count ended Monday morning, the LDP had won only 39 seats, while its partner, the Komeito Party, had won eight. The coalition had planned to win 50 seats, but failed to do so.

Now the coalition’s MPs have 122 seats in the upper house, which is less than the 125 needed for a majority.

Despite the failure, S. Ishiba stressed the need for stability and continuity in the government and officially announced his intention to continue as prime minister. –0–

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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MIL OSI Russia News –

July 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese city of Shangluo and Fergana establish sister city relations

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

BEIJING, July 21 (Xinhua) — Shangluo City in northwest China’s Shaanxi Province and Fergana City, capital of Uzbekistan’s Fergana Region, recently established sister city relations.

The protocol of intent to develop twinning relations was signed on July 14 during the visit of the trade and economic delegation of the city of Shangluo to Uzbekistan. Thus, the number of twin cities of Shangluo has increased to five, the newspaper “Shaanxi Ribao” /daily newspaper “Shaanxi”/ writes with reference to a source in the city’s commerce department.

The department stated that the establishment of sister city relations between the cities of Shanlo and Fergana will allow bilateral trade, economic, cultural and educational contacts and cooperation to reach a new level.

Shangluo City is located at the southern foot of the eastern Qinling Mountains and borders the provinces of Hubei and Henan. Its total area is 19.3 thousand square kilometers. The city includes one urban district and six counties, with a total population of 2.02 million.

The Shangluo City government will comprehensively expand openness, deepen exchanges and cooperation with partners, expand the international sister city network and promote high-quality development, the newspaper wrote. -0-

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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MIL OSI Russia News –

July 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: SCO countries are continuously deepening the interconnectivity of supply chains and production chains

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

QINGDAO, July 21 (Xinhua) — With the global economic architecture changing rapidly, member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) have been continuously deepening the connectivity of supply chains and industrial chains through pragmatic cooperation, according to participants at the China-SCO Regional Economic and Trade Cooperation Conference held recently in Qingdao, east China’s Shandong Province.

Li Gang, assistant general manager of Sinopec Group Co., Ltd., expressed hope for deeper cooperation in the upstream and downstream sectors of industrial chains, including joint projects in crude oil refining, jointly upgrading industrial technology, and building more competitive chemical industry clusters, so as to promote the coordinated development of manufacturing industries in the region.

Logistics and transportation are an important pillar for deepening the connectivity of supply chains and industrial chains. According to the management committee of the China-SCO Regional Economic and Trade Cooperation Demonstration Zone in Qingdao, 4,500 China-Europe international railway trains have been operated on the zone, linking it with 54 cities in 23 countries.

In addition, at present, the China-SCO Demonstration Zone is also the leader in China in terms of the number of truck shipments under the TIR /International Road Transport/ system.

According to a local international economic and trade company, the TIR system has greatly improved the efficiency of international trade. With the introduction of the “TIR plus two-way cold chain transportation” model, fruits and vegetables produced in China’s Shandong, Sichuan, Hunan, Guangdong and other regions can also be delivered to Belarus, Russia and other countries.

“We deliver these fruits and vegetables to St. Petersburg in a maximum of 6 days. For comparison, the transportation of these products by traditional road transport took about 15 days. This business model has attracted many Russian buyers and Chinese exporters of fruits and vegetables,” the company noted.

According to experts, the continuous deepening of the interconnectedness of supply chains and production chains within the SCO not only promotes the integration development of the regional economy, but also helps to ensure the stability of the global supply chain. -0-

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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MIL OSI Russia News –

July 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – Jubilee of the Youth: more than just a trip, it is a journey of faith

Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

Monday, 21 July 2025

Avosa

Abu Dhabi (Agenzia Fides) – A group of 90 faithful from across the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia (AVOSA) are traveling to Italy for a two-week pilgrimage that includes several spiritual stops before arriving in Rome: Padua, Assisi, and San Giovanni Rotondo, where they will take part in the official Jubilee of the Youth program (July 28 to August 3).The group, around 80 people from the United Arab Emirates and about ten from Oman, will be accompanied by several priests and religious sisters who are involved in youth and vocations ministry.”This is more than just a trip: it is a journey of faith, a time to pray, reflect, and discover that we are part of something much greater than ourselves,” said Fr. Godfrey Rodriques. “For me personally, it’s a chance to renew my own sense of purpose and draw closer to God in the heart of the Church.”On Sunday, July 13, Bishop Paolo Martinelli, OFM Cap., Apostolic Vicar of Avosa, which extends across Oman, Yemen, and the United Arab Emirates, handed over the pilgrimage Cross and the Vicariate flag to the delegates, which they will carry throughout their journey. Bishop Paolo will personally join the youth in Rome to walk with them, cross the Holy Door, and take part in the key Jubilee moments with Pope Leo. “We go on pilgrimage to rediscover the meaning of life: to love and be loved,” he declared.(AP) (Agenzia Fides, 21/7/2025)
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MIL OSI Europe News –

July 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Oral question – Methodological and democratic deficiencies in the Commission’s public consultations – a call for reform – O-000025/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for oral answer O-000025/2025
to the Commission
Rule 142
Christine Anderson
on behalf of the ESN Group

Over the past decade, the Commission has increasingly used public consultations to bolster claims of transparency and democratic legitimacy. Now central to the Better Regulation agenda, they accompany nearly all major legislative initiatives[1]. While public participation is fundamental to representative democracy, independent audits and academic research highlight serious flaws in how these consultations are designed and interpreted[2].

Consultations routinely suffer from self-selection bias, as responses mainly come from actors with a pre-existing interest or resources, skewing outcomes away from the broader EU population[3]. The Commission rarely employs scientifically robust techniques such as randomised sampling, post-stratification weighting or neutral question framing, all of which are standard in public opinion research.

The format itself restricts participation. Dense documents, technical language and online-only access exclude many citizens with a lower level of education, limited digital access or little familiarity with EU processes[4]. There is growing concern that consultation outcomes have limited policy impact, with decisions often shaped earlier by lobbying or internal agendas[5].

1.Given these concerns, how does the Commission justify treating its consultation methods as credible democratic engagement, despite their lack of core safeguards from social science?

2.What reforms will the Commission introduce to reduce participation bias, reach beyond organised stakeholders and improve accessibility for under-represented and digitally excluded groups?

3.Will the Commission adopt rigorous techniques such as randomised and stratified sampling, statistical weighting and neutral framing to ensure that outcomes reflect the views of the broader EU public?

4.Finally, what steps will be taken to ensure that consultation results are systematically analysed, publicly reported and meaningfully reflected in legislation?

Submitted: 17.7.2025

Lapses: 18.10.2025

[1] Rangone, N., ‘Improving consultation to ensure the EU’s democratic legitimacy: From traditional procedural requirements to behavioural insights’, European Law Journal, Volume 28, Issue 4-6, July-November 2022, pp. 154-171, https://doi.org/10.1111/eulj.12439.

[2] European Court of Auditors Special Report 14/2019 of 5 September 2019 entitled ‘“Have your say!”: Commission’s public consultations engage citizens, but fall short of outreach activities’.

[3] Røed, M. & Hansen, V., ‘Explaining Participation Bias in the European Commission’s Online Consultations: The Struggle for Policy Gain without too Much Pain’, Journal of Common Market Studies, Volume 56, Issue 6, September 2018, pp. 1446-1461, https://doi.org/10.1111/jcms.12754.

[4] Centre of Expertise for Good Governance of the Council of Europe, ‘Comparative analysis of European practices on public consultations’, Council of Europe, Strasbourg, 5 July 2021, https://rm.coe.int/council-of-europe-comparative-analysis-of-european-practices-on-public/1680aef56f.

[5] Thompson, L., ‘Is the EU’s consultation process broken?’, The Parliament, 5 September 2023, https://www.theparliamentmagazine.eu/news/article/eu-consultation-process-citizen-participation.
Last updated: 21 July 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
July 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Where will we live? The urgent need for affordable housing in Estonia

Source: European Investment Bank

To further strengthen our engagement, the EIB has recently opened a local office in Tallinn, enhancing our ability to work closely with partners on the ground.

The EIB is ready to support Estonia’s efforts to expand access to such housing. This includes supporting innovative and sustainable construction methods, financing energy-efficient renovations to reduce emissions and utility costs, and helping to increase the supply of affordable homes through both direct and intermediated financing.

Encouragingly, Estonia welcomes our initiative and is already engaged in negotiations to design a model and implementation strategy in collaboration with the EIB.

To make it easier for local authorities, developers, and communities to access support, we’ve created the “More homes. Better homes.” online portal. It connects housing stakeholders with the advice, funding, and financing they need. The response so far has been encouraging—clear proof of both the urgent demand and the opportunity ahead.

But the EIB is not acting alone. We are working closely with the European Commission, national governments, cities, and promotional banks. Because solving the housing crisis requires strong partnerships at every level.

And this is about more than just housing. Affordable homes are essential for economic competitiveness, climate resilience, and social cohesion. They support a more inclusive economy, reduce emissions through energy-efficient living, and help communities thrive. In short, affordable housing is a foundation for a fairer, greener, and more prosperous future.

That’s why I’m pleased to announce that the EIB Group will soon conduct a roadshow in several EU members led by my colleague Vice-President Ioannis Tsakiris. We aim to bring together housing stakeholders from every corner of Europe as we promote new financing and support opportunities for the sector.

Estonia has the talent, the tools, and the determination to lead in this space. Together, we can ensure that every Estonian, regardless of income or background, has a place to call home.

MIL OSI Europe News –

July 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Risks arising from irregular migration from Libya – E-002835/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002835/2025/rev.1
to the Commission
Rule 144
Galato Alexandraki (ECR)

Hundreds of irregular immigrants entering Greece, in particular Crete, by boat from Libya are being transferred to mainland Greece – to the Fylakio reception centre in the border region of Evros – for identification and temporary accommodation. They are held there for 24 days before being released with a temporary residence permit. This allows them to move freely within the country, without any checks, resulting in increased delinquency, fear and insecurity, and wide-ranging effects on the economy and social cohesion.

The Global Strategy for the European Union’s Foreign and Security Policy (June 2016) lists territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders as key elements of European security, and states that ensuring the security of EU citizens/territories is a common interest. Nonetheless, to date the EU has not taken serious steps to safeguard the inviolability of Greek borders and thus secure those of the EU.

In view of the above, can the Commission say:

1.What does the EU intend to do in the context of solidarity between the Member States in order to assist Greece, which – owing to its geographical location and proximity to Türkiye and North Africa – is the most exposed country in Europe in terms of illegal immigration?

2.Does it intend to put pressure on the countries of origin of migrants to take them back (refoulement), with clear sanctions if they fail to comply and without merely paying lip service?

Submitted: 11.7.2025
Last updated: 21 July 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
July 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Findings of the COVID-19 crisis management unit of the Robert Koch Institute – E-002656/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002656/2025/rev.1
to the Commission
Rule 144
Gerald Hauser (PfE)

The Robert Koch Institute is the central federal institute in the field of infection control in the Federal Republic of Germany. Its expertise is also in great demand at international level and it works closely with institutions worldwide, including the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Since Decision No 1082/2013/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2013 on serious cross-border threats to health, it has been determined that in the event of a pandemic, the Commission shall be responsible for coordinating all measures and there is to be an unrestricted exchange of information between EU Member States and the Commission. Austria’s former Minister of Health, for example, stated that the Austrian Government has been receiving the findings of the Robert Koch Institute’s COVID-19 crisis management unit since March 2020.

1.When did the Commission start receiving the findings of the Robert Koch Institute’s COVID-19 crisis management unit?

2.Since when have other Commission bodies or advisory committees – in particular the ECDC or the EMA – also been receiving the findings of the Robert Koch Institute’s COVID-19 crisis management unit?

3.What protocols, data, recommendations or information has the Robert Koch Institute received in return from the Commission or its bodies and advisory committees since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and since when?

Submitted: 1.7.2025
Last updated: 21 July 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
July 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Use of EU funds for ideologically driven organisations in Latin America – E-002646/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002646/2025/rev.1
to the Commission
Rule 144
Markus Buchheit (ESN)

The EU operates programmes such as EUROsocIAL+, which promote ‘social cohesion’ in Latin America through the reform of public policies in areas such as gender equality and social welfare[1]. Are radical agendas abroad being financed with European taxpayers’ money?

Various non-governmental organisations in Latin America receive direct or indirect funding from the European Union. Some of these organisations openly promote leftist ideological positions, such as radical feminism, extreme environmentalism or gender theory, in countries whose social and cultural structures differ significantly from those in Europe. This export of ideology, under the guise of development cooperation, generates political and social tensions and may be perceived as a form of ideological neo-colonialism.

1.Can the Commission say what organisations in Latin America have received EU funding over the past five years, including the amounts received, stated objectives of the funding and the actual outcomes?

2.What control mechanisms are in place to ensure that such funds are not used to promote specific political agendas?

3.Does the Commission consider that such funding respects the cultural and political sovereignty of Latin American states or is it using their economic vulnerability to impose its own agenda?

Submitted: 30.6.2025

[1] https://www.guiafc.es/eurosocial-programa-para-la-cohesion-social/.
Last updated: 21 July 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
July 21, 2025