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Category: Economy

  • MIL-OSI USA: PREPARED REMARKS: Sanders Delivers Livestreamed Response’ to President Trump’s Congressional Address 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders
    WASHINGTON, March 4 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today delivered remarks following President Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress. Over 91,000 viewers watched in real time on his social media platforms.
    Sanders’ remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below and can be watched here.
    Hello everybody. Thanks for joining.
    As most Americans know, we are living in a pivotal moment in American history – facing unprecedented challenges. How we respond to this moment will impact not only OUR lives, but the lives of our kids and grandchildren and, in terms of climate change, the very health and well-being of our planet.
    As you heard tonight, President Trump has been very effective in creating what I would call a “parallel universe” for his supporters – a set of ideas that either have NO basis in reality or, in the great scheme of things, are nowhere near the most important concerns of the American people.
    And one way that he does that is through the concept of the BIG LIE. Say something that is grossly false, say it over and over again, and have right-wing social media blast it out endless times, until people actually believe it.
    And then, rather than address the real issues facing the American people, we find ourselves wasting endless amounts of time discussing Trump’s absurdities.
    Just a few examples:
    Trump has claimed that the 2020 election was stolen from him and that he won by a landslide. A lie.
    Trump has claimed that the January 6th insurrection was a day of love. A lie.
    Trump has claimed that millions of undocumented people vote in American elections. A lie.
    Trump has claimed that climate change is a hoax originating in China. A lie.
    Trump has claimed that Ukraine started the horrific war with Russia. A lie.
    And tonight, Trump claimed that millions of dead people between the ages of 100 and 360 were collecting Social Security checks. That is an outrageous lie intended to lay the groundwork for cuts to Social Security and dismantling the most successful and popular government program in history.
    Let’s be clear: Well over 99% of Social Security checks are going out to people who earned those checks – 70 million people. Nobody who is 150 years old or 200 years old or 300 years old is receiving Social Security checks.
    And on and on it goes.
    Now, the purpose of all of this lying is not just to push his hateful right-wing ideology. It is not just to try to divide us up. It’s more than that.
    It’s a masterful effort to deflect attention away from the most important issues facing the people of our country, issues that Trump and his billionaire friends do not want to address because it’s not in their financial interests to do so.
    Trump gave his “State of the Union” speech tonight. But that speech had very little to say ABOUT the state of the union – about what is REALLY going on in our country – especially for working families.
    Trump spoke for 90 minutes and he almost completely ignored the issues that are keeping working people up at night – as they worry about how their families are going to survive in these tough times.
    And I’ll tell you exactly WHY Trump had very little to say about the REAL crises facing the working class of this country.
    Think back 6 weeks ago when Trump was inaugurated for his second term as President – just 6 weeks ago. Standing right behind him were the three wealthiest men in the country – Mr. Musk, Mr. Bezos and Mr. Zuckerberg. And standing behind THEM were 13 other billionaires who Trump had nominated to head major government agencies. Many of these same billionaires – including Musk – were there tonight.
    In other words, it is there for all to see. They’re not hiding it. The Trump administration IS a government of the billionaire class, by the billionaire class and for the billionaire class.
    Notwithstanding some of their rhetoric, this is a government that could care less about the working families of this country.
    My friends. We are no longer MOVING TOWARD oligarchy. We are LIVING IN an oligarchy.
    Now, let’s take a moment and try to escape from Trump’s parallel universe. Let’s do something really radical.
    Let’s actually take a hard look at the problems that Americans are facing.
    Today, 60% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck. Unlike Trump, I grew up in a family that lived paycheck to paycheck. And I know something about that reality.
    It means that every day millions of Americans worry about how they’re going to pay their rent. Pay for childcare. Pay for a doctor’s visit when they get sick.
    They worry about what happens when their car breaks down and they can’t afford the thousand bucks it costs to get it fixed, and what happens when they can’t get to work because they don’t have a car. They worry about how they can afford to buy healthy food for their children when the price of food is off the charts.
    Funny. I did not hear one word from Trump tonight about the economic reality facing 60% of our people, or the enormous stress that they are living under.
    But that’s not all.
    Today in America, everyone knows that our healthcare system is broken, it is dysfunctional and it is outrageously expensive. We remain the only wealthy nation on earth not to guarantee healthcare for all.
    Mr. President: You really want to Make America Great Again? Then make sure that every American, regardless of income, can go to a doctor or a hospital and not worry about how they’re going to pay the bills.
    President Trump: Health care is a human right. I didn’t hear one word from you about that.
    Nor did I hear you say why we pay, by far, the highest prices in the world for prescription drugs – sometimes 10 times more than the people in other countries – and why one out of four Americans are unable to afford the prescriptions that their doctors prescribe.
    Mr. President: We have nearly 800,000 Americans who are homeless. Over 20 million of our people spend more than 50% of their limited income on housing. We have a major housing crisis in America – everyone knows it. And in your speech tonight, you didn’t even mention it.
    Today in America, we have more income and wealth inequality than we have ever had. The three richest people in America, the folks Trump invited to stand behind him at his inauguration, now own more wealth than the bottom half of our society – 170 million Americans. Did you hear one word from the President on that enormously important issue which gets to the very fabric of our society?
    And here’s something else the President forgot to discuss. Not only is our life expectancy 4 years lower than other wealthy countries, the bottom 50% in this country live, on average, 7 years shorter lives than the top 1%. In other words, being poor or working class in this country is a death sentence. Did you hear any discussion tonight as to why so many of our people are living shorter lives than they should?
    During his speech tonight, Trump did not have one word to say about how we are going to address the planetary crisis of climate change. The last 10 years have been the warmest ever recorded, and extreme weather disturbances and natural disasters have been taking place all over the world – from California to India, across Europe to North Carolina. And yet, not surprisingly, Trump had nothing to say about climate change.
    And let’s be clear. Not only did Trump fail to talk about some of the most important issues facing the working class of America, but “the SOLUTIONS” he proposed would only make a bad situation even worse.
    Yes, I did hear Trump talk tonight about some tax breaks for working families in terms of not taxing tips, not taxing Social Security and not taxing overtime. Fine. But that’s chump change compared to the benefits he’s going to give the 1%, and doesn’t tell the whole story about his tax policies.
    According to a recent study by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, if all of Trump’s so-called “America First” policies are enacted, including his tariffs, the bottom 95% of Americans will see their taxes go up, while the richest 5% in our country will see their taxes go down. WAY DOWN.
    Tonight, Trump urged Congress to pass his “big, beautiful” budget.
    Do you know what’s really in it?
    This budget would cut Medicaid by $880 billion. According to one estimate, it means that up to 36 million Americans, including millions of children, would be thrown off the health insurance they have.
    It means that nursing homes that receive two-thirds of their funding from Medicaid would either have to shut down, lay off workers or significantly scale back the services they provide seniors.
    It would be a devastating blow for the 32 million Americans who get their health care at community health centers.
    And, it’s not just Medicaid. Trump’s budget would cut nutrition assistance by at least $230 billion. Can you imagine? The billionaire class, people who can support their families for the next ten generations, people who live in incredible opulence, people who own their own jet planes, private islands and space ships, trying to get tax breaks by taking food out of the mouths of low-income kids. That truly is disgusting.
    What we are seeing is the Robin Hood principle in reverse – taking from the poor and giving to the rich.
    And here is something else Trump has been doing.
    For the past several weeks, he and Elon Musk have been throwing hundreds of thousands of federal employees off their jobs. Now, I know some of you are saying, “That’s too bad, but that’s the federal government, not me.”
    But I want you to think about this: If they can arbitrarily throw federal workers out on the street today, what do you think that Musk and his fellow billionaires will be doing tomorrow when Artificial Intelligence and robotics explode in this country?
    Do you think they’ll give a damn about you and your families? No. You’ll be out on the street as well.
    But it is not only absurd domestic policies that we’ve got to fight.
    For the first time in our 250-year history we have a president who is turning his back on democracy and allying us with authoritarianism. No. We must not abandon the people of Ukraine who were invaded by the Russian dictator, Vladimir Putin. We must always stand for democracy, not dictatorship.
    Let me be very clear. Regardless of where Trump is taking this country, here’s where I think Americans want to go:
    They want us to end a corrupt campaign finance system, which allows a handful of billionaires to buy elections. It is beyond crazy that someone like Elon Musk can contribute over $270 million to help get Trump elected and then gets to run the government.
    It is absurd that any Member of Congress who stands up to Netanyahu’s brutal war in Gaza can expect to be opposed by millions of dollars in campaign contributions from AIPAC.
    They want us to end the disastrous Citizens United Supreme Court decision and move to the public funding of elections. Democracy is supposed to be about one person, one vote – not billionaires buying the political candidates of their choice.
    No. We should not be giving tax breaks to billionaires. We must demand that they pay their fair share of taxes.
    We must raise the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour to a living wage of at least $17 an hour.
    We must make it easier for workers to join trade unions, grow the union movement and prevent corporations from violating labor laws with impunity by passing the PRO Act – legislation I will be introducing tomorrow.
    No, we’re not going to cut Social Security. Quite the contrary, we must expand Social Security benefits and extend its solvency for the next 75 years by scrapping the cap that allows a billionaire to pay the same amount into Social Security as a truck driver.
    Instead of making massive cuts to Medicaid, we must join every other major country on earth in guaranteeing healthcare to all of our people through a Medicare for All, single-payer program.
    We must also take on the greed of the pharmaceutical industry and reduce prescription drug prices by 50%.
    At a time of a terrible housing crisis in every area of our country, we must build at least 4 million units of low-income and affordable housing, stop corporate landlords from jacking up rent prices and establish a cap on rent.
    In a competitive global economy, we need the best educated workforce in the world. All of our young people must have the ability to get a higher education by making public colleges, trade schools and universities tuition-free and canceling student debt.
    Yes. We can create millions of good-paying jobs by combating climate change and moving our energy system away from fossil fuels and into sustainable energy.
    I heard a lot of talk about freedom tonight. Well, in a free society, we must absolutely guarantee that it is the women of America who control their own bodies, not the local, state or federal governments.
    Now, I know there are a lot of people out there who are feeling angry and frustrated at what’s going on here in Washington, DC. And some of you may feel a bit hopeless.
    So let me say this.
    At this particular moment in history, despair is not an option. Giving up is not acceptable. And none of us have the privilege of hiding under the covers. The stakes are just too high.
    Let us never forget. Real change only occurs when ordinary people stand up against oppression and injustice – and fight back.
    That is the history of the founding of our nation when brave men and women took on the mighty British empire. It is the history of the abolitionist movement, the labor movement, the civil rights movement, the women’s movement, the environmental movement and the gay rights movement.
    Yes, the oligarchs ARE enormously powerful. They have endless amounts of money. They control our economy. They own much of the media. They have enormous influence over our political system.
    But, from the bottom of my heart, I am convinced that they can be beaten.
    If we stand together and not let them divide us up by the color of our skin or where we were born or our religion or sexual orientation; if we bring our people together around an agenda that works for the many and not the few – there is nothing in the world that can stop us.
    We can win. We will win. Let’s go forward together.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Baldwin Releases Statement on President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) released the following statement after President Donald Trump’s joint address to Congress:

    “Tonight, we heard more of the same from the President: pointing fingers and playing politics, not outlining real solutions that help Wisconsin families and businesses. My phones have been ringing off the hook with Wisconsinites who want answers from President Trump – and tonight he did nothing to ease their very real fears about children and seniors having their Medicaid ripped away, veterans losing their jobs, and costs skyrocketing from a trade war. I have always said that I will work with anyone if it means doing right by Wisconsin, but instead of providing real solutions to grow our Made in Wisconsin economy and lower costs, President Trump laid out his plan to sell out working families, veterans, and seniors to pad the pockets of people like Elon Musk.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Strong confidence, policies fuel property market recovery

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Driven by a series of pro-housing policies, China’s property sector has gained momentum in recent months, with increased transaction activity and renewed development vitality among real estate enterprises, signaling a shift toward a healthier and more sustainable growth trend.

    With improving sentiment among homebuyers, transactions for both new and secondhand homes in multiple cities have shown an upward trend since the beginning of this year, fostering a more balanced relationship between supply and demand in the market, according to industry analysts.

    New residential home sales in Beijing surged 47.11 percent year-on-year last month, with 2,295 units recorded in online sales contracts. Meanwhile, secondhand home transactions, a key segment of the city’s property market, saw a 92.3 percent increase during the same period, according to data from leading real estate website Fang.com.

    In Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, a second-tier city and hub for leading sci-tech firms, the number of daily visits to a new residential site in Xihu district, developed by Vanke, surpassed 100 groups during the first weekend after the Spring Festival holiday, double the figure from the previous week.

    This trend can be attributed to improving customer sentiment, driven by the city’s rising prominence and promising development prospects, according to the project’s marketing manager.

    The growing turnover volume has helped relieve destocking pressure in the property market. The average destocking period for new residential homes in 100 Chinese cities was 21.3 months in January, a remarkable drop from the previous peak of 26.8 months, data from the E-house China R&D Institute showed.

    “The shorter destocking cycle will create more favorable conditions for achieving a balanced supply and demand relationship in the real estate market throughout the year,” said Yan Yuejin, deputy director of the institute.

    As the property market continues to rebound, leading domestic and foreign real estate developers are accelerating land acquisitions and leveraging expanded financing channels, signaling a broader recovery trend across the industry.

    Shanghai’s first batch of land auctions for 2025, which began on Feb 20, saw a strong return of property developers eager to acquire land. Gemdale Group made its first land purchase in the city in 21 months, while Singapore-based developers Frasers Property and Kheng Leong Co joined the bidding, bringing the total transaction value to 15.93 billion yuan ($2.19 billion).

    Poly Developments and Holdings Group recently announced the purchases of six land parcels in cities like Guangzhou and Foshan in Guangdong province, and Sanya in Hainan province, with total investments nearing 10 billion yuan. Meanwhile, Vanke secured four development sites in Tianjin, Hebei province’s Tangshan, Guangdong’s Guangzhou and Guizhou province’s Guiyang, covering a combined land area of 213,000 square meters.

    Analysts believe the latest acquisitions by leading developers signal renewed confidence about the sector’s prospects and growing optimism in the market’s long-term outlook as government support measures gain traction.

    Since last year, Chinese policymakers have introduced a series of measures — from financial stimuli to regulatory adjustments — to bolster the property sector. These include mortgage rate cuts, lower down payment requirements, eased purchase restrictions and financing coordination mechanisms to enhance funding support for developers.

    According to data from the National Financial Regulatory Administration, the approved loan amount for “white list” projects, designed to support companies with reasonable financing needs, reached 5.6 trillion yuan by Jan 22, surpassing the initial target of 4 trillion yuan.

    As China navigates further policy support for the sector, it has vowed to actively promote the use of local government special bonds for efficient management of idle land and disposal of existing commercial housing, while leveraging financial tools such as loans and bonds to support stable financing for the real estate sector, according to an official in charge of the mechanisms.

    Chinese property companies have also experienced positive shifts in financing through more diversified channels, including domestic and overseas bond markets. These developments reflect improved financing capabilities of the enterprises and stronger confidence among foreign institutions in these developers, according to Yan.

    In January, bond financing of real estate enterprises reached 50.98 billion yuan in total, with declining interest rates compared to the same period last year, data from the China Index Academy showed.

    Last month, Greentown China announced the issuance of $350 million in dollar-denominated bonds maturing in 2028. This marks the first dollar bond issuance by a private real estate enterprise this year, and industry experts believe it will encourage more real estate enterprises to resume overseas financing.

    As market-stabilizing policies take effect, the upward trend across the industry will become increasingly evident, pushing the entire industrial chain in the sector into a positive recovery cycle, said Zhang Yan, an analyst from property research institution CRIC.

    Looking ahead, China is expected to see a recovery in both supply and demand in the property sector and month-on-month turnover growth during the peak sales season known as “Golden March and Silver April,” with sales surges likely to occur in multiple cities, according to the CRIC.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven Statement on President Trump’s Address to Congress

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven
    03.04.25
    ***Click for video and audio.***
    WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven issued the following statement on President Donald Trump’s Joint Address to Congress:
    “President Trump is hard at work to get our country back on track. After being in office just over a month, the Trump administration has already put in place policies that are stopping the flow of illegal immigration, helping to build U.S. energy dominance and showing that America is back open for business to grow our economy. At the same time, the President has made clear that we need to rebuild our military to keep our nation safe, support our veterans, make government work better and support our small businesses, including our farmers and ranchers.  We look forward to continuing to work with President Trump on these priorities to build a better future for the American people.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo Applauds President’s Vision for Restoring Economic Opportunity

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo
    Washington D.C.–U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) issued the following statement after President Donald Trump’s Joint Address to Congress.
    “Tonight, President Trump detailed his early accomplishments and outlined an ambitious agenda.  In just a few short weeks, this Administration has taken great strides to correct course from the last four years by securing our homeland, re-establishing American strength, unleashing American energy and boldly addressing the size and scope of the federal government in an historically transparent fashion. 
    “Looking forward, one of the President’s top priorities this year–which I share as Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee–is to prevent an over-$4 trillion tax hike on American workers and businesses by permanently extending and building on his signature tax bill from 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
    “If President Trump’s tax cuts are not renewed before the end of this year, average American families will be hit with thousands of dollars in tax increases, millions of small business owners will see their tax rates skyrocket, and millions of jobs will be in jeopardy.  Idahoans alone will see their taxes go up by an average of $2,554 in 2026.  Working class Americans have the most on the line, as the majority of the tax cut’s expiration would fall on those making less than $400,000 per year. 
    “The President has been clear: we must permanently extend the Trump Tax Cuts and prevent a massive tax hike on American workers, families and small businesses.
    “Americans across the board benefited from a roaring economy in the wake of President Trump’s 2017 tax cuts.  Workers got ahead as household incomes increased and every demographic benefitted from a strong labor market.  The unemployment rate plummeted to the lowest levels in 50 years and the largest wage increases were seen by the lowest-earning workers.  Business investment increased productivity and innovation, bringing companies back home and making the U.S. economy the envy of the world.
    “Extending this current, proven tax policy–and building upon it–is the best way to restore economic prosperity and opportunity for Idaho’s hardworking families, many still struggling to recover from the historic inflation of the last four years.
    “Failure to extend the Trump tax cuts is simply not an option.  I am committed to working with the Administration and congressional leadership to make these tax cuts permanent and provide relief and certainty to families and businesses across America.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo Statement on President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo
    Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) issued the statement below following President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress.

    To view an abbreviated version of Senator Crapo’s remarks, click HERE or the image above.
    “Tonight, President Trump detailed his early accomplishments and outlined an ambitious agenda.  In just a few short weeks, this Administration has taken great strides to correct course from the last four years by securing our homeland, re-establishing American strength, unleashing American energy and boldly addressing the size and scope of the federal government in an historically transparent fashion. 
    “Looking forward, one of the President’s top priorities this year–which I share as Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee–is to prevent an over-$4 trillion tax hike on American workers and businesses by permanently extending and building on his signature tax bill from 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
    “If this popular tax law expires at the end of this year, average American families will be hit with thousands of dollars in tax increases, millions of small business owners will see their tax rates skyrocket, and millions of jobs will be in jeopardy.  Idahoans alone will see their taxes go up by an average of $2,554 in 2026.  Working class Americans have the most on the line, as the majority of the tax cut’s expiration would fall on those making less than $400,000 per year. 
    “The President has been clear–we must permanently extend the Trump Tax Cuts and prevent a massive tax hike on American workers, families and small businesses.
    “Americans across the board benefited from a roaring economy in the wake of President Trump’s 2017 tax cuts.  Workers got ahead as household incomes increased and every demographic benefitted from a strong labor market.  The unemployment rate plummeted to the lowest levels in 50 years and the largest wage increases were seen by the lowest-earning workers.  Business investment increased productivity and innovation, bringing companies back home and making the U.S. economy the envy of the world.
    “Extending this current, proven tax policy–and building upon it–is the best way to restore economic prosperity and opportunity for Idaho’s hardworking families, many still struggling to recover from the historic inflation of the last four years.
    “Failure to extend the Trump tax cuts is simply not an option.  I am committed to working with the Administration and congressional leadership to make these tax cuts permanent and provide relief and certainty to families and businesses across America.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Cramer Statement on President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Donald Trump addressed a joint session of Congress today in his first major address since his inauguration in January. His speech outlined his return to the presidency and his plans to secure the southern border, promote peace and strength abroad, and invest in the American economy.

    U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) released the following statement after the address:

    “Tonight President Trump said it all when proclaiming, “AMERICA IS BACK!” From there he delivered the evidence of accomplishments like securing our southern border, facilitating peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, bringing violent immigrants to justice, relieving us of woke insanity and so much more, all in a few weeks time. Then he cast a vision for a stronger, freer, more prosperous and respected nation. It was inspiring and believable, because it is true. He spoke to the hearts and minds of everyday Americans, and highlighted heroes and grieving families in the audience. All the while Democrats in the Chamber sneered, heckled and booed. They were unable to even stand for parents who lost children and loved ones to violent illegal aliens, a small boy with cancer who wants to be a police officer, a citizen unjustly imprisoned in Russia whose freedom President Trump helped secure, or even a fireman who saved his family from an assassin’s bullet at the Trump Rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, by shielding them with his body, sacrificing his own life. You don’t have to hate America because you hate President Trump, and you don’t have to love Trump because you love America. As for me and my family, we love both.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Massachusetts Congressional Delegation, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu Highlight Impact of Trump’s Harmful Actions on Massachusetts Working Families and Communities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Members of the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation and their State of the Union Guests Address the Impacts of the Trump Administration on the Commonwealth

    Washington (March 4, 2025) – Members of the Massachusetts congressional delegation, including Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-05), and Representatives Richard Neal (MA-01), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), and Stephen Lynch (MA-08), today hosted a press conference with Mayor of Boston Michelle Wu, and Massachusetts community leaders to emphasize the substantial impacts of the Trump administration’s dangerous policies on working families and communities across the Commonwealth. Ahead of the State of the Union Address, the Massachusetts leaders, along with their guests, addressed the current and future impacts of President Trump’s agenda on the economy, health care, environmental protections, education, and immigration. A link to the full press conference can be found HERE.

    “Today, we stood up to say: you cannot bully the Bay State. Two hundred and fifty years ago, it was Massachusetts and Boston who threw off the dictates of a king who harassed and oppressed our residents. We will do it again with this wannabe king,” said Senator Markey. “Trump’s vision is in the rearview mirror, zeroing in on cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, clean air and clean water, health care, education, veterans’ benefits, Social Security, Alzheimer’s research and so much more – all to pay for tax breaks for Elon Musk and his billionaire buddies. Together, this delegation and these leaders are standing up for working families in Boston and across our Commonwealth. Together, we will not agonize – we will organize and fight back for an economy that works for everyone.”

    “Instead of lowering costs for working people, Donald Trump has spent the last six weeks creating a sandstorm of chaos and firing the federal workers who keep our country going. It’s all to distract us from his real agenda: tax handouts for billionaires, paid for on the backs of working people. I’m here to fight back,” said Senator Warren.

    “Elon Musk makes more in a day than the NIH spends on childhood cancer research in a year, but it’s still not enough to satiate his greed” said Democratic Whip Katherine Clark. “Now, he’s ordering Republicans to defund NIH research and children’s health care — all to funnel the money into his own pockets. Those Republicans might not care about the consequences. But for families like my constituent, Sarah Wroblewski’s, everything is at stake.”

    “I am so proud of the vibrant, diverse communities that call Boston and the Massachusetts 7th home, and I am deeply grateful for my colleagues in the Congressional delegation and the partnership of my friend, Mayor Michelle Wu, whose leadership locally is a national model,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “While the Trump and Republicans use their gavel and bully pulpit to advance their cruel and callous agenda, I’ll continue standing with people like Claire Bergstresser, a remarkable advocate, and my guest to Trump’s speech this evening. Dedicated federal workers like Claire strengthen our communities and our country, and their experiences are a reminder of why we must keep pushing back on the Musk-Trump assault on our democracy.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell Statement Following Trump’s Address to Congress

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

    03.05.25

    Cantwell Statement Following Trump’s Address to Congress

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) released this statement following President Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress:

    “President Trump promised to deal with consumer costs and inflation, but we got no ideas tonight on how he’s going to make life more affordable for average Americans. Instead, he’s proposing things that will increase costs. New tariffs, cuts to critical programs like Medicaid and Social Security, and threatening core services like weather forecasting and aviation safety are all bad for our safety and our economy.”

    Earlier today, Sen. Cantwell spoke on the Senate floor, raising concerns about the Trump Administration’s actions in its first 44 days, including slapping tariffs on products that will inflate costs for consumers and hurt Washington’s exports and taking a chainsaw to federal agencies that do critical, lifesaving work. A video of her speech can be viewed HERE; audio is HERE; and a transcript is HERE.

    Sen. Cantwell’s guest at today’s address, Dr. Paul Lange of the University of Washington, is a medical research pioneer, cancer surgeon, and founding director of Seattle’s world-leading Institute for Prostate Cancer Research (IPCR). Our full release on Dr. Lange and his work is below. At a press conference before the address, Dr. Lange stressed how Trump’s cuts to National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding will delay cures that could save lives. Video of today’s presser is HERE, audio HERE, transcript HERE, and photos HERE.

    And ICYMI: Sen. Cantwell released a report showing how Medicaid cuts would affect Washingtonians — especially in rural areas.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Australia’s economy has turned the corner, and consumer spending was a big help

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephen Bartos, Professor of Economics, University of Canberra

    Australia’s economy expanded at the fastest pace in two years in the December quarter, boosted by an improvement in household spending and stronger exports.

    The Australian Bureau of Statistics’ national accounts report today said the economy grew by 0.6% in the quarter. It attributed this to “modest growth […] broadly across the economy […] supported by an increase in exports”.

    Annual gross domestic product (GDP) growth for the year to December 2024 was 1.3%. That’s not especially high in historical terms, but as good as we have seen since late 2022. The long-term average growth for the Australian economy is closer to 2.7%.

    It is one of the last pieces of major economic data before the next federal election, and will provide some comfort to the Labor government.

    The per capita recession is over

    A further encouraging sign is that GDP per head of population is no longer shrinking. It is tiny, rising a mere 0.1%, but at least is positive.

    This follows seven consecutive quarters where the per capita measure declined. Today’s report ends what some call a “per capita recession”: when the economy grows slower than population, so in terms of production per person we actually go backwards.

    Households spent more – on furniture, appliances, clothing, hotels, cafes and restaurants, health care and electricity. Consumption grew by 0.4% – which added to economic growth.

    Households also saved more – the saving to income ratio grew from 3.6% to 3.8%, the highest in nine quarters. How were households able to save, even while they spent more? The answer is wages are growing even more strongly.

    Employee compensation increased by 2% across the board, in both the public and private sectors. The compensation figure also reflects a 0.7% increase in hours worked.

    Other contributors to positive economic growth in the quarter were government spending and exports of goods and services. Agriculture was a strong performer (up 7.3%) due to meat exports to the United States and increased grains production following favourable weather conditions.

    What GDP doesn’t measure

    Nevertheless, GDP does not capture important dimensions of wellbeing.

    It omits things we value such as unpaid work, and the natural environment. Spending on recovery from a disaster improves GDP; if disaster never happens the numbers are unaffected.

    Australian statistician David Gruen outlined the limitations of GDP in a speech he gave in 2010, while still at Treasury. Economists and statisticians alike recognise those limitations.

    Still, the alternative to GDP growth is a recession: people lose jobs and income, businesses go broke. So overall, this latest release is a positive set of numbers for Australia.

    Improving outlook

    The trajectory for economic growth is looking good.

    The December quarter was an improvement on the September quarter’s result of 0.3%, and 0.2% in the June quarter. That September quarter result turned out, as predicted,
    to be a turning point.

    We now seem to be on a pathway for continuing growth. The December quarter, remember, came before the Reserve Bank cut interest rates in February. Falling interest rates will benefit not only mortgage holders but also business borrowers.

    Inflation has fallen to a level that gives optimism on possible future interest rate cuts.

    Nevertheless, although the rate of inflation is falling, this does not mean prices are coming down. They are merely rising more slowly than before. The inflation number is also an average. Some goods or services have higher than average price rises, others lower. People tend to pay attention to the prices that rise, not those that stay the same or decline.

    In short, these numbers may not make too much of a difference to the government’s election prospects. People will still be worried about the cost of living.

    International events beyond our control

    If voters pay attention to international politics, they also know our current economic sunshine might not last.

    US President Donald Trump has imposed 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports, and doubled the tariff on Chinese imports from 10% to 20%. The affected countries are talking about retaliation.

    Even if the US does not impose tariffs on Australian products (which remains a possibility, but Australian diplomats are lobbying hard to head it off), there is an impact from the US tariffs on China.

    We rely on China as our major trading partner. If its economy slows, so will ours. China has responded to the threat of tariffs today with a fresh stimulus package.

    Even more worrying is if the trade wars spread to other countries. Protectionism and insularity harms economies. Spread widely it can lead to a global recession.

    Even though the December quarter national accounts show good signs of economic recovery and bode well for the future, international events beyond Australia’s control might yet derail our positive prospects.

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

    – ref. Australia’s economy has turned the corner, and consumer spending was a big help – https://theconversation.com/australias-economy-has-turned-the-corner-and-consumer-spending-was-a-big-help-251262

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Safe for autocracy: the world according to Putin and Trump

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Matthew Sussex, Associate Professor (Adj), Griffith Asia Institute; and Fellow, Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, Australian National University

    What does an ideal world look like for Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Donald Trump? In a word: ugly.

    Trump’s embrace of Russia’s dictator, his bullying of a weakened Ukraine, his musings about new US territorial conquests, and his dismantling of US democratic institutions would, in any other age, have resulted in his immediate removal from office.

    And yet he has succeeded in beating his political opponents into submission, while his cultish following applauds every fresh outrage he visits on America’s friends, and every undeserved boon he grants its enemies.

    American interests?

    When discussing foreign policy, we typically use the term “national interests” to frame our understanding of what countries want, and the enablers and constraints that affect their chances of achieving it. Essentially, we to try to identify some parameters about what countries can, can’t, and might do.

    It assumes that factors such as economic heft, military capability, natural resources, alliance networks and geopolitical position all create a kind of baseline unique to each nation. It also assumes a fair amount of continuity in foreign policy, as new governments invariably face the same kinds of challenges and opportunities as past ones.

    And crucially, it assumes leaders will recognise it: that in democracies, for instance, elected public servants will continue acting in the broader public good.

    Not so for Trump. His behaviour is far more reminiscent of Putin’s. Like the Russian autocrat he idolises, Trump’s main domestic and foreign agendas revolve around his personal fortune, cementing his political power, and creating a narrative that existential forces – as well as internal enemies – are to blame for America’s problems.

    By presenting himself as the nation’s only possible saviour, Trump is directly plagiarising the Putin playbook.

    Like Russia’s tsar in all but name, Trump is creating an image of the state in which regime security and national security are innately linked. In that way, America First and Trump First are not just compatible, but actually synonymous.

    Trajectories of power

    Where the two differ, though, is that Putin’s recipe for dominating Russian politics has tended to increase his country’s raw national power, rather than diminishing it.

    Certainly, Putin’s renationalisation of Russia’s energy sector helped turn Russia into a petro-giant. That Putin has remained at the top of Russian politics for so long has been at least partly because he has distributed Russian wealth beyond a clique of oligarchs.

    The result was a larger middle class, apathetic to politics and tolerant of dictatorship, as long as living standards were improving.

    At the same time, Putin’s erosion of freedoms created powerful disincentives to express any opposition to his regime. After all, when criticising Russia’s “special military operation” in Ukraine can lead to beatings, ostracism from society, being sent to the front, or a prison sentence of up to 15 years, where’s the value in speaking out?

    There are plenty of signs that Trump would like to emulate Putin’s progress. From installing loyalists in the military and the ostensibly independent Department of Justice and FBI, coupled with threats against freedom of the press, his subversion of US democracy looks eerily familiar.

    But Trump’s recipe for success looks almost certain to weaken the US, not strengthen it.

    He has surrounded himself with completely unqualified supplicants in key roles, chosen on the basis of loyalty rather than competence.

    Purges at the CIA are weakening America’s vaunted intelligence-gathering capabilities. Orders to stop cyber operations against Russia are an extraordinary own-goal.

    Trump’s punishment of partners via tariffs – along with continued suggestions about annexing Canada, and his belittling of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau by calling him “governor” – are costing America friendships built on decades of trust.

    These schisms are becoming evident across the Atlantic too. In France, for instance, even the far-right nationalist Marine Le Pen has criticised Trump’s standover tactics in suspending military aid to Ukraine. A recent French poll found that fully 73% of respondents believed Trump’s US was no longer an ally.

    A new age of empires

    The recent – and historically breathtaking – statement by Putin’s press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, that Russian and US worldviews now largely align speaks volumes about the kind of world both regimes now agree on.

    It is, put simply, a new Age of Empires. This has long been a central theme of Russian geopolitical propaganda: that all major decisions affecting the world should be taken in only three of its capitals: Moscow, Beijing and Washington.

    In this brutal order, the strong do as they will, and the weak do as they must. It envisages a world cleaved into spheres of influence, with Russia permitted to run rampant over Eastern Europe, the US dominating the Americas and the East Pacific, and China as a hybrid maritime and continental power exerting hegemony in Asia.

    So how worried should we be? When we think of past global dangers, events such as the Cuban Missile Crisis come to mind. This is, of course, not the same: there isn’t the potential imminence of nuclear war.

    But there should nonetheless be not just deep concern but also immediate action to inoculate ourselves, as best we can, from the slow-burn effect of a world made safe for autocracy rather than democracy.

    There is also a legitimate counterargument that Trump’s bark is worse than his bite; that he will be a lame duck after the mid-term elections in 2026; and that all US allies need do is to keep a low profile until then.

    That may have been an appropriately soothing sentiment during Trump’s first term, but in his second one it rings increasingly hollow.

    For one thing, the goalposts have shifted. Trump has shown he will act with near-total impunity. He will doubtless try to manipulate elections, and he has shown before that he is perfectly prepared to reject their outcomes. For another, this time he will have not just a pliant legislature and cabinet, but also a loyal bureaucracy, and key supporters in law enforcement and military posts.

    Given that, it is one thing to hope for the best. But it makes sense also to plan for the worst. If the past few weeks have taught us anything, it is to be prepared for virtually daily episodes of disappointment. Or, to put it bluntly: things will get worse before they get better.

    Matthew Sussex has received funding from the Australian Research Council, the Atlantic Council, the Fulbright Foundation, the Carnegie Foundation, the Lowy Institute and various Australian government departments and agencies.

    – ref. Safe for autocracy: the world according to Putin and Trump – https://theconversation.com/safe-for-autocracy-the-world-according-to-putin-and-trump-251246

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Global Economy – Trump’s Congress address triggers alarm: Biggest economic shift since 2008 crash, full-blown trade war? – deVere Group

    Source: deVere Group

    March 5 2025 – The global economy could now be on the brink of “its most severe disruption since the 2007-2008 financial crisis, besides the pandemic,” warns the CEO of global financial advisory giant, deVere Group.

    The comments from Nigel Green of deVere Group comes after in his highly anticipated address to Congress, US President Donald Trump doubled down on the most aggressive tariff policies seen since the 1940s in some respects, delivering a speech that, despite its rhetoric of economic strength, is set to cause concern through financial markets.

    He argued that “tariffs are not just about protecting American jobs, they’re about protecting the soul of our country,” but admitted they would cause “disturbance”.

    “Tariffs are about making America rich again, and making America great again,” he said. “And it’s happening, and it will happen rather quickly.”

    “There will be a little disturbance, but we’re okay with that,” he continued.

    In response, deVere Group’s Nigel Green says: “This is no longer just a warning sign. This is seemingly turning into an all-out trade war.

    “The immediate market reaction to Trump’s sweeping tariffs on Canada and Mexico was stark, with declines across major indices, reflecting investor fears of a prolonged and damaging standoff.

    “The true extent of the fallout, however, has yet to be fully realized, especially as wider reciprocal tariffs are set to be rolled on April 2, according to Trump in his address.”

    Donald Trump said “countless” nations charge the US “tremendously higher tariffs than we charge them”. The president said China’s average tariff on US products were twice what America charges Beijing.

    He added the average South Korean tariff was four times higher than what the US imposes on Seoul.

    The deVere CEO comments: “History has proven that protectionist policies of this magnitude don’t end in prosperity, but in economic isolation, slower growth, and inflationary pressures that ultimately hit consumers and businesses hardest.”

    “Tariffs are not a win for American workers or businesses—they’re taxes.”

    Companies across industries, from manufacturing to tech, are expected to bear the brunt of these costs, leading to price hikes, squeezed margins, and reduced competitiveness.

    “Trump’s assertion that these measures will strengthen the US economy is, at best, disingenuous.

    “The reality is that higher costs on imported goods will ripple through supply chains, forcing firms to either absorb the added expense or pass it onto consumers.” Either way, the result is likely economic pain.

    “The global repercussions cannot be overstated. Tariffs on key trading partners set off a chain reaction—retaliatory measures, shifting supply chains, capital flight, and a decline in investor confidence,” notes Nigel Green.

    Emerging markets, already grappling with tighter financial conditions, will be particularly vulnerable.

    The world is entering a period of heightened economic uncertainty, and with central banks already stretched in their policy responses, there is no easy fix on the horizon.

    Despite Trump’s assurances of an economic renewal, his trade war stance directly undermines long-term stability.

    “The lessons of past crises should serve as a stark reminder: economic nationalism and aggressive tariffs do not fuel growth; they suffocate it. The financial landscape is shifting rapidly, and businesses and investors must now brace for a turbulent period ahead.”

    What happens next will depend on how global markets, policymakers, and businesses react in the coming weeks.

    “It can be reasonably assumed that the fallout from Trump’s trade war is only just beginning. Households, businesses and investors need to buckle up,” concludes Nigel Green.

    deVere Group is one of the world’s largest independent advisors of specialist global financial solutions to international, local mass affluent, and high-net-worth clients.  It has a network of offices around the world, more than 80,000 clients, and $12bn under advisement.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Career and Family: Muscovites Invited to Free Educational Classes

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The city employment service helps women raising children to realize themselves in business and to undergo training in in-demand specialties. For example, in the center “My career” The “Mama Rabotyat” program is in effect, within the framework of which courses will be held for female residents of the capital in March. Participants will learn more about the profession of a real estate agent, and will also become familiar with methods of promoting goods and services on the Internet.

    “Our program is designed for female applicants who are ready to continue their professional development during maternity leave or after leaving it. The main goal is to allow a woman to implement her model of success, which harmoniously combines a career and caring for a family. This is helped by specialized trainings and short courses, which we regularly conduct in partnership with leading experts and employers from various industries. Thanks to two training courses that will be held at the center in March, women will be able to learn the basics of a realtor’s work, learn how to promote services and goods online, and much more,” said Yulia Belyaeva, head of the “Mom Works” program at the “My Career” center.

    On March 10, the full-time and part-time course “Mom – Real Estate Agent” will begin. The teachers will be market experts and current practitioners. Participants will study types of real estate and channels for promoting properties, learn how to find clients and retain them, and discuss legal and financial nuances of transactions. Future realtors will be able to practice the knowledge they have acquired individually or in a group. The program includes independent study of online lessons and homework with feedback from a mentor. Upon completion of the course, participants will receive certificates. The training will end on March 24, and from March 25 to 28, Muscovites will be invited on excursions to major real estate agencies.

    In-person meetings will be held at the My Career center at the address: 1 Sergiya Radonezhskogo Street, Building 1. Participation is free, but advance registration is required.link.

    On March 17, freelance Moscow women are invited to attend the full-time and part-time course “Mom — Online Expert: From Product to Promotion.” The center’s specialists will tell you how to use your experience wisely, promote yourself and your services, formalize your self-employment, and where to find clients. Invited speakers will share their best practices and secrets of promotion on freelance exchanges. They will also talk about how to form a client base, including with the help of electronic services. The training will end on March 28. As a result, the participants will receive a finished product and an effective strategy for its promotion.

    In-person meetings will be held at the My Career center on Sergius of Radonezh Street. Participation is free, but will require registration.

    The Moscow City Employment Service is the largest state personnel operator that helps residents of the capital find work. Its structure includes employment offices, many of which are located in the My Documents government service centers. The flagship centers are open at the following addresses: Kuusinen Street, Building 2, Building 1, and Shabolovka Street, Building 48. The specialized employment center My Career is located on Sergiya Radonezhskogo Street.

    In the center “Professions of the Future” (Shchepkina Street, Building 38, Building 1) in a maximum of three and a half months, you can master one of 75 in-demand professions in various sectors of the economy. Career mentors will help you find a job after completing your training. The center’s partners include more than three thousand employers. In addition, a comprehensive career guidance program for ninth-grade students is being implemented here.

    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/150898073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Interview with Olivia Caisley, Afternoon Briefing, ABC

    Source: Australian Treasurer

    Oliva Caisley:

    To unpack that and much, much more today, let’s bring in our political panel, LNP Senator Paul Scarr and Assistant Minister for Competition Andrew Leigh.

    Welcome to you both to the program. There is plenty of news to get through today. Paul let’s start with you quickly first. You’re in Queensland, which is in the path of Cyclone Alfred.

    Paul Scarr:

    Yep.

    Caisley:

    How prepared is your community?

    Scarr:

    I think the community is as prepared as it can be. There’s very close liaison between all 3 levels of government: the federal government, the state government, the local government authorities. Sandbags are being made available, people are being given warnings and suggestions and recommendations as to how to prepare. And the community’s coming together, as Queenslanders always come together, whether or not it’s in North Queensland or in the southeast corner, we come together at times like this and help each other.

    Caisley:

    And Paul, we just heard there before the WA Premier Roger Cook referring to the American Vice President as a ‘knob’ over that extraordinary argument that took place in the Oval Office over the weekend. Is that an appropriate way for a state leader to be speaking?

    Scarr:

    I don’t believe so. I don’t believe it is. And I don’t believe it’s helpful. And from my perspective, I think our focus here in Australia should be on Australia’s commitment to the people of the Ukraine, and in respect of that commitment, it’s quite bipartisan.

    And before the last election, the Coalition government had a very strong position with respect to assisting the people of Ukraine and Ukraine’s right to its sovereignty, its own secure sovereign borders, and that policy has continued, notwithstanding there was a change in government after the last election. So, I think we should focus on what Australia’s policy is.

    Caisley:

    And Andrew, what did you think?

    Andrew Leigh:

    Well, US politics is endlessly interesting, and it’s always tempting to express your view every time something happens over in the US. But we’re really focused right now on the challenges that Australia faces.

    As Paul said, preparing for Cyclone Alfred, which is looking like making landfall either on Thursday or Friday of this week.

    I would urge any of your viewers who are able‑bodied to consider signing up for EV CREW, a great on‑the‑ground operation which allows you to help out in the local community.

    And as Paul said, there’s bipartisan support for Ukraine. Australia has given $1.5 billion in assistance, of which $1.3 billion is military aid.

    Caisley:

    We have just seen in the past couple of hours the United States announcing that it’s actually going to freeze aid or support to Ukraine. Could I get both of your response to that? Let’s start with you, Paul.

    Scarr:

    Well, again, that’s a matter for the United States government, and again, I think we should focus on what Australia’s position is. And I attended a campaign rally on the third anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine. There were representatives, again, from all levels of government, both major political parties in Australia, and we’re on the same page in terms of continuing to provide our support to the people of Ukraine. And that’s the way it should be.

    Caisley:

    I was watching Donald Trump’s press conference in the early hours of this morning, and in it, he said that Volodymyr Zelenskyy needs to show more appreciation. We then have seen these reports that aid will be paused until Volodymyr Zelenskyy demonstrates a good faith commitment to peace.

    How does this at all, or if at all, Andrew, change the security equation for Australia?

    Leigh:

    Well, you’ve seen in London a range of European powers stepping in and taking important steps towards peace. It is really important that we see peace in Ukraine. This is a war started by Russian aggression. Australia has stood steadfastly with the people of Ukraine.

    I joined with a range of parliamentarians who met with the Ukrainian Ambassador to Australia during the most recent parliamentary sitting to again show the solidarity of Australians for Ukraine.

    We’ve got the Bushmasters there, the Abrams tanks. We have been a strong supporter of the people of Ukraine, as is appropriate for a fellow democracy seeing the brutality that has been waged on the people of Ukraine through an utterly unprovoked war started by Russia.

    Caisley:

    There’s bipartisanship when it comes to support for Ukraine, but we have seen a point of difference emerging between Peter Dutton and Anthony Albanese when it comes to boots on the ground or potential peacekeeping missions. The Prime Minister today not ruling out sending troops over there; this is in contrast to the Opposition Leader.

    Paul, on the politics of this, is Labor outmanoeuvring the Coalition here on an issue that the Coalition usually feels pretty comfortable in?

    Scarr:

    I don’t believe so. And I think the Coalition was in government when Russia launched its illegal invasion of Ukraine, and we were at the forefront in terms of an appropriate policy response to that, including providing humanitarian places for refugees from Ukraine to Queensland, many of whom I met shortly after their first arrival.

    In terms of so‑called boots on the ground, I think the point Peter Dutton has made, and I think he’s correct, the onus should really be on the Europeans in terms of providing boots on the ground as peacekeepers, and they’ve got the capacity to do that. Australia has its own obligations in the Asia‑Pacific region and from my perspective, given the Europeans have the capacity and we have our own obligations in our own region, I think that’s where our focus should be.

    Caisley:

    Okay. Andrew, I just wanted to get a sense from you from the government’s perspective. So, this openness, I guess, to having boots on the ground is a shift or 180 from the Prime Minister’s office position yesterday. They provided the ABC with a statement saying the deployment of troops wasn’t under consideration. Today, there has been a shift in that view. What has, I guess, prompted that change?

    Leigh:

    Well, Olivia, I think we probably don’t want to get ahead of ourselves in this. The Prime Minister has simply said that Australia would consider such a request if it was to come through.

    Paul’s quite right that the primary role is going to be played here by the Europeans, as it has been throughout this terrible conflict.

    Caisley:

    Do you think, Paul, that it’s even possible to get out from under the US security umbrella, given how close we are as allies with the United States? Is it something that should be considered given the, I guess, particularly febrile environment in the Oval Office right now?

    Scarr:

    Well, the United States is one of our closest allies and our most important ally, and I think that will continue for decades and decades to come. And the historical links between the 2 countries and, more recently, developments such as AUKUS just demonstrate the continuity of that relationship. And I just don’t see any change in that relationship, either in the short term, medium term, or even the long term.

    Caisley:

    Andrew, the Coalition today say they want to stop public servants from working from home. The Independent Senator David Pocock has described this as a culture war distraction. What’s your response to that?

    Leigh:

    Well, another day, another attack on the public service from Peter Dutton. First, he’s saying that we should fire one in five public servants and go back to the days of Robodebt and excessive waiting times. Now he’s suggesting that the kind of modern working arrangements that big Australian corporations extend to their workers shouldn’t exist in the public service.

    What that would mean is that women with caring responsibilities, people with disabilities, would be fired in droves from the public service, and the Australian public would lose out from having less capable people working in the public service.

    Just to take one example, the wait time for a parental leave application to be processed when we came to office was 31 days. We’ve got that down to 3 days. We had a backlog of 42,000 veterans claims, and we’ve dealt with 97 per cent of that backlog.

    You can’t fire one in five public servants without dramatically worsening the public services in Australia and going back to Robodebt and long wait times.

    Caisley:

    Paul, I’ll give you an opportunity to defend the Coalition policy. Why is this a good idea to crack down on public servants working from home?

    Scarr:

    I think we’ve seen across the whole economy, both private sector and the public sector, dealing with this phenomenon that during the COVID‑19 pandemic, more and more people were working from home, and there were reasons for that. But there’s been a slow return back to the workplace, and a lot of the private sector businesses I speak to talk about the concern they’ve had in terms of collaboration in the office, in terms of communication, in terms of productivity.

    And I think the obvious point is being made that when you’ve got people working together in the workplace, collaborating, having those hundreds of interactions you have every single day in a workplace, you’re more productive and quite often, you achieve better results.

    So, the other thing to note is all existing agreements and arrangements will be respected. The simple policy point is if you are going to have a working from home policy, it needs to suit the individual, but it also needs to suit the workplace, and that means people need to work collaboratively together and adopt a common‑sense approach.

    Caisley:

    Just on that, though, Paul, can you give me a sense, is this something that’s being brought up with you in your electorate, is this a concern that’s been raised with you by your constituents?

    Scarr:

    I think the concern about the work from home phenomenon has been raised with me ever since we started coming out of the COVID‑19 pandemic. And just to give you one example, in many of the professional services firms, when I was a young lawyer I’d attend the workplace and you’d have the benefit of that interaction with mentors, with leaders, get all that guidance you got on an ad hoc basis, and a lot of young workers, new employees, have missed out on that because of this increase in working from home.

    So, I think this isn’t an issue to be simplified. I note Andrew’s political spin on it, but there are real issues here in terms of how our workplaces function and how they can be the most productive in terms of what they’re doing.

    Leigh:

    Olivia, if I can just come back on that.

    Caisley:

    Yes, please.

    Leigh:

    I mean, you can either have the position that you want to have a reasonable discussion in respect of workplace arrangements, or you can have the announcement that the Coalition made today that all public servants are coming back into the office.

    Either Paul is rejecting the policy that Jane Hume put forward, or else he is supporting that, and that would immediately mean that a whole lot of people would lose their jobs who have disabilities and caring responsibilities.

    The fact is the Coalition want to play these kind of ideological games. They want to pretend that public servants are all in Canberra. Two‑thirds of our public servants are outside Canberra, and tens of thousands are working in the region.

    Public servants are out there processing tax returns, dealing with cyber security, keeping Australians safe from terrorist threats, dealing with biosecurity challenges. You simply cannot manage a 21st‑century Australia by firing one in five public servants, as the ideologically driven Dutton Opposition would do.

    Caisley:

    So, Paul, maybe if I just go back to you quickly there. I mean, clearly, the public service is in the Coalition’s sights if they do form government. Ultimately, we saw Peter Dutton just a couple of weeks ago on making that Medicare announcement that ultimately he’ll help fund that by, I guess, cutting public servant jobs.

    Scarr:

    Well, I just want to come back to some of the points which Andrew made, and I think it’s really important to note that people need to consider what my good friend Jane Hume said in its totality. And in its totality, it referred to the fact that existing working arrangements will of course be respected, will of course be respected. And that’s the way it should be.

    But in terms of moving forward, you need to have work from home arrangements – and it doesn’t matter if you’re the private sector or the public sector – which are in the best interests of both the employer, in this case the public service, the department, and also the employee.

    So, I think what we’re seeing from Labor is a really disappointing scare campaign. A lot of businesses, a lot of workplaces across the world have struggled with this working from home phenomenon which broke out during the COVID‑19 pandemic, or certainly accelerated, and we’re now trying to achieve more balance.

    Caisley:

    Look, we do have some breaking news now. China will impose retaliatory additional tariffs of 10 to 15 per cent on certain US agricultural imports from March 10. That’s according to a statement from the Chinese Finance Ministry. These goods will include soy beans, pork, beef, fruits, vegetables and dairy products and those duties to kick in next week by the looks of things. I know this is just happening now, but Paul, do you have a response to that?

    Scarr:

    Well, I’d just say from an Australian perspective that tariffs, trade barriers are simply not in Australia’s best interests as a general principle. We are a trading nation. We depend upon trade. And free and open trade is so important to Australia’s economy.

    So, it’s up to the Chinese government what its policy is, but from Australia’s perspective, looking at Australia’s perspective, we are a trading nation. And tariffs and other trade barriers are not in our best interests no matter who applies them.

    Caisley:

    I mean, and Andrew, I’d love your thoughts on this too. At the moment, Australia’s waiting to see if we’ll be slapped with 25 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminium. Now we’re hearing that China is slapping its own tariffs, retaliatory ones on the US. Do you have a view on this?

    Leigh:

    Well, economists disagree about a range of issues, but one thing on which there’s near universal consensus is on the benefits of open markets. Paul’s dead right on tariffs. A trade war doesn’t have any winners. Australia has been benefitted from open markets and from our engagement with the rest of the world.

    We’re just 0.3 per cent of the world’s population, a small share of the world’s economy, and trade allows us to specialise in what we do best and enjoy higher living standards than if we were cut off from the rest of the world.

    So, we’ll continue to argue for trade liberalisation, to work with through multilateral organisations for an open trading system, and to engage with like‑minded partners in order to spread the benefits of open markets, which have been such a key driver of prosperity over recent decades.

    Caisley:

    Andrew, Paul, thank you so much for your time this afternoon.

    Leigh:

    Thanks, Olivia. Thanks, Paul.

    Caisley:

    I note that date, the 10th of March, probably no coincidence there because that is when the US tariffs on China are due to take place as well.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lamont Statement on President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont released the following statement regarding President Donald Trump’s joint address to Congress:

    “Tonight, President Trump delivered a joint address to Congress, and while I appreciate the opportunity to hear directly about his administration’s priorities, I urge him to focus on policies that lift up everyday American families and provide states with the predictability we need to deliver our budgets efficiently.

    “The rising cost of living is one of the biggest challenges for Americans. The administration’s new tariffs on our closest trading partners will further drive up costs, including the cost of energy in New England, at a time when we’re working to find ways to lower rates. These abrupt shifts in trade policy create further uncertainty for businesses, discouraging investment and hiring as companies navigate an increasingly unstable economic environment.

    “Perhaps most troubling are the proposed cuts in Medicaid and food assistance programs currently being debated in Congress. These programs provide a lifeline for our most vulnerable populations, and reducing them would have devastating consequences for families, children, and seniors across our state. I strongly urge Congress and the administration to reconsider these harmful policies and instead work with states on responsible solutions that support – not undermine – our economic security.

    “Despite this, I remain committed to working on areas where we can find common ground, especially on tackling the high cost of energy, rebuilding our infrastructure, and lowering the cost of healthcare. These are challenges that demand bipartisan solutions, and I will continue working to ensure policies that strengthen Connecticut’s economy and safeguard our communities.”

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Money Market Operations as on March 04, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India
    (Amount in ₹ crore, Rate in Per cent)
      Volume
    (One Leg)    		 Weighted
    Average Rate    		 Range
    A. Overnight Segment (I+II+III+IV) 5,66,314.76 5.97 4.99-6.50
         I. Call Money 13,610.28 6.27 5.15-6.40
         II. Triparty Repo 3,82,192.65 5.93 5.65-6.18
         III. Market Repo 1,68,859.58 6.05 4.99-6.50
         IV. Repo in Corporate Bond 1,652.25 6.29 6.25-6.50
    B. Term Segment      
         I. Notice Money** 140.00 6.17 6.05-6.30
         II. Term Money@@ 275.50 – 6.30-7.25
         III. Triparty Repo 0.00 – –
         IV. Market Repo 70.48 6.25 6.25-6.25
         V. Repo in Corporate Bond 0.00 – –
      Auction Date Tenor (Days) Maturity Date Amount Current Rate /
    Cut off Rate
    C. Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF), Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) & Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)
    I. Today’s Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo Tue, 04/03/2025 1 Wed, 05/03/2025 5,855.00 6.26
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (III) Long Term Operations^          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF# Tue, 04/03/2025 1 Wed, 05/03/2025 143.00 6.50
    4. SDFΔ# Tue, 04/03/2025 1 Wed, 05/03/2025 2,17,894.00 6.00
    5. Net liquidity injected from today’s operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*       -2,11,896.00  
    II. Outstanding Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo Fri, 21/02/2025 14 Fri, 07/03/2025 41,046.00 6.26
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (III) Long Term Operations^          
         (a) Repo Fri, 21/02/2025 45 Mon, 07/04/2025 57,951.00 6.26
      Fri, 14/02/2025 49 Fri, 04/04/2025 75,003.00 6.28
      Fri, 07/02/2025 56 Fri, 04/04/2025 50,010.00 6.31
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF#          
    4. SDFΔ#          
    D. Standing Liquidity Facility (SLF) Availed from RBI$       8,302.70  
    E. Net liquidity injected from outstanding operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     2,32,312.70  
    F. Net liquidity injected (outstanding including today’s operations) [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     20,416.70  
    G. Cash Reserves Position of Scheduled Commercial Banks
         (i) Cash balances with RBI as on March 04, 2025 9,10,913.15  
         (ii) Average daily cash reserve requirement for the fortnight ending March 07, 2025 9,22,740.00  
    H. Government of India Surplus Cash Balance Reckoned for Auction as on¥ March 04, 2025 5,855.00  
    I. Net durable liquidity [surplus (+)/deficit (-)] as on February 07, 2025 -1,973.00  
    @ Based on Reserve Bank of India (RBI) / Clearing Corporation of India Limited (CCIL).
    – Not Applicable / No Transaction.
    ** Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 2 to 14 days tenor.
    @@ Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 15 days to one year tenor.
    $ Includes refinance facilities extended by RBI.
    & As per the Press Release No. 2019-2020/1900 dated February 06, 2020.
    Δ As per the Press Release No. 2022-2023/41 dated April 08, 2022.
    * Net liquidity is calculated as Repo+MSF+SLF-Reverse Repo-SDF.
    ¥ As per the Press Release No. 2014-2015/1971 dated March 19, 2015.
    # As per the Press Release No. 2023-2024/1548 dated December 27, 2023.
    ^ As per the Press Release No. 2024-2025/2013 dated January 27, 2025, Press Release No. 2024-2025/2138 dated February 12, 2025, and Press Release No. 2024-2025/2209 dated February 20, 2025.
    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    
    Press Release: 2024-2025/2298

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New Zealand backing new justice building for Niue

    Source: New Zealand Government

    New Zealand will support Niue with the design and construction of a new justice building in the capital Alofi, Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters has announced.
     
    Niue’s Prime Minister Dalton Tagelagi is in New Zealand this week for a number of high-level meetings – including with Prime Minister Luxon, Minister Peters, Defence Minister Judith Collins and Associate Defence Minister Chris Penk – that build on the special and enduring free association relationship between the countries.
     
    “Niue’s future is interconnected with the Pacific region and New Zealand remains steadfast in supporting its Realm partner’s development across a range of sectors,” Mr Peters says. 
     
    “We are proud of the partnership we have built with Niue, and we look forward to continuing to work together to realise our shared goals of resilience, prosperity and sustainability.”
     
    New Zealand will work in partnership with Niue to deliver a new building for Niue’s justice sector services. 
     
    “This is another example of practical support, on the ground, for Niue. The new Justice Building ensures access to judicial services for all Niueans, for years to come,” Mr Peters says.
     
    New Zealand has also announced it will support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Niue through a partnership between Business Link Pacific (BLP) and the Niue Development Bank (NDB). This partnership will offer eligible SMEs loans at reduced interest rates, along with subsidised advisory support to assist with their loan applications. 
     
    Funding for this initiative and the justice building project will come from New Zealand’s International Development Cooperation programme, with the size of our financial contribution to be determined.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai meets US Heritage Foundation founder Dr. Edwin Feulner

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Details
    2025-03-04
    President Lai attends opening ceremony of GCTF Workshop on Whole-of-Society Resilience Building, Preparation, and Response
    On the morning of March 4, President Lai Ching-te attended the opening ceremony of the Global Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF) Workshop on Whole-of-Society Resilience Building, Preparation, and Response. In remarks, President Lai stated that global challenges such as extreme weather, pandemics, and energy crises continue to emerge, and growing authoritarianism presents a grave threat to freedom-loving countries. These challenges have no borders, he said, and absolutely no single country can face them alone. The president said that as a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan is both willing and able to contribute even more to the democracy, peace, and prosperity of the world, and that the GCTF is an important platform where Taiwan can make those contributions by sharing its experiences with the rest of the world. President Lai indicated that Taiwan will join the forces of the central and local governments to enhance social resilience across the board, enhance disaster response capabilities in the community, and leverage its strengths to make contributions to the international community. He said that we are demonstrating to the world our determination to create an even more resilient Taiwan, and expressed hope to advance mutual assistance and exchanges with all the countries involved, so that we can together promote stability and prosperity around the world. A transcript of President Lai’s remarks follows: To begin, I would like to welcome more than 60 distinguished guests from 30 countries, as well as experts from Taiwan. You are all here for this GCTF workshop to discuss whole-of-society resilience building, preparation, and response. As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan is both willing and able to contribute even more to the democracy, peace, and prosperity of the world. The GCTF is an important platform where Taiwan can make those contributions by sharing its experiences with the rest of the world. I want to thank our full GCTF partners, the United States, Japan, Australia, and Canada. Over the past several years, we have worked with even more countries through this framework and have expanded our exchanges into even more fields. Together, we have met all kinds of new challenges. I am confident that as our cooperation grows stronger, so will our ability to promote global progress. Each of today’s guests is contributing a vital force in that regard. I extend my sincere thanks to you all. Global challenges such as extreme weather, pandemics, and energy crises continue to emerge. And growing authoritarianism presents a grave threat to freedom-loving countries. These challenges have no borders, and absolutely no single country can face them alone. Taiwan holds a key position on the first island chain, and stands at the very frontline of the defense of democracy. With this joint workshop, we are demonstrating to the world our determination to create an even more resilient Taiwan. We are also aiming to advance our mutual assistance and exchanges with all the countries involved, so that we can make our societies more resilient and together promote stability and prosperity around the world. Moving forward, we will continue advancing the following three initiatives: First, we will join the forces of the central and local governments to enhance social resilience across the board. Just last year, I established the Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee at the Presidential Office. Civilian force training, strategic material preparation, and critical infrastructure operation and maintenance are all key discussion areas for our committee. These aim to enhance Taiwan’s resilience in national defense, economic livelihoods, disaster prevention, and democracy. They are also items on the agenda for this GCTF workshop. To cover all the bases, Taiwan must unite and cooperate as a team. Last year, our committee held the very first cross-sector tabletop exercise at the Presidential Office which included central and local government officials as well as civilian observers. We aim to test the government’s emergency response capabilities in high-intensity gray-zone operations and near-conflict situations. We will continue to hold exercises to help the central and local governments work together more efficiently, and strengthen Taiwan’s overall disaster response capabilities. Second is to enhance disaster response capabilities in the community. We fully understand that to build whole-of-society resilience, we must help people increase risk awareness, know how to respond to disasters, and develop abilities to help themselves, help one another, and work together. We are grateful to the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) for collaborating with the Taiwan Development Association for Disaster Medical Teams to host “Take Action” workshops around the country since 2021. A 2.0 version is already in practice, and continues to train the public in first aid skills. Director of the AIT Taipei Office Raymond Greene and I took part in a Take Action event in New Taipei City last year and personally saw the positive outcomes of the training. In addition to the Take Action workshops, the government is also providing Disaster Relief Volunteer training for ages 11 to 89, and is continuing to expand its target audience. We have also set up Taiwan Community Emergency Response Teams at key facilities nationwide, enhancing the ability of these important facilities to respond independently to disasters. Civilian training will continue to be refined and expanded so that members of the public can serve as important partners in government-led disaster prevention and relief. Third, we will leverage Taiwan’s strengths to make contributions to the international community. The inspiration for our Disaster Relief Volunteer training comes from a similar program run by The Nippon Care-Fit Education Institute in Japan. I am confident that through exchanges like this workshop, Taiwan and other countries can also inspire one another in many areas, and enhance whole-of-society resilience in multiple ways. Taiwan also excels in information and communications and advanced technology. We will set up even more robust cybersecurity systems, expand usage of emerging technologies, and improve the ways we maintain domestic security. We hope that by leveraging our capabilities and sharing our experiences, Taiwan can contribute even more to the international community. I want to welcome all our partners once again, and thank AIT for co-hosting this event. Let’s continue down the path of advancing global security and developing resilience together. Because together, we can travel farther, and we can travel longer. Also in attendance at the event were Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Deputy Representative Takaba Yo, Australian Office in Taipei Representative Robert Fergusson, and Canadian Trade Office in Taipei Executive Director Jim Nickel.

    Details
    2025-02-24
    President Lai meets Japanese House of Representatives Member Tamaki Yuichiro
    On the afternoon of February 24, President Lai Ching-te met with Japanese House of Representatives Member Tamaki Yuichiro. In remarks, President Lai noted that Taiwan and Japan are important trading partners. The president expressed hope that, in addition to semiconductors, Taiwan and Japan can also bolster cooperation in the fields of hydrogen energy and drones and build non-red supply chains, thus creating economic win-win situations and maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and globally. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I would like to start by warmly welcoming Representative Tamaki on his first trip to Taiwan. Now is a key moment for the cooperative ties between Taiwan and Japan, and the fact that Representative Tamaki has chosen to take time out of his busy schedule to make this trip demonstrates his especially meaningful support for Taiwan. For this I want to express my deepest gratitude. At the beginning of this month, Japan and the United States held a summit meeting. In the post-summit joint leaders’ statement the government of Japan reiterated the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, opposed any attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by force or coercion, and expressed support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations. I would like to thank the government of Japan for these statements. Taiwan and Japan are both responsible members of the international community. I welcome an even firmer friendship between Japan and the US and hope to see cooperation among Taiwan, Japan, and the US become a solid force in consolidating peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. In addition to complex international conditions, we now also face the threat of China’s red supply chain. More and more countries are becoming increasingly concerned about such issues as economic security and supply chain resilience. As authoritarianism consolidates, democratic nations must also come closer in solidarity. Taiwan and Japan are important trading partners. I hope that, in addition to semiconductors, Taiwan and Japan can also bolster cooperation in the fields of hydrogen energy and drones, and that we can build non-red supply chains, thus creating economic win-win situations and maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and globally. Lastly, I would like once again to welcome Representative Tamaki to Taiwan and wish him a successful visit. I hope he departs Taiwan with a deep impression and that he will visit again. Representative Tamaki then delivered remarks, noting that this was his first visit to Taiwan and thanking President Lai and officials of the Taiwan government for their warm welcome. Pointing out that Taiwan-Japan ties are closer than ever thanks to the major efforts made on this front by President Lai since taking office, Representative Tamaki expressed his admiration and gratitude. Representative Tamaki pointed out that in a changing global landscape, Taiwan, Japan, and the Indo-Pacific region all face major changes, but he firmly believes that Taiwan-Japan relations will develop even further. Recalling President Lai’s previous remarks, the representative said that Japan and the US recently held a summit meeting that yielded important results. In the joint leaders’ statement, he noted, the two sides made a clear commitment regarding peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and firmly opposed any attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by force or coercion. Representative Tamaki said that the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and the Komeito did not win a majority in last year’s House of Representatives general elections, while the number of seats held by his own Democratic Party for the People quadrupled. This result, he said, has filled him with a feeling of great responsibility. Moving forward, he intends to continue promoting Taiwan-Japan cooperation and strengthening relations. Also in attendance at the meeting was Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Taipei Office Chief Representative Katayama Kazuyuki.

    Details
    2025-02-21
    President Lai meets Abe Akie, wife of late Prime Minister Abe Shinzo of Japan
    On the morning of February 21, President Lai Ching-te met with Abe Akie, the wife of late Prime Minister Abe Shinzo of Japan. In remarks, President Lai thanked Mrs. Abe for carrying on the legacy of former Prime Minister Abe, being a benevolent and determined force for regional peace and prosperity, and calling on all parties to continue to place attention on peace in the Taiwan Strait. The president stated that Taiwan will carry on the legacy and spirit of former President Lee Teng-hui and former Prime Minister Abe, safeguard the values of freedom and democracy, and deepen the Taiwan-Japan friendship. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: Last May, Mrs. Abe came to Taiwan to attend the inauguration ceremony for myself and Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, and we reminisced about the past here at the Presidential Office. I would like to warmly welcome her back today. I am also delighted to be meeting with all guests in attendance. Yesterday, Mrs. Abe and I attended the opening of the very first Halifax Taipei forum, for which Mrs. Abe also delivered a keynote speech earlier today. In her speech, she offered valuable input on global security and democratic development. I would like to thank Mrs. Abe for making this special trip to Taiwan to take part, showing her strong support for Taiwan. Former Prime Minister Abe pioneered the vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific, and called on the international community to pay attention to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and Indo-Pacific. These have become common strategic goals of democratic countries around the world and will have a far-reaching influence over international developments and Taiwan’s security. They were important contributions that former Prime Minister Abe made in regard to the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region. Recently, current Prime Minister of Japan Ishiba Shigeru and United States President Donald Trump held a meeting and jointly reiterated the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, as well as opposed unilateral changes to the status quo by force or coercion. They also expressed support for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations. This shows that Prime Minister Ishiba is furthering the legacy of former Prime Minister Abe. We are very grateful for the former prime minister’s friendship toward Taiwan, and to Mrs. Abe for carrying on his legacy. Mrs. Abe is a benevolent and determined force for regional peace and prosperity, and has called on all parties at numerous public venues to continue to place attention on peace in the Taiwan Strait. Last December, for instance, she traveled at the invitation of President Trump and his wife to the US, where she addressed cross-strait issues and spoke up for Taiwan. We were deeply moved by this. As authoritarian states continue to expand, Taiwan will keep working alongside like-minded nations such as Japan and the US, as well as the European Union, to jointly contribute to regional and global peace and prosperity. I look forward to continued advancement of regional peace and prosperity with the help of Mrs. Abe’s efforts. Mrs. Abe will also be meeting with daughter of former President Lee and Lee Teng-hui Foundation Chairperson Annie Lee (李安妮) tomorrow. Former President Lee and former Prime Minister Abe were both fully devoted to promoting Taiwan-Japan relations. We will carry on their legacy and spirit, safeguard the values of freedom and democracy, and deepen the Taiwan-Japan friendship. In closing, I wish you all a smooth and successful visit. Mrs. Abe then delivered remarks, first expressing her sincere thanks to President Lai for taking the time to meet. She said that former Prime Minister Abe hailed from Yamaguchi Prefecture, and that accompanying her that day were House of Councillors Member Kitamura Tsuneo, Yamaguchi Prefecture Governor Muraoka Tsugumasa, Yamaguchi Prefectural Assembly Deputy Speaker Shimata Noriaki, and many other important figures from Yamaguchi. If former Prime Minister Abe’s spirit could look upon this scene, she said, he would certainly be very pleased. Mrs. Abe recalled that when the former prime minister passed away, then-Vice President Lai traveled to their official residence to express his condolences and pay tribute. She said that she will never forget such a gesture of deep friendship, heartfelt condolences, and care. The year before last, she indicated, a memorial photo exhibition for former Prime Minister Abe was held in Taiwan, and many Taiwanese people from all walks of life came to view it. Last year, Mrs. Abe continued, she had the privilege of attending President Lai’s inauguration ceremony, where she met with many friends from Taiwan and personally felt the close and beautiful ties that Taiwan and Japan share. Mrs. Abe stated that she will carry out the wishes of former Prime Minister Abe and do her utmost to help raise Taiwan-Japan relations to new heights, saying that she looks forward to hearing the advice that President Lai and all those present have to offer. The delegation also included Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Taipei Office Chief Representative Katayama Kazuyuki.

    Details
    2025-02-20
    President Lai attends opening of 2025 Halifax Taipei forum
    On the afternoon of February 20, President Lai Ching-te attended the opening of the 2025 Halifax Taipei forum. In remarks, President Lai thanked the Halifax International Security Forum for their strong support for Taiwan, and for having chosen Taiwan as the first location outside North America to hold a forum. Noting that we face a complex global landscape, the president called on the international community to take action. He said that as authoritarianism consolidates, democratic nations must also come closer in solidarity, and called on the international community to create non-red global supply chains, as well as unite to usher in peace. President Lai emphasized that Taiwan will work toward maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and collaborate with democratic partners to form a global alliance for the AI chip industry and together greet a bright, new era. A transcript of President Lai’s remarks follows: To begin, I want to give a warm welcome to all the distinguished guests here at the very first Halifax Taipei forum. The Halifax International Security Forum, held every year in Canada, has been an important gathering for freedom-loving nations worldwide. I would like to thank Halifax and President [Peter] Van Praagh for their strong support for Taiwan. Every year since 2018, Taiwan has been invited to participate in the forum. Last year, former President Tsai Ing-wen was invited to speak, and this year, Halifax has chosen Taiwan as the first location outside North America to hold a forum. As President Van Praagh has said, “While the security challenges ahead are too big for any single country to solve alone, there is no challenge that can’t be met when the world’s democracies work together.” Today, we have world leaders and experts who traveled from afar to be here, showing that they value and support Taiwan. It demonstrates solidarity among democracies and the determination to take on challenges as one. I would like to express my gratitude and admiration to all of you for serving as defenders of freedom. At this very moment, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is still ongoing. Authoritarian regimes including China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran continue to consolidate. China is hurting economies around the world through its dumping practices. We face grave challenges to global economic order, democracy, freedom, peace, and stability. Taiwan holds a key position on the first island chain, directly facing an authoritarian threat. But we will not be intimidated. We will stand firm and safeguard our national sovereignty, maintain our free and democratic way of life, and uphold peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan cherishes peace, but we also have no delusions about peace. We will uphold the spirit of peace through strength, using concrete actions to build a stronger Taiwan and bolster the free and democratic community. I sincerely thank the international community for continuing to attach importance to the situation in the Taiwan Strait. Recently, US President Donald Trump and Japan’s Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru issued a joint leaders’ statement expressing their firm support for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and for Taiwan’s participation in international affairs. As we face a complex global landscape, I call on the international community to take the following actions: First, as authoritarianism consolidates, democratic nations must also come closer in solidarity. Just a few days ago, the top diplomats of the US, Japan, and South Korea held talks, underlining the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. They also conveyed their stance against “any effort to destabilize democratic institutions, economic independence, and global security.” On these issues, Taiwan will also continue to contribute its utmost. I recently announced that we will prioritize special budget allocations to ensure that our defense budget exceeds 3 percent of GDP.  Soon after I assumed office last year, I formed the Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee at the Presidential Office. This committee aims to combine the strengths of government and civil society to enhance our resilience in national defense, economic livelihoods, disaster prevention, and democracy. We will also deepen our strategic partnerships in the democratic community to mutually increase defense resilience, demonstrate deterrence, and achieve our goal of peace throughout the world. Second, let’s create non-red global supply chains.  For the democratic community to deter the expansion of authoritarianism, it must have strong technological capabilities. These can serve as the backbone of national defense, promote industrial development, and enhance economic resilience. So, in addressing China’s red supply chain and the impact of its dumping, Taiwan is willing and able to work with global democracies to maintain the technological strengths among our partners and build resilient non-red supply chains. As a major semiconductor manufacturing nation, Taiwan will introduce an initiative on semiconductor supply chain partnerships for global democracies. We will collaborate with our democratic partners to form a global alliance for the AI chip industry and establish democratic supply chains for industries connected to high-end chips. The achievements of today’s semiconductor industry in Taiwan can be attributed to our collective efforts. Government, industry, academia, and research institutions had to overcome various challenges over the last 50 years for us to secure this position.  We hope Taiwan can serve as a base for linking the capabilities of our democratic partners so that each can play a suitable role in the semiconductor industry chain and develop its own strengths, deepening our mutually beneficial cooperation in technology. This benefits all of us. Moreover, it allows us to further enhance deterrence and maintain global security. Third, let’s unite to usher in peace. China has not stopped intimidating Taiwan politically and militarily. Last year, China launched several large-scale military exercises in the Taiwan Strait. Its escalation of gray-zone aggression now poses a grave threat to the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region. As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan will maintain the status quo. We will not seek conflict. Rather, we are willing to engage in dialogue with China, under the principles of parity and dignity, and work toward maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. As the agenda of this forum suggests, democracy and freedom create more than just opportunities; they also bring resilience, justice, partnerships, and security. Taiwan will continue working alongside its democratic partners to greet a bright, new era. Once again, a warm welcome to all of you. I wish this forum every success. Thank you. Also in attendance at the event were Mrs. Abe Akie, wife of the late former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo of Japan, and Halifax International Security Forum President Van Praagh.

    Details
    2025-02-18
    President Lai meets British-Taiwanese All-Party Parliamentary Group delegation
    On the morning of February 18, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation from the British-Taiwanese All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG). In remarks, President Lai thanked the delegation members, the Parliament of the United Kingdom, and the UK government for continuing to demonstrate support for Taiwan through a variety of means. He also stated that Taiwan-UK relations have advanced significantly in recent years, noting that the Taiwan-UK Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP) is the first institutionalized economic and trade framework signed between Taiwan and any European country. The president said he looks forward to continuing to deepen Taiwan-UK relations and jointly maintaining regional and global peace and stability, and indicated that together, we can create win-win developments for both Taiwan and the UK and Taiwan and European nations. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: This is the first UK parliamentary delegation of the current session to visit Taiwan. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend my sincerest welcome to you all. APPG Chair Sarah Champion visited Taiwan last May to attend the inauguration ceremony of myself and Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao. In July, she also attended the annual summit of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC), which was held in Taipei. I am delighted that we are meeting once again. Taiwan-UK relations have advanced significantly in recent years. I would especially like to thank our distinguished guests, as well as the UK Parliament and government, for continuing to demonstrate support for Taiwan through a variety of means. For example, the House of Commons held a debate on Taiwan’s international status last November. After the debate, a motion was unanimously passed affirming that United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758 does not mention Taiwan. Responding to the motion, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Catherine West stated that the UK opposes any attempt to broaden the interpretation of the resolution to rewrite history. This highlighted concrete progress in Taiwan-UK bilateral relations. I would also like to thank the UK Parliament and government for openly opposing on multiple occasions any unilateral change to the status quo across the Taiwan Strait, and for emphasizing that the security of the Indo-Pacific and transatlantic regions is closely intertwined. We look forward to continuing to deepen Taiwan-UK relations and jointly maintaining regional and global peace and stability. Together, we can create win-win developments for both Taiwan and the UK and Taiwan and European nations. For example, the Taiwan-UK ETP is the first institutionalized economic and trade framework signed between Taiwan and any European country. We hope to swiftly conclude negotiations on signing sub-arrangements on investment, digital trade, and energy and net-zero transition. This will facilitate even more exchanges and cooperation between Taiwan and the UK. We also hope that the UK will continue to support Taiwan’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. Together, we can build even more resilient global supply chains and further contribute to global prosperity and development. I believe that this visit adds to a strong and solid foundation for future Taiwan-UK cooperation. Thank you once again for backing Taiwan. I wish you a fruitful and successful visit. Chair Champion then delivered remarks, thanking President Lai for his warm welcome and for the hospitality he has shown to her and the delegation, and thanking Taiwan’s excellent team of officials for their care and attention. Chair Champion expressed that she thinks the IPAC conference held in Taiwan at the end of July last year was very significant, with legislators from 23 countries coming to show support for Taiwan, adding that that is something they have built on since the conference. She stated that she is also very proud that the UK Parliament supported the motion which made very clear that UNGA Resolution 2758 is specific to China and only to China, expressing that it was important and powerful that they recognize that. The chair went on to say that after the UK’s general election, more than half of the members of parliament are now new. She said she is very proud that there are new MPs as part of the delegation, and that she hopes it gives President Lai reassurance that their commitment to Taiwan is still there.  Chair Champion emphasized that the all-party group is important because it is indeed all-party, and that they work together for their common interests, stating that the common interest for the UK and for the world is to maintain Taiwan’s sovereignty. She also noted that the United States has now come out very much in support of Taiwan, which she said she hopes encourages other countries around the world to do the same. Chair Champion said that the UK will be going into the 27th trade negotiation with Taiwan, and that they hope the partnership that develops is very fruitful. The chair closed by saying that it is wonderful for the delegation to be meeting President Lai, as well as legislators and ministers, and to be understanding more about the culture of Taiwan so that they can build a deeper, longer-lasting friendship. The delegation also included Lord Purvis of Tweed of the House of Lords and Members of Parliament Ben Spencer, Helena Dollimore, Noah Law, and David Reed. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Political and Communications Director at the British Office in Taipei Natasha Harrington.  

    Details
    2025-02-14
    President Lai holds press conference following high-level national security meeting
    On the morning of February 14, President Lai Ching-te convened the first high-level national security meeting of the year, following which he held a press conference. In remarks, President Lai announced that in this new year, the government will prioritize special budget allocations to ensure that Taiwan’s defense budget exceeds 3 percent of GDP. He stated that the government will also continue to reform national defense, reform our legal framework for national security, and advance our economic and trade strategy of being rooted in Taiwan while expanding globally. The president also proposed clear-cut national strategies for Taiwan-US relations, semiconductor industry development, and cross-strait relations. President Lai indicated that he instructed the national security and administrative teams to take swift action and deliver results, working within a stable strategic framework and according to the various policies and approaches outlined. He also instructed them to keep a close watch on changes in the international situation, seize opportunities whenever they arise, and address the concerns and hope of the citizens with concrete actions. He expressed hope that as long as citizens remain steadfast in their convictions, are willing to work hand in hand, stand firm amidst uncertainty, and look for ways to win within changing circumstances, Taiwan is certain to prevail in the test of time yet again. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: First, I would like to convey my condolences for the tragic incident which occurred at the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store in Taichung, which resulted in numerous casualties. I have instructed Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) to lead the relevant central government agencies in assisting Taichung’s municipal government with actively resolving various issues regarding the incident. It is my hope that these issues can be resolved efficiently. Earlier today, I convened this year’s first high-level national security meeting. I will now report on the discussions from the meeting to all citizens. 2025 is a year full of challenges, but also a year full of hope. In today’s global landscape, the democratic world faces common threats posed by the convergence of authoritarian regimes, while dumping and unfair competition from China undermine the global economic order. A new United States administration was formed at the beginning of the year, adopting all-new strategies and policies to address challenges both domestic and from overseas. Every nation worldwide, including ours, is facing a new phase of changes and challenges. In face of such changes, ensuring national security, ensuring Taiwan’s indispensability in global supply chains, and ensuring that our nation continues to make progress amidst challenges are our top priorities this year. They are also why we convened a high-level national security meeting today. At the meeting, the national security team, the administrative team led by Premier Cho, and I held an in-depth discussion based on the overall state of affairs at home and abroad and the strategies the teams had prepared in response. We summed up the following points as an overall strategy for the next stage of advancing national security and development. First, for overall national security, so that we can ensure the freedom, democracy, and human rights of the Taiwanese people, as well as the progress and development of the nation as we face various threats from authoritarian regimes, Taiwan must resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, strengthen self-sufficiency in national defense, and consolidate national defense. Taiwan must enhance economic resilience, maintain economic autonomy, and stand firm with other democracies as we deepen our strategic partnerships with like-minded countries. As I have said, “As authoritarianism consolidates, democratic nations must come closer in solidarity!” And so, in this new year, we will focus on the following three priorities: First, to demonstrate our resolve for national defense, we will continue to reform national defense, implement whole-of-society defense resilience, and prioritize special budget allocations to ensure that our defense budget exceeds 3 percent of GDP. Second, to counter the threats to our national security from China’s united front tactics, attempts at infiltration, and cognitive warfare, we will continue with the reform of our legal framework for national security and expand the national security framework to boost societal resilience and foster unity within. Third, to seize opportunities in the restructuring of global supply chains and realignment of the economic order, we will continue advancing our economic and trade strategy of being rooted in Taiwan while expanding globally, strengthening protections for high-tech, and collaborating with our friends and allies to build supply chains for global democracies. Everyone shares concern regarding Taiwan-US relations, semiconductor industry development, and cross-strait relations. For these issues, I am proposing clear-cut national strategies. First, I will touch on Taiwan-US relations. Taiwan and the US have shared ideals and values, and are staunch partners within the democratic, free community. We are very grateful to President Donald Trump’s administration for their continued support for Taiwan after taking office. We are especially grateful for the US and Japan’s joint leaders’ statement reiterating “the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait as an indispensable element of security and prosperity for the international community,” as well as their high level of concern regarding China’s threat to regional security. In fact, the Democratic Progressive Party government has worked very closely with President Trump ever since his first term in office, and has remained an international partner. The procurement of numerous key advanced arms, freedom of navigation critical for security and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and many assisted breakthroughs in international diplomacy were made possible during this time. Positioned in the first island chain and on the democratic world’s frontline countering authoritarianism, Taiwan is willing and will continue to work with the US at all levels as we pursue regional stability and prosperity, helping realize our vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific. Although changes in policy may occur these next few years, the mutual trust and close cooperation between Taiwan and Washington will steadfastly endure. On that, our citizens can rest assured. In accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances, the US announced a total of 48 military sales to Taiwan over the past eight years amounting to US$26.265 billion. During President Trump’s first term, 22 sales were announced totaling US$18.763 billion. This greatly supported Taiwan’s defensive capabilities. On the foundation of our close cooperation with the past eight years’ two US administrations, Taiwan will continue to demonstrate our determination for self-defense, accelerate the bolstering of our national defense, and keep enhancing the depth and breadth of Taiwan-US security cooperation, along with all manner of institutional cooperation. In terms of bilateral economic cooperation, Taiwan has always been one of the US’s most reliable trade partners, as well as one of the most important cooperative partners of US companies in the global semiconductor industry. In the past few years, Taiwan has greatly increased both direct and indirect investment in the US. By 2024, investment surpassed US$100 billion, creating nearly 400,000 job opportunities. In 2023 and 2024, investment in the US accounted for over 40 percent of Taiwan’s overall foreign investment, far surpassing our investment in China. In fact, in 2023 and 2024, Taiwanese investment in China fell to 11 percent and 8 percent, respectively. The US is now Taiwan’s biggest investment target. Our government is now launching relevant plans in accordance with national development needs and the need to establish secure supply systems, and the Executive Yuan is taking comprehensive inventory of opportunities for Taiwan-US economic and trade cooperation. Moving forward, close bilateral cooperation will allow us to expand US investment and procurement, facilitating balanced trade. Our government will also strengthen guidance and support for Taiwanese enterprises on increasing US investment, and promote the global expansion and growth of Taiwan’s industries. We will also boost Taiwan-US cooperation in tech development and manufacturing for AI and advanced semiconductors, and work together to maintain order in the semiconductor market, shaping a new era for our strategic economic partnership. Second, the development of our semiconductor industry. I want to emphasize that Taiwan, as one of the world’s most capable semiconductor manufacturing nations, is both willing and able to address new situations. With respect to President Trump’s concerns about our semiconductor industry, the government will act prudently, strengthen communications between Taiwan and the US, and promote greater mutual understanding. We will pay attention to the challenges arising from the situation and assist businesses in navigating them. In addition, we will introduce an initiative on semiconductor supply chain partnerships for global democracies. We are willing to collaborate with the US and our other democratic partners to develop more resilient and diversified semiconductor supply chains. Leveraging our strengths in cutting-edge semiconductors, we will form a global alliance for the AI chip industry and establish democratic supply chains for industries connected to high-end chips. Through international cooperation, we will open up an entirely new era of growth in the semiconductor industry. As we face the various new policies of the Trump administration, we will continue to uphold a spirit of mutual benefit, and we will continue to communicate and negotiate closely with the US government. This will help the new administration’s team to better understand how Taiwan is an indispensable partner in the process of rebuilding American manufacturing and consolidating its leadership in high-tech, and that Taiwan-US cooperation will benefit us both. Third, cross-strait relations. Regarding the regional and cross-strait situation, Taiwan-US relations, US-China relations, and interactions among Taiwan, the US, and China are a focus of global attention. As a member of the international democratic community and a responsible member of the region, Taiwan hopes to see Taiwan-US relations continue to strengthen and, alongside US-China relations, form a virtuous cycle rather than a zero-sum game where one side’s gain is another side’s loss. In facing China, Taiwan will always be a responsible actor. We will neither yield nor provoke. We will remain resilient and composed, maintaining our consistent position on cross-strait relations: Our determination to safeguard our national sovereignty and protect our free and democratic way of life remains unchanged. Our efforts to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, as well as our willingness to work alongside China in the pursuit of peace and mutual prosperity across the strait, remain unchanged. Our commitment to promoting healthy and orderly exchanges across the strait, choosing dialogue over confrontation, and advancing well-being for the peoples on both sides of the strait, under the principles of parity and dignity, remains unchanged. Regarding the matters I reported to the public today, I have instructed our national security and administrative teams to take swift action and deliver results, working within a stable strategic framework and according to the various policies and approaches I just outlined. I have also instructed them to keep a close watch on changes in the international situation, seize opportunities whenever they arise, and address the concerns and hope of the citizens with concrete actions. My fellow citizens, over the past several years, Taiwan has weathered a global pandemic and faced global challenges, both political and economic, arising from the US-China trade war and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Through it all, Taiwan has persevered; we have continued to develop our economy, bolster our national strength, and raise our international profile while garnering more support – all unprecedented achievements. This is all because Taiwan’s fate has never been decided by the external environment, but by the unity of the Taiwanese people and the resolve to never give up. A one-of-a-kind global situation is creating new strategic opportunities for our one-of-a-kind Taiwanese people, bringing new hope. Taiwan’s foundation is solid; its strength is great. So as long as everyone remains steadfast in their convictions, is willing to work hand in hand, stands firm amidst uncertainty, and looks for ways to win within changing circumstances, Taiwan is certain to prevail in the test of our time yet again, for I am confident that there are no difficulties that Taiwan cannot overcome. Thank you.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Previews President Donald Trump’s Joint Address to Congress

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
    Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) released the following video previewing President Donald Trump’s joint address to Congress tonight.
    Senator Marshall anticipates President Trump sharing the remarkable accomplishments his Administration has achieved within his first few months serving in the White House.
    You may click HERE to watch Senator Marshall’s video.
    To download the video, you may click HERE.
    Transcript of Senator Marshall’s remarks:
    “Hi everybody, Senator Roger Marshall here. Big buzz in Washington, DC tonight. At 8 p.m. Kansas time, President Trump will be giving his address to a joint session of Congress.”
    “I expect President Trump to describe promises made, promises kept in his America First agenda. I think President Trump will highlight what he’s already accomplished, that he’s actually secured the border.” 
    “As you may know, illegal crossings are down some 94%, and then President Trump will outline what we’re going to do in the future to continue to secure that border and get fentanyl out of our cities, as well as get rid of all the criminals that have come across the borders illegally.”
    “Then I expect President Trump to talk a little bit about the economy, about jobs and inflation and how we’re going to get interest rates down, and he’s going to talk about doing this through balancing a federal budget, by setting American energy free and rolling back regulations.”
    “I expect President Trump to maybe spend a moment or two talking about DOGE, how he’s trying to make our government more efficient to get rid of fraud, waste, and abuse. And then lastly, maybe he’ll talk a little bit about making America healthy again, what we can do through nutrition, and decreasing the toxins we’re exposed to to make all Americans healthy.”
    “And then maybe… we’ll get some discussion about agriculture – that we’re going to put the ‘Farm’ back in the Farm Bill.”
    “So, looking forward to tonight again, 8 p.m. Kansas time, President Trump from Capitol Hill.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: President Trump is Undoing Biden’s Economic Damage

    Source: The White House

    President Donald J. Trump took office on a promise to lower costs for the American people — and the actions he has taken are already paying off while the work continues to turn back the economic plague unleashed by the Biden Administration.

    • President Trump put into action a comprehensive plan to lower egg prices.
    • President Trump directed the heads of all executive departments and agencies to “deliver emergency price relief … to the American people and increase the prosperity of the American worker.”
    • President Trump established the National Energy Dominance Council to maximize use of the U.S.’ extensive energy resources — thereby enabling lower energy prices.
      • Crude oil prices have fallen over 5% since President Trump took office.
    • The Trump Administration postponed burdensome Biden-era efficiency standard rules for the following appliances, saving American consumers large sums:
      • Central air conditioners: Biden rules were slated to make air conditioners $1,100 more expensive.
      • Gas water heaters: Biden rules were slated to make water heaters $2,800 more expensive.
      • Gas stoves: Biden rules were slated to make stoves $3,250 more expensive.
      • Clothes washers and dryers: Biden rules were slated to make washers $200 more expensive.
      • Light bulbs: Biden rules were slated to make light bulbs $140 more expensive.
    • The Trump Administration is requiring agencies to identify at least ten existing rules or regulations to be repealed for every one new rule or regulation they promulgate — putting the country on track to severely reduce costs for everyday Americans.
      • In 2023, the total cost of federal regulations was a record-breaking $2.1 trillion, or $15,788 per U.S. household, according to one analysis — while another found the cost of federal regulations was even greater at $3.079 trillion in 2022.
    • President Trump directed the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to root out bureaucratic waste — and within weeks, it has already saved taxpayers billions of dollars.
    • The Trump Administration eliminated the overbearing Biden-era electric vehicle mandate by resetting Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards.
      • NBER economist Mark R. Jacobsen estimates that “a one-mpg increase in CAFE standards costs consumers of all income levels approximately 0.5% of their income in the first year of the increase. By the 10th year following the increase, however, this cost becomes regressive, as the increase drives up the price of used cars. A one-mpg increase in CAFE standards costs consumers earning less than $25,000 per year 1.12% of their income, but only costs consumers earning more than $75,000 per year 0.41% of their income.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: AGM Group Holdings Inc. Announces Closing of $5.4 Million Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Beijing, March 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AGM Group Holdings Inc. (“AGM Holdings” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: AGMH), an integrated technology company specializing in the assembling and sales of high-performance hardware and computing equipment, today announced the closing of its offering of 16,390,000 Class A ordinary shares and accompanying warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 16,390,000 Class A ordinary shares at a combined offering price of $0.33. The warrants will expire on the fifth anniversary from the date of issuance, will be exercisable immediately at an initial exercise price of $0.33 per share, subject to adjustment upon a one-time reset on the Reset Date (as described in the warrants), and subject to a floor price described therein. The warrants may also be exercised on an alternative cashless basis pursuant to which the holder may exchange each warrant for 1.2 Class A ordinary shares.

    Gross proceeds to the Company, before deducting placement agent’s fees and other offering expenses, were approximately $5.4 million. The offering was closed on March 4, 2025.

    Maxim Group LLC acted as sole placement agent in connection with the offering.

    The securities above were offered pursuant to a registration statement on Form F-1, as amended, (File No. 333-282420) which was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on February 28, 2025. The offering was made only by means of a prospectus forming part of the effective registration statement. Electronic copies of the prospectus relating to this offering, when available, may also be obtained from Maxim Group LLC, 300 Park Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, New York 10022, Attention: Syndicate Department, by telephone at (212) 895-3745 or by email at syndicate@maximgrp.com. In addition, copies of the final prospectus relating to the Offering may be obtained via the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

    This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction.

    About AGM Group Holdings Inc.

    AGM Group Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: AGMH) is an integrated technology company specializing in the assembling and sales of high-performance hardware and computing equipment. With a mission to become a key participant and contributor in the global blockchain ecosystem, AGMH focuses on the research and development of blockchain-oriented Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) chips, the assembling and sales of high-end crypto miners for Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. For more information, please visit www.agmprime.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “approximates,” “assesses,” “believes,” “hopes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may” or similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

    For more information, please contact:

    AGM Group Holdings Inc.
    Email: ir@agmprime.com
    Website: http://www.agmprime.com

    Ascent Investor Relations LLC
    Tina Xiao
    President
    Phone: +1-646-932-7242
    Email: investors@ascent-ir.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: China targets economic growth of around 5% in 2025

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 8, 2024 shows robotic arms processing parts for new energy vehicles at a private company in Changxing Economic and Technological Development Zone, Huzhou City, east China’s Zhejiang Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    China targets an economic growth rate of around 5 percent in 2025, according to a government work report submitted Wednesday to the national legislature for deliberation.
    The report also outlines an array of other key development goals for this year, including a surveyed urban unemployment rate of around 5.5 percent, over 12 million new urban jobs, and an around 2 percent increase in the consumer price index.
    The country achieved economic growth of 5 percent in 2024 as an impactful policy package, along with other pro-growth measures, helped fuel strong economic momentum.
    On a global scale, an around 5 percent growth rate places China among the world’s fastest-growing major economies, with the economic increment equating to the annual output of a mid-sized nation.
    Huang Qunhui, a national political advisor from the Institute of Economics of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, described this year’s economic growth target as scientifically grounded and realistic.
    “In the face of a challenging global environment, the proactive and resilient goal suggests that China is braving uncertainties with a clear, determined approach to growth,” he said.
    As 2025 marks the final year of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) period and is also crucial to crafting the next five-year blueprint, observers believe that the government policies will not only drive sustained growth this year but also lay the groundwork for the country’s modernization drive in the long run.
    Fostering high-quality development is a key focus on this year’s government agenda, with priorities ranging from stimulating domestic demand to developing new quality productive forces.
    “We will take a people-centered approach and place a stronger economic policy focus on improving living standards and boosting consumer spending,” the report said.
    Domestic demand will be made the main engine and anchor of economic growth, the report said. Ultra-long special treasury bonds totaling 300 billion yuan will be issued to support consumer goods trade-in programs.
    New quality productive forces will be nurtured in light of local conditions, according to the report. China aims to foster emerging and future industries, such as quantum technology and the low-altitude economy, accelerate the upgrading of traditional industries, and combine digital technologies including AI with manufacturing and market strengths.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: EU chief proposes 800B-euro defence plan to rearm Europe

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen speaks during a press conference after a European Council summit in Brussels, Belgium, Dec. 19, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday unveiled an 800-billion-euro (844.6-billion-U.S. dollars) plan to significantly increase defence spending across the bloc.

    She said that in response to escalating security threats across the European Union (EU), Europe had entered “an era of rearmament.”

    In a letter written to EU leaders ahead of Thursday’s European Council, von der Leyen unveiled the “ReArm Europe” plan and emphasised the urgency of strengthening Europe’s defence capabilities, citing mounting geopolitical tensions, particularly in light of Russia-Ukraine military conflict and concerns over the future of U.S. support for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

    “Europe is ready to massively boost its defence spending. Both to respond to the short-term urgency to act and to support Ukraine but also to address the long-term need to take on much more responsibility for our own European security,” she said.

    “The question is no longer whether Europe’s security is threatened in a very real way,” von der Leyen said. “The real question in front of us is whether Europe is prepared to act as decisively as the situation dictates.”

    According to a statement published by the European Commission, the “ReArm Europe” plan is a comprehensive set of proposals aimed at unlocking financial resources to support national defence investments both in the short term and over the next decade.

    The initiative consists of five key measures designed to strengthen Europe’s defence capabilities and bolster military support for Ukraine.

    A core component of the plan involves adjusting EU fiscal rules to allow member states to ramp up defence spending without triggering budgetary penalties.

    Von der Leyen announced that the European Commission will propose activating the national escape clause of the Stability and Growth Pact, enabling governments to expand their military budgets without breaching EU deficit limits.

    “If Member States were to increase their defence spending by 1.5 percent of GDP on average, this could create fiscal space of close to 650 billion euros over four years,” she said.

    Another key element of the plan is the creation of a 150-billion-euro loan program to help EU countries jointly invest in critical military assets. The initiative aims to enhance collective procurement efforts, reduce costs, and improve interoperability across European armed forces.

    “We are talking about pan-European capability domains: air and missile defence, artillery systems, missiles and ammunition, drones and anti-drone systems, as well as cyber defence and military mobility,” von der Leyen said.

    Joint procurement efforts under this scheme would not only reinforce EU security but also allow member states to provide Ukraine with additional military aid, she said.

    Von der Leyen also proposed leveraging the EU budget to support defence-related investments. She announced member states would be given additional incentives to use cohesion policy programmes to boost military spending.

    The final two pillars of the ReArm Europe plan focus on attracting private sector investment in defence through specific initiatives and through increased involvement from the European Investment Bank.

    “We will continue working closely with our partners in NATO,” von der Leyen said. “This is Europe’s moment, and we are ready to step up.” (1 euro = 1.06 U.S. dollar)

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China accomplishes 2024 economic, social development goals, tasks: report

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    China’s economy maintained overall stable operation with progress in 2024, with the main goals and tasks for its economic and social development successfully accomplished, according to a government work report submitted Wednesday to the national legislature for deliberation.
    The country saw its gross domestic product increase 5 percent year on year last year, ranking among the world’s fastest-growing major economies and continuing to contribute about 30 percent to global economic growth, according to the report. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China targets economic growth of around 5 pct in 2025

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 8, 2024 shows robotic arms processing parts for new energy vehicles at a private company in Changxing Economic and Technological Development Zone, Huzhou City, east China’s Zhejiang Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China targets an economic growth rate of around 5 percent in 2025, according to a government work report submitted Wednesday to the national legislature for deliberation.

    The report also outlines an array of other key development goals for this year, including a surveyed urban unemployment rate of around 5.5 percent, over 12 million new urban jobs, and an around 2 percent increase in the consumer price index.

    The country achieved economic growth of 5 percent in 2024 as an impactful policy package, along with other pro-growth measures, helped fuel strong economic momentum.

    On a global scale, an around 5 percent growth rate places China among the world’s fastest-growing major economies, with the economic increment equating to the annual output of a mid-sized nation.

    Huang Qunhui, a national political advisor from the Institute of Economics of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, described this year’s economic growth target as scientifically grounded and realistic.

    “In the face of a challenging global environment, the proactive and resilient goal suggests that China is braving uncertainties with a clear, determined approach to growth,” he said.

    As 2025 marks the final year of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) period and is also crucial to crafting the next five-year blueprint, observers believe that the government policies will not only drive sustained growth this year but also lay the groundwork for the country’s modernization drive in the long run.

    Fostering high-quality development is a key focus on this year’s government agenda, with priorities ranging from stimulating domestic demand to developing new quality productive forces.

    “We will take a people-centered approach and place a stronger economic policy focus on improving living standards and boosting consumer spending,” the report said.

    Domestic demand will be made the main engine and anchor of economic growth, the report said. Ultra-long special treasury bonds totaling 300 billion yuan will be issued to support consumer goods trade-in programs.

    New quality productive forces will be nurtured in light of local conditions, according to the report. China aims to foster emerging and future industries, such as quantum technology and the low-altitude economy, accelerate the upgrading of traditional industries, and combine digital technologies including AI with manufacturing and market strengths.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s inbound cruise tourism sets sail in 2025

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Tianjin and Qingdao, two major port cities in China, kicked off the new year with their first inbound international cruise ship of 2025 — the Malta-registered Europa 2, a clear signal of the steady revival of China’s cruise tourism industry.

    The luxury liner, carrying hundreds of passengers from countries including Germany, Austria and Switzerland is on a global voyage. During its China leg, the tour group headed to major destinations including Xiamen, Shanghai and Tianjin.

    After a brief stop in Qingdao in Shandong Province, east China, on March 1, the ship would head to Japan and the Republic of Korea, according to Kristina Jurgawka, a crew member aboard the ship.

    An avid history enthusiast, she was deeply impressed by the Great Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enchanted by the skyline of Shanghai. “I’m truly grateful for this once-in-a-lifetime experience,” she said.

    For German tourist Joachin Dopp, the ease of entry into China left the strongest impression. “It’s simple to enter, no need for a visa or all those formalities. It’s great that you can just enter the country and enjoy it [your trip],” he told Xinhua.

    His experience reflects well on China’s effort to rejuvenate the cruise tourism sector. In May last year, a policy was rolled out allowing visa-free entry for foreign tourist groups arriving on cruise ships at any of the country’s cruise ports along the coastline.

    With a coastline stretching 18,000 km, China has seen steady improvements in its port infrastructure. The country boasts abundant tourism resources and is experiencing rapid growth in the service industry, making it a major destination for international cruise liners.

    Wang Hong, president of China Europe International Business School, said in a media interview that the visa-free entry policy for cruise passengers will bring unprecedented development opportunities to China’s tourism and cruise industries. It is expected to attract more foreign visitors to choose cruises as a means of traveling to China, thereby boosting inbound tourism.

    Industry leaders predict a strong rebound in international cruise tourism in China this year.

    On Jan. 3, an international cruise ship carrying 456 passengers docked at Phoenix Island International Cruise Port in Sanya, a popular tropical destination. From 2006 to the end of 2024, the port handled over 1,600 cruise ship voyages and over 2 million passenger trips.

    Days later, the Silver Dawn became the first international cruise ship to arrive in Shanghai this year, bringing over 400 tourists from more than 20 countries, including the United States, Britain, and Australia. During the eight-day Spring Festival holiday, the border inspection authorities in Shanghai reported 22 cruise ship entries and exits, with 72,000 cruise passenger trips.

    Tang Ming, head of a Shanghai-based travel agency, noted that since February 2024, the market has steadily recovered. “We expect to see a 20 to 30 percent increase in international cruise tourists this year,” he said.

    Cruise ports in Qingdao are expected to receive over 40 cruise ship visits in 2025, twice the number recorded in 2024, according to the city’s culture and tourism bureau. Meanwhile, Tianjin International Cruise Home Port is preparing for increased activities, with more than 40 inbound and outbound cruise ship visits anticipated at Dongjiang Port in the first quarter alone.

    Globally, the Cruise Lines International Association estimates that the number of ocean-going cruise passengers will reach 39.5 million by 2027, reflecting sustained demand for cruise voyages.

    By 2035, China’s cruise market is expected to welcome 4.2 million inbound foreign tourist trips annually, with total economic output projected to reach 531.7 billion yuan (about 74.12 billion U.S. dollars), according to a report by the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, as cited by Liao Minsheng, a marine tourism expert from Hainan Tropical Ocean University.

    China’s market, Liao said in a media interview, presents unprecedented opportunities for the global cruise and yacht economy.

    “China’s vast market size and growing demand for cruise tourism provide international cruise and yacht companies with ample room for expansion,” he added. “The sector’s growth is expected to drive the development in areas such as ship design and manufacturing, foreign trade, tourism services, port construction and modern maritime services.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China to improve contingency plans for handling external shocks to safeguard financial security, stability

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

    China to improve contingency plans for handling external shocks to safeguard financial security, stability

    BEIJING, March 5 — China will improve contingency plans for handling external shocks so as to effectively safeguard financial security and stability, according to a government work report submitted Wednesday to the national legislature for deliberation.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China to promote healthy, well-regulated development of platform economy

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

    BEIJING, March 5 — China will promote the healthy and well-regulated development of the platform economy and give better play to its role in inspiring innovation, expanding consumption and stabilizing employment, according to a government work report submitted Wednesday to the national legislature for deliberation.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Speaks with Nominee for Under Secretary of Defense for Policy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing to speak with President Donald J. Trump’s nominee for Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, Elbridge Colby. During the hearing, Senator Tuberville and Mr. Colby discussed the Trump administration’s plan to counter our foreign adversaries and the importance of selecting locations of military installations based on merit and not politics.

    Read the transcript below or watch the full interaction on YouTube or Rumble.

    ON COUNTERING CHINESE AGGRESSION IN PANAMA CANAL:

    TUBERVILLE: “Good to see you and your family and thank you for wanting to take on this job. It’s going to be very difficult, but we think you can handle it. Mr. Colby, you advocate for a strategy of denial in military and geopolitical context. How does this concept translate to Central and South American places like Panama and the troubling amount of influence that China is starting to have and has had in that area? And by the way, they just announced that one of our major corporations is purchasing both ports at the Panama Canal, which is very good news.”

    MR. COLBY: “Well, thanks very much, Senator. And I think the President’s early initiatives on our hemisphere in places like Panama are very encouraging. I think this is part of an overall strategy, both to secure our own interests directly, secure the territorial integrity of our homeland from unchecked migration and lethal fentanyl flows that are killing hundreds of thousands of Americans. But also, as you said, Senator, to ensure that China does not gain a foothold or beyond a dominant position in critical areas of Latin America, which I think was happening. I think that’s a big part of the strategy now. I think part of that is up to the military, but a lot of it’s part of the other agencies of government, the State Department. I know former ambassador in Mexico, Chris Landau, Ambassador Chris Landau, is going through his hearing downstairs. I believe he’s up for the Deputy Secretary of State. You know, I think that’s a kind of relationship between DOD and State Department where you have a clear picture that we’ve got to have a handle on our hemisphere. We’re pursuing our own strategies and we’re also empowering countries in the hemisphere and in the region to contribute more, you know, through development, through better governance themselves, through alignment with the kind of common-sense approaches that I think that we’re following here. That can result in better outcomes for all of us.”

    TUBERVILLE: “Yeah, I think you’ll find the new administration in Panama is very receptive […] once you get in your position, you’ll find that out. Been down there several times, and they need help as we need more access to the canal. So, thank you for that.”

    ON IMPORTANCE OF BRINGING SPACECOM TO BEST LOCATION:

    TUBERVILLE: “In 2023, President Biden overrode President Trump, the Department of Air Force, and the findings of multiple studies, including an inspector general review and directed that the headquarters of Space Command remain in Colorado instead of moving to its selected location at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. My State. Mr. Colby, if confirmed, you will be the senior DOD official in charge of space policy, […] as well as strategy plans and capabilities for the entire department. Do you agree with me that, as a matter of policy, it is in our nation’s best interest to make basing decisions on merit and not on political agendas?”

    MR. COLBY: “I do, Senator.”

    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you. Mr. Colby, much of your work is about prioritizing our defense policy towards deterring aggression with China our pacing challenge. What do you make of the progress made over past few years by our adversaries toward integrating with their militaries. I’m talking about since Ukraine, Russia have had their conflict, all the people in the east basically that are running to China. What’s your thought on that?”

    MR. COLBY: “Well, I think it’s really, really disturbing Senator. I think there has been this kind of, think of it as like a counter coalition. China, Russia, Iran, North Korea. China’s kind of the cornerstone of that coalition. It’s by far the largest economy. Their support has made the Russian war effort in Ukraine sustainable. They’re helping the Iranians. The Iranians are helping them. The Russians are helping the North Koreans. So, I think there’s a couple of things to be done about that.

    On the defense side, I think it’s important for us to work with our allies to kind of plug the gaps in our perimeter. A lot of that is getting our forces in a better state of readiness, putting them in the right place, getting our defense industrial base back in a good shape, robust defense funding, and then getting our allies to step up. I think a big part of this is we have some allies—Israel, I’ve mentioned, India, South Korea, Poland— they’re really pulling their weight. You could add Finland up there, is doing a pretty good job. But a lot of the biggest economies in our alliance network really aren’t pulling their weight. They’re starting now. So, I think there’s a real opportunity to capitalize on that because together, we are much wealthier than this counter coalition, but we’ve got to turn that into real military capability.”

    ON BRICS:

    TUBERVILLE: “Your quick thoughts on BRICS.”

    MR. COLBY: “I think, you know, BRICS are sort of a representation of the changing world dynamic. I think Secretary Rubio put it very well. We’re no longer in Charles Krauthammer’s unipolar world. We’re in a world—United States is still, I think, the strongest country out there, but China is the biggest, most powerful rival we face in probably a hundred and fifty years, and other countries are making their decisions. Obviously, the Indians who I think our relationship there is golden going forward, and we should really deepen that. And if confirmed, I would make a big priority of that. They’re part of it, so it’s complicated. But people are going to be moving around talking to, you know, the Saudis are talking to Russians and they’re talking to us. That’s very common. That’s how the world’s going to be. That’s the reality of the world system as it is now, I think.”

    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you.”

    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP, and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Matrixport Subsidiary Fly Wing Receives Major Payment Institution License from MAS in Singapore

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, March 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fly Wing Technologies Pte Ltd (“Fly Wing”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Matrixport, the world’s leading and largest one-stop crypto financial services platform in Asia, today announced that it has been granted the Major Payment Institution (“MPI”) License by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (“MAS”).

    With this license approval, Fly Wing will continue building its role as a trusted Over-the-Counter (“OTC”) desk in Singapore. This license follows the in-principle approval received in October, underscoring Fly Wing’s commitment to regulatory compliance and operational excellence.

    John Ge, Co-founder and CEO of Matrixport, stated, “We are thrilled that Fly Wing has received its license from the MAS. This marks a significant step in our ongoing expansion across the Asia-Pacific region. We look forward to providing high-quality Digital Payment Token services to users in Singapore.”

    Having received its license from the MAS, Fly Wing is well-positioned to build a strong foundation for Fly Wing’s long-term growth, driving continuous innovation in the digital finance sector. Moving forward, Fly Wing will continue to offer innovative Digital Payment Token services securely and transparently and will continue to optimize blockchain-driven Digital Payment Token services, enabling seamless access for users entering the Web 3.0 industry.

    About Fly Wing Technologies Pte Ltd

    Founded in 2019, Fly Wing Technologies Pte. Ltd. (“Fly Wing”) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Matrixport, a leading digital asset financial services platform in Asia. Fly Wing serves a diverse clientele, including crypto miners, trading firms, investment firms, and high-net-worth individuals from both crypto and traditional finance. The company engages in OTC services for customers to on- and off-ramp Digital Payment Tokens, facilitating over $100 million in monthly transactions and providing liquidity for major cryptocurrencies.

    Fly Wing has received the MPI License from MAS to provide Digital Payment Token services for OTC trading in Singapore.

    Fly Wing official website: https://www.flywing.com/

    About Matrixport

    Founded in 2019, Matrixport is the world’s leading all-in-one hub for crypto financial services. The platform is committed to providing every user with a personalized Super Account that integrates crypto trading, investment, loan, custody, RWA, research and more. With $6 billion in AUM (assets under management), Matrixport offers global users diverse crypto-financial solutions designed for optimal capital efficiency and sustainable returns.

    As a Group and through its local subsidiaries, Matrixport has received the Trust or Company Service Provider / Money Lender Licenses in Hong Kong, and the FINMA Asset Management License in Switzerland. The company operates as an Appointed Representative in the UK, is registered as an MSB in the US, and is a member of Switzerland’s FINMA SRO-VFQ. It was recognized by CB Insights as one of the “50 Most Promising Blockchain Companies” and featured in the Hurun “2024 Global Unicorn List.” Additionally, Matrixport’s subsidiary, Fly Wing, has received the MPI License from MAS in Singapore.

    Matrixport official website: https://www.matrixport.com

    Media Contact:
    Matrixport PR Team
    pr@matrixport.com

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by Matrixport. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector–including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining–complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/13fe3bd2-9ada-4876-bbf8-5e24acfc1696

    The MIL Network –