Category: Entertainment

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI imposes monetary penalty on Poornawadi Nagarik Sahakari Bank Maryadit Beed, Maharashtra

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBl) has, by an order dated June 3, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹1 lakh (Rupees One Lakh only) on Poornawadi Nagarik Sahakari Bank Maryadit Beed, Maharashtra (the bank) for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Management of Advances – UCBs’ and ‘Know Your Customer (KYC)’. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

    The statutory inspection of the bank was conducted by the RBI with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2024. Based on supervisory findings of non-compliance with RBI directions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said directions. After considering the bank’s reply to the notice, additional submissions made by it and oral submissions made during the personal hearing, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charges against the bank were sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:

    The bank had:

    1. sanctioned certain gold loans in excess of prescribed ceiling of Loan to Value (LTV) ratio; and

    2. failed to upload the KYC records of certain customers onto Central KYC Records Registry (CKYCR) within the prescribed time.

    This action is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of this monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2025-2026/485

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Amnesty Media Awards 2025: Winners announced

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Winners across the 12 award categories include BBC Radio 4, Channel 4, The Guardian, Financial Times, ITV News and BBC Eye Investigations 

    Owen Jones took home The People’s Choice Award 

    Al-Jazeera’s Gaza bureau chief Wael Al-Dahdouh was presented with an Outstanding Contribution to Human Rights Journalism accolade  

    ‘Journalists around the globe are facing increased attacks and being silenced – it is more important than ever that we champion their work and make a stand for press freedom’ – Sacha Deshmukh 

    Images from the ceremony can be downloaded here  

    Amnesty International UK has announced the winners of its prestigious Amnesty Media Awards 2025 in a ceremony at the BFI Southbank London this evening (4 June), hosted by actor, writer and director Jolyon Rubinstein. 

    The 12 categories commended the most outstanding human rights journalism of the last year, with winners including Channel 4 and BBC Eye Investigations. Financial Times won both the Written Feature and Written News awards, while ITV News took home the Broadcast News trophy.  

    The Guardian won the Written Investigations category for reporting on the violent truth behind Italy’s ‘migrant reduction’, whilst BBC Radio 4 won the Radio & Podcasts award for a programme spotlighting the diary of a woman from Afghanistan.  

    Most categories were judged by a panel of prestigious journalists and media workers, including Ayshah Tull, Lindsey Hilsum, and Alex Crawford, but a new award for 2025 – The People’s Choice Award – saw tens of thousands of people across the UK voting for the journalist who they felt has made the biggest contribution to human rights reporting over the past year. This award was handed to Owen Jones, for his tireless efforts highlighting injustices, especially around the ongoing devastating crisis in Gaza.  

    This year, the Amnesty Media Awards shone a spotlight on the dangers that journalists often face to expose the most pressing human rights issues. 2024 was the deadliest year on record for journalists and media workers – at least 124 journalists and media workers were killed. A staggering 70% of those were a result of Israeli military action in Gaza and Lebanon.  

    A special award for Outstanding Contribution to Human Rights Journalism was presented to Al-Jazeera’s Gaza bureau chief, Wael Al-Dahdouh , who gave a speech during the ceremony about the decades he has spent reporting from the Occupied Palestinian Territory.  

    The ceremony, which also featured a performance by singer Emeli Sandé, was live-streamed and attended by hundreds of journalists, broadcasters, producers and presenters.  

    Sacha Deshmukh, Chief Executive of Amnesty International UK, said: 

    “We’ve seen and commended some truly breathtaking journalism this evening – proof that good human rights reporting is absolutely essential for exposing injustices and holding power to account. Journalism is far more than just reporting on the facts – it can instigate very real, concrete change that impacts peoples’ lives across the planet.  

    “At a time when journalists around the globe are under increased attack and at risk of being silenced, it is more important than ever to champion their work and make a stand for press freedom.   

    “While the footage, words and reports we’ve awarded this evening remind us of the horrors we are living through, they are also proof of the many people committed to highlighting, exposing and ending violence and abuse. That is what the Amnesty Media Awards are all about – recognising, celebrating and inspiring the human rights journalism that makes the world a fairer, more equitable and peaceful place.” 

    FULL LIST OF WINNERS  

    Broadcast Feature 

    Basement Films for Channel 4 

    Kill Zone: Inside Gaza 

    Broadcast Investigation 

    BBC Eye Investigations 

    Settlements Above the Law 

    Broadcast News 

    ITV News  

    The White Flag  

    The Gaby Rado Award for New Journalist 

    Sophie Neiman 

    New Internationalist  

    Nations and Regions supported by the Players of the People’s Postcode Lottery  

    BBC Northern Ireland 

    Spotlight: Katie – Coerced and Killed 

    Photojournalism 

    Kiana Hayeri 

    The Guardian 

    Radio & Podcasts 

    BBC Radio 4 

    Our Whole Life is a Secret 

    Written Feature 

    Financial Times 

    How extremist settlers in the West Bank became the law 

    Written Investigation 

    The Guardian 

    The brutal truth behind Italy’s migrant reduction: beatings and rape by EU-funded forces in Tunisia 

    Written News 

    Financial Times 

    FT investigation finds Ukrainian children on Russian adoption sites 

    People’s Choice  

    Owen Jones 

    Outstanding Contribution to Human Rights Journalism 

    Wael Al-Dahdouh 

    MIL OSI NGO

  • MIL-OSI: Bread Financial Announces Early Tender Results of Its Previously Announced Cash Tender Offer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    COLUMBUS, Ohio, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bread Financial Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: BFH) (“Bread Financial” or the “Company”) announced that as of 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on June 4, 2025 (the “Early Participation Date”), pursuant to and in accordance with its previously announced cash tender offer (the “Tender Offer”), approximately $536,786,000 in aggregate principal amount of the Company’s 9.750% Senior Notes due 2029 (the “Notes”) had been validly tendered and not validly withdrawn on or prior to the Early Participation Date, which, if and when accepted for purchase up to $150,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of Notes (the “Tender Cap”) by the Company pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Tender Offer, would result in Total Consideration (as defined below) (excluding accrued interest payable) of $1,071.25 for each $1,000 principal amount of Notes, which Total Consideration was determined in accordance with the terms of the Tender Offer based on the principal amount of Notes tendered and the Bid Premiums (as defined in the Offer to Purchase (as defined below)) at which such tenders were made.

    Title of Security   CUSIP / ISIN   Aggregate
    Outstanding
    Principal
    Amount
      Aggregate
    Principal Amount
    Tendered(1)
      Aggregate Principal
    Amount Expected
    to be Accepted for
    Purchase(2)(3)
      Total
    Consideration(4)(5)
    9.750% Senior Notes due 2029           144A: 018581AP3 / US018581AP34   $900,000,000   $536,786,000   $149,988,000   $1,071.25
        Reg S: U01797AK2 / USU01797AK20                
        Reg S: U01797AL0 / USU01797AL03                

    _____________________

    (1) As of the Early Participation Date.
    (2) Subject to satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase, the Company anticipates that Notes will be accepted for purchase in accordance with the terms of the Tender Offer on June 9, 2025. However, there can be no assurance that the conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase will be satisfied or waived.
    (3) In the case of Notes expected to be accepted for purchase on a prorated basis, the amounts set forth in the table reflect the Proration Factor (as defined below).
    (4) Per $1,000 principal amount of Notes accepted for purchase by the Company.
    (5) Includes the Early Participation Amount of $50.00 (as defined below).
       

    The Tender Offer is described in the Offer to Purchase, dated May 21, 2025 (as it may be amended or supplemented, the “Offer to Purchase”). As set forth in the Offer to Purchase, holders of Notes (“Holders”) who validly tendered and did not withdraw their Notes on or prior to the Early Participation Date, and whose Notes are accepted for purchase, will be entitled to receive the “Total Consideration,” which includes an early participation amount of $50.00 per $1,000 principal amount of Notes (the “Early Participation Amount”). In addition, accrued and unpaid interest will be paid on all Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) and accepted for purchase from the applicable last interest payment date to, but not including, the date on which the Notes are purchased.

    The Withdrawal Date (as defined in the Offer to Purchase) occurred at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on June 4, 2025 and has not been extended. Therefore, Holders who validly tendered and did not validly withdraw their Notes at or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on June 4, 2025 may not withdraw their tendered Notes.

    Although the Tender Offer is scheduled to expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on June 20, 2025, unless extended or terminated, because the aggregate principal amount of Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn on or prior to the Early Participation Date has exceeded the Tender Cap, there will be no Final Payment Date (as defined in the Offer to Purchase) and no Notes tendered after the Early Participation Date will be accepted for purchase.

    Subject to satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase, the Company anticipates that settlement of Notes accepted for purchase will occur on June 9, 2025 (the “Early Payment Date”), and that on such date the Company will accept for purchase Notes tendered as of the Early Participation Date at a Bid Price (as defined in the Offer to Purchase) that results in a Bid Premium equal to or less than $31.25 (the “Clearing Premium”), as described in the Offer to Purchase. Since the purchase of all Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) at or below the Clearing Premium would result in the purchase of Notes for aggregate cash consideration payable to Holders in excess of the Tender Cap, the Company expects to first accept for purchase all Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) on or prior to the Early Participation Date with a Bid Price that would result in a Bid Premium less than the Clearing Premium and, second, the Company expects to accept for purchase all Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) on or prior to the Early Participation Date with a Bid Price that would result in a Bid Premium equal to the Clearing Premium on a prorated basis. The Company has been advised by Ipreo LLC, the information agent and tender agent for the Tender Offer, that the applicable proration factor for Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn at a Bid Price that results in a Bid Premium equal to the Clearing Premium would be approximately 77.538% (the “Proration Factor”). Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) at a Bid Price that results in a Bid Premium in excess of the Clearing Premium will not be accepted for purchase pursuant to the Tender Offer and any Notes not accepted for purchase will be promptly returned to Holders following the date hereof. Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) at a Bid Price that results in a Bid Premium equal to the Clearing Premium that are not accepted for purchase pursuant to the Tender Offer based on the Proration Factor will be returned to Holders promptly.

    J.P. Morgan Securities LLC acted as sole lead dealer manager for the tender offer (the “Sole Lead Dealer Manager”), and BMO Capital Markets Corp., CIBC World Markets Corp., KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc., RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., Truist Securities, Inc., Fifth Third Securities, Inc., U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc. and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC served as co-dealer managers for the tender offer (the “Co-Dealer Managers” and, together with the Sole Lead Dealer Manager, the “Dealer Managers”).

    This news release is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell any securities. The tender offer was made only by, and pursuant to the terms of, the Offer to Purchase. The tender offer was not made in any jurisdiction in which the making or acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the securities, blue sky or other laws of such jurisdiction. In any jurisdiction where the laws require the tender offer be made by a licensed broker or dealer, the tender offer was made by the Dealer Managers on behalf of the Company. None of the Company, Ipreo LLC as Tender and Information Agent, or the Dealer Managers, nor any of their respective affiliates, has made any recommendation as to whether holders should tender or refrain from tendering all or any portion of their Notes in response to the tender offer.

    Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Language
    This news release may contain forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, our financing plans and the details thereof, including the proposed tender offer of the Notes and the other expected effects of such transaction. Forward-looking statements may generally be identified by the use of the words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “project,” “plan,” “likely,” “may,” “should” or other words or phrases of similar import. Similarly, statements that describe our business strategy, outlook, objectives, plans, intentions or goals also are forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements we make regarding, and the guidance we give with respect to, our anticipated operating or financial results, future financial performance and outlook, future dividend declarations, and future economic conditions.

    We believe that our expectations are based on reasonable assumptions. Forward-looking statements, however, are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and, in many cases, beyond our control. Accordingly, our actual results could differ materially from the projections, anticipated results or other expectations expressed in this release, and no assurances can be given that our expectations will prove to have been correct. Factors that could cause the outcomes to differ materially include, but are not limited to, the following: macroeconomic conditions, including market conditions, inflation, interest rates, labor market conditions, recessionary pressures or concerns over a prolonged economic slowdown, and the related impact on consumer spending behavior, payments, debt levels, savings rates and other behaviors; global political and public health events and conditions, including significant shifts in trade policy, such as changes to, or the imposition of, tariffs and/or trade barriers and any economic impacts, volatility, uncertainty and geopolitical instability resulting therefrom, as well as ongoing wars and military conflicts and natural disasters; future credit performance of the Company’s customers, including the level of future delinquency and write-off rates; loss of, or reduction in demand for services from, significant brand partners or customers in the highly competitive markets in which the Company competes; the concentration of the Company’s business in U.S. consumer credit; increases or volatility in the Allowance for credit losses that may result from the application of the current expected credit loss (CECL) model; inaccuracies in the models and estimates on which the Company relies, including the amount of its Allowance for credit losses and our credit risk management models; increases in fraudulent activity; failure to identify, complete or successfully integrate or disaggregate business acquisitions, divestitures and other strategic initiatives, including, with respect to divested businesses, any associated guarantees, indemnities or other liabilities; the extent to which the Company’s results are dependent upon its brand partners, including its brand partners’ financial performance and reputation, as well as the effective promotion and support of the Company’s products by brand partners; increases in the cost of doing business, including market interest rates; the Company’s level of indebtedness and inability to access financial or capital markets, including asset-backed securitization funding or deposits markets; restrictions that limit the ability of Comenity Bank and Comenity Capital Bank (the “Banks”) to pay dividends to the Company; pending and future litigation; pending and future federal, state, local and foreign legislation, regulation, supervisory guidance and regulatory and legal actions including, but not limited to, those related to financial regulatory reform and consumer financial services practices, as well as any such actions with respect to late fees, interchange fees or other charges; increases in regulatory capital requirements or other support for the Banks; impacts arising from or relating to the transition of the Company’s credit card processing services to third party service providers that it completed in 2022; failures or breaches in the Company’s operational or security systems, including as a result of cyberattacks, unanticipated impacts from technology modernization projects, failure of its information security controls or otherwise; loss of consumer information or other data due to compromised physical or cyber security, including disruptive attacks from financially motivated bad actors and third party supply chain issues; and any tax or other liability or adverse impacts arising out of or related to the spinoff of the Company’s former LoyaltyOne segment or the bankruptcy filings of Loyalty Ventures Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries and subsequent litigation or other disputes. The foregoing factors, along with other risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in forward-looking statements, are described in greater detail under the headings “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the most recently ended fiscal year, which may be updated in Item 1A of, or elsewhere in, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed for periods subsequent to such Form 10-K. Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and the Company undertakes no obligation, other than as required by applicable law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, subsequent events, anticipated or unanticipated circumstances or otherwise.

    About Bread Financial
    Bread Financial® (NYSE: BFH) is a tech-forward financial services company that provides simple, personalized payment, lending, and saving solutions to millions of U.S consumers. Our payment solutions, including Bread Financial general purpose credit cards and savings products, empower our customers and their passions for a better life. Additionally, we deliver growth for some of the most recognized brands in travel & entertainment, health & beauty, jewelry and specialty apparel through our private label and co-brand credit cards and pay-over-time products providing choice and value to our shared customers.

    Contacts
    Brian Vereb – Investor Relations
    Brian.Vereb@BreadFinancial.com

    Susan Haugen – Investor Relations
    Susan.Haugen@BreadFinancial.com

    Rachel Stultz – Media
    Rachel.Stultz@BreadFinancial.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: 7 Hills set to strike a chord again in Armagh City

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    This summer, the 7 Hills Blues Fest returns to Armagh City, promising an immersive and vibrant experience for blues enthusiasts, families, and culture seekers alike. Running from Friday 1 to Sunday 3 August, the festival features over 40 free gigs across 15 venues, showcasing the best in local, national, and international blues and roots music.

    A key highlight of the festival is its growing reputation as a platform for discovering and celebrating fresh talent. This year’s line-up includes exciting artists such as 2024 Buskfest winners Banshee, who will make their 7 Hills debut, and the returning 17-year-old guitar sensation Zac Mac.

    Banshee, who won Buskfest in 2024, said, “Being part of 7 Hills is a great chance for us to share our music with more people. The festival is special because it supports new artists like us while also bringing in well-known musicians. Winning last year’s Buskfest meant a lot and this is another exciting step for our band and a way to meet others who love this kind of music. We’re really happy to be part of a festival that brings everyone together to enjoy live music and help artists grow.”

    Since its inception, 7 Hills has celebrated the rich musical heritage deeply rooted in Armagh and beyond. This year’s line-up boasts some of the biggest names in the blues scene, including vocalist Clara Rose, the legendary Rob Strong, fan favourites Crow Black Chicken, the Pat McManus Band, and acclaimed acts such as Ben Reel and the Ronnie Greer Trio.

    Led Hedley makes a welcome return to the Festival, along with Chris Taplin Band, Rubber Plants and Cork’s Two Time Polka. Other local artists performing include Villiers and the Villains, Courtnay Giffin, 4 Shuck Men and Freedom 35s.

    Often hailed as Ireland’s Godfather of Soul, Rob Strong, said, “Playing here is always a highlight of the summer for me – it’s a place where the spirit of blues music truly comes alive. The city’s intimate venues create a unique connection between artists and audiences, making every performance feel personal. 7 Hills not only honours the rich traditions of blues but also pushes the music forward, keeping it fresh and exciting.”

    The weekend is one the major annual events organised by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, and attracts hundreds of visitors, local and from further afield. The festival will kick off with lunchtime performances on the bandstand, followed throughout the weekend by MD Rafferty Music School Live Lounge, free street acts, face painting and balloon modelling.  As another new addition to the lively weekend, on Saturday, there will be an artisan market located at the Shambles in the city centre. There will be a wide range of artisan stalls in place, with a wide range of tasty treats, eats and much more which will create a full programme of activities for all ages.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI: YieldMax® Introduces Option Income Strategy ETF on Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK.B)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO and MILWAUKEE and NEW YORK, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — YieldMax® announced the launch today of the following ETF:

    YieldMax® BRK.B Option Income Strategy ETF (NYSE Arca: BRKC)

    BRKC seeks to generate current income by pursuing options-based strategies on Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (“BRK.B”). BRKC is managed by Tidal Financial Group. BRKC does not invest directly in BRK.B.

    BRKC is the newest member of the YieldMax® ETF family and like all YieldMax® ETFs, aims to deliver current income to investors. With respect to distributions, BRKC will be a Group A ETF, and its first distribution is expected to be announced on July 9th, 2025.

    Please see the table below for distribution information for all outstanding YieldMax® ETFs.

    ETF Ticker1 ETF Name Distribution
    Frequency
    Distribution
    Rate
    2,4
    30-Day
    SEC Yield3
    ROC5
    CHPY YieldMax® Semiconductor Portfolio Option Income ETF Weekly 34.19% 0.38% 100.00%
    GPTY YieldMax® AI & Tech Portfolio Option Income ETF Weekly 33.22% 0.00% 100.00%
    LFGY YieldMax® Crypto Industry & Tech Portfolio Option Income ETF Weekly 60.72% 0.00% 100.00%
    QDTY YieldMax® Nasdaq 100 0DTE Covered Call Strategy ETF Weekly 28.07% 0.00% 100.00%
    RDTY YieldMax® R2000 0DTE Covered Call Strategy ETF Weekly 24.42% 0.89% 95.29%
    SDTY YieldMax® S&P 500 0DTE Covered Call Strategy ETF Weekly 25.88% 0.00% 100.00%
    ULTY YieldMax® Ultra Option Income Strategy ETF Weekly 78.61% 0.00% 100.00%
    YMAG YieldMax® Magnificent 7 Fund of Option Income ETFs Weekly 70.31% 66.50% 97.56%
    YMAX YieldMax® Universe Fund of Option Income ETFs Weekly 65.04% 88.53% 92.64%
    BIGY YieldMax® Target 12™ Big 50 Option Income ETF Monthly 12.02% 0.20% 94.52%
    RNTY YieldMax® Target 12™ Real Estate Option Income ETF Monthly 12.13% 2.21% 93.65%
    SOXY YieldMax® Target 12™ Semiconductor Option Income ETF Monthly 11.78% 0.17% 100.00%
    ABNY YieldMax® ABNB Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 42.01% 2.97% 93.60%
    AIYY YieldMax® AI Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 88.81% 2.97% 96.86%
    AMDY YieldMax® AMD Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 72.55% 3.09% 96.48%
    AMZY YieldMax® AMZN Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 48.28% 3.09% 94.01%
    APLY YieldMax® AAPL Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 30.96% 3.42% 89.96%
    BABO YieldMax® BABA Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 81.51% 3.32% 96.22%
    CONY YieldMax® COIN Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 119.22% 3.53% 80.80%
    CRSH YieldMax® Short TSLA Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 84.22% 3.08% 97.39%
    CVNY YieldMax® CVNA Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 129.09% 2.81% 99.33%
    DIPS YieldMax® Short NVDA Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 54.18% 2.78% 0.00%
    DISO YieldMax® DIS Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 50.22% 3.16% 94.89%
    FBY YieldMax® META Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 49.79% 3.21% 93.73%
    FEAT YieldMax® Dorsey Wright Featured 5 Income ETF Every 4 weeks 51.42% 52.99% 0.00%
    FIAT YieldMax® Short COIN Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 67.85% 2.93% 96.24%
    FIVY YieldMax® Dorsey Wright Hybrid 5 Income ETF Every 4 weeks 32.36% 35.26% 0.00%
    GDXY YieldMax® Gold Miners Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 30.60% 3.38% 0.00%
    GOOY YieldMax® GOOGL Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 36.93% 3.29% 81.91%
    HOOY YieldMax® HOOD Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 70.41% 99.33%
    JPMO YieldMax® JPM Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 31.52% 3.02% 91.70%
    MARO YieldMax® MARA Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 111.50% 3.30% 98.09%
    MRNY YieldMax® MRNA Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 63.98% 3.20% 0.00%
    MSFO YieldMax® MSFT Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 41.10% 3.13% 92.68%
    MSTY YieldMax® MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 85.27% 1.76% 97.45%
    NFLY YieldMax® NFLX Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 47.73% 2.98% 94.49%
    NVDY YieldMax® NVDA Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 131.88% 2.98% 97.93%
    OARK YieldMax® Innovation Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 50.47% 2.88% 94.42%
    PLTY YieldMax® PLTR Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 140.91% 2.76% 98.54%
    PYPY YieldMax® PYPL Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 55.03% 3.41% 95.28%
    SMCY YieldMax® SMCI Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 99.93% 3.05% 97.21%
    SNOY YieldMax® SNOW Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 96.99% 2.27% 97.27%
    TSLY YieldMax® TSLA Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 110.41% 2.76% 97.90%
    TSMY YieldMax® TSM Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 64.34% 2.87% 95.70%
    WNTR YieldMax® Short MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 104.26% 2.89% 97.57%
    XOMO YieldMax® XOM Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 42.05% 3.62% 85.39%
    XYZY YieldMax® XYZ Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 109.59% 2.93% 98.01%
    YBIT YieldMax® Bitcoin Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 106.79% 1.54% 99.08%
    YQQQ YieldMax® Short N100 Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks 23.18% 3.35% 86.54%


    Standardized Performance & Fund details can be obtained by clicking the ETF Ticker in the table above or by visiting us at
    www.yieldmaxetfs.com

    Performance data quoted represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost and current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted above. Performance current to the most recent month-end can be obtained by calling (833) 378-0717.

    Note: DIPS, FIAT, CRSH, YQQQ and WNTR are hereinafter referred to as the “Short ETFs.”

    Distributions are not guaranteed.   The Distribution Rate and 30-Day SEC Yield are not indicative of future distributions, if any, on the ETFs. In particular, future distributions on any ETF may differ significantly from its Distribution Rate or 30-Day SEC Yield. You are not guaranteed a distribution under the ETFs. Distributions for the ETFs (if any) are variable and may vary significantly from period to period and may be zero. Accordingly, the Distribution Rate and 30-Day SEC Yield will change over time, and such change may be significant.

    Investors in the Funds will not have rights to receive dividends or other distributions with respect to the underlying reference asset(s).

    1 All YieldMax® ETFs shown in the table above (except YMAX, YMAG, FEAT, FIVY and ULTY) have a gross expense ratio of 0.99%. YMAX and FEAT have a Management Fee of 0.29% and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses of 0.99% for a gross expense ratio of 1.28%. YMAG has a management fee of 0.29% and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses of 0.83% for a gross expense ratio of 1.12%. FIVY has a Management Fee of 0.29% and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses of 0.59% for a gross expense ratio of 0.88%. “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” are indirect fees and expenses that the Fund incurs from investing in the shares of other investment companies, namely other YieldMax® ETFs. ULTY has a gross expense ratio of 1.40%, and a net expense ratio after the fee waiver of 1.30%. The Advisor has agreed to a fee waiver of 0.10% through at least February 28, 2026

    2The Distribution Rate shown is as of close on June 4th, 2025. The Distribution Rate is the annual distribution rate an investor would receive if the most recent distribution, which includes option income, remained the same going forward. The Distribution Rate is calculated by annualizing an ETF’s Distribution per Share and dividing such annualized amount by the ETF’s most recent NAV. The Distribution Rate represents a single distribution from the ETF and does not represent its total return. Distributions may also include a combination of ordinary dividends, capital gain, and return of investor capital, which may decrease an ETF’s NAV and trading price over time. As a result, an investor may suffer significant losses to their investment. These Distribution Rates may be caused by unusually favorable market conditions and may not be sustainable. Such conditions may not continue to exist and there should be no expectation that this performance may be repeated in the future.

    3 The 30-Day SEC Yield represents net investment income, which excludes option income, earned by such ETF over the 30-Day period ended May 31st, 2025, expressed as an annual percentage rate based on such ETF’s share price at the end of the 30-Day period.

    4 Each ETF’s strategy (except those of the Short ETFs) will cap potential gains if its reference asset’s shares increase in value, yet subjects an investor to all potential losses if the reference asset’s shares decrease in value. Such potential losses may not be offset by income received by the ETF. Each Short ETF’s strategy will cap potential gains if its reference asset decreases in value, yet subjects an investor to all potential losses if the reference asset increases in value. Such potential losses may not be offset by income received by the ETF.

    5ROC refers to Return of Capital. The ROC percentage indicates how much the distribution reflects an investor’s initial investment. The figures shown for each Fund in the table above are estimates and may later be determined to be taxable net investment income, short-term gains, long-term gains (to the extent permitted by law), or return of capital. Actual amounts and sources for tax reporting will depend upon the Fund’s investment activities during the remainder of the fiscal year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. Your broker will send you a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year to tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes.

    Each Fund has a limited operating history and while each Fund’s objective is to provide current income, there is no guarantee the Fund will make a distribution. Distributions are likely to vary greatly in amount.

    Important Information

    This material must be preceded or accompanied by the prospectus. For all prospectuses, click here.

    Tidal Financial Group is the adviser for all YieldMax® ETFs.

    THE FUND, TRUST, AND ADVISER ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH ANY UNDERLYING REFERENCE ASSET.

    Risk Disclosures

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

    Referenced Index Risk. The Fund invests in options contracts that are based on the value of the Index (or the Index ETFs). This subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it owned shares of companies that comprised the Index or an ETF that tracks the Index, even though it does not.

    Indirect Investment Risk. The Index is not affiliated with the Trust, the Fund, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates and is not involved with this offering in any way. Investors in the Fund will not have the right to receive dividends or other distributions or any other rights with respect to the companies that comprise the Index but will be subject to declines in the performance of the Index.

    Russell 2000 Index Risks. The Index, which consists of small-cap U.S. companies, is particularly susceptible to economic changes, as these firms often have less financial resilience than larger companies. Market volatility can disproportionately affect these smaller businesses, leading to significant price swings. Additionally, these companies are often more exposed to specific industry risks and have less diverse revenue streams. They can also be more vulnerable to changes in domestic regulatory or policy environments.

    Call Writing Strategy Risk. The path dependency (i.e., the continued use) of the Fund’s call writing strategy will impact the extent that the Fund participates in the positive price returns of the underlying reference asset and, in turn, the Fund’s returns, both during the term of the sold call options and over longer periods.

    Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk by virtue of its investments in options contracts. Transactions in some types of derivatives, including options, are required to be centrally cleared (“cleared derivatives”). In a transaction involving cleared derivatives, the Fund’s counterparty is a clearing house rather than a bank or broker. Since the Fund is not a member of clearing houses and only members of a clearing house (“clearing members”) can participate directly in the clearing house, the Fund will hold cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members.

    Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, or funds (including ETFs), interest rates or indexes. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risk related to the market, imperfect correlation with underlying investments or the Fund’s other Index (or ETFs that track the Index’s performance)holdings, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions.

    Options Contracts. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary Index (or ETFs that track the Index’s performance) securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying instrument, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events.

    Distribution Risk. As part of the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund seeks to provide current income. There is no assurance that the Fund will make a distribution in any given period. If the Fund does make distributions, the amounts of such distributions will likely vary greatly from one distribution to the next. Additionally, monthly distributions, if any, may consist of returns of capital, which would decrease the Fund’s NAV and trading price over time.

    High Index (or Index ETF) Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade all or a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings. A high Index (or Index ETF) turnover rate increases transaction costs, which may increase the Fund’s expenses.

    Liquidity Risk. Some securities held by the Fund, including options contracts, may be difficult to sell or be illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil.

    Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund.

    New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

    Price Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of call option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will participate in increases in value experienced by the underlying reference asset over the Call Period.

    Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the present value of the Fund’s assets and distributions, if any, may decline.

    Single Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause an investment in the Fund to be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment which diversifies risk or the market generally. The value of the Fund, which focuses on an individual security (ARKK, TSLA, AAPL, NVDA, AMZN, META, GOOGL, NFLX, COIN, MSFT, DIS, XOM, JPM, AMD, PYPL, SQ, MRNA, AI, MSTR, Bitcoin ETP, GDX®, SNOW, ABNB, BABA, TSM, SMCI, PLTR, MARA, CVNA, HOOD, BRK.B), may be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to GPTY)

    Artificial Intelligence Risk. Issuers engaged in artificial intelligence typically have high research and capital expenditures and, as a result, their profitability can vary widely, if they are profitable at all. The space in which they are engaged is highly competitive and issuers’ products and services may become obsolete very quickly. These companies are heavily dependent on intellectual property rights and may be adversely affected by loss or impairment of those rights. The issuers are also subject to legal, regulatory and political changes that may have a large impact on their profitability. A failure in an issuer’s product or even questions about the safety of the product could be devastating to the issuer, especially if it is the marquee product of the issuer. It can be difficult to accurately capture what qualifies as an artificial intelligence company.

    Technology Sector Risk. The Fund will invest substantially in companies in the information technology sector, and therefore the performance of the Fund could be negatively impacted by events affecting this sector. Market or economic factors impacting technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technological advances could have a significant effect on the value of the Fund’s investments. The value of stocks of information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology is particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technology product cycles, rapid product obsolescence, government regulation and competition, both domestically and internationally, including competition from foreign competitors with lower production costs. Stocks of information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology, especially those of smaller, less-seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile than the overall market. Information technology companies are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights, the loss or impairment of which may adversely affect profitability.

    Risk Disclosure (applicable only to MARO)

    Digital Assets Risk: The Fund does not invest directly in Bitcoin or any other digital assets. The Fund does not invest directly in derivatives that track the performance of Bitcoin or any other digital assets. The Fund does not invest in or seek direct exposure to the current “spot” or cash price of Bitcoin. Investors seeking direct exposure to the price of Bitcoin should consider an investment other than the Fund. Digital assets like Bitcoin, designed as mediums of exchange, are still an emerging asset class. They operate independently of any central authority or government backing and are subject to regulatory changes and extreme price volatility.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to BABO and TSMY)

    Currency Risk: Indirect exposure to foreign currencies subjects the Fund to the risk that currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the U.S. or abroad.

    Depositary Receipts Risk: The securities underlying BABO and TSMY are American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”). Investment in ADRs may be less liquid than the underlying shares in their primary trading market.

    Foreign Market and Trading Risk: The trading markets for many foreign securities are not as active as U.S. markets and may have less governmental regulation and oversight.

    Foreign Securities Risk: Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers involve certain risks that may not be present with investments in securities of U.S. issuers, such as risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations or to political or economic instability, as well as varying regulatory requirements applicable to investments in non-U.S. issuers. There may be less information publicly available about a non-U.S. issuer than a U.S. issuer. Non-U.S. issuers may also be subject to different regulatory, accounting, auditing, financial reporting and investor protection standards than U.S. issuers.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to GDXY)

    Risk of Investing in Foreign Securities. The Fund is exposed indirectly to the securities of foreign issuers selected by GDX®’s investment adviser, which subjects the Fund to the risks associated with such companies. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities.

    Risk of Investing in Gold and Silver Mining Companies. The Fund is exposed indirectly to gold and silver mining companies selected by GDX®’s investment adviser, which subjects the Fund to the risks associated with such companies.

    The Fund invests in options contracts based on the value of the VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX®), which subjects the Fund to some of the same risks as if it owned GDX®, as well as the risks associated with Canadian, Australian and Emerging Market Issuers, and Small-and Medium-Capitalization companies.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to YBIT)

    YBIT does not invest directly in Bitcoin or any other digital assets. YBIT does not invest directly in derivatives that track the performance of Bitcoin or any other digital assets. YBIT does not invest in or seek direct exposure to the current “spot” or cash price of Bitcoin. Investors seeking direct exposure to the price of Bitcoin should consider an investment other than YBIT.

    Bitcoin Investment Risk: The Fund’s indirect investment in Bitcoin, through holdings in one or more Underlying ETPs, exposes it to the unique risks of this emerging innovation. Bitcoin’s price is highly volatile, and its market is influenced by the changing Bitcoin network, fluctuating acceptance levels, and unpredictable usage trends.

    Digital Assets Risk: Digital assets like Bitcoin, designed as mediums of exchange, are still an emerging asset class. They operate independently of any central authority or government backing and are subject to regulatory changes and extreme price volatility. Potentially No 1940 Act Protections. As of the date of this Prospectus, there is only a single eligible Underlying ETP, and it is an investment company subject to the 1940 Act.

    Bitcoin ETP Risk: The Fund invests in options contracts that are based on the value of the Bitcoin ETP. This subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it owned shares of the Bitcoin ETP, even though it does not. Bitcoin ETPs are subject, but not limited, to significant risk and heightened volatility. An investor in a Bitcoin ETP may lose their entire investment. Bitcoin ETPs are not suitable for all investors. In addition, not all Bitcoin ETPs are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Those Bitcoin ETPs that are not registered under such statute are therefore not subject to the same regulations as exchange traded products that are so registered.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to the Short ETFs)

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

    Price Appreciation Risk. As part of the Fund’s synthetic covered put strategy, the Fund purchases and sells call and put option contracts that are based on the value of the underlying reference asset. This strategy subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it shorted the underlying reference asset, even though it does not. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the value of the underlying reference asset, the Fund is subject to the risk that the value of the underlying reference asset increases. If the value of the underlying reference asset increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses.

    Put Writing Strategy Risk. The path dependency (i.e., the continued use) of the Fund’s put writing (selling) strategy will impact the extent that the Fund participates in decreases in the value of the underlying reference asset and, in turn, the Fund’s returns, both during the term of the sold put options and over longer periods.

    Purchased OTM Call Options Risk. The Fund’s strategy is subject to potential losses if the underlying reference asset increases in value, which may not be offset by the purchase of out-of-the-money (OTM) call options. The Fund purchases OTM calls to seek to manage (cap) the Fund’s potential losses from the Fund’s short exposure to the underlying reference asset if it appreciates significantly in value. However, the OTM call options will cap the Fund’s losses only to the extent that the value of the underlying reference asset increases to a level that is at or above the strike level of the purchased OTM call options. Any increase in the value of the underlying reference asset to a level that is below the strike level of the purchased OTM call options will result in a corresponding loss for the Fund. For example, if the OTM call options have a strike level that is approximately 100% above the then-current value of the underlying reference asset at the time of the call option purchase, and the value of the underlying reference asset increases by at least 100% during the term of the purchased OTM call options, the Fund will lose all its value. Since the Fund bears the costs of purchasing the OTM calls, such costs will decrease the Fund’s value and/or any income otherwise generated by the Fund’s investment strategy.

    Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk by virtue of its investments in options contracts. Transactions in some types of derivatives, including options, are required to be centrally cleared (“cleared derivatives”). In a transaction involving cleared derivatives, the Fund’s counterparty is a clearing house rather than a bank or broker. Since the Fund is not a member of clearing houses and only members of a clearing house (“clearing members”) can participate directly in the clearing house, the Fund will hold cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members.

    Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, or funds (including ETFs), interest rates or indexes. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risk related to the market, imperfect correlation with underlying investments or the Fund’s other portfolio holdings, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions.

    Options Contracts. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying reference asset, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events.

    Distribution Risk. As part of the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund seeks to provide current income. There is no assurance that the Fund will make a distribution in any given period. If the Fund does make distributions, the amounts of such distributions will likely vary greatly from one distribution to the next.

    High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade all or a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings.

    Liquidity Risk. Some securities held by the Fund, including options contracts, may be difficult to sell or be illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil.

    Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund.

    New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

    Price Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of put option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will participate in decreases in value experienced by the underlying reference asset over the Put Period.

    Single Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause an investment in the Fund to be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment which diversifies risk or the market generally. The value of the Fund, for any Fund that focuses on an individual security (e.g., TSLA, COIN, NVDA, MSTR), may be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole.

    Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the present value of the Fund’s assets and distributions, if any, may decline.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to CHPY)

    Semiconductor Industry Risk. Semiconductor companies may face intense competition, both domestically and internationally, and such competition may have an adverse effect on their profit margins. Semiconductor companies may have limited product lines, markets, financial resources or personnel. Semiconductor companies’ supply chain and operations are dependent on the availability of materials that meet exacting standards and the use of third parties to provide components and services.

    The products of semiconductor companies may face obsolescence due to rapid technological developments and frequent new product introduction, unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel. Capital equipment expenditures could be substantial, and equipment generally suffers from rapid obsolescence. Companies in the semiconductor industry are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights. The loss or impairment of these rights would adversely affect the profitability of these companies.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to YQQQ)

    Index Overview. The Nasdaq 100 Index is a benchmark index that includes 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market, based on market capitalization.

    Index Level Appreciation Risk. As part of the Fund’s synthetic covered put strategy, the Fund purchases and sells call and put option contracts that are based on the Index level. This strategy subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it shorted the Index, even though it does not. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the Index level, the Fund is subject to the risk that the Index level increases. If the Index level increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses. The Fund may also be subject to the following risks: innovation and technological advancement; strong market presence of Index constituent companies; adaptability to global market trends; and resilience and recovery potential.

    Index Level Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of put option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will benefit from decreases in the Index level experienced over the Put Period. This means that if the Index level experiences a decrease in value below the strike level of the sold put options during a Put Period, the Fund will likely not experience that increase to the same extent and any Fund gains may significantly differ from the level of the Index losses over the Put Period. Additionally, because the Fund is limited in the degree to which it will participate in decreases in value experienced by the Index level over each Put Period, but has significant negative exposure to any increases in value experienced by the Index level over the Put Period, the NAV of the Fund may decrease over any given period. The Fund’s NAV is dependent on the value of each options portfolio, which is based principally upon the inverse of the performance of the Index level. The Fund’s ability to benefit from the Index level decreases will depend on prevailing market conditions, especially market volatility, at the time the Fund enters into the sold put option contracts and will vary from Put Period to Put Period. The value of the options contracts is affected by changes in the value and dividend rates of component companies that comprise the Index, changes in interest rates, changes in the actual or perceived volatility of the Index and the remaining time to the options’ expiration, as well as trading conditions in the options market. As the Index level changes and time moves towards the expiration of each Put Period, the value of the options contracts, and therefore the Fund’s NAV, will change. However, it is not expected for the Fund’s NAV to directly inversely correlate on a day-to-day basis with the returns of the Index level. The amount of time remaining until the options contract’s expiration date affects the impact that the value of the options contracts has on the Fund’s NAV, which may not be in full effect until the expiration date of the Fund’s options contracts. Therefore, while changes in the Index level will result in changes to the Fund’s NAV, the Fund generally anticipates that the rate of change in the Fund’s NAV will be different than the inverse of the changes experienced by the Index level.

    YieldMax® ETFs are distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC. Foreside is not affiliated with Tidal Financial Group, or YieldMax® ETFs.

    © 2025 YieldMax® ETFs

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Bitcoin Solaris Launches Mobile Mining App, Paving the Way for Mainstream Crypto Participation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TALLINN, Estonia, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitcoin Solaris (BTC-S), the next-generation cryptocurrency project redefining digital mining, has announced the upcoming Beta release of its groundbreaking Solaris Nova App—a mobile-first platform that makes earning crypto as simple as opening your phone.

    Designed to democratize access to mining and reward participation in real-time, the Solaris Nova App eliminates the barriers that have traditionally kept everyday users out of the crypto mining space. No specialized hardware. No steep learning curve. Just one tap to start earning BTC-S directly on your device.

    The Future of Mining Lives in Your Pocket

    Bitcoin Solaris introduces mobile-first mining through its upcoming Solaris Nova App—a breakthrough designed to democratize crypto rewards. No need for expensive ASICs or technical know-how. Just open the app, activate one-click mining, and watch as your device earns in real-time.

    Highlights of the mining experience:

    • Cross-device compatibility: Whether you’re using a laptop, smartphone, or desktop, you can mine BTC-S effectively.
    • Ultra-low energy usage: Consuming 99.95% less energy than Bitcoin, it’s environmentally sustainable.
    • Adaptive algorithms: Mining is optimized based on device capability, ensuring everyone earns fairly.
    • Real-time wallet rewards: Instead of waiting for blocks to confirm, your rewards are credited immediately.
    • Gamified experience: Leaderboards, achievements, and in-app tutorials make it engaging for new users and veterans alike.

    All of this is wrapped in top-tier security—biometric logins, end-to-end encryption, and remote wipe capabilities ensure your mining and wallet remain secure at all times.

    Crypto Mining Just Got Simpler, Smarter, and Mobile—Join BTC-S

    This mobile mining solution is designed not only for crypto veterans but also for newcomers seeking a seamless, secure way to participate in blockchain ecosystems.

    A Timely Opportunity: BTC-S Presale Nears Final Phase

    With the full app release set to coincide with the final stages of the BTC-S presale, momentum around Bitcoin Solaris is growing rapidly. Over 11,000 users have joined, and more than $1.8 million has already been raised.

    Current Presale Details:

    • Price: $6
    • Next Phase: $7
    • Launch Price: $20
    • Bonus: 10%

    The presale closes in approximately eight weeks, giving new users a limited-time opportunity to secure early access and benefit from potential upside.

    A Growing Network of Audited Trust

    Security and transparency are non-negotiables in today’s crypto landscape. Bitcoin Solaris has passed audits by both Cyberscope and Freshcoins, and the project’s KYC is fully verified, making it one of the most trusted new tokens on the scene.

    And with active community growth on Telegram and X, momentum isn’t slowing—it’s building.

    Influencers Are Noticing

    Prominent crypto voices are beginning to weigh in. In a recent review, Crypto Nitro highlighted the unmatched energy efficiency, real-world mining utility, and rapid scalability of Bitcoin Solaris as reasons why he believes this project “won’t just compete—it will lead.”

    Get Started

    With the imminent launch of the Solaris Nova App, Bitcoin Solaris is making it easier than ever to enter the world of crypto. Whether you’re new to the space or looking for a smarter way to earn, BTC-S offers a powerful entry point.

    For more information:
    Website: https://www.bitcoinsolaris.com/
    Telegram: https://t.me/Bitcoinsolaris
    X (Twitter): https://x.com/BitcoinSolaris

    Media Contact
    Xander Levine
    press@bitcoinsolaris.com
    Press Kit: Available upon request

    Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by Bitcoin Solaris. 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. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. 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. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. 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. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ab9efa35-741a-4d72-a940-60cf0f039ad2

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/59365ece-1d0b-4322-9586-19e1b133e39d

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/15fe682b-2fd6-4da6-8a1a-7bbbdea7871c

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b1e3816f-2819-488b-ab59-f66854ac59fd

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-Evening Report: Punishment for Te Pāti Māori over Treaty haka stands – but MPs ‘will not be silenced’

    RNZ News

    Aotearoa New Zealand’s Parliament has confirmed the unprecedented punishments proposed for opposition indigenous Te Pāti Māori MPs who performed a haka in protest against the Treaty Principles Bill.

    Te Pāti Māori co-leaders Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Rawiri Waititi will be suspended for 21 days, and MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke suspended for seven days, taking effect immediately.

    Opposition parties tried to reject the recommendation, but did not have the numbers to vote it down.

    Te Pati Maori MPs speak after being suspended.  Video: RNZ/Mark Papalii

    The heated debate to consider the proposed punishment came to an end just before Parliament was due to rise.

    Waititi moved to close the debate and no party disagreed, ending the possibility of it carrying on in the next sitting week.

    Leader of the House Chris Bishop — the only National MP who spoke — kicked off the debate earlier in the afternoon saying it was “regrettable” some MPs did not vote on the Budget two weeks ago.

    Bishop had called a vote ahead of Budget Day to suspend the privileges report debate to ensure the Te Pāti Māori MPs could take part in the Budget, but not all of them turned up.

    Robust, rowdy debate
    The debate was robust and rowdy with both the deputy speaker Barbara Kuriger and temporary speaker Tangi Utikare repeatedly having to ask MPs to quieten down.

    Flashback: Te Pāti Māori MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipa-Clarke led a haka in Parliament and tore up a copy of the Treaty Principles Bill at the first reading on 14 November 2024 . . . . a haka is traditionally used as an indigenous show of challenge, support or sorrow. Image: RNZ/Samuel Rillstone/APR screenshot

    Tākuta Ferris spoke first for Te Pāti Māori, saying the haka was a “signal of humanity” and a “raw human connection”.

    He said Māori had faced acts of violence for too long and would not be silenced by “ignorance or bigotry”.

    “Is this really us in 2025, Aotearoa New Zealand?” he asked the House.

    “Everyone can see the racism.”

    He said the Privileges Committee’s recommendations were not without precedent, noting the fact Labour MP Peeni Henare, who also participated in the haka, did not face suspension.

    MP Tākuta Ferris spoke for Te Pāti Māori. Image: RNZ/Samuel Rillstone

    Henare attended the committee and apologised, which contributed to his lesser sanction.

    ‘Finger gun’ gesture
    MP Parmjeet Parmar — a member of the Committee — was first to speak on behalf of ACT, and referenced the hand gesture — or “finger gun” — that Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer made in the direction of ACT MPs during the haka.

    Parmar told the House debate could be used to disagree on ideas and issues, and there was not a place for intimidating physical gestures.

    Greens co-leader Marama Davidson said New Zealand’s Parliament could lead the world in terms of involving the indigenous people.

    She said the Green Party strongly rejected the committee’s recommendations and proposed their amendment of removing suspensions, and asked the Te Pāti Māori MPs be censured instead.

    Davidson said the House had evolved in the past — such as the inclusion of sign language and breast-feeding in the House.

    She said the Greens were challenging the rules, and did not need an apology from Te Pāti Māori.

    Foreign Minister and NZ First party leader Winston Peters called Te Pāti Māori “a bunch of extremists”. Image: RNZ/Samuel Rillstone

    NZ First leader Winston Peters said Te Pāti Māori and the Green Party speeches so far showed “no sincerity, saying countless haka had taken place in Parliament but only after first consulting the Speaker.

    “They told the media they were going to do it, but they didn’t tell the Speaker did they?

    ‘Bunch of extremists’
    “The Māori party are a bunch of extremists,” Peters said, “New Zealand has had enough of them”.

    Peters was made to apologise after taking aim at Waititi, calling him “the one in the cowboy hat” with “scribbles on his face” [in reference to his traditional indigenous moko — tatoo]. He continued afterward, describing Waititi as possessing “anti-Western values”.

    Labour’s Willie Jackson congratulated Te Pāti Māori for the “greatest exhibition of our culture in the House in my lifetime”.

    Jackson said the Treaty bill was a great threat, and was met by a great haka performance. He was glad the ACT Party was intimidated, saying that was the whole point of doing the haka.

    He also called for a bit of compromise from Te Pāti Māori — encouraging them to say sorry — but reiterated Labour’s view the sanctions were out of proportion with past indiscretions in the House.

    Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick said the prime minister was personally responsible if the proposed sanctions went ahead. Image: RNZ/Samuel Rillstone

    Greens co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick said the debate “would be a joke if it wasn’t so serious”.

    “Get an absolute grip,” she said to the House, arguing the prime minister “is personally responsible” if the House proceeds with the committee’s proposed sanctions.

    Eye of the beholder
    She accused National’s James Meager of “pointing a finger gun” at her — the same gesture coalition MPs had criticised Ngarewa-Packer for during her haka. The Speaker accepted he had not intended to; Swarbrick said it was an example where the interpretation could be in the eye of the beholder.

    She said if the government could “pick a punishment out of thin air” that was “not a democracy”, putting New Zealand in very dangerous territory.

    An emotional Maipi-Clarke said she had been silent on the issue for a long time, the party’s voices in haka having sent shockwaves around the world. She questioned whether that was why the MPs were being punished.

    “Since when did being proud of your culture make you racist?”

    “We will never be silenced, and we will never be lost,” she said, calling the Treaty Principles bill a “dishonourable vote”.

    She had apologised to the Speaker and accepted the consequence laid down on the day, but refused to apologise. She listed other incidents in Parliament that resulted in no punishment.

    NZ Parliament TV: Te Pāti Māori Privileges committee debate.  Video: RNZ

    Maipi-Clarke called for the Treaty of Waitangi to be recognised in the Constitution Act, and for MPs to be required to honour it by law.

    ‘Clear pathway forward’
    “The pathway forward has never been so clear,” she said.

    ACT’s Nicole McKee said there were excuses being made for “bad behaviour”, that the House was for making laws and having discussions, and “this is not about the haka, this is about process”.

    She told the House she had heard no good ideas from the Te Pāti Māori, who she said resorted to intimidation when they did not get their way, but the MPs needed to “grow up” and learn to debate issues. She hoped 21 days would give them plenty of time to think about their behaviour.

    Labour MP and former Speaker Adrian Rurawhe started by saying there were “no winners in this debate”, and it was clear to him it was the government, not the Parliament, handing out the punishments.

    He said the proposed sanctions set a precedent for future penalties, and governments might use it as a way to punish opposition, imploring National to think twice.

    He also said an apology from Te Pāti Māori would “go a long way”, saying they had a “huge opportunity” to have a legacy in the House, but it was their choice — and while many would agree with the party there were rules and “you can’t have it both ways”.

    Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi speaking to the media after the Privileges Committee debate. Image: RNZ/Mark Papalii

    Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi said there had been many instances of misinterpretations of the haka in the House and said it was unclear why they were being punished, “is it about the haka . . . is about the gun gestures?”

    “Not one committee member has explained to us where 21 days came from,” he said.

    Hat and ‘scribbles’ response
    Waititi took aim at Peters over his comments targeting his hat and “scribbles” on his face.

    He said the haka was an elevation of indigenous voice and the proposed punishment was a “warning shot from the colonial state that cannot stomach” defiance.

    Waititi said that throughout history when Māori did not play ball, the “coloniser government” reached for extreme sanctions, ending with a plea to voters: “Make this a one-term government, enrol, vote”.

    He brought out a noose to represent Māori wrongfully put to death in the past, saying “interpretation is a feeling, it is not a fact . . .  you’ve traded a noose for legislation”.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai welcomes President Bernardo Arévalo of Republic of Guatemala with military honors  

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Details
    2025-06-03
    President Lai confers decoration on President Hilda C. Heine of Republic of the Marshall Islands, hosts state banquet  
    At noon on June 3, President Lai Ching-te, accompanied by Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, conferred a decoration upon President Hilda C. Heine of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and hosted a state banquet for President Heine and her husband at the Presidential Office. In remarks, President Lai thanked President Heine for her commitment to deepening the diplomatic partnership between our nations and speaking up for Taiwan in the international arena. He also expressed hope for Taiwan and the Marshall Islands to work together to address various challenges through an even greater diversity of exchanges, and that together, we can contribute even more to peace, stability, and development throughout the Pacific region. At the decoration ceremony, President Lai personally conferred the Order of Brilliant Jade with Grand Cordon on President Heine before delivering remarks, a translation of which follows:  The Marshall Islands was the first Pacific ally that I visited after taking office as president. When I arrived there, I was immediately drawn to its beautiful scenery. And I received a very warm welcome from the local people. This gesture showed the profound friendship between our two nations. I was truly touched. I also remember trying your nation’s special Bob Whisky for the first time. The flavor was as unique and impressive as the landscape of the Marshall Islands.  In addition to welcoming our distinguished guests today, we also presented President Heine with the Order of Brilliant Jade with Grand Cordon. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I want to thank President Heine for her commitment to deepening the diplomatic partnership between our nations, and for staunchly speaking up for Taiwan in the international arena. Both I and the people of Taiwan are profoundly grateful to President Heine for her friendship and support. Over the past few years, cooperation between Taiwan and the Marshall Islands has grown ever closer. And this visit by our distinguished guests will allow our two countries to further expand areas of bilateral exchange. I have always believed that only through mutual assistance and trust can two countries build a longstanding and steadfast partnership. I once again convey my sincere aspiration that Taiwan and the Marshall Islands work together to address various challenges through an even greater diversity of exchanges. Together, we can contribute even more to peace, stability, and development throughout the Pacific region. In closing, I want to thank President Heine and First Gentleman Thomas Kijiner, Jr. for leading this delegation to Taiwan, which deepens the foundations of our bilateral relationship. May our two nations enjoy a long and enduring friendship. President Heine then delivered remarks, stating that she felt especially privileged to receive the Order of Brilliant Jade with Grand Cordon of the Republic of China (Taiwan), and humbly accepted the honor with the utmost gratitude, humility, and deep responsibility. This is a deep responsibility, she said, because she understands that since its inception in 1933, this order has been bestowed upon a select few. She then thanked President Lai for this great honor. President Heine stated that the banquet was not just a celebration of our bilateral friendship, but a true reflection of the generosity of the Taiwan spirit and a testament to the enduring ties between our nations, founded on shared values and aspirations, including a respect for the rule of law, the preservation of human dignity, and a deep commitment to democracy. President Heine stated that the Taiwan-Marshall Islands partnership continues to evolve through practical cooperation and mutual support. In recent years, she said, our countries have worked hand in hand across a range of vital sectors, including the recent opening of the Majuro Hospital AI and Telehealth Center and the ongoing and successful Taiwan Health Center, various technical training and scholarship programs, and various climate change adaptation projects in renewable energy, coastal resilience, and sustainable agriculture.   President Heine emphasized that the Marshall Islands continues to be a proud and vocal supporter of Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the United Nations system and other international organizations. Taiwan’s exclusion from these platforms, she said, is not only unjust, but is bad for the world, and the global community needs Taiwan’s voice and expertise.  President Heine also expressed sincere appreciation to all of the Taiwanese friends who have contributed their efforts to deepening bilateral relations, including government officials, healthcare workers, teachers, engineers, and volunteers. The people of the Marshall Islands, she said, deeply appreciate and value everyone’s efforts and service. President Heine said that as we celebrate our partnership, let us look to the future with hope and determination, continue to work together, learn from one another, and support one another to champion a world where all nations can chart their own course based on peace and international law. Also attending the state banquet were Marshall Islands Council of Iroij Chairman Lanny Kabua, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Kalani R. Kaneko, Minister of Finance David Paul, Nitijela Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade Chairperson Joe Bejang, and Charge d’Affaires a.i. Anjanette Davis-Anjel of the Embassy of the Republic of the Marshall Islands.  

    Details
    2025-06-03
    President Lai and President Hilda C. Heine of Marshall Islands hold bilateral talks and witness signing of agreements
    On the morning of June 3, President Lai Ching-te, accompanied by Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, held bilateral talks with President Hilda C. Heine of the Republic of the Marshall Islands at the Presidential Office following a welcome ceremony with military honors for her and her husband. The leaders also jointly witnessed the signing of a letter of intent for sports exchanges and a memorandum of understanding regarding the Presidents’ Scholarship Fund. President Lai then presided over a launch ceremony for a loan program to purchase aircraft. In remarks, President Lai thanked the government and the Nitijela (parliament) of the Marshall Islands for their longstanding support for Taiwan’s international participation and for voicing staunch support for Taiwan at numerous international venues. President Lai said that Taiwan looks forward to continuing to deepen its diplomatic partnership with the Marshall Islands and build an even closer cooperative relationship across a range of fields, engaging in mutual assistance for mutual benefits and helping each other achieve joint and prosperous development to yield even greater well-being for our peoples. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I once again warmly welcome President Heine, First Gentleman Thomas Kijiner, Jr., and our guests to Taiwan. During my visit to the Marshall Islands last year, I said that Taiwan and the Marshall Islands are truly a family. When Vice President Hsiao and I took office last year, President Heine led a delegation to Taiwan. It is now one year since our inauguration, and I am delighted to see President Heine once again, just as if I were seeing family arrive from afar. Through my visit to the Marshall Islands, I gained a profound sense of the friendship between the peoples of our two nations, well-demonstrated by bilateral exchanges in such areas as healthcare, agriculture, and education. And it is thanks to President Heine’s longstanding support for Taiwan that our countries have been able to further advance collaboration on even more issues, including women’s empowerment and climate change. In recent years, the geopolitical and economic landscape has changed rapidly. We look forward to Taiwan and the Marshall Islands continuing to deepen our partnership and build an even closer cooperative relationship. In just a few moments, President Heine and I will witness the signing of several documents, including a memorandum of understanding and a letter of intent, to expand bilateral cooperation in such fields as sports, education, and transportation. Taiwan will take concrete action to work with the Marshall Islands and advance mutual prosperity and development, writing a new chapter in our diplomatic partnership. I would also like to take this opportunity to express gratitude to the government and Nitijela of the Marshall Islands. In recent years, the Nitijela has passed annual resolutions backing Taiwan’s international participation, and President Heine and Marshallese cabinet members have been some of the strongest advocates for Taiwan’s international participation, voicing staunch support for Taiwan at numerous international venues. Building on the pillars of democracy, peace, and prosperity, Taiwan will continue to work with the Marshall Islands and other like-minded countries to deepen our partnerships, engage in mutual assistance for mutual benefits, and help one another achieve joint and prosperous development. I have every confidence that the combined efforts of our two nations will yield even greater well-being for our peoples and see us make even more contributions to the world. President Heine then delivered remarks, and began by conveying warm greetings of iokwe from the people and government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands to the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan). She said she was deeply honored to be in Taiwan for an official visit, and extended appreciation to President Lai and his government for their gracious invitation and warm welcome. President Heine stated that this year marks 27 years of diplomatic ties between our two nations, and that they are proud of this enduring friendship. This special and enduring relationship, she said, is grounded in our shared Austronesian heritage, and strengthened by mutual respect for each other’s democratic systems and our steadfast commitment to the core values of freedom, justice, and the rule of law. President Heine stated that Taiwan’s continued support has been invaluable to the people and national development of the Marshall Islands, particularly in the areas of health, education, agriculture, and climate change. She also expressed deep appreciation to Taiwan for providing Marshallese students with opportunities to study in Taiwan, and for the care extended to Marshallese who travel here for medical treatment. President Heine also announced that she would be presenting a copy of a resolution by the people and government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands reiterating their appreciation for the support provided by the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), and calling on the United Nations to take immediate action to resolve the inappropriate exclusion of Taiwan’s 23 million people from the UN system. She added that she looked forward to the bilateral discussions later that day, and to continuing the important work that both countries carry out together. After the bilateral talks, President Lai and President Heine witnessed the signing of a letter of intent regarding sports exchanges and a memorandum of understanding regarding the Presidents’ Scholarship Fund by Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) and Marshallese Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Kalani R. Kaneko. President Lai then presided over a launch ceremony for a loan program to purchase aircraft, marking the formal beginning of Taiwan-Marshall Islands air transport cooperation. The visiting delegation also included Council of Iroij Chairman Lanny Kabua, Minister of Finance David Paul, and Nitijela Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade Chair Joe Bejang. They were accompanied to the Presidential Office by Charge d’Affaires a.i. Anjanette Davis-Anjel of the Embassy of the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

    Details
    2025-06-03
    President Lai welcomes President Hilda C. Heine of Republic of the Marshall Islands with military honors  
    President Lai Ching-te welcomed President Hilda C. Heine of the Republic of the Marshall Islands and her husband on the morning of June 3 with full military honors. In remarks, President Lai thanked President Heine and the people and government of the Marshall Islands for demonstrating such high regard for our nations’ diplomatic ties. The president said that over our 27 years of diplomatic relations, our cooperation in healthcare, agriculture, fisheries, education and training, and climate change has yielded many positive results. And moving ahead, he said, Taiwan will continue to deepen collaboration across all domains for mutual prosperity and growth. The welcome ceremony began at 10:30 a.m. in the plaza fronting the Presidential Office. President Lai and President Heine each delivered remarks after a 21-gun salute, the playing of the two countries’ national anthems, and a review of the military honor guard. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: On behalf of the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), it is a great pleasure to welcome President Heine, First Gentleman Thomas Kijiner, Jr., and their delegation with full military honors as they make this state visit to Taiwan. When I traveled to the Marshall Islands on a state visit last December, I was received with great warmth and courtesy. I once again thank President Heine and the people and government of the Marshall Islands for demonstrating such high regard for our nations’ diplomatic ties. Taiwan and the Marshall Islands share Austronesian cultural traditions, and we are like-minded friends. Throughout our 27 years of diplomatic relations, we have always engaged with each other in a spirit of reciprocal trust and mutual assistance. Our cooperation in healthcare, agriculture, fisheries, education and training, and climate change has yielded many positive results. This is President Heine’s first state visit to Taiwan since taking office for a second time. We look forward to engaging our esteemed guests in in-depth discussions on issues of common concern. And moving ahead, Taiwan will continue to deepen collaboration with the Marshall Islands across all domains for mutual prosperity and growth. In closing, I thank President Heine, First Gentleman Kijiner, and their entire delegation for visiting Taiwan. I wish you all a pleasant and successful trip.  A transcript of President Heine’s remarks follows: Your Excellency President Lai Ching-te, Vice President [Bi-khim] Hsiao, honorable members of the cabinet, ambassadors, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen: It is my pleasure to extend warm greetings of iokwe on behalf of the people and the government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. I wish to also convey my appreciation to Your Excellency President Lai, for the hospitality and very warm welcome – kommol tata. This visit marks my seventh official state visit to this beautiful country. It’s a testament to my strong commitment to further deepening ties between the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of China (Taiwan). During this visit, I look forward to engaging in meaningful discussions with Your Excellency President Lai to further strengthen the bilateral relationship between our two nations and our peoples.  For over a quarter-century, Taiwan has been a strong ally and friend to the Marshall Islands. Our partnership has thrived across many sectors, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development. Through Taiwan’s generous support and collaboration, we have made significant progress in improving the lives of our people, empowering our communities, and fostering sustainable growth. The Marshall Islands deeply values our partnership with Taiwan and appreciates Taiwan’s support over the years. Despite our small size and limited voice on the global stage, the Marshall Islands deeply cherishes our friendship with Taiwan, and to that end, I wish to reaffirm my government’s commitment to Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the United Nations system. Taiwan has consistently demonstrated its commitment to the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. In light of current constraints in global affairs, it is now more urgent than ever that the international community of nations recognize the fundamental rights of the 23 million Taiwanese people and recognize Taiwan’s aspiration to engage fully in global affairs. It is with this in mind that I wish to reiterate to Your Excellency President Lai, the Taiwanese people, and the world that under my government, Marshall Islands will continue to acknowledge Taiwan’s contribution on the global stage and urge like-minded countries to advocate for Taiwan’s meaningful engagement in the international arena. In closing, may I once again extend our sincere appreciation to Your Excellency President Lai, the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), for your warm welcome.  Also in attendance at the welcome ceremony were Charge d’Affaires a.i. Anjanette Davis-Anjel of the Embassy of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Ambassador Andrea Clare Bowman, and members of the foreign diplomatic corps in Taiwan.  

    Details
    2025-05-29
    President Lai attends 2025 Europe Day Dinner
    On the evening of May 29, President Lai Ching-te attended the 2025 Europe Day Dinner. In remarks, President Lai stated that Taiwan looks forward to further establishing institutionalized mechanisms with Europe for our trade and investment ties and hopes to take an innovative and diverse approach to sign an economic partnership agreement with the European Union, to provide a more transparent, stable, and predictable business environment for our enterprises. The president said that Taiwan will actively work alongside other democracies, including those in Europe, to jointly build resilient, promising non-red supply chains, and noted that Taiwan and Europe have endless potential for collaboration, whether it is in safeguarding freedom and democracy or advancing our economic and trade relationship. He expressed hope to further strengthen our partnership and work together toward global peace, stability, and prosperity. A transcript of President Lai’s remarks follows: Chairman [Henry] Chang (張瀚書), thank you for the invitation, and congratulations on your second term. I’m confident that under your leadership, the ECCT [European Chamber of Commerce Taiwan] will build even more bridges for cooperation between Taiwan and Europe. I would also like to thank EETO [European Economic and Trade Office] Head [Lutz] Güllner and all the European country representatives stationed in Taiwan. Your hard work over the years has helped deepen Taiwan-Europe relations and brought about such fruitful cooperation. Thank you. This year we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration. In 1950, then-French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman proposed to create a European federation dedicated to preserving peace. The declaration symbolized a new flowering in the post-war era of democracy, unity, and cooperation. As we face the geopolitical challenges and drastic economic changes of today’s world, the Schuman Declaration still speaks to us profoundly. This year is also the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe. Moving forward, Taiwan will continue to advance cooperation with our democratic partners, and will join hands with Europe to build a partnership of even greater resilience and mutual trust. Europe is Taiwan’s third largest trading partner. It is also Taiwan’s largest source of foreign direct investment. Last year, bilateral trade between Taiwan and Europe totaled US$84.7 billion. This demonstrates our vibrant economic and trade ties and reflects the high levels of confidence our businesses have in each other’s markets and systems. We look forward to Taiwan and Europe further establishing institutionalized mechanisms for our trade and investment ties. And we hope to take an innovative and diverse approach to sign an economic partnership agreement with the EU, to provide a more transparent, stable, and predictable business environment for our enterprises. Today’s Taiwan has an internationally recognized democracy and a semiconductor industry vital to global security and prosperity. This enables us to play a key role in restructuring global democratic supply chains and the economic order. In particular, we see supply chains dominated by a new authoritarian bloc expanding their influence through non-market mechanisms, price subsidies, and monopolies on resources, as they seek global control of critical technologies and manufacturing capabilities. Their actions not only distort principles of market fairness, but also threaten the international community’s basic expectations for democracy, the rule of law, and corporate responsibility. In response, Taiwan will actively work alongside other democracies, including those in Europe, to jointly build resilient, promising non-red supply chains. We will also introduce an initiative on semiconductor supply chain partnerships for global democracies. This is more than a proposal for economic cooperation; it is an alliance of shared values and advanced technology. Security in the Taiwan Strait and regional peace and stability have always been issues of mutual interest for Taiwan and Europe. So here today, on behalf of all the people of Taiwan, I would like to thank the EU and European nations for continuing to take concrete actions in public support of peace and stability across the strait. Such actions are vital to regional security and prosperity. Taiwan will continue to bolster itself to achieve real peace through strength, and will work with democratic partners to safeguard freedom and democracy, thereby showing our determination for regional peace. At this critical time, Taiwan and Europe have endless potential for collaboration, whether it’s in safeguarding freedom and democracy or advancing our economic and trade relationship. I look forward to our joining hands at this strategic juncture to further strengthen our partnership and work together toward global peace, stability, and prosperity. Also in attendance at the event was British Office Taipei Representative Ruth Bradley-Jones.

    Details
    2025-05-28
    President Lai meets US delegation led by Senator Tammy Duckworth
    On the afternoon of May 28, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by United States Senator Tammy Duckworth. In remarks, President Lai thanked the US Congress and government for their longstanding and bipartisan support for Taiwan. The president stated that Taiwan will continue to strengthen cooperation with the US and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability. He pointed out that the Taiwan government has already proposed a roadmap for deepening Taiwan-US trade ties and will encourage mutual investment between Taiwanese and US businesses. He then expressed hope of deepening Taiwan-US ties and creating more niches for both sides. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I warmly welcome this delegation led by Senator Duckworth, a dear friend of Taiwan. Senator Duckworth previously visited in May last year to convey congratulations after the inauguration of myself and Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao. Your bipartisan delegation was the first group from the US Senate that I met with as president. Today, you are visiting just after the first anniversary of my taking office, demonstrating the staunch support of the US and our deep friendship. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend my sincere appreciation and greetings. And I invite you to come back and visit next year, the year after that, and every year. Taiwan and the US share the values of democracy and the rule of law and believe in free and open markets. Both sides embrace a common goal of peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. I thank the US Congress and government for their longstanding, bipartisan, and steadfast support for Taiwan. In 2021, to help Taiwan overcome the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Senator Duckworth made a special trip here to announce that the US government would be donating vaccines to Taiwan. In recent years, Senator Duckworth has also promoted the TAIWAN Security Act, STAND with Taiwan Act, and Taiwan and America Space Assistance Act in the US Congress, all of which have further deepened Taiwan-US cooperation and steadily advanced our ties. For this, I express my deepest appreciation. I want to emphasize that the people of Taiwan have an unyielding determination to protect their homeland and free and democratic way of life. Over the past year, the government and private sector have been working together to enhance Taiwan’s whole-of-society defense resilience. The government is committed to reforming national defense, and it has proposed prioritizing special budget allocations to ensure that our defense budget exceeds three percent of GDP. This will continue to bolster Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities. Moving forward, Taiwan will continue to strengthen cooperation with the US. In addition to jointly safeguarding regional peace and stability, we also aspire to deepen bilateral trade and economic ties. At the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington, DC, earlier this month, Taiwan’s delegation was once again the biggest delegation attending the event – proof positive of our close economic and trade cooperation. We have already proposed a roadmap for deepening Taiwan-US trade ties. We will narrow the trade imbalance through the procurement of energy and agricultural and other industrial products from the US. We will encourage mutual investment between Taiwanese and US businesses to stimulate industrial development on both sides, especially in such industries as national defense and shipbuilding. We therefore look forward to Congress passing the US-Taiwan Expedited Double-Tax Relief Act as soon as possible, as this would deepen Taiwan-US trade ties and create more niches for business. In closing, I once again thank Senator Duckworth for making the trip to Taiwan. Let us continue to work together to elevate Taiwan-US ties. I wish you a pleasant and successful visit. Senator Duckworth then delivered remarks, saying that she is happy to be back in Taiwan and that she wanted to make sure to come back just after President Lai’s one-year anniversary of taking office to show the dedication and the outstanding friendship that we have. She noted that because no matter who is in the White House, no matter which political party is in power in Washington, DC, she has always believed that if America wants to remain a leader on the global stage, it has to show up for friends like Taiwan.  Senator Duckworth mentioned that in the years that she has been coming to Taiwan since pre-COVID times, she has seen a remarkable increase in participation in its defense and the support of the Taiwanese people for defending the homeland. She then thanked Taiwan for making the commitment to its self-defense, and also for being a partner with other nations around the world.  The STAND with Taiwan Act, the senator noted, is so named because the US wants to stand side by side with Taiwan. Pointing out that Taiwan is an important leader in the Indo-Pacific and on the global stage, she reiterated that there is support on both sides of the aisle in Washington for Taiwanese democracy, and added that the people of Taiwan are showing that they are willing to shore up their own readiness. Senator Duckworth said that whether it is delivering vaccines to Taiwan or making sure that the US National Guard works with Taiwan’s reserve forces or even with its civilian emergency response teams, these are all important components to the ongoing partnership between our nations.  Senator Duckworth indicated that there are many great opportunities moving forward beyond our military cooperation with one another. Whether it is in chip manufacturing, agricultural investments, shipbuilding, or in the healthcare field, those investments in both nations will facilitate stability and development in both our nations. She said that is why she wants to continue the Taiwan-US relationship, underlining that they are in it for the long haul. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by American Institute in Taiwan Taipei Office Director Raymond Greene.

    Details
    2025-05-20
    President Lai interviewed by Nippon Television and Yomiuri TV
    In a recent interview on Nippon Television’s news zero program, President Lai Ching-te responded to questions from host Mr. Sakurai Sho and Yomiuri TV Shanghai Bureau Chief Watanabe Masayo on topics including reflections on his first year in office, cross-strait relations, China’s military threats, Taiwan-United States relations, and Taiwan-Japan relations. The interview was broadcast on the evening of May 19. During the interview, President Lai stated that China intends to change the world’s rules-based international order, and that if Taiwan were invaded, global supply chains would be disrupted. Therefore, he said, Taiwan will strengthen its national defense, prevent war by preparing for war, and achieve the goal of peace. The president also noted that Taiwan’s purpose for developing drones is based on national security and industrial needs, and that Taiwan hopes to collaborate with Japan. He then reiterated that China’s threats are an international problem, and expressed hope to work together with the US, Japan, and others in the global democratic community to prevent China from starting a war. Following is the text of the questions and the president’s responses: Q: How do you feel as you are about to round out your first year in office? President Lai: When I was young, I was determined to practice medicine and save lives. When I left medicine to go into politics, I was determined to transform Taiwan. And when I was sworn in as president on May 20 last year, I was determined to strengthen the nation. Time flies, and it has already been a year. Although the process has been very challenging, I am deeply honored to be a part of it. I am also profoundly grateful to our citizens for allowing me the opportunity to give back to our country. The future will certainly be full of more challenges, but I will do everything I can to unite the people and continue strengthening the nation. That is how I am feeling now. Q: We are now coming up on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, and over this period, we have often heard that conflict between Taiwan and the mainland is imminent. Do you personally believe that a cross-strait conflict could happen? President Lai: The international community is very much aware that China intends to replace the US and change the world’s rules-based international order, and annexing Taiwan is just the first step. So, as China’s military power grows stronger, some members of the international community are naturally on edge about whether a cross-strait conflict will break out. The international community must certainly do everything in its power to avoid a conflict in the Taiwan Strait; there is too great a cost. Besides causing direct disasters to both Taiwan and China, the impact on the global economy would be even greater, with estimated losses of US$10 trillion from war alone – that is roughly 10 percent of the global GDP. Additionally, 20 percent of global shipping passes through the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, so if a conflict breaks out in the strait, other countries including Japan and Korea would suffer a grave impact. For Japan and Korea, a quarter of external transit passes through the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, and a third of the various energy resources and minerals shipped back from other countries pass through said areas. If Taiwan were invaded, global supply chains would be disrupted, and therefore conflict in the Taiwan Strait must be avoided. Such a conflict is indeed avoidable. I am very thankful to Prime Minister of Japan Ishiba Shigeru and former Prime Ministers Abe Shinzo, Suga Yoshihide, and Kishida Fumio, as well as US President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden, and the other G7 leaders, for continuing to emphasize at international venues that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are essential components for global security and prosperity. When everyone in the global democratic community works together, stacking up enough strength to make China’s objectives unattainable or to make the cost of invading Taiwan too high for it to bear, a conflict in the strait can naturally be avoided. Q: As you said, President Lai, maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is also very important for other countries. How can war be avoided? What sort of countermeasures is Taiwan prepared to take to prevent war? President Lai: As Mr. Sakurai mentioned earlier, we are coming up on the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII. There are many lessons we can take from that war. First is that peace is priceless, and war has no winners. From the tragedies of WWII, there are lessons that humanity should learn. We must pursue peace, and not start wars blindly, as that would be a major disaster for humanity. In other words, we must be determined to safeguard peace. The second lesson is that we cannot be complacent toward authoritarian powers. If you give them an inch, they will take a mile. They will keep growing, and eventually, not only will peace be unattainable, but war will be inevitable. The third lesson is why WWII ended: It ended because different groups joined together in solidarity. Taiwan, Japan, and the Indo-Pacific region are all directly subjected to China’s threats, so we hope to be able to join together in cooperation. This is why we proposed the Four Pillars of Peace action plan. First, we will strengthen our national defense. Second, we will strengthen economic resilience. Third is standing shoulder to shoulder with the democratic community to demonstrate the strength of deterrence. Fourth is that as long as China treats Taiwan with parity and dignity, Taiwan is willing to conduct exchanges and cooperate with China, and seek peace and mutual prosperity. These four pillars can help us avoid war and achieve peace. That is to say, Taiwan hopes to achieve peace through strength, prevent war by preparing for war, keeping war from happening and pursuing the goal of peace. Q: Regarding drones, everyone knows that recently, Taiwan has been actively researching, developing, and introducing drones. Why do you need to actively research, develop, and introduce new drones at this time? President Lai: This is for two purposes. The first is to meet national security needs. The second is to meet industrial development needs. Because Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines are all part of the first island chain, and we are all democratic nations, we cannot be like an authoritarian country like China, which has an unlimited national defense budget. In this kind of situation, island nations such as Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines should leverage their own technologies to develop national defense methods that are asymmetric and utilize unmanned vehicles. In particular, from the Russo-Ukrainian War, we see that Ukraine has successfully utilized unmanned vehicles to protect itself and prevent Russia from unlimited invasion. In other words, the Russo-Ukrainian War has already proven the importance of drones. Therefore, the first purpose of developing drones is based on national security needs. Second, the world has already entered the era of smart technology. Whether generative, agentic, or physical, AI will continue to develop. In the future, cars and ships will also evolve into unmanned vehicles and unmanned boats, and there will be unmanned factories. Drones will even be able to assist with postal deliveries, or services like Uber, Uber Eats, and foodpanda, or agricultural irrigation and pesticide spraying. Therefore, in the future era of comprehensive smart technology, developing unmanned vehicles is a necessity. Taiwan, based on industrial needs, is actively planning the development of drones and unmanned vehicles. I would like to take this opportunity to express Taiwan’s hope to collaborate with Japan in the unmanned vehicle industry. Just as we do in the semiconductor industry, where Japan has raw materials, equipment, and technology, and Taiwan has wafer manufacturing, our two countries can cooperate. Japan is a technological power, and Taiwan also has significant technological strengths. If Taiwan and Japan work together, we will not only be able to safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and security in the Indo-Pacific region, but it will also be very helpful for the industrial development of both countries. Q: The drones you just described probably include examples from the Russo-Ukrainian War. Taiwan and China are separated by the Taiwan Strait. Do our drones need to have cross-sea flight capabilities? President Lai: Taiwan does not intend to counterattack the mainland, and does not intend to invade any country. Taiwan’s drones are meant to protect our own nation and territory. Q: Former President Biden previously stated that US forces would assist Taiwan’s defense in the event of an attack. President Trump, however, has yet to clearly state that the US would help defend Taiwan. Do you think that in such an event, the US would help defend Taiwan? Or is Taiwan now trying to persuade the US? President Lai: Former President Biden and President Trump have answered questions from reporters. Although their responses were different, strong cooperation with Taiwan under the Biden administration has continued under the Trump administration; there has been no change. During President Trump’s first term, cooperation with Taiwan was broader and deeper compared to former President Barack Obama’s terms. After former President Biden took office, cooperation with Taiwan increased compared to President Trump’s first term. Now, during President Trump’s second term, cooperation with Taiwan is even greater than under former President Biden. Taiwan-US cooperation continues to grow stronger, and has not changed just because President Trump and former President Biden gave different responses to reporters. Furthermore, the Trump administration publicly stated that in the future, the US will shift its strategic focus from Europe to the Indo-Pacific. The US secretary of defense even publicly stated that the primary mission of the US is to prevent China from invading Taiwan, maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific, and thus maintain world peace. There is a saying in Taiwan that goes, “Help comes most to those who help themselves.” Before asking friends and allies for assistance in facing threats from China, Taiwan must first be determined and prepared to defend itself. This is Taiwan’s principle, and we are working in this direction, making all the necessary preparations to safeguard the nation. Q: I would like to ask you a question about Taiwan-Japan relations. After the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, you made an appeal to give Japan a great deal of assistance and care. In particular, you visited Sendai to offer condolences. Later, you also expressed condolences and concern after the earthquakes in Aomori and Kumamoto. What are your expectations for future Taiwan-Japan exchanges and development? President Lai: I come from Tainan, and my constituency is in Tainan. Tainan has very deep ties with Japan, and of course, Taiwan also has deep ties with Japan. However, among Taiwan’s 22 counties and cities, Tainan has the deepest relationship with Japan. I sincerely hope that both of you and your teams will have an opportunity to visit Tainan. I will introduce Tainan’s scenery, including architecture from the era of Japanese rule, Tainan’s cuisine, and unique aspects of Tainan society, and you can also see lifestyles and culture from the Showa era.  The Wushantou Reservoir in Tainan was completed by engineer Mr. Hatta Yoichi from Kanazawa, Japan and the team he led to Tainan after he graduated from then-Tokyo Imperial University. It has nearly a century of history and is still in use today. This reservoir, along with the 16,000-km-long Chianan Canal, transformed the 150,000-hectare Chianan Plain into Taiwan’s premier rice-growing area. It was that foundation in agriculture that enabled Taiwan to develop industry and the technology sector of today. The reservoir continues to supply water to Tainan Science Park. It is used by residents of Tainan, the agricultural sector, and industry, and even the technology sector in Xinshi Industrial Park, as well as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. Because of this, the people of Tainan are deeply grateful for Mr. Hatta and very friendly toward the people of Japan. A major earthquake, the largest in 50 years, struck Tainan on February 6, 2016, resulting in significant casualties. As mayor of Tainan at the time, I was extremely grateful to then-Prime Minister Abe, who sent five Japanese officials to the disaster site in Tainan the day after the earthquake. They were very thoughtful and asked what kind of assistance we needed from the Japanese government. They offered to provide help based on what we needed. I was deeply moved, as former Prime Minister Abe showed such care, going beyond the formality of just sending supplies that we may or may not have actually needed. Instead, the officials asked what we needed and then provided assistance based on those needs, which really moved me. Similarly, when the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 or the later Kumamoto earthquakes struck, the people of Tainan, under my leadership, naturally and dutifully expressed their support. Even earlier, when central Taiwan was hit by a major earthquake in 1999, Japan was the first country to deploy a rescue team to the disaster area. On February 6, 2018, after a major earthquake in Hualien, former Prime Minister Abe appeared in a video holding up a message of encouragement he had written in calligraphy saying “Remain strong, Taiwan.” All of Taiwan was deeply moved. Over the years, Taiwan and Japan have supported each other when earthquakes struck, and have forged bonds that are family-like, not just neighborly. This is truly valuable. In the future, I hope Taiwan and Japan can be like brothers, and that the peoples of Taiwan and Japan can treat one another like family. If Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem; if Japan has a problem, then Taiwan has a problem. By caring for and helping each other, we can face various challenges and difficulties, and pursue a brighter future. Q: President Lai, you just used the phrase “If Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem.” In the event that China attempts to invade Taiwan by force, what kind of response measures would you hope the US military and Japan’s Self-Defense Forces take? President Lai: As I just mentioned, annexing Taiwan is only China’s first step. Its ultimate objective is to change the rules-based international order. That being the case, China’s threats are an international problem. So, I would very much hope to work together with the US, Japan, and others in the global democratic community to prevent China from starting a war – prevention, after all, is more important than cure.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why the global tax system needs fixing – podcast

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Mend Mariwany, Producer, The Conversation Weekly Podcast, The Conversation

    Cagkan Sayin/Shutterstock

    For decades, multinational corporations have used sophisticated strategies to shift profits away from where they do business. As a result, countries around the world lose an estimated US$500 billion annually in unpaid taxes, with developing nations hit particularly hard.

    In the first of two episodes for The Conversation Weekly podcast called The 15% solution, we explore how companies have exploited loopholes in the global tax system. The episode features insights from Annette Alstadsæter, director of the Centre for Tax Research at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences, and Tarcisio Diniz Magalhaes, a professor of tax law at the University of Antwerp in Belgium.

    The problem goes beyond clever accounting. Our international tax rules were built for an industrial age where companies were physically present where they operated. But today’s tech giants can generate billions in revenue from users around the world, without having a single employee or office there, leaving those nations unable to tax those profits at all.

    In 2021, after years of international negotiations, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development unveiled a global tax deal designed to address tax avoidance through a minimum corporate tax rate of 15%. But will this new framework actually work? And what happens when major economies refuse to participate?

    Across two episodes, The 15% solution explores why a new global tax regime is needed, whether it can fix a broken system, and what’s at stake if it fails. Part two will be published on June 6.


    This episode of The Conversation Weekly was written and produced by Mend Mariwany. Gemma Ware is the executive producer. Mixing and sound design by Eloise Stevens and theme music by Neeta Sarl.

    Newsclips in this episode from NBC News, France24, BBC News, DW News and TRT World.

    Listen to The Conversation Weekly via any of the apps listed above, download it directly via our RSS feed or find out how else to listen here. A transcript of this episode is available on Apple Podcasts.

    Tarcísio Diniz Magalhães has received funding from the University of Antwerp Research Fund, Flanders Research Foundation, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council in Canada and the Ford Foundation. He is a member of the Antwerp Tax Academy and DigiTax Centre of Excellence and is lead professor on International Taxation, Working Group on Tax Reform, ACMinas – Commercial and Business Association of Minas Gerais. Annette Alstadsæter is the Director of Skatteforsk – Centre for Tax Research which collaborates with the EU Tax Observatory on the Atlas of the Offshore World.

    ref. Why the global tax system needs fixing – podcast – https://theconversation.com/why-the-global-tax-system-needs-fixing-podcast-257672

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI China: Jackie Chan, Ralph Macchio return to ‘Karate Kid’ franchise

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

    “Karate Kid: Legends,” starring Jackie Chan, one of China’s most renowned kung fu stars, will open in Chinese theaters on June 7, aiming to revive one of Hollywood’s most beloved martial arts franchises.

    A still from “Karate Kid: Legends.” [Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures Entertainment]

    Directed by Jonathan Entwistle, “Karate Kid: Legends” follows Ben Wang as Li Fong, a kung fu prodigy who moves to New York City with his mother. There, he finds comfort in a new friendship with a classmate and her father. That is until he attracts the unwanted attention of a formidable local karate champion. To defend himself, Li trains under kung fu master Mr. Han and the legendary Daniel LaRusso, merging their distinct styles to prepare for the ultimate martial arts showdown.

    At the premiere in New York on May 27, 71-year-old Jackie Chan told reporters he still performs his own stunts, though with less intensity than in his earlier days. Chan emphasized the audiences’ demand for authenticity and reflected on his career-long mission to prove himself as an actor rather than just a fighter. 

    The sixth installment in “The Karate Kid” franchise reunites Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan, reprising their iconic roles – Daniel LaRusso from the original trilogy (1984-1989) and Mr. Han from the 2010 remake. Together, they mentor Li Fong, combining traditional karate with Chinese kung fu in the new adventure. 

    “Bringing these two legends together is beyond a producer’s dream,” producer Karen Rosenfelt said of uniting Chan and Macchio. “What’s fresh and unique about this movie is that both Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso are training a Chinese, Mandarin-speaking boy. It is a story about family and recovering what’s important. It works as a standalone if you have never seen a ‘Karate Kid’ film, and it’s also a love letter to those who were there for ‘The Karate Kid’ in 1984.”

    Macchio noted, “I’ve been careful over the years with protecting this franchise, protecting this character. The evolution of these characters, the themes in the original movie, they still stand the test of time and win over each generation.”

    The film explores how Chinese kung fu and Japanese karate interact through technical fusion and a dynamic exchange of philosophies. Chan said his return to the “Karate Kid” series is driven by his hope to use cinema to promote Chinese culture globally.

    He noted that karate actually evolved from Chinese kung fu, emphasizing that despite their different names, martial arts are deeply connected. By combining kung fu and karate, he said the film not only celebrates cultural heritages but also spreads a message of unity and compassion – something the world urgently needs.

    Chan observes that more young people are discovering kung fu in new ways. He continues to experiment with blending different styles – from boxing to Wing Chun to acrobatics – to keep the art form dynamic. “I often tell my disciples and fellow martial artists in China that our kung fu must evolve, ” he said.

    With its explosive fight choreography and heartfelt homage to Karate Kid icon Mr. Miyagi, the new film delivers a fresh yet nostalgic experience. It captivates both new audiences and longtime fans, with strong earnings. As of June 2, the film earned $47.67 million globally since it hit theaters on May 30, all before the official release in China on June 7.

    A still from “Karate Kid: Legends.” [Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures Entertainment]

    After an extensive global search, Ben Wang was cast as the new Karate Kid. Wang first discovered the franchise through the 2010 film, a story that mirrored his own move from Beijing to New York. This personal connection drew him to the role and he did most of his own stunts, demonstrating his potential as a rising star.

    “It gets me emotional,” Wang said. “This idea of going somewhere completely new and having to start over and finding people who help you along the way. And that’s what these movies are really about. Behind kung fu and karate and all that cool stuff, it’s about finding your way, learning to fit in, and finding good teachers.”

    The film’s fresh narrative approach allows the cast and crew to balance innovative storytelling with respect for the franchise’s 40-year legacy. “What we’ve made is definitely a movie with heart, humor and action,” Entwistle said. “It’s about fighting for your family, or learning what to fight for, and I think that’s the most important message. But it’s wrapped up in a real martial arts film, a real action-adventure film, with lots of heart and lots of big scenes of people learning what it means to grow up.”

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI Banking: IT threat evolution in Q1 2025. Mobile statistics

    Source: Securelist – Kaspersky

    Headline: IT threat evolution in Q1 2025. Mobile statistics

    IT threat evolution in Q1 2025. Mobile statistics
    IT threat evolution in Q1 2025. Non-mobile statistics

    Quarterly figures

    According to Kaspersky Security Network, in the first quarter of 2025:

    • A total of 12 million attacks on mobile devices involving malware, adware, or unwanted apps were blocked.
    • Trojans, the most common mobile threat, accounted for 39.56% of total detected threats.
    • More than 180,000 malicious and potentially unwanted installation packages were detected, which included:
      • 49,273 packages related to mobile bankers
      • 1520 mobile ransomware Trojans.

    Quarterly highlights

    Attacks on Android devices involving malware, adware, or potentially unwanted apps in the first quarter of 2025 increased to 12,184,351.

    Attacks on users of Kaspersky mobile solutions, Q3 2023 – Q1 2025 (download)

    This growth was largely due to the activity of Mamont banking Trojans and Fakemoney scam apps, along with the discovery of fake popular brand smartphones that came preloaded with the Triada backdoor, capable of dynamically downloading any modules from a server. Triada’s modules possess a variety of features. They can substitute URLs in the browser, block connections to specific servers, or steal login credentials for social media and instant messaging services like TikTok, WhatsApp, Line, or Telegram. A module that steals crypto from wallets is worth separate mention. We tracked down several of the scammers’ wallets, the balances suggesting that a total of at least $270,000 had been stolen. The stolen amount in TRON cryptocurrency alone was $182,000.

    A profitability chart for the threat actor’s TRON wallets (download)

    The first quarter saw the discovery of a new banker that attacks users in Turkey: Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Bankurt.c. It masquerades as an app for viewing pirated movies.

    The Trojan uses DeviceAdmin permissions to gain a foothold in the system, obtains access to Accessibility features, and then helps its operators to control the device remotely via VNC and steal text messages.

    Mobile threat statistics

    The number of detected Android malware and unwanted app samples increased compared to the fourth quarter of 2024, totaling 180,405.

    Detected malicious and potentially unwanted installation packages, Q1 2024 – Q1 2025 (download)

    Looking at the distribution of detected installation packages by type, we see that the typical frontrunners, RiskTool and adware, dropped to the third and fourth spots, respectively, in the first quarter. Banking Trojans (27.31%) and spy Trojans (24.49%) ranked as the most common threats.

    Distribution of detected mobile apps by type, Q4 2024* – Q1 2025 (download)

    * Data for the previous quarter may differ slightly from previously published data due to certain verdicts being retrospectively revised.

    The revision was prompted by a sharp increase in Mamont banker installation packages in the first quarter. Agent.akg, which steals text messages, accounted for the largest number of spy Trojan installation packages.

    Share* of users attacked by the given type of malicious or potentially unwanted apps out of all targeted users of Kaspersky mobile products, Q4 2024 – Q1 2025 (download)

    * The total may exceed 100% if the same users experienced multiple attack types.

    The first quarter saw a sharp rise in the number of users attacked by Trojans. This was driven by a large number of detected devices preloaded with the Triada Trojan and the increased activity of Fakemoney scam apps, which tricked users into sharing their personal data by promising easy money. The increase in the number of users who encountered banking Trojans was, again, due to the activity of the Mamont family.

    TOP 20 most frequently detected types of mobile malware

    Note that the malware rankings below exclude riskware and potentially unwanted apps, such as adware and RiskTool.

    Verdict %* Q4 2024 %* Q1 2025 Difference in p.p. Change in ranking
    Trojan.AndroidOS.Fakemoney.v 30.33 26.41 –3.92 0
    DangerousObject.Multi.Generic. 13.26 19.30 +6.04 0
    Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Mamont.db 0.08 15.99 +15.91
    Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Mamont.da 1.56 11.21 +9.65 +14
    Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Mamont.bc 10.79 7.61 –3.17 –2
    Backdoor.AndroidOS.Triada.z 0.00 4.71 +4.71
    Trojan.AndroidOS.Triada.hf 0.00 3.81 +3.81
    Trojan.AndroidOS.Triada.fe 0.00 3.48 +3.47
    Trojan.AndroidOS.Triada.gn 2.56 2.68 +0.13 +3
    Trojan-Clicker.AndroidOS.Agent.bh 0.51 2.58 +2.07 +27
    Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Mamont.ef 0.00 2.44 +2.44
    Trojan-Downloader.AndroidOS.Dwphon.a 3.40 2.19 –1.21 –2
    Trojan.AndroidOS.Fakemoney.u 0.02 1.88 +1.86
    Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Agent.rj 3.63 1.86 –1.77 –7
    Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Mamont.ek 0.00 1.83 +1.83
    Trojan.AndroidOS.Triada.ga 4.84 1.74 –3.10 –11
    Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Mamont.eb 0.00 1.59 +1.59
    Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Mamont.cb 1.09 1.56 +0.47 +4
    Trojan.AndroidOS.Triada.gs 3.63 1.47 –2.16 –13
    Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Mamont.dn 0.00 1.46 +1.46

    * Unique users who encountered this malware as a percentage of all attacked users of Kaspersky mobile solutions.

    Nearly the entire list was occupied by the aforementioned Fakemoney apps and various Mamont banking Trojan variants, along with preloaded Backdoor.AndroidOS.Triada.z, and Trojan.AndroidOS.Triada.hf malicious apps. Additionally, remaining among the most prevalent Android malware were modified messengers with the embedded Triada Trojan (Triada.fe, Triada.gn, Triada.ga, Triada.gs) and the preloaded Dwphon Trojan. What is interesting is the inclusion of the Trojan-Clicker.AndroidOS.Agent.bh sample on the list. This is a fake ad blocker that, conversely, inflates ad views.

    Region-specific malware

    This section describes malware families that mostly focused on specific countries.

    Verdict Country* %**
    Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Coper.a Turkey 96.85
    Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Rewardsteal.ks India 94.36
    Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Coper.c Turkey 94.29
    Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Rewardsteal.jp India 93.78
    Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.BrowBot.w Turkey 92.81
    Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Rewardsteal.ib India 92.79
    Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Rewardsteal.lv India 92.34
    Trojan-Spy.AndroidOS.SmForw.ko India 90.71
    Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.UdangaSteal.k India 90.12
    Trojan-Dropper.AndroidOS.Hqwar.bf Turkey 88.34
    Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Agent.rg India 86.97
    Trojan-Dropper.AndroidOS.Agent.sm Turkey 82.54

    * The country where the malware was most active.
    ** Unique users who encountered this Trojan variant in the indicated country as a percentage of all Kaspersky mobile security solution users attacked by the same variant.

    The first quarter saw a somewhat smaller number of “selective” malicious apps than before. As usual, Turkey experienced a prevalence of banking Trojans: Coper, equipped with RAT capabilities enabling attackers to steal money through remote device management; BrowBot, which pilfers text messages; and the banking Trojan droppers Hqwar and Agent.sm. In India, users faced Rewardsteal banking Trojans which stole bank details by pretending to offer money. Additionally, the UdangaSteal Trojan, previously prevalent in Indonesia, and the SmForw.ko Trojan, which forwards incoming text messages to another number, also spread to India.

    Mobile banking Trojans

    Number of installation packages for mobile banking Trojans detected by Kaspersky, Q1 2024 – Q1 2025 (download)

    The increase in the number of installation packages for banking Trojans was primarily driven by Mamont. Its creators apparently follow a MaaS model, enabling any scammer to get a custom variant generated for a fee. As a result, a large number of unrelated cybercriminals are spreading distinct versions of Mamont.

    When it comes to the percentage of users targeted, various versions of Mamont are also mainly at the top.

    Top 10 mobile bankers

    Verdict %* Q4 2024 %* Q1 2025 Difference in p.p. Change in ranking
    Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Mamont.db 0.41 38.07 +37.67 +18
    Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Mamont.da 7.71 26.68 +18.98 +1
    Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Mamont.bc 53.25 18.12 –35.13 –2
    Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Mamont.ef 0.00 5.80 +5.80
    Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Agent.rj 17.93 4.43 –13.50 –3
    Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Mamont.ek 0.00 4.37 +4.37
    Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Mamont.eb 0.00 3.80 +3.80
    Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Mamont.cb 5.39 3.71 –1.67 –4
    Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Mamont.dn 0.00 3.48 +3.48
    Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Creduz.q 0.00 1.43 +1.43

    MIL OSI Global Banks

  • MIL-OSI Security: Career Criminal Sentenced to Thirteen Years in Federal Prison for Manufacturing and Selling THC and Psilocybin Products Nationwide

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PORTLAND, Ore.—Jered Hayward, 45, of Salem, Oregon, was sentenced today to 156 months in prison after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute over 1,000 kilograms of marijuana and conspiracy to launder the proceeds. He also agreed to forfeit assets worth more than $2 million dollars.

    According to court documents, Hayward operated a large-scale THC and psilocybin production and distribution facility headquartered in Salem. As part of his operation, Hayward and his employees obtained cereal and candy products and infused or sprayed potent THC oils on them.  They then inserted the edibles into packages which mimicked the legitimate consumer food products, and sold them throughout the United States and internationally. While there was no evidence Hayward deliberately targeted minors, the manner in which his organization packaged the edibles posed a risk to children, who are often unable to comprehend the fine print warnings that the packages contained THC products.

    Hayward’s organization utilized encrypted communications such as Telegram to market, sell and process orders, and straw businesses to mask money laundering transactions. Hayward had no permits or licenses to produce or sell these products; the entire operation was illegal.

    Hayward has an extensive criminal record, including three prior state and federal convictions for marijuana and fentanyl trafficking. Because of these convictions, he is a career criminal under federal law.

    Hayward agreed to forfeit substantial assets which he admitted were related to his drug and money laundering enterprise. As part of his guilty plea Hayward agreed to forfeit:

    • The Salem production facility;
    • More than $1 million in cash;
    • $640,000 worth of cryptocurrency and bank account funds;
    • More than $400,000 worth of gold and silver;
    • Jewelry and a Rolex watch; and
    • Twelve vehicles, two UTV’s, and boats.

    This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, Portland Police Bureau, United States Postal Inspection, Oregon State Police, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Salem Police Department and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Kemp Strickland and Christopher Cardani, Assistant United States Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Special Report: Education Cooperation Boosts China-Russia Friendship

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    Moscow, June 5 (Xinhua) — “The meaning of studying in Russia for me is not only to gain knowledge but also to get to know another culture,” Chinese student Shen Daiyu told Xinhua.

    In recent years, China-Russia cooperation in the field of education has continually achieved new results. According to the Chinese side, in 2023, the total number of Chinese students studying in Russia exceeded 58 thousand, and Russian students in China – 16 thousand. In addition, 14 specialized associations have been created, covering more than 600 universities in the two countries.

    Shen Daiyu studied Russian as an undergraduate. After completing her undergraduate degree, she entered the master’s program at several universities, and chose to study at the Higher School of Translation and Interpreting at Lomonosov Moscow State University.

    “I believe that the best way to learn a language is to immerse yourself in the culture it represents. In Moscow, I can not only communicate with locals, but also visit the Bolshoi Theater and the Tchaikovsky Concert Hall to enjoy Russia’s artistic masterpieces. In addition, I see street musicians everywhere, which makes me feel the passion Russians have for life,” the Chinese woman shared.

    Russian students also have the opportunity to learn about Chinese culture at universities in China, including Nick Gu, a graduate student at Tsinghua University in Beijing.

    “China’s rapid development has opened up unprecedented opportunities and career prospects for foreigners who speak Chinese,” says Nick Gu, who has been studying Chinese for nearly 20 years. His excellent command of the language has led him to become a host at student events on numerous occasions. As a political science major, he notes, “I especially enjoy the weekly seminars where my classmates and I discuss Sino-Russian relations and exchange opinions.”

    At the same time, the scope and depth of educational cooperation between China and Russia continues to expand. For example, language teaching: as of early April this year, more than 140 universities and over 220 schools in Russia offer Chinese language courses. In addition, there are 19 Confucius Institutes, five Confucius Classrooms, and many other institutions of additional education in the country that teach Chinese.

    In February of this year, Moscow School No. 548 “Tsaritsyno” hosted a concert dedicated to the Spring Festival /Chunjie, Chinese New Year according to the lunar calendar/ and the 20th anniversary of the School of Chinese Language and Culture of China at School No. 548. “The successes of our students and graduates are our joy. This is what we work for, what we strive to instill in our children a love for Chinese culture and the Chinese language,” said Deputy Principal of School No. 548, Head of the School of Chinese Language and Culture of China at School No. 548 Lyubov Konyushenko in an interview with Xinhua.

    Last year, School No. 548 graduate Sofia Don entered the Institute of Media and Communications at Shanghai Jiaotong University. “I chose to study at a Chinese university, on the one hand, out of interest in Chinese culture, and on the other, because of my desire for the country’s high-quality educational resources,” she says. “Wherever I live and work in the future, I want to contribute to the development of ties between Russia and China.”

    At the level of inter-university cooperation, China and Russia have also achieved significant results. The China-Russia Mathematics Center, established in 2020 on the initiative of Peking University and Moscow State University, actively develops international research teams, promotes the construction of international cooperation bases, carries out joint training of specialists and organizes academic exchanges, strengthening the results of scientific and educational cooperation between China and Russia.

    MSU-BPI University in Shenzhen /Guangdong Province, South China/ is the first Chinese-Russian joint university, a flagship project of humanitarian and educational cooperation between the two countries. In 2024, the number of students studying at this university reached a record 3,500 people. Among the bachelor’s degree graduates of 2024, the proportion of those who found a job or continued their education reached 95%, and the proportion of those who entered master’s programs was 73%.

    From primary education to higher education, from language teaching to scientific cooperation, the educational cooperation between China and Russia continues to deepen and expand. The youth of the two countries will continue to march forward shoulder to shoulder, continuing to write new chapters in the history of China-Russia cultural exchanges and friendship that has been passed down from generation to generation. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man who threatened to stab father in rap video guilty of murder

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man has been convicted of murdering a father in front of his young child in a barbershop in Leyton.

    Josh McKay, 33, was stabbed in the neck by Renai Belle in a targeted attack and died from his injuries at the scene. During the Metropolitan Police investigation, officers discovered a rap video showing Belle threaten Josh before the attack.

    On Wednesday, 4 June at the Old Bailey, Belle, 30 (20.02.95), of Swaythling Close, Edmonton was convicted of Josh’s murder and possession of a knife. A man and woman were also convicted of separate offences.

    Detective Inspector Chris Griffith, from Specialist Crime North, who led the investigation, said: “This was a savage and pre-planned attack, committed in broad daylight and with scant regard for passers-by. What took place left the local community reeling, and two young children without their father.

    “My heart goes out to Josh’s family and friends. He was a loving parent, whose life was ended in the most horrendous way.

    “I hope that today’s result provides Josh’s family with some closure, and allows the community to feel safer knowing that Belle is no longer free to commit such heinous crimes.”

    The court heard that Josh was at a barbershop on Lea Bridge Road with his son on Saturday, 6 July. Around 15:00hrs, as shown on CCTV seized by the investigation team, Belle entered the shop wearing a balaclava where he stabbed Josh in the neck in a pre-meditated attack following a long-standing dispute. Belle was then chased away by Josh.

    Members of the public rushed to Josh’s aid and attempted to provide medical treatment until the arrival of officers and paramedics. Despite their best efforts, Josh died from his injuries.

    A determined investigation began immediately in which officers painstakingly combed through more than 100 hours of CCTV footage to track Belle’s movements and understand what took place.

    Officers discovered that Belle was the passenger in a car being driven by his partner, Tenika Parker. Having seen Josh enter the barbershop, the pair drove to the address of man called Daniel Copper. In doorbell footage later seized, Cooper was seen providing Belle with the balaclava and knife that would be used minutes later to murder Josh. Belle was then driven back to the barbers nearby before stabbing Josh. He was helped to escape by Parker in the waiting car.

    A manhunt led to the arrest of Belle at an address in Pincott Road, SW19 on Monday 8 July, 2024.

    As part of officers’ determination to further establish a watertight case against Belle, officers carried out further enquiries. They discovered a rap video on YouTube showing Belle threaten Josh in advance of the attack, further proof that it was pre-planned.

    Parker was initially arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender on Sunday, 7 July in India Dock Road, Poplar. She was stopped by police while driving the car that had been identified as involved in the murder. During a search of Parker’s vehicle, officers found distinct black sliders Belle was seen wearing in CCTV footage, as well as traces of blood that officers sent for forensic testing. This provided a DNA match to Josh. Parker was rearrested on Wednesday, 2 October, and charged with perverting the course of justice after CCTV footage showed her attempting to clean her car after the attack to remove any evidence.

    Cooper was arrested after handing himself in to police on Thursday, 11 July. During a search at Cooper’s property, officers discovered two knives matching the branding of the weapon that was left at the scene of Josh’s murder. Forensic testing on the balaclava and knife discarded by Belle at the scene of Josh’s murder found DNA that matched with Cooper.

    Tenika Parker, 39 (21.02.86), of Canterbury Road, Leytonstone and Daniel Cooper, 22 (20.02.03) of Gosport Road, Leytonstone stood trial alongside Belle. Parker was convicted of possession of a knife and perverting the course of justice. Cooper had previously pleaded guilty to possession of a knife but was acquitted of other offences.

    Cooper will be sentenced at the Old Bailey on Friday, 6 June.

    Belle and Parker will be sentenced at the Old Bailey on Wednesday, 30 July.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Condolences for Rashid Lombard

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    President Cyril Ramaphosa has sent his condolences following the passing of photographer and jazz promoter, Rashid Lombard.

    “We have lost a cultural icon who not only documented our history of struggle but made history in his own right.

    “Rashid Lombard’s fearless depiction of apartheid’s endemic inhumanity and violence and his compassionate focus on the lives of oppressed communities and disadvantaged individuals is a powerful record of our struggle for basic human rights and dignity,” the President said in a statement on Wednesday.

    The renowned photographer, cultural activist and jazz organiser passed away at the age of 74.

    Lombard was an esteemed member of the National Order of Ikhamanga (Silver), which he received in 2014 for his excellent contribution to arts and culture and his dedication to promoting jazz music that has put South Africa on the map for many jazz enthusiasts around the world.

    “His creative and entrepreneurial ability gave rise to his establishment of the Cape Town Jazz Festival through which he bolstered South Africa’s integration into global culture and linked this prestige event to the development of historically disadvantaged communities.

    “Rashid achieved a remarkable feat with his love for the diversity and vibrancy of our nation.
    “He did so with passion and humility that endeared him to everyone with whom he interacted and whose lives he touched. We reflect on his life with gratitude and with liberation and joy he leaves behind as his legacy,” said the President.

    Expressing sadness at his passing, President Ramaphosa offered his condolences to the Lombard family and his extensive network of friends, comrades and creatives nationally and internationally.

    Lombard had been the organiser behind the positioning of South Africa through the arts in the North Sea Jazz Festival, Cape Town, now known as the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, and was the Festival Director of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival.

    He was born in North End, Gqeberha, and moved to Cape Town in 1962.

    Originally qualified as an architectural draughtsman, Lombard became an industrial photographer and later a renowned news and documentary photographer, and photographic artist.

    He built on his creative media career by becoming an influential jazz promoter and founder of the then Cape Town edition of the North Sea Jazz Festival. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Soloma festival will be held at the Moskino cinema park this weekend

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The Soloma festival will celebrate its 10th anniversary in the Moskino cinema park from June 7 to 8. For lovers of live music and youth creativity, a musical festival will be held with performances by modern popular artists, bands and classical performers. In addition, master classes, film screenings and performances will be held on the weekend.

    Non-stop music

    The concert program is planned for both weekends from 14:00 to 22:00, and the cinema park will open at 11:00.

    On Saturday, June 7, students of the Moscow State Conservatory named after P.I. Tchaikovsky will perform on the central square. They will perform compositions from the films “Pirates of the Caribbean”, “The Elusive Avengers”, “The Diamond Arm”, “Scent of a Woman” and others.

    On the same day, you will be able to appreciate the work of composer and actor Anton Lavrentiev, young performers Sasha de Buryak, Flora and Minaeva, the group Ubel and participants of the multi-genre musical project “Tima is looking for the light”.

    On Sunday, June 8, guests will hear songs by Alena Samartseva, the groups Dreams Shadow, Shoo and “Elli na makovom pole”. The musical program will be completed by the singer-songwriter Tosya Chaikina.

    Creative meeting and performance

    On June 7, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, the Gonzaga Theatre will host a creative evening with the artist and teacher Vsevolod Kuznetsov. He will talk about the intricacies of the acting profession and about working on the projects Men in Black, The Devil’s Advocate and The Matrix, and will also read famous dialogues from the films.

    On Sunday at 16:00 and 18:00, the Gonzaga Theatre will show the author’s play “Congratulations, you’re having a boy.” The audience will see a family comedy about the fulfillment of a cherished dream and the struggle of each person with life’s circumstances. It features actors Dmitry Khodyrev and Anna Azarova.

    Games and film screenings

    On June 7 and 8, guests will be able to play giant Jenga, sea battle, ping-pong, and also learn petanque, a French sport, in the central square. During master classes, visitors will be offered to create a movie poster with cartoon characters, a movie award, or make a drawing in the form of a photo frame.

    Over the course of two days, moviegoers will be watching new films: the first full-length spin-off of John Wick, the action film Ballerina starring Ana de Armas, the comedy The Yeti about the friendship between a little boy and a fairy-tale creature, the fantasy Nightingale vs. Muromets, and the drama The Pretenders about a couple in love trying to understand the circumstances of the death of a famous director.

    In addition, visitors will be treated to lessons from professional makeup artists and an inflatable trampoline for children. And a food court with a variety of takeaway snacks will open in the central square.

    Details can be found here on the website cinema park “Moskino”. Entry to the event – with an entrance ticket to the cinema park.

    The festival “Soloma” is held with the support of the capital Department of Culture as part of the project “Summer in Moscow”. The event contributes to the implementation of the goals and objectives of the national project “Family”.

    Sergei Sobyanin’s project “Summer in Moscow”— the main event of the season. It brings together the most vibrant events of the capital. Every day, charity, cultural and sports events are held in all districts of the city, most of which are free. The Summer in Moscow project is being held for the second time, and the new season will be more eventful: new, original and colorful festivals and events will be added to the traditional ones.

    The Moskino cinema park is part of Sergei Sobyanin’s “Moscow – City of Cinema” project and an object of the Moscow cinema cluster, which is being developed by the capital Department of Culture. The first stage of creation has already been completed here: 24 natural sites, four pavilions and six infrastructure facilities have been built, including the sets “Center of Moscow”, “Moscow of the 1940s”, “Vitebsk Station”, “Cathedral Square of Moscow”, “County Town”, “Cowboy Town”, “St. Petersburg Bar” and others. On weekends and holidays, they host staged filming, concerts, music and film festivals, performances, meetings with filmmakers and professional master classes.

    The Cinema Park is actively developing as a cultural and leisure venue. Exhibitions, master classes, lectures, meetings with famous actors and other events for Muscovites and guests of the capital are held here.

    The Moscow Film Cluster is an infrastructure facility, services and facilities for filmmakers, which are being developed by the Moscow Government within the framework of the Moscow — City of Cinema project. Its structure includes the Moskino Film Park, the Gorky Film Studio (sites on Sergei Eisenstein Street and Valdaisky Proyezd), the Moskino Film Factory, the Moskino Cinema Network, the Film Commission and the Moskino Film Platform.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/154858073/

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Residents of TiNAO were reminded of opportunities for leisure and additional education for children

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Currently, there are 18 children’s art schools, six cultural centers and 10 libraries of the capital in the Troitsky and Novomoskovsky administrative districts. Department of CultureYoung residents can master folk instruments and programming, try their hand at aerial gymnastics and blogging, create cartoons or perform on a professional stage.

    From aerial gymnastics to programming

    At the Desna Culture House, children can learn the basics of playing the gusli, domra, and balalaika, as well as learn more about folk music, hone their theatrical skills, work on diction, articulation, and breathing. In addition, children of all ages can play chess, checkers, and ping-pong.

    Sports section lovers are welcome at the Vatutinki cultural center: taekwondo teaches the art of self-defense without weapons, the rhythmic gymnastics studio develops plasticity and coordination, and also teaches the basics of choreography and aerial gymnastics. Schoolchildren can also learn aircraft modeling or forest orientation together with the local history quest club. The institution regularly hosts creative master classes for children of different ages.

    The Klenovo Community Center is suitable for the most creative kids: here they study pottery and carpentry, and also create their own musical groups under the guidance of teachers. There is an opportunity to learn the basics of blogging – try your hand at writing text blogs and learn how to correctly formulate ideas, attract the attention of subscribers and competently convey information. In Library No. 259, children can master mental arithmetic, costume design, gain knowledge of the history of writing and literature.

    For those interested in linguistics, the Mikhailovskoye Community Center offers classes in Chinese and English from scratch. The institution offers the opportunity to learn theater and choreography, as well as various arts and crafts techniques. You can study English in Library No. 260 (for children aged seven to 12) and the art studio section (for children aged four to 12).

    And in the Peresvet House of Culture, young guests can become actors of a real musical theater, try themselves in the role of an animator, create a unique cartoon, master programming skills and safe work on the Internet, and also learn to play a six-string guitar under the guidance of an experienced teacher. You can learn visual programming and graphic design, learn more about the Python programming language in Library No. 262.

    The Yubileiny Community Center gives everyone the opportunity to learn and try out lace-making techniques, develop their vocal skills, and master the basics of theater and choreography.

    Quality education close to home

    The Kyiv Children’s Music School has everything necessary for an effective educational process. Classrooms are fully equipped with musical instruments, special equipment, furniture, and the staff maintains a high level of training of students and education of musically gifted children. At school, children can receive additional education in the field of musical art. Today, they teach how to play the piano, violin, button accordion and accordion, guitar, flute, clarinet and saxophone. In addition, you can try yourself in one of the creative groups: the boys’ vocal ensemble “Kaleidoscope”, the ensemble “Raduga” and the vocal ensemble “Vesnushki”. The groups regularly take part in concerts at the district and city level.

    You can learn to sing, dance and draw at the Children’s School of Arts in the city of Moskovsky. For 50 years, the institution has carefully preserved and developed traditions in the field of musical and aesthetic education for children. The school has three departments: art, choreography and music. Creative groups and soloists annually win competitions and festivals of various levels. In 2024, a student of the academic vocal class became a first-degree laureate of the Moscow Mayor’s grants in the field of culture and art.

    The Voskresenskaya Children’s Art School operates in TiNAO. It has departments of choral singing, piano, academic vocals, guitar, violin and an art department, and also holds classes in choreographic creativity and early aesthetic development for children aged six. Students can join the Melnitsa choreographic ensemble, the Radost vocal ensemble, the guitar ensemble, the Elegy senior choir, the Nastroenie junior choir and the Andante concert choir. The groups regularly take part in performances at the district and city level, as well as in all-Russian and international events.

    In the children’s art school “Children of the Blue Bird”, training for children aged six to 17 is conducted in three areas of creative activity: fine, theatrical and choreographic arts. The institution employs the choreographic group “Eroshki”, the folk dance ensemble “Rus” and the vocal ensemble “Rosinochka”. The school’s students regularly become winners of prestigious city, all-Russian and international creative competitions.

    In the Shchapovskaya Children’s School of Arts “Harmony” you can learn to play the piano, string, folk and wind instruments, master academic vocals, pop and jazz singing and painting. Students regularly become laureates and diploma winners of competitions and festivals of various levels.

    There are four departments in the Mikhailovo-Yartsevskaya Children’s Art School: music (piano, button accordion, accordion, violin, saxophone, clarinet, recorder, guitar and balalaika), choreography, folklore and art. The choreographic ensemble “Svetelitsa”, the folk song ensemble “Larchik” and the art group “Risovashki” have repeatedly become laureates of city, regional and international competitions. There is a department of early aesthetic development (drawing, singing and dancing), as well as an off-budget department for children and adults.

    The Troitsk Children’s School of Arts named after M.I. Glinka implements programs for teaching piano, folk, string, wind and percussion instruments, as well as choral singing, choreography, painting and theoretical disciplines. The orchestra of Russian folk instruments, the classical dance ensemble “Grand Pa”, the ballroom dance group, the senior choir Prima Vera, the middle choir “Ocean of smiles”, the vocal and choral ensemble “Aquamarine”, the senior chamber ensemble “Prima”, the boys’ choir, the string instruments ensemble and the jazz orchestra have been created and successfully perform at competitions, concerts and festivals here. The high level of training of students and the professionalism of teachers are confirmed from year to year by successful performances at district, regional and all-Russian festivals and competitions.

    Young artists study at the Troitsk Children’s Art School. Academic drawing, painting, composition and sculpture are taught here. Students can also try their hand at such exciting areas as engraving, computer graphics and animation. The history of Russian art and world art culture is mandatory. The institution holds competitions, olympiads, master classes, and organizes educational excursions to museums and exhibition halls. Every year, graduates of the school enter art colleges and universities, becoming artists, architects and designers.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/154867073/

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI: Atos to deliver key IT services and applications for UEFA Nations League Finals™ 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

                                                                    Press Release

    Atos to deliver key IT services and applications for UEFA Nations League Finals 2025

    Paris, France – 5 June, 2025 – Atos, the Official Information Technology Partner of UEFA National Team Football, will deliver key IT services and applications support for the UEFA Nations League Finals™(UNLF) 2025, taking place from June 4 to June 8, 2025, in Germany. Atos’ expertise will once again support hundreds of millions of fans worldwide to share the electrifying experience of one of the highest profile football tournaments.

    To provide the best experience for all stakeholders, from the European football family to fans and media, Atos will be responsible for managing core IT planning and operations systems all requiring the highest level of reliability, efficiency and security. These solutions include:

    • Event Management systems including accreditation, access control solutions, competitions solutions, radio communication and service desk services.
    • Diffusion system like the football service platform, the mobile app, the website including some embedded gaming functionalities such as match predictor and quiz about competitions.
    • End-to-end cybersecurity services, from compliance and threat intelligence to on-the-ground and hybrid-cloud security.

    Since the inception of their partnership in 2022, Atos have assisted UEFA on a day-to-day basis to manage, improve, and optimize its complex technology landscape and in facing new technology challenges. In a new data consumption era, large sport associations need to keep pace with the expectations of their audiences, especially the youth fan base, who are craving for more personalization, technology and data, engagement and real-time information. To meet these challenges, Atos and UEFA have been striving to continuously introduce innovations driving immersive fan experiences with secure, real-time data and deliver best-in class, AI-powered IT solutions.

    Atos, helped make the UEFA EURO 2024™ a tremendous success, supporting over 200 applications, over 6 million app download, almost 1.3 billion email and app push notifications, and a cumulated live audience of over 5 billion. Atos and UEFA also introduced innovative applications like the Football Service Platform, providing data and statistics such as results, line-ups, live match events, players status and ranking of all UEFA teams, transforming all stakeholders’ experience.

    The entire Atos team, from the IT Command Center of UEFA in Nyon (Switzerland) to the delivery centers in Madrid and Barcelona (Spain), as well as Egypt, Poland, Romania and France are committed on daily basis to making sure UEFA is well-prepared to deliver exceptional experiences to fans around the world.

    We are excited to feel the competition pressure building up as we enter the last stages of UEFA Nations League preparation. Our team is working tirelessly to make sure we once again deliver a secure, flawless and innovative service to UEFA and provide all football fans with an unforgettable tournament experience.” said Nacho Moros, Head of Atos Major Events.

    “Since the beginning of our partnership with Atos in 2022, we have been making advances in the quality of services we are introducing and providing to all the Football stakeholders. We are confident that the 2025 edition of the Nations League will once again leverage the most advanced technologies to provide all football fans an amazing experience”, stated Hosni Ajala, Chief of ICT at UEFA.

    Atos has been serving its partners and customers through a dedicated in-house sports and major events division (“Major Events”) for over 3 decades, giving it an unmatched experience and the flexibility to serve its customers regardless of their exposure, size and scale. From global events to local competitions, Atos consistently strives to deliver technology excellence to its entire customer base. 

    Atos has been involved with the Olympic Movement since 1992 and the Paralympic Movement since 2002 and is the Official Digital Technology Partner of the European Olympic Committees, as well as the official Digital partner for Special Olympics International. The company is also the Official Information Technology Partner of UEFA National Team Football. Most recently, Atos has been instrumental in delivering successful leading-edge IT services for iconic events such as the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024 or inspiring events such as Invictus Games Vancouver 2025 or the Special Olympics Torino Winter Games 2025. 

    To learn more about Atos solutions for sporting events and major events, visit  Atos Major event

    ***

    About Atos Group

    Atos Group is a global leader in digital transformation with c. 72,000 employees and annual revenue of c. € 10 billion, operating in 68 countries under two brands — Atos for services and Eviden for products. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high-performance computing, Atos Group is committed to a secure and decarbonized future and provides tailored AI-powered, end-to-end solutions for all industries. Atos is a SE (Societas Europaea) and listed on Euronext Paris.

    The purpose of Atos is to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space.

    Press contact

    Laurent Massicot – laurent.massicot@atos.net – 33 (0)7 69 48 01 80

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Capgemini becomes an Official Partner of the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift until 2029 to power cycling through tech and innovation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Capgemini becomes an Official Partner of the Tour de France
    and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift until 2029
    to power cycling through tech and innovation

    The new partnership encompasses 14 international cycling events including La Vuelta, Paris-Roubaix and Liège-Bastogne-Liège races, as well as five standalone women’s races

    Paris, June 5, 2025 – Capgemini announced today that it has become the Official Technology Partner, for the next 5 years, of 14 cycling races, including the world renowned Tour de France, to help drive innovation in professional cycling. Together, they will leverage technology, innovation and artificial intelligence (AI) to grow the cycling community, engage fans all over the world and bring cycling into people’s lives.

    This agreement, that goes beyond the Tour de France and the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, will see Capgemini support a series of international cycling events, that include both men’s races – such as La Vuelta, Paris-Nice, Critérium du Dauphiné, Paris-Roubaix, Paris-Tours, La Flèche Wallonne, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, the Tro Bro Leon, and the women’s races of La Vuelta Femenina by Carrefour.es, Paris-Roubaix Femmes avec Zwift, La Flèche Wallonne Femmes, Liège-Bastogne-Liège Femmes.

    As part of this new global long-term partnership, Capgemini is the Official Technology Partner of each of these events, bringing its deep expertise in digital innovation, technology and AI into the professional cycling field. Over the next five years, Capgemini will support these top cycling events in realizing their technology roadmap, delivering cutting-edge technological solutions aimed at enhancing performance insights, supporting international audiences and engaging fans, from casual enthusiasts to amateur cyclists. In 2024, the Tour de France reached more than 1 billion TV viewed hours in 190 countries and broke digital records with nearly 100 million website visits and 1.6 billion impressions on social media.

    With this partnership, Capgemini extends its sports sponsorship portfolio that focuses on bringing the breadth of the Group’s capabilities to enhance leading global events with technological innovation, high performance and team spirit at the heart. As a global company based in 50 countries, with well-established operations across regions that have a strong cycling fanbase such as Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, UK, and USA, Capgemini will promote the fourteen cycling races internationally.

    “At Capgemini, we are proud to partner with 14 iconic global sports competitions including the world-famous Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. Each embody the driving principles of precision, endurance, high performance and teamwork – attributes that we, at Capgemini, live by every day,” said Aiman Ezzat, Chief Executive Officer of Capgemini. “This partnership reflects our commitment to bringing the Group’s breadth of expertise and capabilities to enhance the future of sport through cutting-edge innovation, data-led insights and an augmented fan experience.”

    “We are very proud to launch this long-term partnership with Capgemini, leader in technology and innovation. This strategic partnership will help to promote and accelerate our digital ambitions for the Tour de France and all A.S.O. Cycling events around the world. New digital solutions will help to further enhance the Fan experience and engage new communities with innovative and upgraded features and services,” says Yann Le Moënner, A.S.O. Managing Director.

    Transforming sport through technology and innovation
    The partnership builds on Capgemini’s already strong track record in adding value to the fan experience and sporting performance through its portfolio of sports sponsorships.

    • In 2024, for the 37th America’s Cup, Capgemini and America’s Cup Media revealed the breakthrough WindSight IQTM technology in Barcelona. Through a combination of technology, engineering, data, and design, Capgemini developed a LiDAR-based sensor system that made the yacht racing more understandable and engaging for viewers. The solution enabled the viewers to visualize the wind and model potential race results, enhancing the fan experience.
    • This year, Capgemini is a Principal Partner of Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, set to kick off in the UK in August. Since 2022, the Group has played a pivotal role in advancing inclusivity in the sport as a Global Partner of the Women in Rugby initiative and enabling the Capgemini Women in Rugby Leadership Programme, to support a new generation of female leaders in rugby.
    • For the 2025 Ryder Cup in September, Capgemini will bring a generative AI powered version of its Outcome IQ, a tool that puts the intelligence of real-time data in the palm of every fan’s hand, helping to enhance the fan experience by tracking outcome probabilities shot by shot. Capgemini is Worldwide Partner to the Ryder Cup up until and including the 2027 Ryder Cup in County Limerick, Ireland.

    About Capgemini
    Capgemini is a global business and technology transformation partner, helping organizations to accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world, while creating tangible impact for enterprises and society. It is a responsible and diverse group of 340,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong over 55-year heritage, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to unlock the value of technology to address the entire breadth of their business needs. It delivers end-to-end services and solutions leveraging strengths from strategy and design to engineering, all fueled by its market leading capabilities in AI, generative AI, cloud and data, combined with its deep industry expertise and partner ecosystem. The Group reported 2024 global revenues of €22.1 billion.
    Get The Future You Want | www.capgemini.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: MEXC Drives Stablecoin Expansion After $20M USDe Purchase and $100M TVL Milestone

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, is shaping its long-term strategy, based on its mission – making crypto more accessible to everyone and building trust within the community. Being a significant player in the market, MEXC drives the whole industry. The effect of its recent investments on the crypto space globally is hard to overestimate.

    As part of this strategy, the exchange has previously made a significant investment of $16 million in Ethena, a leading innovator in the stablecoin space. The investment follows MEXC’s recent acquisition of $20 million worth of USDe, Ethena’s synthetic dollar, which caused a surge in ENA’s trading volume and boosted USDe’s total value locked (TVL).

    In May 2025, the TVL of USDe in MEXC recorded a value above $100 million, making it the second-largest holder of USDe TVL among centralized exchanges. This growth aligns with the broader rise of USDe, whose circulating supply has reached nearly $5.2 billion — making it the fourth-largest stablecoin by market capitalization. The trust in this coin is backed up by several factors. In contrast to some highly volatile crypto assets, USDe exhibits greater price stability. Also, Ethena employs a unique strategy for maintaining the dollar peg, combining derivatives and on-chain liquidity.

    To encourage users to experience and trade USDe, MEXC launched several events and promotional campaigns, including one with an impressive prize pool of $1 million. Other incentives include zero trading fees, presented as a limited-time Trader’s Fest, aimed at attracting crypto professionals and those who are making their first steps. Within this offering, traders can take advantage of zero-fee trading pairs.

    To appeal to risk-averse crypto investors, MEXC comes out with exclusive staking rewards with generous APR (annual percentage rate). These incentives, targeted to various crypto user groups, offer simplicity, innovation and customization. They drive industry as a whole and build confidence among market participants by promoting stablecoins as a more trustworthy instrument and emphasizing transparency and security of operations.

    These efforts, benefiting not only MEXC itself, but the crypto market on a larger scale, are followed by astonishing numbers. For instance, in March, the quantity of ENA holders increased by 30%, ENA TVL increased by 14%, and the daily trading volume of ENA increased by 885%. The average spot daily trading volume in March increased by 557% compared to February’s numbers.

    By May 2025, ENA’s market capitalization reached 1.96 billion USD, marking a substantial growth from February 2025, when its market cap was approximately half that amount at 1.07 billion USD.

    To sum up, MEXC, a cryptocurrency exchange with a years-long history (it was founded in 2018) is making investments in innovative, but at the same time secure instruments. This move emphasizes MEXC’s values and sets positive trends for the crypto industry in the long-term perspective.

    About MEXC
    Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto.” Serving over 40 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, everyday airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees. Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets. MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding.
    MEXC Official WebsiteXTelegramHow to Sign Up on MEXC

    For media inquiries, please contact MEXC PR Manager Lucia Hu: lucia.hu@mexc.com

    Source

    Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by MEXC. 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. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. 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. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. 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. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ee886fd6-a86d-483a-bc84-6114b3f85355

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Spectacular SUP regatta to take place at Moscow on the Wave. Fish Week festival

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    At the festival “Moscow is on the wave. Fish week”, which is carried out within the framework of the project “Summer in Moscow”, June 7 will see one of the most exciting events of the summer – a costumed SUP regatta. Guests are welcome at beach No. 3 in Serebryany Bor. A record number of participants – about a thousand people – will take to the water near the city’s favorite recreation spot. The total prize fund is one million rubles.

    Residents of the capital and tourists will enjoy a colorful water procession, in which Poseidons, mermaids, witches, crocodiles, astronauts, fairies and many other fantastic characters will take part. Each participant in the costumed SUP regatta will decorate their SUP board in accordance with the chosen image, turning the board into a real art object.

    Anyone can join the event. You will need a SUP board, a life jacket and a medical certificate from a therapist. Participation is free,pre-registration. Entry of cars into the territory of Serebryany Bor is prohibited.

    The route of the costumed SUP regatta will start at beach No. 3 in Serebryany Bor. This is a long coastal area with rich infrastructure for a full-fledged rest. There are sports and children’s playgrounds, cozy gazebos for picnics and even a swimming pool, which was reconstructed and opened in June 2024. Spectators will be able to comfortably sit on benches and sun loungers.

    The total length of the costumed regatta route is about five kilometers along the Moskva River. Participants will sail on decorated SUPs past beaches No. 4 and 5, enter Lake Bezdonnoye, go around Serebryany Bor Island and return back to the starting point, where the SUP regatta will end.

    Registration for individual numbers will open at 08:00. At 10:00, participants will take to the water, and at 11:00, the SUP regatta will begin. The awards ceremony will take place at 15:00.

    The authors of the most striking and unusual costumes will receive recognition from the audience, as well as cash prizes in five nominations: for the best male, female, children’s, team costumes and the most original outfit for a pet.

    Silver Forest It is no coincidence that it became the site of a costumed SUP regatta. This is a significant historical recreation area for Muscovites and tourists, which is visited annually by hundreds of thousands of people. The entire infrastructure is being updated and equipped for the new season. This year, guests will find even more picnic spots, sports grounds and landscaped areas near the water in the most picturesque natural landscapes of the capital.

    The costumed SUP regatta in Moscow is not only a celebration of sports and creativity, but also a platform for self-expression. Last year, more than 600 people took part in the event. First place in the costume contest was taken by Mikhail Ryutov, who transformed into a fisherman from Alexander Pushkin’s fairy tale about the Golden Fish. Second place was taken by Maxim and Darya Karakulov for their spectacular images of a rescuer and a traffic police inspector, and third place went to Leonid Varlamov – he captivated the jury and spectators with the image of a large green crocodile. A special prize was given to the participants who chose an original raft – a huge pizza – as a means of transportation on the water.

    All details about the festival “Moscow – on the wave. Fish week” – onwebsite.

    Project “Summer in Moscow”— the main event of the season. It brings together the most vibrant events of the capital. Every day, charity, cultural and sports events are held in all districts of the city, most of which are free. The Summer in Moscow project is being held for the second time, and the new season will be more eventful: new, original and colorful festivals and events will be added to the traditional ones.

    Until June 8, the capital is hosting the ninth festival “Moscow on the Wave. Fish Week”, organized as part of the “Moscow Seasons” cycle with the support of the city. This year, it is being held as part of the “Summer in Moscow” project and covers more than 30 sites in all districts of the capital. Leading fishing and fish processing companies from all over the country have brought the freshest delicacies to Moscow, and guests can expect a rich program with entertainment, master classes and sports events.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/154752073/

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: How to invest funds and present business ideas: what young visitors to financial literacy days will learn

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    On June 7 and 8, the Northern and Southern river terminals will host financial literacy days. A two-day educational marathon for the whole family was prepared Department of Finance of the City of Moscowand the Financial Literacy Center of the capital together with partners. While adults will participate in lectures and master classes, children will learn how to manage money wisely. The program of events for young visitors is divided into age groups: for children aged six to 10, 11 to 14, and 14 to 17.

    “Young guests will master key skills in an accessible, playful way: be mindful of spending and saving, avoid financial traps, and turn dreams into achievable goals. No complicated terms — just practice, exciting games, educational cartoons, and interactive activities. Today, when the world of finance is becoming increasingly complex, it is especially important to give children a reliable compass that will help them confidently chart their course into adulthood,” she emphasized.

    Elena Zyabbarova, Minister of the Moscow Government, head of the capital’s Department of Finance.

    This time, financial literacy days will be held as part of a large-scale city project “Summer in Moscow”. To participate, you need to register in the Russpass service. In order to attend the events on June 7, Northern river station, registration will be required. To participate in the events on June 8, Southern river station You also need to register.

    “On June 7 and 8, the Northern and Southern River Terminals will become the venue for financial literacy days. On the instructions of Sergei Sobyanin, we continue to develop both river terminals. Today, these are not only transport platforms, but also modern urban spaces: entertainment, cultural and educational events are held here all year round,” said the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry

    Maxim Liksutov.

    How to preserve capital

    The organizers came up with a way to explain to children what a personal budget, savings, and reasonable spending are. They turned complex topics into an exciting game.

    For the first time, during the days of financial literacy at the Northern River Terminal on June 7, a separate children’s zone “Cabin Boys-Entrepreneurs” will open. The children will master important navigation skills. They will learn to keep track of treasures – income, control damage in the hold – expenses, and also determine the course – plan a budget. How to manage wisely with personal fundsNatalia Pivkina, an expert at the Moscow Center for Financial Literacy, will tell the children how to always stay afloat.

    At the master class “Color your treasure map”The kids will learn to set financial goals, such as saving up for a new toy or book. Together with experts, they will learn the rules of saving.

    Children learn information more easily through visual examples. At the event “The Island of Financial Fairy Tales”Experts will analyze the behavior of famous cartoon characters and show how to make a shopping list, plan expenses, and even help parents save money.

    During interactive classes, schoolchildren will be asked to come up with a new type of means of payment and layout bank cardwith its own original design.

    For guys who are interested in cryptocurrency and digital ruble, the master class will be held by Irina Maslova, Doctor of Economics. The expert will talk about the features of digital money and give advice on how not to become a victim of crypto scammers.

    Young sailors will be able to take a break from the busy program during short physical exercises – deck and storm exercises. The festive atmosphere will be complemented by a soap bubble show and Aitish’s financial assistant – a favorite character of all children from the program “Good night, little ones!”

    How to invest savings

    Young guests of the second day of financial literacy at the Southern River Terminal on June 8 will get acquainted with various banking instruments that will be useful to them in the future. Children who learn to save money from an early age have a better chance of saving for a dream or a long-awaited trip.

    For those who want to properly form savings and invest them in the future, experts will suggest drawing up step by step planand visualize it colorfully.

    Older kids will be interested team play, during which you can develop business ideas and learn how to present them correctly. Irina Suslova, a teacher at the Department of Innovation Economics of the Faculty of Economics at Lomonosov Moscow State University, will help you with this.

    How to turn a hobby into source of income, Director of Electronic Commerce Dmitry Milyushin will tell young businessmen. The guys will learn what steps they need to take to start making money on their hobby, and what platforms and tools will help with this.

    By solving thematic problems and competing in intellectual tournaments, young guests will understand issues of telephone and internet fraudand find out how to protect yourself from investing in dubious financial organizations.

    Useful exhibitions

    At the Northern and Southern River Terminals, participants in the financial literacy days will be able to visit the Bank of Russia exhibition “Journey to Childhood”. The stands will display photographs of coins dedicated to heroes of folk tales, characters of Russian cartoons, children’s writers and artists. The exhibition will help young guests learn more about finances using familiar stories.

    At the Southern River Terminal, young visitors will be treated to an exhibition called “Financial Security”. The exhibition will introduce children to common types of fraud – from calls from unknown numbers to financial pyramids and fictitious job offers.

    On both days, VR simulators developed jointly with experts from the Moscow Government’s Personnel Services Department will be available. With their help, teenagers aged 14 and over will be able to practice their financial management skills. A financial checkup will help them assess their own knowledge. After answering several questions in the express test, participants will find out their level of financial literacy and receive personal advice and links to useful training materials.

    Summer concerts of the “Music in the Metro” project begin at the Northern River Terminal

    More news about financial literacy, as well as event announcements, can be found in the telegram channel “Open Budget of Moscow” and on portal of the same name.

    Get the latest news quickly official telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/154853073/

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI: Richemont publishes FY25 Annual Report and Non-Financial Report

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    5 JUNE 2025 

    RICHEMONT PUBLISHES FY25 ANNUAL REPORT 
    AND NON-FINANCIAL REPORT

    Richemont has today published its combined Annual Report and Accounts with the Business review, the Compensation Report and the Corporate Governance Report, along with its Non-Financial Report, for the year ended 31 March 2025.

    The Annual Report and Accounts, which includes the Chairman’s review to shareholders, the annual consolidated and statutory financial statements, and the corresponding audit reports was already published on 16 May 2025.

    The Non-Financial Report 2025, prepared in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards (2021), provides Richemont’s disclosures on non-financial matters. The report complies with the reporting disclosure required by Articles 964a-c of the Swiss Code of Obligations, including the Swiss Ordinance on Climate Disclosures. Selected disclosures and indicators have been independently assured (limited assurance) by PricewaterhouseCoopers SA (PwC).

    Both reports are available for download on the Company’s website at https://www.richemont.com/media/ue1bjrjv/richemont-fy25-annual-report-en.pdf and https://www.richemont.com/media/3vwfatyf/richemont-non-financial-report-2025.pdf. Hard copies will be mailed to parties who have requested it and may also be obtained from the Company’s registered office at the address below or by contacting the Company via the website at www.richemont.com/about-us/contact-us.

    In South Africa, the Annual Report and Non-Financial Report may be obtained directly from the Depository Agent at the following address: Computershare Investor Services Proprietary Limited, Rosebank Towers, 15 Biermann Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa.

    About Richemont

    At Richemont, we craft the future. Our unique portfolio includes prestigious Maisons distinguished by their craftsmanship and creativity. Richemont’s ambition is to nurture its Maisons and businesses and enable them to grow and prosper in a responsible, sustainable manner over the long term.

    Richemont operates in three business areas: Jewellery Maisons with Buccellati, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and Vhernier; Specialist Watchmakers with A. Lange & Söhne, Baume & Mercier, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Panerai, Piaget, Roger Dubuis and Vacheron Constantin; and Other, primarily Fashion & Accessories Maisons with Alaïa, Chloé, Delvaux, dunhill, G/FORE, Gianvito Rossi, Montblanc, Peter Millar, Purdey, Serapian as well as Watchfinder & Co. Find out more at https://www.richemont.com/.

    Richemont A shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange, Richemont’s primary listing, and are included in the Swiss Market Index (‘SMI’) of leading stocks. Richemont A shares are listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Richemont’s secondary listing.

    Investor/analyst and media enquiries
    +41 22 721 3003 (investor relations)
    Investor.relations@cfrinfo.net
    +41 22 721 3507 (media)
    pressoffice@cfrinfo.net
    richemont@teneo.com

    Click here for a printer-friendly version in English (PDF)

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The project “Street. Dances” on Chistoprudny Boulevard will open with a master class

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    On June 6, a large summer program will open on Chistoprudny Boulevard, which will transform one of Moscow’s main promenade streets into a center of dance and creative activity. As part of the “Summer in Moscow” project, master classes, battles, performances by dance school students and open-air concerts will be held here. The “Street. Dances” project on Chistoprudny Boulevard will last until the end of the season.

    The festive opening is scheduled for 18:00. Guests will be greeted by a DJ, and the main program will begin at 19:00. The host, popular choreographer and international dancer Evgeny Papunaishvili, will take to the stage, which is located almost in the very center of the boulevard. He will introduce the participants and directions of the project to the public, and will also conduct an open master class. The day will end with a bright party, which will begin at 20:30 and last until 22:30.

    The audience will get acquainted with the project program and see performances by the leading dance schools of the capital. Their numbers will be shown by:

    — “Just Dance” school (salsa);

    — All-Russian Federation of Social Dances (bachata);

    — center of contemporary choreography Todes (modern dance);

    — production center “Young Artist” (children’s choreography, acting);

    — “Danceclass” club (boogie-woogie and Lindy-hop);

    — school “Lisoborye” (modern swing);

    — dance school “TantsBaza” (intellectual modern dances).

    All summer long, Chistoprudny Boulevard will operate as a full-fledged festival site. Four specially equipped podiums within the framework of the project “Street. Dances” will become a place for classes by famous choreographers, demonstration performances, open lessons and dance flash mobs. Regular master classes will be held in a variety of areas – from Latin American styles to hip-hop, modern and street improvisation.

    Concerts, live performances and special music projects are planned on the central stage with columns. Parties with live music and dancing in the open air will become the calling card of the summer season.

    Special attention is paid to street dancing: you can watch hip-hop and breaking battles on the themed platform. Qualifying rounds will be held every two weeks, and the final competition is scheduled for September 7. Both professional dancers and street teams will be able to participate in the competitions. Registration is conducted in advance. The winners will have the opportunity to perform in the final and compete for the title of the best street dancers of the project.

    Latin American culture lovers will be able to take part in master classes in bachata, salsa and kizomba, and for guests who prefer a leisurely holiday, there are lounge and photo zones, creative workshops. In addition, in the summer there are planned to be filming of dance videos, open rehearsals and educational formats with the participation of experts.

    One of the key elements of the program will be a video contest, organized jointly with Evgeniy Papunaishvili. Anyone who wishes will be able to film and post their dance number on social media, and the dancer’s team will select the best videos and award prizes to the authors.

    The project on Chistoprudny Boulevard is part of the large-scale city festival “Summer in Moscow”. It combines active recreation, creativity, sports and city events in different districts of the capital. The dance program will last all summer and will be open to everyone. Participation in all events is free.

    Project “Summer in Moscow” — the main event of the season. It brings together the most vibrant events of the capital. Every day, charity, cultural and sports events are held in all districts of the city, most of which are free. The Summer in Moscow project is being held for the second time, and the new season will be more eventful: new, original and colorful festivals and events will be added to the traditional ones.

    What events await city residents and tourists within the framework of the project “Summer in Moscow”

    Quickly find out the main news of the capital inofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

     

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/154817073/

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The best Soviet and Russian films will be shown in Zaryadye Park

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    In Moscow, with the support of the capital Department of Culture The project “Cinema Summer in Zaryadye” has begun. Until September 7, on weekends and holidays, films from the golden fund of Russian cinema will be shown on the site under the glass bark in the park.

    Films from 35 mm film will be shown using a mobile cinema. Each film will be presented by famous directors, actors, film experts, writers and other cultural and public figures.

    The program includes 30 films from the collection of the Russian State Film Fund, the Mosfilm film concern, the Cinema Museum and Moskino, from romantic comedies and war dramas to space travel and social research. Thus, you can watch the works of directors Vladimir Menshov, Tatyana Lioznova, Karen Shakhnazarov, Grigory Alexandrov, Mikhail Kalatozov and Alla Surikova.

    In the space under the glass dome, films by Soviet classics will come to life: the satirical comedy Welcome, or No Trespassing (1964), the romantic comedy Three Plus Two (1963), the light comedy Be My Husband (1981), the dramatic story about love, music and fate Winter Evening in Gagra (1985), the film Jolly Fellows (1934), which became a symbol of the era, and other films.

    Some of the film screenings will be timed to coincide with significant events and memorable dates. Thus, for Russia Day (June 12), they will show the animated film Prince Vladimir (2006) — a fairy tale version of the story of Vladimir the Red Sun. On Remembrance and Sorrow Day (June 22), you can watch films about the Great Patriotic War — The Cranes Are Flying (1957) and Brest Fortress (2010). For Family, Love and Fidelity Day (July 8), the project’s curatorial group has prepared a screening of the films When the Trees Were Big (1961), Love and Doves (1984), Relatives (1981), and Men! (1981).

    On Youth Day (June 29), two diametrically opposed films will be shown: Karen Shakhnazarov’s social drama “Courier” (1986) about growing up and making choices, and Oksana Bychkova’s melodrama “Piter FM” (2006) about how a combination of circumstances can change the fate of two people. On the Day of the State Flag of the Russian Federation (August 22), viewers will see Yuri Egorov’s legendary feature film “Volunteers” (1958).

    On Cinema Night on August 23, you can join a special screening of the cult comedy The Man from Boulevard des Capucines (1987), and in honor of City Day, guests will be treated to three legendary films about the capital: Vladimir Menshov’s melodrama Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears (1979), Georgy Natanson’s romantic story Once More About Love (1967), and Tatyana Lioznova’s touching film Three Poplars on Plyushchikha (1968).

    The schedule of film screenings can be found at link. Free admission.

    The partners of the “Kinolet in Zaryadye” are the State Museum and Exhibition Center “Rosizo” and the “Videodrom” project.

    Project “Summer in Moscow” — the main event of the season. It brings together the most vibrant events of the capital. Every day, charity, cultural and sports events are held in all districts of the city, most of which are free. The Summer in Moscow project is being held for the second time, and the new season will be more eventful: new, original and colorful festivals and events will be added to the traditional ones.

    Get the latest news quickly official telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/154819073/

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Marshall and Moran Introduce Resolution Honoring the Life of Sarah Milgrim

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington – U.S. Senators Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) and Jerry Moran (R-Kansas) introduced a resolution today honoring the life of Sarah Milgrim, an Overland Park native, and her soon-to-be-fiancé, Yaron Lischinsky, who were brutally murdered outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC, on May 21, 2025.
    “At just 26 years old, Sarah Milgrim’s impact on our country and her community was profound,” said Senator Marshall. “An Overland Park native, she was a talented musician and chorus singer, deeply devoted to her faith, exceptionally intelligent, and selflessly committed to the well-being of others. Sarah and her soon-to-be fiancé, Yaron Lischinsky, were victims of an unspeakable murder in Washington, DC. While we can never remove the pain of this loss, I hope that this resolution stands as a lasting tribute to Sarah’s remarkable life, her enduring legacy, and the light she brought to all who knew her.”
    “The loss of Kansan Sarah Milgrim and her soon-to-be fiancé, Yaron Lischinsky, to a sickening act of antisemitic violence is a tragedy that should never have happened,” said Senator Moran. “This violence and hatred must end. I join Kansans and the Jewish community in mourning the loss of these two young people, honoring their memories and reaffirming my unwavering support for all our Jewish friends and neighbors.”
    Background:

    On May 21, 2025, Sarah Milgrim and her soon-to-be-fiancé, Yaron Lischinsky, were brutally murdered by a pro-Palestinian terrorist outside the Capital Jewish Museum as they left the American Jewish Committee’s ACCESS Young Diplomats Reception in Washington, DC, an event to foster unity and celebrate Jewish heritage.
    Sarah and Yaron both worked out of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, DC, where they met and fell in love.
    Sarah, a Kansas-native, earned degrees from the University of Kansas and American University.
    Sarah began working as the Director of Civil Society Affairs at the Embassy of Israel in 2023.

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

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Belarusians have much to learn from Chinese partners in doing business – head of the Great Stone administration

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    MINSK, June 5 /Xinhua/ — Few people know how to do business like their Chinese partners, and Belarusians have a lot to learn, Alexander Yaroshenko, head of the administration of the China-Belarus Industrial Park “Great Stone”, said on Wednesday on the Belarusian TV channel “First Information”.

    “We are talking about building the right model of commercial success, building technologies in which China has now succeeded. During the current visit of the head of the Belarusian state to China, the issue of technological cooperation was discussed, among other things. For Belarus, as a country with a fairly wide range of industrial development, this is a very important aspect. Yes, we have our competitive advantages, technologies are developed, but China has gone far ahead. In order not to remain on the sidelines of the development of the global process, we need to move forward together. This is what we are doing at the Great Stone,” A. Yaroshenko noted.

    He also reported that among the residents of the Great Stone, Chinese investors account for about 40 percent – 61 projects. In total, Chinese investors have invested more than 300 million US dollars in the industrial park. They also brought their technological innovations, developments, and equipment to Belarus, on which products are manufactured.

    In addition, the head of the Great Stone administration pointed out that several large clusters have been formed in the industrial park. Chinese investors are very active in the field of research and development /R&D/.

    A. Yaroshenko noted that the medical cluster is developing well in the Great Stone. According to him, the industrial park is working to attract both innovative Chinese medicine and traditional medicine. “We would like to develop Chinese medicine services, and we are making legislative initiatives for this, so that a Chinese doctor here feels no worse than in China,” the head of the park summarized. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Bellerive body investigation: Police seek help of bus patrons

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Bellerive body investigation: Police seek help of bus patrons

    Thursday, 5 June 2025 – 3:48 pm.

    Tasmania Police would like to speak with two women who were travelling on a Metro bus at Rokeby last Friday afternoon, as investigations continue into the discovery of a man’s body at Bellerive.
    The body of Luke Jon Telega, 45, was found in an industrial-sized garbage bin at Percy Street on Monday morning.
    Police are trying to piece together Mr Telega’s movements leading up to a garbage contractor finding his body.
    CCTV footage obtained from Metro shows that Mr Telega caught a bus at Tollard Drive, Rokeby, on Friday, May 30, at 4.34pm.
    A woman in a grey or white hoodie joins the bus at the same time and is then seen to exit the bus at the same stop as Mr Telega, in the car park of the Shoreline Hotel about 4.38pm.
    While on the bus, a second woman in a red top appears to acknowledge Mr Telega with a wave.
    There is no suggestion the women are involved with Mr Telega’s death, but police believe they may be able to help with inquiries. (See photos attached)
    Further, police still wish to speak with a woman shown on CCTV footage standing at a shopfront on Percy Street about 7:50pm on Sunday, June 1.
    Police believe the member of the public may have spoken with someone in Percy Street at the time and may be able to assist with inquiries. The woman was driving what is believed to be a light-coloured Toyota Prado.
    A second woman shown on CCTV footage standing near a red SUV in Percy Street on Sunday night has contacted police and no further action is required.
    If anyone has information that could assist with the investigation, please call police on 131 444 or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online crimestopperstas.com.au

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI: Point and Funds Managed by Blue Owl Capital Close Oversubscribed $248 Million Home Equity Investment Rated Securitization

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Palo Alto, California, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Point, the leading home equity investment platform making homeownership more valuable and accessible, and funds managed by Blue Owl Capital (“Blue Owl”) announced today that they have completed a rated securitization of Point’s Home Equity Investment (“HEI”) assets, issuing $248.6 million of rated asset-backed securities (the “Transaction”). The Transaction is Point’s fourth rated securitization and fifth overall.

    The Transaction closed on May 23, 2025. The issuer, Point Securitization Trust 2025-1, issued $162.2 million of senior class A-1 securities rated A (low) (sf), $35 million of mezzanine class A-2 securities rated BBB (low) (sf), $28.3 million of subordinate class B-1 securities rated BB (low) (sf), and $23.1 million of subordinate class B-2 securities rated B (high) (sf) (retained), all rated by Morningstar DBRS. A portion of the notes were acquired by accounts managed by an affiliate of Blue Owl. The Transaction drew significant interest from both new and repeat institutional investors, resulting in the Transaction being more than 8x oversubscribed. Co-sponsoring the Transaction with a subsidiary of Blue Owl, Point was the originator of all the HEIs in the securitization and will continue to service the assets.

    “This past year has been transformative—for Point and for the entire HEI space,” said Eddie Lim, co-founder and CEO of Point. “Investor demand has never been stronger, and the performance of our deals continues to outperform expectations. Our latest securitization was met with overwhelming enthusiasm, reinforcing that HEIs aren’t just gaining traction—they’re reshaping how homeowners access equity. We’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible.”

    Over the past 18 months, the rated securitization space for HEIs has entered a new phase of maturation. With multiple HEI-backed deals successfully rated, the asset class is seeing increased institutional recognition and investor confidence, with issuance volume doubling and the number of transactions tripling in 2024 alone[1]. According to Finsight[2], HEI-backed deals totaled $936 million across five transactions last year—up significantly from prior years. These transactions have helped set important benchmarks for credit quality, structure, and performance, signaling a shift from emerging to established within the alternative housing finance landscape.

    “The Blue Owl Alternative Credit team and Point have a longstanding relationship dating back to 2018, and we are excited to continue our partnership with the Point team,” said Ivan Zinn, Head of Alternative Credit at Blue Owl. “This marks the second Point transaction that Blue Owl has co-sponsored, and we look forward to doing many more together. The success of this transaction is a testament to the Point platform and validates the thesis that HEIs will continue to be a growing asset class.” 

    Barclays Capital Inc. (“Barclays”) was the sole-structuring agent for the issuance. Barclays, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., and Nomura Securities International Inc. were joint bookrunners on the Transaction, and East West Markets, LLC and Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. were co-managers on the Transaction.

    About Point

    Point is the leading home equity platform making homeownership more valuable and accessible. Point’s flagship product, the Home Equity Investment (HEI), empowers homeowners to unlock their equity to eliminate debt, get through periods of financial hardship, and diversify their wealth – without adding to their monthly expenses. Point has worked with more than 15,000 homeowners, unlocking more than $1.5 billion in home equity. Point’s HEI enables investors to access a previously untapped asset class – owner-occupied residential real estate. Founded in 2015 by Eddie Lim, Eoin Matthews, and Alex Rampell, Point is backed by top investors, including Westcap, Andreessen Horowitz, Ribbit Capital, Greylock Partners, Bloomberg Beta, Blue Owl Capital, Alpaca VC, and Prudential. The company is headquartered in Palo Alto, CA. For more information, please visit www.point.com

     Blue Owl Capital
    About Blue Owl: Blue Owl (NYSE: OWL) is a leading asset manager that is redefining alternatives®. With $273 billion in assets under management as of March 31, 2025, we invest across three multi-strategy platforms: Credit, GP Strategic Capital, and Real Assets. Anchored by a strong permanent capital base, we provide businesses with private capital solutions to drive long-term growth and offer institutional investors, individual investors, and insurance companies differentiated alternative investment opportunities that aim to deliver strong performance, risk-adjusted returns, and capital preservation. 

    Together with over 1,200 experienced professionals globally, Blue Owl brings the vision and discipline to create the exceptional. To learn more, visit www.blueowl.com.


    [1] Source: https://www.hel.news/articles/mbs/q4-issuance-010225

    [2] Source:

    https://www.globalcapital.com/securitization/article/2egjdeyqx5732y19mm8sg/securitization/rmbs-us/hei-nears-tipping-point-as-investors-warm-on-sector?

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai confers decoration on President Hilda C. Heine of Republic of the Marshall Islands, hosts state banquet  

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Details
    2025-06-03
    President Lai and President Hilda C. Heine of Marshall Islands hold bilateral talks and witness signing of agreements
    On the morning of June 3, President Lai Ching-te, accompanied by Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, held bilateral talks with President Hilda C. Heine of the Republic of the Marshall Islands at the Presidential Office following a welcome ceremony with military honors for her and her husband. The leaders also jointly witnessed the signing of a letter of intent for sports exchanges and a memorandum of understanding regarding the Presidents’ Scholarship Fund. President Lai then presided over a launch ceremony for a loan program to purchase aircraft. In remarks, President Lai thanked the government and the Nitijela (parliament) of the Marshall Islands for their longstanding support for Taiwan’s international participation and for voicing staunch support for Taiwan at numerous international venues. President Lai said that Taiwan looks forward to continuing to deepen its diplomatic partnership with the Marshall Islands and build an even closer cooperative relationship across a range of fields, engaging in mutual assistance for mutual benefits and helping each other achieve joint and prosperous development to yield even greater well-being for our peoples. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I once again warmly welcome President Heine, First Gentleman Thomas Kijiner, Jr., and our guests to Taiwan. During my visit to the Marshall Islands last year, I said that Taiwan and the Marshall Islands are truly a family. When Vice President Hsiao and I took office last year, President Heine led a delegation to Taiwan. It is now one year since our inauguration, and I am delighted to see President Heine once again, just as if I were seeing family arrive from afar. Through my visit to the Marshall Islands, I gained a profound sense of the friendship between the peoples of our two nations, well-demonstrated by bilateral exchanges in such areas as healthcare, agriculture, and education. And it is thanks to President Heine’s longstanding support for Taiwan that our countries have been able to further advance collaboration on even more issues, including women’s empowerment and climate change. In recent years, the geopolitical and economic landscape has changed rapidly. We look forward to Taiwan and the Marshall Islands continuing to deepen our partnership and build an even closer cooperative relationship. In just a few moments, President Heine and I will witness the signing of several documents, including a memorandum of understanding and a letter of intent, to expand bilateral cooperation in such fields as sports, education, and transportation. Taiwan will take concrete action to work with the Marshall Islands and advance mutual prosperity and development, writing a new chapter in our diplomatic partnership. I would also like to take this opportunity to express gratitude to the government and Nitijela of the Marshall Islands. In recent years, the Nitijela has passed annual resolutions backing Taiwan’s international participation, and President Heine and Marshallese cabinet members have been some of the strongest advocates for Taiwan’s international participation, voicing staunch support for Taiwan at numerous international venues. Building on the pillars of democracy, peace, and prosperity, Taiwan will continue to work with the Marshall Islands and other like-minded countries to deepen our partnerships, engage in mutual assistance for mutual benefits, and help one another achieve joint and prosperous development. I have every confidence that the combined efforts of our two nations will yield even greater well-being for our peoples and see us make even more contributions to the world. President Heine then delivered remarks, and began by conveying warm greetings of iokwe from the people and government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands to the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan). She said she was deeply honored to be in Taiwan for an official visit, and extended appreciation to President Lai and his government for their gracious invitation and warm welcome. President Heine stated that this year marks 27 years of diplomatic ties between our two nations, and that they are proud of this enduring friendship. This special and enduring relationship, she said, is grounded in our shared Austronesian heritage, and strengthened by mutual respect for each other’s democratic systems and our steadfast commitment to the core values of freedom, justice, and the rule of law. President Heine stated that Taiwan’s continued support has been invaluable to the people and national development of the Marshall Islands, particularly in the areas of health, education, agriculture, and climate change. She also expressed deep appreciation to Taiwan for providing Marshallese students with opportunities to study in Taiwan, and for the care extended to Marshallese who travel here for medical treatment. President Heine also announced that she would be presenting a copy of a resolution by the people and government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands reiterating their appreciation for the support provided by the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), and calling on the United Nations to take immediate action to resolve the inappropriate exclusion of Taiwan’s 23 million people from the UN system. She added that she looked forward to the bilateral discussions later that day, and to continuing the important work that both countries carry out together. After the bilateral talks, President Lai and President Heine witnessed the signing of a letter of intent regarding sports exchanges and a memorandum of understanding regarding the Presidents’ Scholarship Fund by Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) and Marshallese Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Kalani R. Kaneko. President Lai then presided over a launch ceremony for a loan program to purchase aircraft, marking the formal beginning of Taiwan-Marshall Islands air transport cooperation. The visiting delegation also included Council of Iroij Chairman Lanny Kabua, Minister of Finance David Paul, and Nitijela Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade Chair Joe Bejang. They were accompanied to the Presidential Office by Charge d’Affaires a.i. Anjanette Davis-Anjel of the Embassy of the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

    Details
    2025-06-03
    President Lai welcomes President Hilda C. Heine of Republic of the Marshall Islands with military honors  
    President Lai Ching-te welcomed President Hilda C. Heine of the Republic of the Marshall Islands and her husband on the morning of June 3 with full military honors. In remarks, President Lai thanked President Heine and the people and government of the Marshall Islands for demonstrating such high regard for our nations’ diplomatic ties. The president said that over our 27 years of diplomatic relations, our cooperation in healthcare, agriculture, fisheries, education and training, and climate change has yielded many positive results. And moving ahead, he said, Taiwan will continue to deepen collaboration across all domains for mutual prosperity and growth. The welcome ceremony began at 10:30 a.m. in the plaza fronting the Presidential Office. President Lai and President Heine each delivered remarks after a 21-gun salute, the playing of the two countries’ national anthems, and a review of the military honor guard. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: On behalf of the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), it is a great pleasure to welcome President Heine, First Gentleman Thomas Kijiner, Jr., and their delegation with full military honors as they make this state visit to Taiwan. When I traveled to the Marshall Islands on a state visit last December, I was received with great warmth and courtesy. I once again thank President Heine and the people and government of the Marshall Islands for demonstrating such high regard for our nations’ diplomatic ties. Taiwan and the Marshall Islands share Austronesian cultural traditions, and we are like-minded friends. Throughout our 27 years of diplomatic relations, we have always engaged with each other in a spirit of reciprocal trust and mutual assistance. Our cooperation in healthcare, agriculture, fisheries, education and training, and climate change has yielded many positive results. This is President Heine’s first state visit to Taiwan since taking office for a second time. We look forward to engaging our esteemed guests in in-depth discussions on issues of common concern. And moving ahead, Taiwan will continue to deepen collaboration with the Marshall Islands across all domains for mutual prosperity and growth. In closing, I thank President Heine, First Gentleman Kijiner, and their entire delegation for visiting Taiwan. I wish you all a pleasant and successful trip.  A transcript of President Heine’s remarks follows: Your Excellency President Lai Ching-te, Vice President [Bi-khim] Hsiao, honorable members of the cabinet, ambassadors, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen: It is my pleasure to extend warm greetings of iokwe on behalf of the people and the government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. I wish to also convey my appreciation to Your Excellency President Lai, for the hospitality and very warm welcome – kommol tata. This visit marks my seventh official state visit to this beautiful country. It’s a testament to my strong commitment to further deepening ties between the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of China (Taiwan). During this visit, I look forward to engaging in meaningful discussions with Your Excellency President Lai to further strengthen the bilateral relationship between our two nations and our peoples.  For over a quarter-century, Taiwan has been a strong ally and friend to the Marshall Islands. Our partnership has thrived across many sectors, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development. Through Taiwan’s generous support and collaboration, we have made significant progress in improving the lives of our people, empowering our communities, and fostering sustainable growth. The Marshall Islands deeply values our partnership with Taiwan and appreciates Taiwan’s support over the years. Despite our small size and limited voice on the global stage, the Marshall Islands deeply cherishes our friendship with Taiwan, and to that end, I wish to reaffirm my government’s commitment to Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the United Nations system. Taiwan has consistently demonstrated its commitment to the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. In light of current constraints in global affairs, it is now more urgent than ever that the international community of nations recognize the fundamental rights of the 23 million Taiwanese people and recognize Taiwan’s aspiration to engage fully in global affairs. It is with this in mind that I wish to reiterate to Your Excellency President Lai, the Taiwanese people, and the world that under my government, Marshall Islands will continue to acknowledge Taiwan’s contribution on the global stage and urge like-minded countries to advocate for Taiwan’s meaningful engagement in the international arena. In closing, may I once again extend our sincere appreciation to Your Excellency President Lai, the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), for your warm welcome.  Also in attendance at the welcome ceremony were Charge d’Affaires a.i. Anjanette Davis-Anjel of the Embassy of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Ambassador Andrea Clare Bowman, and members of the foreign diplomatic corps in Taiwan.  

    Details
    2025-05-29
    President Lai attends 2025 Europe Day Dinner
    On the evening of May 29, President Lai Ching-te attended the 2025 Europe Day Dinner. In remarks, President Lai stated that Taiwan looks forward to further establishing institutionalized mechanisms with Europe for our trade and investment ties and hopes to take an innovative and diverse approach to sign an economic partnership agreement with the European Union, to provide a more transparent, stable, and predictable business environment for our enterprises. The president said that Taiwan will actively work alongside other democracies, including those in Europe, to jointly build resilient, promising non-red supply chains, and noted that Taiwan and Europe have endless potential for collaboration, whether it is in safeguarding freedom and democracy or advancing our economic and trade relationship. He expressed hope to further strengthen our partnership and work together toward global peace, stability, and prosperity. A transcript of President Lai’s remarks follows: Chairman [Henry] Chang (張瀚書), thank you for the invitation, and congratulations on your second term. I’m confident that under your leadership, the ECCT [European Chamber of Commerce Taiwan] will build even more bridges for cooperation between Taiwan and Europe. I would also like to thank EETO [European Economic and Trade Office] Head [Lutz] Güllner and all the European country representatives stationed in Taiwan. Your hard work over the years has helped deepen Taiwan-Europe relations and brought about such fruitful cooperation. Thank you. This year we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration. In 1950, then-French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman proposed to create a European federation dedicated to preserving peace. The declaration symbolized a new flowering in the post-war era of democracy, unity, and cooperation. As we face the geopolitical challenges and drastic economic changes of today’s world, the Schuman Declaration still speaks to us profoundly. This year is also the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe. Moving forward, Taiwan will continue to advance cooperation with our democratic partners, and will join hands with Europe to build a partnership of even greater resilience and mutual trust. Europe is Taiwan’s third largest trading partner. It is also Taiwan’s largest source of foreign direct investment. Last year, bilateral trade between Taiwan and Europe totaled US$84.7 billion. This demonstrates our vibrant economic and trade ties and reflects the high levels of confidence our businesses have in each other’s markets and systems. We look forward to Taiwan and Europe further establishing institutionalized mechanisms for our trade and investment ties. And we hope to take an innovative and diverse approach to sign an economic partnership agreement with the EU, to provide a more transparent, stable, and predictable business environment for our enterprises. Today’s Taiwan has an internationally recognized democracy and a semiconductor industry vital to global security and prosperity. This enables us to play a key role in restructuring global democratic supply chains and the economic order. In particular, we see supply chains dominated by a new authoritarian bloc expanding their influence through non-market mechanisms, price subsidies, and monopolies on resources, as they seek global control of critical technologies and manufacturing capabilities. Their actions not only distort principles of market fairness, but also threaten the international community’s basic expectations for democracy, the rule of law, and corporate responsibility. In response, Taiwan will actively work alongside other democracies, including those in Europe, to jointly build resilient, promising non-red supply chains. We will also introduce an initiative on semiconductor supply chain partnerships for global democracies. This is more than a proposal for economic cooperation; it is an alliance of shared values and advanced technology. Security in the Taiwan Strait and regional peace and stability have always been issues of mutual interest for Taiwan and Europe. So here today, on behalf of all the people of Taiwan, I would like to thank the EU and European nations for continuing to take concrete actions in public support of peace and stability across the strait. Such actions are vital to regional security and prosperity. Taiwan will continue to bolster itself to achieve real peace through strength, and will work with democratic partners to safeguard freedom and democracy, thereby showing our determination for regional peace. At this critical time, Taiwan and Europe have endless potential for collaboration, whether it’s in safeguarding freedom and democracy or advancing our economic and trade relationship. I look forward to our joining hands at this strategic juncture to further strengthen our partnership and work together toward global peace, stability, and prosperity. Also in attendance at the event was British Office Taipei Representative Ruth Bradley-Jones.

    Details
    2025-05-28
    President Lai meets US delegation led by Senator Tammy Duckworth
    On the afternoon of May 28, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by United States Senator Tammy Duckworth. In remarks, President Lai thanked the US Congress and government for their longstanding and bipartisan support for Taiwan. The president stated that Taiwan will continue to strengthen cooperation with the US and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability. He pointed out that the Taiwan government has already proposed a roadmap for deepening Taiwan-US trade ties and will encourage mutual investment between Taiwanese and US businesses. He then expressed hope of deepening Taiwan-US ties and creating more niches for both sides. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I warmly welcome this delegation led by Senator Duckworth, a dear friend of Taiwan. Senator Duckworth previously visited in May last year to convey congratulations after the inauguration of myself and Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao. Your bipartisan delegation was the first group from the US Senate that I met with as president. Today, you are visiting just after the first anniversary of my taking office, demonstrating the staunch support of the US and our deep friendship. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend my sincere appreciation and greetings. And I invite you to come back and visit next year, the year after that, and every year. Taiwan and the US share the values of democracy and the rule of law and believe in free and open markets. Both sides embrace a common goal of peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. I thank the US Congress and government for their longstanding, bipartisan, and steadfast support for Taiwan. In 2021, to help Taiwan overcome the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Senator Duckworth made a special trip here to announce that the US government would be donating vaccines to Taiwan. In recent years, Senator Duckworth has also promoted the TAIWAN Security Act, STAND with Taiwan Act, and Taiwan and America Space Assistance Act in the US Congress, all of which have further deepened Taiwan-US cooperation and steadily advanced our ties. For this, I express my deepest appreciation. I want to emphasize that the people of Taiwan have an unyielding determination to protect their homeland and free and democratic way of life. Over the past year, the government and private sector have been working together to enhance Taiwan’s whole-of-society defense resilience. The government is committed to reforming national defense, and it has proposed prioritizing special budget allocations to ensure that our defense budget exceeds three percent of GDP. This will continue to bolster Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities. Moving forward, Taiwan will continue to strengthen cooperation with the US. In addition to jointly safeguarding regional peace and stability, we also aspire to deepen bilateral trade and economic ties. At the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington, DC, earlier this month, Taiwan’s delegation was once again the biggest delegation attending the event – proof positive of our close economic and trade cooperation. We have already proposed a roadmap for deepening Taiwan-US trade ties. We will narrow the trade imbalance through the procurement of energy and agricultural and other industrial products from the US. We will encourage mutual investment between Taiwanese and US businesses to stimulate industrial development on both sides, especially in such industries as national defense and shipbuilding. We therefore look forward to Congress passing the US-Taiwan Expedited Double-Tax Relief Act as soon as possible, as this would deepen Taiwan-US trade ties and create more niches for business. In closing, I once again thank Senator Duckworth for making the trip to Taiwan. Let us continue to work together to elevate Taiwan-US ties. I wish you a pleasant and successful visit. Senator Duckworth then delivered remarks, saying that she is happy to be back in Taiwan and that she wanted to make sure to come back just after President Lai’s one-year anniversary of taking office to show the dedication and the outstanding friendship that we have. She noted that because no matter who is in the White House, no matter which political party is in power in Washington, DC, she has always believed that if America wants to remain a leader on the global stage, it has to show up for friends like Taiwan.  Senator Duckworth mentioned that in the years that she has been coming to Taiwan since pre-COVID times, she has seen a remarkable increase in participation in its defense and the support of the Taiwanese people for defending the homeland. She then thanked Taiwan for making the commitment to its self-defense, and also for being a partner with other nations around the world.  The STAND with Taiwan Act, the senator noted, is so named because the US wants to stand side by side with Taiwan. Pointing out that Taiwan is an important leader in the Indo-Pacific and on the global stage, she reiterated that there is support on both sides of the aisle in Washington for Taiwanese democracy, and added that the people of Taiwan are showing that they are willing to shore up their own readiness. Senator Duckworth said that whether it is delivering vaccines to Taiwan or making sure that the US National Guard works with Taiwan’s reserve forces or even with its civilian emergency response teams, these are all important components to the ongoing partnership between our nations.  Senator Duckworth indicated that there are many great opportunities moving forward beyond our military cooperation with one another. Whether it is in chip manufacturing, agricultural investments, shipbuilding, or in the healthcare field, those investments in both nations will facilitate stability and development in both our nations. She said that is why she wants to continue the Taiwan-US relationship, underlining that they are in it for the long haul. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by American Institute in Taiwan Taipei Office Director Raymond Greene.

    Details
    2025-05-27
    President Lai meets delegation led by US House Natural Resources Committee Chair Bruce Westerman
    On the afternoon of May 27, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Chair of the Natural Resources Committee of the United States House of Representatives Bruce Westerman. In remarks, President Lai stated that Taiwan and the US enjoy close industrial exchanges and continue to explore new opportunities for investment and collaboration. The president said that Taiwan will continue to increase purchases from and together build non-red supply chains with the US, expressing hope that economic and trade relations grow even closer and that both work together to jointly safeguard peace and stability throughout the region. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I am delighted to meet and exchange views with members of the US House Committee on Natural Resources today. Chair Westerman, the leader of this delegation, is an old friend of Taiwan. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend a very warm welcome to the delegation. I also want to thank you all for your long-term close attention to Taiwan-related affairs and your strong support for Taiwan. Taiwan and the US enjoy close ties and share ideals and values. There is an excellent foundation for cooperation between us, particularly in such areas as energy, the economy and trade, agriculture and fisheries, environmental protection, and sustainable development. In recent years, Taiwan-US ties have grown closer and closer. The US has become Taiwan’s largest destination for overseas investment, accounting for over 40 percent of Taiwan’s outbound investment. Taiwan is also the seventh largest trading partner of the US and its seventh largest export market for agricultural products. The SelectUSA Investment Summit held in Washington, DC earlier this month was the largest in its history. Taiwan’s delegation, representing 138 enterprises, was once again the biggest delegation attending the event. This shows that Taiwan and the US enjoy close industrial exchanges and continue to explore new opportunities for investment and collaboration. Looking ahead, with the global landscape changing rapidly, Taiwan will continue to increase purchases from the US, including energy resources such as natural gas and petroleum, as well as agricultural products, industrial products, and even military procurement. This will not only help balance our bilateral trade, but also strengthen development for Taiwan in energy autonomy, resilience, the economy, and trade. Taiwan and the US are also well-matched in such areas as high tech and manufacturing. As the US pursues reindustrialization and aims to become a global hub for AI, Taiwan is willing to take part and play an even more important role. We will strengthen Taiwan-US industrial cooperation and together build non-red supply chains. In addition to bringing our economic and trade relations even closer, this will also allow Taiwanese industries to remain rooted in Taiwan while expanding their global presence, helping bolster the US, and marketing worldwide. As for military exchanges, we are grateful to the US government for continuing its military sales to Taiwan and backing our efforts to upgrade our self-defense capabilities. Taiwan will continue to work with the US to jointly safeguard peace and stability throughout the region. In closing, I thank our guests once again for making the long journey here, not only offering warm friendship, but also demonstrating the staunch bipartisan support for Taiwan in the US Congress. Chair Westerman then delivered remarks, saying that it is an honor for him and his colleagues to be in Taiwan to talk about the strong relationship between the US and Taiwan and how that relationship can continue to grow in the future. The chair pointed out that natural resources are foundational to any kind of economic development, whether it is energy, which is key to manufacturing, or whether it is mining, which provides rare earth elements and all the minerals and metals needed for manufacturing. He said that as for natural resources including fish, wildlife, or timber, all are foundational to any society, but this is especially so for agriculture, noting that the US produces a lot of food and fodder and is always looking for more friends to share that with. Chair Westerman indicated that they are excited about opportunities to work with Taiwan, adding that Taiwan’s investments in the US have been greatly appreciated. He said they also are excited about the talks with the Trump administration and the future going forward on how we can have a stronger trade relationship, a stronger bilateral relationship, and how we can work with each other to help both economies grow and prosper. Chair Westerman concluded his remarks by expressing thanks for the opportunity to visit, saying that they treasure Taiwan’s friendship and our long-term relationship, and are very excited to be able to discuss in more detail how our two countries can work together. The delegation also included US House Natural Resources Committee Representatives Sarah Elfreth, Harriet Hageman, Celeste Maloy, and Nick Begich. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by American Institute in Taiwan Taipei Office Director Raymond Greene.  

    Details
    2025-05-20
    President Lai interviewed by Nippon Television and Yomiuri TV
    In a recent interview on Nippon Television’s news zero program, President Lai Ching-te responded to questions from host Mr. Sakurai Sho and Yomiuri TV Shanghai Bureau Chief Watanabe Masayo on topics including reflections on his first year in office, cross-strait relations, China’s military threats, Taiwan-United States relations, and Taiwan-Japan relations. The interview was broadcast on the evening of May 19. During the interview, President Lai stated that China intends to change the world’s rules-based international order, and that if Taiwan were invaded, global supply chains would be disrupted. Therefore, he said, Taiwan will strengthen its national defense, prevent war by preparing for war, and achieve the goal of peace. The president also noted that Taiwan’s purpose for developing drones is based on national security and industrial needs, and that Taiwan hopes to collaborate with Japan. He then reiterated that China’s threats are an international problem, and expressed hope to work together with the US, Japan, and others in the global democratic community to prevent China from starting a war. Following is the text of the questions and the president’s responses: Q: How do you feel as you are about to round out your first year in office? President Lai: When I was young, I was determined to practice medicine and save lives. When I left medicine to go into politics, I was determined to transform Taiwan. And when I was sworn in as president on May 20 last year, I was determined to strengthen the nation. Time flies, and it has already been a year. Although the process has been very challenging, I am deeply honored to be a part of it. I am also profoundly grateful to our citizens for allowing me the opportunity to give back to our country. The future will certainly be full of more challenges, but I will do everything I can to unite the people and continue strengthening the nation. That is how I am feeling now. Q: We are now coming up on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, and over this period, we have often heard that conflict between Taiwan and the mainland is imminent. Do you personally believe that a cross-strait conflict could happen? President Lai: The international community is very much aware that China intends to replace the US and change the world’s rules-based international order, and annexing Taiwan is just the first step. So, as China’s military power grows stronger, some members of the international community are naturally on edge about whether a cross-strait conflict will break out. The international community must certainly do everything in its power to avoid a conflict in the Taiwan Strait; there is too great a cost. Besides causing direct disasters to both Taiwan and China, the impact on the global economy would be even greater, with estimated losses of US$10 trillion from war alone – that is roughly 10 percent of the global GDP. Additionally, 20 percent of global shipping passes through the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, so if a conflict breaks out in the strait, other countries including Japan and Korea would suffer a grave impact. For Japan and Korea, a quarter of external transit passes through the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, and a third of the various energy resources and minerals shipped back from other countries pass through said areas. If Taiwan were invaded, global supply chains would be disrupted, and therefore conflict in the Taiwan Strait must be avoided. Such a conflict is indeed avoidable. I am very thankful to Prime Minister of Japan Ishiba Shigeru and former Prime Ministers Abe Shinzo, Suga Yoshihide, and Kishida Fumio, as well as US President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden, and the other G7 leaders, for continuing to emphasize at international venues that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are essential components for global security and prosperity. When everyone in the global democratic community works together, stacking up enough strength to make China’s objectives unattainable or to make the cost of invading Taiwan too high for it to bear, a conflict in the strait can naturally be avoided. Q: As you said, President Lai, maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is also very important for other countries. How can war be avoided? What sort of countermeasures is Taiwan prepared to take to prevent war? President Lai: As Mr. Sakurai mentioned earlier, we are coming up on the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII. There are many lessons we can take from that war. First is that peace is priceless, and war has no winners. From the tragedies of WWII, there are lessons that humanity should learn. We must pursue peace, and not start wars blindly, as that would be a major disaster for humanity. In other words, we must be determined to safeguard peace. The second lesson is that we cannot be complacent toward authoritarian powers. If you give them an inch, they will take a mile. They will keep growing, and eventually, not only will peace be unattainable, but war will be inevitable. The third lesson is why WWII ended: It ended because different groups joined together in solidarity. Taiwan, Japan, and the Indo-Pacific region are all directly subjected to China’s threats, so we hope to be able to join together in cooperation. This is why we proposed the Four Pillars of Peace action plan. First, we will strengthen our national defense. Second, we will strengthen economic resilience. Third is standing shoulder to shoulder with the democratic community to demonstrate the strength of deterrence. Fourth is that as long as China treats Taiwan with parity and dignity, Taiwan is willing to conduct exchanges and cooperate with China, and seek peace and mutual prosperity. These four pillars can help us avoid war and achieve peace. That is to say, Taiwan hopes to achieve peace through strength, prevent war by preparing for war, keeping war from happening and pursuing the goal of peace. Q: Regarding drones, everyone knows that recently, Taiwan has been actively researching, developing, and introducing drones. Why do you need to actively research, develop, and introduce new drones at this time? President Lai: This is for two purposes. The first is to meet national security needs. The second is to meet industrial development needs. Because Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines are all part of the first island chain, and we are all democratic nations, we cannot be like an authoritarian country like China, which has an unlimited national defense budget. In this kind of situation, island nations such as Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines should leverage their own technologies to develop national defense methods that are asymmetric and utilize unmanned vehicles. In particular, from the Russo-Ukrainian War, we see that Ukraine has successfully utilized unmanned vehicles to protect itself and prevent Russia from unlimited invasion. In other words, the Russo-Ukrainian War has already proven the importance of drones. Therefore, the first purpose of developing drones is based on national security needs. Second, the world has already entered the era of smart technology. Whether generative, agentic, or physical, AI will continue to develop. In the future, cars and ships will also evolve into unmanned vehicles and unmanned boats, and there will be unmanned factories. Drones will even be able to assist with postal deliveries, or services like Uber, Uber Eats, and foodpanda, or agricultural irrigation and pesticide spraying. Therefore, in the future era of comprehensive smart technology, developing unmanned vehicles is a necessity. Taiwan, based on industrial needs, is actively planning the development of drones and unmanned vehicles. I would like to take this opportunity to express Taiwan’s hope to collaborate with Japan in the unmanned vehicle industry. Just as we do in the semiconductor industry, where Japan has raw materials, equipment, and technology, and Taiwan has wafer manufacturing, our two countries can cooperate. Japan is a technological power, and Taiwan also has significant technological strengths. If Taiwan and Japan work together, we will not only be able to safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and security in the Indo-Pacific region, but it will also be very helpful for the industrial development of both countries. Q: The drones you just described probably include examples from the Russo-Ukrainian War. Taiwan and China are separated by the Taiwan Strait. Do our drones need to have cross-sea flight capabilities? President Lai: Taiwan does not intend to counterattack the mainland, and does not intend to invade any country. Taiwan’s drones are meant to protect our own nation and territory. Q: Former President Biden previously stated that US forces would assist Taiwan’s defense in the event of an attack. President Trump, however, has yet to clearly state that the US would help defend Taiwan. Do you think that in such an event, the US would help defend Taiwan? Or is Taiwan now trying to persuade the US? President Lai: Former President Biden and President Trump have answered questions from reporters. Although their responses were different, strong cooperation with Taiwan under the Biden administration has continued under the Trump administration; there has been no change. During President Trump’s first term, cooperation with Taiwan was broader and deeper compared to former President Barack Obama’s terms. After former President Biden took office, cooperation with Taiwan increased compared to President Trump’s first term. Now, during President Trump’s second term, cooperation with Taiwan is even greater than under former President Biden. Taiwan-US cooperation continues to grow stronger, and has not changed just because President Trump and former President Biden gave different responses to reporters. Furthermore, the Trump administration publicly stated that in the future, the US will shift its strategic focus from Europe to the Indo-Pacific. The US secretary of defense even publicly stated that the primary mission of the US is to prevent China from invading Taiwan, maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific, and thus maintain world peace. There is a saying in Taiwan that goes, “Help comes most to those who help themselves.” Before asking friends and allies for assistance in facing threats from China, Taiwan must first be determined and prepared to defend itself. This is Taiwan’s principle, and we are working in this direction, making all the necessary preparations to safeguard the nation. Q: I would like to ask you a question about Taiwan-Japan relations. After the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, you made an appeal to give Japan a great deal of assistance and care. In particular, you visited Sendai to offer condolences. Later, you also expressed condolences and concern after the earthquakes in Aomori and Kumamoto. What are your expectations for future Taiwan-Japan exchanges and development? President Lai: I come from Tainan, and my constituency is in Tainan. Tainan has very deep ties with Japan, and of course, Taiwan also has deep ties with Japan. However, among Taiwan’s 22 counties and cities, Tainan has the deepest relationship with Japan. I sincerely hope that both of you and your teams will have an opportunity to visit Tainan. I will introduce Tainan’s scenery, including architecture from the era of Japanese rule, Tainan’s cuisine, and unique aspects of Tainan society, and you can also see lifestyles and culture from the Showa era.  The Wushantou Reservoir in Tainan was completed by engineer Mr. Hatta Yoichi from Kanazawa, Japan and the team he led to Tainan after he graduated from then-Tokyo Imperial University. It has nearly a century of history and is still in use today. This reservoir, along with the 16,000-km-long Chianan Canal, transformed the 150,000-hectare Chianan Plain into Taiwan’s premier rice-growing area. It was that foundation in agriculture that enabled Taiwan to develop industry and the technology sector of today. The reservoir continues to supply water to Tainan Science Park. It is used by residents of Tainan, the agricultural sector, and industry, and even the technology sector in Xinshi Industrial Park, as well as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. Because of this, the people of Tainan are deeply grateful for Mr. Hatta and very friendly toward the people of Japan. A major earthquake, the largest in 50 years, struck Tainan on February 6, 2016, resulting in significant casualties. As mayor of Tainan at the time, I was extremely grateful to then-Prime Minister Abe, who sent five Japanese officials to the disaster site in Tainan the day after the earthquake. They were very thoughtful and asked what kind of assistance we needed from the Japanese government. They offered to provide help based on what we needed. I was deeply moved, as former Prime Minister Abe showed such care, going beyond the formality of just sending supplies that we may or may not have actually needed. Instead, the officials asked what we needed and then provided assistance based on those needs, which really moved me. Similarly, when the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 or the later Kumamoto earthquakes struck, the people of Tainan, under my leadership, naturally and dutifully expressed their support. Even earlier, when central Taiwan was hit by a major earthquake in 1999, Japan was the first country to deploy a rescue team to the disaster area. On February 6, 2018, after a major earthquake in Hualien, former Prime Minister Abe appeared in a video holding up a message of encouragement he had written in calligraphy saying “Remain strong, Taiwan.” All of Taiwan was deeply moved. Over the years, Taiwan and Japan have supported each other when earthquakes struck, and have forged bonds that are family-like, not just neighborly. This is truly valuable. In the future, I hope Taiwan and Japan can be like brothers, and that the peoples of Taiwan and Japan can treat one another like family. If Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem; if Japan has a problem, then Taiwan has a problem. By caring for and helping each other, we can face various challenges and difficulties, and pursue a brighter future. Q: President Lai, you just used the phrase “If Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem.” In the event that China attempts to invade Taiwan by force, what kind of response measures would you hope the US military and Japan’s Self-Defense Forces take? President Lai: As I just mentioned, annexing Taiwan is only China’s first step. Its ultimate objective is to change the rules-based international order. That being the case, China’s threats are an international problem. So, I would very much hope to work together with the US, Japan, and others in the global democratic community to prevent China from starting a war – prevention, after all, is more important than cure.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News