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Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Igor Sechin explained how the growth of government debt leads to the decline of the West

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    Interest payments on US government debt are diverting significant budget resources, said Rosneft Chief Executive Officer Igor Sechin during his speech at the Energy Panel at the XXVIII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

    He recalled that the predicament in which developed countries find themselves due to the growth of public debt is already reflected in the assessment of their creditworthiness. Thus, in May, Moody’s became the last of the three leading international rating agencies to strip the United States of its highest credit rating.

    “With the growing deficit, interest payments are diverting significant budget resources from the social and defense spheres. Last year, net interest payments on the national debt reached a trillion dollars, which amounted to 14% of all state budget expenditures, exceeded defense expenditures, and is already approaching the amount of healthcare expenditures,” Sechin said.

    The head of Rosneft also turned to history and gave an example of how great powers decline due to excessively high levels of public debt. “The fate of Habsburg Spain in the seventeenth century and monarchical France in the eighteenth, the Ottoman and British empires in the last century fully confirm this theory,” he added.

    “At the end of the 18th century, French rulers experienced for themselves that the fiscal guillotine could very quickly end up as a real guillotine,” Igor Sechin noted. By that time, France had accumulated such a volume of debt that more than half of all government spending was spent on servicing it, which led to an increase in taxes. According to the head of Rosneft, this was one of the main reasons for the Great French Revolution, which, in essence, ensured the transition from a monarchy to a bourgeois parliamentary republic.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft June 21, 2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Sechin called the US the main beneficiary of the militarization of Europe

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    The United States of America is offering its European allies to guarantee increased defense spending, the beneficiary of which is the American military-industrial complex, said Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin at the Energy Panel during the XXVIII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

    “The US is offering its European allies to guarantee increased defense spending, the beneficiary of which is the American military-industrial complex. This country alone accounts for almost half of the world’s arms trade. The US does not advertise that the militarization of NATO “partners” for them is a shift in their own defense spending to their allies, an increase in the tax base and a reduction in the trade deficit,” he noted, delivering a keynote speech on the topic “The Odyssey of the World Economy in Search of the Golden Fleece. The New Face of Global Energy.”

    Describing this situation, Igor Sechin recalled the statement of the Italian philosopher Niccolo Machiavelli: “The power of power lies in its secret.”

    He also recalled that this year NATO countries began to develop an agreement on a significant increase in military spending to 5% of GDP by 2032. In essence, the US is successfully achieving its goals by worsening Europe’s already difficult fiscal situation.

    According to him, steps to build up the Western military-industrial complex lead to the transfer of colossal resources from manufacturing industries. “For example, the production of one F-35 fighter requires 417 kilograms of rare earth metals. It is not surprising that in recent years a real hunt for these resources has unfolded. Ukraine alone has signed three agreements in this regard in four years: with the European Union, Great Britain and the United States,” the head of Rosneft specified.

    “But all these actions, both in Europe and in the US, are unlikely to become a panacea for all ills. There will always be an asymmetrical response,” Igor Sechin summed up.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft June 21, 2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Sechin: Sanctions Undermine Trust in Dollar – Gold and Cryptocurrencies Are Growing Attractive

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    The use of the dollar as a sanctions weapon undermines its position and creates preconditions for the use of alternative instruments, such as gold, cryptocurrencies, as well as national currencies of other countries, said Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin, speaking at a keynote address at the Energy Panel at the XXVIII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum

    In his report, Sechin noted that the causes and development of serious cataclysms and problems do not arise overnight, but are formed over a certain period of time, and then one push is enough: “By 1971, the United States had a government budget deficit, but instead of tightening their belts, they tore up the Bretton Woods agreement and practically declared default. As a result of the refusal to back the dollar with gold, the United States was able to endlessly, as it seemed to them, finance growing budget and trade deficits through unsecured emission and debt buildup. The global financial system, based on the dollar monopoly, needs additional stability.”

    The head of Rosneft recalled the research of the Belgian-American economist Robert Triffin, who in the eponymous dilemma formulated by him in 1960 proved that the functioning of the dollar as an international reserve currency creates a permanent deficit in the US balance of payments. “Its increase, in turn, leads to an excess of dollars in the world, thus accumulating contradictions in the global financial system. And the use of the dollar as a sanction weapon, which is contrary to common sense, undermines its position and creates preconditions for the use of alternative instruments, such as gold, cryptocurrencies, as well as national currencies of other countries,” said Igor Sechin.

    In his opinion, the credit rating downgrade and the uncertainty of the forecasts for the US budget stability are leading to the fact that US Treasury bonds are gradually losing their status as a “safe haven”. Their place is taken by gold, the price of which, as a rule, rises on the eve of global crises.”

    The head of Rosneft noted that, according to the World Gold Council, in the last three years alone, the share of gold in global gold and foreign exchange reserves has grown by 7% and exceeded 20%, and according to the latest survey by the World Gold Council, 95% of global central banks plan to increase their gold reserves over the next 12 months.

    “A clear indication of the significant increase in demand for gold is the rise in its relative value. Today, 1 ounce of gold can buy about 4 times more oil, 9 times more steel, and 35 times more wheat than in 1950. And the governor of Florida signed a law recognizing gold and silver as legal tender in the state,” he said.

    Sechin also drew attention to the growth in the use of cryptocurrencies. “The volume of cryptocurrency trading has grown tenfold – to $18.5 trillion over the past five years. And the state of New York is considering a bill allowing government agencies to accept payments in cryptocurrency,” said Igor Sechin.

    In addition, he noted the growth in the use of national currencies – the yuan, dirham and Indian rupee in international trade. “The share of the yuan in international settlements has already exceeded 6%, catching up with the euro,” Sechin said.

    Speaking about the current situation with the undermining of confidence in the dollar due to sanctions, Igor Sechin quoted the first lines from Homer’s Odyssey, written in the 8th century BC:

    “Muse, tell me about that experienced man who has wandered for a long time since he destroyed sacred Troy, visited many people’s cities and saw their customs, suffered much in spirit on the seas, worrying about saving his life and returning his faithful comrades to their homeland. Yet, no matter how hard he tried, he did not save his comrades. By their own sacrilege they destroyed themselves….”

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft June 21, 2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Sechin: Most of the world today is stuck on a “debt needle” as a result of Western policies

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    Most of the world today is sitting on a “debt needle”, and the overall level of debt of developed countries is at an extremely high level, said Igor Sechin, Chief Executive Officer of PJSC NK Rosneft, speaking at the Energy Panel within the framework of the XXVIII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

    In his keynote speech, “The Odyssey of the World Economy in Search of the Golden Fleece. The New Face of Global Energy,” the head of Rosneft recalled that the 2008 mortgage crisis left the financial sector on the brink of collapse. To save it, the world printed the equivalent of $35 trillion.

    “As a result of such Western policies, most of the world is now sitting on a ‘debt needle.’ The overall level of debt in industrialized countries, including the debt of the non-state sector, is at an exorbitant level, approaching 300% of GDP,” Igor Sechin noted.

    Igor Sechin said that the disproportionate growth of the financial sector has led to the fact that today in the US the value of financial assets is more than 5 times higher than GDP, and this trend is typical for most economies in the world, including Russia. “Even in Russia, the size of financial assets is already approaching 100% of GDP,” he noted.

    “The odyssey of the global economy includes various attempts to find a solution to the accumulated issues. Including one of the tools for eliminating the problem of the US budget deficit in recent times have become trade restrictions. However, a sharp increase in import duties leads to a break in chains, the creation of a deficit, inflation,” the head of the Company said.

    Sechin noted that China has hardly noticed the restrictions introduced this year.

    According to the head of Rosneft, in its latest report the World Bank lowered its forecast for US GDP growth this year to 1.4% – the worst average figure since the financial crisis of 2008. For China, the World Bank forecast has not changed: its economy is expected to grow by 4.5% this year.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft June 21, 2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Igor Sechin opened the Energy Panel at the SPIEF

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    Chief Executive Officer of PJSC NK Rosneft Igor Sechin presented the key report “Odyssey of the World Economy in Search of the Golden Fleece. New Image of World Energy” at the Energy Panel within the framework of the XXVIII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

    The event is attended by Chairman of the Board of Directors of Rosneft Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada, Executive Vice President of the Republic of Venezuela Delcy Rodriguez, Vice President of CNPC Zhang Daowei, Executive Director of Reliance Industries Panda Madhusudana Shiva Prasad, CEO of Pertamina Simon Aloysius Mantiri, President of Schlumberger in Asia Sherif Shohdi, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Alexander Dynkin, Minister of Energy of the Republic of Uzbekistan Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the non-profit initiative of the Japanese government for the development of low-carbon technologies Nobuo Tanaka, President of TOFS Group David Gadzhimirzaev, as well as representatives of government bodies, major Russian and foreign companies in various industries, scientists, academics, experts and analysts.

    The Energy Panel was moderated by the famous American journalist and RT TV channel host Rick Sanchez.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft June 21, 2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft CEO Announces New Image of Global Energy

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    The current state of global energy is at the stage of forming a new image, said Igor Sechin, Chief Executive Officer of PJSC NK Rosneft, during his keynote speech “Odyssey of the World Economy in Search of the Golden Fleece. New Image of Global Energy” at the XXVIII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

    “The current state of global energy is at the stage of forming a new image, caused by a multiple increase in electricity consumption, the generation of which will be provided by both fossil fuels and renewable sources,” the head of the Company noted at the Energy Panel.

    In his report, Sechin spoke about the main factors influencing the change in this appearance, including the need to ensure energy security and commercial efficiency of energy sources, budget deficit and an avalanche-like growth in the level of public debt, as well as the demographics of developing countries. According to Igor Sechin, in the next 25 years, the population of African and Asian-Pacific countries will increase by 1.4 billion people.

    Another factor that, according to the head of Rosneft, influences both energy production and consumption growth is the digital revolution with the use of artificial intelligence and work with big data.

    “The electric power industry is acquiring a special role, which will have to overcome the risk of deficit due to the jump in consumption growth in China, India, developing countries and the gigantic need for electricity to supply data centers and heavy industry,” Sechin said. According to him, the growth in consumption will be accompanied by a qualitative increase in labor productivity based on new technologies. “The process has been launched. Today, the level of electricity generation in China is more than twice as high as its production in the United States, and 20 years ago it was the other way around,” he added.

    In his report, Igor Sechin quoted one of the most authoritative scientists of our time, a supporter of a realistic approach to the transition to new energy sources, Vaclav Smil: “Energy is a universal currency. Without its transformation in some form, no achievements are possible.” “That is why modern societies with high energy consumption prefer to use resources with the highest useful energy output, primarily fossil fuels,” Sechin said.

    According to the head of Rosneft, energy and progress are inseparable from each other – throughout history, the higher a person climbed the ladder of progress, the more energy he required.

    “Those who can practically participate in the formation of a new image of energy will receive the opportunity for accelerated economic and technological growth. An analogy with the legend of the search for the Golden Fleece by the Argonauts, who overcame incredible obstacles and troubles on the way to achieving happiness and well-being, comes to mind,” Igor Sechin concluded.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft June 21, 2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Nepal Imports Record Number of Electric Vehicles

    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

    KATHMANDU, June 21 (Xinhua) — Nepal imported a record number of four-wheeler electric vehicles in the first 11 months of the current fiscal year 2024-25, the country’s Customs Department said on Friday.

    As of mid-June, the total number of imported electric vehicles was 13,483, of which 10,194 (almost 76 percent) came from China, the agency said.

    By comparison, the country imported a total of 11,701 electric vehicles in the 2023-24 fiscal year.

    Nepal has been actively promoting the use of electric vehicles in recent years, as the country produces surplus hydropower, especially during the monsoon season. By 2030, the government plans to increase the share of electric vehicles in private passenger transport sales to 90 percent and public passenger transport sales to 70 percent, including two-wheelers. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IAEA warns of grave consequences in case of strikes on Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    VIENNA, June 21 (Xinhua) — The Bushehr nuclear power plant is the Iranian nuclear facility where the consequences of an attack could be most serious, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi warned at a UN Security Council meeting on Friday.

    Speaking via video link, he said countries in the region had contacted him in the past few hours to express their deep concern.

    R. Grossi emphasized that a direct hit on the nuclear power plant could lead to a significant release of radioactive substances into the environment. The Bushehr power plant is an operating facility that stores thousands of kilograms of nuclear materials. A strike that disables the only two power lines could lead to a meltdown of the reactor core and a large release of radioactive substances, he explained.

    The IAEA chief warned that worst-case scenarios could require protective measures such as evacuation, sheltering or the use of stable iodine, with the impact radius reaching hundreds of kilometers. Radiation monitoring and food restrictions could be needed over large areas.

    R. Grossi also expressed concern about the Tehran nuclear research reactor, saying that any attack on the facility could have serious consequences for the city and its population, requiring urgent protective measures.

    He promised to continue to provide timely public information on the status of Iran’s nuclear facilities and potential health and environmental risks. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • Operation Sindhu: 517 Indian nationals brought back from Iran so far, says MEA

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    A total of 517 Indian nationals have been evacuated from Iran under Operation Sindhu, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Friday.

    Jaiswal said a special flight from Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, landed in New Delhi at 3 am on June 21. The operation was launched to bring Indian citizens home as tensions between Iran and Israel escalate.

    “Operation Sindhu continues. A special evacuation flight from Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, landed in New Delhi at 0300 hrs on 21st June, bringing Indians from Iran home. With this, so far 517 Indian nationals from Iran have returned,” Jaiswal posted on X.

    The Indian Embassy in Tehran coordinated the safe return of students and other citizens, while the MEA oversaw the evacuation process. Several evacuees expressed relief upon arrival.

    Zaffar Abbas Naqvi, who was evacuated with his family, said they had initially stayed indoors after hearing about the attack on Iran and later moved to Mashhad as the situation deteriorated.

    “We then contacted the Indian government. The action was so swift that we cannot express our gratitude in words,” Naqvi said, thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

    Kulsum, another evacuee, said, “The situation in Iran is not good. We were very worried. The government helped us a lot and brought us back home safely.”

    Mohammad Ali Qazim, who had traveled to Mashhad on a religious trip, also thanked the Indian government for facilitating their safe return.

    The first batch of 110 students — including 90 from Kashmir — was evacuated from northern Iran earlier this week and taken to Armenia before being flown to India.

    The ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel began on June 13 after Israel conducted airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites under “Operation Rising Lion.” In retaliation, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards launched “Operation True Promise 3,” targeting Israeli fuel and energy centers.

    The MEA said the operation would continue until all Indian nationals who wish to leave Iran have been safely repatriated.

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU Fact Sheets – Three Eastern Partnership neighbours: Ukraine, Moldova and Belarus – 20-06-2025

    Source: European Parliament 2

    The EU’s Eastern Partnership policy, established in 2009, covers six post-Soviet states: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. It was created to support political, social and economic reform efforts in these countries with the aim of increasing democratisation and good governance, energy security, environmental protection, and economic and social development. All the members except Belarus participate in the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly.In June 2023 Moldova and Ukraine were granted EU candidate country status, followed by the decision of the European Council on 14 December 2023 to open accession negotiations with both countries. On 24 and 25 June 2024 the EU held the first Intergovernmental Conference at ministerial level to officially open accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, but the formal opening of negotiating clusters is still pending as of April 2025.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Over 24,000 foreign-invested enterprises established in China in first 5 months

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

    In the first five months of 2025, 24,018 new foreign-invested enterprises were established on the Chinese mainland, representing year-on-year growth of 10.4 percent, the Ministry of Commerce said on Friday.

    From January to May, foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Chinese mainland totaled 358.19 billion yuan (about 49.96 billion U.S. dollars) in actual use, which was down 13.2 percent year on year, according to the ministry.

    The actual use of FDI during the period came in at 91.52 billion yuan for the manufacturing industry, and at 259.64 billion yuan for the services industry.

    The actual use of FDI in the country’s high-tech industries reached 109.04 billion yuan, with FDI rising 146 percent in the e-commerce services sector, 74.9 percent in the aerospace equipment manufacturing sector, 59.2 percent in the chemical pharmaceuticals manufacturing sector, and 20 percent in the medical instrument and equipment manufacturing sector.

    Investment from Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states increased 20.5 percent year on year during the period, and investment from Japan rose 70.2 percent, per ministry data.

    Investment from the United Kingdom, the Republic of Korea and Germany increased 60.9 percent, 10.3 percent and 7.1 percent during the same period, according to the data.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Launch ceremony for Japanese version of Xi’s discourses on Chinese modernization held in Tokyo

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

    Launch ceremony for Japanese version of Xi’s discourses on Chinese modernization held in Tokyo

    This photo taken on June 19, 2025 shows a scene during the launch ceremony for the Japanese version of a compilation of excerpts from discourses on Chinese modernization by Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tokyo, Japan. The launch ceremony for the Japanese version of a compilation of excerpts from discourses on Chinese modernization by Chinese President Xi Jinping and a seminar on Chinese solutions to global development has been held in Tokyo. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)

    The launch ceremony for the Japanese version of a compilation of excerpts from discourses on Chinese modernization by Chinese President Xi Jinping and a seminar on Chinese solutions to global development has been held in Tokyo, attracting more than 120 guests from Chinese and Japanese government bodies, thinktanks and media.

    At the event on Thursday, the guests jointly unveiled the Japanese version of the book. As of now, the book has been published in six foreign languages and has been distributed to 30 countries and regions around the world.

    The guests and scholars believe that the book, which collects a series of key discourses by Xi regarding Chinese modernization, comprehensively reflects the rich connotation and core spirit of Chinese modernization.

    The Japanese version of this work, along with the previously published English, French, Russian, Arabic editions and the recently released Spanish edition, will help the international community gain deeper insights into the historical trend, theoretical system, practical requirements and global significance of Chinese modernization, they added.

    The attendees believe that Chinese modernization is the crystallization of Eastern wisdom that promotes the progress of human civilization, a “monument of the times” forged by the Communist Party of China (CPC) in uniting and leading the people through a century-long journey, a path of human justice that takes root in the land of China and shines with the light of truth, as well as the epitome of Xi’s thoughts on governing the country.

    Chinese-style modernization injects stability and certainty into the world, brings new impetus and opportunities to the world, and instills openness and mutual benefit into the world, they said.

    The event was organized by the Institute of Party History and Literature of the CPC Central Committee and the Chinese Embassy in Japan and hosted by the Central Compilation and Translation Press. 

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    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Vice Premier of the State Council of China calls for upholding common values of humanity and promoting a multipolar world

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    St. Petersburg, June 21 (Xinhua) — Vice Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China Ding Xuexiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, called on Friday to uphold the common values of humanity and promote the building of an equal and orderly multipolar world, as well as an inclusive and beneficial economic globalization. He delivered a speech on “Upholding the Common Values of Humanity and Promoting a Multipolar World” at the plenary session of the 28th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).

    According to Ding Xuexiang, ten years ago, Chinese President Xi Jinping pointed out at the general debate of the 70th session of the UN General Assembly that peace, development, equality, justice, democracy and freedom are the common values of all mankind and the lofty goals of the UN. This important judgment goes beyond the differences between different countries, ethnic groups, social systems and ideologies, outlining a value-based concentric circle for building a community with a shared future for mankind, and has received broad support and positive feedback from the international community, the vice premier added.

    At present, global changes unseen in a century are accelerating, multiple risks are intertwined, and humanity is facing many common challenges, Ding Xuexiang said, calling for a return to President Xi Jinping’s important speech to steer the planet toward a brighter future of peace, security, prosperity and progress.

    The Deputy Prime Minister put forward the following four-point proposal.

    First, it is necessary to uphold the concept of global governance characterized by broad consultation, joint contribution and common benefit. It is necessary to advocate for equal rights, opportunities and rules for all countries, and to protect the authority of the UN and international justice.

    Second, we need to work together to build an open and pluralistic world economy. We need to take concrete steps to protect the multilateral trading system and the international economic order, expand and fairly share the pie of economic globalization, and create more opportunities for countries in the Global South.

    Third, exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations should be supported. The diversity of human civilizations should be respected, all nations should be encouraged to find their own ways of realizing values, and any “new Cold War” or ideological confrontation should be opposed.

    Fourth, we need to safeguard global peace and development by building trust, resolving conflicts and strengthening security through dialogue, passing the torch of peace to future generations for lasting stability and common prosperity.

    Ding Xuexiang said that China and Russia are true friends who share joys and sorrows, and good partners who achieve mutual success. In May, President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Russia and attended the celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory in the Great Patriotic War, he said. The two heads of state agreed to further deepen political mutual trust and strengthen strategic coordination, and jointly demonstrated a resolute stance on upholding the results of World War II and international justice, the vice premier emphasized.

    Beijing is willing to work with Moscow to elevate China-Russia relations to a higher level, expand their scope and strengthen their resilience, and expand high-quality mutually beneficial cooperation to benefit the two peoples, Ding Xuexiang said, calling on the two countries to strengthen coordination and cooperation at multilateral platforms such as the UN and make greater contributions to building a more just, equitable and prosperous multipolar world. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: UN High Commissioner for Refugees Sees Fragile Hope in Syria as 2M Return

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    DAMASCUS, June 21 (Xinhua) — The situation in Syria remains both “fragile and encouraging” amid the continued return of displaced persons, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi said on Friday.

    Speaking at a press conference in Damascus to mark World Refugee Day during his second visit to Syria this year, he said that since December 2024, some 2 million Syrians have returned to their homes, including both refugees and internally displaced persons.

    Grandi told Xinhua that about 1.4-1.5 million internally displaced Syrians have returned to their homes, while another 600,000 or so have returned from neighboring countries, including Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey. “Two million is still only a fraction of the total, but it is a significant number,” he said.

    Sudan has overtaken Syria in terms of the scale of its displacement crisis, the high commissioner said, with 14 million people displaced from their homes – 10 million to other parts of the country, and another 4 million abroad. “It’s a sad competition,” he said. “But the fact that Syria is no longer in first place points to the possibility of ending the crisis.”

    Despite the ongoing return of refugees, Grandi warned of difficult living conditions in Syria and called for increased international support. “Infrastructure, housing, energy, health and education services all need to be restored to ensure that the return of people is sustainable,” he stressed. “I call on the international community to help Syria meet this challenge,” the High Commissioner added. He stressed that the country urgently needs basic services, security and funds for reconstruction. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Muniain leaves San Lorenzo, hints at retirement

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

    Former Spain international midfielder Iker Muniain raised the prospect of retirement on Friday after parting ways with Argentine club San Lorenzo.

    The 32-year-old had been tied to the Buenos Aires club until December but exercised an option to terminate the contract early, citing personal reasons.

    “I’m here to announce that I’m leaving San Lorenzo but a little piece of me will stay here forever,” Muniain told a news conference in Buenos Aires, adding that he would need time to think about his future.

    “This is the first time I’ve considered quitting playing. There is a good chance that this will happen, and I’ll be giving it some more thought.”

    Muniain made 26 appearances across all competitions for San Lorenzo, scoring four goals and providing one assist, after joining the club on a free transfer from Athletic Bilbao last September.

    His time in Argentina coincided with an institutional crisis at San Lorenzo, including a corruption scandal engulfing the club’s president, Marcelo Moretti, and financial troubles that delayed player salary payments.

    Muniain did not indicate whether the off-field turmoil influenced his decision but insisted he would recall his time at the club fondly.

    “I’ve been able to experience nine or 10 truly wonderful months despite all the circumstances and problems that have arisen at times,” said Muniain, who has two Spain caps. “It’s been very special, it’s been very beautiful. It has been worthwhile and the memories will last a lifetime.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Georgia storms to first mixed team victory in World Judo Championships

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

    In the gold medal battle between two first-timers, it was Georgia who lifted the trophy in the mixed team event by winning 4-1 over South Korea at the 2025 World Judo Championships at the Papp Laszlo Arena here on Friday.

    Asian champion Lee Seung-yeob of South Korea started high and earned the full ippon in the men’s +90 kg which brought the first point for his team before Georgia fought back and showed their power in the next competitions.

    In the women’s 57kg clash, Georgia’s newly-crowned world champion Eteri Liparteliani dominated the game by winning a massive Tani-otoshi over 2024 world champion Huh Mi-mi. Mikheili Bakhbakhashvili took the upper hand with a sumi-gaeshi over his South Korean rival Bae Dong-hyun in the men’s -73kg contest.

    Mariam Tchanturia continued Georgia’s winning streak in the women’s -70kg and Lasha Bekauri sealed the victory by scoring an ippon over Kim Jong-hoon in the men’s -90kg.

    “I’m so happy because I did the double, double world champion! I am very happy to be the first world champion and want to be the first Olympic champion too,” said Liparteliani, 25, who is now the first and only Georgian woman to win a world championship among all Olympic sports.

    Germany and Japan shared the third place on the mixed team podium.

    The eight-day World Judo Championships featured individual and mixed team events as Japan topped the medal standings with six golds, four silvers, and four bronzes from individual competitions.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: SCO Conference and Exhibition Complex Project in Qingdao Passes Construction Acceptance

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, June 21 (Xinhua) — The grandiose Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Conference and Exhibition Complex project in the east China coastal city of Qingdao has recently passed the acceptance test for construction and installation work.

    As a key component of the China-SCO Regional Economic and Trade Cooperation Demonstration Zone in Qingdao, the SCO Conference and Exhibition Complex with a 50-meter-high main building began construction in September 2021. Its total construction area is 237,000 square meters.

    According to the Qingdao Daily newspaper, a total of 17,000 tons of steel materials were used to build the complex, with the steel truss used in the structure having a maximum weight of 65 tons and a maximum span of 54 meters, which is equal to the total length of two standard basketball courts. Advanced automatic software control technologies, including welding robots, were used in the processing of steel components. At present, 8 new applied technologies and 5 inventions have been patented for the project, the publication says.

    The construction of this complex is considered an important step in strengthening the platform construction for the development of international cooperation in the above-mentioned demonstration zone in Qingdao, allowing for the promotion of trade and economic ties with the SCO countries as well as the countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative. After commissioning, it will be used to host SCO summits, international conferences and trade and investment fairs, and also function as a business center and be rented out as office space. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China develops measures to detect harmful online content for minors

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, June 21 (Xinhua) — China’s Internet Administration (CAC) on Friday released a draft of measures to identify online information that may affect the physical and mental health of minors.

    According to the document, which is open to public comment, such information includes content that could provoke or encourage minors to “imitate unsafe behavior, commit acts that violate public ethics, develop extreme emotions or form harmful habits.”

    In particular, this may apply to content containing sexual innuendos or flirting that easily evokes sexual associations, content related to online insults, content inciting discrimination against certain groups or regions, and more than 30 other types of information listed in the draft.

    The draft also states that providers of online products and services should not place potentially harmful content in prominent places that could attract the user’s attention, such as on the home page, in pop-up windows and in lists of trending search queries. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Special Report: Alternative North-South Highway Becomes “Road to Happiness” for Residents Living Along It

    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

    BISHKEK, June 21 (Xinhua) — “When we were children, we thought about how to keep livestock, and now young people are learning from us how to better serve tourists,” said Marat Rysaliev, 54, a resident of Kazarman village in Kyrgyzstan’s Jalal-Abad region. He credited the new road built with Chinese construction workers for the big change.

    Kyrgyzstan is a mountainous country. Its capital Bishkek in the north and Jalal-Abad and Osh in the south are important economic areas of the country. However, traffic on the old highway connecting the north and south of Kyrgyzstan was inconvenient.

    “The road used to be bad, gravel. Accidents often happened on it,” recalls M. Rysaliev. “Heavy-duty vehicles like semi-trailers never came here. And the materials and tools needed for construction could not be brought to us.”

    As one of the first countries to support and participate in the joint construction of the Belt and Road, Kyrgyzstan has cooperated with China in the construction of the North-South alternative highway. The new transport route, with a total length of 433 km, has brought real conveniences and improved the well-being of local residents, and has given new impetus to the development of areas located along it.

    “After the construction of the new highway was completed, it became very convenient for people to get to Jalal-Abad, and now you can get to Issyk-Kul much faster. Large loads can be easily brought,” shared M. Rysaliev, adding that there are more and more tourists in Kazarman, and a significant part of the houses in the village were given to them. And in order to provide guests with better services, local residents are beginning to study foreign languages.

    Azamat Mamyrbayev is a restaurant owner in Kazarman. He enthusiastically noted the tangible benefits that the alternative North-South highway has brought to local residents. “Our residents participated in the construction of the highway. They began to receive higher wages, their solvency increased. And my restaurant business took off,” he said.

    A. Mamyrbayev told Xinhua that he really likes driving on the new highway. “I often use this road to travel to Jalal-Abad and Bishkek. The road is very good, standard, and cars have started breaking down less,” he said.

    However, the construction of such a road was not easy. The construction work of the first and second stages of the highway was carried out by the China Road company

    According to Jin Zhe, due to the difficulties in construction work and the special geographical conditions along the route of the new highway, the builders developed special construction plans. “Kyrgyzstan is a mountainous country, so we built a tunnel about 4 km long. The route of the road passes through the Naryn River, the largest waterway in the country. We built two large overpass bridges for this. All this helped accumulate a lot of experience for the implementation of similar large-scale infrastructure projects in mountainous areas in the future,” he added.

    As the head of the Toguz-Toro district of the Jalal-Abad region Manas Murataliev stated, the alternative North-South highway is historically significant for the district. Its construction greatly helped improve the quality of life of the population.

    “It was difficult for residents of our district to travel to Bishkek. For a long time, communications were poorly developed,” said M. Murataliev. “Now the journey to the capital along the new road takes only 5-6 hours. Previously, it took as much as 8-9 hours and even longer.”

    The head of the Toguz-Toro district also emphasized that with the opening of the new highway, local and foreign investors are coming to the district. According to him, this will contribute to the development of tourism and the hotel business of the district.

    “It was the Chinese builders who built this unique road through the mountain and with their hard work made a huge contribution to the economic development of our region and Kyrgyzstan as a whole. Our residents are very grateful to them,” added M. Murataliev. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Belarusian State University hosted a ceremony to present a special issue of the New Economy magazine dedicated to China

    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 21 /Xinhua/ — The Faculty of Economics of the Belarusian State University (BSU) held a ceremony on Wednesday to present a special issue of the New Economy magazine dedicated to the PRC, the faculty’s press service reported.

    This edition publishes the results of dissertation research in economic sciences. The special issue includes scientific articles by students, postgraduates and teachers of the economic faculty of BSU on Belarusian-Chinese economic relations. The authors of the studies included in it were awarded the first copies of the special issue.

    During the ceremony, the Dean of the Faculty of Economics of BSU Anna Koroleva emphasized the importance of academic interaction within the framework of international scientific cooperation and the development of applied research in the field of the Chinese economy.

    The Cultural Advisor of the Chinese Embassy in Belarus, Xia Guangyuan, congratulated the students, postgraduates and their academic supervisors on the publication. “The special issue, containing 35 in-depth scientific articles, is not only a comprehensive analysis of the complex modern economic picture, but also a rich fruit of the joint efforts of Chinese and Belarusian scientists in the intellectual sphere,” the diplomat noted.

    He stressed that the two countries are facing unprecedented pressures and choices in the face of global uncertainty, but it is precisely in the challenges that new opportunities for restructuring and development lie.

    The magazine’s editor-in-chief, Viktor Saevich, noted that the Chinese economy is open, inclusive and dynamic, and that studying the Chinese economic model is of reference value for all countries in the world.

    The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Faculty of Economics and the Rectorate of BSU, the Embassy of China in Belarus, the magazine “New Economy”, as well as partners of the faculty and the publication. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: It’s hard to ask Israel to stop striking Iran – D. Trump

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    NEW YORK, June 20 (Xinhua) — U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that he is seeking a diplomatic solution to the conflict in the Middle East but it will be difficult to ask Israel to stop airstrikes on Iran.

    According to local media, the head of the White House told journalists about this in New Jersey, where he attended a fundraising event on his golf course.

    D. Trump also dismissed the EU’s attempts to establish diplomatic interaction with Iran. “They have not helped… Iran does not want to talk to Europe. They want to talk to us. Europe is unlikely to be able to help in this matter,” the president noted.

    Earlier, State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said she “cannot speculate” on whether the Trump administration would push for a ceasefire between Iran and Israel to advance nuclear talks with Tehran. “I’m not going to describe what’s happening now or the president’s or secretary’s reactions to how those talks might go,” she said at a briefing on Friday. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • Privileged to be part of this celebration: Indian diaspora in UK celebrates Yoga Day

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Marking the 11th International Day of Yoga, members of the Indian diaspora and local communities across the United Kingdom came together in large numbers to celebrate the ancient Indian practice that continues to unite people across cultures and borders.

    This year’s theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” underscores the holistic connection between individual well-being and planetary health.

    From iconic London landmarks to the serene campuses of Oxford and Cambridge, yoga mats were unrolled at various venues, drawing enthusiastic participation from people of all ages and backgrounds.

    Indian High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, highlighted the significance of this year’s celebrations, stating, “This year, under the special theme of International Yoga Day suggested by India, the focus was to take yoga to as many places as possible. Our cultural centre organised Yoga Day events across several locations in the UK, particularly in major university towns such as Oxford, Cambridge, and Southampton, in collaboration with many partners.”

    In London, a large public yoga session was held in the heart of the city, where historic architecture offered a stunning backdrop to a vibrant display of unity and wellness. The event was open and free to all, attracting a wide spectrum of participants.

    One resident shared their experience, saying, “We’re celebrating the 11th International Day of Yoga at a free event open to everyone here in London. It’s a magnificent day, with the city’s historic buildings providing a beautiful backdrop. It’s truly a privilege to be part of this celebration, to come together and practice yoga. I love yoga, and I believe everyone should try it.”

    The Indian High Commission and its cultural wing also engaged with local yoga studios, community organisations, and universities to extend the reach of Yoga Day beyond metropolitan centres, ensuring inclusivity and broader participation.

    As yoga continues to gain global popularity, the International Day of Yoga has become a cornerstone of India’s cultural diplomacy, promoting health, harmony, and shared humanity.

    —IANS

  • Privileged to be part of this celebration: Indian diaspora in UK celebrates Yoga Day

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Marking the 11th International Day of Yoga, members of the Indian diaspora and local communities across the United Kingdom came together in large numbers to celebrate the ancient Indian practice that continues to unite people across cultures and borders.

    This year’s theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” underscores the holistic connection between individual well-being and planetary health.

    From iconic London landmarks to the serene campuses of Oxford and Cambridge, yoga mats were unrolled at various venues, drawing enthusiastic participation from people of all ages and backgrounds.

    Indian High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, highlighted the significance of this year’s celebrations, stating, “This year, under the special theme of International Yoga Day suggested by India, the focus was to take yoga to as many places as possible. Our cultural centre organised Yoga Day events across several locations in the UK, particularly in major university towns such as Oxford, Cambridge, and Southampton, in collaboration with many partners.”

    In London, a large public yoga session was held in the heart of the city, where historic architecture offered a stunning backdrop to a vibrant display of unity and wellness. The event was open and free to all, attracting a wide spectrum of participants.

    One resident shared their experience, saying, “We’re celebrating the 11th International Day of Yoga at a free event open to everyone here in London. It’s a magnificent day, with the city’s historic buildings providing a beautiful backdrop. It’s truly a privilege to be part of this celebration, to come together and practice yoga. I love yoga, and I believe everyone should try it.”

    The Indian High Commission and its cultural wing also engaged with local yoga studios, community organisations, and universities to extend the reach of Yoga Day beyond metropolitan centres, ensuring inclusivity and broader participation.

    As yoga continues to gain global popularity, the International Day of Yoga has become a cornerstone of India’s cultural diplomacy, promoting health, harmony, and shared humanity.

    —IANS

  • Privileged to be part of this celebration: Indian diaspora in UK celebrates Yoga Day

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Marking the 11th International Day of Yoga, members of the Indian diaspora and local communities across the United Kingdom came together in large numbers to celebrate the ancient Indian practice that continues to unite people across cultures and borders.

    This year’s theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” underscores the holistic connection between individual well-being and planetary health.

    From iconic London landmarks to the serene campuses of Oxford and Cambridge, yoga mats were unrolled at various venues, drawing enthusiastic participation from people of all ages and backgrounds.

    Indian High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, highlighted the significance of this year’s celebrations, stating, “This year, under the special theme of International Yoga Day suggested by India, the focus was to take yoga to as many places as possible. Our cultural centre organised Yoga Day events across several locations in the UK, particularly in major university towns such as Oxford, Cambridge, and Southampton, in collaboration with many partners.”

    In London, a large public yoga session was held in the heart of the city, where historic architecture offered a stunning backdrop to a vibrant display of unity and wellness. The event was open and free to all, attracting a wide spectrum of participants.

    One resident shared their experience, saying, “We’re celebrating the 11th International Day of Yoga at a free event open to everyone here in London. It’s a magnificent day, with the city’s historic buildings providing a beautiful backdrop. It’s truly a privilege to be part of this celebration, to come together and practice yoga. I love yoga, and I believe everyone should try it.”

    The Indian High Commission and its cultural wing also engaged with local yoga studios, community organisations, and universities to extend the reach of Yoga Day beyond metropolitan centres, ensuring inclusivity and broader participation.

    As yoga continues to gain global popularity, the International Day of Yoga has become a cornerstone of India’s cultural diplomacy, promoting health, harmony, and shared humanity.

    —IANS

  • Iran, Israel launch new attacks after Tehran rules out nuclear talks

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Iran and Israel exchanged fresh attacks early on Saturday, a day after Tehran said it would not negotiate over its nuclear programme while under threat and Europe tried to keep peace talks alive.
    Shortly after 2:30 a.m. in Israel (2330 GMT on Friday), the Israeli military warned of an incoming missile barrage from Iran, triggering air raid sirens across parts of central Israel, including Tel Aviv, as well as in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

    Interceptions were visible in the sky over Tel Aviv, with explosions echoing across the metropolitan area as Israel’s air defence systems responded.

    At the same time, Israel launched a new wave of attacks against missile storage and launch infrastructure sites in Iran, the Israeli military said.
    Sirens also sounded in southern Israel, said Magen David Adom, Israel’s national emergency service. An Israeli military official said Iran had fired five ballistic missiles and that there were no immediate indications of any missile impacts.

    There were no initial reports of casualties.

    The emergency service released images showing a fire on the roof of a multi-storey residential building in central Israel. Local media reported that the fire was caused by debris from an intercepted missile. Israel began attacking Iran last Friday, saying its longtime enemy was on the verge of developing nuclear weapons. Iran, which says its nuclear programme is only for peaceful purposes, retaliated with missile and drone strikes on Israel.

    Israel is widely assumed to possess nuclear weapons. It neither confirms nor denies this.

    Its air attacks have killed 639 people in Iran, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency, a U.S.-based human rights organisation that tracks Iran. The dead include the military’s top echelon and nuclear scientists.

    In Israel, 24 civilians have been killed in Iranian missile attacks, according to authorities.

    TALKS SHOW LITTLE PROGRESS

    Iran has repeatedly targeted Tel Aviv, a metropolitan area of around 4 million people and the country’s business and economic hub, where some critical military assets are also located.
    Israel said it had struck dozens of military targets on Friday, including missile production sites, a research body it said was involved in nuclear weapons development in Tehran and military facilities in western and central Iran.

    Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said there was no room for negotiations with the U.S. “until Israeli aggression stops”. But he arrived in Geneva on Friday for talks with European foreign ministers at which Europe hopes to establish a path back to diplomacy.
    U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday reiterated that he would take as long as two weeks to decide whether the United States should enter the conflict on Israel’s side, enough time “to see whether or not people come to their senses”, he said.

    Trump said he was unlikely to press Israel to scale back its airstrikes to allow negotiations to continue.
    “I think it’s very hard to make that request right now. If somebody is winning, it’s a little bit harder to do than if somebody is losing, but we’re ready, willing and able, and we’ve been speaking to Iran, and we’ll see what happens,” he said.

    The Geneva talks produced little signs of progress, and Trump said he doubted negotiators would be able to secure a ceasefire.
    “Iran doesn’t want to speak to Europe. They want to speak to us.

    Europe is not going to be able to help in this one,” Trump said.
    Hundreds of U.S. citizens have fled Iran since the air war began, according to a U.S. State Department cable seen by Reuters.

    Israel’s envoy to the United Nations, Danny Danon, told the Security Council on Friday his country would not stop its attacks “until Iran’s nuclear threat is dismantled”. Iran’s U.N. envoy Amir Saeid Iravani called for Security Council action and said Tehran was alarmed by reports that the U.S. might join the war.

    Russia and China demanded immediate de-escalation.

    A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Iran was ready to discuss limitations on uranium enrichment but that it would reject any proposal that barred it from enriching uranium completely, “especially now under Israel’s strikes”.

    -Reuters

  • Iran, Israel launch new attacks after Tehran rules out nuclear talks

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Iran and Israel exchanged fresh attacks early on Saturday, a day after Tehran said it would not negotiate over its nuclear programme while under threat and Europe tried to keep peace talks alive.
    Shortly after 2:30 a.m. in Israel (2330 GMT on Friday), the Israeli military warned of an incoming missile barrage from Iran, triggering air raid sirens across parts of central Israel, including Tel Aviv, as well as in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

    Interceptions were visible in the sky over Tel Aviv, with explosions echoing across the metropolitan area as Israel’s air defence systems responded.

    At the same time, Israel launched a new wave of attacks against missile storage and launch infrastructure sites in Iran, the Israeli military said.
    Sirens also sounded in southern Israel, said Magen David Adom, Israel’s national emergency service. An Israeli military official said Iran had fired five ballistic missiles and that there were no immediate indications of any missile impacts.

    There were no initial reports of casualties.

    The emergency service released images showing a fire on the roof of a multi-storey residential building in central Israel. Local media reported that the fire was caused by debris from an intercepted missile. Israel began attacking Iran last Friday, saying its longtime enemy was on the verge of developing nuclear weapons. Iran, which says its nuclear programme is only for peaceful purposes, retaliated with missile and drone strikes on Israel.

    Israel is widely assumed to possess nuclear weapons. It neither confirms nor denies this.

    Its air attacks have killed 639 people in Iran, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency, a U.S.-based human rights organisation that tracks Iran. The dead include the military’s top echelon and nuclear scientists.

    In Israel, 24 civilians have been killed in Iranian missile attacks, according to authorities.

    TALKS SHOW LITTLE PROGRESS

    Iran has repeatedly targeted Tel Aviv, a metropolitan area of around 4 million people and the country’s business and economic hub, where some critical military assets are also located.
    Israel said it had struck dozens of military targets on Friday, including missile production sites, a research body it said was involved in nuclear weapons development in Tehran and military facilities in western and central Iran.

    Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said there was no room for negotiations with the U.S. “until Israeli aggression stops”. But he arrived in Geneva on Friday for talks with European foreign ministers at which Europe hopes to establish a path back to diplomacy.
    U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday reiterated that he would take as long as two weeks to decide whether the United States should enter the conflict on Israel’s side, enough time “to see whether or not people come to their senses”, he said.

    Trump said he was unlikely to press Israel to scale back its airstrikes to allow negotiations to continue.
    “I think it’s very hard to make that request right now. If somebody is winning, it’s a little bit harder to do than if somebody is losing, but we’re ready, willing and able, and we’ve been speaking to Iran, and we’ll see what happens,” he said.

    The Geneva talks produced little signs of progress, and Trump said he doubted negotiators would be able to secure a ceasefire.
    “Iran doesn’t want to speak to Europe. They want to speak to us.

    Europe is not going to be able to help in this one,” Trump said.
    Hundreds of U.S. citizens have fled Iran since the air war began, according to a U.S. State Department cable seen by Reuters.

    Israel’s envoy to the United Nations, Danny Danon, told the Security Council on Friday his country would not stop its attacks “until Iran’s nuclear threat is dismantled”. Iran’s U.N. envoy Amir Saeid Iravani called for Security Council action and said Tehran was alarmed by reports that the U.S. might join the war.

    Russia and China demanded immediate de-escalation.

    A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Iran was ready to discuss limitations on uranium enrichment but that it would reject any proposal that barred it from enriching uranium completely, “especially now under Israel’s strikes”.

    -Reuters

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese envoy calls for int’l efforts to ease Israel-Iran tensions

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

    Fu Cong (C, Front), China’s permanent representative to the United Nations, speaks at a Security Council emergency meeting on threats to international peace and security at the UN headquarters in New York, on June 20, 2025. A Chinese envoy on Friday called for international efforts to promote talks to ease Israel-Iran tensions. (Xinhua/Xie E)

    A Chinese envoy on Friday called for international efforts to promote talks to ease Israel-Iran tensions.

    As the Israel-Iran military conflict enters its eighth day, it is distressing to see the conflict has resulted in a large number of civilian casualties and damage to facilities on both sides, said Fu Cong, China’s permanent representative to the United Nations.

    If the conflict escalates further, not only will both sides suffer greater losses, but regional countries will also be severely affected, he warned.

    Israel’s actions violate international law and the norms of international relations, jeopardize the sovereignty and security of Iran, and undermine regional peace and stability. China unequivocally condemns this, he told an emergency meeting of the Security Council.

    At this critical juncture, the international community should further forge consensus and make every effort to promote talks to ease tensions, he said.

    Fu said there must be an immediate ceasefire and an end to the fighting.

    The use of force is not the right way to resolve international disputes. It will only exacerbate hatred and conflict. The sooner a ceasefire is in place, the less damage will be done. The situation in the region cannot be allowed to slide into an unknown abyss, he said.

    “The parties to the conflict, Israel in particular, should cease fire as soon as possible to prevent the situation from escalating and to avoid any spillover of the fighting.”

    He stressed that the safety of civilians must be ensured.

    The red line for civilian protection in armed conflict must not be crossed at any time, and the indiscriminate use of force is unacceptable. The parties to the conflict must strictly abide by international law, resolutely avoid harming innocent civilians, refrain from attacking civilian facilities, and facilitate the evacuation of third-country nationals, he said.

    The current conflict has interrupted the negotiation process on the Iranian nuclear issue. The attacks on multiple Iranian nuclear facilities set a dangerous precedent and could have catastrophic consequences, said Fu. “We must not waver in the general direction of a political settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue, and we must persist in returning the Iranian nuclear issue to the track of a political solution through dialogue and negotiation.”

    China welcomes the talks in Geneva between the Iranian foreign minister and his counterparts from Britain, France, Germany, as well as the EU foreign and security policy chief, said Fu.

    The Israel-Iran conflict has led to a sudden escalation of tensions in the Middle East, and has had a serious impact on global security. Recently, the foreign ministers of 21 Arab and Islamic countries issued a joint statement, calling for a ceasefire, resuming talks on the Iranian nuclear issue, and maintaining lasting peace in the region. China fully supports the statement, he said.

    The international community, especially major countries with special influence on the parties to the conflict, should make efforts to cool down the situation, rather than doing the opposite, said Fu.

    The Security Council, as the primary body responsible for maintaining international peace and security, should play a greater role in this regard. China supports the council in taking necessary actions in a timely fashion, he said.

    China stands ready to continue to strengthen communication and coordination with all relevant parties, build synergies, uphold justice, and play a constructive role in restoring peace in the Middle East, said the Chinese ambassador.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • Neeraj Chopra triumphs at Paris Diamond League

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Double Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra delivered a commanding performance at the Paris Diamond League, claiming top spot with a powerful 88.16m throw on his very first attempt at Stade Charléty on Saturday.

    His opening throw set the benchmark for the evening and remained unmatched throughout the competition. Despite recording three fouls in his six attempts, the early effort was enough to keep him in the lead in a highly competitive field.

    Germany’s Julian Weber, a former Diamond League champion and one of Chopra’s fiercest rivals, came closest with a strong 87.88m effort, also in the first round. Despite a consistent series, Weber was unable to surpass Chopra’s mark and finished second.

    Brazil’s Luiz Maurício da Silva delivered a career-best 86.62m throw in the third round, placing third and setting a new South American record in the process.

    This was Chopra’s first appearance at the Paris Diamond League since 2017, when he finished fifth with a throw of 84.67m as a junior world champion. The Paris meet marked the eighth stop on the 2025 Diamond League circuit, which will culminate in a two-day final in Zurich this August.

    Chopra began his 2025 campaign with a win at the Potch Invitational in South Africa, throwing 84.52m. He made headlines in Doha by breaching the elusive 90m barrier for the first time, setting a new Indian national record with a 90.23m effort—though he was narrowly edged by Weber’s personal best of 91.06m.

    The rivalry continued at Poland’s Janusz Kusociński Memorial, where Weber again finished ahead with 86.12m to Chopra’s 84.14m in wet, tricky conditions.

    In Paris, however, Chopra reclaimed the lead—and reminded the world why he remains one of the sport’s most formidable athletes.

    IANS

  • Neeraj Chopra triumphs at Paris Diamond League

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Double Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra delivered a commanding performance at the Paris Diamond League, claiming top spot with a powerful 88.16m throw on his very first attempt at Stade Charléty on Saturday.

    His opening throw set the benchmark for the evening and remained unmatched throughout the competition. Despite recording three fouls in his six attempts, the early effort was enough to keep him in the lead in a highly competitive field.

    Germany’s Julian Weber, a former Diamond League champion and one of Chopra’s fiercest rivals, came closest with a strong 87.88m effort, also in the first round. Despite a consistent series, Weber was unable to surpass Chopra’s mark and finished second.

    Brazil’s Luiz Maurício da Silva delivered a career-best 86.62m throw in the third round, placing third and setting a new South American record in the process.

    This was Chopra’s first appearance at the Paris Diamond League since 2017, when he finished fifth with a throw of 84.67m as a junior world champion. The Paris meet marked the eighth stop on the 2025 Diamond League circuit, which will culminate in a two-day final in Zurich this August.

    Chopra began his 2025 campaign with a win at the Potch Invitational in South Africa, throwing 84.52m. He made headlines in Doha by breaching the elusive 90m barrier for the first time, setting a new Indian national record with a 90.23m effort—though he was narrowly edged by Weber’s personal best of 91.06m.

    The rivalry continued at Poland’s Janusz Kusociński Memorial, where Weber again finished ahead with 86.12m to Chopra’s 84.14m in wet, tricky conditions.

    In Paris, however, Chopra reclaimed the lead—and reminded the world why he remains one of the sport’s most formidable athletes.

    IANS

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine & Ricketts Introduce Bipartisan AUKUS Improvement Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees, and Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, introduced the AUKUS Improvement Act, bipartisan legislation to strengthen the Australia-United Kingdom-United States (AUKUS) agreement by streamlining defense industrial base collaboration and co-production of Virginia-class submarines. This legislation builds upon provisions that Kaine pushed to get signed into law as part of the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act.

    “The AUKUS partnership is critical to countering the threat from China and ensuring the Indo-Pacific remains free and open,” said Kaine. “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to strengthen AUKUS and boost defense collaboration among our countries.”

    Specifically, the AUKUS Improvement Act would:

    • Exempt U.S. State Department-vetted entities that have been approved as AUKUS Authorized Users from the requirement to obtain Third Party transfer approvals under Foreign Military Sales.
    • Exempt Australia and the United Kingdom from the need for Congressional Notification for overseas manufacturing.

    Kaine has been a strong champion of AUKUS in Congress and has helped get signed into law provisions to implement and strengthen the partnership. He has played a key role in securing more resources for the submarine industrial base, including additional funding for the Virginia-class submarine program that is currently facing significant delays because of workforce challenges and supply chain disruptions. The on-time completion of Virginia-class submarines, which are built in Virginia and Connecticut, is critical to fulfilling the AUKUS agreement, through which the U.S. will sell at least two Virginia-class submarines to Australia to boost security and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific, and counter Chinese military aggression in the region.

    In addition to Kaine and Ricketts, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Chris Coons (D-DE), Deb Fischer (R-NE), and Rick Scott (R-FL).

    Full text of the legislation is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –