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Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “We are facing changes in sanctions and counter-sanctions procedures”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    Higher School of Economics launches new DPO program “The State and Business in the Age of Sanctions: Strategies for Successful Development”, where training is provided by leading experts in the field of analysis of sanctions risks and trends from relevant government agencies, businesses, and academies. Its students will be able to study in detail the risks for Russian companies and their foreign partners, including those related to export restrictions.

    The additional professional education program “State and Business in the Age of Sanctions: Strategies for Successful Development” was presented during the scientific and practical seminar “State and Business in the Age of Sanctions: Trends and Risks of 2025”, organized within the framework of the HSE Academic Personnel Reserve project “New World Order”.

    Seminar moderator, leading research fellow at the Centre for Comprehensive European and International Studies (CCEIS) at the National Research University Higher School of Economics Leo Sokolshchik said that it is intended for those who work with foreign counterparties and are interested in forming customized strategies for successful development. The program will study key sanctions trends and risks of 2025, their impact on business, the economy and political strategy of states.

    Leo Sokolshchik

    The training program includes a survival guide for Russian businesses, information on legal ways to work with foreign partners and the formation of sustainable international business partnerships in the context of sanctions risks. The sanctions policies of the US, EU and China, as well as Russia’s response measures, will be examined in detail.

    At the same time, the program is practice-oriented: the training structure involves immersion in real cases and situations that one may encounter in professional activities. Studying on the course will not only increase the level of professional competencies, but will also allow you to expand your network of professional contacts.

    The teachers of the continuing education program include leading experts and practitioners in the field of international restrictions and export control: Ivan Timofeev, Director General of the Russian International Affairs Council; Dmitry Kiku, Deputy Director of the Department for Control over External Restrictions of the Ministry of Finance of Russia; Maria Roskoshnaya, Head of Export Control and Support of Foreign Economic Activity at Yandex; Vladimir Morozov, Leading Advisor of the Department of International and Regional Cooperation of the Accounts Chamber; Vasily Kashin, Director of the Center for Cemistry and International Studies, an expert on China and its relations with foreign partners; Yegor Prokhin, a visiting lecturer at HSE and a practitioner who has worked in international business with China and the countries of Southeast Asia for over 10 years; Inna Yanikeyeva, a lecturer at the National Research University Higher School of Economics and a specialist in cyber sanctions.

    At the seminar, the program’s teachers held their master classes. RIAC Director General Ivan Timofeev presented a master class on the topic “Trends in Anti-Russian Sanctions in 2025: the Split of the West and New Risks.” He noted that it should be remembered that sanctions are a foreign policy instrument that is implemented non-linearly; escalation and normalization do not mean their immediate strengthening and weakening. Now, for the first time in three years, a window of opportunity has opened, allowing us to talk about a probable easing of sanctions, but risks remain. In his opinion, one should be cautious about forecasts about a possible agreement, since the negotiations are taking place behind closed doors. If they fail, escalation is possible.

    Ivan Timofeev noted: currently, most of the bills on sanctions in the US Congress are aimed against China and Iran, but if any of the initiatives against Russia is adopted, this will strengthen the regime of anti-Russian sanctions. Escalation is also possible along the EU line, but most likely, it will be accompanied by seizures and quotas on some types of products.

    At the same time, voluntary control or self-regulation in advanced industries is increasing. Thus, in recent years, there has been a noticeable rapprochement between representatives of the regulator and business. The Alliance of AI Companies, together with the FSTEC of Russia, created and signed the Declaration on the Responsible Export of Artificial Intelligence Technologies and Software Based on Them. The Declaration establishes ethical principles and standards of conduct that developers should follow when exporting their own civil AI solutions. The standards include general principles and rules and specific recommendations on interactions with foreign counterparties and authorized government agencies.

    Maria Roskoshnaya drew attention to changes in the work of specialists. Previously, it was enough for them to know their niche and work algorithm, but now, due to the frequent emergence of new challenges, they have to regularly monitor changes in the export control of key partners. For example, when implementing a deal with China or the UAE, it is mandatory for experts to analyze the export control legislation of these countries. In addition, it is important to monitor innovations in counter-sanction regulation, including bans on the purchase of certain products, as well as on making payments in certain countries.

    “We are facing changes in sanctions and counter-sanction procedures. It is important to expand the range of knowledge, not limited to technical details and knowledge of the final recipients and final destination of the goods. For businesses, this means finding optimal logistics routes, opportunities for making payments without restrictions, combining the interests of logisticians, lawyers and financiers,” the expert said.

    She noted that difficulties may arise when continuing to interact with companies that left Russia after 2022. These aspects are currently monitored by counter-sanction compliance services, when it is necessary to justify and argue for continued cooperation with companies from unfriendly jurisdictions.

    At the master class “EU Sanctions in 2025: Strategies for Russia”, Vladimir Morozov explained that the possibility of using sanctions as a tool for achieving foreign policy goals is embedded in the legal foundations of the EU. They can be used for a wide range of reasons – from accusations of violating international law to the goals of protecting human rights. He called an important feature of EU sanctions their adoption at the supranational level with national supervision of their implementation, which gives rise to contradictions and certain difficulties in their implementation. The diversity of regimes, as well as national legislation and law enforcement practices, makes it difficult to navigate EU sanctions.

    Europe often seeks to counteract secondary sanctions from other countries, including the United States, by allowing restrictions against third countries, individuals and companies to be ignored. However, European companies often seek to take into account sanctions risks and implement “overcompliance” in this area, not wanting to lose the American market and the ability to make payments in dollars.

    Photo: iStock

    Since 2022, the European Commission has been playing an increasingly important role in introducing restrictions, and national institutions are experiencing increasing pressure from supranational institutions, including in tightening penalties for violating sanctions. If administrative liability was previously possible, now it is regarded as a criminal offense. The expert drew attention to the difference in approaches to punishments and investigations. The largest number of them is noted in Poland. The largest number of prison sentences is in the Netherlands, but for a short or suspended term. In Germany, the number of sentences is small, but the terms reach 7 years, and in Finland there are many successful investigations, but the punishments are mainly limited to a fine of 11,000 to 15,000 euros.

    The current stage of the EU sanctions policy development is characterized by gradual de-targeting of sanctions, i.e. the desire to inflict maximum damage, as well as active coordination of its own measures with partners, primarily with the United States. If in 2014-16 the EU measures lagged behind the American ones, then since 2022 they have been mostly synchronized. Another trend in European policy has been the active use of the secondary sanctions mechanism. In particular, in 2024 an amendment was adopted, according to which restrictions are imposed against companies and individuals from third countries who worked with Russian sanctioned persons and companies.

    Vladimir Morozov named the EU’s readiness to maintain the priority of political goals over economic feasibility as key factors and risks of the continuation, strengthening and, on the contrary, easing of sanctions, given that Europe has suffered greater losses than the US during the sanctions war with Russia.

    Egor Prokhin, in his master class “Formation of Sustainable Business Partnerships in the Context of Sanction Risks,” noted that over the past decades, sanctions have achieved their goals in about one third of cases. According to him, the greatest success was achieved against small states with insufficiently diversified and import-dependent economies.

    Sanctions, along with challenges, also open up new opportunities, noted Yegor Prokhin. The loss of sales markets in Europe and other Western countries has become an incentive to reorient towards developing markets in Asia.

    In conclusion, he emphasized that in order to establish successful cooperation with foreign companies on the Russian market, it is necessary to adapt business strategies taking into account the current sanctions restrictions. In his opinion, such an approach should be comprehensive and include: analysis of companies, their beneficiaries and legal relations for sanctions risks; assessment of industry and territorial sanctions applicable to the planned cooperation; development of solutions and tools for optimizing commercial interactions under restrictions.

    Additionally, he recommended creating “road maps” for partners to manage sanctions risks and developing alternative action scenarios aimed at minimizing the potential negative impact on business partnerships.

    If the parties manage to reach a truce, American businesses will influence the administration to soften the sanctions, without officially lifting them, but introducing certain exceptions for transportation restrictions and bans on bank transactions.

    “For a number of industries, the easing of sanctions will have a positive effect on their development, while for others, on the contrary, it will have a negative effect,” Ivan Timofeev noted. He is confident that if the negotiations are successful, the process of easing sanctions will be long and may take more than a decade. Lev Sokolshchik emphasized that the lifting of sanctions may turn into a risk for certain sectors of the domestic economy.

    Maria Roskoshnaya held a master class “Export control: instructions for use. How not to break the rules and not lose markets.” She noted that export control is now considered more broadly than in the traditional sense – in particular, advanced industrial developments and even luxury goods are now subject to special supervision. The range of transactions subject to regulation is also growing – in addition to the usual tangible exports, experts often deal with supervision of the export of technology and software. The share of intangible exports is also growing, especially in high-tech industries, and the forms of transactions are also unusual. For example, it is often necessary to identify open source software or software, access to which is provided under the SaaS model. The state can regulate and restrict, and sometimes prohibit the export and international exchange of know-how, industrial products or raw materials, the lack of which can negatively affect the domestic market.

    Russia continues to participate in the development and modification of framework legislation at the international level, since it is a member state of all regimes except the Australian Group (our country has observer status there). It should be understood that each member state of the international export control regime forms a national control system, harmonizing it with the international base. Now we can observe a tendency to strengthen non-proliferation control precisely in the area of finalizing national legislative measures and initiatives.

    At the same time, voluntary control or self-regulation in advanced industries is increasing. Thus, in recent years, there has been a noticeable rapprochement between representatives of the regulator and business. The Alliance of AI Companies, together with the FSTEC of Russia, created and signed the Declaration on the Responsible Export of Artificial Intelligence Technologies and Software Based on Them. The Declaration establishes ethical principles and standards of conduct that developers should follow when exporting their own civil AI solutions. The standards include general principles and rules and specific recommendations on interactions with foreign counterparties and authorized government agencies.

    Photo: iStock

    Maria Roskoshnaya drew attention to changes in the work of specialists. Previously, it was enough for them to know their niche and work algorithm, but now, due to the frequent emergence of new challenges, they have to regularly monitor changes in the export control of key partners. For example, when implementing a deal with China or the UAE, it is mandatory for experts to analyze the export control legislation of these countries. In addition, it is important to monitor innovations in counter-sanction regulation, including bans on the purchase of certain products, as well as on making payments in certain countries.

    “We are facing changes in sanctions and counter-sanction procedures. It is important to expand the range of knowledge, not limited to technical details and knowledge of the final recipients and final destination of the goods. For businesses, this means finding optimal logistics routes, opportunities for making payments without restrictions, combining the interests of logisticians, lawyers and financiers,” the expert said.

    She noted that difficulties may arise when continuing to interact with companies that left Russia after 2022. These aspects are currently monitored by counter-sanction compliance services, when it is necessary to justify and argue for continued cooperation with companies from unfriendly jurisdictions.

    At the master class “EU Sanctions in 2025: Strategies for Russia”, Vladimir Morozov explained that the possibility of using sanctions as a tool for achieving foreign policy goals is embedded in the legal foundations of the EU. They can be used for a wide range of reasons – from accusations of violating international law to the goals of protecting human rights. He called an important feature of EU sanctions their adoption at the supranational level with national supervision of their implementation, which gives rise to contradictions and certain difficulties in their implementation. The diversity of regimes, as well as national legislation and law enforcement practices, makes it difficult to navigate EU sanctions.

    Europe often seeks to counteract secondary sanctions from other countries, including the United States, by allowing restrictions against third countries, individuals, and firms to be ignored. However, European companies often seek to take into account sanctions risks and implement “overcompliance” in this area, not wanting to lose the American market and the ability to make payments in dollars.

    Since 2022, the European Commission has been playing an increasingly important role in introducing restrictions, and national institutions are experiencing increasing pressure from supranational institutions, including in tightening penalties for violating sanctions. If administrative liability was previously possible, now it is regarded as a criminal offense. The expert drew attention to the difference in approaches to punishments and investigations. The largest number of them is noted in Poland. The largest number of prison sentences is in the Netherlands, but for a short or suspended term. In Germany, the number of sentences is small, but the terms reach 7 years, and in Finland there are many successful investigations, but the punishments are mainly limited to a fine of 11,000 to 15,000 euros.

    Photo: iStock

    The current stage of the EU sanctions policy development is characterized by gradual de-targeting of sanctions, i.e. the desire to inflict maximum damage, as well as active coordination of its own measures with partners, primarily with the United States. If in 2014-16 the EU measures lagged behind the American ones, then since 2022 they have been mostly synchronized. Another trend in European policy has been the active use of the secondary sanctions mechanism. In particular, in 2024 an amendment was adopted, according to which restrictions are imposed against companies and individuals from third countries who worked with Russian sanctioned persons and companies.

    Vladimir Morozov named the EU’s readiness to maintain the priority of political goals over economic feasibility as key factors and risks of the continuation, strengthening and, on the contrary, easing of sanctions, given that Europe has suffered greater losses than the US during the sanctions war with Russia.

    Egor Prokhin, in his master class “Formation of Sustainable Business Partnerships in the Context of Sanction Risks,” noted that over the past decades, sanctions have achieved their goals in about one-third of cases. According to him, the greatest success was achieved against small states with insufficiently diversified and import-dependent economies.

    Sanctions, along with challenges, also open up new opportunities, noted Yegor Prokhin. The loss of sales markets in Europe and other Western countries has become an incentive to reorient towards developing markets in Asia.

    In conclusion, he emphasized that in order to establish successful cooperation with foreign companies on the Russian market, it is necessary to adapt business strategies taking into account the current sanctions restrictions. In his opinion, such an approach should be comprehensive and include: analysis of companies, their beneficiaries and legal relations for sanctions risks; assessment of industry and territorial sanctions applicable to the planned cooperation; development of solutions and tools for optimizing commercial interaction in the context of restrictions.

    Additionally, he recommended creating “road maps” for partners to manage sanctions risks and developing alternative action scenarios aimed at minimizing the potential negative impact on business partnerships.

    All opinions presented in the material are exclusively the personal position of the seminar participants and the author.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    May 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic joined the memorial event at Piskarevsky Memorial

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    On May 6, students, teachers and staff of the Polytechnic University took part in a memorial event at the Piskarevskoye Memorial Cemetery. They laid flowers at the Motherland monument and the mass grave of the Polytechnic students.

    The participants of the action gathered at the Monument to the Fallen Polytechnicians, where they were addressed by the Vice-Rector for Youth Policy and Communication Technologies of SPbPU, Maxim Pasholikov.

    Today we remember the heroism of Leningrad during the Great Patriotic War. I hope that this event will become traditional for us. Some of you have already visited Piskarevskoye Cemetery, the largest memorial burial ground in the world, where more than half a million people are buried. Of these, only ten percent are military personnel, the rest are residents of the besieged city. An open book is engraved on one of the gravestones. Among those buried there are our polytechnicians, who were engaged in science, studied and were the heart of the Polytechnic Institute during the war. Every year on May 9, my family and I lay flowers at Piskarevskoye Cemetery. On this day, many Leningraders and St. Petersburgers come here to honor the memory of the fallen. Sometimes there are so many flowers that you can’t even see the memorial and the slabs. I would like you to have such a tradition, – shared Maxim Pasholikov.

    The participants of the event were presented with St. George ribbons and flowers. After that, the polytechnicians walked several kilometers to the Piskarevsky Memorial.

    Piskarevskoye Cemetery became the main burial place for the victims of the Leningrad siege. During the Great Patriotic War, trenches were dug on the cemetery’s territory for unmarked mass graves, where more than 470 thousand people were buried. The memorial began to be developed in 1955: the mounds of mass graves were raised, flowers and trees were planted. Later, a six-meter bronze statue of a woman holding an oak wreath was installed, which became a symbol of maternal grief and the memory of the dead. Her gaze is directed towards the mass graves.

    Students, teachers and staff laid flowers and a wreath with the inscription “From the Polytechnicians” at the Motherland monument.

    After that we went to grave #176, where the students and employees of our university, victims of the siege, found their final resting place. They were buried under a stone with an image of an open book, on which the date “1942” was carved.

    During the hardest, frostiest and hungriest winter of 1941-1942, students belonged to the category of the population supplied with food at a minimum, that is, they received those same 125 grams of bread during the blockade. And the mortality rate among them was very high. Several hundred of our students are buried in grave No. 176. This is a memorial place for all polytechnicians, – said Ivan Kolomeitsev.

    The participants of the procession laid flowers on the gravestone and honored the memory of the victims.

    The first person to visit the Piskarevskoye Cemetery was a third-year student at the Institute of Metallurgical and Technical Sciences, Andrei Ushakov.

    I moved to St. Petersburg from the Moscow region. For two and a half years, I have not been able to visit the memorial. But I am glad that such an event, organized by our university, helps to fill this gap. The residents of Leningrad accomplished a real feat, having endured the siege for 900 days. It is very important to remember this, because the tragic events had a huge impact on world history and the history of our country, – Andrey Ushakov noted.

    Third-year student of the Institute of Mathematics, Economics and Telecommunications Anastasia Nikitina is a third-generation St. Petersburg resident. Their family also has a tradition of laying flowers at the Broken Ring memorial on May 9.

    The memory of the heroism of the city where I was born and live is very dear to me. I think it is important that today we have gathered together to lay flowers at the Piskarevskoye Memorial. I admire that the Polytechnic pays great attention to preserving the memory of the heroes of the Great Patriotic War. For example, my mother and I watch the student video blog “Memory of Glory is Alive” with great interest. The stories on the information pedestals located on the territory of the university are also informative, – said Anastasia Nikitina.

    Deputy Director of the Institute of Mechanics and Technology Maxim Ivanov annually takes part in the “Immortal Regiment” campaign with his family and tries to visit the Piskarevskoye Cemetery.

    My parents have been telling me about the contribution of Polytechnicians to the Victory since childhood. After all, they met at the Polytechnic and studied together at the mechanical engineering department. It is important that our university has another campaign dedicated to the heroes of the Great Patriotic War. It is nice to see that many students are participating in it. After all, we are passing on the memory of our ancestors, which should live forever, – shared Maxim Ivanov.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    May 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Elena Ezhelina: “I am delighted with the Polytechnic University!”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    Top manager of Gorelectrotrans Elena Ezhelina studies in the direction of “System and digital engineering in high-tech industries” at the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU “Digital Engineering”. Elena came to the master’s program for knowledge that will help her develop a systemic model of enterprise management in order to optimize its work and make it more resilient to large-scale changes. About her work, studies at the Polytechnic University and new opportunities Elena told us about it in our traditional column “Persona”.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    May 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Nanjing honors Soviet heroes who died in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression

    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

    NANJING, May 7 (Xinhua) — An event dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and cultural exchanges among the youth of China, Russia and Belarus was held at the Nanjing Anti-Japanese War Airmen’s Martyrs’ Memorial Museum in Nanjing, east China’s Jiangsu Province, on Wednesday, honoring the memory of Soviet heroes who died in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.

    The event was attended by representatives of the Russian Consulate General in Shanghai and the Belarusian Consulate General in Shanghai, as well as students and schoolchildren from the three countries.

    The event participants jointly honored the memory of Soviet heroes who died in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression by laying wreaths and flowers at the monument and memorial steles on the museum grounds.

    Speaking at the event, Vice Chairman of the Nanjing City Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Jin Weidong noted that more than 80 years ago, during the most difficult period of the Chinese People’s Resistance against Japanese Aggression, the government and people of the Soviet Union extended a helping hand in a timely manner. During this assistance, 236 Soviet airmen sacrificed their lives for the just cause of the anti-fascist struggle and the liberation of the Chinese people.

    “Their heroic deeds and high spirit will forever remain engraved in the hearts of the Chinese people and peoples around the world,” he stressed, expressing hope that through cultural interaction, the youth of China, Russia and Belarus will be able to better understand each other’s cultures, strengthen mutual understanding, deepen friendly ties and lay a solid foundation for future in-depth cooperation and exchanges.

    According to Dmitry Lukyantsev, the Russian Consul General in Shanghai, the short but capacious word “Victory” for any Russian or Chinese stands for the courage and heroism of millions of soldiers, the intense and hard work in the rear. “This word is a symbol of pride, courage, dignity and fortitude of our peoples,” he said.

    “In 45 cities of China, including Nanjing, about 50 monuments to Soviet soldiers who died in the anti-Japanese war of the Chinese people have been erected. In the PRC, the memory of the fallen Soviet soldiers is carefully honored, their graves are carefully looked after. We are grateful to the Chinese government for this,” said Olga Krivets, Vice Consul of Belarus in Shanghai.

    The event also released updated information on the 18 Soviet volunteers who died in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression.

    The updated and supplemented list of fallen heroes includes their full names, dates of birth and death, military ranks and specific positions.

    Established in 2009, the Nanjing Anti-Japanese War Airmen’s Martyrs’ Memorial Museum is China’s first memorial museum for international airmen who died in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.

    Its collection contains rich historical materials on the air forces of China, the Soviet Union, the United States and other countries that fought together against the Japanese invaders in China during World War II. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    May 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: India confirms airstrikes in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    NEW DELHI, May 7 (Xinhua) — The Indian government on Wednesday confirmed airstrikes on nine identified “terrorist training camps” in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir.

    According to local media, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally monitored the airstrikes.

    Reports said the airstrikes were carried out as part of Operation Sindoor, which targets women whose husbands were killed on April 22 in Pahalgam district of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

    The attack, which left 26 people dead, was described as the worst attack on tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir in decades and has escalated tensions between India and Pakistan.

    The Indian Ministry of Defence announced in a press release the launch of Operation Sindoor, targeting “terrorist infrastructure” in Pakistan and Pakistan-controlled Kashmir from where “terrorist attacks” against India were planned and carried out.

    “A total of nine targets were struck. Our actions were targeted, measured and non-escalatory. No Pakistani military installations were attacked. India demonstrated considerable restraint in the choice of targets and the methods of their execution,” the statement said.

    The move comes in response to the April 22 attack on tourists in Pahalgam in Indian-controlled Kashmir, which left 25 Indians and one Nepalese national dead.

    The head of the Inter-Services Public Relations, the Pakistani army’s media wing, said on Wednesday that at least eight civilians, including a child, had been killed, 35 others were injured and two were missing in missiles fired by India. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    May 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Get together for good mental health

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    The theme this year is ‘community’ and celebrates the communities and networks that help people to thrive and to nurture good mental health.

    Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, said: “Our city has lots of strong and supportive communities. Whether it’s sports, crafts, walking or meeting for coffee, these community groups help us feel connected. They give us a place to belong, support us when things are hard, and give us a sense of purpose.

    “We can all play a part in creating that kind of environment – whether it’s checking on a friend or simply starting a conversation. It’s so important that we create a safe space to talk about mental health with no shame or stigma attached.

    “One way the council will be getting involved is by taking part in ‘Wear It Green’ day on Thursday 15 May. We’ll be lighting up the Civic Centre atrium lights in green to show our support for mental health and that it’s ok to reach out and ask for help.

    “There are also a number of other events taking place across the city this Mental Health Awareness Week, and I would urge everyone to get involved.”

    City libraries offer a range of regular community groups, including:

    • Monday 12 May – Relaxed Reading Group at Wednesfield Library, 5.30pm to 6.30pm
    • Tuesday 13 May – Relaxed Reading Group at Bob Jones Community Hub, 6pm to 7pm
    • Wednesday 14 May – board games at Tettenhall Library, 2.30pm to 4.30pm
    • Thursday 15 May – local history group at Bilston Library, 11am to 12.30pm
    • Thursday 15 May – City Walking Tour starting from Central Library, 2pm to 3pm
    • Friday 16 May – Relaxed Reading Group at Low Hill library, 3.30pm to 4.30pm.

    And Wolves Foundation will be inviting people to meet local mental health services and find out about support available at a special event at North Bank Bar, Molineux Stadium from 3pm to 7pm on Thursday 15 May.

    Meanwhile, people who are having a difficult time or are worried about someone else are being reminded they are not alone – there are lots of options for support:

    • For self-care, the NHS Every Mind Matters website, provides a range of tools and advice on how people can look after their wellbeing and support those around them.
    • People who need someone to talk to are encouraged to call SANE on 0300 304 7000 (4.30pm to 10.30pm), Samaritans on 116 123 (24 hours), Rethink Mental Illness on 0300 5000 927 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm) or Mind on 0300 123 3393.
    • Anyone who needs urgent help with their mental health should call NHS 111 and select option 2 to be connected to mental health support, or text 07860 025281.
    • Wolverhampton Sanctuary Hub offers out of hours support. Book a face to face appointment by calling freephone 0808 802 2288, texting 07860 065168 or emailing wolverhamptonsanctuaryhub@rethink.org.
    • NHS Talking Therapies offers brief psychological therapy for people experiencing common mental health problems including anxiety, depression, stress and low mood – visit Wolverhampton Talking Therapies.
    • Hub of Hope offers a wide range of local support in your community – visit Hub of Hope.

    Remember too, that your GP is there to help you with your mental health as well as your physical health.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    May 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Scalise Highlights Committee Reconciliation Markups

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Scalise (1st District of Louisiana)

    WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.), and Congressman Troy Downing (R-Mont.) to discuss the budget reconciliation committee markup process starting this week to pass an America First agenda, as we mark a productive 100 days under President Trump’s leadership. Leader Scalise outlined how budget reconciliation will unleash American energy to lower costs at the pump, stop tax hikes, secure our border, bolster our military, and protect small businesses. Leader Scalise also highlighted how Democrats refuse to partner with Republicans on these commonsense measures, instead prioritizing their anger with President Trump.

    Click here or the image above to view Leader Scalise’s full remarks. 
    On House Committees beginning the reconciliation markup process:“Well, anybody who’s been following since the day President Trump took the oath of office for this second term knows that President Donald Trump has been working nonstop at a feverish pace to deliver results for the American people. I don’t think we’ve seen a president in 100 days get more things accomplished, follow through on more promises to get this country back on track. And we’re only 100 days in. Obviously, the things that we’ve been working with this president on are really going to be starting off in a much bigger way with this one big, beautiful bill.“The budget reconciliation process formally starts today with the reconciliation bill. Seven committees go to work this week. Next week, another four committees will continue doing that important work. And this has been about a year in the making. This is not something that happened overnight. All of our committees have been meeting both individually. We’ve been meeting with the President for about a year to get to this moment and start delivering on those things that we all ran on.”On Democrats’ anger over Republicans’ wins:“These are not just campaign promises that Donald Trump talked about on a campaign trail. This is also something that House Republicans said we would do. We said we would prevent a massive tax increase on American families. If Congress takes no action, there would be a four-and-a-half trillion dollar tax hike on families.“If you listen to Democrats who are all going to vote no on this package, let’s make no mistake about it, they’ve been clear from the beginning, they just want to obstruct everything. You saw it at the State of the Union when President Trump said, look, this 13-year-old boy beat cancer. And they all just sat there on their hands, angry because President Trump was highlighting somebody else’s success. And I think the American people got disgusted when they realized a whole major party in America is just going to oppose anything President Trump does because they hate him as an individual, even when it’s good for America. And believe me, preventing a tax increase on over 90% of American families is good for America. But every Democrat will vote no because they want a tax increase on American families. Every Democrat will vote no on a bill that’s going to secure America’s border.”On House Republicans delivering on an America First agenda: “You’ve seen President Trump deliver through executive action on things he can do. And it’s resulted in amazing results. Over 95% reduction in border crossings illegally, deportation of hardened criminals, violent gang members, murderers, rapists, finally sent back to prisons in their country where they belong, where many of them came from. And what are Democrats doing? Democrats aren’t celebrating that they’re flying to other countries to try to get hardened gang members in prisons released back into the United States. It’s lunacy. But that’s where their party is, because they are void of any ideas. They are a leaderless party. The Democrat Party literally has no leader except AOC and [Jasmine] Crockett, and Bernie Sanders. And that’s what their parties become. They’re just opposed to everything.“They don’t want to produce more American energy. But the good news is we do. That’s also going to be in this bill that we start debating to allow America to produce more energy so that we and our friends don’t have to be dependent on foreign nations like Russia or Iran for oil and natural gas. We can do more of it. We can lower costs for families. We can create more jobs at home. We can ensure that more manufacturing can be done in America. That’s all going to be part of this bill. We’re also going to make our military more competitive. Everybody knows China has been incredibly aggressive, not just their naval fleet developing hypersonic weapons. And America had fallen behind under Joe Biden. And Donald Trump said we are going to address these inadequacies. And if you look at what’s in this bill, again, addressing major problems to make our country competitive again militarily. And every Democrat will vote no on that as well. And the good news is Republicans said, well, if Democrats are just going to block everything, if Democrats want a tax hike, if Democrats do not want secure borders, if Democrats want to make our country more dependent on foreign nations for our energy, that’s why they lost the election. Those days are gone.”On President Trump’s success in his first 100 days back in office:“We can actually fix all of these problems without any Democrat support. We’d welcome their votes, we’d welcome their input. But they’ve chosen to just go the other way because their far-left radical base won’t let them work with Donald Trump on anything that’s good for America. But that hasn’t deterred President Trump. President Trump is resolute in fighting for those hardworking families who have been struggling. Again, the tax increase, when they talk about millionaires and billionaires, it’s over 90% of Americans who would see a tax increase if no action was taken. That’s families making $50,000, $60,000 a year. That’s not the rich. That’s the people who are just barely getting by, who have been struggling under the weight of the failures of Joe Biden’s economy. The waitress who’s maybe working two jobs, barely getting by. And President Trump and this Republican Congress are going to deliver on no tax on tips so that that single mom who’s maybe working two jobs can have a little bit more money in her pocket and be able to take her kids on a vacation or invest in her kids’ college. That’s what we’re doing this week as we watch the Democrats oppose everything just because they have become a party derelict of any ideas. This is a Congress of leadership and action working with a President who’s probably done more in 100 days than any other president we’ve ever seen. And the best is yet to come.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ​​​​​​​Illegal dumpers caught red-handed thanks to new solar-powered CCTV camera

    Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

    Evidence image

    Published: Wednesday, 7th May 2025

    Three fly-tippers have been caught out by Stoke-on-Trent’s first solar-powered CCTV camera.

    This is the first solar-powered rapid deployment camera used by Stoke-on-Trent City Council in a remote area, that has historically been a magnet for illegal dumping.

    The CCTV camera is monitored seven days a week, 24 hours a day and was first installed in March on Red Hills Road, Milton – which has been highlighted by residents as an illegal dumping hotspot.

    Success quickly followed, with the camera recording three people blighting the area with illegal waste during April.

    Each has now received a fixed-penalty notice of £1,000.

    Councillor Amjid Wazir OBE – cabinet member for city pride, enforcement and sustainability for Stoke-on-Trent City Council – said: “It’s great to see this new technology being put to good use.

    “Flytipping is completely unacceptable. It doesn’t just blight local communities – it can also create fire hazards and public health risks.

    “Our stance remains crystal-clear: dumping waste illegally will lead to a hefty fine.

    “Stoke-on-Trent has two household waste recycling centres and people can also arrange for a home collection – which is roughly £950 cheaper than a fixed-penalty notice.”

    Councillor Dave Evans, ward councillor for Milton and Norton, said: “It’s fantastic to see the camera on Red Hills Road catching and prosecuting people who don’t respect our village. This should send a clear message to those who wish to dump rubbish aren’t welcome in Milton, and they will be fined.” 

    The solar-powered RDC CCTV camera was funded through Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s Environmental Crime Unit, with a contribution from ward councillor, Cllr Dave Evans.

    The Environmental Crime Unit is now considering installing further solar-powered CCTV units in other remote areas.

    For info on the best way to dispose of your waste, please visit: www.stoke.gov.uk/illegaldumping

    ant to receive press releases, council news or job vacancies by email? Sign up for our online alerts at www.stoke.gov.uk/stayconnected.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    May 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Couple’s historic wedding day is picture perfect

    Source: City of Leeds

    When happy couple Charlotte and Matthew Harrison tied the knot in Temple Newsam House’s stunning Picture Gallery, it was a love story more than a century in the making.

    The historic ceremony saw the newlyweds become the first people to be married in the gallery’s beautiful surroundings in over a hundred years.

    Originally designed centuries ago to act as an “indoor garden” for the house’s aristocratic residents, the room’s spectacular floral theme instead became the ideal backdrop for what was a dream wedding day.

    The couple, who met five years ago, chose the house as a venue after falling in love with the colourful gallery, which has only recently been made available for ceremonies.

    Charlotte said: “We spend a lot of our time at Temple Newsam both together and with friends and when we heard they did weddings, we thought we’d check it out before making a decision.

    “We love visiting stately homes and historic sites and when we saw the picture gallery we immediately fell in love and immediately knew it was just us. The room is absolutely stunning and steeped in history and was the perfect backdrop for our wedding.”

    She added: “The wedding day was everything I have ever dreamed of and more. All of our guests commented on what a beautiful venue it was and how much they enjoyed the wedding. It was genuinely a dream come true.”

    The couple were joined on their special day by family, friends and 20-month-old son Blake.

    After meeting online during the Covid pandemic, Charlotte and Matthew had their first date at The Red Kite in Wakefield, where Matthew’s difficulties parking his car followed by some takeaway donuts made for an evening that was both sweet and memorable.

    Almost five years later, Matthew, 33, popped the question on Christmas Eve at their home in Apperley Bridge, with a custom-designed ring and specially made scratch card.

    Charlotte said: “It’s our family Christmas tradition to get scratch cards so I didn’t think anything of it- it looked super realistic- and then it had three ring symbols and Matt got down on one knee and asked me to marry him.”

    Now the couple’s romantic story has become part of Leeds history, entering the record books at the 500-year-old mansion as the first couple to be married in the Picture Gallery since the house passed into public ownership in 1922.

    Matthew said: “We’re honoured to be the first couple to be married there in over a century. We didn’t realise what a historic moment it was not just for us, but for Temple Newsam too and to be a part of that just made our day even more special. Temple Newsam has always held a fond place in our lives but the fact we can now be a part of its history is truly humbling.”

    Charlotte added: “On a personal note, as a bit of a history nerd I’m genuinely thrilled that I can be a part of the history of the house.”

    A Grade I listed mansion house, Temple Newsam House is one of the country’s finest examples of its kind, seen as equally significant to Hampton Court, and was a family home for much of its history.

    Owned by Leeds City Council since 1922, Temple Newsam has built one of the most significant decorative art collections in the UK.

    Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have played our part in this special and historic occasion and to have made Charlotte and Matthew’s special day so memorable.

    “Our museums and galleries really are a beautiful setting for a wedding and it’s wonderful to see couples tying the knot there and becoming part of the story of these amazing sites.”

    To find out more about weddings at Temple Newsam, visit: Weddings at Temple Newsam | Leeds Museums and Galleries | Days out and exhibitions

    More details about wedding at other Leeds Museums and Galleries sites can be found at: Weddings | Leeds Museums and Galleries | Days out and exhibitions

    ENDS

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    May 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: RAAC pilot works

    Source: Scotland – City of Dundee

    PILOT WORKS on five council properties affected by reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) could be set to go ahead if councillors approve a tender next week.

    Dundee City Council’s neighbourhood regeneration, housing and estate management committee will be asked to agree that Morrison Construction (trading as Galliford Try) carry out the remedial works.

    The housing service has identified five empty properties of different types across the city affected by RAAC as the test bed for solutions to the issues caused by the material.

    Kevin Cordell, committee convener said: “We want to be able to implement and test a practical, economic solution for each house-type in the council stock that contains RAAC and to establish suitability for possible future roll out across all our affected properties.

    “This tender allows us to move towards that with an experienced contractor who will work with the council’s in-house design team to share knowledge and find the most practical and best value solution.”

    If the committee, which meets on Monday (May 12), green lights the tender, the pilot remediation will involve installing a new roof structure directly below the existing one so that the RAAC is fully supported and therefore at no future structural risk.

    In addition to the pilot project, the RAAC in communal areas of five properties in Menzieshill, currently in a poor condition, will have their redundant roof-mounted water tanks decommissioned and the RAAC permanently remediated using the same method.

    The work, costing a total of £500,000 is expected to start in June, and be completed later in the summer.

    A report on the council’s response to RAAC was considered by the committee last May. It detailed plans for an ongoing inspection regime in properties where RAAC has been identified and agreed that a tender be brought forward to a future committee meeting.

    Where these properties are privately owned responsibility for maintenance lies with owners who have been recommended to seek their own advice regarding the condition of RAAC present within their property.

    Lynne Short, deputy convener of the committee added: “The report last May set out a course of action including further regular detailed inspections to monitor the condition of properties where RACC was found and dealing with those in need as part of capital programmes.

    “This tender delivers on that and in the meantime other properties will continue to be monitored.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    May 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Election 2026: Only Scottish Greens offer change Scotland needs

    Source: Scottish Greens

    07 May 2025

    Green voices bring positive change for Scotland.

    With one year until the next Holyrood elections, only the Scottish Greens are offering the “real, hopeful” and “transformative” change that Scotland needs, says Greens co-leader Lorna Slater. 

    Ms Slater said:

    “Scotland faces a crucial choice, and it is only the Scottish Greens who are offering the real, hopeful and transformative change that our communities need.

    “The SNP are retreating from climate action and rolling back on promises they have made, while Labour has opted to target pensioners and disabled people with cruel cuts that go further than the Tories.

    “We have shown that we can get results. From free bus travel for young people to the biggest expansion of free school meals and a real living wage for all Scottish Government contractors, we are standing up for workers and families and putting money back in people’s pockets.

    “We have worked for our environment, with record funding for climate action, nature restoration and walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure to make our streets safer and greener for everyone.

    “Without Green voices in the room, this would not have happened. With more Green MSPs we can do far more for people and planet.

    “It will be a crucial election. Our planet is on fire, people are struggling with costs going up and household budgets being stretched to their limit. 

    “Every vote for the Scottish Greens will be a vote for a fairer, greener and independent future for Scotland, and a rejection of the toxic and punishing policies coming from Westminster.

    “Scotland can’t afford five more years of business as usual. The Scottish Greens are the only party offering the change that Scotland needs and deserves.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    May 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Border Security Bill amendments to strengthen IAA powers

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    New Border Security Bill amendments to strengthen IAA powers

    Home Office submits key changes to Parliament that enhance IAA’s legislative powers.

    The Home Office has tabled important amendments to the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, which will provide the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) with enhanced legislative powers for regulation and enforcement. 

    The amendments build upon the Bill’s core aim to strengthen law enforcement’s ability to identify, disrupt and prevent serious and organised immigration crime across the UK. 

    John Tuckett, Immigration Services Commissioner, said: 

    “We welcome the amendments to the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill that will strengthen and build on the IAA’s powers to combat illegal activity. 

    “These measures will also allow us to ensure our regulatory regime is watertight, helping us to create a more level playing field for advisers and organisations that play by the rules. 

    “As an organisation that operates with advice seekers at the heart of everything we do, we believe effective enforcement and regulation is essential for maintaining public trust in our immigration system.” 

    New regulatory powers 

    The amendments to the Bill improve the IAA’s ability to tackle the provision of poor immigration advice by those who are regulated, consequently enhancing the protection of individuals seeking immigration advice. Powers include:  

    • Financial sanctions – the ability to fine regulated organisations up to £15,000 for compliance failures.  

    • Fee refunds and compensation – the ability to require repayment of fees and compensation up to £250,000. 

    • Cancellation of registration – the ability to cancel with immediate effect the registration of individuals and organisations who create a risk of serious harm to advice seekers or the immigration system.  

    • Suspension of registration – the ability to suspend an individual or organisation from the IAA register where serious harm is suspected while an investigation takes place, or where someone is charged with an offence of dishonesty, deception or an indictable offence.  

    • Compelling co-operation – the ability to impose a fine on individuals who are the subject of  a complaint and fail to cooperate with an IAA investigation. 

    New enforcement powers 

    The amendments to the Bill improve the IAA’s ability to tackle illegal activity and provide redress for victims. Powers include:  

    • Financial sanctions – the ability to fine unregulated advisers up to £15,000 for providing advice or failing to comply with the complaint investigation. The IAA retains the power to prosecute if more appropriate.  

    • Fee refunds and compensation – the ability to require repayment of fees and compensation up to £250,000. 

    Other changes  

    The Bill will also include the following further changes: 

    • Supervision – the ability to prevent those with specific prohibitions in relation to providing immigration advice from doing so under supervision.  

    • Charging – the ability to charge for different services, such as IAA competence assessment exams.  

    • Relevant matters – creating a power to amend the definition of ‘relevant matters’ (topics of advice requiring regulation) using secondary legislation. 

    Both the regulatory and enforcement powers above will have a right of appeal to the First Tier Tribunal.  

    The IAA will undertake engagement with regulated organisations and other stakeholders about how the powers will be implemented.  

    You can follow the progress of the Bill on the Parliament website.

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    Updates to this page

    Published 7 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    May 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Three Indian planes crash in Indian-controlled Kashmir

    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

    NEW DELHI, May 7 (Xinhua) — At least three Indian aircraft crashed in Indian-controlled Kashmir on Wednesday, local newspaper The Hindu reported, citing government sources.

    The planes reportedly crashed in the Akhnoor, Ramban and Pampore areas.

    Officials have not yet disclosed the exact circumstances of the incident, the newspaper reports.

    The incidents came as Indian airstrikes hit Pakistani targets and Pakistan-controlled Kashmir early Wednesday. The attack was in retaliation for the killing of 26 people by militants in the Indian-controlled Kashmir town of Pahalgam last month. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    May 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Exclusive: China-Russia relations are the cornerstone of stability in today’s turbulent world – Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui

    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, May 7 (Xinhua) — Chinese-Russian relations are not subject to the influence of short-term events and changes in the international situation, they are the cornerstone of stability in today’s turbulent world, Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui said in an interview with Xinhua on the eve of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Moscow to participate in the celebration of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

    “Under the strategic leadership of President Xi Jinping and President Vladimir Putin, China-Russia relations have demonstrated the special character of good-neighborliness and friendship, comprehensive strategic cooperation and mutual benefit,” he said.

    According to the diplomat, the heads of the two states “will exchange views on the development of Chinese-Russian relations and a number of important international and regional issues, and will also develop a strategic course and plans for further strengthening strategic cooperation and practical interaction in various areas.”

    “China has maintained its status as Russia’s largest trading partner for 15 years in a row. Russia is the largest source of crude oil and natural gas for China, and China has become Russia’s largest supplier of mechanical engineering and electronics products, as well as automobiles. The parties have fruitfully cooperated in the fields of energy, agriculture, aviation and space, connectivity, basic infrastructure, etc., and cooperation in new areas such as scientific and technological innovation, cross-border e-commerce and green development is also gaining momentum,” Zhang Hanhui noted.

    The diplomat recalled the active holding of mutual Years of Culture, the significant growth of interest of the Chinese in Russia and the “Chinese boom” in the Russian Federation.

    “I am confident that the important consensus reached at the current meeting of the heads of China and Russia will contribute to further elevating cooperation between the two countries in various fields to a new level and achieving new results, will help each side in the development and revival, and will also bring great benefits to both countries and their peoples,” the ambassador emphasized. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    May 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: People’s Bank of China to boost financial support for certain sectors through refinancing

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    BEIJING, May 7 (Xinhua) — The People’s Bank of China (PBOC, the central bank) on Wednesday pledged to step up financial support by refinancing sectors including scientific and technological innovation, service sector consumption and elderly care.

    The PBOC will increase its refinancing quota for scientific and technological innovation and upgrading by 300 billion yuan (about 41.7 billion US dollars), thus bringing it to 800 billion yuan, PBOC Governor Pan Gongsheng said at a press conference.

    The PBOC will set up a 500 billion yuan refinancing mechanism to support consumption in the service and elderly care sectors to help commercial banks strengthen lending support to the sector, Pan Gongsheng said.

    He noted that the PBOC will also increase the refinancing quota by 300 billion yuan to support agriculture and small businesses. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    May 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China to cut interest rates on loans from housing savings fund

    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, May 7 (Xinhua) — The People’s Bank of China (PBOC, the central bank) on Wednesday announced it would cut interest rates on loans issued from the housing savings fund by 0.25 percentage points starting from Thursday.

    Interest rates on loans from the housing savings fund for first-time home buyers with a repayment term of up to 5 years, as well as with a repayment term of more than 5 years, will be adjusted to 2.1 percent and 2.6 percent, respectively, and for second-time home buyers – no less than 2.525 percent and 3.075 percent, respectively, the NBC said in a statement.

    The measure is expected to save home buyers more than 20 billion yuan (about $2.8 billion) a year in interest payments, People’s Bank of China Governor Pan Gongsheng told a news conference. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    May 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China combines quotas of two monetary policy instruments to strengthen capital market

    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, May 7 (Xinhua) — China’s central bank said Wednesday it will combine the quotas of two monetary policy tools to further support the capital market.

    The swap facility for securities, fund and insurance companies (SFISF), with an initial capacity of 500 billion yuan (about $69.4 billion), and the 300 billion yuan re-lending facility that supports share buybacks and share expansion, will be implemented within a total quota of 800 billion yuan, according to the People’s Bank of China (PBOC, the central bank).

    The decision, which took effect on Wednesday, is expected to make the two mechanisms more convenient and flexible to better meet the needs of different types of institutions and strengthen the inherent stability of the capital market, the PBOC said in a statement.

    Both instruments, launched in October last year to strengthen the capital market, operated in accordance with market principles and played a positive role in ensuring the stable operation of the capital market, the Central Bank said in a statement.

    The SFISF allows eligible securities, fund and insurance companies to use their assets, including bonds, ETFs and CSI 300 index stocks, as collateral in exchange for highly liquid assets such as government bonds and central bank bills.

    The PBOC has carried out two SFISF operations totaling 105 billion yuan, and more than 500 listed companies and major shareholders have reported using the refinancing mechanism to buy back shares or increase their holdings, according to PBOC Governor Pan Gongsheng. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    May 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: SPbGASU student Zlata Zolotykh took part in the all-Russian event “Victory Waltz”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –

    SPbGASU student Zlata Zolotykh took part in the All-Russian event “Victory Waltz”. The event is held with the support of the Association of Student Patriotic Clubs “I am proud”. Paying tribute to the memory and respect of the heroes, students of St. Petersburg universities performed a waltz in military uniforms and dresses of that time. The event took place in several locations in St. Petersburg. Our participant joined it on April 29 in the Picture Hall of the Vitebsk Railway Station, where the event was held with the support of Russian Railways.

    “Victory Day is a very important date for me. Even at school, I actively participated in events dedicated to this memorable day, especially in dance performances. Two of my great-grandfathers were participants in the war. Stepan Dmitrievich Ivanov, a sergeant, was a driver of a motorized brigade of the Leningrad Front. Vasily Sergeevich Pivovarov, a home front worker. The memory of them is carefully preserved in our family and passed down from generation to generation,” Zlata said.

    Having learned that our university could participate in this event, Zlata agreed without hesitation. It was a great honor for a student to honor the memory of those who fought for their homeland in the Great Patriotic War through dance.

    The preparation took place at the Saint Petersburg University of Management Technologies and Economics for two weeks. Zlata’s partner was SPbUTUE student Georgy Moguchenok. During the preparation and at the performance itself, the dance couple was noted as one of the best.

    “I am not currently involved in dancing, but I have eight years of dance experience behind me, and I am very glad that I was able to immerse myself in this atmosphere again, especially on the occasion of such a great day,” said Zlata.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    May 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Sinner returns from doping ban at Italian Open

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

    Italy’s Jannik Sinner speaks during a press conference for the Italian Open, in Rome, Italy, May 5, 2025. The world top-ranked player returns to the Italian Open tennis tournament after a three-month doping ban imposed by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). (Photo by Alberto Lingria/Xinhua)

    1   2   3   >  

    MIL OSI China News –

    May 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: China, US leaders to hold high level meeting on economic and trade affairs

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

    Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson announced in Beijing on Wednesday that at the invitation of the government of Switzerland, He Lifeng, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council will visit Switzerland from May 9 to 12.

    He will hold talks with Swiss leaders and relevant parties, the spokesperson said.

    During his visit to Switzerland, He, as the Chinese lead person for China-U.S. economic and trade affairs, will have a meeting with the U.S. lead person Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

    From May 12 to 16, He will be in France to co-chair with the French side the 10th China-France High Level Economic and Financial Dialogue, said the spokesperson.

    MIL OSI China News –

    May 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: ‘New superstar’ makes snooker breakthrough

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

    Millions of snooker fans in China witnessed history as 28-year-old Zhao Xintong became the first Chinese player, as well as the first Asian, to win the World Snooker Championship final.

    Zhao, hailed as “a new superstar”, triumphed over Welsh player Mark Williams, a three-time champion, to win the trophy in the final in Sheffield, United Kingdom, with an 18-12 victory on Monday.

    Chinese player Zhao Xintong celebrates on Monday after winning the World Snooker Championship at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre in the United Kingdom. Zhao became the first Asian player to win the championship. ZHAI ZHENG / XINHUA

    Zhao is the youngest world champion since Shaun Murphy, who won in 2005 at the age of 22.

    Overwhelmed by his achievement, Zhao, draped in a Chinese flag, said: “I can’t believe what I’ve done. It’s like a dream. I was so nervous tonight — Mark is still a top player and put me under so much pressure. He’s the best. This is a very special moment for me, for Chinese snooker, for everyone.”

    The victory ignited an outpouring of jubilation across social media, with fans celebrating the long-awaited breakthrough, including one netizen who said, “Chinese snooker has found its worthy successor.” Fans also said Zhao’s historic achievement will inspire future generations of young Chinese players.

    Zhao’s success fulfilled a dream that had eluded his compatriot trailblazer Ding Junhui, who narrowly missed winning the title in 2016. That year, Ding became the first Asian player to reach the World Championship final, but he fell short against Mark Selby from the UK.

    The sport’s popularity in China has grown exponentially over the past two decades, helped by the success of Ding, who served as an inspiration for Zhao.

    Ding congratulated Zhao on Sina Weibo with a poignant post:

    “It brings me such joy to see that the threshold I once struggled to break through has now become a runway for others — and today, someone finally sprinted all the way to the finish line,” Ding said.

    “This glorious moment is the ultimate reward for Chinese snooker fans who’ve steadfastly supported us and waited for this day,” he added. “Zhao’s victory isn’t just his own — it’s the realization of a shared dream that generations of Chinese players have worked toward. I’m thrilled for him, and proud to witness the rise of China’s power on this stage.”

    Zhao dominated Sunday’s first two sessions at 11-6 and improved his advantage to 17-8 after the third session on Monday.

    With Zhao just one frame away from making history, the 50-year-old Williams launched a strong comeback, taking four frames in a row at the start of the final session.

    But the three-time world champion couldn’t hold off Zhao any further, as the Chinese player wrapped up the contest by winning the 30th frame with a break of 87.

    Williams offered high praise for Zhao.

    “I’m glad I’ll be too old when he’s dominating the game,” Williams said. “I’ve got nothing but admiration for what he’s done, coming through the qualifiers. … There’s a new superstar of the game.”

    Zhao will start next season at No 11 in the world rankings.

    He has joined nine other Chinese players in the world’s top 32, with England the only nation with more players ranked in the top echelon.

    MIL OSI China News –

    May 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Britain’s services sector contracts in April, ending 17-month growth streak

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

    The United Kingdom’s (UK) services sector contracted in April, marking the end of a 17-month expansion streak amid mounting global economic uncertainty.

    The S&P Global UK Services Purchasing Managers Business Activity Index fell to 49 in April, down from 52.5 in March, according to data released Tuesday by S&P Global.

    The decline follows modest growth in the first quarter of 2025. While many firms continued to cite weak domestic demand, the survey highlighted a notable drop in new work from overseas markets.

    Export activity was particularly subdued, with new business from abroad falling at the steepest rate since February 2021.

    “Survey respondents often commented on the impact of global financial market turbulence in the wake of U.S. tariff announcements,” said Tim Moore, economics director at S&P Global Market Intelligence.

    Business expectations for the year ahead deteriorated sharply, as service providers braced for a prolonged period of global economic volatility and increased recession risks, Moore added.

    The data also showed that the S&P Global UK PMI Composite Output Index fell to 48.5 in April from 51.5 in March, slipping below the neutral 50 threshold for the first time in 18 months. 

    MIL OSI China News –

    May 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Inter edge Barca in seven-goal thriller to reach CL final

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

    Inter Milan advanced to the UEFA Champions League final after a dramatic 4-3 extra-time victory over Barcelona on Tuesday, securing a 7-6 aggregate win in the semifinal second leg at San Siro.

    Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez celebrates at the end of the UEFA Champions League semifinal second leg match between Inter Milan and Barcelona in Milan, Italy, May 6, 2025. (Photo by Alberto Lingria/Xinhua)

    The seven-time finalists, who last reached the title match in 2023, will seek their fourth European crown when they face either Arsenal or Paris Saint-Germain in the final at Munich’s Allianz Arena on May 31.

    Lautaro Martinez opened the scoring in the 21st minute, finishing from close range after Federico Dimarco dispossessed Frenkie de Jong near the touchline, allowing Denzel Dumfries to whip in a precise cross.

    Martinez then won a penalty just before halftime after being brought down in the box, and Hakan Calhanoglu converted from the spot to give Inter a 2-0 lead.

    Barcelona then mounted a second-half comeback. Gerard Martin’s cross found Eric Garcia, who volleyed in from inside the area in the 54th minute. Six minutes later, Dani Olmo leveled the match with a powerful header, again from a Martin delivery. Raphinha appeared to win it for the visitors in the 87th minute, tapping home a rebound to make it 3-2.

    But Inter struck back deep into stoppage time. Dumfries delivered another low cross from the right that found Francesco Acerbi, whose finish forced extra time and reignited the home crowd.

    The winner came in the 99th minute, when Marcus Thuram broke down the right and cut the ball back for Mehdi Taremi, who laid it off to Davide Frattesi. The Italian midfielder curled a shot into the far corner to complete Inter’s stunning comeback and seal a place in the final.

    The two-legged tie produced 13 goals, equaling the record for the most in a Champions League knockout round matchup. Inter previously won the competition in 1964, 1965 and 2010.

    Barcelona, a five-time European champion, was denied a return to the final for the first time since 2015. 

    MIL OSI China News –

    May 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese ports report tourist surge amid holiday travel

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

    A foreign tourist poses for photo with a performer at Tianjin International Cruise Home Port in north China’s Tianjin Municipality, May 1, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

    Chinese port cities witnessed a notable surge in international tourist arrivals during the May Day holiday, spurred by streamlined visa policies and enhanced entry-exit services, according to immigration authorities across the country.

    From April 30 to May 3, the number of inbound and outbound foreign nationals at Beijing ports reached 69,000, up 52.1 percent year-on-year, with tourism, family visits and business cited as the main reasons for entry.

    On May 2, an international passenger flight from Paris touched down at Beijing Capital International Airport. As an elderly couple appeared uncertain while navigating the procedures at the immigration hall, Cui Zhuqing, a multilingual immigration officer, stepped forward to offer assistance in French, explaining the relevant policies and helping them clear customs smoothly.

    At major ports in Beijing, including the Capital and Daxing airports, multilingual service personnel like Cui provided over 100 consultations per shift. Moreover, dedicated lanes were set up for elderly, sick, disabled and pregnant travelers, while “one-stop” counters were set up to issue temporary entry permits and handle formalities efficiently.

    “Now it’s so much easier to get a temporary entry permit. You don’t even have to requeue — it’s as quick as tapping into the subway,” a traveler from Russia said.

    In south China’s city of Guangzhou, over 154,000 inbound and outbound cross-border travelers were recorded between May 1 and 3, marking a 23 percent year-on-year increase. “All 34 of our inspection lanes were fully operational during peak hours to ensure a safe and efficient passage,” said Lin Shunyue, an officer at the city’s Baiyun immigration checkpoint.

    As the third phase of the 137th China Import and Export Fair — also known as the Canton Fair — got underway, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport saw a sharp uptick in activity. At a fast-track lane dedicated to the fair, officers teamed up with an AI-powered consultation system to assist travelers.

    “We visited Hong Kong after the second phase of the fair and returned for the third. China’s visa-free policy made the whole process very convenient,” a Polish businessman said.

    In the southwest Sichuan Province, Chengdu Tianfu International Airport maintained 24-hour immigration services during the five-day holiday, allowing foreign travelers immediate access upon arrival.

    With visa-free policies in place, a tourist from Spain had sufficient time to fully explore local attractions, see pandas, and enjoy Sichuan cuisine. “The city’s unique charm, strong air connectivity, and efficient immigration clearance made Chengdu my top choice,” she said.

    According to provincial immigration authorities, as of May 3, the ports of Chengdu recorded 160,000 visa-free entries of foreign nationals this year, and more than 23,000 travelers benefited from 24- or 240-hour visa-free transits, while over 51,000 transited without the need for immigration clearance.

    Nationwide, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) on Tuesday announced that border inspection agencies across China recorded 1.12 million entry and exit trips made by foreign nationals during the holiday period, up 43.1 percent year-on-year.

    Notably, more than 380,000 of them made visa-free entries into China, a 72.7 percent jump from the same period last year, according to the NIA.

    China currently grants unilateral visa-free entry to 38 countries. It also extended the transit visa-free period to 240 hours for travelers from 54 countries in December last year. 

    MIL OSI China News –

    May 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi’s upcoming visit to deepen China-Russia ties, bolster global peace

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The Guard of Honor of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) participate in a rehearsal for the Victory Day military parade, which marks the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, in Moscow, Russia, May 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

    At the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to Russia from Wednesday to Saturday and attend in Moscow the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War.

    More than 80 years ago, the peoples of China, the Soviet Union and other countries fought side by side and secured victory in the World Anti-Fascist War, opening a new chapter in human history.

    As the world is undergoing accelerating changes unseen in a century, the international community demands greater global efforts to face common challenges, and to build a community with a shared future.

    Xi’s upcoming visit is expected to inject new momentum into the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era. Moreover, it will demonstrate the two major countries’ commitment to working with the rest of the world to safeguard the outcomes of the victory in World War II, uphold international fairness and justice, and maintain world peace and stability.

    LONG-LASTING FRIENDSHIP

    History and reality show that China and Russia are good neighbors that cannot be moved away, and true friends who share weal and woe, support each other and achieve common development, Xi said in his phone conversation with Putin in February.

    The coming visit marks Xi’s 11th trip to Russia since he became Chinese president. The two heads of state have met more than 40 times on different occasions over the years. Their close communication provides strategic guidance, under which China-Russia relations have matured into a resilient and stable partnership characterized by deepening political trust, closer strategic alignment and sustained practical cooperation.

    In 2024, bilateral trade rose to 244.8 billion U.S. dollars, making China the largest trading partner of Russia for 15 consecutive years. In December 2024, the China-Russia east-route natural gas pipeline was fully completed. Cooperation in emerging sectors such as the digital economy, e-commerce, bio-medicine, scientific and technological innovation, as well as green energy continues to expand.

    The two countries’ long-lasting friendship has grown increasingly popular among the two peoples. The mutual visa exemption agreement for group tours has encouraged more robust two-way travel. Hundreds of cultural events have been held in succession with the framework of the China-Russia Year of Culture.

    Andrey Denisov, first deputy chair of Russia’s Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs and former Russian ambassador to China, said the strategic guidance of the two heads of state is a key factor in ensuring the steady and long-term development of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era.

    The two leaders are expected to hold extensive and in-depth discussions on both bilateral cooperation and multilateral issues, and the Russian side has high expectations for that, he added.

    INDELIBLE CONTRIBUTION

    Over 80 years ago, China and Russia, as the main battlefields in Asia and Europe during World War II, made tremendous sacrifices and indelible contribution to the final victory.

    In a signed article published by the Russian Gazette newspaper ahead of his visit to Russia in 2015, Xi quoted Russian historian Vasily Klyuchevsky as saying, “If we lost the memory of our past, our mind and soul would be lost in the darkness,” in a bid to express his remembrance of the history of the World Anti-Fascist War and earnest expectations for the two nations to join hands to maintain world peace and stability.

    The bitter lessons drawn from World War II have taught mankind that the strong preying on the weak, the law of the jungle, warlike or hegemonic policies, the winner-takes-all mindset and zero-sum game do not benefit coexistence, peace or development of mankind, Xi wrote in the article.

    Su-25 attack aircrafts fly over Red Square during the Victory Day military parade, which marks the 79th anniversary of the Soviet victory in the Great Patriotic War, in Moscow, Russia, on May 9, 2024. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)

    Noha Bakir, a professor of political science at American University in Cairo, said China and Russia, drawing lessons from history, shoulder the important responsibility of safeguarding international stability and cooperation amid today’s complex global landscape.

    By studying, restoring and spreading the true history, people can better understand World War II and the post-war international order, thus they will resist the attempts to distort historical facts, he added.

    Andrey Fesyun, deputy director of the Institute of Asian and African Studies at Moscow State University, said that under the guidance of the two heads of state, China and Russia will further jointly advocate the correct historical view of World War II, and work together to maintain global strategic stability, so as to make the due contributions of responsible major countries to the advancement of international fairness and justice.

    SPEARHEADING PROGRESS

    Eighty years ago, representatives from multiple countries, including China and the Soviet Union, gathered in the U.S. city of San Francisco, and signed the Charter of the United Nations, laying the cornerstone of the post-war international order.

    The preamble to the charter solemnly states the commitment “to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbors, and to unite our strength to maintain international peace and security.”

    China and Russia have natural responsibilities to make joint efforts to steer and promote global governance in a direction that meets the expectations of the international community and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, said Xi when meeting with Putin in March 2023. And it was during Xi’s first visit to Russia in 2013 as Chinese president that he first proposed the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind.

    As permanent members of the UN Security Council and major countries in the world, China and Russia have been working closely on the world stage. Beijing and Moscow firmly uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core, the international order underpinned by international law, as well as the fundamental norms governing international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. They are also advocates of true multilateralism.

    Media staff work at the press center of the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, Oct. 23, 2024. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

    The two nations have also joined hands to promote political solutions to international and regional hot-spot issues. They have strengthened communication and coordination within multilateral mechanisms such as the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), BRICS and the Group of 20, and are jointly committed to advancing a multipolar world and the democratization of international relations.

    Adhere Cavince, a Kenyan scholar on international relations, said that China and Russia collaborate through platforms like the SCO and BRICS, which has not only promoted a multipolar world, but also empowered the Global South with a greater voice in global governance and a bigger role in shaping the rules on major international issues.

    Ilgar Velizade, head of the South Caucasus Club of Political Scientists from Azerbaijan, said that the growing strength of multilateral cooperation mechanisms such as the SCO and BRICS represents a powerful embodiment of the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

    If countries engage in an active, constructive and sustainable dialogue focused on common interests, the world will be safer, the global economy more sustainable and humanity’s future far more promising, he said.

    MIL OSI China News –

    May 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi says friendship forged with blood, lives inexhaustible source of China-Russia amity

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Xi says friendship forged with blood, lives inexhaustible source of China-Russia amity

    Xinhua | May 7, 2025

    Chinese President Xi Jinping said that the profound friendship forged with blood and lives in the World Anti-Fascist War has become an inexhaustible source of the everlasting amity between China and Russia.

    Xi made the remarks in a signed article published Wednesday by the Russian Gazette newspaper ahead of his arrival in Russia for a state visit and the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War.

    Noting that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victories of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the founding of the United Nations, Xi said that together with the heroic Russian people, he will honor the past and pay tribute to the martyrs.

    Xi said that all those who made great contributions to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War — from generals to soldiers — will never be forgotten, noting that the people of China and Russia fought side by side and supported each other during the war.

    Eighty years ago, just forces all over the world, including China and the Soviet Union, united to fight a common enemy and triumphed over fascism, Xi said.

    Today, eight decades later, unilateralism, hegemony and acts of bullying are inflicting severe harm, and humanity once again stands at a crossroads — between unity or division, dialogue or confrontation, win-win or zero-sum, he added.

    The world must take history as a mirror, draw wisdom and strength from the profound lessons of World War II and the great victory in the World Anti-Fascist War, resolutely oppose all forms of hegemonism and power politics, and jointly create a brighter future for humanity, Xi said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

    May 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi calls for safeguarding post-war order, defending int’l justice

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

    Chinese President Xi Jinping urged the international community to uphold the correct view of the history of World War II (WWII), firmly safeguard the post-war international order, and resolutely defend international fairness and justice.

    Xi made the remarks in a signed article published Wednesday in the Russian Gazette newspaper ahead of his arrival in Russia for a state visit and attendance at the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War.

    He noted that China and the Soviet Union stood as the backbone in the fight against Japanese militarism and German Nazism, making decisive contributions to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War.

    Any attempt to distort the historical truth of WWII, deny the outcomes of the victory, or smear the historical contributions of China and the Soviet Union is doomed to fail, Xi added.

    Xi said that the most important decision made by the international community at the end of WWII was the founding of the United Nations. Facing the complex and turbulent international situation, all countries should firmly safeguard the UN-centered international system, the international order underpinned by international law, and the basic norms governing international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and advance an equal and orderly multi-polar world and an economic globalization that benefits all, he said.

    Xi also urged the international community to uphold dialogue over confrontation, partnership over alliance, and win-win cooperation over zero-sum games.

    True multilateralism must be practiced, legitimate concerns of all parties should be taken into account, and international rules and order need to be jointly upheld, said Xi.

    MIL OSI China News –

    May 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: China, US officials to meet on trade this week

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

    Beijing confirmed on Wednesday that its top trade negotiator will meet with his US counterpart during a visit to Switzerland this week but issued a pointed warning: dialogue must be genuine, not a cover for continued pressure and unilateral demands.

    In Washington, US Treasury Department Secretary Scott Bessent and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announced that they will meet with their Chinese counterparts for talks.

    The conversations mark the first official public engagement between the world’s two largest economies after Trump administration’s decision of imposing hefty tariffs on China imports plunged the two into a trade war.

    In a statement issued early on Wednesday, China’s Ministry of Commerce said that senior US officials have repeatedly signaled adjustments to its tariff measures and conveyed messages through multiple channels, expressing a desire to engage with China on tariffs and related issues.

    “After careful evaluation of these US overtures and on the basis of fully considering global expectations, China’s interests, and the appeals of US industry and consumers, China has decided to re-engage the US,” a spokesman for the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said in the statement.

    The statement said that Vice-Premier He Lifeng, China’s lead representative on economic and trade issues, will hold talks with Bessent during his May 9-12 trip.

    In Washington, Bessent confirmed in an interview that they would meet on Saturday and Sunday.

    But Beijing made clear that it is entering the talks with caution. “If the US wants to talk, our door is always open,” a ministry spokesperson said. “But if you say one thing and do another, or even to attempt to use talks as a cover to continue coercion and extortion, China will never agree, let alone sacrifice its principled position and international fairness and justice to seek any agreement.”

    The spokesperson noted that negotiations must be grounded in “mutual respect, equal consultation and mutual benefit”.

    The ministry’s statement cited an old Chinese saying: “We must not only listen to what they say but also watch what they do,” warning that any future agreement would depend on Washington’s sincerity and actions — not just its words.

    The statement also carries a message to other economies that are engaging with Washington. “Appeasement does not bring peace, and compromise does not earn respect,” it said, adding that only by adhering to principles, fairness, and justice can one truly safeguard interests.

    Ahead of the planned meeting in Switzerland, Bessent said he looked forward to “productive talks”.

    He said the US and China had to de-escalate before they can move forward with trade negotiations.

    “My sense is that this will be about de-escalation, not about the big trade deal, but we’ve got to de-escalate before we can move forward,” Bessent said in an interview on Fox News on Tuesday.

    He also said “the current tariffs and trade barriers are unsustainable, but we don’t want to decouple”.

    In his first 100 days in office since Jan 20, US President Donald Trump has announced sweeping tariffs, starting with a 10 percent blanket duty on all foreign-made imports.

    Dozens of countries received a 90-day pause until July, but tariffs were raised to 145 percent on products from China, which has retaliated by imposing 125 percent levies on US goods.

    Gary Hufbauer, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics in Washington, said the Switzerland meeting is very important, and that “the news would be warmly welcomed by the financial markets and trading firms”.

    MIL OSI China News –

    May 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Full text of Xi’s signed article in Russian media

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday published a signed article titled “Learning from History to Build Together a Brighter Future” in the Russian Gazette newspaper ahead of his arrival in Russia for a state visit and attendance at the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War.

    The following is the full text of the article:

    Learning from History to Build Together a Brighter Future

    H.E. Xi Jinping

    President of the People’s Republic of China

    This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War, and the World Anti-Fascist War. It also marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations (UN). In this season when “apple and pear trees are blossoming,” I will soon pay a state visit to Russia and attend the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War, joining the heroic Russian people in honoring the history and the fallen heroes.

    Ten years ago around this time, I came to Russia to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the victory. During that visit, I made a special arrangement to meet with 18 representatives of Russian veterans who endured the blood and fire of battlefields during the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War and the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Their unyielding resolve and indomitable bearing left an indelible impression on me. In the past few years, General M. Gareyev, Major General T. Shchudlo and other veterans passed away. I pay my deepest tribute to them and to all veterans-from generals to the rank and file-for their extraordinary service and heroic feats in securing the victory over fascists around the world. We will never forget them. Heroes never perish; their noble spirit lives forever.

    During the World Anti-Fascist War, the Chinese and Russian peoples fought shoulder to shoulder and supported each other. In the darkest hours of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the Soviet Volunteer Group, which was part of the Soviet Air Force, came to Nanjing, Wuhan and Chongqing to fight alongside the Chinese people, bravely engaging Japanese invaders in aerial combat-many sacrificing their precious lives. At the critical juncture of the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War, Yan Baohang, a legendary intelligence agent of the Communist Party of China (CPC) who was hailed as the “Richard Sorge of the East,” provided the Soviet Union with primary-source intelligence. In the crucible of the war-torn years, the Soviet Union provided China with large quantities of weapons and equipment. China, for its part, shipped much-needed strategic supplies to the Soviet Union. The two countries jointly established a supply line spanning the treacherous Gobi Desert. It was an international lifeline, vital for our mutual support in fighting fascists. The strong camaraderie between our two nations, forged in blood and sacrifice, surges onward unceasingly, mighty as the Yellow River and the Volga. It is an eternal wellspring nourishing our everlasting friendship.

    Eighty years ago, the forces of justice around the world, including China and the Soviet Union, united in courageous battles against their common foes and defeated the overbearing fascist powers. Eighty years later today, however, unilateralism, hegemonism, bullying, and coercive practices are severely undermining our world. Again humankind has come to a crossroads of unity or division, dialogue or confrontation, win-win cooperation or zero-sum games. In War and Peace, the great writer Leo Tolstoy observed, “History is the life of nations and of humanity.” Indeed, historical memory and truth will not fade with the passage of time. They serve as inspirations that mirror the present and illuminate the future. We must learn from history, especially the hard lessons of the Second World War. We must draw wisdom and strength from the great victory of the World Anti-Fascist War, and resolutely resist all forms of hegemonism and power politics. We must work together to build a brighter future for humanity.

    — We must uphold a correct historical perspective on WWII. China and the Soviet Union were the principal theaters of that war in Asia and Europe respectively. The two countries served as the mainstay of resistance against Japanese militarism and German Nazism, making pivotal contribution to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. The Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression began the earliest and lasted the longest. United as one under the banner of the Chinese united front against Japanese aggression, which was advocated and established by the CPC, the Chinese people launched a relentless struggle against and defeated the brutal Japanese militarists. With immense sacrifice, they carved out an immortal epic of heroic resistance and ultimate victory against Japanese aggression. In the European theater, the Soviet Red Army advanced like an iron tide with unwavering fortitude and valor, crushed Nazi Germany’s ambitions and liberated millions from its brutal occupation, writing an epic of victory in the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War.

    History teaches us that light will always overcome darkness, and that justice will ultimately prevail over evil. The International Military Tribunal at Nuremberg and the International Military Tribunal for the Far East condemned the convicted war criminals to perpetual infamy. The justice and integrity of the two landmark trials, their historic significance, and their contemporary relevance stand beyond challenge. Any attempt to distort the historical truth of WWII, deny its victorious outcome, or defame the historic contribution of China and the Soviet Union is doomed to fail. Neither of our two nations will tolerate any act to reverse the course of history-nor will the people of the whole world.

    — We must resolutely uphold the postwar international order. The most significant decision by the international community around the end of WWII was to establish the UN. China and the Soviet Union were among the first to sign the UN Charter. Our permanent membership in the UN Security Council is a product of history, earned through blood and sacrifice. The more turbulent and complex the international situation becomes, the more we must uphold and defend the authority of the UN, firmly uphold the UN-centered international system, the international order underpinned by international law, and the basic norms of international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and steadily promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.

    This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the restoration of Taiwan. Taiwan’s restoration to China is a victorious outcome of WWII and an integral part of the postwar international order. A series of instruments with legal effect under international law, including the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation, have all affirmed China’s sovereignty over Taiwan. The historical and legal fact therein brooks no challenge. And the authority of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 brooks no challenge. No matter how the situation on the Taiwan island evolves or what troubles external forces may make, the historical trend toward China’s ultimate and inevitable reunification is unstoppable.

    China and Russia have all along firmly supported each other on issues bearing on our respective core interests or major concerns. Russia has reiterated on many occasions that it strictly adheres to the one-China principle, Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory, it opposes any form of “Taiwan independence,” and it firmly supports all measures of the Chinese government and the Chinese people to achieve national reunification. China highly commends Russia’s consistent position.

    — We must firmly defend international fairness and justice. Now, the global deficits in peace, development, security and governance continue to widen unabated. To address these deficits, I have proposed to build a community with a shared future for mankind and put forward the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative as a way forward to steer the reform of the global governance system toward greater fairness and justice.

    The world needs justice, not hegemonism. History and reality have proven that to meet global challenges, it is important to uphold the vision of global governance featuring extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit. It is also important to choose dialogue over confrontation, build partnerships over alliances, and pursue win-win cooperation over zero-sum games. It is equally important to practice true multilateralism, accommodate the legitimate concerns of all parties, and safeguard international norms and order. We firmly believe that people around the world will choose to stand on the right side of history and the side of fairness and justice.

    China and Russia are both major countries with significant influence in the world. The two nations are constructive forces for maintaining global strategic stability and for improving global governance. Our bilateral relationship is founded upon a clear historical logic, sustained by strong internal drive, and rooted in profound cultural heritage. Our relationship is neither directed against nor swayed by any third party. Together we must foil all schemes to disrupt or undermine our bonds of amity and trust, and we must not be baffled by transient matters or unsettled by formidable challenges. We must leverage the certainty and resilience of our partnership of strategic coordination to jointly accelerate the shift toward a multipolar world and build a community with a shared future for mankind.

    China and Russia are both great nations with splendid civilizations. The Chinese and Russian peoples are both great peoples defined by heroic legacies. Eighty years ago, our peoples won the anti-fascist war through heroic struggles. Eight decades later today, we must take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard our sovereignty, security, and development interests. We should be guardians of historical memory, partners in national development and rejuvenation, and champions of global fairness and justice, and work together to forge a brighter future for humanity.

    MIL OSI China News –

    May 7, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: MSF – Israel’s New INGO Registration Measures Are a Grave Threat to Humanitarian Operations and International Law – 55 Organisations Say

     Source: Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) – Doctors Without Borders

    The undersigned 55 organisations operating in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) call for urgent action from the international community against new Israeli registration rules for international NGOs. Based on vague, broad, politicised, and open-ended criteria, these rules appear designed to assert control over independent humanitarian, development and peacebuilding operations, silence advocacy grounded in international humanitarian and human rights law, and further entrench Israeli control and de facto annexation of the occupied Palestinian territory.

    For over a year and a half, humanitarian organisations have continued operating despite unprecedented constraints. In 2024, they reached millions of people across the oPt with essential services – from food and water to mobile clinics, legal aid, and education. The new registration rules now threaten to shut this work down. These measures go beyond routine policy. They mark a serious escalation in restrictions on humanitarian and civic space and risk setting a dangerous precedent.

    Under the new provisions, INGOs already registered in Israel may face de-registration, while new applicants risk rejection based on arbitrary, politicised allegations, such as “delegitimising Israel” or expressing support for accountability for Israeli violations of international law. Other disqualifiers include public support for a boycott of Israel within the past seven years (by staff, a partner, board member, or founder) or failure to meet exhaustive reporting requirements. By framing humanitarian and human rights advocacy as a threat to the state, Israeli authorities can shut out organisations merely for speaking out about conditions they witness on the ground, forcing INGOs to choose between delivering aid and promoting respect for the protections owed to affected people.

    INGOs are further required to submit complete staff lists and other sensitive information about staff and their families to Israel when applying for registration. In a context where humanitarian and healthcare workers are routinely subject to harassment, detention, and direct attacks, this raises serious protection concerns.

    These new rules are part of a broader, long-term crackdown on humanitarian and civic space, marked by heightened surveillance and attacks, and a series of actions that restrict humanitarian access, compromise staff safety, and undermine core principles of humanitarian action. They are not isolated but part of a wider pattern that includes:

    Blocking or delaying aid through arbitrary bureaucratic restrictions, logistical obstacles, and complete sieges, denying essential lifesaving supplies to Palestinians.
    Killing more than 400 humanitarian workers in Gaza, injuring and detaining countless others, and repeatedly attacking marked and notified humanitarian premises, facilities or convoys.
    Passing legislation aimed at curtailing the operations of UNRWA, the largest provider of essential services for Palestinians.
    Advancing legislation to impose a tax of up to 80 per cent on foreign government funding to Israeli NGOs, while barring them from seeking recourse through the Israeli court system – including organisations that serve as partners for INGOs to deliver assistance and uphold protections in communities facing displacement, demolitions, or settler violence.
    Suspending work visas for international staff and revoking permits for Palestinians residing in the West Bank to access Jerusalem, severely disrupting operations.

    And now, making INGO registration conditional on political and ideological alignment, undermining the neutrality, impartiality and independence of humanitarian actors.

    Under international humanitarian law, occupying powers are obligated to facilitate impartial humanitarian assistance and ensure the welfare of the protected population. Any attempt to condition humanitarian access on political alignment or penalise organisations for fulfilling their mandate risks breaching this framework. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Israel to allow unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza in three legally binding provisional measures orders in 2024. Yet, these new rules expand and institutionalise existing barriers to aid.

    We call on States, donors, and the international community to:

    • Use all possible means to protect humanitarian operations from measures that compromise neutrality, independence, and access – including staff list requirements, political vetting, and vague revocation clauses.
    • Take concrete political and diplomatic action beyond statements of concern to ensure unhindered humanitarian access and prevent the erosion of principled aid delivery.
    • Support INGOs and Palestinian and Israeli civil society organisations through legal assistance, diplomatic support, and flexible funding to help mitigate legal, financial, and reputational risks. Donors must defend principled humanitarian and human rights work.

    The undersigned 55 organisations stress that engagement with the registration process to preserve critical humanitarian operations should not be misinterpreted as endorsement of these measures.

    These 55 organisations remain committed to the delivery of humanitarian aid, along with development and peacebuilding services and activities that are independent, impartial, and based on need, in full accordance with international law and the humanitarian principles derived from it. INGOs stand ready to engage with Israeli authorities in good faith on administrative processes but cannot accept measures that penalise principled humanitarian work or expose staff to retaliation. These measures not only undermine assistance in the oPt but also set a dangerous precedent for humanitarian operations globally.

    1. Act Church of Sweden
    2. ActionAid
    3. Alianza / ActionAid Spain (ApS/AAS)
    4. American Friends Service Committee (AFSC)
    5. Anera
    6. Asamblea de Cooperación Por la Paz (ACPP)
    7. Asociación Paz con Dignidad
    8. CARE International
    9. CESVI
    10. Children Not Numbers
    11. Christian Aid
    12. CIDSE – International family of Catholic social justice organisations
    13. Cooperazione Internazionale Sud Sud (CISS)
    14. COSPE
    15. DanChurchAid (DCA)
    16. Danish House in Palestine
    17. Diakonia
    18. Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe
    19. forumZFD
    20. Global Communities
    21. HEKS/EPER
    22. Humanity First UK
    23. Humanity & Inclusion – Handicap International
    24. IM Swedish Development Partner
    25. International Media Support (IMS)
    26. Islamic Relief Worldwide
    27. Japan International Volunteer Center (JVC)
    28. KURVE Wustrow
    29. MedGlobal
    30. Mennonite Central Committee (MCC)
    31. Médecins du Monde (MdM) France
    32. Médecins du Monde (MdM) Spain
    33. Médecins du Monde (MdM) Switzerland
    34. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)
    35. medico international
    36. Middle East Children’s Alliance (MECA)
    37. Movement for Peace (MPDL)
    38. Muslim Aid
    39. Norwegian Church Aid (NCA)
    40. Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA)
    41. Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)
    42. Oxfam
    43. Pax Christi International
    44. Plan International
    45. Polish Medical Mission Association (PMM)
    46. Première Urgence Internationale (PUI)
    47. Relief International (RI)
    48. Save the Children International (SCI)
    49. Secours Islamique France (SIF)
    50. Terre des Hommes (Tdh) Italia
    51. Terre des Hommes (Tdh) Lausanne
    52. The Center for Mind-Body Medicine
    53. War Child
    54. Weltfriedensdienst e.V. (world peace service)
    55. West Bank Protection Consortium (WBPC).

    MSF is an international, medical, humanitarian organisation that delivers medical care to people in need, regardless of their origin, religion, or political affiliation. MSF has been working in Haiti for over 30 years, offering general healthcare, trauma care, burn wound care, maternity care, and care for survivors of sexual violence. MSF Australia was established in 1995 and is one of 24 international MSF sections committed to delivering medical humanitarian assistance to people in crisis. In 2022, more than 120 project staff from Australia and New Zealand worked with MSF on assignment overseas. MSF delivers medical care based on need alone and operates independently of government, religion or economic influence and irrespective of race, religion or gender. For more information visit msf.org.au  

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    May 7, 2025
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