NewzIntel.com

Category: housing

  • MIL-OSI China: Targeting greener future, China embraces low-carbon growth with strides

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    From coal-powered plants belching smoke to vast expanses of solar panels glinting under the sun, China’s transition to green development is moving at a fast clip with notable progress, propelled by President Xi Jinping’s commitment to building a more sustainable future.

    In 2024, 86 percent of newly installed power capacity in China came from renewable energy sources, while the share of cumulative installed renewable capacity rose to a record high of 56 percent of the national total, official data showed.

    The figures reflect years of arduous efforts of the world’s largest developing country to pivot from fossil fuels toward cleaner energy sources, spearheaded by Xi’s steady and strategic commitment to a low-carbon development path.

    Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, said in 2020 that China will strive to peak carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060. The pledge represents the steepest cut in carbon emission intensity in the shortest period of time that the world has ever seen.

    “Carbon peaking and carbon neutrality are not something asked of us, but something we are doing on our own initiative,” Xi once said, adding that the goals cannot be achieved easily but efforts must be made immediately.

    Calling for advancing green and sustainable development rather than GDP-oriented growth, Xi has urged regions burdened by outdated industrial models to accelerate green transitions while balancing the need for energy security.

    Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in north China offers a vivid illustration. Rich in coal and central to the nation’s energy supply, the region had been leaning on high-polluting industries and resource-intensive growth.

    In 2018, during a joint deliberation with fellow lawmakers from Inner Mongolia, Xi urged the region to develop the modern energy sector effectively by following the latest industrial trends.

    Over recent years, the region has quickened its pace of transformation. Once known for coal and desert, it is now dotted with vast arrays of solar panels and wind turbines. By the end of 2024, the region’s installed new energy capacity, which includes wind power and solar energy, had overtaken thermal power for the first time, reaching the landmark a full year ahead of schedule.

    The region’s green transition mirrors broader national efforts. To achieve its carbon reduction goals, the government has introduced sweeping measures, including the expansion of market mechanisms to drive change.

    In July 2021, China officially launched its national carbon emissions trading market, a critical step in reducing carbon footprints and meeting emissions targets. The platform has since evolved into the world’s largest carbon market by the amount of greenhouse gas emissions traded. Notably, the carbon-emissions intensity in the generation of electricity has since decreased by 8.78 percent.

    While striving to tackle climate change, China’s green push has also emerged as a powerful engine of economic growth. “Green, circular, and low-carbon development represents the trend of the current technological revolution, and the direction in which is shifting,” Xi said at a meeting in 2015. He also noted that with unparalleled future prospects and potential, the development will create a number of growth drivers.

    Since Xi announced carbon peaking and carbon neutrality targets nearly five years ago, China has built the world’s largest and fastest-growing renewable energy system as well as the largest and most complete new energy industrial chain.

    The country’s production and sales of new energy vehicles have secured the top position in the world for 10 consecutive years. It also emerged as a global technology leader in sectors such as solar panels, lithium batteries, and carbon capture, among others.

    Xi has also underscored the key role a sound ecological environment plays in supporting China’s long-term development, and has long been concerned about land restoration and afforestation.

    For 13 consecutive years, Xi has maintained a tree-planting tradition, joining officials and citizens to promote the country’s afforestation drive. From 2012 to 2024, China’s afforestation area was equivalent to over twice the size of Germany.

    With nearly one-fifth of the world’s population, China’s green transformation carries global significance. The country has been working to help power the world’s green transition by sharing its expertise in green technologies and aiding clean energy projects in developing countries.

    Between 2016 and 2023, China provided a total of 24.5 billion U.S. dollars in climate-related funding to other developing countries. In 2023 alone, China’s exports of wind and solar products helped other countries reduce carbon emissions by 810 million tonnes.

    “However the world may change, China will not slow down its climate actions, will not reduce its support for international cooperation, and will not cease its efforts to build a community with a shared future for mankind,” said Xi at the Leaders Meeting on Climate and the Just Transition in April. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Crossing mountains, Chinese youth building future beyond the fields

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

    On a crisp spring morning, Wang Bing navigated frost-rimmed paths toward her office at the government building of Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, a windswept frontier perched 4,000 meters above sea level on the Pamir Plateau.

    Last year, the 24-year-old from Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in north China had joined 44 peers in the “Go West” program, trading city life for a government audit role in one of China’s most remote regions. Her sun-burned cheeks tell a story shared by hundreds of thousands — generations redefining success through service in the nation’s hinterlands.

    Wang’s journey mirrors a seismic shift among China’s youth. Since its launch in 2003, China’s “Go West” program has enabled 540,000 young volunteers to serve across over 2,000 county-level regions in the country’s vast, underdeveloped western regions for a year or more, according to the Communist Youth League of China. The talent program seeks to bring fresh perspectives and energy to areas with significant growth potential.

    In Kuqa City’s No. 3 Middle School, Liu Daqian from Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT) in northeast China, helps his students, who once “struggled to hold a mouse,” to practice robot programming. In January 2024, an HIT alumni-founded company donated an AI laboratory to the school. That same year, two student teams mentored by HIT volunteer teachers won national competition awards, setting a new record for southern Xinjiang.

    “I studied bridge engineering, and I want to build that same kind of bridge, one that connects children to a bigger world,” said Liu, who teaches geography. To his students, the witty and humorous teacher from Heilongjiang Province possesses a magical charm — he always seems to have the answer to every question.

    Of those in the “Go West” program, over 55,000 volunteers have served in Xinjiang, a region covering one-sixth of China’s territory, with more than 15,000 choosing to remain in Xinjiang long term, the regional Communist Youth League Committee revealed.

    Wang Jiamin, meanwhile, has returned to familiar territory but in a new role. After earlier teaching in rural Yunnan Province in southwest China via this program, the Beijing Foreign Studies University graduate has gone back to Yunnan after her stint as a student in the Chinese capital, this time serving as a civil servant. Calling Yunnan her “second hometown,” Wang expressed excitement about trekking through the fields and visiting the homes of villagers to persuade families to send their children back to school.

    There are also rooted professionals active in rural settings in the west of China. Dressed in pink scrubs and gloves, 29-year-old veterinarian Bai Hua deftly examined a cow in Guyuan of northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, where she was born into a cattle farming family and has practiced as a veterinarian for a decade since graduating from a local vocational-technical school.

    “Field vets must travel village-to-village daily and most can’t handle it,” she said, recalling initial skepticism from farmers about her petite frame. “But skill outweighs size,” she added. Her team now treats over 100 livestock daily — providing critical expertise to remote farms.

    Youth-driven innovation is transforming rural economies. In the mountainous areas of Longnan, northwest China’s Gansu Province, tech-savvy entrepreneur Zhao Wuqiang could be seen live-streaming his walnut oil products to national audiences. A former software engineer in eastern China, Zhao made a pivotal career shift 14 years ago. His foresight of China’s internet boom and his hometown’s untapped potential combined to create a 380-million-yuan (about 52.9 million U.S. dollars) business integrating more than 200 farming cooperatives, establishing direct farm-to-table supply chains while modernizing walnut cultivation for some 12,000 farmer households.

    “Upgraded rural internet infrastructure and logistics networks have been game-changers for our e-commerce growth,” Zhao said. The ex-programmer’s company has garnered 130,000 followers on social media platforms.

    Official statistics showed that as of the end of 2024, over 90 percent of China’s administrative villages had achieved 5G network coverage, with gigabit broadband networks now available in all county-level regions. Notably, rural logistics infrastructure has also seen significant enhancement, with 346,000 integrated mail and delivery service stations now operational at village level — providing express delivery access to more than 95 percent of the country’s administrative villages.

    As China accelerates its agricultural modernization, a growing wave of urban youth are returning to their rural roots. In Anji County of east China’s Zhejiang Province, an eco-tourism hotspot which drew over 34 million visitors last year, Ding Chuxiao, 27, blends design flair with tea culture and farm experiences.

    Ding’s creative teahouse showcases her artistic vision through bamboo products, white tea caddies and canvas bags with ink-wash painted tea hills, capitalizing on Anji’s booming rural tourism. The slower pace there fuels her creativity, and Ding’s business now generates revenue of more than 100,000 yuan annually.

    China’s urban-rural development model preserves rural landscapes while injecting modern elements, addressing agricultural gaps to achieve shared prosperity. “Young people bring fresh perspectives and market savvy to identify new opportunities in rural revitalization,” said Xue Zelin, a senior fellow and secretary of the Communist Youth League Committee of Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences.

    To date, more than 12 million people have returned to or settled in rural areas to start businesses across China, according to Han Wenxiu, executive deputy director of the Office of the Central Committee for Financial and Economic Affairs, who noted that human capital is fundamental to rural revitalization, emphasizing the need to leverage the countryside’s abundant opportunities to attract talent while utilizing its pleasant and scenic living conditions to retain them.

    “Even deep in the mountains, if you settle in with commitment and perseverance, you’ll grow upward and see the promise of rural revitalization,” Zhao said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Businesses invited to support fostering in their community

    Source: City of Derby

    Local businesses across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire are being invited to play a vital role in shaping a brighter future for children and young people by supporting , a new regional fostering initiative.

    Foster for East Midlands Councils is a collaboration between Derby City, Derbyshire, Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire Councils. Launched in March 2024, it brings the four councils together for the first time to increase the number of local authority foster carers and strengthen support for those already fostering.

    As part of the campaign to engage the wider community, businesses are being encouraged to get involved by attending upcoming Business Breakfast Events. These informal networking sessions are designed to introduce organisations to fostering, offer insights from experienced foster carers, and provide practical steps for how businesses can help.

    Events are taking place on Thursday 19 June, 7.45am to 10am at Pride Park Stadium in Derby, and Wednesday 25 June, 7.45am to 10am at Notts County Football Club in Nottingham. Breakfast is complimentary and spaces are limited, so early booking is recommended. Visit the Foster for East Midlands Councils business support web page to book and find out more. 

    There are many additional ways businesses can support fostering in the community. This includes displaying posters or materials, sharing information on social media, including fostering updates in staff newsletters or intranet pages, hosting information events, offering promotional space or perks for foster families, and sponsoring local fostering initiatives.

    Businesses are also being invited to become fostering friendly employers by joining The Fostering Network’s recognised scheme. The scheme provides employers with the tools and guidance needed to support staff who foster and demonstrates a commitment to social responsibility. Foster for East Midlands Councils offers one-to-one guidance, sample policies, and ongoing support to help businesses adapt and submit their policy to the Fostering Network for approval. Once recognised, businesses can be celebrated publicly as Fostering Friendly.

    Foster for East Midlands Councils stresses that the involvement of the local business community is essential in building awareness, encouraging potential carers, and reinforcing a culture of support for children who need it most.

    Cllr Paul Hezelgrave, Lead Council’s Cabinet Member for Foster for East Midlands Councils said:

    Fostering doesn’t just transform a child’s life—it strengthens the entire community. By partnering with local businesses, we can inspire more people to step forward as carers and ensure every child grows up with stability, love and opportunities close to home.

    Any business interested in supporting fostering or attending an event can call 03033 132 950 or visit the how businesses can support fostering web page to book onto the events or make a general enquiry. The team welcomes all forms of partnership and is ready to help businesses find the right way to contribute.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: African countries are bad at issuing bonds, so debt costs more than it should: what needs to change

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Misheck Mutize, Post Doctoral Researcher, Graduate School of Business (GSB), University of Cape Town

    Over the past two decades, African countries have increasingly turned to international capital markets to meet their development financing needs. For example, Kenya and Benin raised a combined US$2.5 billion through bond issuances during the first half of 2025. Proceeds were used to repay maturing bonds. This means new bonds, with unfavourable terms, are being issued to pay previous lenders.

    Yet African bonds are substantially mispriced, resulting in excessively high yields that are not justified by fundamentals – based on economic, fiscal and institutional strengths. Mispricing occurs when a country has high economic growth, stable institutions that support government policy implementation, rule of law and accountability, yet its bonds trade at higher yields than those of its peers. In other words, there will be every reason for investors to trust that the country will repay what it owes, but they still expect a higher return. This is happening because of lack of information and biases perpetuated by global entities that are facilitating bond sells in Africa.

    Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal have strong growth (5% to 6.5%), yet they face high yields on their bonds (7.8% to 8.2%) compared to Namibia and Morocco with approximately 3% growth and bond interest of 6%.

    This mispricing imposes a heavy debt servicing burden on already constrained public budgets.

    At the same time African countries face a puzzling paradox: while they’re paying more for the debt they’re raising, the demand for these bonds is much higher (oversubscribed). All bond issuances in Africa are subscribed by as much as over five times. This has only been common in Africa. It is puzzling why governments are not leveraging on the high demand to bargain for lower interest rates.

    In my view, based on my bond pricing modelling expertise, I believe that mispricing of Eurobonds in Africa – debt instruments issued by a country in a currency different from its own – is not a market anomaly. It shows internal capacity failures in African countries, structural market biases and insufficient understanding of the complex mechanics of global debt markets.

    Oversubscription of Eurobonds should be a source of power for African governments, not a missed opportunity. African countries can move from being price takers to price negotiators. They should be able to reduce debt costs, freeing up resources for development.

    But to get there African countries need to address the power imbalance in the markets.

    Governments need to invest in bond pricing expertise to increase their negotiating power.

    The false success signal of oversubscription

    There are several reasons why African bonds remain mispriced at a higher interest despite the oversubscriptions.

    Firstly, a lack of technical expertise in primary bond issuance in the debt management offices of the majority of African governments. Very few on the continent have intelligence systems for gathering information on financial markets and formal investor relations programmes. Neither do they have in-house quantitative analysts or pricing specialists capable of engaging investment banks on an equal footing during roadshows and negotiations.

    The debt management offices are unable to engage confidently and critically with financial intermediaries to challenge assumptions, simulate pricing scenarios and conduct their own comparative market analysis.

    After initial public offers, most governments don’t engage with holders of their bonds on the secondary market. Nor do they monitor bond post-issuance performance. The lack of interest in the secondary market has created a feedback loop where poor market intelligence has contributed to high coupons on new issuances.

    Secondly, advanced economies engage investors regularly through briefings, roadshows and timely reports. Communication by African governments is often ad hoc and usually limited to the period around a new bond issuance.

    This prevents investors from forming informed, long-term views. It leads to a default risk premium in pricing.

    Thirdly, debt issuance by African governments is often politically driven rather than strategically timed. Often this leads to rushed or ill-prepared entries.

    Sometimes it’s done when the cost of debt is rising globally, close to election cycles, or because governments are facing a financial crunch caused by falling reserves.



    Read more:
    African governments have developed a taste for Eurobonds: why it’s dangerous

    Fourth, African sovereigns often approach the Eurobond market with weak negotiating power. They are heavily reliant on a small pool of western investment banks as technical advisors to manage the bond issuance. These banks tend to be more inclined towards their own global investment client networks. Their incentives are not aligned with achieving the lowest possible yield for the issuers.

    African issuers often accept the initial price guidance from advisors and agree to high yields even in oversubscribed situations. Even when demand could support a lower yield, African issuers fail to negotiate pricing downwards. Issuing syndicates have no incentive to push for optimal pricing for the issuer as they receive transaction-based fees.



    Read more:
    African countries aren’t borrowing too much: they’re paying too much for debt

    The role of bond issuing syndicates is a major factor in the mispricing. In bond issuance, a syndicate is a group of financial institutions that structures the bond, price and market (also known bookbuilding), underwrite the unsold portion of the bond, sell the bond to their investors, and ensure compliance and documentation. These syndicates set coupon rates higher than necessary as a conservative hedge against perceived investor scepticism.

    African governments have become passive participants rather than active price-setters. African-based bond syndicates are systematically bypassed despite growing regional capacity and distribution networks. Bond issues are also allocated to offshore buyers, sidelining local institutional investors.

    Breaking the cycle of mispricing

    To correct the systemic Eurobond mispricing and reduce debt servicing costs, African countries must undertake reforms.

    First, governments should invest in debt management capacity.

    Second, they must actively monitor secondary market trading to identify opportunities such as bond buybacks and exchanges that could improve the debt profile. Real-time analytics on bond trading performance should inform future issuance terms and investor communication strategies.

    Third, governments must build institutional routines for submitting data, and proactively engage investors and rating agencies. This will challenge and influence risk assumptions. Investors need consistent assurances, especially on the ability to easily exit positions.

    Fourth, African countries need to maintain and monitor up-to-date benchmarks from peers with comparable pricing data. Without accurate comparisons, it is difficult to know whether the proposed bond pricing by syndicates is fair and accurate. They must stop solely relying on what investment banks recommends.

    Lastly, African governments should involve at least one African-based syndicate member, prioritise allocation to African institutional investors and promote regional arrangements with international banks to ensure knowledge transfer and equitable participation.

    Misheck Mutize is affiliated with the African Union as a Lead Expert on Credit Ratings

    – ref. African countries are bad at issuing bonds, so debt costs more than it should: what needs to change – https://theconversation.com/african-countries-are-bad-at-issuing-bonds-so-debt-costs-more-than-it-should-what-needs-to-change-257128

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • RBI reduces inflation forecast to 3.7% for 2025-26

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Reserve Bank of India has revised its inflation outlook for 2025-26 downwards from the earlier forecast of 4 per cent to 3.7 per cent, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said on Friday.

    Taking all these factors into consideration, and assuming a normal monsoon, CPI inflation for the financial year 2025-26 is now projected at 3.7 per cent, with Q1 at 2.9 per cent, Q2 at 3.4 per cent, Q3 at 3.9 per cent, and Q4 at 4.4 per cent.

    He pointed out that inflation has softened significantly over the last six months from above the tolerance band in October 2024 to well below the target, with signs of a broad-based moderation. The near-term and medium-term outlook now gives us the confidence of not only a durable alignment of headline inflation with the target of 4 per cent, as exuded in the last meeting, but also the belief that during the year, it is likely to undershoot the target at the margin.

    While food inflation outlook remains soft, core inflation is expected to remain benign with easing of international commodity prices in line with the anticipated global growth slowdown, Malhotra explained.

    He pointed out that CPI headline inflation continued its declining trajectory in March-April, with headline CPI inflation moderating to a nearly six-year low of 3.2 per cent (y-o-y) in April 2025. This was led mainly by food inflation, which recorded the sixth consecutive monthly decline.

    Fuel group witnessed a reversal of deflationary conditions and recorded positive inflation prints during March and April, partly reflecting the hike in LPG prices. Core inflation remained largely steady and contained during March-April, despite the increase in gold prices exerting upward pressure, Malhotra said.

    The outlook for inflation points towards benign prices across major constituents. The record wheat production and higher production of key pulses in the Rabi crop season should ensure an adequate supply of key food items. Going forward, the likely above normal monsoon along with its early onset augurs well for Kharif crop prospects.

    Reflecting this, inflation expectations are showing a moderating trend, more so for the rural households. Most projections point towards continued moderation in the prices of key commodities, including crude oil, the RBI Governor said.

    However, at the same time, Malhotra had a word of caution. “Notwithstanding these favourable prognoses, we need to remain watchful of weather-related uncertainties and still evolving tariff-related concerns with their attendant impact on global commodity prices,” he added.

    (IANS)

  • MIL-OSI Russia: NPC Standing Committee Vice Chairwoman Te Ning Visits Brazil, Attends BRICS Parliamentary Forum

    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

    BRASILIA, June 6 (Xinhua) — Vice Chairwoman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Tie Ning led a delegation to Brazil to attend the 11th BRICS Parliamentary Forum, which was held in the capital of the Latin American country from June 3 to 5.

    During the visit, Te Ning met with the President of the Senate (upper house of parliament) of Brazil, Davi Alcolumbre, and the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies (lower house of parliament), Hugo Motta.

    During the talks with them, the vice-chairwoman of the NPC Standing Committee said that under the strategic leadership of the two heads of state, relations between China and Brazil have reached the level of a China-Brazil community with a shared future for a fairer world and a more sustainable planet.

    The NPC is willing to deepen cooperation with the National Congress (parliament) of Brazil, working tirelessly to enrich the content of the China-Brazil community with a shared future, Tie Ning added.

    The Brazilian side, in turn, confirmed its commitment to the one-China principle and expressed its readiness to strengthen exchanges between the legislative bodies of the two countries and promote the stable development of relations with the PRC.

    In her keynote speech at the forum, Tie Ning noted that the BRICS countries, as the “first tier” of the Global South, have always advocated unity, cooperation and joint development and adhered to the spirit of openness, inclusiveness and mutually beneficial cooperation.

    She also said it is necessary to firmly safeguard the multilateral trading system, continue to deepen economic and trade cooperation among countries in the Global South, and provide assistance for the development of emerging industries to write a new chapter in the history of high-quality development of “greater BRICS cooperation.” –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai hosts state banquet for President Bernardo Arévalo of Republic of Guatemala  

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Details
    2025-06-05
    President Lai welcomes President Bernardo Arévalo of Republic of Guatemala with military honors  
    On the morning of June 5, President Lai Ching-te welcomed with full military honors President Bernardo Arévalo of the Republic of Guatemala and his wife, who are leading a delegation of cabinet members visiting Taiwan for the first time, demonstrating the deep and enduring alliance between our nations. In remarks, President Lai noted that over the past few years, bilateral cooperation between Taiwan and Guatemala has grown closer and more diverse, and said that moving forward, based on a foundation of mutual assistance for mutual benefit, we will continue to promote programs in line with international trends, spurring prosperity and development in both our nations. The military honors ceremony began at 10:30 a.m. in the Entrance Hall of the Presidential Office. After a 21-gun salute and the playing of the two countries’ national anthems, President Lai and President Arévalo each delivered remarks. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: Today, President Arévalo and First Lady Lucrecia Peinado are leading a delegation of cabinet members visiting Taiwan for the first time, demonstrating the deep and enduring alliance between our nations. On behalf of the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I want to extend my sincerest welcome. Last year, our two countries celebrated the 90th anniversary of diplomatic ties, providing mutual support all along the way. Especially over the past few years, bilateral cooperation has grown closer and more diverse. We have a long record of remarkable results, whether in terms of medicine and public health, education and culture, technological cooperation, or economic and trade exchanges. Moving forward, based on a foundation of mutual assistance for mutual benefit, Taiwan and Guatemala will continue to promote programs in line with international trends. We will continue to strengthen exchange and cooperation for young people, as well as scholarship programs, and actively cultivate high-tech and information and communications technology industry talent, spurring prosperity and development in both our nations. Although separated by a great distance, the peoples of both countries are closely connected by their ideals and values. I am confident that with President Arévalo’s support, bilateral exchanges and cooperation will become closer and more diverse, beginning a very promising new chapter. I wish the visiting delegation a smooth and successful trip. President Arévalo then delivered remarks, saying that on behalf of the government and people of Guatemala, he is honored to visit the Republic of China (Taiwan), this beautiful nation, and to receive full military honors, which reflects the mutual respect between our two nations as well as our solid friendship. Especially as this state visit comes as we celebrate 90 years of formal diplomatic ties, he said, he has brought the foreign minister, economics minister, private secretary to the president, and social communication secretary as members of his delegation, in the hope of our ties embarking on a new chapter. President Arévalo said that Guatemala-Taiwan ties have in recent years been growing steadily on a foundation of mutual understanding and cooperation, making significant progress, and that our peoples have also cultivated sincere friendships and cooperative relationships across many fields. Our nations are especially promoting public health, education, agricultural technology, and infrastructure, he said, key fields which are conducive to economic and social development. He expressed his hope that on such good foundations of the past, we can further strengthen our bilateral ties for the future. President Arévalo stated that through this state visit they not only want to reaffirm the good bilateral ties between our nations, but that they also hope to define a trajectory for the future of our cooperation in the direction of expanding economic cooperation, building economic and trade alliances, and facilitating investment to foster a Taiwan-Guatemala relationship that benefits both peoples. He then expressed gratitude to the people of Taiwan for helping Guatemala over the past 90 years and reaffirmed the unwavering support of Guatemala for the Republic of China (Taiwan). On the occasion of this visit, he said, he hopes to extend a friendly hand to the people of Taiwan, adding that he looks forward to our nations continuing to take major steps forward on the road of mutual assistance and prosperity. Also in attendance at the welcome ceremony were Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Ambassador Andrea Clare Bowman, and members of the foreign diplomatic corps in Taiwan.  

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • Trump administration imposes sanctions on four ICC judges in unprecedented move

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    President Donald Trump’s administration on Thursday imposed sanctions on four judges at the International Criminal Court, an unprecedented retaliation over the war tribunal’s issuance of an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a past decision to open a case into alleged war crimes by U.S. troops in Afghanistan.

    Washington designated Solomy Balungi Bossa of Uganda, Luz del Carmen Ibanez Carranza of Peru, Reine Adelaide Sophie Alapini Gansou of Benin and Beti Hohler of Slovenia, according to a statement from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

    “As ICC judges, these four individuals have actively engaged in the ICC’s illegitimate and baseless actions targeting America or our close ally, Israel. The ICC is politicized and falsely claims unfettered discretion to investigate, charge, and prosecute nationals of the United States and our allies,” Rubio said.

    The ICC slammed the move, saying it was an attempt to undermine the independence of an international judicial institution that provides hope and justice to millions of victims of “unimaginable atrocities.”

    Both judges Bossa and Ibanez Carranza have been on the ICC bench since 2018. In 2020 they were involved in an appeals chamber decision that allowed the ICC prosecutor to open a formal investigation into alleged war crimes by American troops in Afghanistan.

    Since 2021, the court had deprioritized the investigation into American troops in Afghanistan and focused on alleged crimes committed by the Afghan government and the Taliban forces.

    ICC judges also issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu, former Israeli defense chief Yoav Gallant and Hamas leader Ibrahim Al-Masri last November for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity during the Gaza conflict. Alapini Gansou and Hohler ruled to authorize the arrest warrant against Netanyahu and Gallant, Rubio said.

    The move deepens the administration’s animosity toward the court. During the first Trump administration in 2020, Washington imposed sanctions on then-prosecutor Fatou Bensouda and one of her top aides over the court’s work on Afghanistan.

    The measures also follow a January vote at the U.S. House of Representatives to punish the ICC in protest over its Netanyahu arrest warrant. The move underscored strong support among Trump’s fellow Republicans for Israel’s government.

    DIFFICULT TIME FOR ICC

    The measures triggered uproar among human-rights advocates. Liz Evenson, international justice director at Human Rights Watch, said the punitive measures were a “flagrant attack on the rule of law at the same time as President Trump is working to undercut it at home.”

    Sanctions severely hamper individuals’ abilities to carry out even routine financial transactions as any banks with ties to the United States, or that conduct transactions in dollars, are expected to have to comply with the restrictions.

    But the Treasury Department also issued general licenses, including one allowing the wind-down of any existing transactions involving those targeted on Thursday until July 8, as long as any payment to them is made to a blocked, interest-bearing account located in the U.S.

    The new sanctions come at a difficult time for the ICC, which is already reeling from earlier U.S. sanctions against its chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, who last month stepped aside temporarily amid a United Nations investigation into his alleged sexual misconduct.

    The ICC, which was established in 2002, has international jurisdiction to prosecute genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes in member states or if a situation is referred by the U.N. Security Council. The United States, China, Russia and Israel are not members.

    It has high-profile war crimes investigations under way into the Israel-Hamas conflict and Russia’s war in Ukraine as well as in Sudan, Myanmar, the Philippines, Venezuela and Afghanistan.

    The ICC has issued arrest warrants for President Vladimir Putin on suspicion of deporting children from Ukraine, and for Netanyahu for alleged war crimes in Gaza. Neither country is a member of the court and both deny the accusations and reject ICC jurisdiction.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI USA: PHOTO RELEASE: Harder Honors Fallen Servicemembers at Valley Memorial Day Ceremonies

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Josh Harder (CA-10)

    Above: Harder speaks with a Valley senior at the Lodi Memorial Park & Cemetery ceremony

    LODI – Today, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) joined active duty servicemembers, Valley veterans, and dozens of families to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Harder shared remarks about his personal connection to today’s events, the ongoing impact of fallen servicemembers’ sacrifices, and efforts to support past and present members of our armed forces.

    California’s 9th Congressional District alone is home to nearly 30,000 veterans, and more than 160,000 active duty servicemembers call California their home. As a fifth-generation resident of the Valley whose grandfathers served in the armed forces, Harder is committed to ensuring servicemembers, veterans, and their families have the resources and support they have earned.

    Harder was joined by representatives from local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) posts, American Legion posts, and local elected officials. 

    Above: Harder joins Valley veterans and State Sen. Jerry McNerney at the Park View Cemetery ceremony

    Above: Harder at the Stockton Memorial Civic Auditorium ceremony

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai and President Bernardo Arévalo of Guatemala hold bilateral talks and witness signing of agreements

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    President Lai and President Bernardo Arévalo of Guatemala hold bilateral talks and witness signing of agreements
    On the morning of June 5, President Lai Ching-te, accompanied by Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, held bilateral talks with President Bernardo Arévalo of the Republic of Guatemala at the Presidential Office following a welcome ceremony with military honors for him and his wife. The leaders also signed a letter of intent for semiconductor cooperation and jointly witnessed the signing of cooperation agreements. In remarks, President Lai expressed hope that the two nations can deepen their diplomatic alliance, open up more opportunities for cooperation, and continue to contribute to global democratic development as well as regional prosperity and stability.
    A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
    I recall my videoconference with President Arévalo last year, the day after Vice President Hsiao and I took office. We exchanged many ideas about ways to strengthen our diplomatic partnership. Today, I am delighted to receive President Arévalo and First Lady Lucrecia Peinado at the Presidential Office. This is not just a heartwarming occasion, but an important moment in deepening the relationship between our two countries. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I want to extend my sincerest welcome and gratitude.
    Guatemala is an important diplomatic ally of Taiwan. For many years, both our countries have shared universal values such as democracy, freedom, and respect for human rights, continuing to cooperate as a force for good and working together to respond to international challenges.
    I want to extend my thanks to President Arévalo. Since taking office last year, he has spoken up on behalf of Taiwan numerous times at international venues including the United Nations and World Health Assembly, letting the world see that our two countries are determined to protect democracy and freedom and promote global prosperity.
    Taiwan and Guatemala continue to innovate and deepen cooperation in many areas, including public health, agriculture, and women’s empowerment, yielding tangible results. This past May, our two countries cooperated to promote a semiconductor technical vocational course that brought 28 young Guatemalans to Taiwan to receive training. Not only was this an important starting point for cultivating technical personnel in both countries, but it was also a concrete example of putting our Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project into practice.
    Over the past few years, our bilateral trade has flourished, and among many imported products, Guatemalan coffee is extremely popular with Taiwanese consumers. Guatemala is Taiwan’s fourth-largest coffee supplier, and in March this year, we purchased a record high of 720,000 kilos, affirming the high quality of Guatemalan products. At the same time, we encourage even more Taiwanese enterprises to expand investments in Guatemala to leverage its geographic location, natural resources, and high-quality human resources. This would create a mutually beneficial industrial cooperation model, further strengthen supply chain resilience, and give our partnership even greater strategic significance.
    Shortly, President Arévalo and I will sign a letter of intent for semiconductor cooperation, and witness the signing of cooperation documents to establish a political consultation mechanism and continue to promote bilateral investment. These achievements will not only deepen our diplomatic alliance, but will also open up more opportunities for cooperation. Looking ahead, Taiwan and Guatemala will advance into the future together, and continue to contribute our efforts to global democratic development, as well as regional prosperity and stability.
    President Arévalo then delivered remarks, expressing that this state visit will help bring the bilateral ties between Guatemala and the Republic of China (Taiwan) to a new level. In addition to continuing to consolidate and advance our relationship to achieve new milestones, he said, the visit will also benefit cooperation in areas such as technology, the economy, education, and healthcare, helping us work toward our goals of sustainable development and global integration. Although our two countries are geographically distant from each other, he said, we are on the same path in pursuing well-being for humankind.
    President Arévalo emphasized that Guatemala highly values and cherishes Taiwan, and that our strong cooperation in key areas such as agriculture, education, technology, healthcare, women’s empowerment, and rural development have generated tangible impacts for Guatemala. This reflects the cooperative spirit of humanitarian care, he said, and shows the world that our nations share common goals and clear guidelines and directions for cooperation.
    Noting that Taiwan is an important economic partner of Guatemala, President Arévalo underlined that since the Taiwan-Guatemala free trade agreement entered into force, considerable progress has been made in our economic and trade ties. He went on to say that the letters of intent they would shortly be signing will help advance bilateral investment and promote development in the semiconductor industry.
    President Arévalo said that the semiconductor technical vocational course just mentioned by President Lai, which was promoted by both nations, attracted enthusiastic participation from Guatemalan university students, engineers, and educators. He added that it will help Guatemala take the first step in its future technological development, and also demonstrates its investment in technological innovation and the global value chain, which is of great significance.
    President Arévalo said he feels that Guatemala and Taiwan are brotherly nations, both being reliable friends as well as strategic allies. He then expressed hope that we can strengthen our existing cooperative mechanisms, explore new avenues for cooperation, and further deepen all manner of ties on the basis of mutual respect, trust, and solidarity. The president said that universal values such as mutual understanding, shared peace, freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights form the solid foundations of the friendship between Taiwan and Guatemala, and that on these foundations, our two nations are certain to further exchanges and cooperation.
    Over the past 90 years, President Arévalo stated, Taiwan and Guatemala have moved forward side by side, sharing each other’s experiences and dreams. Both will strive together to pursue prosperity, happiness, and lives of dignity, he said, and form a bridge of cooperation and dialogue between Central America and Asia and a hub for the development of civilization. The president then expressed hope that our nations’ diplomatic relationship continues to deepen as we advance our peoples’ well-being and promote world peace and prosperity.
    After the bilateral talks, President Lai and President Arévalo witnessed the signing of a letter of intent regarding the promotion of bilateral investment in supply chains by Minister of Economic Affairs Kuo Jyh-huei (郭智輝) and Guatemala Minister of Economy Gabriela García, as well as a memorandum of understanding on a political consultation mechanism by Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) and Guatemala Minister of Foreign Affairs Carlos Ramiro Martínez. The two heads of state then signed a letter of intent for semiconductor cooperation.
    The visiting delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Guatemala Ambassador Luis Raúl Estévez López.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Press Release: Congressman Bennie G. Thompson Announces Academy Appointments for Second Congressional District

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bennie G Thompson (D-MS)

    BOLTON, MS – Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announces the Military Academy appointments for the Second Congressional District. 

    Dylan Michael Wiley has received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy, Class of 2029, after being nominated by U.S. Congressman Bennie G. Thompson.

    Dylan successfully completed his studies at the Naval Preparatory School (NAPS) in Newport, Rhode Island, where he demonstrated academic excellence and dedication. Throughout his time at NAPS, he excelled in his coursework and made significant contributions to the school community. His positive outlook and unwavering commitment to his future at the Naval Academy reflect his strong aspirations to succeed and lead. Among his many accomplishments, Dylan represented his peers as a NAPS representative. Additionally, he held the role of Supplementary Student Assistant for Physics and served as the NAPS 2nd Company Guide-On. 

    Dylan is the son of Nelson and Debra Wiley, Jr. of Raymond, Mississippi, and he looks forward to continuing his educational journey at the United States Naval Academy.

    Nicholas McGlorthan, has received an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy, Class of 2029, after being nominated by U.S. Congressman Bennie G. Thompson. 

    Nicholas has successfully completed the Air Force Preparatory School in Colorado Springs, CO. At the USFA Prep School, Nicholas further developed his leadership and academic skills. He served as a Character Officer, guiding fellow Cadets in upholding the honor code. He took part in land navigation exercises in the Colorado mountains, marched in parades, and completed college-level courses in trigonometry, chemistry, and writing. He also participated in an aviation course, which included hands-on flight experience. Hiking the Colorado mountains has become one of his favorite pastimes. Nicholas plans to major in Mechanical Engineering at the Air Force Academy and is exploring a future career in drone piloting.

    He is the son of Sharron McGlorthan of Jackson, Mississippi, and he looks forward to continuing his educational journey at the United States Air Force Academy.

    If you are interested in attending a Military Academy, you may contact Ms. Shander Gund, my academy representative at (662) 741-9003 or via e-mail at shander.gund@mail.house.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • Musk-Trump breakup puts $22 billion of SpaceX contracts at risk, jolting US space program

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    About $22 billion of SpaceX’s government contracts are at risk and multiple U.S. space programs could face dramatic changes in the fallout from Elon Musk and President Donald Trump’s explosive feud on Thursday.

    The disagreement, rooted in Musk’s criticism of Trump’s tax-cut and spending legislation that began last week, quickly spiraled out of control. Trump lashed out at Musk when the president spoke in the Oval Office. Then in a series of X posts, Musk launched barbs at Trump, who threatened to terminate government contracts with Musk’s companies.

    Taking the threat seriously, Musk said he would begin “decommissioning” SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft used by NASA.

    Hours later, however, Musk appeared to reverse course. Responding to a follower on X urging him and Trump to “cool off and take a step back for a couple of days,” Musk wrote: “Good advice. Ok, we won’t decommission Dragon.”

    Still, Musk’s mere threat to abruptly pull its Dragon spacecraft out of service marked an unprecedented outburst from one of NASA’s leading commercial partners.

    Under a roughly $5 billion contract, the Dragon capsule has been the agency’s only U.S. vessel capable of carrying astronauts to and from the International Space Station, making Musk’s company a critical element of the U.S. space program.

    The feud raised questions about how far Trump, an often unpredictable force who has intervened in past procurement efforts, would go to punish Musk, who until last week headed Trump’s initiative to downsize the federal government.

    If the president prioritized political retaliation and canceled billions of dollars of SpaceX contracts with NASA and the Pentagon, it could slow U.S. space progress.

    NASA press secretary Bethany Stevens declined to comment on SpaceX, but said: “We will continue to work with our industry partners to ensure the president’s objectives in space are met.”

    Musk and Trump’s tussle ruptured an extraordinary relationship between a U.S. president and industry titan that had yielded some key favors for SpaceX: a proposed overhaul of NASA’s moon program into a Mars program, a planned effort to build a gigantic missile defense shield in space, and the naming of an Air Force leader who favored SpaceX in a contract award.

    Taking Dragon out of service would likely disrupt the ISS program, which involves dozens of countries under a two-decade-old international agreement. But it was unclear how quickly such a decommissioning would occur. NASA uses Russia’s Soyuz spacecraft as a secondary ride for its astronauts to the ISS.

    SPACEX’S RISE

    SpaceX rose to dominance long before Musk’s foray into Republican politics last year, building formidable market share in the rocket launch and satellite communications industries that could shield it somewhat from Musk’s split with Trump, analysts said.

    “It fortunately wouldn’t be catastrophic, since SpaceX has developed itself into a global powerhouse that dominates most of the space industry, but there’s no question that it would result in significant lost revenue and missed contract opportunities,” said Justus Parmar, CEO of SpaceX investor Fortuna Investments.

    Under Trump in recent months, the U.S. space industry and NASA’s workforce of 18,000 have been whipsawed by looming layoffs and proposed budget cuts that would cancel dozens of science programs, while the U.S. space agency remains without a confirmed administrator.

    Trump’s nominee for NASA administrator, Musk ally and billionaire private astronaut Jared Isaacman, appeared to be an early casualty of Musk’s rift with the president when the White House abruptly removed him from consideration over the weekend, denying Musk his pick to lead the space agency.

    Trump on Thursday explained dumping Isaacman by saying he was “totally Democrat,” in an apparent reference to reports Isaacman had donated to Democrats. Isaacman has donated to some Republican but mostly Democratic candidates for office, according to public records.

    Musk’s quest to send humans to Mars has been a critical element of Trump’s space agenda. The effort has threatened to take resources away from NASA’s flagship effort to send humans back to the moon.

    Trump’s budget plan sought to cancel Artemis moon missions beyond its third mission, effectively ending the over-budget Space Launch System rocket used for those missions.

    But the Senate Commerce Committee version of Trump’s bill released late on Thursday would restore funding for missions four and five, providing at least $1 billion annually for SLS through 2029.

    Since SpaceX’s rockets are a less expensive alternative to SLS, whether the Trump administration opposes the Senate’s changes in the coming weeks will give an indication of Musk’s remaining political power.

    SpaceX, founded in 2002, has won $15 billion of contracts from NASA for the company’s Falcon 9 rockets and development of SpaceX’s Starship, a multipurpose rocket system tapped to land NASA astronauts on the moon this decade.

    The company has also been awarded billions of dollars to launch a majority of the Pentagon’s national security satellites into space while it builds a massive spy satellite constellation in orbit for a U.S. intelligence agency.

    In addition to not being in U.S. interests, former NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver said canceling SpaceX’s contracts would probably not be legal.

    But she also added, “A rogue CEO threatening to decommission spacecraft, putting astronauts’ lives at risk, is untenable.”

    (Reuters) 

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The NSU team took first place in one of the cases of the all-Russian hackathon “Smart Campus”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    The All-Russian hackathon “Smart Campus” has recently ended in Nizhny Novgorod, in which more than 80 students from more than 20 regions of Russia took part. The competition was held by NEIMARK University as part of the international conference CIPR-2025. NSU was represented at the hackathon by a team of students Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics (MMF), they won one of the hackathon cases – the development of a communication service for deaf students.

    — Over the past three years, the Smart Campus hackathon has become a vibrant tradition that unites talented students and progressive ideas. Active participation of students helps create an effective educational ecosystem that ensures the successful functioning of the campus. The developments presented at the hackathon are already being implemented in campuses, a constellation of which is being created today in Russia, — noted Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Russia Andrey Omelchuk.

    More than 20 student teams gathered in Nizhny Novgorod, they were offered 5 cases to solve, not intersecting with each other. Thus, 4 teams worked on each case, for each of the tasks three prize winners were determined.

    The winning team from NSU included Timur Yenikeev, a 4th-year student of the Engineering School of the Faculty of Mathematics and Mechanics of NSU, Maxim Yemelyanov, a 1st-year master’s student of the Faculty of Mathematics and Mechanics of NSU, Ivan Gudylin, a 2nd-year master’s student of the Faculty of Mathematics and Mechanics of NSU, and the team captain – Taisiya Uskova, a 1st-year master’s student of the Faculty of Mathematics and Mechanics of NSU.

    — I, like another member of our team, Maxim Yemelyanov, have participated in this event more than once. This year, the hackathon has changed dramatically — this concerns both the structure and the tasks. So, we solved only cases from partners. In addition, all the tasks were somehow related to inclusive education, which, in my opinion, is the main feature of this year’s hackathon, — said Taisiya.

    Over the course of two days, student teams developed education quality monitoring systems, created inclusive technologies for students with disabilities, and designed a universal mobile service for campuses. Participants also optimized digital educational interfaces and tried to integrate neurotechnology into the educational process.

    The NSU team worked on a case to improve the Yandex Conversation app, which is designed to help hearing-impaired people. This app recognizes speech and can read out messages written by the user.

    —Our task was to implement this application with the required design, which was provided by the customer-curators from Yandex. We had to propose a model and add the functionality of recognizing speakers and saving them, as well as develop other improvements. For example, we implemented functionality that allows the application to work offline, — Taisiya explained.

    According to Taisiya, the team’s perseverance, ability to quickly understand complex topics and work within tight deadlines helped them win.

    —The team was quite diverse, we didn’t have the necessary competencies for all the issues, but we managed. In two days, we figured out what we had never done before, and that’s why, in my opinion, we won, — Taisiya shared.

    Such events are aimed at developing the existing campus infrastructure and introducing new solutions in those campuses that are currently being built across the country as part of the national project “Youth and Children”. Therefore, it is important that students themselves propose and develop solutions that may be interesting and in demand on campuses.

    Thus, a modern NSU campus is currently under construction, the first stage was opened in 2024. In the fall of 2025, a new building of flow auditoriums is being prepared to receive students, which will also become a demonstration center for technologies in the field of artificial intelligence. For example, a “smart” library will operate there, students will be able to use self-service stations to check out books from the open collection, take them home and return them at any time.

    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 –

  • Spain beat France 5-4 in thriller to reach Nations League final

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal inspired his country to a thrilling 5-4 win over France on Thursday to send the holders through to their third successive Nations League final where they will face Iberian neighbours Portugal.

    The European champions dazzled in the first half of the semi-final at the MHP Arena and raced into a 2-0 lead with fine goals by Nico Williams and Mikel Merino inside 25 minutes.

    Spain’s 17-year-old starlet Yamal then got in on the act to coolly add a third from the penalty spot nine minutes into the second half before his Barcelona teammate Pedri clipped a sublime fourth into the net less than a minute later.

    The goals continued to flow as France striker Kylian Mbappe also slotted home from the penalty spot near the hour mark before Yamal added Spain’s fifth after 67 minutes to cap an exhilarating individual performance.

    France then mounted an extraordinary comeback as a stunning strike from Rayan Cherki, Dani Vivian’s own goal and a Randal Kolo Muani finish caused Spain some late jitters but they held on to book a clash with their Portuguese rivals on Sunday.

    “I always say it to my mother, I try to give it all,” Yamal told Teledeporte. “It is what motivates me to play football, why I wake up in the mornings.

    “France have world class players. The scoreline after 60 minutes was very big, but they have players who make you suffer.

    “We (Spain and Portugal) are two very good teams with world-class players. The best will win. I hope to bring the cup to Spain.”

    Spain have been nearly imperious under coach Luis de la Fuente, losing just once in over two years, a run that helped them take home the European Championship title last year with victory over England in the final.

    Key to De la Fuente’s system is his lively wide men Nico Williams and Yamal, and after Mbappe had wasted a golden early chance in Stuttgart and Theo Hernandez crashed an effort against the crossbar, Williams’ emphatic finish edged Spain in front.

    Another fine, flowing move three minutes later resulted in Merino slotting home the second having been picked out by a pinpoint Mikel Oyarzabal pass. It was only the second time France had conceded twice inside the opening half hour of a match during coach Didier Deschamps’ 13-year tenure.

    France continued to create openings but could not make their moments count, with their profligacy proving costly as one of the favourites to win the Ballon d’Or award, Yamal, fired in from the penalty spot after the teenager had been fouled.

    Yamal, who already has over 100 appearances for Barcelona across all competitions before he has even turned 18, was equally calm for his second, after Pedro’s fine fourth and Mbappe’s penalty, poking the ball past France goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

    The strike from Olympique Lyonnais’ Cherki deserved to be more meaningful, before Vivian’s intervention gave Spanish supporters some cause for concern.

    Substitute Kolo Muani’s goal made extra time look a possibility, but it was too little, too late.

    The striker, however, ensured the enthralling semi-final became the first-ever Nations League match to feature nine goals. It was also the first time France had conceded five times in a match since 1969.

    “We had some bursts of play we haven’t had for a long time,” France skipper Mbappe said. “But in just 10 minutes of the first half, we conceded two goals — and the same thing happened in the second half.

    “We weren’t consistent throughout the 90 minutes, but we did improve. When you don’t win, there are always negative points that come out. But it’s not all negative.”

    (Reuters)

  • India test captain Gill ready to lead in his own way

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s new test captain Shubman Gill knows he has big shoes to fill after the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli but he wants to develop his own style of leadership, he said on Thursday.

    Rohit and Kohli, former skippers and batting mainstays of the team, both quit test cricket weeks before the start of India’s five-test series in England.

    Gill, 25, impressed as captain of Indian Premier League (IPL) side Gujarat Titans, leading them to the playoffs.

    “The pressure comes with every tour. The two big players have served us for so long, it is not easy to fill that space,” Gill told a news conference in Mumbai.

    “My style of captaincy will be my own, it will develop with experience. I like to communicate with the players. I would try to get them comfortable with their strengths and weaknesses. The players should feel secure, only then will they perform well.”

    Gill was picked as captain ahead of fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who led India in two recent tests in Australia.

    Chief selector Ajit Agarkar cited workload management concerns over the 31-year-old Bumrah who will not play all five tests in England.

    “We haven’t taken the call over which three games (Bumrah is) going to play,” India head coach Gautam Gambhir said. “We are going to have a discussion with him and a lot will depend on the results of the series as well, where the series is heading.”

    At least 11 people died and 47 were injured on Wednesday in a crowd surge outside IPL team Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s home stadium during celebrations of their maiden title.

    “My heart goes out to the people who lost their lives,” Gambhir said. “We are all equally responsible for this. Every life matters. If we are not ready to hold a road show, we should not do that.”

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Stay Safe at the Finke Desert Race this Weekend

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force will be out and about at the iconic 2025 Finke Desert Race, ensuring everyone enjoys a safe and incident-free long weekend.

    Police will be patrolling along the racetrack between Alice Springs and Finke, working closely with race organisers, officials and attendees.

    Key Safety Tips for Attendees:

    • Do not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
    • Always wear your seatbelt.
    • Follow all road rules and drive to the conditions.
    • Be aware of your belongings; lock your house and car and keep valuables out of sight.
    • Ensure you camp or sit clear of the track and run-off areas.
    • Leave any unregistered vehicles or trailers at home.
    • Be respectful to the environment and other people.
    • Listen carefully to official safety announcements and follow all directions given.

    Emergency services will be stationed at the following locations along the racetrack:

    • Start/Finish Line – Alice Springs
    • Deep Well Checkpoint – 63 km
    • Rodinga Checkpoint – 94 km
    • Bundooma Checkpoint – 136 km
    • Mount Squires – 169 km
    • Start/Finish Line & Finke Campground – 223 km

    Superintendent Michael Budge said, “We ask all attendees, participants and members of the community to cooperate with police and officials across the long weekend.

    “The Finke Desert Race is a fantastic event, and we want everyone to enjoy a safe and fun weekend with their friends and family. Please remember to be aware of the risks motorsport presents and leave the racing to the competitors.

    “Have fun, be responsible, and reach out if you need us.”

    If you witness crime or antisocial behaviour, please contact police on 131 444. For emergencies, dial Triple Zero (000). For more event information, visit the official event website: www.finkedesertrace.com.au. 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Police seeking public information in relation to missing tourists

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Police seeking public information in relation to missing tourists

    Friday, 6 June 2025 – 2:02 pm.

    Police are seeking public information in relation to the location of Leannedra Kang and Takahiro Toya (both aged in their 20s) who have been visiting Tasmania and were believed to have been in the St Helens/Scamander area recently. 
    They may be travelling in a (rental car) white Toyota Corolla with registration L67GW. 
    Leannedra and Takahiro were scheduled to leave Tasmania on Wednesday (4 June) flying from Launceston home to Brisbane, but they did not board their flight or return the rental vehicle.
    If you’ve seen them or the vehicle, or know where they are, please contact police on 131 444 and quote ESCAD 420-05062025. 
    *Leannedra and Takahiro if you see this, you’re not in any trouble, please phone police or family to let them know you’re ok.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Stolen property returned to owner

    Source: New South Wales – News

    A woman has been arrested after allegedly stealing thousands of dollars of property from a short-stay home in the western suburbs.

    Between Thursday 29 May and Saturday 31 May, a theft occurred at a home on Cairns Avenue at Lockleys, where a number of items were stolen including audio equipment, gaming console, jewellery and clothing.

    Following an investigation, patrols attended and searched a Findon address where they located items stolen from the Lockleys address.

    A 36-year-old woman from the address was arrested and charged with theft.  She was granted police bail to appear in Port Adelaide Magistrates Court on 3 July.

    A second address was later searched in Seaton, and further stolen items were located and subsequently returned to the victim.

    Police continue to investigate the theft and ask anyone with information that may assist to contact Crime Stoppers.  You can anonymously provide information to Crime Stoppers online at https://crimestopperssa.com.au or free call 1800 333 000.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Trump orders vast inquiry into Biden’s health

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

    U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed a memorandum ordering an investigation into whether former President Joe Biden’s staff conspired to hide information about his health and whether an autopen was used to sign executive documents without Biden’s knowledge.

    “In recent months, it has become increasingly apparent that former President Biden’s aides abused the power of Presidential signatures through the use of an autopen to conceal Biden’s cognitive decline,” Trump wrote in the memorandum. “This conspiracy marks one of the most dangerous and concerning scandals in American history.”

    The memorandum continued. “There are serious doubts as to the decision-making process and even the degree of Biden’s awareness of these actions being taken in his name,” it said.

    The vast majority of Biden’s executive actions were signed using a mechanical signature pen, often called an autopen, as opposed to Biden’s own hand, it said.

    The memorandum orders that the Counsel to the President, in consultation with the Attorney General and the head of any other relevant executive department or agency, investigate whether certain individuals conspired to deceive the public about Biden’s mental state and unconstitutionally exercise the authorities and responsibilities of the President.

    In a statement late on Wednesday, Biden dismissed those suggestions.

    “Let me be clear: I made the decisions during my presidency. I made the decisions about the pardons, executive orders, legislation, and proclamations. Any suggestion that I didn’t is ridiculous and false.”

    Biden called the move “a distraction by Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans who are working to push disastrous legislation that would cut essential programs like Medicaid and raise costs on American families, all to pay for tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy and big corporations.”

    The Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed a sweeping tax and spending bill, described by Trump as the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill.” The legislative package includes tax cuts and spending cuts, no tax on tips and overtime, increased child tax credits, and measures to reduce the federal deficit. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The kimono is more than an artefact and more than clothing. It is a concept artists will make their own

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sasha Grishin, Adjunct Professor of Art History, Australian National University

    The kimono garment, the national dress of Japan, carries within itself all of the magic and traditions of Japanese culture.

    The basic features of the kimono are fairly simple. It is a wrapped front garment with square sleeves that has a rectangular body where the left side is wrapped over the right, except in funerary use.

    The garment may be traced back to the Heian period as a distinctive style of dress for the nobility. In the Edo period (1603–1867) it came to a glorious culmination with colourful and expensive fabrics.

    The great poet Matsuo Bashō once wrote “Spring passes by / again and again in layers / of blossom-kimono”. Since childhood I’ve loved the mystical image “blossom-kimono”.

    In 2020, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London staged their epic exhibition Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk, where hundreds of garments, accessories, prints and photographs charted the history of the kimono from the 17th century through to the present.

    A new exhibition from the National Gallery of Victoria is similarly ambitious. Over 70 fabulous garments of exquisite craftsmanship – some made of silk with gold and silver embroidery and dazzling designs – have been assembled within a context of over 150 paintings, posters, wood block prints, magazines and decorative arts.

    Although many of the items have never been previously exhibited in Australia, most are now in the collection of the NGV, with many specifically acquired for this exhibition.

    Exquisite production

    There are seven newly acquired Edo-period silk and ramie kimonos, richly decorated with leaves, tendrils and falling snow. They provide us with a glimpse at the wealth and sophistication of the samurai and merchant classes of the 18th and 19th centuries.

    One of the highlights is the Uchikake Furisode wedding kimono with pine, bamboo, plum and cranes, from the early to mid-19th century.

    It is a display of exquisite taste with satin silk, shibori tie dyeing, and embroidery with gold thread. The birds and the vegetation seem to float on the surface and must have created an amazing sight when worn.

    Uchikake Furisode wedding kimono with pine, bamboo, plum, and cranes early–mid 19th century. Satin silk, shibori tie dyeing, embroidery, gold thread, 177.5 cm (centre back) 131.0 cm (cuff to cuff).
    National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne Purchased with funds donated by Michael and Emily Tong, 2024

    The garment is simple and functional and, despite the exquisiteness of its production, it is also restrained in contrast to the conspicuous exuberance of some examples of 19th century European courtly dress.

    Some of these Edo period kimonos can become quite narrative-driven in their design, as with the Hitoe kosode kimono with themes alluding to eight Noh theatre plays of the late Edo period. Slightly smaller than the wedding kimono, that was 177.5 cm long as opposed to 167 cm, this one revels in a blue background on gauze satin silk with a multiplicity of little narrative scenes like an assembly of diverse stage sets.

    Hitoe kosode, kimono with themes alluding to eight Noh theatre plays late Edo period. Gauze satin silk, paste resist dye, embroidery, gold thread, 167.0 cm (centre back) 124.0 cm (cuff to cuff).
    National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne Purchased with funds donated by Jennifer Lempriere and Michael Pithie, 2024

    The exhibition also includes the work of contemporary Japanese kimono designers including Hiroko Takahashi, Jotaro Saito, Modern Antenna, Tamao Shigemune, Y&SONS, Rumi Rock and Robe Japonica.

    The kimono as a concept

    The kimono is more than an historic artefact, one where ideas and methods of production were to remain constant for centuries. It is also an idea that inspires designers working in international fashion houses.

    The NGV exhibition includes kimono-inspired works of Issey Miyake, Yohji Yamamoto, John Galliano, Comme des Garçon, Alexander McQueen, Givenchy, Zambesi and Rudi Gernreich.

    Alexander McQueen’s Gown, belt and sandals (Dégradé) (2007) is one of the takeaway memories from this exhibition. The humble functional kimono has been totally transfigured.

    To the silk-satin shell there have been added leather, metal and rubber accessories and synthetic shoulder pads. The purple and pink colour scheme and the sweeping sleeves that trail along the ground create a mesmerising and dominant phantom-like character that owns and dominates the space.

    Gown, belt and sandals (Dégradé), 2007. The blue lady (La Dame Bleue) collection, spring-summer 2008. Silk (satin), patent leather, leather, synthetic fabric (shoulder pads, wadding), cotton (laces), metal (fastenings), rubber, (a) 176.0 cm (centre back) 33.5 cm (waist, flat) (dress) (b) 37.0 × 61.0 cm (belt) (c-d) 23.0 × 19.5 × 80.0 cm (each) (sandals).
    National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, Gift of Krystyna Campbell-Pretty AM and Family through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program, 2021 ©Alexander McQueen

    It is difficult not to be impressed by McQueen’s vision, but we have now moved quite a long way from the kimono.

    The kimono is a wonderful concept – an armature on which to hang many different ideas. The beauty of this exhibition is that it frees the idea of a garment from a static piece of cloth, at best to be displayed on a dummy, to something approaching a concept in design that artists will clasp and from which they will create their own work.

    There are many rich nuances in the show, for example the superb almost monochrome and somewhat gothic Men’s undergarment (nagajuban) with graveyard, skulls and crescent moon (c.1930).

    Men’s undergarment (nagajuban) with graveyard, skulls and crescent moon c. 1930. Silk, wool, cotton 127.0 cm (centre back) 130.5 cm (cuff to cuff).
    National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne Maureen Morrisey Bequest, 2018

    At the same time, we have Women’s kimono with geometric design and accessories (c.1930) with its polychrome exuberance with reds, blacks and greys combining geometric motifs with soft organic feather-like forms.

    Bashō’s “blossom-kimono” was a meditation on the passing of time and the hope that a young girl will live to experience wrinkles that come with old age. The kimono in this exhibition celebrates the passing of time and generational change within the life of an immortal idea about function, form and ideas of beauty.

    Kimono is at the National Gallery of Victoria until October 5.

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

    – ref. The kimono is more than an artefact and more than clothing. It is a concept artists will make their own – https://theconversation.com/the-kimono-is-more-than-an-artefact-and-more-than-clothing-it-is-a-concept-artists-will-make-their-own-253030

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Cortez Masto, Rep. Gomez Demand Answers from Trump Administration on Mishandling of Special Immigrant Juvenile Status Program, Push for New Way Forward

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Congressman Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.-34) led 17 of their colleagues in a letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem and Acting U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Kika Scott demanding the Trump Administration provide answers on the changes it has made in determining deferred action for youth with Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS). The Members also express concern that these changes leave SIJS youth vulnerable to exploitation and deportation.
    “We write to express our concern regarding recent changes seen in determinations of deferred action for youth with special immigrant juvenile status (SIJS), and to request further information about SIJS deferred action policy and adjudications,” wrote the Members. “Since early April, SIJS recipients have been receiving SIJS approval notices without deferred action determinations. This leaves abused and abandoned youth in legal limbo while heightening their vulnerability to exploitation.”
    Created in 1990, SIJS provides permanent protection to immigrant children who have survived parental abuse, abandonment, neglect, or similar harms and for whom it would be dangerous to return to their home country. Since 2022, youth with SIJS have also received a deferred action designation, allowing them to legally work and avoid the danger of deportation while waiting to apply for lawful permanent residency. There has been a backlog of applications for permanent residency since April 2016.
    “In the absence of a durable solution to the SIJS backlog, we believe it is critical that USCIS continue to consider every approved SIJS petitioner for deferred action,” continued the Members. “Additionally, we are deeply concerned by reports from practitioners of increased occurrences of detention and deportation of SIJS recipients, with ICE acting to strip SIJS youth of deferred action upon detaining them. Barring other circumstances, seeking removal of SIJS youth who are awaiting visa availability is in direct contravention of congressional intent for the program.”
    In addition to their letter, Senator Cortez Masto introduced the Protect Vulnerable Immigrant Youth Act to fix the Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) program. This legislation would exempt SIJS children from annual employment-based visa caps, ending years-long case backlogs and allowing these children to move forward with their lives as lawful permanent residents of the United States. Congressman Gomez introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
    Read the full letter here and the bill here. Additional signatories to the letter include Senators Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), as well as Representatives Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.-09), Danny Davis (D-Ill.-07), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.-07), Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.-18), Jim McGovern (D-Mass.-02), Luz Rivas (D-Calif.-29), Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.-09), Lateefah Simon (D-Calif.-12), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.-12), Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.-20), Juan Vargas (D-Calif.-52), and Nydia Velazquez (D-N.Y.-07).
    The first and only Latina senator, Senator Cortez Masto has consistently supported immigrant communities in Nevada, calling on both administrations to protect TPS holders and other immigrants, as well as leading commonsense legislation to fix our broken immigration system. Cortez Masto joined Senator Rosen (D-Nev.) in introducing the Born in the USA Act to effectively block the implementation of President Trump’s unconstitutional Executive Order attempting to end automatic citizenship for children born in the United States. She has worked to pass meaningful immigration reform that balances critical border security measures with a path to citizenship for Dreamers, TPS holders, and essential workers.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray, State Sen. Riccelli, MultiCare CEO & Local Providers Raise Alarm Over Republican Health Care Cuts in Eastern and Central WA

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    NEW: 16 million could lose health insurance under GOP bill, CBO finds

    ***WATCH FULL PRESS CONFERENCE HERE; DOWNLOAD HERE***

    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, hosted a virtual press conference laying out how the budget reconciliation bill that Republicans passed through the House of Representatives on May 22nd  will be devastating for Washington state’s health care system and the 1.9 million people across Washington state who rely on Apple Health, as well as the more than 270,000 Washingtonians who access coverage through the state’s Affordable Care Act marketplace, Washington Healthplanfinder. Joining Senator Murray for the press conference were Washington State Senator Marcus Riccelli (LD-3), MultiCare Inland Northwest and Yakima Senior Vice President Alex Jackson, Navigation and Engagement Supervisor at Yakima Neighborhood Health Services, Alex Cordova, and Julie Sparkman, a home care provider in Spokane and member of SEIU 775.  

    The Republican legislation would cut more than $1 trillion from America’s health care system and is the largest cut to Medicaid in history. Updated estimates released yesterday by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) found that Republicans’ legislation will kick 16 million people off their health insurance—between the drastic cuts to Medicaid and the sabotage of the Affordable Care Act and refusal to expand tax credits Democrats passed to lower health insurance premiums. Among other things, Republicans’ bill would institute work reporting requirements for Medicaid, which have been proven not to increase employment and just strip health care coverage from people who are already working or exempt—this would put more than 620,000 Washingtonians at risk of losing their health care coverage or having it delayed because of a wall of new paperwork. Republicans’ reconciliation bill also includes a provision to defund Planned Parenthood, threatening the closure of up to 200 health centers. Republicans are advancing the legislation through the budget reconciliation process, which only requires a simple majority to pass in both chambers of Congress.

    “I can’t emphasize this enough: the Republican bill is nothing short of a catastrophe for health care in America. And this legislation would be a massive hit to our state’s budget. One estimate from KFF found that Washington state would lose around $32 billion in federal Medicaid spending over the next 10 years. There is just no way our state would be able to make up that shortfall,” Senator Murray said on the press call today. “The Republican tax bill will strangle everyone who relies on Medicaid in red tape, creating more barriers to coverage through intentionally confusing and burdensome new work reporting requirements that could leave more than 620,000 Washingtonians without health coverage or delayed coverage. The vast majority of people on Medicaid are already working—this bill is just a scam by Republicans to make it so hard to qualify for Medicaid that people just give up. And again, this bill will mean higher costs and less access to health care for everyone—not just people on Medicaid or the ACA…My office has been flooded with calls and emails from people who are terrified about what the cuts in this bill would mean for them and their families.”

    “So, here’s my message to everyone today: this is not over. We can kill this bill. It won’t be easy, but we have to fight, and we have to try,” Senator Murray continued. “In 2017, Americans across the country spoke out, got loud, took to the streets, and the wave of public outcry we created ultimately killed Republicans’ first attempt at ACA repeal…Republicans in Congress are not immune to public pressure, and neither is this Administration. Your voice matters. Whatever you can do to speak up—please do it. And for my part, I will not be quiet. I will keep sounding the alarm every way I can, talking to my colleagues, and lifting up the stories of people who would be hurt by this bill.”

    The Joint Economic Committee estimated last month that at least 274,000 people in Washington state would lose their health insurance under the Republican plan. Communities in Central and Eastern Washington are among the most reliant on Medicaid and the two Congressional Districts in Washington state with the most people enrolled in Medicaid (known as Apple Health in Washington state) are WA-04 and WA-05. In Washington’s 4th District, 38 percent of the population (300,511 people) rely on Medicaid, including 70 percent of kids. In Washington’s 5th District, 30 percent of the population (237,567 people), including 56 percent of kids, rely on the program.

    “For people in Spokane and across Washington State, these proposed federal Medicaid cuts represent a real threat to basic health, access to care, and financial stability,” said Washington State Senator Marcus Riccelli (LD-3). “There is no doubt this legislation will force many of our rural hospitals and clinics to close and lead to increased wait times and reduced services in urban areas, like I represent. It’s clear many people in Spokane and Washington will face unneeded health risks and suffering…In Spokane County, over 35 percent of the population is covered by Medicaid. Pulling the rug from underneath thousands of people in my community and across our state, and across this country, will mean a loss of comprehensive services to people. This means reducing or eliminating access to primary care, behavioral health, and dental care. This means delaying care. This means floods of people ending up in the emergency room that did not have to be there…And let’s be clear, the more people that end up in our hospital systems, the more expensive it will be on our already overburdened system…Working families will face significant costs to treat chronic illness or a trip to emergency room, which is already overwhelming enough…Six in ten Washington adults already say they can’t pay an unexpected medical bill, and three in 10 Washington residents say they live in a household with medical debt already, even with insurance. Can you imagine if these cuts happen, if you’re even able to find care, now what you’d be faced with?”

    “From a patient’s perspective, the biggest concerns about the [One Big Beautiful Bill] Act are the numerous provisions that will make it harder for patients to get health insurance coverage and keep that coverage. Some of those barriers include: a shortened enrollment period; requirements to purchase insurance via the Health Benefits Exchange every year—right now, patients are automatically re-enrolled; requirements to verify individuals on Medicaid expansion every six months; requirements for those in the expansion population to verify work status, again, every six months,” said Alex Jackson, Senior Vice President and Chief Executive for MultiCare Inland Northwest and Yakima. “When people lose their coverage, their medical needs don’t go away. In fact, look at health insurance coverage—the lack of health insurance coverage can end up exacerbating those needs, as patients without insurance genuinely don’t receive the preventive care that they desperately need that keep patients and populations healthy. Patients may even ration food or skip medication altogether. All this adds up to patients who, when they do seek care, will require higher level care—which is also more expensive. In addition, they often enter the healthcare system through an emergency department…putting increased stress, not only on them, but on other patients in emergency department care as well. In accordance with our mission in MultiCare, we provide care for all who need it, any day, any hour of the day as well, irregardless of their ability to pay. When patients lose access to health insurance, health systems like MultiCare will have no choice but to care for those patients and absorb the increased costs associated with providing uncompensated care—creating a financially unintentional and unsustainable situation for health systems. Ultimately, we may have to cut services, causing entire communities to lose important access to care. For smaller hospitals and health systems, particularly those in rural areas that have already been mentioned today, they have may have no choice but to close their doors entirely, leaving those communities without access to even seeking our services like an emergency department. And not only that, it will also close, likely, the largest employer in that community as well.”

    “We provide 150,000 visits every year to the working poor in our communities. Last year, we provided over 90,000 visits to patients on Medicaid and Qualified Health Plan insurances. We estimate about one-third of our patients will lose their health coverage, not because they are not eligible, but because of the heavy administrative burdens, or because less of the subsidies will make their coverage unaffordable. Our community health center has been a navigator lead organization since 2014, the beginning of the Affordable Care Act. Our navigators cover 6,600 square miles, mostly rural, between Yakima and Kittitas County. We have completed over 200,000 Medicaid and health benefit exchange applications during that time, we have heard a lot of family stories about what makes health care accessible and affordable,” said Alex Cordova, Navigation and Engagement Supervisor at Yakima Neighborhood Health Services. “Most of our help has gone to helping people apply for Medicaid, and if they make just too much money for Medicaid, then we have looked at their options through the exchange products. Most of the people we have are working, disabled, or have children at home they are caring for. We are really worried about [what] the proposed changes will do for our families, and so are they. Recently, we had a family of five, parent working as a construction worker. Their children did qualify for Apple Health. Unfortunately, the parents did not—they were a little bit over income by like $150. Then we did have them explore the insurances through the exchange, but they were grateful for the help, but they were just worried that losing subsidies will make it harder for them to have insurance in the future. We also see…a lot of clients with Medicaid coming in, and they are quite fearful for the future. They ask, what’s going on, what’s going to happen to my coverage? How is that going to affect my family? So, just right now, open enrollment is from November 1st to January 15th, but the exchanges are going to shorten the open enrollment period by a month. And right now, also losing tax credits is going to make it harder for families to get insurance through the exchange. So, we’re supposed to be moving forward, not backwards.”

    “Almost exactly two years ago, my grandson Magnus was in a horrific car accident just outside Liberty Lake. He was only four months old. One moment he was smiling and babbling, and the next, he was being rushed by ambulance to Sacred Heart, fighting for his life. By the time my daughter and I arrived at the hospital, Magnus was already in the Pediatric ICU. He had suffered internal injuries, three skull fractures, and multiple brain bleeds. The doctors told us the chances of survival were almost none, to prepare for end-of-life care. Those were the worst three days of my life. I lived them five minutes at a time. I didn’t want to step away—not to eat, not even to go to the bathroom—because I was terrified, he wouldn’t be there when I got back. But Magnus made it. He spent a month in the PICU. And what saved him wasn’t luck. It was the infrastructure. It was the ambulance, the ICU, the trained doctors and nurses, the machines keeping him alive—and every bit of it supported by Medicaid,” Julie Sparkman, Spokane home care provider and member of SEIU 775. “This is what’s at stake. When people talk about cutting Medicaid, especially in rural areas, they’re talking about shutting down hospitals, losing emergency care, and removing access to life-saving treatment. Magnus didn’t have time to be transferred. If the nearest hospital had been hours away—he wouldn’t be here today…I support our family with my work as a home care provider. But here’s the truth: healthcare workers are going to leave the field. Caregivers like me are preparing to leaving this work. Not because we want to, but because we have bills, too. Rent, groceries, gas—it all keeps going up, but Medicaid funding has to be there for that program to remain. When Medicaid is cut by hundreds of billions of dollars, caregivers lose hours, wages get cut, and benefits disappear. Many of us simply won’t be able to stay in this work, even though we love it—because love doesn’t pay the electric bill. And when we leave, it’s not just a workforce problem. It’s a care crisis. Clients go without support, families burn out, and rural communities are left behind. None of this is theoretical. Accidents happen. Illness happens. Aging happens.  Emergencies don’t care where you live, or how far the nearest hospital is. And you don’t come out of an ICU by accident—it takes skilled people, working systems, and resources. We built this safety net for a reason—so people in crisis have somewhere to go, and someone to help them. We cannot abandon it now. We need to fight to protect Medicaid, protect our hospitals, and protect rural healthcare. Because no one should lose the person they love just because the care they needed was too far away or already gone.”

    Senator Murray’s full remarks, as delivered at today’s press conference, are below and video is HERE:

    “Thank you all for joining this call today.

    “We are here because right now in Congress, Republicans are ramming through a mega-bill that would gut health care access across the country—all so they can pay for tax handouts for billionaires.

    “This big, betrayal of a bill, which they are trying to get to President Trump’s desk before July 4th, would be a 1 trillion dollar hit to our health care system and the largest cut to Medicaid in history. Nearly 11 million people in America would lose their health care coverage, that’s nearly 8 million people getting kicked off Medicaid and another 3 million who would lose their Affordable Care Act Marketplace coverage.

    “Not only that, but Republicans are refusing to extend critical tax credits that lower people’s health insurance premiums—which will make another 4.2 million people lose coverage. And that will raise costs for everyone. People getting kicked off their health care, hospitals and nursing homes in our rural areas will shut down, small businesses no longer being able to afford to provide health care for their employees, and skyrocketing premiums for working and middle-class families.

    “I can’t emphasize this enough: the Republican bill is nothing short of a catastrophe for health care in America. And this legislation would be a massive hit to our state’s budget—one estimate from KFF found that Washington state would lose around $32 billion in federal Medicaid spending over the next 10 years. There is just no way our state would be able to make up that shortfall.  

    “The Republicans tax bill will strangle everyone who relies on Medicaid in red tape, creating more barriers to coverage through intentionally confusing and burdensome new work reporting requirements that could leave more than 620,000 Washingtonians without health care coverage or delayed coverage. The vast majority of people on Medicaid are already working—this bill is just a scam by Republicans to make it so hard to qualify for Medicaid that people just give up.

    “And again, this bill will mean higher costs, less access to health care for everyone—not just people on Medicaid or the ACA. And you know, that is especially true in our rural communities, which stand to be the hardest hit by this legislation. One analysis found that 700 rural hospitals across the country would be forced to close under this bill. You’ll hear more from Alex Jackson with MultiCare about how this bill would affect hospitals in Central and Eastern Washington.

    “Now my office has been flooded with calls and emails from people who are terrified about what the cuts in this bill would mean for them and their patients. An endocrinologist in Wenatchee wrote to tell me about how, after the ACA became law, they saw many new patients who had insurance for the first time in their adult life. These patients had been paying for expensive over-the-counter insulin, but under the ACA they were finally able to get better treatment with newer insulins and more advanced technology. They wrote: ‘If Medicaid cuts take away coverage for these patients, it will be like going back to the dark ages in terms of treatment.’

    “A doctor in Yakima wrote to tell me about one of their patients, an 82-year-old woman who has chronic pain and heart issues. Her Medicaid coverage pays for a caregiver, and it allows her to live at home relatively independently. Without Medicaid, all of that would fall away.

    “A doctor in Spokane wrote to tell me how many of their patients are already suffering extreme financial hardship. Many of them can barely scrape enough money together for their appointments, and that is with the current levels of Medicaid support. And they wrote: ‘these patients are our neighbors and community members—not criminal freeloaders as some people seem to believe.’

    “Another person from Spokane explained how cutting Medicaid—meaning more care goes uncompensated—will exacerbate the existing shortage of mental health care in Spokane County.

    “Now, Trump and his cabinet full of billionaires clearly don’t get it. But I have to say, for the life of me, I do not understand how some of the same Republicans who represent districts most reliant on Medicaid, ever looked at this bill, looked at what it would do to the people they serve, and said, ‘count me in!’

    “So, here’s my message to everyone today: this is not over. We can kill this bill. It won’t be easy, but we have to fight, and we have to try.

    “This bill is in the Senate now, and Republican senators are going to change it—which means if they can pass it, it will have to go back to the House again. In 2017, Americans across the country spoke out, they got loud, they took to the streets, and the wave of public outcry we created ultimately killed Republicans’ first attempt at ACA repeal. So, blocking this Health Care Heist is not out of reach.

    “Republicans in Congress are not immune to public pressure, and neither is this Administration. Your voice matters. Whatever you can do to speak up—please do it. For my part, I will not be quiet. I will keep sounding the alarm every way I can, talking to my colleagues, and lifting up the stories of people who would be hurt by this bill.

    “We have a big task in front of us, but we have stopped Republican health care repeal before, we can do it again.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Award-Winning TV Creators Richard Gadd, Sally Wainwright and Soo Hugh Headline Future Vision 2025

    Source: AMP Limited

    06 06 2025 – Media release

    Richard Gadd, Sally Wainwright and Soo Hugh
    Australians in Film, in association with presenting partners Screen Australia and VicScreen, proudly announce the return of FUTURE VISION—Australia’s premier global television exchange for the world’s top creative minds—set to take place July 14–16 at ACMI, Australia’s national museum of screen culture in Melbourne.
    With the global screen industry in flux, FUTURE VISION enables Australia’s leading creatives to connect and forge smarter collaborations with each other and international partners as they collectively reflect, reimagine and reinvigorate the way stories are told.
    Three of the most powerful global voices in contemporary storytelling will headline the second annual event.

    Richard Gadd, the multi-Emmy, Golden Globe and Peabody-winning creator and star of the cultural phenomenon Baby Reindeer.
    Sally Wainwright, BAFTA award-winning creator and director of the critically acclaimed Happy Valley.
    Soo Hugh, Peabody-winning and BAFTA-nominated creator of the internationally lauded series Pachinko.

    Bruna Papandrea (Nine Perfect Strangers) and Tony Ayres (The Survivors), return as FUTURE VISION co-chairs, continuing their leadership at a time where strategic solutions have never been more important.
    With the international screen industry confronting global market contraction, regulatory uncertainty, and the rise of AI — FUTURE VISION 2025 will explore how creativity and strategic collaboration can guide the industry forward.
    This year’s theme, Optimism, builds upon last year’s focus on Courage, inviting attendees to reimagine what’s possible in this rapidly evolving media landscape.
    Papandrea and Ayres said, “We are so enormously thrilled to have three of our television heroes coming to FUTURE VISION this year. Richard Gadd, Sally Wainwright, and Soo Hugh are undoubtedly some of the most exciting television creators in the world today. They create unforgettable worlds and characters that explode onto our screens, and they are masters of their craft. We cannot wait to engage with them in Melbourne and bring their thinking and provocation to the thought leaders at home.”
    Richard Gadd said, “Events like FUTURE VISION are very important. They bring together people who care about pushing boundaries, taking risks, and telling stories that mean something.”
    Sally Wainwright said, “I’m delighted to have been asked to take part in FUTURE VISION and am looking forward hugely to talking telly with everyone. One of my absolute favourite shows of recent years was Deadloch. I loved it because it was as absurd as it was dark, which for me is always a winning combination. I’m thrilled to be able to visit where it was shot.”
    Soo Hugh said, “Throughout my career, I’ve been lucky to learn from extraordinary storytellers who taught me the power of vision and reminded me how deeply personal stories can resonate globally. I’m excited to attend FUTURE VISION – to listen, exchange ideas, and be inspired by voices that see the world a little differently.”
    FUTURE VISION will once again bring together drama and narrative comedy creators, writers, producers, commissioners, and development executives from Australia and across the globe for three days of cutting-edge conversation and strategic thinking:

    Monday, July 14 – OPEN DAY: A day open to established creatives, industry stakeholders, and curious minds. Also available via livestream for those who cannot make it to Melbourne.
    July 15–16 – INVITE-ONLY SESSIONS: Programming for top-tier writers, directors, producers, and commissioning executives.

    From keynote conversations to insightful case studies, FUTURE VISION offers an unprecedented opportunity for the industry to come together, think big, and shape the future of television.
    Screen Australia COO Grainne Brunsdon says: “Screen Australia is proud to be supporting FUTURE VISION once again. With Richard Gadd, Sally Wainwright and Soo Hugh to headline, the 2025 offering will be valuable for our Australian screen sector to come together and learn from key industry players on how we can continue to launch our stories onto a global stage. Considering our local industry is already one of innovation, strong community and resilience, we have good reason to get behind the event’s theme of Optimism.”
    Victorian Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks says, “Victoria’s screen industry has a strong track record of creating high-end television that captivates audiences across the globe. We’re proud to support the return of FUTURE VISION to Melbourne for another year. This event connects Australia’s leading screen storytellers with the creators of some the world’s most watched TV series. From global sensation Apple Cider Vinegar to forthcoming new series The Survivors, Victoria continues to be a global screen powerhouse.”
    Australians in Film Executive Director Peter Ritchie says; “There are real opportunities for the Australian screen sector globally, and we are so enormously grateful to our headline international guests, our co-Chairs, Screen Australia and VicScreen, all our industry partners, attendees and guests who are coming together so generously to prioritize a strategic approach to the ways we commission, develop and execute our Australian screen stories for international audiences.”
    FUTURE VISION is proudly supported by industry peers Walt Disney Company Australia & New Zealand, Netflix and Stan. Our Venue Partner is ACMI, our Official Hotel Partner is Sofitel Melbourne On Collins and our Supporting Partner is Scape.
    FUTURE VISION Media Enquiries
    Jane Lunn C/- LUNN &Co
    +61 402 248 811 | [email protected]
    Media enquiries
    Maddie Walsh | Publicist
    + 61 2 8113 5915  | [email protected]
    Jessica Parry | Senior Publicist (Mon, Tue, Thu)
    + 61 428 767 836  | [email protected]
    All other general/non-media enquiries
    Sydney + 61 2 8113 5800  |  Melbourne + 61 3 8682 1900 | [email protected]

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for June 6, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on June 6, 2025.

    Defections are fairly common in Australian politics. But history shows they are rarely a good career move
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Frank Bongiorno, Professor of History, ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences, Australian National University For many years now, Australian political scientists have pointed out that that established partisan allegiance is in decline. In 1967, 36% of Coalition supporters and 32% of Labor voters reported lifetime voting

    Premature babies are given sucrose for pain relief – but new research shows it doesn’t stop long-term impacts on development
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mia Mclean, Senior lecturer, Auckland University of Technology Getty Images Infants born very preterm spend weeks or even months in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) while their immature brains are still developing. During this time, they receive up to 16 painful procedures every day. The most

    Spit or swallow? What’s the best way to deal with phlegm?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Niall Johnston, Conjoint Associate Lecturer, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney Pop Paul-Catalin/Shutterstock A spitting pot I consider as an essential part of the bed-room apparatus. That’s what French physician René Laennec wrote in 1821. Laennec, who invented the stethoscope, spent his days gazing at his patients’ phlegm.

    Australia is in the firing line of Trump’s looming ‘revenge tax’. It’s a fight we’re unlikely to win
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Graeme Cooper, Professor of Taxation Law, University of Sydney Alexey_Arz/Shutterstock The Australian Labor Party just won an election victory for the ages. Now, it may be forced to walk back one of the key achievements of its first term. Here’s why: United States President Donald Trump is

    ‘HIV shouldn’t be death sentence in Fiji’ – call for testing amid outbreak
    By Christina Persico, RNZ Pacific bulletin editor Fiji’s Minister for Health and Medical Services has revealed the latest HIV numbers in the country to a development partner roundtable discussing the national response. The minister reported 490 new HIV cases between October and December last year, bringing the 2024 total to 1583. “Included in this number

    E-bikes and e-scooters are popular – but dangerous. A transport expert explains how to make them safer
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Geoff Rose, Professor in Transport Engineering, Monash Institute of Transport Studies, Monash University nazar_ab/Getty Last weekend a pedestrian in Perth tragically died after being struck by an e-scooter. This followed the death of another person in Victoria last month who was hit and killed by a modified

    ‘There are too many unpleasant things in life without creating more’: why Impressionism is the world’s favourite art movement
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sasha Grishin, Adjunct Professor of Art History, Australian National University Installation view of French Impressionism from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston on display from June 6 to October 5, at NGV International, Melbourne. Photo: Sean Fennessy Impressionism is the world’s favourite art movement. Impressionist paintings create

    ‘Deadly’ sports diplomacy: why Australia’s Indigenous people must be a part of our sports strategy
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stuart Murray, Associate Professor, International Relations and Diplomacy, Bond University Sean Garnsworthy/ALLSPORT Since coming to power in 2022, the Albanese government has focused strongly on the Indo-Pacific. The prime minister’s recent trip to Indonesia was the latest high-level bilateral summit as Australia seeks to recalibrate relationships, enhance

    Making it easier to build a granny flat makes sense – but it’s no solution to a housing crisis
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Timothy Welch, Senior Lecturer in Urban Planning, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau RyanJLane/Getty Images As part of its resource management reforms, the government will soon allow “super-sized granny flats” to be built without consent – potentially adding 13,000 dwellings over the next decade to provide “families

    Is black mould really as bad for us as we think? A toxicologist explains
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Musgrave, Senior lecturer in Pharmacology, University of Adelaide Peeradontax/Shutterstock Mould in houses is unsightly and may cause unpleasant odours. More important though, mould has been linked to a range of health effects – especially triggering asthma. However, is mould exposure linked to a serious lung disease

    Resident-to-resident aggression is common in nursing homes. Here’s how we can improve residents’ safety
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joseph Ibrahim, Professor, Aged Care Medical Research Australian Centre for Evidence Based Aged Care, La Trobe University Wbmul/Shutterstock The Coroners Court of Victoria is undertaking an inquest into the deaths of eight aged care residents across six facilities, over a nine-month period in 2021. Each death occurred

    We tracked 13,000 giants of the ocean over 30 years, to uncover their hidden highways
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ana M. M. Sequeira, Associate Professor, Research School of Biology, Australian National University Alexandra Vautin, Shutterstock Big animals of the ocean go about their days mostly hidden from view. Scientists know this marine megafauna – such as whales, sharks, seal, turtles and birds – travel vast distances

    ‘No one knew what was happening’: new research shows how domestic violence harms young people’s schooling
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Steven Roberts, Professor of Education and Social Justice, Monash University Taiki Ishikawa/ Unsplash, CC BY Every school around Australia is almost certain to have students who are victim-survivors of family and domestic violence. The 2023 Australian Child Maltreatment Study found neglect and physical, sexual and emotional abuse

    Internal tensions throw PNG anti-corruption body into crisis
    By Scott Waide, RNZ Pacific PNG correspondent Three staffers from Papua New Guinea’s peak anti-corruption body are embroiled in a standoff that has brought into question the integrity of the organisation. Police Commissioner David Manning has confirmed that he received a formal complaint. Commissioner Manning said that initial inquiries were underway to inform the “sensitive

    Tasmania could go to an election just 16 months after its last one. What’s going on?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robert Hortle, Deputy Director, Tasmanian Policy Exchange, University of Tasmania Tasmania’s Liberal government and its premier, Jeremy Rockliff, have come under huge pressure since the state budget was handed down last week. It’s culminated in the Tasmanian House of Assembly voting to pass a motion of no

    Grattan on Friday: Albanese will need some nuance in facing a female opposition leader
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Anthony Albanese loves a trophy, especially a human one. He prides himself on his various “captain’s pick” candidates – good campaigners he has steered into seats. Way back in the Gillard days, he was key in persuading discontented Liberal Peter

    Punishment for Te Pāti Māori over Treaty haka stands – but MPs ‘will not be silenced’
    RNZ News Aotearoa New Zealand’s Parliament has confirmed the unprecedented punishments proposed for opposition indigenous Te Pāti Māori MPs who performed a haka in protest against the Treaty Principles Bill. Te Pāti Māori co-leaders Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Rawiri Waititi will be suspended for 21 days, and MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke suspended for seven days, taking effect

    Virgin Australia is coming back to the share market. Here’s what this new chapter could mean
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rico Merkert, Professor in Transport and Supply Chain Management and Deputy Director, Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies (ITLS), University of Sydney Business School, University of Sydney Petr Podrouzek/Shutterstock It is finally happening. After five years of being a private company, Virgin Australia will relist on the

    GPs asking men about their behaviour in relationships could help reduce domestic violence
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kelsey Hegarty, Professor of Family Violence Prevention, The University of Melbourne Domestic violence is increasing in Australia. A new report shows one in three men have ever made a partner feel frightened or anxious. One in 11 have used physical violence when angry. And one in 50

    The Top End’s tropical savannas are a natural wonder – but weak environment laws mean their future is uncertain
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Euan Ritchie, Professor in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, School of Life & Environmental Sciences, Deakin University François Brassard The Top End of Australia’s Northern Territory contains an extensive, awe-inspiring expanse of tropical savanna landscapes. It includes well-known and much-loved regions such as Darwin, Kakadu National Park, Arnhem

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Israel strikes buildings in southern suburbs of Beirut

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    BEIRUT/JERUSALEM, June 6 (Xinhua) — The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out airstrikes on buildings in several areas of Beirut’s southern suburbs on Thursday evening after issuing an evacuation warning in anticipation of an attack on Hezbollah military infrastructure.

    Lebanon’s official National News Agency (NIA) reported that at least three rockets were fired at a southern suburb of Beirut.

    The Israeli army said it had struck “Hezbollah air force targets in the Dahiya neighborhood of Beirut.”

    The attack took place on the eve of the Eid al-Adha holiday. Less than two hours before the strikes, the Israeli military issued an evacuation warning for areas it said housed underground Hezbollah drone factories. IDF spokesman Avichai Adraei told the X website that Israel would target buildings in Beirut’s southern suburbs, urging residents to evacuate. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Is black mould really as bad for us as we think? A toxicologist explains

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Ian Musgrave, Senior lecturer in Pharmacology, University of Adelaide

    Peeradontax/Shutterstock

    Mould in houses is unsightly and may cause unpleasant odours. More important though, mould has been linked to a range of health effects – especially triggering asthma.

    However, is mould exposure linked to a serious lung disease in children, unrelated to asthma? As we’ll see, this link may not be real, or if it is, it’s so rare to not be a meaningful risk. Yet we still hear mould in damp homes described as “toxic”.

    Indeed, mouldy homes can harm people’s health, but not necessarily how you might think.

    What is mould?

    Mould is the general term for a variety of fungi. The mould that people have focused on in damp homes is “black mould”. This forms unsightly black patches on walls and other parts of damp-affected buildings.

    Black mould is not a single fungus. But when people talk about black mould, they generally mean the fungus Stachybotrys chartarum or S. chartarum for short. It’s one of experts’ top ten feared fungi.

    The focus on this species comes from a report in the 1990s on cases of haemorrhagic lung disease in a number of infants. This is a rare disease where blood leaks into the lungs, and can be fatal. The report suggested chemicals known as mycotoxins associated with this species of fungus were responsible for the outbreak.

    What are mycotoxins?

    A variety of fungi produce mycotoxins to defend themselves, among other reasons.

    Hundreds of different chemicals are listed as myocytoxins. These include ones in poisonous mushrooms, and ones associated with the soil fungi Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus.

    The fungus typically associated with black mould S. chartarum can produce several mycotoxins. These include roridin, which inhibits protein synthesis in humans and animals, and satratoxins, which have numerous toxic effects including bleeding in the lungs.

    While the satratoxins, in particular, were mentioned in the report from the 90s in children, there are some problems when we look at the evidence.

    The amount of mycotoxins S. chartarum makes can vary considerably. Even if significant amounts of mycotoxin are present, getting them into the body in the required amount to cause damage is another thing.

    Inhaling spores in contaminated (mouldy) homes is the most probable way mycotoxins enter the body. For instance, we know mycotoxins can be found in S. chartarum spores. We also know direct injection of high concentrations of mycotoxin-bearing spores directly in the noses of mice can cause some lung bleeding.

    Stachybotrys chartarum mycotoxins have been blamed for lung issues after exposure to black mould.
    Kateryna Kon/Shutterstock

    But just because inhaling spores is the probable route of contamination doesn’t mean this is very likely.

    That’s because S. chartarum doesn’t release a lot of spores. Its spores are typically embedded in a slimy mass and it rarely produces the spore densities needed to replicate the animal studies.

    The original reports suggesting the US infants who were diagnosed with haemorrhagic lung disease were exposed to toxic levels of mycotoxins were also flawed.

    Among other issues, the concentrations of mould spores was calculated incorrectly. Subsequent correction for these issues resulted in the association between S. chartarum and this disease cluster basically disappearing.

    The American Academy of Asthma Allergy and Immunology states while there is a clear, well-established relationship between damp indoor spaces and detrimental health effects, there is no good evidence black mould mycotoxins are involved.

    But mould can cause allergies

    Moulds can affect human health in ways unrelated to mycotoxins, typically through allergic reactions. Moulds including black moulds can trigger or worsen asthma attacks in people with mould allergies.

    Some rarer but severe reactions can include allergic fungal sinusitis, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and rarer still, hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

    These can typically be controlled by removing the mould (or removing the person from the source of mould).

    People with impaired immune systems (such as people taking immune-suppressant medications) may also be prone to mould infections.

    In a nutshell

    There is sufficient evidence that household mould is associated with respiratory issues attributable to their allergic effects.

    However, there is no strong evidence mycotoxins from household mould – and in particular black mould – are associated with substantial health issues.

    Ian Musgrave has received funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council to study adverse reactions to herbal medicines and has previously been funded by the Australian Research Council to study potential natural product treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. He is currently a member of one of the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s statutory councils.

    – ref. Is black mould really as bad for us as we think? A toxicologist explains – https://theconversation.com/is-black-mould-really-as-bad-for-us-as-we-think-a-toxicologist-explains-258173

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s efforts on environment inspire countries

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

    China Daily | June 6, 2025

    In Minchinabad, Pakistan’s Punjab province, Muhammad Basit Ghauri, a keen observer of the country’s energy transition, is excited about the progress made there.

    Nearly every home, public building, shop and mosque in the city is adorned with glistening solar panels, many of which were imported from China. This scene was something Ghauri didn’t expect to see in areas so far away from major cities, but the sight of solar panels is becoming ever more common in Pakistan.

    “What used to be a luxury — solar energy — has now become a practical solution for the lower-middle and even lower income households,” said Ghauri, who works for Renewables First, a Pakistani think tank, in an interview ahead of World Environment Day, which fell on Thursday.

    As China pioneers the development of an ecological civilization, the ripple effects of the unwavering commitment of the world’s largest developing nation have extended far beyond its borders, notably benefiting other developing countries like Pakistan.

    Experts and officials are envisioning greener, more sustainable futures for countries in the Global South, drawing inspiration from China’s pioneering advancements in environmental and climate initiatives.

    This resonates strongly with one of the key tenets of Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, which emphasizes China’s commitment to jointly promote the construction of a global ecological civilization and get deeply involved in global environmental governance, in order to come up with a worldwide solution for environmental protection and sustainable development.

    For Ghauri, the ongoing energy transition in Pakistan has primarily been propelled by the declining costs of solar energy and the increasing prices of electricity from the country’s unreliable grid, with solar panels from China playing a crucial role in facilitating this shift.

    Pakistan purchased some 16 gigawatts of solar panels from China last year at a cost of more than $2 billion, Ghauri said.

    According to the International Energy Agency, China accounts for approximately 80 percent of global solar photovoltaic module manufacturing and has driven a more than 80 percent reduction in the price of solar panels over the past decade.

    Ghauri said that instead of just importing its solar products, Pakistan can also learn from China’s experiences in developing its solar energy industry.

    “No one has built a stronger solar supply chain than China. They dominate global manufacturing not by accident, but through smart investments and a long-term strategy,” he said.

    Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif visited China in December, engaging in an in-depth discussion with Minister of Ecology and Environment Huang Runqiu.

    While praising China’s significant achievements in air pollution control, Sharif expressed a sincere desire to strengthen communication and collaboration with China on air quality management, the renewable energy industry and low-carbon development, according to the ministry.

    In interviews with China Daily during the COP29 United Nations climate change conference in Azerbaijan late last year, the environment ministers of Cambodia and Nigeria also expressed their hopes of learning from China’s experiences to advance environmental and climate initiatives in their respective countries.

    Eang Sophalleth, Cambodia’s minister for the environment, said: “China has been through so much in the past 20 years. Those experiences are very rich. Cambodia is going through the same phase of developing. And with that experience, it can help us to minimize the impact on the environment in Cambodia.”

    Balarabe Abbas Lawal, Nigeria’s minister for the environment, underscored that there is significant potential for China to assist developing nations in addressing their climate challenges.

    “China is a country that understands what we are going through because they have gone through it,” he said.

    Dimitri de Boer, director for China at ClientEarth, an environmental law organization, said there is a major opportunity for developing countries to learn from how China is moving toward green and low-carbon development.

    While China has enjoyed impressive economic growth, with people’s living standards having improved significantly, the country has also experienced significant environmental improvement in the past decade, he said.

    “Air pollution dropped by more than half, surface water quality is much better, and cities are becoming greener. China’s carbon emissions are starting to plateau, even while power demand continues to increase every year,” he said.

    De Boer emphasized China’s potential to collaborate with other developing nations in advancing their green and low-carbon development initiatives.

    Solar and wind power are now often more affordable than fossil fuels, with their cost continuing to drop, and electric vehicles are becoming very competitive, de Boer said.

    “Countries with a decent level of industrialization could be very well placed to start producing these green technologies in their countries, providing major new business and employment opportunities,” he added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Energy and Development – Cambridge is open for business with $45M energy boost

    Source: Waipa Networks

    This morning, Waipā Networks cut the ribbon on its newly commissioned 33kV zone substation alongside Transpower’s Grid Exit Point (GXP) – a combined investment of over $45 million.
    With Waipā’s population set to grow to around 75,000 over the next 25 years and another 13,200 homes to be built in and around the area, Waipā Networks’ new substation will significantly enhance resilience and future capacity to support our rapidly growing district.
    Over 200 attendees gathered in Hautapu to mark the commissioning of the two projects, with the event opening with a karakia and the gifting of a special taonga by Ngāti Korokī-Kahukura and Ngāti Hauā mana whenua.
    Waipā Networks Chief Executive Sean Horgan acknowledged everyone involved, including key partners, Transpower, and his team, for their mahi. He described the completion of this major infrastructure project as a landmark achievement and a first for Waipā Networks.
    “This milestone represents a solid step forward for our business and the district’s energy future, supporting our growing business community by enhancing our ability to connect large new electricity loads to the network.
    “It’s more than a technical achievement – it’s a declaration of intent. It strengthens our network, enables growth within Waipā, and lays the foundation for a low-carbon, electrified future.”
    Horgan noted the timing was especially meaningful as the company celebrates over a century of service to the Waipā district and its communities.
    “We are 100% owned by our customers, and it is an honour to look back at 100 years of service, while at the same time looking ahead to the future. Our mission remains the same: to deliver safe, reliable, and affordable electricity and to do it in a way that unlocks opportunities for our community.
    Located in one of Waikato’s fastest-growing industrial zones, the new substation is designed to power the future, enabling electrified transport, low-carbon agriculture, regional manufacturing, and greater integration of solar, battery, and smart grid technologies.
    “This is modern infrastructure, designed for a modern district that’s ready for growth.”
    Transpower Executive General Manager Grid Delivery Mark Ryall says that Waipa is just one of many regions where demand for electricity is rapidly growing.
    “Across the motu, we expect demand to grow around 70% by 2050 as Kiwis increasingly electrify the way we live and work. Transpower has a key enabling role for this energy transition as the owner and operator of our electricity transmission grid, working with our electricity sector partners across Aotearoa to deliver the reliable power system that our communities need to thrive and prosper.”
    Transpower has completed 20 customer projects to connect new demand or relocate existing assets to make way for development over the last 18 months, not including new generation. During the same time, a further 15 projects have progressed to delivery, which involves detailed design or construction, and 23 have entered the investigation stage.
    “These projects mean our local lines company partners like Waipā Networks can provide more power to their communities and big industrial users can electrify their operations. The future is bright, renewable and affordable, but getting there will require a heap of investment from Transpower and our partners across the industry. That’s an investment in our prosperity and energy security, and the hard mahi is well underway.”
    Waipā is growing faster than ever before, and so is the need for a reliable and resilient electricity network.
    Waipā Mayor Susan O’Regan said it was a significant milestone not just for Cambridge, but for the entire Waipā district.
    “It’s more than the completion of a critical infrastructure project, it’s a powerful symbol of growth, progress and foresight, and represents confidence in our district’s future,” she said.
    “We’re building real communities – connected, thriving places where people can live and raise families, and where businesses can grow and succeed. Energy is a critical part and enabler of this.”
    As the district steps into a new age of electricity, Horgan said the new substation is only the beginning.
    “We’re also defining the design of our future network architecture for Te Awamutu and Kihikihi, harnessing new technology to provide practical and reliable solutions for our customers,” he adds.
    “It’s about delivering for all of our communities; past, present, and future”.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Australia is in the firing line of Trump’s looming ‘revenge tax’. It’s a fight we’re unlikely to win

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Graeme Cooper, Professor of Taxation Law, University of Sydney

    Alexey_Arz/Shutterstock

    The Australian Labor Party just won an election victory for the ages. Now, it may be forced to walk back one of the key achievements of its first term.

    Here’s why: United States President Donald Trump is about to declare an income tax war on much of the world – and we Australians are not on the same side.

    Over in the US, the “One Big Beautiful Bill act” – a tax and spending package worth trillions of dollars – has been passed by the House of Representatives. It’s now before the Senate for consideration.

    Within it lies a new and highly controversial provision: Section 899. This increases various US tax rates payable by taxpayers from any country the US claims is maintaining an “unfair foreign tax” by five percentage points each year, up to an additional 20% loading.

    Having been an integral part of an international effort to create a global 15% minimum tax, Australia now finds itself in the firing line of Trump’s “revenge tax” warfare – and it’s a fight we’re unlikely to win.

    A global minimum tax rate

    The origins of the looming income tax war started in 2013, when the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) released its plan to stamp out “base erosion and profit shifting”.

    This refers to a range of strategies often used by multinational companies to minimise the tax they pay, exploiting differences and gaps in the tax rules of different countries.

    The OECD’s first attempt to tackle the problem was a collection of disparate measures directed not only at corporate tax avoidance, but also controlling tax poaching by national governments and “sweetheart deals” negotiated by tax officials.

    Under both Labor and the Coalition, Australia was initially an enthusiastic backer of these attempts.

    However, the project was not a widespread success. Many countries endorsed the final reports but, unlike Australia, few countries acted on them.

    After the failure of this first project, the OECD tried again in 2019. This evolved to encompass two “pillars” to change the global tax rules.

    Pillar one would give more tax to countries where a company’s customers are located. Pillar two is a minimum tax of 15% on (a version of) the accounting profits of the largest multinationals earned in each country where the multinational operates.

    Labor picked up this project for the 2022 election, promising to support both pillars – and they honoured that promise.

    US Speaker of the House Mike Johnson speaks following the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act on May 22.
    The Washington Post/Getty

    Mixed success

    Around the world, the two pillar project had mixed success. Pillar one was dead-on-arrival: most countries did nothing. But Australia and several other countries, mostly in Europe, implemented pillar two – the global minimum tax.

    The OECD has always maintained the base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) project was a coalition of the willing, meant to rebalance the way income tax is allocated between producer and consumer countries, and rid the world of tax havens.

    In the US, Republicans did not share that view. For them, BEPS was simply another attempt by foreign countries to get more tax from US companies.

    This Republican dissatisfaction with the OECD is now on full display. On the first day of his second term, Trump issued an executive order, formally repudiating any OECD commitments the Biden administration might have given.

    He also directed his officials to report on options for retaliatory measures the US could take against any foreign countries with income tax rules that are “extraterritorial” or “disproportionately affect American companies”.

    Why Australia is so exposed

    Australia could find itself in the firing line of Trump’s tax warfare on many fronts. And the US doesn’t lack firepower. Section 899 adds to a number of retaliatory tax provisions the US already had at its disposal.

    The increased tax rates would affect Australian super funds and other investors earning dividends, rent, interest, royalties and other income from US companies.
    Australian super funds in particular are heavily invested in US markets, which have outperformed local stocks in recent years.

    It would also affect Australian managed funds owning land and infrastructure assets in the US, as well as Australian entities such as banks that carry on business in the US.

    And there are other measures that would expose US subsidiaries of Australian companies to US higher tax.

    The bill would even remove the doctrine of sovereign immunity for the governments of “offending” countries. Sovereign immunity refers to a tax exemption on returns that usually applies to governments. This means the Australian government itself could have to pay tax to the US.

    There are concerns on Wall Street this will dampen demand for US government bonds from foreign governments, which are big buyers of US Treasuries. The argument may sway some in the Senate – but how many remains to be seen.

    What Australia may need to do next

    We may be incredulous that anyone would consider our tax system combative, but enacting the OECD pillar two was always known to be risky.

    There are other, homegrown Australian tax measures that have drawn American ire.

    In 2015, Australia enacted an income tax measure (commonly called the “Google tax”) specifically directed at US tech companies. In 2017, we followed this up with a diverted profits tax. Trump’s bill specifically targets both measures.

    Tying ourselves to the OECD’s global minimum tax project might have seemed like a good idea in 2019. In 2025, it looks decidedly unappealing, and not just because of Trump.

    First, there is not actually any serious revenue in pillar two for Australia. Treasury’s revenue estimate totalled only $360 million after four years, just slightly more than a rounding error in the federal budget.

    Second, we are increasingly alone and vulnerable in this battle. It might feel emotionally satisfying to stand up to the US. If there was a sizeable coalition alongside us, there might be some point.

    If Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill act does pass through the US Senate, the Australian government and business will be left exposed to much higher costs.

    Since abandoning the US market is not really an option, it might be time to surrender quietly and gracefully – by reversing, at the very least, the contentious bits of pillar two.

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

    – ref. Australia is in the firing line of Trump’s looming ‘revenge tax’. It’s a fight we’re unlikely to win – https://theconversation.com/australia-is-in-the-firing-line-of-trumps-looming-revenge-tax-its-a-fight-were-unlikely-to-win-257961

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –