Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Global foreign direct investment (FDI) fell by 11 percent to 1.5 trillion U.S. dollars in 2024, marking the second consecutive year of decline, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) said on Thursday.
Geopolitical tensions, trade fragmentation, and intensifying industrial policy competition, combined with elevated financial risk and uncertainty, are reshaping global investment, the UNCTAD said in its World Investment Report 2025.
The decline was driven largely by a 22 percent drop in FDI to developed economies, including a 58 percent plunge in Europe, the report said.
In developing countries, capital inflows appeared broadly stable with regional divergence. However, in many economies, capital is “stagnating or bypassing” key sectors like infrastructure, energy, technology, and job-creating industries, it highlighted.
“Too many economies are being left behind not for lack of potential — but because the system still sends capital where it’s easiest, not where it’s needed,” said UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan.
Digital economy investment is the only growth sector, which saw a 14 percent rise in FDI led by Information and Communication technology (ICT) manufacturing, digital services, and semiconductors, the report said.
The report noted steep investment drops in sectors critical to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), including renewable energy, transport, and water and sanitation, all with declines by over 30 percent.
Current levels of investment fall far short of global needs, it warned. Closing the SDG financing gap would require an estimated 4 trillion U.S. dollars per year in developing countries, it added.
The report also noted that the escalation of global trade tensions driven by the U.S. “reciprocal tariff” measures, as well as evolving trade negotiations and heightened economic policy uncertainty, have significantly impacted international investment.
Firms are recalibrating cross-border investment strategies, seeking to navigate a more complex and uncertain operating environment, it said.
The report urged increased, long-term and inclusive capital that is aligned with sustainable development, especially in the digital economy sector, to help close the global divide.
The UNCTAD put forward seven priority areas covering data and AI governance, digital investment policy and rules, digital infrastructure, among others, to help developing economies secure transformative FDI in digital industries.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Under the dappled canopy of east China’s lush woodlands, Yang Shuiming gently inspected the Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua, a prized herb in traditional Chinese medicine, which infuses new vitality into local forestry.
He tended the plants with devotion, knowing that these leaves carry not only the promise of healing patients but also the hope of a brighter future for local farmers. To his delight, he successfully expanded his medicinal herb plantation last year, confident that his green investment had solid financial backing.
Back in 2014, Yang founded a cooperative in Guangze County, Fujian Province, aiming to grow various medicinal herbs beneath the towering forest trees. He began cultivating over 2,000 mu (about 133 hectares) of forest land. But with planting cycles stretching as long as three to five years, and little income in the early years, financial pressure soon mounted.
Waiting years for harvests and managing upfront costs no longer daunted Yang after his cooperative secured an 800,000 yuan (about 111,500 U.S. dollars) forest development loan in 2024. The infusion of capital enabled him to expand his Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua plantation by 200 mu.
“With this funding, our medicinal herb plantation expansion has progressed smoothly,” Yang said.
Yang’s story reflects how Fujian, a subtropical Chinese province known for its rich biodiversity, is pioneering green finance to unlock the value of forest resources while safeguarding the environment.
Since the launch of a dedicated forest development loan program in March 2022, Guangze’s rural credit cooperative has issued loans totaling 95.6 million yuan, according to an official of the local forestry bureau.
These funds are helping forest farmers like Yang expand sustainable operations from herb cultivation and bamboo processing to carbon sink initiatives.
In Nanping City, where Guangze is located, a growing portfolio of green financial products now supports forest-based industries. These tools, characterized by large credit lines, low interest rates, and extended loan terms, are making it easier for rural entrepreneurs to invest in long-term ecological ventures.
By bringing inclusive, flexible financing directly to the forest floor, Nanping is channeling capital into sustainable growth while advancing rural revitalization.
Fujian’s green finance transformation was no accident. As early as 2020, the province designated Sanming and Nanping as pilot zones for green finance reform and embedded sustainability goals into its broader financial development strategy. A series of guiding policies followed, encouraging banks and insurers to tailor their services to the unique needs of the forestry sector.
Home to one of China’s largest collective forest areas, Fujian boasts over 121 million mu of forest, nearly three-quarters of which remains open for further development. With a mild climate and fertile soil, the province is a natural greenhouse for forest-based industries.
By 2030, Fujian aims to develop 35 million mu of forest land into productive ecosystems, generating more than 130 billion yuan in output. The province’s ambitious plan includes 7 million mu for planting, 5 million for breeding, 16 million for harvesting and processing, and 7 million for eco-tourism and landscaping.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Around 60 Turkish firms and 20 Chinese companies gathered on Thursday in Istanbul for a business matchmaking event aimed at boosting bilateral cooperation in the beauty industry.
The event, organized by China’s Ministry of Commerce, focused on facilitating discussions between buyers and suppliers across diverse categories such as beauty, skincare, haircare, and packaging.
Min Yan, a representative of Guangzhou Qiaojiang Packaging Co., Ltd., said that through the event, she discovered strong potential for Chinese products in the regional market and expressed her intention to return to Türkiye in the future to further explore the market.
Trade in beauty and hair care products between China and Türkiye has seen strong growth in recent years.
According to China’s Ministry of Commerce, bilateral trade in hairdressing appliances neared 58.96 million U.S. dollars in 2024, representing a year-on-year increase of 34.8 percent. Trade in cosmetics, beauty products, and personal care items totaled 46.78 million dollars, up 17.6 percent from the previous year.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Lionel Messi struck a stunning free kick to seal a 2-1 comeback victory for Inter Miami over Porto in their FIFA Club World Cup Group A clash on Thursday.
Porto took the early lead just eight minutes into the match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Inter Miami defender Noah Allen was penalized for a challenge on Joao Mario inside the box following a VAR review.
Samu Aghehowa stepped up and converted the resulting penalty, beating veteran Inter Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari despite the Argentine getting a hand to the ball.
The Portuguese side nearly doubled its advantage before halftime when midfielder Alan Varela’s powerful strike from 20 yards hit the post. The rebound deflected off Ustari’s back, but the keeper managed to collect the ball just before it crossed the line.
Inter Miami, who managed only six touches inside Porto’s box in the first half, came out energized after the break and found the equalizer in the 47th minute. Venezuelan midfielder Telasco Segovia latched onto a cross from Marcelo Weigandt and fired the ball into the top corner.
The Major League Soccer side completed its comeback just seven minutes later. Luis Suarez earned a free kick on the edge of Porto’s penalty area, and Messi stepped up to curl an exquisite set piece into the top right corner.
The win lifts Inter Miami to second place in Group A with four points from one win and one draw, trailing Brazil’s Palmeiras only on goal difference. Porto and Al Ahly follow with one point each. Inter Miami will host group leader Palmeiras at Hard Rock Stadium on June 23 in their final group fixture.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Xi says ceasefire an urgent priority in Middle East during phone talks with Putin
Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Thursday that ceasefire must be an urgent priority in the Middle East.
Xi made the remarks during his phone talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. During the call, the two leaders exchanged views regarding the situation in the Middle East.
Xi outlined China’s principles and position, saying that the current Middle East situation is highly perilous, further proving that the world is entering a new period of turbulence and transformation.
If the conflict continues to escalate, not only will the parties directly involved suffer greater losses, but countries across the region will also be severely affected, Xi said.
He said the use of force is not a right way to resolve international disputes and only serves to deepen hatred and confrontation.
The parties involved in the conflict, especially Israel, should halt military operations as soon as possible to prevent a spiral of escalation and to firmly avoid the spread of war beyond the region, Xi said.
Xi also said that ensuring civilian safety must be a top priority, adding that the red line of protecting civilians in armed conflicts must not be crossed at any time, and indiscriminate use of force is unacceptable.
He called on the parties to the conflict to strictly adhere to international law, avoid harming innocent civilians, and facilitate the safe evacuation of third-country nationals.
Dialogue and negotiation are the fundamental solutions, Xi said, adding that communication and dialogue are the right ways to achieve lasting peace.
Xi urged the relevant parties to firmly support a political solution to the Iranian nuclear issue, and push the issue back to the track of political solution through dialogue and negotiation.
The international community’s peacemaking efforts are indispensable, Xi said, adding that without stability in the Middle East, there can hardly be peace in the world.
The conflict between Israel and Iran has led to a sudden escalation of tensions in the Middle East and severely impacted global security, Xi noted.
The international community, especially major countries that have a special influence on parties to the conflict, should make efforts to cool down the situation, not the opposite, he said, calling on the UN Security Council to play a bigger role in this regard.
Xi stressed that China stands ready to continue enhancing communication and coordination with all parties, pool their efforts, uphold justice, and play a constructive role in restoring peace in the Middle East.
Putin, for his part, outlined Russia’s views on the current situation in the Middle East, saying that Israel’s attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities is extremely dangerous.
The escalation of the conflict is in no one’s interests, said the Russian president, noting that the Iranian nuclear issue should be resolved through dialogue and negotiation.
He also said that both sides of the conflict should ensure the safety of citizens of the third countries, adding that as the current situation is evolving rapidly, Russia stands ready to maintain close communication with China, and make joint active efforts to cool down the situation, so as to safeguard regional peace and stability.
The two heads of state spoke highly of the political mutual trust and high-level strategic coordination between China and Russia, and agreed to maintain close high-level exchanges, advance cooperation in various fields, and deepen the development of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
China’s surging technology innovation is rewriting the playbook for foreign investors, with the country’s booming tech sector having reshaped expectations regarding its long-term growth potential.
The latest example came as Goldman Sachs unveiled a list of what it has identified as China’s Prominent 10, a move reminiscent of the Magnificent Seven, a group of high-performing and influential stocks in the U.S. tech sector.
The top 10 Chinese stocks, most of which are affiliated with tech giants, are expected to significantly expand their share of China’s equity market over the coming two years.
Among these 10 are internet behemoth Tencent, e-commerce giant Alibaba, smartphone maker Xiaomi, electric car manufacturer BYD, digital shopping platform Meituan and pharmaceutical company Hengrui.
They “embody the theme of AI/Tech development, self-sufficiency, going global, services and new forms of consumption, and China’s improving shareholder returns,” according the investment bank’s research findings.
Behind the stock picks spreadsheets of Wall Street economists lies a deeper recalibration, with those observers who once declared “peak China” now overhauling their models, and transitioning to a view which sees tech innovation as driving a new wave of substantial expansion in China.
Last month, MSCI added five A-share stocks, including VeriSilicon, Baili-Pharm and APT Medical, to its China Index. These new constituents are mostly in tech and biotech sectors, reflecting global index compilers’ recognition of China’s economic transformation.
Top global investors, including Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan, have turned bullish on China’s market — driven by global investor interest in Chinese equities due to the country’s AI push, led by DeepSeek. This month, notably, major investment banks have raised their growth forecasts for the Chinese economy.
As of May 29, the Hang Seng Tech Index had surged over 40 percent year on year, outperforming major global tech indices. Of the top ten most actively traded Hong Kong stocks, seven are Hang Seng Tech constituents, with the three most active being Tencent, Alibaba and Xiaomi.
China’s AI breakthroughs highlight its supply chain and innovation strengths, supported by a robust ecosystem of infrastructure, data, talent and energy, said Xing Ziqiang, Morgan Stanley’s chief economist for China.
“China’s tech innovations are shifting from isolated breakthroughs to systematic integration, with many fields experiencing their ‘DeepSeek moment’ and some emerging tech firms achieving a global presence from the start,” said Wu Qing, head of the China Securities Regulatory Commission, at a forum in east China’s Shanghai on Wednesday.
Additionally, tech stars like DeepSeek and Huawei weren’t included in Goldman Sachs’ stock picks only because they’re not publicly traded. Beyond these giants, many Chinese startups are rising to prominence. China now has more than 400 unicorn companies, nearly one-third of the global total.
The country’s recent economic data also support such an outlook.
Data from the National Bureau of Statistics shows that China’s high-tech manufacturing added value grew by 8.6 percent in May, outpacing the overall growth of large-scale industrial added value by 2.8 percentage points.
Within this sector, production of 3D printing equipment, industrial robots and new energy vehicles increased by 40.0, 35.5 and 31.7 percent, respectively.
China is not only the largest market but arguably also the world’s innovation hub, propelling cost efficiencies and next-gen robotics development, said a Morgan Stanley research note recently.
“It is becoming apparent that national support for ’embodied AI’ may be far greater in China than in any other nation, driving continued innovation and capital formation,” said Zhong Sheng, Morgan Stanley’s head of industrials research.
“The continuing AI and technology breakthroughs have rewritten the narrative and brightened the growth prospects” for China’s privately-owned enterprises, who also lead the charge of “China’s ‘Going Global’ ambition,” according to the Goldman Sachs report.
This year, overseas demand for China’s AI-driven tech products has surged. Data from AliExpress reveals that during its March promotion, sales of AR/VR glasses, led by brands like XREAL and Rokid, had jumped 600 percent from the previous month.
“Last year, our AR glasses’ overseas business accounted for nearly 70 percent of total sales, with overseas sales growing by 30 percent year on year,” said Zhang Longjie, global sales head of consumer-grade AR glasses firm XREAL.
Despite global uncertainties, China’s high-tech product exports performed strongly in the first five months of 2025 — rising 6.1 percent year on year in U.S.-dollar terms, according to the General Administration of Customs data.
This week, Environment Minister Murray Watt met with groups representing business, the environment, renewable energy and First Nations communities in a bid to restart Labor’s stalled environmental reforms. There was one group in the room Watt presumably had to woo hardest: Western Australia’s miners.
Last year, the WA mining lobby mounted an ultimately successful campaign opposing proposed changes to national environment laws, and the plan to set up an environmental protection authority. State premier Roger Cook also lobbied Prime Minister Anthony Albanese directly.
Watt has pledged to revive the reform process and on Thursday claimed a compromise could be reached. The existing laws, he said, are “not working for the environment, and they are not working for business”.
Whether his efforts will be enough to overcome the scepticism of the mining industry remains to be seen. These companies have influence – and they will use it if they see new laws as a threat.
The mining state
The mining industry dominates WA economically, politically and socially. WA’s mining sector is substantially larger than the mining interests in any other Australian state. Underground lie huge reserves of iron ore, gas, gold, lithium and many other resources.
The leaders of WA mining companies see themselves, by and large, as doing economically vital work.
I have interviewed many WA mining executives for my doctorate, which is currently underway. One clear common narrative emerged: they saw mining as a national good. They believed their companies brought wealth and prosperity to communities, built infrastructure, and funnelled money into state and federal treasuries.
The justification is powerful. It underpins the way those in the industry see their work – and how they respond to any threat, perceived or otherwise.
It also dates back over a century. The link between WA resources and prosperity originates from the 1890s WA gold rush, which transformed the fortunes of the state. This self image has been nurtured through successive resource booms, from gold to iron ore to natural gas and more gold.
Many company executives see any duplication of environmental approvals as time-consuming, unproductive and economically damaging. A 2023 WA Chamber of Commerce and Industry report suggested “green tape” (approval delays) was threatening 40% of mining proposals in the pipeline.
Miners and their political backers often frame the industry as environmentally positive, particularly for resources vital to the green energy transition such as lithium, rare earth elements and – more controversially – gas.
Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King – who is West Australian – regularly draws this link. As she said in 2023:
let me be clear, the global clean energy transition will need more mining, not less […] the road to net zero runs through the Australian resources sector.
WA miners are represented by well-organised and well-resourced lobbying bodies such as the Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA, the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies, and the Minerals Council of Australia.
These groups maintain relationships with politicians at both state and federal levels, regardless of which party is in power.
Broadly, their goals are to promote the continued expansion of resource projects (minerals, oil and gas) under conditions most advantageous to industry interests.
Mining companies use these industry lobby groups to support or critique government policy and push for changes. They exert influence through targeted lobbying, close relationships with elected officials and political candidates, and direct engagement with federal processes.
What happens when the sector sees a potential threat from policymakers in Canberra? Often, the mining companies unify against it.
For example, WA miners were prominent in the 2010 campaign against efforts by the Rudd government to introduce a super profits tax on mining.
Why WA miners oppose nature law reform
A tax is one thing. But what did the WA miners see as the key problems in the environmental reforms?
One issue was a perceived contradiction between the federal government’s intention to streamline developmental approvals and introduce a federal Environmental Protection Agency, while failing to deal with existing duplication between state and federal processes.
The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies lobby group gave another reason in a submission to government: the proposed independence of the EPA would remove the discretionary power of the minister.
Rather than an independent federal EPA, they pushed for a model similar to the WA version – the advice of which the minister can overrule. The group also warned the laws would impede the global competitiveness of the mining industry and hinder investment.
The state government echoed these statements, calling the reforms an overreach that would stifle economic development.
This alignment of government and industry messaging shows how closely their interests are intertwined.
Premier Roger Cook leaves no ambiguity about this. Ahead of this year’s WA and federal elections, Cook warned the “latte sippers” over east:
do not for a moment think that we will stand by idly and allow you to damage our economy because, ultimately, it will damage your standard of living.
Is a deal possible?
Across Australia, there is broad support for environmental law reform, because the current national laws are seen as not fit for purpose.
Murray Watt came to the role of environment minister with a reputation as a fixer. The question now is, what will he trade to get the miners on side?
The industry will be cautious and will insist on much more detail about any changes. It’s possible a deal could be struck. But we can expect to continue to see very strong pushback if Watt tries to expand federal powers into what is seen as state responsibilities.
The industry will also expect greater federal resourcing for delivery of timely approvals. Nationally important industries don’t like to wait.
Diane Dowdell is a PhD Candidate in the Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining (CSRM) within the Sustainable Minerals Institute at the University of Queensland. She was the recipient of an industry scholarship from Newcrest Mining for her PhD research. She works for SLR Consulting Pty Ltd. Diane is a fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM) and the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ).
Former Federal Finance Minister and Senate Leader, The Hon. Simon Birmingham, will join the Australian Banking Association as Chief Executive Officer.
ABA Chair and National Australia Bank CEO Andrew Irvine today announced Mr Birmingham’s appointment, replacing retiring CEO, The Hon. Anna Bligh AC.
“We are delighted to have Simon lead our industry and help ensure Australian banks continue making the right decisions for customers and the broader economy,” Mr Irvine said.
“He is a recognised leader who has had deep involvement in significant and long-lasting policy decisions and actions throughout his career that have helped to shape our country.
“Simon’s ability to navigate difficult and complex environments, bringing together varied interests and perspectives, makes him ideal for this role. He will be a sensible, consistent and respected voice on behalf of the industry.”
Mr Birmingham served in the Australian Parliament as a Liberal Senator for South Australia from 2007 to 2025. His roles included Minister for Finance, Leader of the Government in the Senate, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Minister for Education and Training and Manager of Government Business in the Senate. He was Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs from 2022 until his retirement from the Senate.
Prior to politics, he worked with the Winemakers’ Federation of Australia and the Australian Hotels Association. He is currently ANZ’s Head of Asia Pacific Engagement and Chairman, South Australia. He holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Adelaide.
“I thank the ABA board for their vote of confidence in my ability to lead this industry. As the ABA CEO I will always put trust in Australia’s banking system first, pursue a competitive regulatory environment, and work to ensure innovation in banking strengthens Australia’s financial interests. I also want to acknowledge ANZ for their support and encouragement through this process,” Mr Birmingham said.
“Banks are central to our economy, essential to businesses of all sizes and entrusted by Australians with their personal financial wellbeing. From trade and capital flows from large and international banks, to the choice offered by smaller banks, regional banks and customer-owned organisations, a strong, healthy, customer-focused financial services sector is vital for all Australians.”
Mr Birmingham will start on 18 August. Ms Bligh, who announced in February that she would retire after eight years as ABA CEO, will finish on 22 August.
“Anna has had a remarkable and lasting impact on this industry and how we look after our customers,” Mr Irvine said. We are enormously grateful for her time advocating for customers, particularly the disadvantaged, across financial services.”
For more information, visit the ABA’s website here.
Contact: Mark Alexander, National Australia Bank (as ABA Chair bank), 0412 171 447
Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense
BEIJING, June 19 (Xinhua) — A China Coast Guard (CCG) spokesperson on Thursday warned the Philippines that any attempts to infringe upon China’s territorial sovereignty are futile.
The CCG has taken measures against the recent illegal activities of Philippine vessels in the South China Sea in accordance with the law and the professional code of conduct, said Liu Dejun, the CCG spokesperson.
From Sunday to Wednesday, the Philippines dispatched multiple vessels to carry out illegal operations near Banyue Jiao and Jianzhang Jiao of the Nansha Islands in the South China Sea, according to Liu.
“The Philippine vessels have repeatedly engaged in illegal infringement and provocations under the pretext of ‘fishery protection,’ undermining peace and stability in the South China Sea,” he said.
He emphasized that China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands, including Banyue Jiao and Jianzhang Jiao, as well as their adjacent waters.
The CCG will continue conducting regular law enforcement operations in the waters under China’s jurisdiction to safeguard China’s national sovereignty and maritime rights, Liu said.
A new campaign targeting young drivers launches today, highlighting the life-changing consequences of committing road safety offences.
The campaign message, ‘Lost your licence? Sucks to be you,’ highlights the lifestyle regression young drivers face if they lose their licence.
Last year 81 per cent of drivers who receive an Immediate Loss of Licence penalties were young drivers (16-24-year-olds).
SA Police State Operations Service Assistant Commissioner Ian Parrott said becoming a new driver should be a liberating time, but it comes with serious responsibilities.
“If a young driver loses their licence, the excitement of driving themselves to work, sport and social events will go back to relying on parents and public transport again – and that sucks,” he said.
“In addition to losing personal freedoms, young drivers should be aware of the risks of causing a loss of life or serious injuries from unsafe driving.
“Sadly, fatal and serious injury crashes resulting from at-fault young drivers is overrepresented in South Australia.”
In 2024, young drivers found to be at-fault in crashes, caused 11 deaths, making up 12 per cent of all lives lost on the roads and caused 100 serious injuries.
Minister for Police, Stephen Mullighan MP said this campaign will send a clear message to young male drivers.
“Young men are overrepresented in serious and fatal crashes which is why this campaign is deliberately targeting that cohort of drivers.
“Getting your driver’s licence is an exciting time that gives young people more freedom but it also comes with enormous responsibility.
“Losing a driver’s license can have big impacts on a young person’s professional and personal life so I strongly urge drivers to abide by the road rules and take care when driving.”
Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)
Issued by: on
SUVA, Fiji (June 14, 2025) U.S. Navy Lt. Corey Day, right, an entomologist assigned to Navy Medicine Readiness Training Command, and Lt. j.g. Derek Chipmon, left, a public health planner with the Pacific Partnership 25 (PP-25) team, are given an apiary tour by a local beekeeper in Suva, Fiji, during PP-25, June 14, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Moises Sandoval/Released)
Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)
Issued by: on
SUVA, Fiji (June 16, 2025) Capt. Mark B. Stefanik, left, mission commander of Pacific Partnership 2025, greets Mr. Samuela Togenavanua, local tribe leader of Suva, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Waiqanake District School in Suva, Fiji, June 16, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Moises Sandoval/Released)
Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)
Issued by: on
SUVA, Fiji (June 16, 2025) Capt. Mark B. Stefanik, left, mission commander of Pacific Partnership 2025 (PP-25), presents a commemorative gift to Mr. Samuela Togenavanua, local tribe leader of Suva, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Waiqanake District School as part of PP-25 in Suva, Fiji, June 16, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Moises Sandoval/Released)
Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)
Issued by: on
SUVA, Fiji (June 16, 2025) Capt. Mark B. Stefanik, left, mission commander of Pacific Partnership 2025 (PP-25), presents a commemorative gift to Mr. Samuela Togenavanua, local tribe leader of Suva, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Waiqanake District School as part of PP-25 in Suva, Fiji, June 16, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Moises Sandoval/Released)
The surprise US-Israeli attack on Iran is literally and figuratively designed to unleash centrifugal forces in the Islamic Republic.
Two nuclear powers are currently involved in the bombing of the nuclear facilities of a third state. One of them, the US has — for the moment — limited itself to handling mid-air refuelling, bombs and an array of intelligence.
If successful they will destroy or, more likely, destabilise the uranium enrichment centrifuges at Natanz and possibly the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant, causing them to vibrate and spin uncontrollably, generating centrifugal forces that could rupture containment systems.
Spinning at more than 50,000 rpm it wouldn’t take much of a shockwave from a blast or some other act of sabotage to do this.
There may be about half a tonne of enriched uranium and several tonnes of lower-grade material underground.
If a cascade of bunker-busting bombs like the US GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators got through, the heat generated would be in the hundreds, even thousands, of degrees Celsius. This would destroy the centrifuges, converting the uranium hexafluoride gas into a toxic aerosol, leading to serious radiological contamination over a wide area.
The head of the IAEA, the UN’s nuclear watchdog, warned repeatedly of the dangers over the past few days. How many people would be killed, contaminated or forced to evacuate should not have to be calculated — it should be avoided at all cost.
Divided opinions Some people think this attack is a very good idea; some think this is an act of madness by two rogue states.
On June 18, Israeli media were reporting that the US had rushed an aerial armada loaded with bunker busters to Israel while the US continued its sham denials of involvement in the war.
Analysts Professor Jeffrey Sachs and Sybil Fares warned this week of “Israel bringing the world to the brink of nuclear Armageddon in pursuit of its illegal and extremist aims”. They point out that for some decades now Netanyahu has warned that Iran is weeks or even days away from having the bomb, begging successive presidents for permission to wage Judeo-Christian jihad.
In Donald Trump — the MAGA Peace Candidate — he finally got his green light.
The centrifugal forces destabilising the Iranian state The other — and possibly more significant — centrifugal force that has been unleashed is a hybrid attack on the Iranian state itself. The Americans, Israelis and their European allies hope to trigger regime change.
There are many Iranians inside and outside the country who would welcome such a development. Other Iranians suggest they should be careful of what they wish for, pointing to the human misery that follows, as night follows day, wherever post 9/11 America’s project to bring “democracy, goodness and niceness” leads. If you can’t quickly think of half a dozen examples, this must be your first visit to Planet Earth.
Iranian news presenter Sahar Emami during the Israeli attack on state television which killed three media workers . . . Killing journalists is both an Israeli speciality and a war crime. Image: AJ screenshot APR
Is regime change in Iran possible? So, are the Americans and Israelis on to something or not? This week prominent anti-regime writer Sohrab Ahmari added a caveat to his long-standing call for an end to the regime. Ahmari, an Iranian, who is the US editor of the geopolitical analysis platform UnHerd said: “The potential nightmare scenarios are as numerous as they are appalling: regime collapse that leads not to the restoration of the Pahlavi dynasty and the ascent to the Peacock Throne of its chubby dauphin, Reza, but warlordism and ethno-sectarian warfare that drives millions of refugees into Europe.
“Or a Chinese intervention in favour of a crucial energy partner and anchor of the new Eurasian bloc led by Beijing . . . A blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on the Persian Gulf monarchies.”
Despite these risks, there are indeed Iranians who are cheering for Uncle Bibi (Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu). Some have little sympathy for the Palestinians because their government poured millions into supporting Hamas and Hezbollah — money that could have eased hardship inside Iran, caused, it must be added, by both the US-imposed sanctions and the regime’s own mismanagement, some say corruption.
As I pointed out in an article The West’s War on Iran shortly after the Israelis launched the war: the regime appears to have a core support base of around 20 percent. This was true in 2018 when I last visited Iran and was still the case in the most recent polling I could find.
I quoted an Iranian contact who shortly after the attack told me they had scanned reactions inside Iran and found people were upset, angry and overwhelmingly supportive of the government at this critical moment. Like many, I suggested Iranians would — as typically happens when countries are attacked — rally round the flag. Shortly after the article was published this statement was challenged by other Iranians who dispute that there will be any “rallying to the flag” — as that is the flag of the Islamic Republic and a great many Iranians are sick to the back teeth of it.
Some others demur:
“The killing of at least 224 Iranians has once again significantly damaged Israel’s claim that it avoids targeting civilians,” Dr Shirin Saeidi, author of Women and the Islamic Republic, an associate professor of political science at the University of Arkansas, told The New Arab on June 16. “Israel’s illegal attack on the Iranian people will definitely not result in a popular uprising against the Iranian state. On the contrary, Iranians are coming together behind the Islamic Republic.”
To be honest, I can’t discern who is correct. In the last few of days I have also had contact with people inside Iran (all these contacts must, for obvious reasons, be anonymous). One of them welcomed the attack on the IRGC (Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps). I also got this message relayed to me from someone else in Iran as a response to my article:
“Some Iranians are pro-regime and have condemned Israeli attacks and want the government to respond strongly. Some Iranians are pro-Israel and happy that Israel has attacked and killed some of their murderers and want regime change, [but the] majority of Iranians dislike both sides.
They dislike the regime in Iran, and they are patriotic so they don’t want a foreign country like Israel invading them and killing people. They feel hopeless and defenceless as they know both sides have failed or will fail them.”
Calculating the incalculable: regime survival or collapse? Only a little over half of Iran is Persian. Minorities include Azerbaijanis, Kurds, Arabs, Balochis, Turkmen, Armenians and one of the region’s few post-Nakba Jewish congregations outside of Israel today.
Mossad, MI6 and various branches of the US state have poured billions into opposition groups, including various monarchist factions, but from a distance they appear fragmented. The Mojahedin-e-Khalq (MEK) armed opposition group has been an irritant but so far not a major disruptor.
The most effective terrorist attacks inside Iran have been launched by Israel, the US and the British — including the assassination of a string of Iranian peace negotiators, the leader of the political wing of Hamas, nuclear scientists and their families, and various regime figures.
How numerous the active strands of anti-regime elements are is hard to estimate. Equally hard to calculate is how many will move into open confrontation with the regime. Conversely, how unified, durable — or brittle — is the regime? How cohesive is the leadership of the IRGC and the Basij militias? Will they work effectively together in the trying times ahead? In particular, how successful has the CIA, MI6 and Mossad been at penetrating their structures and buying generals?
Both Iran’s nuclear programme and its government — in fact, the whole edifice and foundation of the Islamic Republic — is at the beginning of the greatest stress test of its existence. If the centrifugal forces prove too great, I can’t help but think of the words of William Butler Yeats:
Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,
The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere
The ceremony of innocence is drowned;
The best lack all conviction, while the worst
Are full of passionate intensity.
Peace and prosperity to all the people of Iran. And let’s never forget the people of Palestine as they endure genocide.
Eugene Doyle is a writer based in Wellington. He has written extensively on the Middle East, as well as peace and security issues in the Asia Pacific region. He contributes to Asia Pacific Report and Café Pacific, and hosts the public policy platform solidarity.co.nz
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lisa M. Given, Professor of Information Sciences & Director, Social Change Enabling Impact Platform, RMIT University
Technologies to enforce the Australian government’s social media ban for under 16s are “private, robust and effective”. That’s according to the preliminary findings of a federal government-commissioned trial that has nearly finished testing them.
The findings, released today, may give the government greater confidence to forge ahead with the ban, despite a suite of expert criticism. They might also alleviate some of the concerns of the Australian population about privacy and security implications of the ban, which is due to begin in December.
For example, a report based on a survey of nearly 4,000 people and released by the government earlier this week found nine out of ten people support the idea of a ban. But it also found a large number of people were “very concerned” about how the ban would be implemented. Nearly 80% of respondents had privacy and security concerns, while roughly half had concerns about age assurance accuracy and government oversight.
The trial’s preliminary findings paint a rosy picture of the potential for available technologies to check people’s ages. However, they contain very little detail about specific technologies, and appear to be at odds with what we know about age-assurance technology from other sources.
From facial recognition to hand movement recognition
The social media ban for under 16s was legislated in December 2024. A last-minute amendment to the law requires technology companies to provide “alternative age assurance methods” for account holders to confirm their age, rather than relying only on government-issued ID.
The trial is being led by the Age Check Certification Scheme – a company based in the United Kingdom that specialises in testing and certifying identity verification systems. It includes 53 vendors that offer a range of age assurance technologies to guess people’s ages, using techniques such as facial recognition and hand-movement recognition.
According to the preliminary findings of the trial, “age assurance can be done in Australia”.
The trial’s project director, Tony Allen, said “there are no significant technological barriers” to assuring people’s ages online. He added the solutions are “technically feasible, can be integrated flexibly into existing services and can support the safety and rights of children online”.
However, these claims are hard to square with other evidence.
High error rates
Yesterday the ABC reported the trial found face-scanning technologies “repeatedly misidentified” children as young as 15 as being in their 20s and 30s. These tools could only guess children’s ages “within an 18-month range in 85 percent of cases”. This means a 14-year-old child might gain access to a social media account, while a 17-year-old might be blocked.
This is in line with results of global trials of face-scanning technologies conducted for more than a decade.
The tests also show that error rates are higher for young women compared to young men. Error rates are also higher for people with darker skin tones.
These studies show that even the best age-estimation software currently available – Yoti – has an average error of 1.0 years. Other software options mistake someone’s age by 3.1 years on average.
This means, at best, a 16-year-old might be estimated to be 15 or 17 years old; at worst, they could be seen to be 13 or 19 years of age. These error rates mean a significant number of children under 16 could access social media accounts despite a ban being in place, while some over 16 could be blocked.
Yoti also explains businesses needing to check exact ages (such as 18) can set higher age thresholds (such as 25), so fewer people under 18 get through the age check.
This approach would be similar to that taken in Australia’s retail liquor sector, where sales staff verify ID for anyone who appears to be under the age of 25. However, many young people lack the government-issued ID required for an additional age check.
It’s also worth remembering that in August 2023, the Australian government acknowledged that the age assurance technology market was “immature” and could not yet meet key requirements, such as working reliably without circumvention and balancing privacy and security.
Outstanding questions
We don’t yet know exactly what methods platforms will use to verify account holders’ ages. While face-scanning technologies are often discussed, they could use other methods to confirm age. The government trial also tested voice and hand movements to guess young people’s ages. But those methods also have accuracy issues.
And it’s not yet clear what recourse people will have if their age is misidentified. Will parents be able to complain if children under 16 gain access to accounts, despite restrictions? Will older Australians who are incorrectly blocked be able to appeal? And if so, to whom?
There are other outstanding questions. What’s stopping someone who’s under 16 from getting someone who is over 16 to set up an account on their behalf? To mitigate this risk, the government might require all social media users to verify their age at regular intervals.
It’s also unclear what level of age estimation error the government may be willing to accept in implementing a social media ban. The legislation says technology companies must demonstrate they have taken “reasonable steps” to prevent under 16s from holding social media accounts. What is considered “reasonable” is yet to be clearly defined.
Australians will have to wait until later this year for the full results of the government’s trial to be released, and to know how technology companies will respond. With less than six months until the ban comes into effect, social media users still don’t have all the answers they need.
Lisa M. Given receives funding from the Australian Research Council. She is a Fellow of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia and the international Association for Information Science and Technology.
Attorney General Bonta and Newsom Administration have supported Newport Beach in lawsuits attacking City’s general plan
OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta, Governor Gavin Newsom, and California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) Director Gustavo Velasquez today issued a statement after a trial court sided with Newport Beach and determined that the City’s actions to implement its housing element without voter approval are valid, despite a charter provision seeming to require a vote. Last month, Attorney General Bonta and the Newsom Administration filed a joint amicus brief in support of the City of Newport Beach’s efforts to comply with state housing laws after opponents sued the City for taking steps to implement its housing plan, including rezoning, as required under the state’s Housing Element Law.
“As California continues to deal with a housing crisis of epic proportions, Newport Beach has said yes to more homes and is endeavoring to build its fair share of housing under California law,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “Today, I celebrate a court decision that clears the way for Newport Beach to continue its work. Cities statewide are obligated to plan for their fair share of housing; my office will continue to hold accountable those who refuse and stick up for localities who are trying to do the right thing.”
“Every community must do their part to build housing and address homelessness. We will continue to support Newport Beach’s efforts to follow the law and create more housing opportunities for its residents,” saidGovernor Gavin Newsom.
“HCD is committed to holding jurisdictions accountable to state housing law, and we are proud to stand behind those communities—like Newport Beach—that are putting in the work to see sufficient housing built for all income levels,” said HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez. “Californians need the ability to be full participants in the life of their community—living, learning, and working in a place they can call home. We are grateful for our strong partnership with the Attorney General to make that a reality.”
BACKGROUND
The housing element is a crucial planning tool to accommodate housing for all Californians across all household income levels, and to redress historical redlining and disinvestment. Under state law, every city and county in California must periodically update its housing element to meet its share of the regional and statewide housing needs. State law also requires certain housing element programs to be completed by specific deadlines, including any zoning code amendments necessary to accommodate the city or county’s share of the regional housing need for each income level.
To effectuate its housing element programs, Newport Beach amended its land use element and zoning code to allow residential development in more areas of the City using new overlay zoning districts in six focus areas. Opponents sued the City arguing that, regardless of state Housing Element Law, these changes must be approved by voters before they are effective because of a provision in the City’s charter. The Court disagreed and adopted Attorney General Bonta and the Newsom Administration’s position that the City properly interpreted its own charter provision, and that voter approval measures cannot be construed in a way that obstructs mandatory obligations under state Housing Element Law.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Police are calling for information in relation to an aggravated robbery that occurred in Gillen overnight.
Around 9pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports that a Taxi had been stolen while attending a job on Newland Street.
It is alleged that a male entered the Taxi on Newland Street, before exiting the vehicle and opening the driver’s side door and pulling the driver out of the vehicle. He subsequently assaulted the driver multiple times, before entering the vehicle and driving away.
A short time later, the alleged offender returned in the Taxi, parked and left the scene without further incident.
Police attended and seized the vehicle for forensic testing and the offender remains outstanding. The victim did not require medical treatment.
Strike Force Viper have carriage of the incident and investigations are ongoing.
Police urge anyone with information about the incident to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number P25165073. Anonymous reports can be made through 1800 333 000.
As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.
Released 20/06/2025
Dickson Library will be temporarily closed for two weeks across June and July while the library’s public toilets are renovated to provide improved facilities for members and visitors.
To ensure the amenities are brought up to a modern standard, the toilet facilities at the front of the library branch will be given a major upgrade.
Three individual toilets, including one disability accessible toilet, will be upgraded. Works will include new toilets, sinks, tapware, tiling, door hardware, flooring, rails, repainting ceilings and new LED light fittings.
The library will be closed from Monday 23 June 2025 until Friday 4 July 2025 for the construction period.
Return chutes at the Dickson Library will also be closed for this duration.
The Dickson Library will re-open on Saturday 5 July 2025, however the new upgraded public toilet facilities will remain closed until Monday 7 July 2025 for final works and cleaning to be completed.
Should members of the public require toilet facilities, the nearest public toilets to the Dickson library are located behind the bus stop on Cowper Street.
Executive Branch Manager of Libraries ACT, Peta Harding, thanked the community for its patience and apologised for any inconvenience during construction.
“The two-week closure from Monday is required for the health and safety of staff and visitors due to the significant noise and dust anticipated.” Ms Harding said.
“Additionally, the community room at Dickson Library will also be unavailable during the closure. Libraries ACT will contact people who have room bookings, and alternative options will be offered where possible.
“It is anticipated that the renovations to the toilets at Dickson Library will be completed during this two-week period however may be subject to change,” Ms Harding said.
Library members who prefer to use an alternative library during the upgrade works can find information about library locations and opening hours on the Libraries ACT website.
The community can also stay up to date on these works and any changes to services by visiting the Libraries ACT website www.library.act.gov.au or by following Libraries ACT on Facebook @LibrariesACT.
Source: The Conversation – Canada – By James Horncastle, Assistant Professor and Edward and Emily McWhinney Professor in International Relations, Simon Fraser University
Segment on Trump’s threats against Iran’s leader. (BBC News)
The American military could certainly make an impact in any air campaign against Iran. The problem from a military standpoint, however, is that the U.S., based on its forces’ deployment, will almost certainly seek to keep its involvement limited to its air force to avoid another Iraq-like quagmire.
While doing so could almost certainly disrupt Iran’s nuclear program, it will likely fall short of Israel’s goal of regime change.
In fact, it could reinforce the Iranian government and draw the U.S. into a costly ground war.
The initial stated reason for Israel’s bombing campaign — Iran’s nuclear capabilities — appears specious at best.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has argued several times in the past, without evidence, that Iran is close to achieving a nuclear weapon. U.S. intelligence, however, have assessed that Iran is three years away from deploying a nuclear weapon.
Regardless of the veracity of the claims, Israel initiated the offensive and now requires American support.
Israel’s need for U.S. assistance rests on two circumstances:
While Israel succeeded in eliminating key figures from the Iranian military in its initial strikes, Iran’s response appears to have exceeded Israel’s expectations with their Arrow missile interceptors nearing depletion.
Israel’s air strikes can only achieve so much in disrupting Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Most analysts note that Israel’s bombings are only likely to delay the Iranian nuclear program by a few months. This is due to the fact that Israeli missiles are incapable of penetrating the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant, which estimates place close to 300 feet underground.
The United States, however, possesses munitions that could damage, or even destroy, the Fordow facility. Most notably, the GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (more commonly known as a bunker buster) has a penetration capability of 200 feet.
Multiple strikes by said munition would render Fordow inoperable, if not outright destroyed.
Romanticizing air power
The efficacy of air power has been vastly overrated in the popular media and various air forces of the world. Air power is great at disrupting an opponent, but has significant limitations in influencing the outcome of a war.
Specifically, air power is likely to prove an inadequate tool for one of the supposed Israeli and American objectives in the war: regime change. For air power to be effective at bringing about regime change, it needs to demoralize the Iranian people to the point that they’re willing to oppose their own government.
Early air enthusiasts believed that a population’s demoralization would be an inevitable consequence of aerial bombardment. Italian general Giulio Douhet, a prominent air power theorist, argued that air power was so mighty that it could destroy cities and demoralize an opponent into surrendering.
Douhet was correct on the first point. He was wrong on the second.
Recent history provides evidence. While considerableink has been spilled to demonstrate the efficacy of air power during the Second World War, close examination of the facts demonstrate that it had a minimal impact. In fact, Allied bombing of German cities in several instances created the opposite effect.
More recent bombing campaigns replicated this failure. The U.S. bombing of North Vietnam during the Vietnam War did not significantly damage North Vietnamese morale or war effort. NATO’s bombing of Serbia in 1999, likewise, rallied support for the unpopular Slobodan Milosevic due to its perceived injustice — and continues to evoke strong emotions to this day.
Iran’s political regime may be unpopular with many Iranians, but Israeli and potentially American bombing may shore up support for the Iranian government.
Nationalism is a potent force, particularly when people are under attack. Israel’s bombing of Iran will rally segments of the population to the government that would otherwise oppose it.
Few positive options
The limitations of air power to fuel significant political change in Iran should give Trump pause about intervening in the conflict.
Some American support, such as providing weapons, is a given due to the close relationship between the U.S. and Israel. But any realization of American and Israeli aspirations of a non-nuclear Iran and a new government will likely require ground forces.
Recent American experiences in Afghanistan and Iraq show such a ground forces operation won’t lead to the swift victory that Trump desires, but could potentially stretch on for decades.
James Horncastle 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.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Kirsty Coventry, poised to become the first woman and the first African to lead the International Olympic Committee, has laid out her vision for the future of the Olympic Movement, grounded in its core values and potential for global unity.
Coventry, elected in March during the 144th IOC Session in Greece, will assume the presidency on June 23, succeeding Thomas Bach, who has led the organization since 2013. She received 49 of 97 votes in the first round, prevailing over six other candidates.
Newly-elected president of International Olympic Committee (IOC) Kirsty Coventry attends the press conference in Costa Navarino, Greece, March 20, 2025. (Xinhua/Cao Can)
“Values are what have led this movement for over a hundred years. It’s what’s kept this movement intertwined together. And that is something that we can never compromise,” the 41-year-old Zimbabwean told the Olympic Channel at the Olympic House in Lausanne on Thursday.
“We have to be proud that we’re a movement that not just lives by its values, but shares its values, and promotes its values,” Coventry said.
“And if we can find more ways to do that in the future, and can reach all households around the world, that’s part of my goal. How do we have more reach to communities across our massive globe? How do we reach those children to share our values with them? How do we reach them to inspire them?”
Despite the weight of expectations that accompany the role, Coventry expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to lead.
“I don’t really look at the presidency as a weight,” she said. “Are there a lot of expectations? Yes. Does that come with a lot of responsibility? Yes. But I’m really so honored to have been given this opportunity, and I’m so excited for what the future holds. It’s a movement that has been a part of my life for so long, so it almost feels like a very natural progression.”
Coventry’s deep ties to the Olympics began with her storied swimming career. She competed in five consecutive Games beginning in Sydney 2000, winning seven medals – including two golds – and becoming Africa’s most decorated Olympian. Her return to Zimbabwe after her Olympic success, during a time of national difficulty, further cemented her belief in sport’s transformative power.
In addition to her achievements in the pool, Coventry has played a key role in sports governance. She joined the IOC as an athlete member in 2013, chaired the Athletes’ Commission, served on the Executive Board, and led initiatives promoting safe sports environments for children through the Kirsty Coventry Academy and the HEROES programme in Zimbabwe.
She also served as Zimbabwe’s Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation from 2018, during which she pushed legislation aimed at curbing match-fixing, abuse, and sexual harassment in sport.
Balancing her new role with her home life as the mother of two young daughters has been a challenge, she admitted.
“It has been crazy. And it’s been hard, but it’s also been wonderful,” Coventry said.
“I have a lot more patience,” she added. “I now realize I can do a lot more with a lot less sleep. [The children] humble you. And when you get home after a rough day, you can look at them and you can realize, ‘Okay, this is why we’re doing this.’ But we’re also doing this so that the Olympic Games and our values remain relevant in this crazy world of ours. They’re the meaning.”
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Grassroots soccer in southwestern China is deepening its ties with one of the world’s top professional soccer leagues, with the English Premier League returning to Rongjiang county, Guizhou province, to deliver its third round of training for Cun Chao, or the Village Super League.
An aerial drone photo taken on Jan 4, 2025 shows the dancers performing at halftime during the opening game at the Village Super League 2025 in Rongjiang county of Southwest China’s Guizhou province. [Photo/Xinhua]
The five-day training, held from June 9 to 13, marked the first time referees were included alongside coaches in the program since the Rongjiang village league signed a memorandum of understanding with the EPL in 2023 as part of a broader effort to boost exchanges.
Five professionals, including a coach from the Brighton& Hove Albion club and two refereeing instructors from England’s Professional Game Match Officials Ltd, offered tailored courses for 69 trainees.
Fueled by Rongjiang’s deep passion for soccer, where many villages field their own teams, the Cun Chao has rapidly expanded from just 20 teams in 2023 to 108 in 2025, capturing attention across China and beyond.
“The training was incredibly detailed,” said Wang Jianxing, a referee trainee. “From assistant referees’ flag work to how to position ourselves during key plays, the instructors covered everything with precision. They are all very practical skills, which I can now use on the field.”
This year’s trainee group, the largest yet, included 45 coaches and 24 referees. Among them was Yang Zihui, 54, a local middle school teacher who also coaches the Xinglong village team.
“The training atmosphere was competitive and inspiring,” Yang said.
Under the EPL’s guidance, the trainees explored modern coaching concepts and international refereeing techniques. On the final day, they showcased their learning through demonstrations, receiving direct feedback from the instructors.
For Rongjiang, the birthplace of the grassroots soccer phenomenon in China, the EPL program has become a pillar for development of the game. “The continuous training has built a coaching foundation for grassroots football,” said Peng Xixi, the village league’s liaison officer.
The participants of the program are expected to bring new skills back to their communities. “These few days have taught me how to guide children better during training and how to communicate with them more efficiently, so that they become more confident and learn to love soccer,” said Wei Taihuang, a coach who attended the training this year.
Wu Huayong, a village league player who attended the first EPL training in 2023, now offers summer coaching to dozens of children in his village using methods he learned through the initiative.
Jay Li, managing director of the Premier League’s China office, praised Rongjiang as “a highlight of international football exchange”.
The village league has not only attracted global attention, but also generated social and economic benefits, he said, adding that this initiative offers a valuable blueprint for advancing grassroots soccer across China.
Asia Pacific: Here is a summary of significant articles published on ForeignAffairs.co.nz on June 20, 2025.
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MIL-OSI: BexBack Crypto Exchange Launches No KYC, 100x Leverage, and Double Deposit Bonus for Crypto Futures Trading Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI) SINGAPORE, June 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With the price of Bitcoin (BTC) holding above $100,000 for a long time, many analysts are predicting that the cryptocurrency market will remain in a state of high volatility for a long time. Holding spot positions may struggle to generate short-term profits in such conditions. […]
MIL-OSI: Notice of Annual General Meeting 10 July 2025 Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI) Oslo, 19 June 2025 The Annual General Meeting of Interoil Exploration and Production ASA will be held at the offices of Advokatfirmaet Schjødt AS at Tordenskiolds gate 12, Oslo on 10 July 2025 at 14:30 (CEST). Please find attached the notice for the meeting including the attendance form and proxy in English […]
MIL-OSI: QuestionPro Appoints Laura Baker, Former KnowledgeHound CEO, as President of InsightsHub and Communities Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI) AUSTIN, Texas, June 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — QuestionPro today announced the appointment of Laura Baker to the position of President of Communities and InsightsHub. In her new role, Baker will lead the strategic vision and growth for two of QuestionPro’s cornerstone platforms that enable organizations to streamline research operations and unlock […]
MIL-OSI NGOs: Dire warning on 1.5°C goal must spark urgent climate action Source: Greenpeace Statement – Bonn, Germany, New data indicating there may be just three years left to keep the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C goal alive must urgently galvanise accelerated global emissions cuts and enhanced climate action. Data from scientists revealed that the available carbon budget is rapidly shrinking and that at the current rate of emissions […]
Climate change: As the planet hits record temperatures, what is the science is telling us? Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) Concentrations in the atmosphere of carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas, reached a fresh high of 422 parts per million in 2024 the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) has said. After another record-breaking year for global temperatures in 2024, pressure is rising on policymakers […]
MIL-OSI Russia: Interview with Alexey Overchuk for the Vedomosti newspaper. Translation. Region: Russian Federal Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article. Alexey Overchuk: “A change in the technological order is taking place” Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk discusses the nature of the changes taking place in international trade, the struggle of countries for access to […]
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Hungary: Justin McKenzie Smith Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments News story Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Hungary: Justin McKenzie Smith Mr Justin McKenzie Smith has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to Hungary in succession to Mr Paul Fox, who will be retiring from the Diplomatic Service. Mr McKenzie Smith will take up his appointment during […]
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – EU funding for digitalisation in Mexico and risks to freedom of expression – E-002323/2025 Source: European Parliament Question for written answer E-002323/2025to the CommissionRule 144Jorge Martín Frías (PfE) The European Union has funded several projects in Mexico focusing on digitalisation, the development of digital infrastructure, sustainability and connecting public stakeholders. The political and legal context in which the support is being given is of increasing concern. In recent months, […]
India: Here is a summary of significant articles published on ForeignAffairs.co.nz on June 20, 2025.
MIL-OSI Africa: South Sudan: Free medical care by Indian peacekeepers gives hope to over 300 displaced people As security concerns continue in parts of Upper Nile state, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is making every effort to protect civilians and boost community confidence. As an example—Blue Helmets from India hosted a two-day medical outreach at the UN Protection of Civilians site, adjacent to the Mission’s base in Malakal where […]
Ministry of Culture to celebrate International Yoga Day at 150 iconic sites across India Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) In a nationwide celebration of the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY), the Ministry of Culture will organize yoga sessions on June 21, at 100 iconic tourist destinations and 50 cultural heritage sites across the country. This initiative complements the main national event, led by the […]
India-UK FTA paves way for actionable cooperation in trade, technology: Piyush Goyal Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has reaffirmed India’s commitment to transitioning the free trade agreement (FTA) from a negotiated text into a transformative economic partnership, the ministry said on Thursday. The minister showcased India’s strategic global outlook and economic leadership at the India Global Forum […]
India records highest growth in power generation after US & China in last five years: IEA Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) India has emerged as a country with the third-largest growth in power generation capacity globally over the past five years, according to the latest report by the International Energy Agency (IEA). Only China and the United States surpassed India in power generation growth during this period. […]
MIL-OSI Economics: RBI Issues the Reserve Bank of India (Project Finance) Directions, 2025 Source: Reserve Bank of India The Reserve Bank had issued draft guidelines on ‘Prudential Framework for Income Recognition, Asset Classification and Provisioning pertaining to Advances – Projects Under Implementation’ on May 03, 2024, for stakeholder comments. The draft guidelines proposed an enabling framework for the regulated entities (REs) for financing project loans, while addressing the […]
Indian animated film Desi Oon wins Jury Prize at Annecy, shines on global stage Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) Indian animated film Desi Oon has won the prestigious Jury Award for Best Commissioned Film at the Annecy International Animation Festival 2025 in France. The festival is widely considered the world’s foremost event for animation. Directed by celebrated animator Suresh Eriyat, Desi Oon has garnered multiple […]
MIL-OSI NGOs: India: Stop unlawful deportations and protect Rohingya refugees Source: Amnesty International – The Indian government must immediately halt all deportations of Rohingya men, women and children, recognize them as refugees and treat them with the dignity and protection they deserve under international human rights law, Amnesty International said ahead of World Refugee Day. In just the last month, the Indian authorities allegedly deported […]
Over 3,000 to participate in GSI’s IDY 2025 celebrations across India Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) The Geological Survey of India (GSI), under the Ministry of Mines, is gearing up to celebrate the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) on June 21 with a series of events across the country. Embracing the theme ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’, the organisation has […]
MIL-OSI New Zealand: India: Stop unlawful deportations and protect Rohingya refugees – Amnesty International Source: Amnesty International The Indian government must immediately halt all deportations of Rohingya men, women and children, recognize them as refugees and treat them with the dignity and protection they deserve under international human rights law, Amnesty International said ahead of World Refugee Day. In just the last month, the Indian authorities allegedly deported […]
SAIL supplies entire special steel requirement for Indian Navy’s INS Arnala Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) In a significant boost to India’s defence self-reliance efforts, Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) has supplied the complete requirement of special steel for the Indian Navy’s first indigenously designed and built Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), INS Arnala. The vessel was commissioned into the […]
PM Modi hails India’s rise in QS World University Rankings 2026 Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday welcomed India’s significant improvement in the QS World University Rankings 2026, calling it a reflection of the country’s growing stature in global education. Responding to a post on X by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, PM Modi said, “The QS […]
India gears up for IYD 2025 with theme: ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’ Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) As India prepares to celebrate the 11th International Day of Yoga on June 21, the government is rolling out a wide range of events across the country under this year’s theme — “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.” The main event, Yoga Sangam, will feature a […]
Air India to cut international flights on widebody aircraft by 15% Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) Air India said on Wednesday it will cut international operations on its widebody aircraft by 15% for the next few weeks, citing ongoing safety inspections and operational disruptions following last week’s deadly crash of one of its Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Authorities continue to investigate the crash […]
Record 54 Indian institutes in QS Rankings 2026; IIT Delhi tops national list Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) A record 54 Indian institutions have been featured in the QS World University Rankings 2026, released on Thursday, with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi emerging as the top-ranked Indian institution nationally. IIT Delhi climbed from 150th position last year to 123rd this year—its best […]
Air India crash: Centre issues draft rules to tighten control over physical obstructions Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) In a significant move following the tragic crash of an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has released new draft rules aimed at tightening control over physical structures that could pose risks to aircraft safety. Titled ‘Aircraft (Demolition of Obstructions) Rules, 2025’, […]
MIL-OSI Russia: Nine killed in road accident in southwest India Translation. Region: Russian Federal Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian – Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News NEW DELHI, June 19 (Xinhua) — At least nine people, including a child and a woman, were killed in a road accident in India’s southwest state of […]
Captain Gill to bat at number four as India look to fill Kohli void Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) India’s new test captain Shubman Gill will drop down one spot in the order to take Virat Kohli’s old position at number four, vice skipper Rishabh Pant said on Wednesday ahead of their series opener against England. Kohli, who scored 9,230 runs in tests including 30 centuries, […]
Indian stock market trades flat amid US Fed policy decision Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) Indian benchmark indices opened on a flat note Thursday, reacting cautiously to the US Federal Reserve’s latest policy decision and weak cues from Asian markets. Early trade saw selling pressure across IT, PSU banking, FMCG, and pharma sectors. At around 9:34 am, the Sensex was trading […]
‘We are proud to be Indians’: evacuated students thank Modi govt after return from Iran Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) After arriving safely in New Delhi on Thursday, all 110 Indian citizens evacuated from Iran expressed their gratitude to the Narendra Modi-led Union government and the Indian embassies in Iran and Armenia for their timely and safe evacuation amid the escalating military conflict in the Middle […]
Operation Sindhu: Flight carrying 110 Indian citizens evacuated from Iran arrives in Delhi Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) The first flight carrying 110 Indian citizens, including 90 students from Jammu and Kashmir, arrived in New Delhi on Thursday after being successfully evacuated from Iran amid the escalating military conflict in the Middle East. All the evacuees were flown to the capital aboard IndiGo flight […]
China: Here is a summary of significant articles published on ForeignAffairs.co.nz on June 20, 2025.
MIL-OSI China: Premier League training helps lift grassroots soccer Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News Grassroots soccer in southwestern China is deepening its ties with one of the world’s top professional soccer leagues, with the English Premier League returning to Rongjiang county, Guizhou province, to deliver its third round of training for Cun Chao, or the Village Super League. An aerial […]
MIL-OSI China: Coventry outlines Olympic vision ahead of IOC presidency Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News Kirsty Coventry, poised to become the first woman and the first African to lead the International Olympic Committee, has laid out her vision for the future of the Olympic Movement, grounded in its core values and potential for global unity. Coventry, elected in March during the […]
MIL-OSI China: Real Madrid’s Mbappe in hospital with gastroenteritis Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News Real Madrid announced on Thursday that striker Kylian Mbappe has been admitted to the hospital in Miami suffering from gastroenteritis. Mbappe missed his side’s 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal in their first group match in the FIFA Club World Cup at Miami’s Hard Rock […]
MIL-OSI China: Gauff loses to Wang in first match after French Open win Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News China’s Wang Xinyu advanced to her first grass court quarterfinal at the WTA 500 Berlin Open on Thursday, defeating French Open champion and second seed Coco Gauff 6-3, 6-3. China’s Wang Xinyu competes during the round of 16 match against Coco Gauff at Berlin Open, on […]
MIL-OSI China: Trump extends TikTok shutdown deadline for third time Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an executive order to keep TikTok running in the United States for another 90 days, allowing his administration more time to negotiate a deal under the “sell-or-ban” law. Thus, TikTok can continue functioning for its 170 million users in […]
MIL-OSI China: China issues red alert for mountain torrents in six provinces Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News BEIJING, June 19 — The Ministry of Water Resources and the China Meteorological Administration on Thursday issued this year’s first red alert for mountain torrents in Anhui, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Guangxi and Guizhou. From 8 p.m. Thursday to 8 p.m. Friday, parts of these six provincial-level […]
MIL-OSI China: Tianjin Port pursues full-process automation in N China Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News Tianjin Port pursues full-process automation in N China Updated: June 20, 2025 07:28 Xinhua A drone photo taken on June 19, 2025 shows smart transport robots at a container terminal of Tianjin Port in north China’s Tianjin, on June 19, 2025. Tianjin Port has been pursuing […]
MIL-OSI China: China unveils initiative to safeguard personal information of minors Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News BEIJING, June 19 — China has unveiled an initiative to safeguard the personal information of minors, aiming to ensure their healthy growth, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said on Thursday. The initiative details 15 measures across five areas, including boosting industry self-discipline, and developing […]
MIL-OSI China: Chengdu 2025 World Games medal design unveiled Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News CHENGDU, China, June 19 — The design of the medals for the 12th World Games, which will be held in Chengdu in August, was unveiled here on Wednesday. The medal is named “Zhuguang,” which literally translates to “bamboo light,” and also sounds like “chasing the light” […]
MIL-OSI China: Hong Kong becoming more attractive as int’l financial center: spokesperson Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News BEIJING, June 19 — Hong Kong is becoming more attractive as an international financial center, and it is drawing more foreign companies and individuals to make investments and start new businesses, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Thursday. Spokesperson Guo Jiakun made the remarks at […]
MIL-OSI Russia: China’s Vice Premier Calls for Strengthening Poverty Alleviation Efforts 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 YINCHUAN, June 19 (Xinhua) — Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong has called for unremitting efforts to consolidate and expand China’s achievements in poverty alleviation and optimize policies […]
MIL-OSI China: China’s vice premier calls for consolidation of poverty alleviation work Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News YINCHUAN, June 19 — Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong has called for unremitting work to consolidate and expand China’s poverty alleviation achievements, and to optimize regular rural support policies. Liu, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made […]
MIL-OSI China: Xi says ceasefire an urgent priority in Middle East Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News BEIJING, June 19 — Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Thursday that ceasefire must be an urgent priority in the Middle East. Xi made the remarks during his phone talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. During the call, the two leaders exchanged views regarding the situation […]
MIL-OSI China: China’s police chief meets with U.S. ambassador to China Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News China’s police chief meets with U.S. ambassador to China BEIJING, June 19 — Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong met with David Perdue, ambassador of the United States to China, in Beijing on Thursday. Wang said China is willing to work with […]
MIL-OSI China: China welcomes multinationals, entrepreneurs to invest in the country: vice premier Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News China welcomes multinationals, entrepreneurs to invest in the country: vice premier QINGDAO, June 19 — Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng on Thursday said that global multinationals and entrepreneurs are welcome to invest and develop in China as the country steadfastly advances its high-level opening-up. He, also […]
MIL-OSI China: China to further enhance trade ties with Central Asia: commerce ministry Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News BEIJING, June 19 — China’s Ministry of Commerce said Thursday that the country will further deepen its trade ties with Central Asia and promote bilateral cooperation on industrial and supply chains. During the just-concluded second China-Central Asia Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, the ministry signed three documents […]
MIL-Evening Report: Many elite athletes live below the poverty line. Tax-deductible donations won’t solve the problem Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle O’Shea, Senior Lecturer, School of Business, Western Sydney University Australia’s Jaclyn Narracott competes in the women’s skeleton at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. Joe Klamar/AFP via Getty Images As the end of the 2024-25 financial year nears, the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC), in partnership with the […]
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: £750,000 to break down barriers and get more young people into aviation jobs Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements Press release £750,000 to break down barriers and get more young people into aviation jobs Organisations have until 12 September 2025 to apply for the latest Reach for the Sky Challenge fund. new funding will break down barriers and help young people from disadvantaged backgrounds into aviation careers this […]
MIL-OSI Russia: Alexander Novak: Russian fuel and energy complex has become more competitive and technologically advanced Translation. Region: Russian Federal Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak spoke at the panel session “The World Fuel and Energy Market in Search of a Balance between the Interests of Producers and Consumers” at the St. Petersburg International Economic […]
MIL-OSI Russia: Alexander Novak: Cooperation between Russia and Turkey in the energy sector is truly strategic in nature Translation. Region: Russian Federal Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article. Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Alexander Novak held a meeting with Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. The parties discussed cooperation in the oil, […]
MIL-OSI Russia: Alexander Novak: We are witnessing a global transformation in economic development Translation. Region: Russian Federal Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak took part in the opening session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. The Minister of Energy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud, the […]
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Game changer for the nation Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments Press release Game changer for the nation £900 million investment in major sporting events and grassroots sport. Major sporting events and grassroots sport across the UK to benefit from over £900 million in funding, as part of government’s Plan for Change More than £500 million to support […]
MIL-OSI Canada: Registration open for training grant that supports in-demand jobs Source: Government of Canada regional news People hoping to build better careers will continue to have access to a popular grant program, as registration for StrongerBC future skills grant funded programming opens for the fall semester. People living in British Columbia can continue to access grants for eligible short-term training programs at public post-secondary institutions, […]
MIL-Evening Report: Bribe or community benefit? Sweeteners smoothing the way for renewables projects need to be done right Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hugh Breakey, Deputy Director, Institute for Ethics, Governance & Law, Griffith University Louise Beaumont/Getty When a renewable energy developer announces a new project, there’s one big question mark – how will nearby communities react? Community pushback has scuttled many renewables projects. Sometimes, communities are angry landowners hosting […]
MIL-Evening Report: Despite decades of cost cutting, governments spend more than ever. How can we make sense of this? Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Lovering, Lecturer in International Relations, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington Getty Images Recent controversies over New Zealand’s Ka Ora, Ka Ako school lunch program have revolved around the apparent shortcomings of the food and its delivery. Stories of inedible meals, scalding packaging and […]
MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Joly travels to France to support innovative Canadian industries Source: Government of Canada News (2) June 19, 2025 – Paris, France The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, led Canada’s presence at the 55th International Paris Air Show. Minister Joly showcased Canada’s highly innovative aerospace sector and promoted the country as a top destination […]
MIL-OSI Canada: Climbing high for the North American Cup Series Source: Government of Canada regional news (2) Making its provincial debut, the 2025 North American Cup Series will take place over three days at Climb YEG, nestled in Edmonton’s scenic river valley. Featuring more than 150 of the top climbers from Canada, the United States, Mexico and Colombia, the event is set to captivate audiences […]
MIL-OSI Banking: Timor-Leste kicks off negotiations to join Government Procurement Agreement Source: World Trade Organization Ambassador Antonio Da Conceicao of Timor-Leste stated to the Committee: “Joining the Government Procurement Agreement is part of a broader national strategy to strengthen good governance, align with international standards and support our successful integration into the global economy. “ Timor-Leste as part of its accession to the WTO committed to […]
MIL-OSI Africa: Accor Signs Novotel Victoria Falls, Marking Strategic Market Entry into Zimbabwe Accor (www.Group.Accor.com), a world-leading hospitality group, has announced the signing of Novotel Victoria Falls, a landmark project set within Victoria Falls – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The agreement, signed during the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Africa, marks Accor’s market entry into Zimbabwe, leveraging a […]
MIL-OSI Canada: Canada bolsters its measures to protect Canadian steel and aluminum workers and industries Source: Government of Canada News (2) June 19, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Department of Finance Canada Canada’s new government has a mandate to build the strongest economy in the G7. While the government negotiates a new economic and security partnership with the United States, we will ensure workers and industry are protected against the […]
MIL-OSI China: Hong Kong becoming more attractive as int’l financial center: spokesperson Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News BEIJING, June 19 — Hong Kong is becoming more attractive as an international financial center, and it is drawing more foreign companies and individuals to make investments and start new businesses, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Thursday. Spokesperson Guo Jiakun made the remarks at […]
MIL-Evening Report: Many elite athletes live below the poverty line. Tax-deductible donations won’t solve the problem Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle O’Shea, Senior Lecturer, School of Business, Western Sydney University Australia’s Jaclyn Narracott competes in the women’s skeleton at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. Joe Klamar/AFP via Getty Images As the end of the 2024-25 financial year nears, the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC), in partnership with the […]
MIL-OSI Submissions: WHO – Global Leaders Unite to Accelerate Cervical Cancer Elimination Efforts Source: World Health Organization (WHO) New commitments at Bali Forum drive momentum to save hundreds of thousands of girls and women from cancer BALI, Indonesia, 19 June 2025 – Governments, donors, multilateral institutions, the private sector, and partners today announced significant policy, programmatic, and financial commitments to eliminate one of the most preventable cancers. At […]
MIL-OSI Russia: Alexander Novak: Russian fuel and energy complex has become more competitive and technologically advanced Translation. Region: Russian Federal Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak spoke at the panel session “The World Fuel and Energy Market in Search of a Balance between the Interests of Producers and Consumers” at the St. Petersburg International Economic […]
MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Grigorenko: Russia has entered an active phase of implementing artificial intelligence Translation. Region: Russian Federal Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article. The speed of implementation of artificial intelligence, interaction between business and government, timeliness of regulation, as well as international cooperation were discussed at the plenary session on AI at SPIEF-2025 with the participation of […]
MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein, Secretary Lilley Attend Paris Air Show and Strengthen North Carolina’s Future in Flight Source: US State of North Carolina Headline: Governor Stein, Secretary Lilley Attend Paris Air Show and Strengthen North Carolina’s Future in Flight Governor Stein, Secretary Lilley Attend Paris Air Show and Strengthen North Carolina’s Future in FlightlsaitoThu, 06/19/2025 – 18:08 Raleigh, NC On the heels of the largest jobs commitment in North Carolina’s history, Governor […]
MIL-OSI: Dundee Corporation Announces Voting Results from 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI) TORONTO, June 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Dundee Corporation (TSX: DC.A) (“Dundee” or the “Corporation”) is pleased to announce the voting results from its Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “Meeting”) which was held earlier today. Shareholders voted in favour of all items of business before the Meeting, as follows: Appointment of Auditor […]
MIL-OSI: Diversified Royalty Corp. Announces Results of Annual General Meeting Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI) VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Diversified Royalty Corp. (TSX: DIV and DIV.DB) (the “Corporation” or “DIV”) is pleased to announce that at its annual general meeting of shareholders held on June 19, 2025 (the “Meeting”), all directors nominated as listed in DIV’s information circular dated May 8, 2025 were […]
MIL-Evening Report: Bribe or community benefit? Sweeteners smoothing the way for renewables projects need to be done right Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hugh Breakey, Deputy Director, Institute for Ethics, Governance & Law, Griffith University Louise Beaumont/Getty When a renewable energy developer announces a new project, there’s one big question mark – how will nearby communities react? Community pushback has scuttled many renewables projects. Sometimes, communities are angry landowners hosting […]
MIL-Evening Report: Despite decades of cost cutting, governments spend more than ever. How can we make sense of this? Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Lovering, Lecturer in International Relations, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington Getty Images Recent controversies over New Zealand’s Ka Ora, Ka Ako school lunch program have revolved around the apparent shortcomings of the food and its delivery. Stories of inedible meals, scalding packaging and […]
MIL-OSI: Condor Announces Director Election Results Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI) CALGARY, June 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Condor Energies Inc. (TSX: CDR), a Canadian based energy company, is pleased to announce that the following five director nominees were elected at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on June 19, 2025: Name of Nominee Votes For Percent Votes Withheld Percent Dennis Balderston 28,380,288 […]
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM meeting with Prime Minister of Bahrain: 19 June 2025 Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements Press release PM meeting with Prime Minister of Bahrain: 19 June 2025 The Prime Minister welcomed His Royal Highness Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Prime Minister of Bahrain to Downing Street today. The Prime Minister welcomed His Royal Highness Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Prime […]
MIL-OSI: IvoryLab fast-tracks development with support from the Telnyx AI Accelerator Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI) AUSTIN, TX, June 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Telnyx, a leading provider of voice, messaging, and connectivity solutions for AI-powered communications, today shared that Poland-based startup IvoryLab has significantly advanced the development of its AI voice automation platform through the Telnyx AI Accelerator. The program, which provides up to $20,000 in credits, […]
MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Joly travels to France to support innovative Canadian industries Source: Government of Canada News (2) June 19, 2025 – Paris, France The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, led Canada’s presence at the 55th International Paris Air Show. Minister Joly showcased Canada’s highly innovative aerospace sector and promoted the country as a top destination […]
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: 1,500 jobs created at UK nuclear weapons headquarters as sector boasts above average wages Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments Press release 1,500 jobs created at UK nuclear weapons headquarters as sector boasts above average wages Thousands of high-skilled jobs and hundreds of apprenticeships have been created to help keep the United Kingdom protected around the clock, with newly published figures highlighting the economic benefits of the defence […]
MIL-Evening Report: Despite decades of cost cutting, governments spend more than ever. How can we make sense of this? Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Lovering, Lecturer in International Relations, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington Getty Images Recent controversies over New Zealand’s Ka Ora, Ka Ako school lunch program have revolved around the apparent shortcomings of the food and its delivery. Stories of inedible meals, scalding packaging and […]
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM meeting with Prime Minister of Bahrain: 19 June 2025 Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements Press release PM meeting with Prime Minister of Bahrain: 19 June 2025 The Prime Minister welcomed His Royal Highness Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Prime Minister of Bahrain to Downing Street today. The Prime Minister welcomed His Royal Highness Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Prime […]
MIL-OSI Security: NATO Deputy Secretary General attends the international Paris Air Show 2025 Source: NATO On Thursday (19 June), NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska met leading Allied industry representatives at the international Paris Air Show 2025 at Le Bourget. The Deputy Secretary previewed the priorities of the NATO Summit in The Hague next week, where Allies are expected to agree a new defence investment plan that raises […]
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Extent of the EU’s protection against hybrid threats – E-000524/2025(ASW) Source: European Parliament The Commission has undertaken several initiatives to protect democracy in the EU, in particular with the European Democracy Action Plan of 2020 and the Defence of Democracy Package of 2023[1]. Their success is reflected, among other things, in the general satisfaction of respondents to standard Eurobarometer surveys with the way democracy works in […]
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Inverness to mark Armed Forces Week with flag raising ceremony Source: Scotland – Highland Council A flag raising ceremony will take place on Monday, 23 June at Inverness Town House to mark the beginning of Armed Forces Week which culminates in Armed Forces Day on Saturday 28 June 2024. Armed Forces Day flags will be raised on buildings and landmarks around the country including at […]
MIL-OSI NGOs: Update on Developments in Iran Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) – The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is continuing to closely monitor and assess the situation regarding the Israeli attacks on nuclear sites in the Islamic Republic of Iran, providing frequent public updates about developments and their possible consequences for human health and the environment, Director General Rafael Mariano […]
MIL-OSI Security: Update on Developments in Iran Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is continuing to closely monitor and assess the situation regarding the Israeli attacks on nuclear sites in the Islamic Republic of Iran, providing frequent public updates about developments and their possible consequences for human health and the environment, Director General Rafael Mariano […]
MIL-OSI Global: What UK involvement in Iran could look like – and the political questions it raises Source: The Conversation – UK – By Geraint Hughes, Reader in Diplomatic and Military History, King’s College London Lauren Hurley / No 10 Downing Street, CC BY-NC-ND At the time of writing, US President Donald Trump is deliberating over whether to join Israel’s air campaign to destroy Iran’s suspected nuclear weapons programme. This is already […]
MIL-OSI USA: Boozman Questions Army Leaders on Munitions Production, Drone Utilization and Funding Challenges US Senate News: Source: United States Senator for Arkansas – John Boozman WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) questioned Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George about the Army’s modernization initiative and its potential impact as well as the importance of stable funding and current and future drone capabilities at a Senate […]
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Richardson Brothers Foundation announced as sponsors for Armed Forces Day 2025 event Source: City of Wolverhampton The event, which has welcomed the Richardson Brothers Foundation onboard as this year’s sponsors, is on Saturday 28 June, noon to 4pm, at West Park, and will be buzzing with activities for people of all ages, focusing on free family fun throughout the day. City of Wolverhampton’s Mayor, Councillor Craig Collingswood, […]
Netanyahu vows to eliminate Iran’s nuclear threat as conflict enters seventh day Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday reaffirmed his country’s commitment to neutralizing Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities, as direct hostilities between the two West Asian powers entered their seventh day, raising fears of a broader regional war. Speaking in a nationally televised address, Netanyahu […]
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Brand Scotland takes centre stage at Royal Highland Show Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements Press release Brand Scotland takes centre stage at Royal Highland Show Scottish Secretary to bang the drum for Scotland’s iconic food, drink, agriculture and farming sectors at the Edinburgh event Fresh from new Spending Review financial backing, the UK Government’s Brand Scotland campaign to boost exports of Scottish products […]
MIL-OSI Global: Iran air strikes: Republicans split over support for Trump and another ‘foreign war’ Source: The Conversation – UK – By Richard Hargy, Visiting Research Fellow in International Studies, Queen’s University Belfast After returning early from the G7 summit in Canada, Donald Trump met with his national security team to be briefed on the escalating Israel-Iran conflict. It became clear that Trump was considering direct US military support for […]
MIL-OSI: Virtru CEO and Co-Founder John Ackerly Named 2025 EY Entrepreneur of the Year® Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI) WASHINGTON, June 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Virtru, the leader in data-centric security, today announced CEO and Co-Founder John Ackerly has been named a 2025 EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award winner for the Mid-Atlantic region. The prestigious award recognizes Ackerly’s leadership in revolutionizing cybersecurity through innovative, data-centric solutions that enable secure, […]
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Preventing avoidable deaths in custody Source: Scottish Government Members of expert group to oversee reforms announced. Details of an expert group that will help drive reforms to prevent avoidable deaths in custody have been announced. Justice Secretary Angela Constance is leading the Ministerial Accountability Board overseeing the implementation of actions to address the recommendations of Sheriff Collins’ Fatal Accident Inquiry […]
