Category: KB

MIL-OSI China: China’s online literature draws 575M readers, fueled by post-2000 fans

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

China’s online literature readership has swelled to 575 million, underscoring the growing dominance of digital storytelling in the country’s cultural landscape.

The 2024 China Online Literature Blue Book found that readers aged 26 to 45 make up about half of the total audience.

But those born after 2000 are fueling much of the recent growth, accounting for nearly a quarter of all readers, according to a report released Tuesday by the China Writers Association.

MIL OSI China News –

June 17, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Chinese prosecutors warn of rising online crimes targeting minors

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

Online crimes committed by adults against minors are on the rise in China, prompting calls for stronger safeguards and stricter enforcement, according to a white paper released by the country’s top procuratorate.

More adults are using telecommunications and online platforms to cause harm to minors, said the white paper released Monday by the Supreme People’s Procuratorate. In 2024, prosecutors across China filed charges against 3,347 individuals for such crimes — a 14.1 percent increase from the previous year.

These offenses accounted for 7.3 percent of all adult-perpetrated crimes against minors in 2024, up from 6.9 percent in 2023, the white paper notes.

As underscored in the white paper, Chinese prosecutors have worked closely with cyberspace regulators and police to crack down on crimes that target minors such as cyberbullying and online sexual harassment. Efforts have also been intensified to punish those exploiting minors in telecom and internet-based fraud schemes.

Authorities have expanded legal protections for minors, the white paper says. That includes providing legal consultations, pressuring guardians to fulfill their responsibilities, and offering civil litigation support to help minors defend their rights.

The white paper calls for broader efforts to improve the overall digital environment for young people. Prosecutors have assisted in enforcing national regulations on the protection of minors and have pushed internet platforms to take more responsibility.

MIL OSI China News –

June 17, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Xi meets Tajik President Emomali Rahmon

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

Xi meets Tajik President Emomali Rahmon

Xinhua | June 17, 2025

Chinese President Xi Jinping met Tuesday with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon.

Xi arrived in the Kazakh capital of Astana on Monday to attend the second China-Central Asia Summit.

MIL OSI China News –

June 17, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Xi meets Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov

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

Xi meets Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov

Xinhua | June 17, 2025

Chinese President Xi Jinping met Tuesday with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov.

Xi arrived in the Kazakh capital of Astana on Monday to attend the second China-Central Asia Summit.

MIL OSI China News –

June 17, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Bamboo boom: Anji’s bamboo industry drives green development

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

China SCIO | June 17, 2025

Photo taken on June 12, 2025 shows the view of Yucun village of Anji county, eastern China’s Zhejiang province. Anji county has made great efforts to promote the green development in rural areas. [Photo by Cui Can/China SCIO]

In the lush hills of Anji county, eastern China’s Zhejiang province, summer comes with the dense, whispering green of bamboo forests. Here, a single stalk of bamboo, humble and fast-growing, can find its way into upscale European restaurants as sleek dinnerware, or appear as a minimalist bamboo lamp on the shelves of MUJI and IKEA stores worldwide.

With about 720 square kilometers of bamboo groves, Anji has embraced bamboo as both a cultural symbol and an economic resource. Today, it is emerging as a pioneer in developing bamboo industry to drive green development.

“Bamboo is not only tough and durable, but also renewable,” said Liu Yu, chief expert of the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Ecology and Environment. “Compared to wood, which can take over a decade to mature, bamboo is harvest-ready in just four to six years and can regrow without replanting.”

Liu also noted that responsible harvesting benefits the ecosystem. “If left uncut, bamboo becomes prone to disease and pests. Its aggressive root system can also outcompete other plant life, reducing biodiversity.”

A worker processes bamboo at a company in Anji county of Huzhou city, Zhejiang province, June 13, 2025. [Photo by Cui Can/China SCIO]

To harness bamboo’s environmental potential, China in 2022 launched a “Bamboo as a Substitute for Plastic” initiative in collaboration with the International Bamboo and Rattan Organization. A year later, the National Development and Reform Commission and several other government departments introduced a three-year action plan to accelerate initiative. Anji was named one of the program’s first demonstration bases.

Currently, more than 1,000 enterprises in Anji are involved in the bamboo industry, over 40 of which are large-scale operations. Around 70% of their products are exported to markets like the U.S., Europe, Japan, and South Korea, said Zhou Jihui, who oversees the “Bamboo for Plastic” project at Anji Development and Reform Bureau.

Photo taken on June 13, 2025 shows the bamboo packaging, lighting, and tableware produced by a company in Anji county of Huzhou city, Zhejiang province. [Photo by Cui Can/China SCIO]

Zhejiang Fenghui Bamboo and Wooden Products Co. Ltd., founded in 1990, is one of Anji’s largest bamboo manufacturers and exporters. When General Manager Liang Fenghui took over the business from his father in 2014, the company focused on low-value raw products like bamboo poles and fences. “The profit margins were slim, and environmental standards were rising. Many companies shut down, and some bamboo forests were abandoned,” he recalled. “We had to transform.”

The company began to invest in developing a more diversified product line, ranging from bamboo kitchenware and dining items to garden products. It now offers a portfolio of over 1,000 bamboo products.

And as Anji aligns itself with China’s broader green development strategy, local bamboo manufacturers like Fenghui are making sustainability a priority. “Our production process is now cleaner, and we’ve developed machinery that improves material utilization by at least 20%,” Liang said.

Today, Bamboo tableware accounts for 60% of the company’s revenue. It exports bamboo packaging, lighting, and tableware to clients across Japan, France, Spain, and the U.S. In 2024, the company’s export value reached 150 million yuan (about US$21 million), with Japan and France each accounting for 20% of sales, and the U.S. around 10%.

According to Zhou of Anji Development and Reform Bureau, the county’s bamboo sector has improved incomes for more than 51,000 local farming households. In 2024 alone, bamboo-related income increased each household’s earnings by an average of 6,500 yuan. “And 167 village collectives each saw their revenues grow by more than 1 million yuan,” she said.

Photo taken on June 13, 2025 shows bamboo tableware at a company in Anji county of Huzhou city, Zhejiang Province. [Photo by Cui Can/China SCIO]

As Anji accelerates its “Bamboo for Plastic” initiative, the county has been exploring more ways to bring bamboo into everyday life. In hospitality, bamboo toothbrushes, combs, and takeaway cutlery are replacing plastics. In local markets, plastic bags have been gradually phased out in favor of biodegradable ones made from bamboo powder. “They decompose within three months and are stronger than plastics,” Zhou noted.

And whereas plastic products are generally cheaper than bamboo products of the same kind, Zhou said price isn’t always the key concern. “Consumers, especially in hospitality, often care more about the product’s look and whether it matches their brand image than about the cost. That gives us more room to innovate.”

To meet this rising demand, Liang is investing in design and branding. “We’re incorporating traditional Chinese cultural elements into packaging and product design to appeal to younger consumers. And with cross-border e-commerce platforms, we’re reaching more global audiences.”

In 2024, the total output value of Anji’s bamboo industry reached 19.2 billion yuan, up 7% over the previous year, according to Zhou. “That was nearly 2.6 billion yuan more than in 2022. The growth momentum is very strong.”

MIL OSI China News –

June 17, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM meeting with President Macron of France: 16 June 2025
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release

PM meeting with President Macron of France: 16 June 2025

The Prime Minister met French President Emmanuel Macron at the G7 Summit this afternoon.
The Prime Minister met French President Emmanuel Macron at the G7 Summit this afternoon.

Discussing the Middle East, they both agreed on the need to find a route to peace through diplomacy and dialogue. They agreed that this should be a key focus for G7 partners in the next two days.

They looked ahead to the upcoming UK-France Summit in July and agreed that their teams should pursue high-ambition outcomes that deliver for the British and French people.

Migration should be a key focus given the deteriorating situation in the Channel, they confirmed – adding that they should continue to work closely with other partners to find innovative ways to drive forward progress.

They also agreed that the summit presents an opportune moment to further enhance our existing defence and security co-operation.

Both leaders looked ahead to discussing Ukraine at the G7 tomorrow and underscored their enduring support for securing a just and lasting peace and keeping up the pressure on Putin.

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Published 17 June 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
June 17, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Lights on for SH22/Great South Road intersection

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

A minor increase in journey times and some queuing at peak times can be expected for people travelling on SH22 as an inherent result of the new traffic lights, which are necessary to allow for safer and more efficient movements into and out of Great South Road.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Regional Manager Transport Services, Stephen Collett says the signalisation of the intersection has been a necessary traffic mitigation ahead of future construction work on the SH1 Papakura to Drury project, when the Drury northbound off-ramp will be closed for an extended period. The temporary signalisation in its current lane layout will remain until the future four-laning of SH22 between Jesmond Road and Drury Interchange as part of the SH22 Drury upgrade project, which also requires traffic lights at the SH22 intersections with Great South Road and Jesmond Road.

The expected commissioning (turning on) of the traffic lights in April had been paused to allow the system to gather real time traffic flow data, which revealed that current traffic flows on SH22 were higher than those used to design the signalisation of the intersection. A review of the design was then undertaken to confirm it was optimal for its temporary arrangement, which recommended two additional improvements to further mitigate potential peak hour queuing on SH22 following closure of the ramp, specifically in the southbound direction. Those recommended additions were to add a left turn slip lane from SH22 into Great South Road and to extend the length of the two-lane southbound exit of SH22 from the intersection, where the two lanes merge back into one.

These two recommendations will be implemented by NZTA and further works will begin in July when the designs have been finalised. In the meantime, NZTA will commission the traffic lights to improve the overall safety of the intersection beyond that provided by the temporary traffic management measures currently in place. Activating the lights will also reduce the cost of temporary traffic management required to implement the additional improvements.

“Great South Road is already a busy route that experiences safety and congestion issues at the intersection with SH22. With our construction activities ramping up on SH1, even before the closure of the northbound off-ramp more people may choose to use Great South Road for their travel, increasing existing pressures on the intersection,” Mr Collett says.

“When the lights are activated and as people become accustomed to the new signals, the Auckland Transport Operations Centre will monitor the intersection to ensure no safety issues arise. We thank everyone for their patience while we have taken the time to ensure the operation of these temporary traffic lights will be optimal for the period they will be in service.”

People are also reminded that the intersection of Victoria Street with SH22 (beside Drury Interchange) is currently closed to realign the street directly opposite Mercer Street. Following that realignment, the intersection will also be signalised as a required traffic mitigation ahead of the future demolition and rebuild of the Bremner Road bridge across SH1. These traffic lights are expected to be installed and operational near the end of this year.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

June 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CE: actions on app protect security

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

(To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.)

Chief Executive John Lee said today that actions taken by the Secretary for Security and the Police Force in relation to a mobile application were necessary to safeguard national security.

In remarks ahead of this morning’s Executive Council meeting, he emphasised that the Government will always take strict enforcement action in accordance with the law with regard to all activities and acts endangering national security.

“According to the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), all citizens have the obligation to uphold national security. So Hong Kong as a Special Administrative Region of the PRC, the residents of Hong Kong have that constitutional obligation.

“The mobile application in question was released under the guise of a game with the aim of promoting secessionist agendas of ‘Taiwan independence’ and ‘Hong Kong independence’. This endangers national security.

“The Secretary for Security and the Hong Kong Police have taken action in accordance with the Implementation Rules for Article 43 of the Hong Kong National Security Law, carrying out their responsibilities and duties to safeguard national security – they are doing the right thing.”

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

June 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Community voices help shape adopted Council Plan 2025-2029
Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

The newly adopted Council Plan Mir wimbul 2025–2029 outlines how Council will guide Greater Bendigo’s growth and wellbeing over the next four years, with strong community voices at the heart of its development.

The Council Plan is a comprehensive blueprint for improving and developing Greater Bendigo over the next four years and includes the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan. It guides all the detailed plans and activities in Greater Bendigo.

For the first time, the Budget and the new Council Plan have been developed at the same time ensuring alignment between the goals of the Council and the sustainable financial planning and actions for the Budget 2025/2026 and the next three Budgets.

The Council Plan also informs the Financial Plan 2025-2035, the Revenue & Rating Plan 2025-2029, and the Annual Budget. These documents were all adopted at last night’s Council meeting.

Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said she was proud to present the new Council Plan.

“A fantastic collective effort from the community has gone into developing the Council Plan Mir wimbul 2025-2029. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the many hundreds of people from our diverse community who have given their time to be part of developing this plan. We thank all the partner organisations that have helped create this plan. We gratefully acknowledge the support of both DJAARA and Taungurung Land and Waters Council as representatives of the Traditional Owners of the lands that Greater Bendigo is on,” Cr Metcalf said.

“People shared their top priorities on what they value most about living in Greater Bendigo, its challenges and how best to shape its future and this has been reflected in the newly adopted Council Plan.

“To ensure that we put words into action, the specific work that the City will do to deliver this Council Plan is contained in an action plan released annually as part of the Budget. This ensures we have the resources to deliver on our commitments.

“The Council Plan focuses on efficient and sustainable operations that get the basics right. By incorporating the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan, we are also focused on creating a welcoming community and healthy environment that supports our people to thrive. The health plan shows how we will work with our health partners to improve wellbeing in Greater Bendigo.

“The four-year Council Plan has been developed following extensive consultation with the Greater Bendigo community, City partners, local stakeholder groups, and Greater Bendigo Councillors that began in late 2024. Public consultation included two community-wide surveys, a series of focus groups, meetings with community representative groups, information from the City of Greater Bendigo’s online engagement platform Let’s Talk, and customer requests.

“In March 2025, the City hosted a community deliberative panel. Two hundred people registered their interest to take part and 42 people were randomly selected to represent the diversity of the municipality. They included people from over 20 local areas and many different ages, genders and backgrounds. The panel members participated in sessions over three days. Collectively they produced community guidance for Councillors to use when making decisions on behalf of the whole community. They also refreshed the current Community Vision for Greater Bendigo.”

The Council Plan is structured around four themes, linked to 12 goals and 34 priorities.

The themes are:
- Responsible – Running an effective, fair, and efficient organisation
- Healthy – Protecting and improving our physical, mental, and environmental health
- Thriving – Managing our growth, including businesses, housing, heritage, and creativity
- Welcoming – Celebrating and including everyone in our community
“I am proud this plan reflects a wide range of community voices and outlines how we’ll meet future challenges. It’s about getting the basics right while building a healthy, inclusive, and thriving Greater Bendigo,” Cr Metcalf said.

MIL OSI News –
June 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Enhancement measures implemented to safeguard employment priority for local workers under Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Enhancement measures implemented to safeguard employment priority for local workers under Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme
(i) To ensure that employers will not displace local employees with imported workers, the LD launched an online complaint form on the ESLS dedicated webpage (www.labour.gov.hk/eng/plan/iwESLS.htm
(ii) For applications of ESLS which thereafter pass the initial screening and will commence the four-week local recruitment process, the LD will display the names of applicant companies when publishing the job vacancies on the Interactive Employment Service website to encourage job seekers to apply for the jobs.

(iii) After an employer has submitted an ESLS application, other application(s) submitted by the same employer within the following six months will generally not be processed (except under exceptional circumstances, such as applications for renewal of imported workers’ employment contracts).

(iv) The LD will launch a special inspection campaign to check whether establishments employing imported workers have continuously met the manning ratio requirement of full-time local employees to imported workers of 2:1. In parallel, the LD will, adopting a risk-based approach, require employers to report information on full-time local employees and imported workers as well as the relevant manning ratios. The LD will investigate any suspected violations. If substantiated, the LD will impose administrative sanctions on the employers.

A Government spokesman reiterated that the priority of the Government’s manpower policy all along is to nurture the local workforce. On the premise of ensuring employment priority for local workers, the Government suitably allows employers to apply for importation of workers.
The ESLS also requires employers not to displace local workers with imported workers. In the event of redundancy, imported workers should be retrenched first. If there is sufficient evidence to substantiate any violation of the requirement, the LD will impose administrative sanctions on the employers, including withdrawal of approvals for importation of labour previously granted and refusal to process other applications submitted by the employers in the following two years.

The LD will continue to closely monitor the local labour market, and from time to time review the operation and implementation arrangements of the ESLS, with a view to safeguarding employment priority for local workers.
Issued at HKT 14:00

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CategoriesMIL-OSI

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

June 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: EU Fact Sheets – Culture – 16-06-2025

Source: European Parliament 2

The European Union’s action in the field of culture supplements the cultural policy of the Member States in various areas, such as the preservation of European cultural heritage, cooperation between various countries’ cultural institutions and the promotion of mobility among creative workers. The cultural sector is also affected by provisions of the Treaties that do not explicitly pertain to culture.

MIL OSI Europe News –

June 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: EU Fact Sheets – Internal energy market – 16-06-2025

Source: European Parliament 2

The European energy market is competitive, customer-centred, flexible and non-discriminatory. Its measures address issues of market access, transparency and regulation, consumer protection, interconnections and security of supply. They strengthen the rights of individual customers, energy communities and vulnerable consumers, clarify the roles and responsibilities of market participants and regulators, and promote the development of trans-European energy networks.

MIL OSI Europe News –

June 17, 2025
MIL-OSI: Iress partners with interop.io to deliver future-ready trading experiences

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Sydney, London, New York, June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Iress today announced that it has partnered with the interoperability platform, interop.io, as part of the company’s broader strategy to focus and reinvest in its core trading and market data products. The partnership supports Iress’ commitment to delivering modular, personalised and high-performance trading experiences for its global trading and market data clients.

interop.io provides the interoperability platform for capital markets firms to unify multiple applications into a harmonised smart desktop, in an aim to increase efficiencies and enable end-users to focus on higher value tasks.

Through the partnership, Iress’ global trading and market data clients will be able to seamlessly connect and integrate third-party applications, news sources and notifications into a single workspace (known as “MyIress”), optimising trading workflows and reducing the manual risk associated with entering information across multiple platforms. By adopting open APIs and FDC3 interoperability standards, clients can embed custom or proprietary user interfaces, giving them full control to personalise and scale their workflows.

Iress’ Executive General Manager – Product & Development, Michael Barbera, said: “This partnership marks a key milestone in Iress’ focus and reinvestment in trading technology. Through MyIress, we’re delivering a more scalable and personalised future, empowering clients to tailor their workflows, operate seamlessly across markets and time zones, and stay ahead in an increasingly complex, fast-moving landscape.

“Today’s trading landscape is shifting fast, with extended trading market hours, accelerated post-trade cycles, and heightened regulatory demands reshaping operational expectations for trading firms. Traders need to be agile, compliant and operationally resilient to maintain competitive edge across global markets. At the same time, firms are under pressure to modernise legacy infrastructure without costly replatforming.

“Iress’ partnership with interop.io, which underpins MyIress, enables us to deliver zero-install, scalable architecture that reduces reliance on legacy systems and supports traders in designing high-performance workflows that suit their strategy, region or asset class choice. Interoperable systems are easier to monitor, test and audit, making them better suited to meet changing regulatory requirements, while providing enhanced compliance oversight via automated trade monitoring, reporting and real-time data sharing.”

interop.io. CEO, Leslie Spiro, said: “There’s an ongoing industry focus on improving connectivity between market participants through technology that supports interoperability. We’re delighted to be partnering with Iress to deliver a best-of-breed ecosystem that enhances the user experience for their global trading and market data clients and ultimately improves the experience across the trading industry.”

For more information on Iress’ trading and market data solutions click here.

Ends

Iress

Tina Kane
Mobile: +44 (0) 7887 947329
Email: tina.kane@therealizationgroup.com

About Iress

Iress (IRE.ASX) is a technology company providing software to the financial services industry. We provide software and services for trading & market data, financial advice, investment management, superannuation, life & pensions and data intelligence in Asia-Pacific, North America, Africa, the UK and Europe.

www.iress.com

About interop.io

interop.io was formed in June 2023 through the merger of Finsemble and Glue42 to create the global powerhouse driving application interoperability in capital markets and beyond. Leveraging FDC3 and workflow automation, interop.io allows clients to create Straight-Through Workflows and benefit from unparalleled levels of business agility, a more productive workforce and better operational control. The firm employs over 120 people including 100 full-time R&D and implementation engineers located in New York, Charlottesville, London, and Sofia. For more information, visit interop.io.

The MIL Network –

June 17, 2025
MIL-OSI: Iress partners with interop.io to deliver future-ready trading experiences

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Sydney, London, New York, June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Iress today announced that it has partnered with the interoperability platform, interop.io, as part of the company’s broader strategy to focus and reinvest in its core trading and market data products. The partnership supports Iress’ commitment to delivering modular, personalised and high-performance trading experiences for its global trading and market data clients.

interop.io provides the interoperability platform for capital markets firms to unify multiple applications into a harmonised smart desktop, in an aim to increase efficiencies and enable end-users to focus on higher value tasks.

Through the partnership, Iress’ global trading and market data clients will be able to seamlessly connect and integrate third-party applications, news sources and notifications into a single workspace (known as “MyIress”), optimising trading workflows and reducing the manual risk associated with entering information across multiple platforms. By adopting open APIs and FDC3 interoperability standards, clients can embed custom or proprietary user interfaces, giving them full control to personalise and scale their workflows.

Iress’ Executive General Manager – Product & Development, Michael Barbera, said: “This partnership marks a key milestone in Iress’ focus and reinvestment in trading technology. Through MyIress, we’re delivering a more scalable and personalised future, empowering clients to tailor their workflows, operate seamlessly across markets and time zones, and stay ahead in an increasingly complex, fast-moving landscape.

“Today’s trading landscape is shifting fast, with extended trading market hours, accelerated post-trade cycles, and heightened regulatory demands reshaping operational expectations for trading firms. Traders need to be agile, compliant and operationally resilient to maintain competitive edge across global markets. At the same time, firms are under pressure to modernise legacy infrastructure without costly replatforming.

“Iress’ partnership with interop.io, which underpins MyIress, enables us to deliver zero-install, scalable architecture that reduces reliance on legacy systems and supports traders in designing high-performance workflows that suit their strategy, region or asset class choice. Interoperable systems are easier to monitor, test and audit, making them better suited to meet changing regulatory requirements, while providing enhanced compliance oversight via automated trade monitoring, reporting and real-time data sharing.”

interop.io. CEO, Leslie Spiro, said: “There’s an ongoing industry focus on improving connectivity between market participants through technology that supports interoperability. We’re delighted to be partnering with Iress to deliver a best-of-breed ecosystem that enhances the user experience for their global trading and market data clients and ultimately improves the experience across the trading industry.”

For more information on Iress’ trading and market data solutions click here.

Ends

Iress

Tina Kane
Mobile: +44 (0) 7887 947329
Email: tina.kane@therealizationgroup.com

About Iress

Iress (IRE.ASX) is a technology company providing software to the financial services industry. We provide software and services for trading & market data, financial advice, investment management, superannuation, life & pensions and data intelligence in Asia-Pacific, North America, Africa, the UK and Europe.

www.iress.com

About interop.io

interop.io was formed in June 2023 through the merger of Finsemble and Glue42 to create the global powerhouse driving application interoperability in capital markets and beyond. Leveraging FDC3 and workflow automation, interop.io allows clients to create Straight-Through Workflows and benefit from unparalleled levels of business agility, a more productive workforce and better operational control. The firm employs over 120 people including 100 full-time R&D and implementation engineers located in New York, Charlottesville, London, and Sofia. For more information, visit interop.io.

The MIL Network –

June 17, 2025
MIL-OSI: Telstra and Nokia partner to unlock network APIs for developers and enterprises
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Press release
Telstra and Nokia partner to unlock network APIs for developers and enterprises
- Telstra’s muru-D Labs, a hub for incubating ideas, products, and technologies, will make network APIs available in a lab environment on Nokia’s Network as Code platform with developer portal.
- The collaboration targets industry use cases for enterprises that leverage CAMARA and GSMA Open Gateway APIs.
17 June 2025
Espoo, Finland – Telstra, Australia’s leading telecommunications company, and Nokia today announced a new collaboration that will give developers secure access to network APIs to help build smarter applications and integrate them into advanced new use cases for enterprises and industries.

Under the agreement, Telstra’s muru-D Labs will provide access to a select mix of live and simulated network APIs on Nokia’s Network as Code platform with developer portal, designed to make it easier for developers to build, test, and deploy new applications that securely tap into Telstra’s advanced network capabilities.

The collaboration will focus on real-world use cases across industries, such as managing network traffic during large events, improving network observability, and prioritising critical services. The partnership will also explore Fixed Network use cases, having the developer platform consume API’s from Nokia’s service orchestration software already deployed in Telstra.

Kim Krogh Andersen, Group Executive Product & Technology at Telstra, said the new collaboration reflects the company’s recently announced Connected Future 30 strategy and focus on delivering increasingly sophisticated and flexible connectivity capabilities to meet evolving customer needs. Core to this strategy is ‘Network as a Product,’ which aims to reinvent how Telstra creates and captures value from its networks by productising sophisticated network capabilities and opening up new business models.

“We’re radically innovating at the core of our business and pushing the boundaries of our network leadership, so that our customers can get the connectivity they need in a changing environment. This new collaboration with Nokia is another way we are testing and learning how the power of the network can unlock new value in the tech ecosystem.”

“By giving access to advanced capabilities through our network APIs, we’re enabling developers to create smarter, more responsive applications for enterprises. This is about working with our partner ecosystem to demonstrate how developers can securely interact with Telstra’s network and innovate at scale,” Andersen said.

The initiative will include a local hackathon later this year, giving developers access to a selection of live network APIs and a sandbox environment to experiment with new ideas. This new collaboration builds on Telstra and Nokia’s long-standing partnership and supports Telstra’s Network as a Product vision of a software-defined, programmable network.

Nokia’s network automation and Digital Operations solutions are laying the foundation for scalable API enablement by making it easier for partners, like Telstra, to offer developers on-demand access to programmable network capabilities with consistency and speed.

“Our collaboration will deepen Telstra’s network integration into developer ecosystems and provide developers with greater choice, flexibility, and security in creating new applications,” said Shkumbin Hamiti, Vice-President and Head of Nokia’s Network Monetization Platform, Cloud and Network Services at Nokia. “As more developers explore network APIs, their feedback will shape the next generation of services, and we are excited to work alongside Telstra to drive this.”

Nokia’s network API strategy centers around connecting multiple API ecosystems through its Network as Code platform. It offers operators the broadest range of network enablement options with robust multi-tier API security and provides developers simplified access to network functionalities.

Nokia’s ecosystem of Network as Code platform partners has grown to over 50 and includes operators from around the world, as well hyperscalers, Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) platform providers, systems integrators, and vertical independent software vendors.

About Nokia
At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs, which is celebrating 100 years of innovation. 

With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable, and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

About Telstra
Telstra is Australia’s leading telecommunications and technology company. We offer a full range of services and compete in all telecommunications markets in Australia, operating the largest mobile and wi-fi networks. Globally, we provide end-to-end solutions including managed network services, global connectivity, cloud, voice, colocation, conferencing and satellite solutions. We have licenses in Asia, Europe and the United States and offer access to more than 2,000 points of presence across the globe. For more information visit www.telstra.com.

About Telstra muru-D
muru-D is Telstra’s hub for incubating ideas, products, and technologies, and plays a pivotal role in accelerating a portfolio of ~80 startup investments. The name muru-D has a meaningful origin rooted in the Sydney Aboriginal Eora language—muru means “path,” symbolising a journey or direction, while the D stands for “digital,” representing our focus on digital innovation. Together, muru-D signifies a pathway to digital innovation.

muru-D explores emerging technologies and rapidly prototype solutions, drawing on deep expertise in 5G, IoT, connectivity, edge computing, and applied AI. Through partnerships with industry, experts, and universities, we co-develop real-world solutions to real-world problems. Our process includes prototyping, proof-of-concepts, customer trials, hackathons and human-centred design workshops.

In addition to supporting Telstra’s innovation mission, muru-D backs founders driving social and technological impact across AI, VR, AR, drones, satellites, and robotics—amplifying innovation through our growing portfolio of startups. www.telstra.com.au/business-enterprise/muru-d

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The MIL Network –
June 17, 2025
MIL-OSI: Bitget Joins UNICEF Game Changers Coalition to Provide Blockchain Education to 300K People in 2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

VICTORIA, Seychelles and LUXEMBOURG, June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has entered a three-year partnership with UNICEF Luxembourg to advance digital skills and blockchain literacy among young people.

The partnership enrolls Bitget into the Game Changers Coalition (GCC) led by UNICEF Office of Innovation (OOI). Support from Bitget will help reach 300,000 people – including adolescent girls, parents, mentors and teachers with blockchain skills – across eight countries; Armenia, Brazil, Cambodia, India, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Morocco, and South Africa.

Photo from Press Conference (from left to right): Paul Heber, Chief Communications Officer, UNICEF Luxembourg; Gracy Chen, CEO, Bitget; Yannick Naud, Innovative Finance, UNICEF Luxembourg

Through the partnership, Bitget Academy, the educational arm of Bitget, will help develop UNICEF’s first interactive, online and in-person blockchain training module based on video games creation skills development for teachers and young people. This is a welcome inclusion to a curriculum already reaching hundreds of thousands of people. Support from Bitget will also help expand the Coalition’s reach to a ninth country.

“This partnership reflects our shared belief that digital skills are a powerful driver of opportunity and inclusion,” said Sandra Visscher, Executive Director of UNICEF Luxembourg. “By collaborating with Bitget, we want to provide adolescents and young people with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to shape their own futures. Innovation should be a force for inclusion, opening doors, broadening horizons, and ensuring that technology works for everyone, everywhere.”

In a move to extend the ecosystem’s reach, Bitget will also aim to introduce UNICEF to leading blockchain protocols and developers from across the Web3 landscape to participate in the educational initiative. These contributors could serve as mentors and partners, offering diverse perspectives and possibilities for blockchain technologies.

“Emerging technologies should not be reserved for the privileged few—they must be introduced early and equitably. Blockchain, with its real-world use case and potential for social good, is one of the most powerful tools we can give to our younger generation to build products that change the way we look at modern society. With Blockchain4Her, what began as a mission to empower hundreds of women has scaled into a global movement to educate thousands of girls. This is the kind of scale and impact blockchain was built for,” said Gracy Chen, CEO at Bitget.

Every year, adolescent girls and young women in low and middle-income countries miss out on USD 15 billion in economic opportunities due to a gap in internet access and digital skills relative to their male peers. With 90 per cent of jobs today requiring digital competencies, the Game Changers Coalition responds to the urgency of closing the gender digital skills gap.

Together, Bitget and UNICEF are working to build a scalable, inclusive model that equips young women with the tools to navigate and shape the digital economy of tomorrow.

As part of the Game Changers Coalition, Bitget joins the Global Video Game Coalition, Micron Foundation and ecosystem builders – Women in Games in a shared ambition to reach 1.1 million girls by 2027, with learning and skills-building opportunities.

With the help of Bitget Academy, and support from the $10M initiative Blockchain4Her, Bitget plans to enhance digital literacy and financial independence among women taught to them at a young age.

Bitget’s Blockchain4Her initiative has previously supported women through mentorship programs, funding opportunities, and educational resources.

Together, Bitget and UNICEF Luxembourg aim to empower a new generation of girls with the knowledge and skills they need to participate actively in the evolving crypto economy.

About Bitget

Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 120 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a leading non-custodial crypto wallet supporting 130+ blockchains and millions of tokens. It offers multi-chain trading, staking, payments, and direct access to 20,000+ DApps, with advanced swaps and market insights built into a single platform.

Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM markets, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist), and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet
For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to allocate only funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.

Bitget

This is not the first time Bitget has worked with an UN agency. Gracy Chen, is a UN women delegate. During last Ramadan, Bitget partnered up with world-renowned humanitarian organizations, including the UN Refugee Agency, UN World Food Programme, ShareTheMeal, and the One Billion Meals Endowment to donate thousands of meals. Under $10M Blockchain4Her, promising projects led by women were supported and awards were rewarded for the inspiring contributions of more. Hosting over 10 meetups globally, more than a thousand women participated in networking, learning, and driving innovation in the blockchain space.

About UNICEF

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to reach the most disadvantaged children and build a better world for every child.
UNICEF Luxembourg supports this global mission by mobilizing private sector partnerships and voluntary contributions. It also advocates nationally to uphold children’s rights—focusing on reducing inequalities, promoting gender equality, tackling child poverty, supporting mental well-being, and improving access to justice for every child.

Disclaimer: UNICEF does not endorse any company, brand, product or service. This partnership is focused solely on supporting education outcomes for children.

For more information, visit: Website | Facebook | Instagram | x.com | LinkedIn
For media inquiries, please contact: UNICEF Luxembourg, Paul Heber, Chief Communication | T (+352) 448715 | M (+352)691198105 | pheber@unicef.lu

About the Game Changers Coalition
Building on UNICEF’s existing work of providing girls with digital and 21st-century skills through the Skills4Girls portfolio, spanning 22 countries and reaching close to 6 million girls, the Game Changers Coalition is UNICEF’s platform to convene the video gaming sector and tech industry with the aim to equip this and coming generation of girls with the skills they need and want in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) to become coders, designers, and leaders of a more inclusive, diverse, and safer digital future.

Find out more here.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0daf6ba6-21cd-44dc-a7f0-fee2a8efbf28
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d0a53fb7-9043-4464-af17-4ac1043cd304

The MIL Network –

June 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Joint statement by Arab and Islamic countries affirms the necessity of halting Israeli hostilities against Iran and returning to the path of negotiations

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha – June 16, 2025

In light of the rapidly evolving regional developments and the unprecedented escalation of tensions in the Middle East, particularly owing to the ongoing military aggression of Israel against the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Foreign Ministers of the State of Qatar, People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, the Kingdom of Bahrain, Brunei Darussalam, the Republic of Chad, the Union of the Comoros, the Republic of Djibouti, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Republic of Iraq, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the State of Kuwait, the State of Libya, the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Federal Republic of Somalia, the Republic of the Sudan, the Republic of Türkiye, the Sultanate of Oman, and the United Arab Emirates hereby affirm the following:

•⁠ ⁠The categorical rejection and condemnation of Israel’s recent attacks on the Islamic Republic of Iran since the 13th of June 2025, and any actions that contravene international law and the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, while emphasizing the necessity of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, adhering to the principles of good neighbourliness, and the peaceful settlement of disputes.

•⁠ ⁠The imperative need to halt Israeli hostilities against Iran, which come during a time of increasing tension in the Middle East, and to work towards de-escalation, to achieve a comprehensive ceasefire and restoration of calm, while expressing great concern regarding this dangerous escalation, which threatens to have serious consequences on the peace and stability of the entire region.

•⁠ ⁠The urgent necessity of establishing a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and Other Weapons of Mass Destruction, which shall apply to all States in the region without exception in line with relevant international resolutions, as well as the urgent need for all countries of the Middle East to join the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).

•⁠ ⁠The paramount importance of refraining from targeting nuclear facilities that are under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards, in accordance with relevant IAEA resolutions and United Nations Security Council decisions, as such acts constitute a violation of international law and international humanitarian law, including the 1949 Geneva Conventions.

•⁠ ⁠The urgency of a swift return to the path of negotiations as the only viable means to reach a sustainable agreement regarding the Iranian nuclear program.

•⁠ ⁠The importance of safeguarding the freedom of navigation in international waterways per the relevant rules of international law, and refraining from undermining maritime security.

•⁠ ⁠That diplomacy, dialogue, and adherence to the principles of good neighbourliness, in accordance with international law and the UN Charter, remain the only viable path to resolving crises in the region, and that military means cannot bring about a lasting resolution to the ongoing crisis.

MIL OSI Africa –

June 17, 2025
India advises nationals to evacuate Tehran amid escalating Iran-Israel conflict

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

India on Tuesday urged its nationals and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) in Iran to evacuate Tehran, shift to safer locations, and remain in close contact with the Indian Embassy amid growing tensions in the region.

As the Israel-Iran conflict entered its fifth day, hostilities continued to escalate. Several Iranian missiles were fired at Israel, triggering air raid sirens in Haifa and dozens of other cities and communities across northern Israel and the occupied Golan Heights, according to the Israeli military.

“All Indian nationals and PIOs who can move out of Tehran using their own resources are advised to relocate to a safe location outside the city,” the Indian Embassy in Iran posted on X.

“All Indian nationals currently in Tehran and not in touch with the Embassy are requested to contact the Embassy of India in Tehran immediately and provide their location and contact numbers. Kindly contact: +989010144557; +989128109115; +989128109109,” the Embassy added.

The Ministry of External Affairs has also set up a 24×7 Control Room in view of the ongoing developments in Iran and Israel. The helpline numbers shared by the Ministry are: 1800-11-8797 (toll-free), +91-11-23012113, +91-11-23014104, +91-11-23017905, and WhatsApp number +91-9968291988. Emails may be sent to: situationroom@mea.gov.in.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has also urged people to evacuate Tehran amid the intensifying conflict.

“Iran should have signed the deal I told them to sign. What a shame, and waste of human life. Simply stated, Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. I said it over and over again! Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!” Trump posted on Truth Social on Tuesday.

The U.S. President also announced that he would cut short his visit to the Group of Seven (G7) Summit in Canada to closely monitor the situation in the Middle East.

In the latest developments, Bazan Group—Israel’s largest oil refinery company—announced that all of its facilities at the Haifa Port have been completely shut down due to damage caused by an Iranian missile strike.

June 17, 2025
EU readies ban on Russian gas imports by end of 2027

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

The European Commission is set to propose on Tuesday a ban on EU imports of Russian gas and liquefied natural gas by the end of 2027, using legal measures to ensure the plan cannot be blocked by EU members Hungary and Slovakia.

The proposals will set out how the European Union plans to fix into law its vow to end decades-old energy relations with Europe’s former top gas supplier Russia, made after Moscow’s 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

An internal Commission summary of the upcoming proposal, seen by Reuters, said it would fix into law a ban on imports of Russian pipeline gas and LNG from January 1, 2026, with longer deadlines for certain contracts.

Short-term Russian gas deals signed before June 17, 2025 would have a one-year transition period, to June 17, 2026, it said.

Imports under existing long-term Russian contracts would then be banned from January 1, 2028 – effectively ending the EU’s use of Russian gas by this date, the summary said.

Companies including TotalEnergies TTEF.PA and Spain’s Naturgy NTGY.MC have Russian LNG contracts extending into the 2030s.

EU LNG terminals would also be gradually banned from providing services to Russian customers, and companies importing Russian gas would have to disclose information on their contracts to EU and national authorities, Reuters previously reported.

The plans could still change before they are published.

EU energy commissioner Dan Jorgensen said on Monday the measures were designed to be legally strong enough for companies to invoke the contractual clause of “force majeure” – an unforeseeable event – to break their Russian gas contracts.

“Since this will be a prohibition, a ban, the companies will not get into legal problems. This is force majeure, as it [would be] if it had been a sanction,” Jorgensen told reporters.

NO VETO

Slovakia and Hungary, which have sought to maintain close political ties to Russia, still import Russian gas via pipeline and say switching to alternatives would increase energy prices. They have vowed to block sanctions on Russian energy, which require unanimous approval from all EU countries, and have opposed the ban.

To get around this, the Commission’s proposals will use an EU legal basis that can be passed with support from a reinforced majority of countries and a majority of the European Parliament, EU officials said.

While most other EU countries have signalled support for the ban, officials said some importing countries have raised concerns about the risk to companies of financial penalties or arbitration for breaking contracts.

Around 19% of Europe’s gas still comes from Russia, via the TurkStream pipeline and LNG shipments – down from roughly 45% before 2022. Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Spain are among those that import Russian LNG.

“We fully support this plan in principle, with the aim of ensuring that we find the right solutions to provide maximum security for businesses,” French industry minister Marc Ferracci told reporters on Monday.

(Reuters)

June 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: US Judge Rules Trump’s NIH Funding Cuts Illegal

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

WASHINGTON, June 16 (Xinhua) — A federal judge in the U.S. city of Boston ruled on Monday that the Donald Trump administration’s decision to cut funding for diversity-related research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) was illegal, accusing the administration of discriminating against minority groups.

The NIH has stopped funding more than $1 billion in research because it was deemed related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. Federal District Court Judge William Young said in a non-jury trial that the move violated federal law and was “invalid and illegal.”

W. Young, a federal judge appointed by Republican President Ronald Reagan, said he would restore funding to Democratic-led organizations and states that sued over the funding cuts.

W. Young criticized the defunding of research related to minorities, saying: “I have never seen racial discrimination so palpable.”

“Any discrimination by our government is so wrong that it requires a court decision, and at the appropriate time I intend to do so,” said W. Young.

The NIH is the world’s largest federally funded biomedical research organization, awarding about 60,000 grants each year to nearly 3,000 universities and hospitals. Under the Trump administration, it has become a key target for funding cuts and federal spending cuts.

Since Trump took office for a second term in January, the NIH has terminated 2,100 research grants worth about $9.5 billion and additional contracts worth $2.6 billion, according to media reports. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Algernon Yau to visit France

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau will depart this evening for France, where he will visit Toulouse, Bordeaux, Cognac and Paris to promote Hong Kong’s favourable business environment and its advantages as a wine and liquor trading hub.

During the trip, the commerce chief will meet representatives of the French business sector and attend business roundtables to exchange views with local wine and liquor producers.

He will also attend the China Forum 2025, organised by Business France, to promote Hong Kong’s unique role as a gateway to the Mainland market.

Mr Yau will return to Hong Kong on the morning of June 26. During his absence, Under Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Bernard Chan will be Acting Secretary.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

June 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: IT chief tours Dutch startup incubator

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong toured a startup incubator and community workspace and met local officials during a visit to the Netherlands earlier this week.

Prof Sun paid a visit to the Amsterdam Venture Studios Startup Village. Using converted containers as offices, the village currently comprises 35 startups focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum technology, and aims to promote interaction, collaboration and knowledge sharing among them.

At the village, Prof Sun visited Omni Wind Tech BV, a Dutch startup that is developing compact wind turbines for commercial and community settings. He was briefed on its strategies and core technologies, and learned about its efforts to promote sustainable development through green innovation.

Prof Sun also visited Nearfield Instruments, a supplier of advanced metrology solutions for the semiconductor industry. The company focuses on high-precision measurement technology to support manufacturing in the high-end nano-electronics industry.

Later on, Prof Sun met Deputy Director-General for Foreign Economic Relations in the Netherlands’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs Yvette Van Eechoud to exchange views on promoting innovation and technology (I&T) collaboration.

Prof Sun said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government attaches great importance to maintaining relations with European countries, including the Netherlands.

He emphasised that as an international city, Hong Kong has long played the role of a super connector and super value-adder. He added that the current-term Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is committed to developing the city as an international I&T centre and that there is therefore broad scope for collaboration between Hong Kong and the Netherlands on I&T.

The technology chief also called on Charge d’affaires of the Chinese Embassy in the Netherlands He Shiqing and briefed him on Hong Kong’s efforts to deepen international exchanges and co-operation and achieve better integration into China’s national development.

Prof Sun thanked the embassy for supporting enhanced co-operation between Hong Kong and the Netherlands in I&T development and for helping to attract enterprises and investment.

Prof Sun’s visit to the Netherland has concluded and he will return to Hong Kong tomorrow morning.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

June 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ambassador Douglas Yu-Tien Hsu and Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu Attend ATBC Australia–Taiwan Young Business Leaders (YBL) Program Successful Candidates Announcement Ceremony

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Taiwan in Australia Ambassador Douglas Yu-Tien Hsu and Taiwan in Sydney Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu were pleased to attend the announcement ceremony for the successful candidates of the Australia–Taiwan Young Business Leaders (YBL) Program, hosted by the Australia-Taiwan Business Council (ATBC) and the Chinese International Economic Cooperation Association (CIECA), with the Australian Office in Taipei joining virtually.
Ambassador Hsu noted that the YBL Program, supported by the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations, reflects the shared commitment of Taiwan and Australia to deepening economic cooperation, fostering talent, and pursuing a sustainable and innovative future. He thanked ATBC CEO Ching-Mei Maddock for uniting key partners and encouraged participants to lead boldly and collaborate openly in shaping a resilient, inclusive future。
Robert Fergusson, Representative of the Australian Office in Taipei, highlighted that while Taiwan and Australia maintain strong cooperation in traditional sectors such as energy, natural resources, and agriculture, the program showcases growing potential in forward-looking fields including renewable energy, biotech, semiconductors, and AI.
ATBC Chairman John Toigo emphasized that this initiative builds on the success of the 2022 pilot “Australia-Taiwan Emerging Business Leaders Program “, and reminded young leaders that sincere trust remains the foundation of lasting business relationships.
CIECA Secretary-General Frank Wu encouraged the selected youth leaders to leverage this platform to broaden their global outlook, deepen cross-border partnerships, and become new drivers of Taiwan–Australia cooperation and regional sustainability.
Sincere appreciation to ATBC and CIECA for leading this important initiative. May the program empower every participant to forge meaningful partnerships and drive new momentum in Australia–Taiwan collaboration.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

June 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu Attend the Dragon Boat Festival and Birthday Celebration Hosted by the ROC Veterans Association in Sydney

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu was pleased to attend the Dragon Boat Festival and Birthday Celebration hosted by the ROC Veterans Association in Sydney. The event brought together Willoughby Councillor Michelle Chuang and leaders from the Taiwanese community to share in the joyful occasion.
The celebration opened with a solemn Flag Entrance Ceremony, featuring the national flags of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Australia, along with the Association’s flag. Led by Chairman Samuel Yu, the ceremony honoured the veterans’ unwavering spirit and loyalty to their country.
In his remarks, DG Wu conveyed President Lai Ching-te’s warm greetings and shared two key messages:
*Safeguard national sovereignty and liberal democracy
*Stand united in the face of authoritarian expansionism
President Lai affirmed that overseas Taiwanese are vital bridges for Taiwan’s diplomacy, trade, and economy, and expressed confidence that their unity will continue to shape a strong and resilient future for Taiwan.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

June 17, 2025
Tribal Affairs Ministry launches campaign for inclusive development, empowerment of tribal communities

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has launched the DhartiAaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan, the largest benefit saturation campaign in India’s tribal regions, aimed at inclusive development and tribal empowerment. This initiative, rolled out from June 15 to 30, spans over 549 tribal-dominated districts and 207 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) districts, covering more than one lakh villages and habitations.

Described by Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram as a “historic step in realizing the dream of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Antyodaya,” the campaign not only aims to deliver welfare schemes but also restore dignity, self-respect, and ownership in the making of Viksit Bharat.

Minister of State Durga Das Uikey called it an “unprecedented community-led model” backed by a synchronized multi-ministerial effort.

As a flagship initiative under Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh, the campaign celebrates the cultural heritage of tribal communities while ensuring doorstep delivery of key entitlements. Through benefit saturation camps, eligible individuals are being provided access to essential services like Aadhaar enrolments, Ayushman Bharat cards, Jan Dhan bank accounts, PM-Kisan, pensions, scholarships, insurance schemes, and skill training programs.

The campaign operates under the broader framework of PM-JANMAN and Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA), embodying the principles of last-mile delivery and people’s participation (Janbhagidari).

More than 125 District Magistrates and Deputy Commissioners have already begun pre-campaign mobilization in partnership with Panchayati Raj Institutions, tribal leaders, and local stakeholders—ensuring that no eligible tribal household is left behind.

June 17, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Traffic disruption, Prebensen Drive, Napier

Source: New Zealand Police

Motorists are advised of traffic disruption following a two-vehicle crash on Prebensen Drive, near Ford Road and Severn Street, at around 4.50pm.

No serious injuries have been reported.

The road remains partly blocked while emergency services and contractors clear the scene.

Motorists are advised to take an alternate route and expect delays.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

June 17, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Regime change wouldn’t likely bring democracy to Iran. A more threatening force could fill the vacuum

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Thomas, Lecturer in Middle East Studies, Deakin University

The timing and targets of Israel’s attacks on Iran tell us that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s short-term goal is to damage Iran’s nuclear facilities in order to severely diminish its weapons program.

But Netanyahu has made clear another goal: he said the war with Iran “could certainly” lead to regime change in the Islamic republic.

These comments came after an Israeli plan to assassinate the supreme leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was reportedly rebuffed by United States President Donald Trump.

It’s no secret Israel has wanted to see the current government of Iran fall for some time, as have many government officials in the US.

But what would things look like if the government did topple?

How is power wielded in today’s Iran?

Founded in 1979 after the Iranian Revolution, the Islamic Republic of Iran has democratic, theocratic and authoritarian elements to its governing structure.

The founding figure of the Islamic republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, envisioned a state run by Islamic clerics and jurists who ensured all policies adhered to Islamic law.

As Iran was a constitutional monarchy before the revolution, theocratic elements were effectively grafted on top of the existing republican ones, such as the parliament, executive and judiciary.

Iran has a unicameral legislature (one house of parliament), called the Majles, and a president (currently Masoud Pezeshkian). There are regular elections for both.

But while there are democratic elements within this system, in practice it is a “closed loop” that keeps the clerical elite in power and prevents challenges to the supreme leader. There is a clear hierarchy, with the supreme leader at the top.

Khamenei has been in power for more than 35 years, taking office following Khomeini’s death in 1989. The former president of Iran, he was chosen to become supreme leader by the Assembly of Experts, an 88-member body of Islamic jurists.

While members of the assembly are elected by the public, candidates must be vetted by the powerful 12-member Guardian Council (also known as the Constitutional Council). Half of this body is selected by the supreme leader, while the other half is approved by the Majles.

The council also has the power to vet all candidates for president and the parliament.

In last year’s elections, the Guardian Council disqualified many candidates from running for president, as well as the Majles and Assembly of Experts, including the moderate former president Hassan Rouhani.

As such, the supreme leader is increasingly facing a crisis of legitimacy with the public. Elections routinely have low turnout. Even with a reformist presidential candidate in last year’s field – the eventual winner, Masoud Pezeshkian – turnout was below 40% in the first round.

Freedom House gives Iran a global freedom score of just 11 out of 100.

The supreme leader also directly appoints the leaders in key governance structures, such as the judiciary, the armed forces and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The all-powerful IRGC

So, Iran is far from a democracy. But the idea that regime change would lead to a full democracy that is aligned with Israel and the US is very unlikely.

Iranian politics is extremely factional. Ideological factions, such as the reformists, moderates and conservatives, often disagree vehemently on key policy areas. They also jockey for influence with the supreme leader and the rest of the clerical elite. None of these factions is particularly friendly with the US, and especially not Israel.

There are also institutional factions. The most powerful group in the country is the clerical elite, led by the supreme leader. The next most powerful faction would be the IRGC.

Originally formed as a kind of personal guard for the supreme leader, the IRGC’s fighting strength now rivals that of the regular army.

The IRGC is extremely hardline politically. At times, the IRGC’s influence domestically has outstripped that of presidents, exerting significant pressure on their policies. The guard only vocally supports presidents in lockstep with Islamic revolutionary doctrine.

In addition to its control over military hardware and its political influence, the guard is also entwined with the Iranian economy.

The IRGC is heavily enriched by the status quo, with some describing it as a “kleptocratic” institution. IRGC officials are often awarded state contracts, and are allegedly involved in managing the “black economy” used to evade sanctions.

Given all of this, the IRGC would be the most likely political institution to take control of Iran if the clerical elite were removed from power.

In peacetime, the general consensus is the IRGC would not have the resources to orchestrate a coup if the supreme leader died. But in a time of war against a clear enemy, things could be different.

Possible scenarios post-Khamenei

So, what might happen if Israel were to assassinate the supreme leader?

One scenario would be a martial law state led by the IRGC, formed at least in the short term for the purposes of protecting the revolution.

In the unlikely event the entire clerical leadership is decimated, the IRGC could attempt to reform the Assembly of Experts and choose a new supreme leader itself, perhaps even supporting Khamenei’s son’s candidacy.

Needless to say, this outcome would not lead to a state more friendly to Israel or the US. In fact, it could potentially empower a faction that has long argued for a more militant response to both.

Another scenario is a popular uprising. Netanyahu certainly seems to think this is possible, saying in an interview in recent days:

The decision to act, to rise up this time, is the decision of the Iranian people.

Indeed, many Iranians have long been disillusioned with their government – even with more moderate and reformist elements within it. Mass protests have broken out several times in recent decades – most recently in 2022 – despite heavy retaliation from law enforcement.

We’ve seen enough revolutions to know this is possible – after all, modern Iran was formed out of one. But once again, new political leadership being more friendly to Israel and the West is not a foregone conclusion.

It is possible for Iranians to hold contempt in their hearts for both their leaders and the foreign powers that would upend their lives.

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

– ref. Regime change wouldn’t likely bring democracy to Iran. A more threatening force could fill the vacuum – https://theconversation.com/regime-change-wouldnt-likely-bring-democracy-to-iran-a-more-threatening-force-could-fill-the-vacuum-259042

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

June 17, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Regime change wouldn’t likely bring democracy to Iran. A more threatening force could fill the vacuum

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Thomas, Lecturer in Middle East Studies, Deakin University

The timing and targets of Israel’s attacks on Iran tell us that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s short-term goal is to damage Iran’s nuclear facilities in order to severely diminish its weapons program.

But Netanyahu has made clear another goal: he said the war with Iran “could certainly” lead to regime change in the Islamic republic.

These comments came after an Israeli plan to assassinate the supreme leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was reportedly rebuffed by United States President Donald Trump.

It’s no secret Israel has wanted to see the current government of Iran fall for some time, as have many government officials in the US.

But what would things look like if the government did topple?

How is power wielded in today’s Iran?

Founded in 1979 after the Iranian Revolution, the Islamic Republic of Iran has democratic, theocratic and authoritarian elements to its governing structure.

The founding figure of the Islamic republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, envisioned a state run by Islamic clerics and jurists who ensured all policies adhered to Islamic law.

As Iran was a constitutional monarchy before the revolution, theocratic elements were effectively grafted on top of the existing republican ones, such as the parliament, executive and judiciary.

Iran has a unicameral legislature (one house of parliament), called the Majles, and a president (currently Masoud Pezeshkian). There are regular elections for both.

But while there are democratic elements within this system, in practice it is a “closed loop” that keeps the clerical elite in power and prevents challenges to the supreme leader. There is a clear hierarchy, with the supreme leader at the top.

Khamenei has been in power for more than 35 years, taking office following Khomeini’s death in 1989. The former president of Iran, he was chosen to become supreme leader by the Assembly of Experts, an 88-member body of Islamic jurists.

While members of the assembly are elected by the public, candidates must be vetted by the powerful 12-member Guardian Council (also known as the Constitutional Council). Half of this body is selected by the supreme leader, while the other half is approved by the Majles.

The council also has the power to vet all candidates for president and the parliament.

In last year’s elections, the Guardian Council disqualified many candidates from running for president, as well as the Majles and Assembly of Experts, including the moderate former president Hassan Rouhani.

As such, the supreme leader is increasingly facing a crisis of legitimacy with the public. Elections routinely have low turnout. Even with a reformist presidential candidate in last year’s field – the eventual winner, Masoud Pezeshkian – turnout was below 40% in the first round.

Freedom House gives Iran a global freedom score of just 11 out of 100.

The supreme leader also directly appoints the leaders in key governance structures, such as the judiciary, the armed forces and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The all-powerful IRGC

So, Iran is far from a democracy. But the idea that regime change would lead to a full democracy that is aligned with Israel and the US is very unlikely.

Iranian politics is extremely factional. Ideological factions, such as the reformists, moderates and conservatives, often disagree vehemently on key policy areas. They also jockey for influence with the supreme leader and the rest of the clerical elite. None of these factions is particularly friendly with the US, and especially not Israel.

There are also institutional factions. The most powerful group in the country is the clerical elite, led by the supreme leader. The next most powerful faction would be the IRGC.

Originally formed as a kind of personal guard for the supreme leader, the IRGC’s fighting strength now rivals that of the regular army.

The IRGC is extremely hardline politically. At times, the IRGC’s influence domestically has outstripped that of presidents, exerting significant pressure on their policies. The guard only vocally supports presidents in lockstep with Islamic revolutionary doctrine.

In addition to its control over military hardware and its political influence, the guard is also entwined with the Iranian economy.

The IRGC is heavily enriched by the status quo, with some describing it as a “kleptocratic” institution. IRGC officials are often awarded state contracts, and are allegedly involved in managing the “black economy” used to evade sanctions.

Given all of this, the IRGC would be the most likely political institution to take control of Iran if the clerical elite were removed from power.

In peacetime, the general consensus is the IRGC would not have the resources to orchestrate a coup if the supreme leader died. But in a time of war against a clear enemy, things could be different.

Possible scenarios post-Khamenei

So, what might happen if Israel were to assassinate the supreme leader?

One scenario would be a martial law state led by the IRGC, formed at least in the short term for the purposes of protecting the revolution.

In the unlikely event the entire clerical leadership is decimated, the IRGC could attempt to reform the Assembly of Experts and choose a new supreme leader itself, perhaps even supporting Khamenei’s son’s candidacy.

Needless to say, this outcome would not lead to a state more friendly to Israel or the US. In fact, it could potentially empower a faction that has long argued for a more militant response to both.

Another scenario is a popular uprising. Netanyahu certainly seems to think this is possible, saying in an interview in recent days:

The decision to act, to rise up this time, is the decision of the Iranian people.

Indeed, many Iranians have long been disillusioned with their government – even with more moderate and reformist elements within it. Mass protests have broken out several times in recent decades – most recently in 2022 – despite heavy retaliation from law enforcement.

We’ve seen enough revolutions to know this is possible – after all, modern Iran was formed out of one. But once again, new political leadership being more friendly to Israel and the West is not a foregone conclusion.

It is possible for Iranians to hold contempt in their hearts for both their leaders and the foreign powers that would upend their lives.

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

– ref. Regime change wouldn’t likely bring democracy to Iran. A more threatening force could fill the vacuum – https://theconversation.com/regime-change-wouldnt-likely-bring-democracy-to-iran-a-more-threatening-force-could-fill-the-vacuum-259042

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

June 17, 2025
MIL-OSI: LHV Group results for May 2025
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

May for LHV was characterised by the rapid growth of the loan portfolio. Profitability was impacted by the ongoing decline in interest rates and the partial reversal of previous impairments. LHV Group’s consolidated loan portfolio grew by EUR 104 million in May. At the same time, the total volume of deposits decreased by EUR 34 million. The volume of funds managed by LHV decreased by EUR 11 million over the month. In May, 6.7 million payments related to financial intermediaries were made.

In May, AS LHV Group earned EUR 10.3 million in consolidated net profit. Among the subsidiaries, AS LHV Pank earned a net profit of EUR 10.5 million, LHV Bank Ltd earned a net profit of EUR 28 thousand, AS LHV Kindlustus earned a net profit of EUR 339 thousand, and AS LHV Varahaldus earned a net profit of EUR 297 thousand. The return on equity attributable to the shareholders was 17.3% in May.

The number of LHV Pank customers grew by 2,800 in May, exceeding the 470,000 mark. Loan growth was strong at EUR 83 million, of which EUR 51 million came from corporate loans and EUR 32 million from private loans. The overall quality of the loan porftolio remains good and a solution was found for one of the two largest non-performing loans, which led to a reduction in previously recognised provisions. The strong month was also reflected in deposits, as corporate banking deposits decreased by less than expected against the backdrop of an increase of EUR 88 million in retail banking deposits. The decline in interest rates is reducing the bank’s net interest income, as deposit interest rates are falling more slowly than loan interest rates.

LHV Bank, which operates in the United Kingdom, launched the initial version of its retail customer offer in May, that allows customers to use the bank app, open an account, make payments, order a bank card, and securely deposit money. The presentation of the offer and the marketing campaign were started, the costs of which also affected the company’s monthly profit. Work will continue on the following products to further develop the offer. The Bank’s loan portfolio grew by EUR 21 million in May.

The stable revenue growth of LHV Kindlustus also continued in May. New insurance contracts were concluded for an amount of EUR 3.15 million. As at the end of May, there are 274,000 valid insurance contracts. Performance improved due to a successful motor own damage insurance campaign. Compensation for loss events amounted to EUR 2.2 million and 12,500 new claims were registered in May. The profitability of Kindlustus has been improved by a very good loss ratio.

Since May was a strong month in the financial markets, the pension funds of LHV continued to grow value for their customers. The larger funds managed by the LHV Varahaldus, L and XL, increased by 1.2% and 2.3%, respectively, over the month. LHV Pensionifond Indeks increased by 5.6% over the month. The net profit of LHV Varahaldus exceeds the financial plan, while the volume of funds and the number of customers are slightly below the planned level. In May, LHV Varahaldus announced a plan to change the names of pension funds to make them clearer for customers and to merge the green pension funds with other funds.

Since LHV Group issued AT1 bonds worth EUR 50 million in April, EUR 15 million worth of AT1 bonds were called back in May. As a result of the share option program, the share capital of LHV Group was increased by EUR 366,721.30. Share acquisition transactions were also initiated in accordance with the resolution of the shareholders’ general meeting held in March. The financial plan stands.

The reports of AS LHV Group are available on the website at: https://investor.lhv.ee/en/reports.

LHV Group is the largest domestic financial group and capital provider in Estonia. LHV Group’s key subsidiaries are LHV Pank, LHV Varahaldus, LHV Kindlustus, and LHV Bank Limited. The Group employs over 1,150 people. As at the end of May, LHV’s banking services are being used by 471,000 customers, the pension funds managed by LHV have 111,000 active customers, and LHV Kindlustus protects a total of 176,000 customers. LHV Bank offers retail banking services to private customers in the United Kingdom, loans to small and medium-sized enterprises, and banking services to international fintech companies.

Priit Rum
Communications Manager
Phone: +372 502 0786
Email: priit.rum@lhv.ee

Attachment
- LHV Group 2025-05-EN
The MIL Network –
June 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Banking: Secretary-General of ASEAN chairs the Judging Committee for ASEAN Prize 2025

Source: ASEAN

Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today chaired the 8th Judging Committee Meeting for the ASEAN Prize, at the ASEAN Headquarters/ ASEAN Secretariat. The Committee, also comprising of former Secretaries-General of ASEAN, engaged in comprehensive and deliberative discussions to meticulously assess all the national nominations from ASEAN Member States. This process reaffirms ASEAN’s steadfast commitment to upholding the principle of excellence and merit-based recognition of ASEAN-based individuals and organisations who have contributed to ASEAN’s community building efforts. The occasion also provided Dr. Kao and his distinguished predecessors the opportunity to exchange perspectives on the current regional dynamics and global megatrends, particularly in light of the recently adopted ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and its four Strategic Plans, at the 46th ASEAN Summit, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The post Secretary-General of ASEAN chairs the Judging Committee for ASEAN Prize 2025 appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

MIL OSI Global Banks –

June 17, 2025