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Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI Security: KS25 | The 623rd ACS can’t be pinned down

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan  –  

     The 623 Air Control Squadron worked with the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) to provide battle management in support of Exercise Keen Sword 25 (KS25) Oct 18 – Nov 1, 2024.

    After travelling over 1,500 miles from their home station at Kadena Air Base, Japan, the 623rd ACS integrated with their U.S Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps and JASDF counterparts to successfully provide command and control capabilities to aircraft participating in KS25.

    “Maintaining a good relationship with joint service and the Japanese Self-Defense Force allows us to understand and use their systems,” said Capt. Zackary Schreiber, 623rd ACS detachment commander. “So, if we have to step for an exercise or a real world emergency, we know how each other functions and how to keep information flowing.”

    While at Misawa, the 623rd ACS operated out of two separate locations. One team assembled a shelter tent where they utilized the mobile Tactical Operations Center – Light kit while working side-by-side with the Marine Corps and their Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar system. The second team worked out of the direction center with the 610th ACS assigned to Misawa Air Base and the JASDF.

    Keen Sword demonstrates and advances U.S.-Japan interoperability and reinforces solidarity of the U.S.-Japan alliance by exercising the most modern equipment and procedures under realistic conditions.

    The direction center team worked with the JASDF and the 610th to control missions and provide information to aircraft flying in support of KS25. The teams debriefed extensively after every mission to continue optimizing their individual and combined capabilities.

    “Seeing the way that the JASDF out here uses their systems has opened a lot of doors for us to take back and improve our processes at Kadena,” said Tech. Sgt. Patrick Wolfe, 623rd ACS flight chief of weapons and tactics. “Also, we shared our standards and advancements with the other ACS units.”

    One thing that Wolfe said he specifically appreciated were the JASDF radio assignment and management processes because they were digitized which increased the ease of information flow.

    “It’s been a great experience working with the JASDF at Misawa,” said Schreiber. “They are just as experienced and professional as the service members I am used to working with.”

    The 623rd ACS, alongside joint force and allied partners, encountered realistic and relevant training opportunities that increased their ability to plan, communicate, and conduct multi-domain operations.

    “It feels like we’re actually deployed to the field,” said Tech. Sgt. Sherraye Carter, 623rd ACS noncommissioned officer in charge of command and control integrations. “It’s really important to fully experience that, not only for the Airmen personally, but for the equipment as well.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Keen Sword 25: U.S. Air Force, Japanese Forces Unite for First Integrated Rapid Airfield Damage Repair Training

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    AOMORI, Japan  –  

    U.S. and Japanese forces launched their first fully integrated Rapid Airfield Damage Repair (RADR) training on Oct. 30, 2024, as part of exercise Keen Sword 25, a biennial event focused on joint readiness and operational resilience in the Indo-Pacific.

    This year’s Keen Sword exercise unites all branches of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces (JSDF)—Ground, Maritime, and Air—in joint operations with U.S. forces. The training centers on strengthening interoperability and enhancing mission resilience in contingency scenarios, a critical aspect of maintaining security in the region.

    “This is the first time we’ve trained with all components of the Japanese military,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Alexander Manco, 35th Civil Engineer Squadron (CES) prime base engineer emergency force manager.

    In the past, the 35th CES and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force have conducted RADR training, but in this iteration, this is the first time the 35th CES has had the opportunity to work alongside all the branches of the JSDF.

    “Through RADR exercises, we’re able to practice real-world airfield recovery scenarios with our Japanese allies, which strengthens our ability to maintain airfield functionality under challenging conditions,” Manco added.

    RADR is a multi-staged process that quickly and effectively repairs airfields, allowing for flightline operations to continue in combat or natural disaster situations. This comprehensive training covers various aspects, including damage assessment, debris removal, and the application of expedient repair methods for runways and other critical infrastructure.

    The training also involves hands-on experience with heavy equipment and specialized materials, such as concrete or fiberglass covers, with an emphasis on safety protocols and efficient repair strategies in order to maintain operational readiness even under challenging conditions.

    The RADR training within Keen Sword 25 builds vital infrastructure repair skills ensuring both U.S. and Japanese forces are prepared to restore airfield capabilities quickly if needed.

    “This exercise not only reinforces the U.S.-Japan security alliance but also provides an invaluable opportunity for our members to work closely with Japanese counterparts,” Manco explained.

    The U.S.-Japan alliance is founded on shared interests, values, and a commitment to freedom and human rights. Both nations remain focused on maintaining regional peace and security in the Indo-Pacific, including building new partnerships and enhancing multilateral cooperation.

    “Our participation in Keen Sword 25 allows us to refine critical skills in rapid airfield recovery and reinforces our readiness to respond alongside our Japanese counterparts,” said, Lt Col. Daniel Blomberg, 35th Civil Engineer Squadron commander. “This exercise not only strengthens our interoperability but ensures we’re prepared to restore and maintain operational capabilities under any conditions, contributing to a stronger regional defense posture.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S., Japan successfully conclude joint bilateral exercise Keen Sword 25

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    JAPAN  –  

    Forces from the U.S., Japan, Australia and Canada concluded exercise Keen Sword 25 on Nov. 1 after ten days of integrated training across Japan.

    Keen Sword 25 was a joint bilateral exercise Japan designed to increase readiness and interoperability while strengthening the ironclad U.S.-Japan alliance. This year’s Keen Sword was the largest iteration of this exercise since its inception in 1986. The overall event included participants from the Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF), Australian Defence Force (ADF), Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and U.S. service members from across the joint force. The exercise began Oct. 23 following a bilateral press conference on Oct. 22.

    Throughout the exercise, U.S. forces worked alongside JSDF and partner nation forces to hone skills and maintain warfighting readiness. Bilateral and multilateral events undertaken as part of Keen Sword 25 included joint live fire training, medical mass casualty exercises, installation security forces training and simulated airfield damage repair, among others.

    Participants took advantage of the unique training environment to enhance tactics, techniques, and procedures across a wide range of military operations in support of furthering interoperability between U.S., JSDF and participating allied forces, strengthening deterrence, and regional stability. The training occurred throughout mainland Japan and its surrounding territorial waters.

    Keen Sword continues to be an opportunity to demonstrate the ironclad nature of the U.S. – Japan alliance, which is built on shared interests and values and a commitment to freedom and human rights. Both countries are focused on ensuring regional peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region, including building new partnerships and strengthening multilateral cooperation.

    Participants in Keen Sword 25 include U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM), U.S. Pacific Fleet (PACFLT), U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific (MARFORPAC), U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC), Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ), U.S. 7th Fleet (C7F), III Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF), U.S. Army Japan (USARJ), U.S. Naval Forces Japan (CNFJ) 5th Air Force (5 AF) along with forces originating from units across the Department of Defense.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Child fatally struck on driveway, Palmerston North

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    To be attributed to Detective Senior Sergeant David Thompson:

    Police are investigating after a small child was fatally struck by a car in a driveway on Terry Crescent in Palmerston North today.

    Police were alerted to the incident at 1.15pm today, after the child was taken to hospital by family members.

    Tragically the child was unresponsive when they arrived at the hospital and was unable to be revived.

    The Serious Crash Unit has completed a scene examination at the property on Terry Crescent.

    Officers are speaking to family members to establish the full circumstances, and we are also working to support them following this tragic incident.

    At this stage there is no further information or comment available.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Legal Week 2024 to commence on Monday

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Hong Kong Legal Week 2024, an annual flagship event of the legal sector and the Department of Justice (DoJ), is one of the most anticipated legal and dispute resolution events in the region and beyond. Themed “Hong Kong Common Law System: World-Class Springboard to China and Beyond”, the five-day event will start Monday (November 4) and run until November 8. The Hong Kong Legal Week 2024 will provide an opportunity for participants to engage in a series of professional and insightful discussions and exchanges with prominent experts, practitioners, government officials and academics on a wide spectrum of topics from international law, developments in alternative dispute resolution, opportunities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, to the rule of law in the region and beyond.

         Hong Kong Legal Week 2024 will open on Monday with the Asia-Pacific International Private Law Summit, co-organised by the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law and the DoJ. The Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy, one of the policy initiatives set out in the 2023 Policy Address, will also be officially launched on the last day of this year’s Hong Kong Legal Week.

         In addition to the insightful events, there will be an exhibition at the venue highlighting the achievements in the construction of the rule of law by the country in the modern era, and the role played by Hong Kong in contributing to the developments.

         A series of international and important events to be featured at the Hong Kong Legal Week 2024 are as below:

    November 4
    * Asia-Pacific International Private Law Summit 2024

    November 5
    * The Second Legal Forum on Interconnectivity and Development

    November 6
    * Beyond Litigation: The Vibrant Landscape of Alternative Dispute Resolution of Hong Kong
    * 2024 Hong Kong Mediation Lecture

    November 7
    * Joint Contribution to the Construction of Rule of Law in the GBA

    November 8
    * Rule of Law: The Best Business Environment

         For more details on Hong Kong Legal Week 2024, please visit the dedicated website at www.legalweek.hk. Live broadcasts will be available on the dedicated website and at webcast.info.gov.hk.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai meets delegation from Estonian parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee  

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    President Lai meets delegation from Estonian parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee  
    President Lai meets delegation from Estonian parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee  
    2024-11-01

    On the afternoon of November 1, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation from the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia). In remarks, President Lai thanked Estonia for staunchly supporting Taiwan’s international participation and said that Taiwan has the responsibility, the ability, and the willingness to contribute even more to the international community in every domain. The president expressed his hope that we can work together to continue deepening the partnership between Taiwan and Estonia, and that by strengthening cooperation with European Union member states across many areas, we can jointly respond to the challenges posed by expanding authoritarianism, thereby safeguarding global peace, stability, and prosperity. 
    A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
    I extend a warm welcome to our good friends from the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu. This is Chairman Marko Mihkelson’s second visit to Taiwan. He visited last August with a delegation of parliamentary foreign affairs committee chairs from the Baltic states. Members of the Riigikogu Ester Karuse and Luisa Rõivas are also visiting again, having been part of a delegation led by Estonia-Taiwan Support Group Chairman Kristo Enn Vaga in March.
    Your presence here demonstrates that Taiwan-Estonia relations are growing closer. I believe that with your support and assistance, our alliance, based on the shared values of freedom and democracy, and our economic and trade partnership are sure to grow even stronger. For this, I express my sincere gratitude.
    The international landscape and geopolitical environment are changing rapidly. Expanding authoritarianism is challenging the universal values of freedom and democracy as well as the rules-based international order. At this critical juncture, it is even more imperative that like-minded nations unite and work together to safeguard global peace, stability, and prosperity.
    In addition to strengthening cooperation with other nations to defend the values of freedom and democracy, Taiwan has actively sought inclusion in such international organizations and mechanisms as the World Health Organization, the International Civil Aviation Organization, and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. More than just a matter of the fundamental human rights of the 23 million people of Taiwan, it demonstrates that Taiwan has the responsibility, the ability, and the willingness to contribute even more to the international community in every domain.
    I want to take this opportunity to thank Estonia for staunchly supporting Taiwan’s international participation. In particular, Health Minister Riina Sikkut once again spoke out for Taiwan’s meaningful engagement at this year’s World Health Assembly. We sincerely appreciate Estonia for holding Taiwan in such high regard and for taking this stand. I would also like to congratulate former Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas on her appointment as High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. This attests to the crucial role that Estonia plays in uniting the strengths of the EU and like-minded nations around the world.
    Looking ahead, we hope that, with your assistance, we will continue to deepen the partnership between Taiwan and Estonia. And by strengthening cooperation with EU member states in such areas as the economy, trade, and security, we can jointly respond to the challenges posed by expanding authoritarianism. In closing, I wish you a smooth and productive visit.
    Chairman Mihkelson then delivered remarks, saying that he is honored to lead the first-ever delegation from the Estonian parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee to Taiwan. Mentioning that yesterday they had witnessed Typhoon Kong-rey, he said that not even typhoons can break the very good relations between Estonia and Taiwan. 
    Chairman Mihkelson expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to meet with President Lai today and discuss very important topics, such as how to improve relations between our nations. Noting that we are living in a very turbulent world, he said that Taiwan and Estonia are like-minded nations whose relations have changed dramatically in a very positive direction from several years ago to today. The chairman observed that we have had numerous reciprocal visits and expressed his hope that one day we can mutually establish representative offices between Taiwan and Estonia.
    Chairman Mihkelson emphasized that Taiwan and Estonia are strong democracies, and that we see today both in East Asia and also in Europe that democracies are under attack. In Estonia and Europe, he said, they are worried about Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. He said that the aim of both Russia and its supporters is not only Ukraine, but also to change the world order. And the recent news that North Korean troops are to participate in the aggression against Ukraine, he added, makes this conflict global.
    Chairman Mihkelson stated that the reason they are here, besides strengthening our bilateral relations, is to find ways democracies can together support Ukraine, because the outcome of this war is similarly important for their own security as well as for Taiwan’s security. He said that Estonia lost its freedom for 50 years and that ever since it regained independence in 1991, there has been a very strong political consensus, but also support within society, that Estonia should never be alone again when it comes to its security and international relations. This is why, he explained, they are seeking very good partnerships with like-minded countries like Taiwan.  
    In closing, Chairman Mihkelson emphasized that we should do whatever it takes in our cooperation as democracies to never be challenged by autocracies. He then once again expressed his thanks for hosting them here today.
    The delegation also included Deputy Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Henn Põlluaas and Deputy Chair of the Anti-Corruption Select Committee Eerik-Niiles Kross.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Macao has full backing of central authorities: Spokesperson

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    A file photo taken on July 1, 2021 shows the scene at the iconic Golden Lotus Square of Macao where a flag-raising ceremony is held to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China. [Photo/Xinhua]
    President Xi Jinping’s meeting with Sam Hou Fai, the incoming chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), fully demonstrates the central authorities’ wholehearted support for Macao’s development, a spokesperson for the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of China’s State Council said on Friday.
    The Friday meeting also reflects the central authorities’ earnest expectation for Macao to continuously advance the successful practice of “one country, two systems,” said the spokesperson.
    The sound environment of Macao today is a vivid testament to the great vitality and strength of the “one country, two systems” principle, the spokesperson said.
    During the meeting, President Xi reiterated that the central authorities will stay committed to fully and faithfully implementing the “one country, two systems” principle under which the people of Macao administer Macao with a high degree of autonomy, noted the spokesperson, adding that this constitutes the greatest source of confidence for securing steady and continued success of “one country, two systems” in Macao.
    The spokesperson also expressed the belief that the new chief executive and government of the Macao SAR will unite all sectors of the Macao society and continuously break new ground in the practice of “one country, two systems” with Macao characteristics.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Housing market enjoys upswing

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    An aerial photo taken on Feb. 17, 2020 shows buildings under construction in Nanguan District of Changchun city, northeast China’s Jilin province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    In October, the total transaction volume of China’s new and secondhand homes experienced their first increase after an eight-month decline, said the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development on Friday.

    The nationwide sales volume of new homes rose 0.9% year-on-year in October, according to the ministry’s data.

    The increase marks the first positive growth in the new housing sector after 15 consecutive months of declines since June of last year.

    In addition, the transaction volume for second-hand homes grew by 8.9% year-on-year, extending its growth streak to seven months.

    Overall, the combined transaction volumes of new and secondhand homes increased by 3.9% year-on-year in October, marking a significant turnaround following eight months of consistent decreases since February, the ministry said.

    The real estate market in major cities may experience a “mild winter” this year and transaction volumes are expected to maintain a high momentum, with home prices holding steady under the influence of recent policy adjustments, said Zhang Dawei, chief analyst at Centaline Property, in an interview.

    Data from the ministry also showed that in October, the growth in housing sales has extended beyond first-tier cities, indicating a broader market recovery across regions nationwide.

    In first-tier cities, new home sales volumes rose by 14.1% year-on-year, while second-hand home transactions surged by 47.3% year-on-year in October.

    Cities including Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Dongguan in Guangdong province, Nanjing in Jiangsu province, Ningbo in Zhejiang province, and Dalian in Liaoning province have seen strong growth in new home sales, up over 30% year-on-year, while second-hand home transactions in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Hangzhou increased by more than 50%.

    At the regional level, 11 provincial-level regions reported year-on-year growth in new home sales in October, an increase from five provinces in the previous month. Tianjin Municipality, Guangdong, Jiangxi, Hunan and Jiangsu provinces led with growth rates of above 10%. Additionally, 20 provincial-level regions saw increases in second-hand housing sales, a rise of two in quantity from September.

    As the central government’s recent key policies have demonstrated a rather proactive and positive stance as well as a strong commitment to stabilizing the economy and halting the decline in the real estate sector, more local-level supportive policies are also expected to be implemented in the near future, said Guorong Securities’ research team.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s listed companies report growing profits

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    A file photo shows an exterior view of the Shanghai Stock Exchange at Pudong New Area in Shanghai, east China. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Companies listed on China’s stock exchanges have reported net profit growth in the third quarter of 2024.

    As of Thursday, 5,368 publicly-traded companies had released quarterly reports. Their combined net profits reached 1.52 trillion yuan (about $213.7 billion) from July to September, growing 4.9% year on year and 3.9% over the previous quarter.

    From January to September, these listed firms reported 52.64 trillion yuan in operating revenues and 4.43 trillion yuan in net profits. Of them, 2,947 companies posted growth in operating revenues and 2,149 corporations saw an increase in net profit.

    In the first three quarters, the publicly-traded companies invested 1.1 trillion yuan in research and development, representing a year-on-year growth of 3.9%. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: HKSAR gov’t welcomes first batch of brokers eligible for cross-boundary wealth management connect

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Photo taken on July 31, 2021 shows the statues on the square of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) in south China’s Hong Kong. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government on Friday welcomed the announcements of the first batch of brokers eligible to participate in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) Cross-boundary Wealth Management Connect Pilot Scheme.

    Fourteen licensed corporations in Hong Kong are qualified to offer cross-boundary investment services for investors from the GBA, according to the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong. They will work in partnership with brokers of the Chinese mainland confirmed by the China Securities Regulatory Commission.

    A spokesperson for the HKSAR government said that the Wealth Management Connect has been growing steadily since its launch in September 2021, and measures commencing on Feb. 26 this year to enhance the scheme have received enthusiastic market response.

    The first batch of brokers joining the scheme can help better satisfy GBA residents’ demand for asset allocation and create more development opportunities for the industry, the spokesperson said.

    This will strengthen Hong Kong’s status as an international asset management center, the spokesperson added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Sustained drive set to boost spending

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    A consumer shops at a supermarket in Tengzhou, east China’s Shandong Province, April 11, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China will ramp up efforts to reinvigorate consumer spending and drive domestic demand across various sectors, to give a much-needed fillip to the country’s economic growth momentum in the final stretch of the year, officials and analysts said.

    Consumption vouchers in the service sector and new incentives for businesses, among others, will be rolled out to facilitate the transition of the world’s second-largest economy toward a more consumption-led model, they added.

    China’s retail sales growth accelerated by 1.1 percentage points in September compared to the previous month, indicating a positive shift in the country’s consumer market. The country will better harness the power of consumption to propel its development, Vice-Minister of Commerce Sheng Qiuping said on Friday.

    By launching the consumption promotion campaign in November, the country will further unleash the potential of consumption and strongly underpin the year-end economic performance, Sheng said at a news conference.

    The initiative will guide offline businesses to actively engage in promotional activities, while fostering synergies with the ongoing Double Eleven shopping festival, Sheng added. Double Eleven is an e-commerce shopping fiesta that culminates on Nov 11 each year.

    In the month ahead, Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, and Chongqing will distribute consumption vouchers specifically for catering, cultural tourism, and sports services, according to Sheng.

    China’s service consumption demand has remained robust, with the retail sales of services growing 6.7% year-on-year in the first three quarters of this year, outpacing the growth in goods retail by 3.7 percentage points, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed.

    By encouraging consumption in the service industries, China can better capitalize on the growing middle-income group and their increasing preference for experiential and lifestyle-oriented spending, said Chen Lifen, a researcher at the Development Research Center of the State Council.

    Meanwhile, Shanghai and Guangzhou, Guangdong province, will offer support and incentives to businesses that introduce new offerings, such as launching first stores, products or exhibitions.

    That is the debut economy in action. It covers everything from the unveiling of a product for the first time, the opening of flagship stores, and the launch of new services, to the creation of new business models and technologies, said Chen Wenling, chief economist at the China Center for International Economic Exchanges.

    These activities are often characterized by their trendiness, cutting-edge features, and high-quality attributes, effectively aligning with consumers’ growing demand for diverse and premium experiences, Chen added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China hopes talks with EU on EV anti-subsidy probe will bring agreement: MOC

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    People experience a BYD Han electric car during a media preview of the 100th Brussels Motor Show in Brussels, Belgium, Jan. 13, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOC) said on Friday that it hoped the new phase of talks on price commitment with the European Union (EU) regarding the latter’s anti-subsidy probe into China-made electric vehicles (EV) will reach a mutually acceptable solution.

    In a statement, the MOC said that the technical teams of China and the EU have immediately launched a new phase of consultations on price commitment following a discussion held via video link on Oct. 25 between Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and European Commission Executive Vice President and Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis.

    After intensive communication, the EU side indicated that it will be in China to continue consultations on the specific contents of the plan, the MOC said.

    “China welcomes this and hopes that the next phase of consultations will follow the principle of pragmatism and balance to reach a solution acceptable to both sides,” the MOC said.

    On Oct. 29, the EU said it had decided to impose definitive countervailing duties of up to 35.3 percent on EVs from China for a period of five years.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: New climate financing goal expected

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China will collaborate with other Global South countries at an upcoming conference to push for a new, ambitious climate financing goal from developed nations that can adequately support climate actions in developing countries.

    Formerly known as the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, COP29 is slated to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from Nov 11 to 22.

    Xia Yingxian, director of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment’s Department of Climate Change, made the remarks at a news conference organized by the State Council Information Office in Beijing on Friday.

    Emphasizing the critical need to adhere to the objectives and principles outlined in the Convention and the Paris Agreement, Xia expressed China’s aspirations for COP29 to send a resoundingly positive message that the global climate multilateral process is irreversible and that international cooperation is absolutely essential.

    He highlighted that the UN assembly must enhance the efficacy of global endeavors in combating the climate crisis, offer sustained momentum for worldwide green, low-carbon transitions and innovations, and buttress climate resilience.

    Xia especially underscored the pivotal importance of a specific climate financing target from developed countries for developing nations to achieve a successful COP29.

    A key task for the UN climate gathering is to establish a New Collective Quantified Goal on climate financing, which represents a post-2025 climate financing commitment from developed economies to developing nations.

    In 2009, developed countries pledged to deliver $100 billion per year in international climate funding by 2020. The 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change extended the target, requiring contributing nations to maintain the annual contribution through 2025. But the promise has not yet been fully materialized.

    Xia said parties should adhere to the authorization of Article 9 of the Paris Agreement. This means that developed countries must fulfill their funding obligations and continue to lead in mobilizing funds, rather than renegotiate or rewrite relevant arrangements, he said.

    Article 9 stipulates that “developed country parties shall provide financial resources to assist developing country parties with respect to both mitigation and adaptation in continuation of their existing obligations under the Convention”.

    The official stressed a specific target number from developed nations as “golden key” and “master switch” to ensure fruitful outcomes from COP29. He stated that the conference must ensure that the level of support from developed countries aligns with the level of action taken by developing countries.

    Continuously aligning with fellow developing nations, China will press developed countries to meet their financial commitments and devise innovative and substantial financial assistance to adequately support climate initiatives in developing countries, he said.

    “China is willing to work together with all parties to make efforts for the success of COP29,” Xia said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China to give visa-free treatment to another 9 countries

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Travelers pass through customs at Beijing Daxing International Airport in Beijing, capital of China, July 18, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Beijing decided to give visa-free treatment to another nine countries to further encourage cross-border travel, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Friday.

    China will extend the visa-free policy to ordinary passport holders from Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein and the Republic of Korea on a trial basis, Lin said.

    According to Lin, from November 8, 2024, to December 31, 2025, ordinary passport holders from these nine countries will be exempt from visas to enter China and can stay for no more than 15 days for business, tourism, family visits and transit purposes.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rubio, Rosen, Colleagues to Blinken: Designate Houthis as Foreign Terrorist Organizations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Florida Marco Rubio

    Rubio, Rosen, Colleagues to Blinken: Designate Houthis as Foreign Terrorist Organizations
    Nov 1, 2024 | Press Releases

    The Houthis, backed by the Iranian regime, continue to escalate their attacks in the Middle East. Redesignating the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) would impose meaningful costs on them and limit their ability to commit acts of terrorism.
    U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), and colleagues led a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging him to redesignate the Houthis as a FTO after the Biden-Harris Administration foolishly removed that designation.
    “We therefore urge you to immediately restore the designation of the Houthis as an FTO, which would enable the United States to better target the group’s assets and financial support and hold the group accountable for committing terrorism against the United States, Israel, and our partners and allies throughout the region.”
    Joining Rubio and Rosen were Senators Rick Scott (R-FL), Bob Casey (D-PA), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV). 
    The full text of the letter is below. 
    Dear Secretary Blinken: 
    We write to request that you redesignate the Houthis, also known as Ansarallah, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). Since the misguided revocation of the Houthis’ FTO designation in 2021, the Houthis, backed by the Iranian regime, have only escalated their efforts to destabilize the Middle East. These actions include firing drones and missiles against Israel that have killed civilians, disrupting international shipping by targeting commercial vessels, directly attacking U.S. forces, and obstructing the delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians in Yemen. While we recognize that your administration has listed the Houthis as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT), that designation is nowhere near as impactful as an FTO listing. Designating the Houthis as an FTO would impose meaningful costs on the Houthis and degrade their ability to commit acts of terrorism. 
    The Houthis, whose longstanding call to arms includes the phrase “death to America, death to Israel, curse on the Jews,” are a key actor in Iran’s terrorist proxy network. As the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism, Tehran has fueled the conflict between Yemen’s internationally-recognized government and the Houthis by providing the group with a wide array of advanced weapons, including ballistic, surface-to-air, and cruise missile components, unmanned aerial vehicles, and small arms. According to the Defense Intelligence Agency, the U.S. and its partners have interdicted at least 20 Iranian smuggling vessels destined for the Houthis since 2015. By providing the Houthis with advanced capabilities, the Iranian regime has allowed the group to expand its aggression well beyond Yemen’s borders, including by repeatedly firing drones and missiles at Israel. These attacks include a drone strike on Tel Aviv in July 2024 using an Iranian-made drone that killed one person and wounded 10 others. 
    Following the October 7, 2023 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel, the Houthis began targeting commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, posing a significant threat to the free flow of commerce in one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes. These attacks have employed anti-ship ballistic missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and cruise missiles. These actions not only threaten the security of our partners in the region, but also disrupt the delivery of humanitarian aid to Yemen and other conflict areas, endanger global energy markets and supply chains, and increase shipping costs.
    Additionally, following the U.S.-led coalition’s launch of Operation Prosperity Guardian on December 18, 2023 to ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, the Houthis have launched multiple attacks on U.S. military forces. Despite coalition strikes in Yemen intended to disrupt and degrade the capabilities of the Houthis, the group has been able to continue committing acts of terrorism. We should not wait for U.S. casualties to take further action to impose costs on the Houthis. 
    Relisting the Houthis as an FTO would make individuals or entities providing material support to the group liable for criminal prosecution and considered Tier III terrorists subject to sanctions and a travel ban, open up economic tools to target the Houthis’ weapons procurement networks and manufacturing capabilities, provide a legal right of action to U.S. victims of Houthi terrorism, and ban Houthi members from obtaining a visa or entering the United States. Moreover, relisting the Houthis as an FTO would not inherently disrupt the delivery of international aid to Yemeni civilians. 
    We therefore urge you to immediately restore the designation of the Houthis as an FTO, which would enable the United States to better target the group’s assets and financial support and hold the group accountable for committing terrorism against the United States, Israel, and our partners and allies throughout the region. Thank you for your attention to this matter, and we look forward to your response.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Rubio Joins Kudlow

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Florida Marco Rubio
    U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) joined Kudlow to discuss the October jobs report, the influence of illegal immigration on the workforce, and the Biden-Harris Administration’s economic policy failures. See below for highlights and watch the full interview on YouTube and Rumble.

    On job losses among native-born Americans:

    “All the net jobs in the last three and a half years, they’ve all gone to people not born in the United States. Now, some of them are U.S. citizens, they’ve been here a while, but a significant percentage of that is being driven by migrants coming into the country that Biden and Harris have allowed in. What the numbers tell us is that there are people that have lived here most, if not their entire lives, who have lost jobs. Meanwhile, some of those jobs are being taken, or the new jobs are being taken by people that are coming from overseas, and we know a large number of them, nine, ten, 11 million that have come in just the last three years because of the open border.” 

    On the October jobs report:

    “Look, this is probably, the worst jobs numbers, the ones we got in October. And what really bothers me is the way every one of these now, I think 14 of the last 16 massive down[ward] adjustments, they come back and they revise the numbers, but they get the headline. The media runs with the headline, ‘oh, look at these great numbers for Biden and Harris. The economy is turning around.’ Then they come back and revise them. When I said that last month, they said I was lying. Biden himself said I was lying from the podium at the White House. And here we get the revisions now for August and September. Another downward revision, a combined 112,000 jobs less than what they said had been created.” 

    On the failure of the Biden-Harris economic policies:

    “People feel it in their lives. This is an enormous disconnect between the people talking about finance. I don’t think there’s any doubt that in the last week we have seen a disinformation campaign by major media outlets in this country to influence this election that has no precedent. … They go out there and they say, ‘Oh, the economy is doing great.’ They have spent months trying to convince people that our economy is doing phenomenally well and they point to things like the unemployment number, which doesn’t tell you and doesn’t account for the millions of people that you just cited that have stopped looking for work or basically are working off and on as they need, but not really the kind of work that people want in order to start a family and build communities and get ahead in life. But, that disconnect in people’s real lives, they feel it, they see it, they feel this every single day and that’s why an overwhelming number of Americans are not happy with the direction of our country.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Letter to President Biden Calls for Intervention in China Adoption Program Termination

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)

    BISMARCK, N.D. – In August, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) halted all international adoptions, except those between blood relatives. Prior to the announcement, approximately 300 children in the PRC had been matched with American families in the adoption process.

    U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), a co-chair of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, joined U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Ben Cardin (D-MD), and a bipartisan, bicameral group of 103 members of Congress in sending a letter to President Joe Biden, calling on him to stand up for families navigating the PRC’s decision to end intercountry adoptions for those without Chinese familial ties.

    “We request that you act in the best interest of these children and families by urging the PRC to fulfill and uphold the commitment the country has made,” the lawmakers wrote.

    “The American families that have been matched with their adoptive children are prepared to meet their long-term medical and emotional needs, and to give them the love and nurturing they need,” they continued. “Many of these children know that they have a home, which in many cases have been prepared for their arrival since the families were notified that they were matched and moving forward with the adoption process.” 

    Previously, Cramer joined his Congressional Coalition on Adoption co-chairs in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of State requesting clarification on details of the decision to halt adoptions, as well as the reasoning for China’s decision.  

    Click here for the letter.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: CIIE marks China’s commitment to opening up, says Zambian expert

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    A screen promoting the upcoming 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) is pictured at the entrance of National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the main venue for the CIIE, in east China’s Shanghai, Oct. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE) highlights China’s commitment to global openness and willingness to engage in trade with countries worldwide, a Zambian economic expert has said.

    Bernadette Deka-Zulu, founder of Shaping Futures Zambia, a non-governmental organization supporting youth involvement in policy, described China’s move to embrace opening up as a significant step toward fostering a global environment conducive to free trade among nations.

    “The CIIE has offered itself as a leading example to bring about different countries and companies representing various regions, and this is offering an openness. China is saying we are ready to trade with anyone, it also shows that China is open for business,” she told Xinhua in an interview on Thursday.

    She noted that the CIIE not only contributes to China’s economic growth but also serves as a gateway for emerging economies to access an open market, allowing them to display their products and tap into China’s demand for diverse commodities.

    As a former executive director of the Policy Monitoring and Research Center, Deka-Zulu emphasized that the CIIE will also offer a valuable platform for China to learn from other nations and for other countries to observe China’s industrialization progress.

    She further emphasized that China’s commitment to globalization through events like the CIIE has set a benchmark for global economic integration, ensuring equal participation for all countries regardless of economic size — a move critical for enhancing global livelihoods.

    In an era marked by protectionist policies, China’s openness creates a strategic advantage for emerging economies in global trade, she said, praising China’s zero-tariff policy for all least-developed countries with diplomatic relations, calling it a tangible example of its commitment to fair trade.

    She expressed optimism that this initiative would boost exports and elevate economies in these countries. Additionally, she noted that nine Zambian companies have so far registered for this year’s expo, marking a notable increase from previous years and paving the way for more participation in future events.

    Scheduled from Nov. 5 to 10 in Shanghai, the annual CIIE has, since 2018, supported international procurement, investment promotion, cultural exchange, and cooperative partnerships.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Finnish trade minister to attend China CIIE in Shanghai

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    This photo shows a view of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the main venue for the upcoming 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE), in east China’s Shanghai, Oct. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Finland’s government announced on Friday that Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio will attend the upcoming China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai.

    “China is an important trading partner for Finland, so it is useful to support export promotion and trade in sectors that benefit Finnish businesses. This is the fourth time that Finland has a national pavilion at the CIIE,” Tavio stated in a press release.

    The release also noted that Shanghai hosts the largest cluster of Finnish businesses in China.

    According to the release, Tavio will lead a Finnish trade delegation in China from Nov. 4 to 8. Following engagements in Shanghai, he and the delegation will travel to Shenzhen in southern China, with the visit ending in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

    The seventh China International Import Expo is scheduled in Shanghai from Nov. 5 to 10.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese-invested expressway in Cambodia marks 2nd anniversary of operation

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Aerial photo taken on June 24, 2022 shows the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway project in Kampong Speu Province, Cambodia. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The Chinese-invested Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway, Cambodia’s first high-speed toll road, celebrated the second anniversary of its operation on Friday.

    Cambodian Minister of Public Works and Transport Peng Ponea and Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wenbin took part in the event, held here at the headquarters of the Cambodian PPSHV Expressway Co., Ltd., the operator of the 187-km expressway.

    Speaking at the ceremony, Ponea said the expressway has become a key strategic route, linking the first economic powerhouse of Phnom Penh with the second economic powerhouse of the coastal province of Sihanoukville.

    “This expressway has been providing great benefits to Cambodia’s socio-economic development and tourism,” he said. “It has played a crucial role in improving the efficiency of travel and goods transport.”

    The minister said the motorway was one of major achievements in Cambodia under the framework of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation, in addition to the Sihanoukville Special Economy Zone, the Siem Reap Angkor International Airport and the Morodok Techo National Stadium.

    “These achievements are a solid testament to our joint efforts in building a Cambodia-China community with a shared future,” he said.

    Wang said the expressway was a landmark project of China-Cambodia cooperation under the BRI.

    “It is a vivid example of China-Cambodia joint efforts in building a high-quality, high-level and high-standard community with a shared future in a new era,” he said.

    The ambassador said the expressway has significantly contributed to creating job opportunities, promoting regional development and improving the well-being of local people.

    At the event, the company offered a one-year free travel to Chhum Sophearun, a 42-year-old taxi driver, who was the 10 millionth user of the expressway.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Huge manganese deposit found in central China

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Manganese ore specimens are on display at a museum of Geophysical and Geochemical Survey Institute of Hunan Province in Yongzhou, central China’s Hunan province, Oct. 11, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Chinese geologists have uncovered a huge manganese deposit in central China, with its overall potential reserve estimated to exceed 200 million tonnes, Geophysical and Geochemical Survey Institute of Hunan province said Friday.

    About 84 million tonnes of manganese ore deposit have already been discovered in the Qiyang-Lingling Basin of Yongzhou, Hunan province.

    “Manganese is an essential raw material for industries such as steel, new energy and advanced materials,” said Liao Fengchu, director of the institute.

    Researchers have also found a substantial manganese ore body with significant industrial potential following a recent drilling at a depth of over 1,016 meters in the basin, said Xu Junwei, chief engineer of the institute.

    China consumes millions of tonnes of manganese annually, with most of the ore imported, Liao noted.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Board appointments to foundations for relations with China and Japan

    Source: Australian Government – Minister of Foreign Affairs

    I am pleased to announce appointments to the boards of the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations and the Australia-Japan Foundation board.

    The Honourable Mark McGowan AC has been appointed to the Advisory Board of the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations.

    Mr McGowan brings a wealth of relevant experience having served as Premier of Western Australia. Prior to his election to the Parliament of Western Australia, Mr McGowan served as a legal officer in the Royal Australian Navy.

    The Advisory Board guides the Foundation in its efforts to promote and coordinate enhanced cooperation between Australia and China, in support of Australia’s national interests.

    The Foundation is focused on strengthening risk-informed engagement with China and reinforcing social cohesion by partnering with Chinese-Australian communities and showcasing their contributions.

    I am also pleased to announce a new appointment and two reappointments to the Australian-Japan Foundation board.

    Professor Shiro Armstrong, Director of the Australia-Japan Research Centre and Professor of the Crawford School of Public Policy at the Australian National University, will join the Australia-Japan Foundation Board in February 2025.

    Professor Caroline McMillen AO FAHMS and Ms Yuki Nakamura have been reappointed for a second three-year term from October 2024. Professor McMillen is the former Chief Scientist for South Australia and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Newcastle, with an extensive academic and scientific background. Ms Nakamura is the Executive Director of Nakamura Chocolates. She focuses on business in Japan and female entrepreneurship.

    I would like to thank Mr Adam Liaw, for his exceptional contribution to the Australia-Japan Foundation over the past six years, including as acting Chair in 2024. Mr Liaw will finish his second term on 1 February 2025.

    The Australian-Japan Foundation is Australia’s oldest cultural council and underpins our Special Strategic Partnership with Japan. It advances Australia’s foreign and trade policy interests with Japan by supporting partnerships in economic security, the arts, education, science, technology and sport.

    To find out more, see Australia-Japan Foundation and National Foundation for Australia-China Relations.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Remarks by SLW on talent attraction

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is the remarks by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, on talent attraction at a media session after attending a radio programme this morning (November 2):

    Reporter: Mr Sun, on the Top Talent Pass Scheme, any estimates on those intending to stay when their initial period expire? Also, any concerns regarding people providing false documents? Regarding Ronnie O’Sullivan, can you give more details in terms of whether Hong Kong reach out to him? Are there any further plans to entice other high profile influential people to Hong Kong?

    Secretary for Labour and Welfare: I will start with the last question. I think the fact that O’Sullivan has decided to come to Hong Kong and become a part of us speaks volumes about the attraction of Hong Kong. Clearly he has spoken a lot about the good things of being in Hong Kong. With this success and with the launching of a new stream under the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme where we are going to invite top talents from all over the world direct, we are going to do a lot more. We hope to achieve more success, because we truly believe in the attraction of Hong Kong. Be it our tax system, our natural beauty, the convenience, the great food and all the great things here in Hong Kong, is a huge attraction to top talents all over the world. 

         As for the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS), as I have said on different occasions, right now we have built in a very robust system to make sure all the qualifications submitted to us are true and can be verified. For submissions from Mainland China, there is a mandatory requirement for them to verify it through a third-party system, or they have to verify direct with the institutions granting them the qualifications. We can rest assured that for all applications approved under the TTPS based on academic qualifications, all these qualifications are authentic and can be verified.

         We are not going to predict or estimate how many TTPS visa holders are going to have their visas extended. Our principle is that we have made it very clear the criteria for a successful visa extension. We are not going to provide additional help. For those who are able to make it, of course they can stay in Hong Kong and continue their career. For those who failed to make it, we are not going to grant them visa extensions. Rather, after several months when we have a better grasp about the extension situation, we are going to make it public. By then, we would know how many, or in terms of percentage, of the TTPS visa holders got their visas extended successfully. Thank you very much. 

    (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the remarks.)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: New offshore platform taps into potential of heavy-oil reserves in China

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    An aerial drone photo taken on June 4, 2024 shows a view of an offshore platform of the Shengli Oilfield in Dongying City, east China’s Shandong province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The world’s first mobile thermal-injection platform was recently delivered in China’s Shandong province, offering new opportunities to tap into China’s vast potential for heavy-oil recovery, according to the country’s major marine oil-mining company.

    China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) announced on Thursday that “Recai No.1” or “Thermal Recovery No.1”, the mobile thermal-injection platform developed and built by China, has been delivered in waters off Weihai, Shandong.

    The two-deck platform is 82 meters long and 42 meters wide, with a total deck area of over 3,000 square meters, a weight of over 10,000 tonnes and a height equivalent to a building of more than 20 stories.

    Equipped with four legs that are over 70 meters high, the platform can operate in waters at the depth of 35 meters, and withstand typhoons up to category 16.

    According to CNOOC, the platform features a number of pioneering technologies, including the mobile thermal-injection system and the compensation technology for high-temperature, high-pressure steam pipelines.

    It is equipped with three steam boiler systems that can simultaneously inject high-pressure steam at temperatures exceeding 350 degrees Celsius into six oil wells, reducing the viscosity of heavy oil and turning it into more fluid and easily extractable crude oil.

    The platform can be towed to different oil-recovery platforms by tugboats to carry out rapid thermal injection, effectively reducing the development costs of heavy oil and realizing large-scale thermal recovery of heavy oil.

    Heavy oil refers to crude oil that is relatively viscous and has poor fluidity, making it difficult to extract. Unlike the cold-recovery method used for conventional crude oil, heavy oil is typically developed by thermal recovery.

    Heavy oil makes up more than two-thirds of the world’s proven crude oil reserves. As one of the world’s four major producers of heavy oil, China has an estimated heavy-oil resource volume of about 19.87 billion tonnes. In the Bohai Sea area with which Shandong province has a coastline, heavy-oil reserves account for nearly half of the total proven crude oil reserves in the area.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: RDAs focus on big challenges, big opportunities in Busselton

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

    This week, collaboration, networking and celebrations were in order as members from Regional Development Australia (RDA) committees nationwide met in Busselton for the 2024 RDA National Forum and inaugural Awards Dinner.

    The inaugural awards celebrated strategies to drive economic growth and resilence in our regions, and acknowledged the significant contribution RDAs make to supporting local economies, places, people, and services. 

    As representatives for their local communities, RDAs collaborate with regional stakeholders to forge new opportunities and to help build a better future.

    In a competitive field, four winners were crowned for initiatives and projects undertaken by their respective committees in the past 12 months: 

    • RDA Pilbara was the winner in the Investing in Industries and Local Economies category for the Pilbara Hydrogen Hub – delivering significant benefits by driving economic growth and diversification through large-scale renewable hydrogen production and export. 
    • RDA Tropical North was the winner in the Investing in Places category for their Tropical North Economic Development Strategy – this strategy will lead to sustainable growth, enhance economic diversity, and improve infrastructure through targeted investments.
    • RDA Townsville and North West Queensland was the winner in the Investing in People category for their Coordinated Approach to Strategic Workforce Planning – a framework to build a resilient workforce for regional growth.
    • RDA Loddon Mallee was the winner in the Investing in Services category for their Digital Summit – enhancing connectivity, fostering digital job creation and building capacity, ultimately driving economic growth and resilience in the region.

    More than 150 members reconvened for the National Forum, collaborating on regional solutions and innovative ideas specific to this year’s theme of Big Challenges, Big Opportunities. 

    The forum hosted three panels focussing on areas critical to regional development: Innovation and Connectivity, Housing and Skills, and Net Zero and the Energy Transition. 

    Expert speakers provided insights and strategies to not only tackle issues, but turn them into opportunities for economic and skills growth in local comunities.

    To view the full list of 2024 RDA Awards winners, runners-up and special commendations, visit: https://www.rda.gov.au/awards. 

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain MP:

    “Our regions are home to innovative and talented individuals that are committed to harnessing opportunities in their own backyard – with this year’s inaugural RDA Awards a real testament to this.

    “From diversifying economies, to supporting industries with their transition to net zero – the expertise of RDAs is ensuring we continue to build a better future in our regions.

    “They’re not doing this work for a pat on the back, but it’s important we take the time to celebrate their positive and proactive contribution to regional Australia – congratulations to this year’s award winners.” 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: WOMMA ROAD, PENFIELD (Grass Fire)

    Source: Country Fire Service – South Australia

    Homes that have been built to withstand a bushfire, and are prepared to the highest level, may provide safety.

    You may lose power, water, phone and data connections.

    Fire crews are responding but you should not expect a firefighter at your door.

    What you should do

    • Check and follow your Bushfire Survival Plan.
    • Protect yourself from the fire’s heat – put on protective clothing.
    • Tell family or friends of your plans.

    If you are leaving

    • Leave now, don’t delay.
    • Roads may become blocked or access may change. Smoke will reduce visibility.
    • Secure your pets for travel.
    • If you become stuck in your car, park away from bushes, cover yourself, get onto the floor as the windows may break from the intense heat.

    If you are not leaving – prepare to defend

    • Identify a safe place inside, with more than one exit, before the fire arrives. Keep moving away from the heat of the fire.
    • Bring pets inside and restrain them.
    • Move flammable materials such as doormats, wheelie bins and outdoor furniture away from your house.
    • Close doors and windows to keep smoke out.
    • If you have sprinklers, turn them on to wet the areas.
    • If the building catches fire, go to an area already burnt. Check around you for anything burning.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell Statement on Speaker Johnson’s Threat to Repeal The CHIPS & Science Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    11.01.24
    Cantwell Statement on Speaker Johnson’s Threat to Repeal The CHIPS & Science Act
    YAKIMA, WA – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) released this statement regarding Speaker of the House Mike Johnson saying that Republicans would vote to repeal the CHIPS & Science Act:
    “The CHIPS & Science Act is about strengthening America’s competitiveness by bringing supply chains back to the United States, creating new U.S. manufacturing jobs, and lowering costs. It passed both the House and Senate with bipartisan votes because lawmakers understand how important it is to strengthen our national security and economic competitiveness. Now Speaker Johnson and Donald Trump want to kill thousands of jobs that have already been created, stop fabrication facilities already under construction in several states, and make us vulnerable again to outsourcing critical chip components overseas,” Sen. Cantwell said.
    In August, in marking the two-year anniversary of the Act’s passage, Sen. Cantwell announced a major CHIPS & Science Act investment for the Olympic Peninsula. The Recompete pilot program will invest $35M for community-driven initiatives to revive and modernize the region’s traditional timber and maritime economies.
    Sen. Cantwell, chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, was the chief architect of the CHIPS & Science Act. Sen. Cantwell was appointed Chair of the 107-member Conference Committee to negotiate the legislation and successfully negotiated and rallied a last-minute bipartisan push to secure the inclusion of historic science research and development investments. The CHIPS & Science Act passed the Senate 64-33 on July 27, 2022, and the House one day later. Sen. Cantwell joined President Biden for the bill signing on Aug. 9, 2022.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese coastal province evacuates 282,000 as Typhoon Kong-rey approaches

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    People walk across a street in the rain in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 1, 2024. The National Meteorological Center issued a blue alert for the Typhoon Kong-rey on Friday morning, forecasting torrential rains in eastern provincial-level regions, including Zhejiang, Jiangsu and Shanghai, from Friday afternoon through Saturday. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Authorities in east China’s Zhejiang province had evacuated 282,000 people by Friday morning ahead of the Typhoon Kong-rey, which will bring strong winds, heavy rain and heightened flood risks to the region.
    Over 10,600 emergency shelters have been opened across the province, providing meals and drinking water to those relocated. The large-scale evacuation comes as Kong-rey nears the eastern coast of the Chinese mainland.
    All 152 passenger ferry routes in Zhejiang, involving 347 vessels, have been suspended, while 136 water-related construction projects have been paused, and 675 construction vessels moved to sheltered areas.
    Zhejiang’s agricultural sector is also taking preventative action to minimize potential losses, such as clearing drainage channels, reinforcing greenhouses and harvesting vegetables and seasonal fruits ahead of the storm.
    Typhoon Kong-rey made landfall in southeastern Taiwan’s Taitung at around 1:40 p.m. Thursday. By 10 a.m. Friday, its center was located in the sea area about 160 kilometers southwest of Wenling, Zhejiang, moving northeast at around 30 kilometers per hour. Kong-rey may either make landfall along Zhejiang’s coast or pass closely offshore, according to the Zhejiang meteorological authority.
    Yan Xiaofan, an official with Zhejiang’s emergency management department, said that the typhoon had already brought heavier-than-expected rainfall to the province, regardless of whether it makes a second landfall.
    Zhejiang has recorded an average of 70.7 millimeters of rainfall over the past 24 hours, with strong gales impacting central and southern coastal areas.
    Tong Huabin, another official from the department, cautioned that authorities are on high alert for flash floods, landslides and urban flooding.
    The National Meteorological Center issued a blue alert for Kong-rey on Friday morning, forecasting torrential rains in eastern provincial-level regions, including Zhejiang, Jiangsu and Shanghai, from Friday afternoon through Saturday. Parts of Jiangsu and Shanghai could experience downpours of 100 to 120 millimeters.
    The Chinese mainland has a four-tier color-coded weather warning system, with red representing the most severe, followed by orange, yellow and blue.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese carmaker BYD launches premium brand DENZA in Thailand

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Workers operate at an assembly line of BYD’s new plant in Rayong province, Thailand on July 4, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Chinese carmaker BYD officially launched its premium brand DENZA in Thailand on Friday in a move to expand its presence in the Southeast Asian country’s upscale automotive market.

    Narit Therdsteerasukdi, secretary general of the Thailand Board of Investment, emphasized in his opening speech the importance of the entry of the DENZA brand into the Thai market, which marks a milestone in the development of Thailand’s electric vehicle (EV) industry.

    Narit noted that the debut of the DENZA brand not only reflects the confidence of international brands in the Thai market, but will also inject new impetus into Thailand’s economic development. Thailand will continue to support the development of the EV industry and provide a good investment environment for enterprises.

    Thailand has long been a regional automotive manufacturing and export hub. With the government’s investment promotion efforts, the nation aims to convert 30 percent of its annual auto production into EVs by 2030.

    Liu Xueliang, general manager of BYD Asia Pacific auto sales division, said BYD has currently sold 56,000 EVs in the Thai market, adding that the introduction of the DENZA brand is another important strategic plan for BYD after it opened its Thailand factory this year.

    As an automotive industry center in Southeast Asia, Thailand has a mature luxury car market. Liu believed that the DENZA brand which combines luxury and sustainable technology will be recognized by Thai consumers.

    As a world-leading automobile manufacturer and a pioneer in China’s EV industry, BYD has vigorously expanded overseas markets in recent years.

    BYD’s EVs are currently sold in 88 countries and regions around the world. In addition to Thailand, BYD also has production bases in Brazil, Hungary, Uzbekistan and other countries.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Haven — Missing person: Help the RCMP find Nathan David Lawrence

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    November 2, 2024, New HAVEN, Queens District RCMP is asking for the public’s assistance in locating 19-year-old Nathan David Lawrence, who was last seen October 29 at 6:00 p.m. driving grey 2008 Dodge Calliber, with PEI plate: 680AEU.

    Nathan is described as 5-foot-9, 160 lbs, slim build, brown hair, brown eyes, with a go-tee, last seen wearing a black fleece, and black track pants.

    When someone goes missing, it has deep and far-reaching impacts for the person and those that know them. We ask that people spread the word through social media respectfully.

    Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Nathan David Lawrence is asked to contact Queens District RCMP at 902-368-9300. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call PEI Crime Stoppers toll free at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)

    File: 20241615808

    Note to media: Photo of Nathan David Lawrence is attached.

    MIL Security OSI –