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  • MIL-OSI China: UN chief condemns ‘continued and widespread’ loss of life across Gaza

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Children injured in an Israeli attack are treated at Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Sheikh Radwan neighborhood, north of Gaza City, on Oct. 21, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the “continued and widespread” loss of life across the Gaza Strip, including Israeli strikes on a residential block in Beit Lahiya on Saturday, a UN spokesman said on Monday.

    “Civilians must be respected and protected at all times,” said Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for the UN chief, at a daily briefing.

    Eighty-seven Palestinians were killed and more than 40 others injured on Saturday after Israeli jet fighters raided a residential area in Beit Lahia in northern Gaza, according to the Gaza-based health authorities.

    The UN chief “remains deeply alarmed by the rapidly deteriorating situation for civilians in northern Gaza, including mass displacement and the lack of essentials for survival,” Haq said.

    Guterres called for immediate and unhindered access for humanitarian and rescue teams to allow them to continue their lifesaving work.

    “The recent attacks that have hit hospitals in North Gaza are exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis and placing the lives of tens of thousands at grave risk,” Haq continued, calling for combatants to protect patients and medical staff.

    “The violations of international humanitarian law that we are witnessing in Gaza by all parties to this conflict are unacceptable. Accountability for any international crimes that have been committed by any party is essential,” the spokesman said, adding that the secretary-general reiterated his calls for an immediate ceasefire and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages in Gaza.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: At least 4 killed, 24 injured in Israeli airstrike in Beirut

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    At least four people, including a child, were killed and 27 others injured in an Israeli airstrike Monday night near Lebanon’s largest public hospital close to Beirut’s southern suburbs, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health.

    The Israeli strike targeted the vicinity of Rafik Hariri University Hospital in the Jnah area, located on the outskirts of southern Beirut.

    The al-Jadeed local TV channel said that over 25 ambulances for the Lebanese Red Cross and Civil Defense teams rushed to the area. The search for victims trapped under the rubble near the hospital is still ongoing.

    The airstrike had forced residents in the area to leave their houses, seeking safer shelters elsewhere.

    Israeli warplanes also launched an airstrike on Ouzai, a densely populated area located on the outskirts of Beirut’s southern suburbs, near the Beirut airport.

    On Monday night, Israeli warplanes launched over 12 violent airstrikes on several areas in Beirut’s southern suburbs, including Haret Hreik, Burj Barajneh, al Hadath, Jamous, and Saint Therese.

    The Israeli army has been waging intensive attacks on Lebanon since late September in a dangerous escalation with Hezbollah.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Wang Yi holds phone talk with Japanese national security official

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, held a phone call on Monday with Takeo Akiba, secretary general of Japan’s National Security Secretariat and the Japanese lead person of the China-Japan high-level political dialogue.

    Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, said since its formation, the Shigeru Ishiba’s government has confirmed that the government will comprehensively promote the strategic and mutually beneficial relationship between China and Japan, has no intention of decoupling or severing industrial and supply chains with China, and adhere to the bilateral consensus on the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water from the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant into the ocean.

    The Japanese government also confirmed its willingness to carry out high-level exchanges as well as dialogue and cooperation in various fields with China, Wang said, noting the China-Japan relations have achieved a steady start.

    He stressed that China maintains continuity and stability in its policy toward Japan and is willing to continue to promote the sound and stable development of China-Japan relations in accordance with the principles and directions set out in the four political documents between China and Japan.

    Wang expressed hope that Japan will respect China’s core interests, adhere to the one-China principle, work with China in the same direction, uphold the political consensus that China and Japan are cooperative partners and not threats to each other, support each other’s peaceful development, maintain and consolidate the political foundation of bilateral relations, inject new vitality into bilateral cooperation in various fields, and jointly contribute to regional peace and stability.

    It is hoped that the new Japanese cabinet would bring new momentum and foster fresh development in China-Japan relations, Wang said.

    For his part, Akiba said that Japan remains committed to promoting a strategic and mutually beneficial bilateral relationship in an all-round way and building a constructive and stable Japan-China relationship.

    Japan stands ready to work with China to focus on the broader picture of the development of bilateral relations, maintain the current momentum in the development of bilateral ties, engage in strategic and forward-looking dialogues, and send more positive signals to the world, he added.

    Both sides agreed to continue making use of the China-Japan high-level political dialogue mechanism and maintain regular communication.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese VP attends inauguration of Indonesian president, visits Indonesia

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Chinese Vice President Han Zheng meets with Indonesia’s new President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta, Indonesia, Oct. 20, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    At the invitation of the Indonesian government, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, as President Xi Jinping’s special representative, attended the inauguration of Indonesia’s new President Prabowo Subianto on Sunday, visited Indonesia from Saturday to Monday, and met with President Prabowo, then President Joko Widodo and newly inaugurated Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka respectively.

    In the meeting with Prabowo, Han noted that President Prabowo’s visit to China right after his election victory demonstrated his deep affection and profound friendship toward China and his commitment to advancing China-Indonesia relations.

    Han pointed out that President Prabowo emphasized key priorities such as food security and poverty reduction in his inaugural address, aligning closely with the people-centered development approach proposed by President Xi.

    Han affirmed China’s support for President Prabowo and the new government, expressing confidence that Indonesia, under Prabowo’s leadership, will achieve further progress in national development.

    China is willing to work with Indonesia to follow the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, push the building of the China-Indonesia community with a shared future to a new level, and contribute to maintaining regional peace and stability while promoting world development and prosperity, Han said.

    Han also put forward three proposals for the next phase of China-Indonesia relations. First, to strengthen high-level strategic mutual trust and continue supporting each other on issues concerning each other’s core interests and major concerns. Second, to deepen comprehensive, mutually beneficial cooperation to benefit more people of the two countries. Third, to enhance international collaboration to promote the development of global governance in a more just and reasonable direction.

    Prabowo said that China, as a major country in the world, is a key partner for Indonesia. He said the new Indonesian government attaches great importance to developing relations with China and will continue Joko Widodo’s friendly policy toward China.

    Indonesia is willing to further deepen mutual support and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two sides, strengthen coordination on international and regional affairs, and promote greater development of bilateral relations, he said.

    Chinese Vice President Han Zheng meets with Indonesian President Joko Widodo in Jakarta, Indonesia, Oct. 19, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    While meeting with Joko, Han pointed out that the past 10 years have witnessed high-level development of China-Indonesia relations, and the two heads of state have jointly led the upgrading of China-Indonesia relations into a new era of building a community with a shared future.

    Han said China is willing to work with Indonesia to carry forward the fine tradition of friendship and cooperation, deepen all-round strategic coordination, jointly promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, ensure smooth operation of major cooperation projects such as the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway, continuing to write a new chapter of solidarity, cooperation and mutual benefit.

    Joko said that in recent years, bilateral cooperation has achieved fruitful results.

    Noting the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway is a landmark cooperation project between the two countries and a symbol of their friendship, Joko said under the leadership of the new Indonesian government, bilateral relations will reach new levels.

    Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, also special envoy of Chinese President Xi Jinping, meets with Indonesia’s newly inaugurated Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka in Jakarta, Indonesia, Oct. 21, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    In the meeting with Gibran, Han said that China and Indonesia are good neighbors and good partners, adding that cooperation between the two sides is highly complementary and mutually beneficial, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples.

    China is willing to strengthen the synergy of development strategies of the two countries in light of the policy priorities of the new Indonesian government, and continue to deepen practical cooperation in various fields, ensuring mutual benefit in a better way, Han said.

    For his part, Gibran said that the new Indonesian government is willing to work with China to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state.

    He said that Indonesia will continue to consolidate the good momentum in developing bilateral relations, and unswervingly deepen bilateral cooperation to better benefit the two countries and peoples.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Greater BRICS spearheads Global South cooperation as leaders meet in Kazan

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    This photo shows a view of the Kazan Kremlin in Kazan, Russia, Oct. 20, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the 16th BRICS Summit on Oct. 22-24 in the Russian city of Kazan at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

    BRICS is an acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, five major emerging markets with considerable economic potential. It has now evolved into an influential international cooperation mechanism with an expanded membership.

    Over the past 18 years, China has upheld the BRICS spirit of openness, inclusiveness, and win-win cooperation and helped drive the BRICS cooperation mechanism to a new level, serving as a constructive force for safeguarding world peace, promoting common development, improving global governance and facilitating democratization of international relations.

    This year marks the beginning of greater BRICS cooperation. During the upcoming summit, the first such gathering to be held after the BRICS expansion, Xi and leaders of other BRICS countries are expected to draw a blueprint for the development of its mechanism, inject new impetus into a multipolar world, facilitate economic globalization and democratization of international relations, and open up a new chapter for the solidarity and development of the Global South.

    New starting point

    “BRICS is an important force in shaping the international landscape. We choose our development paths independently, jointly defend our right to development, and march in tandem toward modernization. This represents the direction of the advancement of human society, and will profoundly impact the development process of the world,” said Xi during the 15th BRICS Summit in August 2023.

    Other than the countries that officially joined the BRICS family on Jan. 1, 2024, over 30 countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Türkiye and Azerbaijan have either formally applied for or expressed interest in its membership.

    After the expansion, the BRICS countries account for about 30 percent of the global GDP, nearly half of the global population and one-fifth of global trade.

    China has been committed to deepening mutually beneficial cooperation with its BRICS partners. In the first quarter of this year, China’s imports and exports to BRICS countries increased by more than 11 percent year on year.

    Ahmed Al-Ali, a researcher based in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), said that the BRICS has become an important engine to drive global economic recovery and maintain world peace and stability thanks to its steady economic growth, and equal and extensive cooperation opportunities.

    “Ethiopia’s BRICS membership could significantly boost the country’s socio-economic development through various economic opportunities, including increased investment, expanded South-South cooperation and trade partnerships,” said Balew Demissie, a researcher at the Policy Studies Institute of Ethiopia.

    China’s cooperation with other BRICS members has strongly defended multilateralism and promoted the democratization of international relations, said Evandro Carvalho, a Brazilian professor at the Getulio Vargas Foundation, an economic think tank.

    The appeal of the BRICS cooperation mechanism comes from its spirit of openness, inclusiveness, and win-win cooperation. “BRICS countries gather not in a closed club or an exclusive circle, but a big family of mutual support and a partnership for win-win cooperation,” Xi said during the 14th BRICS Summit in June 2022.

    From the “BRICS Plus” cooperation approach proposed in 2017 to the historic expansion of BRICS membership, the mechanism is widely welcomed, with growing influence and appeal.

    The BRICS cooperation mechanism respects the interests of all parties involved and is an “attractive platform for cooperation and mutual benefit,” said Elshad Mammadov, an Azerbaijani economics expert.

    The BRICS Media Summit is held in Moscow, Russia, Sept. 14, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Fruitful achievements

    At present, the mechanism is at a crucial stage of building on past achievements and ushering in a new era of cooperation. China is working with other BRICS partners, embarking on a new journey of greater BRICS cooperation.

    “We should navigate the trend of our times and stay in the forefront. We should always bear in mind our founding purpose of strengthening ourselves through unity, enhance cooperation across the board, and build a high-quality partnership. We should help reform global governance to make it more just and equitable, and bring to the world more certainty, stability and positive energy,” Xi has said.

    Applauding more participants and exploring new ways of cooperation within the mechanism, the BRICS countries will also have more opportunities and their roles in the global arena will continue to expand, said Ivan Melnikov, first vice-chairman of the Russian State Duma and chairman of the Russia-China Friendship Association.

    China and its BRICS partners have worked together to advance practical cooperation and deepen mutual benefit, setting up projects such as the China-BRICS Science and Innovation Incubation Park for the New Era and the China-BRICS AI Development and Cooperation Center, as well as hosting the BRICS Forum on Partnership on New Industrial Revolution and BRICS Industrial Innovation Contest.

    Set up by the BRICS and opened in 2015, the New Development Bank (NDB) aims to mobilize resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging market economies and developing countries.

    Meanwhile, people-to-people and cultural exchanges among BRICS countries are in full swing with popular events such as film festivals, sports games, and co-productions of films and documentaries.

    The first special session for BRICS countries of the International Youth Poetry Festival kicked off in the Southeastern Chinese city of Hangzhou in July, attracting 72 poets from BRICS countries.

    In mid-September, over 60 media leaders from more than 40 countries joined the BRICS Media Summit in Moscow, discussing the role of BRICS media in promoting a multipolar world.

    People-to-people exchanges have deepened among BRICS countries, and BRICS member states have worked towards a closer friendship, providing a “BRICS model” for promoting exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations, said Ahmed Hamadi, a political commentator of the Aletihad News Center of the UAE.

    A model of E190-E2 aircraft is on display at the exhibition of BRICS New Industrial Revolution 2024 in Xiamen, southeast China’s Fujian Province, Sept. 10, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Bright future

    Thanks to the concerted efforts of all parties, the BRICS has increasingly become an important force in shaping the international landscape and safeguarding global stability.

    The BRICS cooperation mechanism is now a key venue for emerging markets and developing countries to strengthen solidarity and cooperation and safeguard common interests, thereby serving as the most pivotal mechanism representing the Global South.

    China is a significant promoter of BRICS cooperation and a natural member of the Global South. Beijing has all along stood with other developing countries through thick and thin. While pursuing its own development, China has continuously provided new opportunities for the rest of the world by sharing its development dividends.

    “China’s role in promoting the continuous development of BRICS is significant,” said Zukiswa Roboji, a researcher at Walter Sisulu University in South Africa.

    The BRICS mechanism effectively promotes solidarity and cooperation among countries of the Global South, and enhances the representation of developing countries in global governance, and China has made positive contributions to raising the global influence of BRICS cooperation, Roboji said.

    The genuine multilateralism advocated by China and its efforts in promoting the modernization of the Global South have brought confidence and important strength to the world, said Bunn Nagara, director and senior fellow at Belt and Road Initiative Caucus for Asia-Pacific.

    “Today, China is exactly what the countries of the Global South want to be,” said Dilma Rousseff, former Brazilian president and president of the NDB, adding that China’s advocacy of more just and effective global governance is helping the world build a bright shared future.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese researchers trace spirit distillation technology back to Western Han Dynasty

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Chinese researchers have uncovered evidence that spirit distillation technology in China dates back to the Western Han Dynasty (202 BC-25 AD), much earlier than the previously believed Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368).

    A research team from Zhengzhou University’s historical and cultural heritage conservation research center conducted simulation experiments using a replica of the distiller unearthed from the tomb of the Marquis of Haihun. The experiments confirmed the distiller’s functionality for producing distilled spirits.

    The tomb, located in Nanchang, capital of east China’s Jiangxi Province, is a significant archaeological site from the Western Han Dynasty.

    The findings correct the traditional belief that spirit distillation technology emerged during the Yuan Dynasty, as recorded in the ancient Chinese medical classic Ben Cao Gang Mu, according to Han Guohe, director of the research center.

    The experiments revealed that the ancient distiller achieved a distillation efficiency of over 70 percent, while also preserving spirits’ flavor and alcohol content.

    The study was published in the journal Cultural Relics of Central China. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Documentary gives clout to Chinese filmmakers

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Fang Li with Lisbon Maru survivor Dennis Morley during an interview. Morley, the last survivor in the U.K., died in 2021 at age 101. [Image courtesy of Laurel Films]

    Since early September, filmmaker Fang Li has traveled to many cities to host nearly 100 promotional events for one of his most challenging works, The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru.

    The documentary, which has consumed eight years and 80 million yuan ($11.2 million), chronicles his investigations into a titular incident during World War II — a Japanese ship that carried 1,816 British prisoners of war from Hong Kong to Japan in October 1942.

    Tragically, the cargo liner was torpedoed by the USS Grouper submarine. Japanese forces confined the POWs and abandoned them to their fate, even assigning a team of soldiers to shoot any prisoners attempting to escape after the main troops evacuated. Some of the POWs managed to escape, with 384 British prisoners rescued by over 200 Chinese fishermen in the sea near Dongji Island in Zhoushan, East China’s Zhejiang province. Most survivors were recaptured by Japanese troops the next day, but three were hidden by villagers.

    Fang and his team did their best to find core parties and descendants in the United Kingdom, United States, Japan and China, getting close to the truth about the tragic sinking.

    Narrated in a restrained and objective perspective with profound materials, the documentary has won high acclaim, obtaining 9.3 out of 10 points on the popular review aggregator Douban, making it the highest-rated documentary on the platform this year.

    Currently, the film, which debuted domestically on Sept 6, has grossed over 43 million yuan at the box office, far exceeding the producers’ original estimation.

    Its high acclaim and box-office success have drawn attention from industry insiders and critics, especially after it was selected as China’s submission in a bid for the Oscars’ Best International Feature Film category in late September.

    During a recent symposium held in Beijing, Xie Li, a Party committee member of the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles, listed the popularity of The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru as the latest example showcasing the rise of Chinese documentaries. Previous excellent works include Snow Leopards and Friends, Remembering 1950 and Like the Dyer’s Hand, added Xie.

    Xie expressed hope that Chinese filmmakers will produce more quality documentaries that can resonate with international audiences.

    Jiao Hongfen, chairman of the China Film Producers’ Association, said that The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru has brought pride to domestic filmmakers and will encourage more excellent documentaries to be screened in theaters.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Dance drama on overseas Chinese business pioneer premieres in capital

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Half of the Sea, a Chinese dance drama, centering on the life story of Tan Kah Kee, a patriotic overseas Chinese business pioneer and philanthropist, premiered in Beijing on Sunday.

    The production uses dance as an artistic medium to showcase his spirit of perseverance, patriotism, and dedication to education, paying tribute to the patriotic overseas Chinese who remained devoted to his homeland despite adversity.

    Tan Kah Kee was born in Jimei village in Tong An district, Fujian province, on Oct 21, 1874. At age 16, he arrived in Singapore and joined his father in the family’s rice trading business as an apprentice and bookkeeper. Tan proved himself to be an exceptional worker, and by 1892, he was put in charge of Chop Soon Ann company after his uncle fell ill and retired. In 1893, Tan returned to his home village Jimei, and set about establishing a business of his own.

    The eminent entrepreneur donated money, and directed efforts to improve the lives of people in Chinese mainland through the turbulent wartime. In Singapore, he helped to establish five primary and secondary Chinese schools. In 1918, he established a normal school to train teachers in Fujian. When he founded Xiamen University in 1921, he ensured that the department of education had the best possible faculty. In Singapore, for a decade he campaigned for a Nanyang Chinese Normal School to train teachers for Chinese schools and it was established in 1941.

    His love for China is reflected in his own memoirs, Nanqiao Huiyilu, which has been described as undoubtedly one of the best documented autobiographies ever written by an overseas Chinese in Southeast Asia.

    On stage, the dancers’ fluid and dynamic movements, combined with artistic elements like harbors, fishing boats, and villages, create a vivid depiction of Minnan (southern Fujian) and Southeast Asian scenery. The stage incorporates 16 suspended panels that reflect ever-changing scenes — from the glow of the hometown sunset to minimalist paper-folded fishing boats and a 10-meter-long rotating conference table. The modern stage design creates an immersive viewing experience, transporting the audience to a historical period filled with dramatic changes.

    In terms of choreography, the dance drama seamlessly blends modern dance with traditional Minnan elements and the style of the early 20th century. It showcases the robust, rhythmic movements typical of Minnan dance while incorporating the fluidity and versatility of modern dance.

    Director Lin Chen explained that the title, Half of the Sea, represents both the physical separation of the overseas Chinese from their homeland and their deep emotional connection and strong sense of national identity.

    Following its Beijing debut, Half of the Sea will embark on a nationwide tour.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Art collector’s legacy puts generosity in the frame

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    In 1856, 24-year-old Moscow merchant Pavel Tretyakov (1832-98) acquired the oil works of two Russian painters — Skirmish with Finnish Smugglers by V.G. Khudyakov and Temptation by N.G. Schilder.

    It was his first purchase of “serious” works of art.

    Before that, Tretyakov, who had been long fascinated by music, literature and art, bought books and drawings at the market.

    The possession of the two oil paintings led to buying a large number of paintings in the years before his death, with a focus on “work that would reflect the face of Russian painting”.

    That year marked the beginning of a fine collection, with the painstaking process costing Tretyakov a great deal of time and money.

    He built a gallery to house and display the paintings, and turned it into a public museum. Before he died, he donated the collection and gallery to the Moscow city government to benefit as many people as possible.

    Now, 56 paintings from Tretyakov’s legacy of the State Tretyakov Gallery — some added to the gallery collection after he passed — have arrived in Beijing.

    The Soul of Russia exhibition at the Capital Museum on Chang’an Avenue is the first stop on its China tour and runs until Dec 8. It introduces audiences to Tretyakov’s decades-long commitment to popularizing Russian art and unfolding the many aspects of the country and its people.

    The show celebrates the 75th anniversary of Sino-Russian diplomatic relations and the China-Russia Years of Culture (2024-25).

    In 2015, the State Tretyakov Gallery brought its collection to the National Museum of China, also located on Chang’an Avenue. The exhibition displayed the works of Peredvizhniki, or “The Wanderers”, a group of like-minded artists who emerged in the second half of the 19th century to establish the Society for Traveling Exhibitions and a new style that depicts the contemporary life of ordinary Russian people.

    This time, at the Capital Museum, the gallery presents an even more extensive picture of Russia, its art and its people, since the 16th century through to today, of which the core idea may be summarized in the words of Russian painter Ivan Shishkin (1832-98): “Expanse, space, land. Rye. God’s grace. Russian wealth”.

    Shishkin, one of the most celebrated landscape artists of the Peredvizhniki movement, is recognized as the “tsar of the woods” for his fine presentations of trees and forests. His piece In the Park is on display at The Soul of Russia.

    The exhibited paintings are broken down into sections not in chronological order but under four themes — the expansive and diverse landscapes of Russia, the representative faces of the country that reflect its soul, life scenes of animation and their traditions, and historic narratives.

    Chen Jingjing, the exhibition’s curator, says the arrangement directs audiences to “a broad view of the country and its people as a whole, epitomized by the vivid depictions from different angles by artists from different periods”.

    “Not only does it show the tradition of art in Russia, but also the images of Russia — natural environments, a crisscross of Eastern and Western cultures and daily scenarios — have been presented by its artists over time,” Chen adds.

    “These works are on show in Beijing, which allows people in China to form their own perspectives of the country,” she says.

    Works on show include a 17th century replica of The Virgin of Vladimir, by Ivan Mikhailov, the earliest painting featured at the exhibition according to Elena Pronicheva, the general director of the State Tretyakov Gallery; Nasty Sea, a convincing example of Ivan Aivazovsky’s ability to reenact nature’s eternal beauty and dignity on canvas. The display also has Head of Boyarynya Morozova, a preparatory study work that Vasily Surikov, a historical painter and also a Peredvizhniki member, made for his iconic piece Boyarynya Morozova, which is included in the State Tretyakov Gallery’s collection.

    Some of the artists on show were frequent guests at the house of Tretyakov.

    Pronicheva says Tretyakov “set a good example of how to show the soul of Russia, as he viewed preserving Russian art in the means of building a collection and a gallery, now one of the richest in Russia, and gifting it to the public — a most important commitment”.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: ​Universal Music, iQiyi to promote Chinese rap globally

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Universal Music Greater China (UMGC) announced a deal on Oct. 18 to distribute music globally from contestants on the popular Chinese rap competition show “The Rap of China 2024.”

    The agreement with iQiyi, China’s leading online entertainment platform, gives Universal exclusive rights to release new music from the show’s contestants worldwide. Universal will also provide support services to the artists.

    A poster for Universal Music’s deal with “The Rap of China 2024,” showcasing outstanding contestants. [Photo courtesy of Universal Music Greater China]

    “The Rap of China,” produced by iQiyi, is the first Chinese reality show with a narrative-driven episodic format, showcasing young Chinese rap talent. Since its debut in 2018, the show has sparked a nationwide rap craze and become a cultural phenomenon in China. As one of the country’s most successful youth culture brands in recent years, “The Rap of China” has launched the careers of numerous rap artists.

    “This collaboration not only reaffirms our commitment to nurturing Chinese rap talent but also extends their global reach, bridging cultural gaps and enriching the international music landscape with the dynamic culture of Chinese rap,” said Timothy Xu, chairman and CEO of UMGC. “We eagerly anticipate this partnership will facilitate collaborations between Chinese rap artists and top international talents, creating groundbreaking musical works that carry their unique cultural signatures and expressions.”

    The latest season, which ran from early May to late July, showcased notable contestants, including ALAMEI, C2C, DANNY K, ErWan and Oliver Jiang. Universal Music Group (UMG) will distribute all future releases from these artists globally. To support this partnership, UMGC has formed a specialized team offering comprehensive assistance in talent development, artist management, marketing and merchandise development.

    Zuo Jin, chief director of “The Rap of China,” said this season has displayed exceptional talent and creativity. He called the new partnership with UMG a strong indication of the show’s influence and broad appeal.

    “Embracing an international vision from the start, we set up global auditions that attracted over 500 young artists from around the world,” Zuo said. “With UMG’s deep local expertise and expansive global infrastructure, I am confident that this collaboration will further enhance our international presence and deliver fruitful outcomes.”

    UMG will invite the top three finalists from “The Rap of China 2024” — JinJiBeWater_Falcon, XinXiu and HuiZi — to visit its leading global record labels. The tour will include stops at iconic recording studios and meetings with international artists and producers. The experience aims to broaden the finalists’ artistic perspectives and foster cross-cultural collaborations.

    JinJiBeWater_Falcon, who won “The Rap of China 2024,” said he started from scratch, just like many other rappers on the show. “Winning ‘The Rap of China’ really threw me onto a bigger stage, giving me the opportunity to work with a world-leading music label like UMG,” he said. “I look forward to sparking fresh ideas and inspiration with fellow artists, and I hope my journey can open up more possibilities for Chinese rap.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Re-elected Tunisian president takes oath of office

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Tunisia’s re-elected President Kais Saied (Front) speaks at the Tunisian Parliament in Tunis, Tunisia, on Oct. 21, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Tunisia’s re-elected President Kais Saied took an oath on Monday at the Assembly of People’s Representatives’ headquarters, the Tunisian Parliament, in the capital Tunis.

    The plenary parliamentary session, broadcast on the state television channel Watanya 1, was attended by parliament deputies, members of the National Council of Regions and Districts, and senior government officials.

    In his speech, Saied pledged to safeguard the independence of the homeland and the integrity of its territory, respect the Constitution of the country and its legislation, and watch over its interests and owe it allegiance.

    He emphasized that combating terrorism and fighting corruption are critical challenges that must be addressed.

    Saied also rejected any form of foreign interference in Tunisia’s internal affairs, saying that “the sovereignty of Tunisia is a red line that must not be crossed.”

    According to Article 92 of the Tunisian Constitution, the elected president takes an oath for a five-year term before assuming office.

    Saied has been re-elected for a second term, after winning 90.69 percent of the vote in the presidential election held on Oct. 6.

    Tunisia holds presidential elections every five years, and the 66-year-old Saied has been in office since his election in 2019.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Israel, US implement 5.2B USD air defense aid package

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Israeli and U.S. officials have begun implementing a 5.2-billion-U.S. dollar emergency aid package to bolster Israel’s air defense system, the Israeli Defense Ministry said Monday.

    The Israeli and U.S. sides completed an exchange of letters to initiate the package, which will enhance Israel’s Iron Dome anti-rocket system, David’s Sling missile defense system, and the Iron Beam laser defense system, the ministry said in a statement.

    The package is part of an 8.7-billion-dollar military aid Israel said in late September it had secured from the United States, in which 3.5 billion dollars have already been transferred to Israel for “urgent wartime procurement.”

    The United States has been supporting Israel since the beginning of the conflict with Hamas on Oct. 7 last year, sending a few hundred cargo planes and ships with weapons, bombs, and ammunition, according to official Israeli sources.

    The U.S. military aid has drawn widespread criticism as ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip are claiming more and more lives. According to the latest data from the Gaza-based health authorities, the Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in the enclave has topped 42,600.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Ukrainian president, US defense secretary meet

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and visiting U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin discussed defense issues during their meeting on Monday, according to the presidential press service.

    The talks touched upon Ukraine’s request to use long-range weapons to attack military targets inside Russia.

    Zelensky and Austin also addressed increasing the production of attack drones, cruise missiles, artillery shells and air defense equipment.

    Austin announced a new U.S. military assistance package for Ukraine worth 400 million U.S. dollars, which includes ammunition, military equipment and weapons.

    Since February 2022, the United States has provided 64.1 billion dollars in military aid to Ukraine, according to the fact sheet release by the U.S. Department of State in October this year.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Israel claims major blow to Hezbollah’s rocket capabilities

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    This photo taken on Oct. 20, 2024 shows smoke caused by Israeli airstrike in the southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Israel’s military said on Monday that it had destroyed about 70 percent of Hezbollah’s rocket capabilities, dismantled parts of its financial network, and killed a senior Hezbollah official in Syria who oversaw the group’s money transfers.

    In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that it had killed seven Hezbollah brigade commanders, 21 battalion commanders, and 24 company commanders.

    The IDF added that since the beginning of its ground offensive in Lebanon in early October, it had struck more than 3,200 sites in the country, including hundreds of weapons storage facilities, rocket launchers, anti-tank positions, and command and control centers.

    Roughly 300 of those targets were hit in the last 24 hours alone, according to the military.

    Citing senior security officials, Israel’s Channel 13 TV news reported that Hezbollah retains about 30 percent of its rocket capabilities, a significant reduction from the beginning of the conflict in October.

    Later in a press briefing, IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari said Israeli warplanes had bombed around 20 Hezbollah sites linked with financial network overnight from Sunday to Monday, with most of the strikes focused on Beirut. The strikes, Hagari said, are expected to resume tonight.

    Among the targets was an underground warehouse belonging to the Al-Qard Al-Hasan Association, a Hezbollah-affiliated financial organization operating primarily in Lebanon with headquarters in Beirut’s southern suburb, where Hezbollah’s headquarters are located.

    According to Hagari, Hezbollah had stockpiled cash and gold worth “tens of millions of dollars, intended for living expenses and post-war reconstruction” in this underground warehouse.

    Hagari also said that under Al-Sahel Hospital, in Beirut’s southern suburb, Hezbollah had built an underground bunker storing “at least half a billion dollars in cash and gold.”

    The bunker, described as a central financial hub, was not struck, but Hagari warned that Israeli aircraft were monitoring the site closely. “We will continue to track it,” he added.

    According to the spokesman, Hezbollah has established a financial network involving Yemen, Lebanon, Türkiye, and Syria. The network was managed by Mohammad Jaafar Qasir and Sheikh Salah, the head of Unit 4400, which is responsible for financial transfers and the financial management of Hezbollah.

    Qasir was killed by Israel in Beirut in early October, and according to Hagari, his successor was also killed in an Israeli airstrike in Syria on Monday.

    The crackdown on Hezbollah’s financial network, Hagari added, aims to “deal a blow to its primary financial centers, making it difficult for the group to restore its capabilities.”

    Also on Monday, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant signed an order designating the Al-Qard Al-Hasan Association as a terrorist organization. The decision, Gallant said in a statement, was due to “the financing of terrorism through the purchase of weapons, payment of salaries to terrorists, and the storage of Hezbollah funds within the association’s facilities.”

    The confrontation between the Israeli army and Hezbollah, since its onset on Oct. 8, 2023, has killed more than 2,300 people, injured over 11,000 others, and displaced about 1.2 million residents in Lebanon, according to Lebanese authorities.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: High-tech goods prove popular at Canton Fair

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

    A wide range of high-tech and high value-added products displayed at the first phase of the 136th China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, proved increasingly popular among overseas buyers, the event’s organizers said on Monday.

    The event’s first phase, which focused on China’s advanced manufacturing, concluded on Saturday in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province, with digitalized, intelligent and green products emerging as major highlights of the exhibits.

    Among the 11,165 participating companies in the first phase, approximately 3,600 are related to digital technology and intelligent manufacturing, according to the organizers. Of these, 57.8 percent are enhancing their industrial chains through technology transformations involving big data, artificial intelligence and the industrial internet.

    Chinese exhibitors have showcased a plethora of new products, technologies, materials and processes, with 390,000 digital products on display, marking a 300 percent increase compared with the last session.

    High-end products including smart home appliances, new energy vehicles, industrial automation equipment, humanoid robots, intelligent bionic hands and hydrogen-powered bikes are increasingly popular, the organizers said.

    They also said the trend indicates that Chinese manufacturing is accelerating its pace toward the high end of the industrial and value chains, while the independent innovation capabilities of Chinese enterprises and the core competitiveness of Chinese products are continuing to strengthen.

    Xu Jiadong, sales manager of Skymen Technology Corp, said, “We have seen an increased number of buyers, especially those from emerging markets such as the Middle East and Southeast Asia, visiting our exhibition booth during the fair, showing interest in buying advanced ultrasonic cleaning products.”

    The Shenzhen, Guangdong province-based company’s overseas sales of ultrasonic cleaning products steadily increased in the first nine months of this year, reaching more than 60 million yuan ($8.4 million), Xu said.

    To meet the increased demand for advanced and intelligent ultrasonic cleaning products in overseas markets, the company launched operation of its manufacturing base in Shaoguan, Guangdong, in late 2023.

    More than 130,000 overseas buyers, an increase of 4.6 percent compared with the previous session, visited the fair’s first phase. Of these, 69.7 percent were from countries and regions involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, and around 20,000 buyers were from the Middle East, an increase of 44.2 percent compared with the previous session, according to the organizers.

    In addition, advanced products with high added value, such as industrial machines manufactured in China, have become increasingly popular in the overseas market, according to Yusuf Kandemir, CEO of Alshamela Group Trading Co.

    “The fair provides me with very valuable information, as we are looking for high-end industrial machinery suppliers from China,” said Kandemir, adding that such products are very much in demand, especially in the Middle East.

    The second phase of the fair will be held from Wednesday to Sunday, with 10,040 Chinese exhibitors showcasing household items, gifts and decorations, building materials and furniture.

    Spanning three phases, with both online and on-site exhibitions, the fair, which will run until Nov 4, aims to serve high-quality development and promote greater opening-up.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Erhai forum offers insights into promoting eco-friendly modernization

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

    Erhai forum offers insights into promoting eco-friendly modernization

    Updated: October 22, 2024 10:09 Xinhua

    “China is taking very important steps to make the Chinese nation a more ecological nation.” Foreign guests have gathered in China’s Dali for a forum on promoting eco-friendly modernization.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: BMW Brilliance kicks off geothermal energy project in Shenyang

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    German carmaker BMW Group’s joint venture in China on Monday kicked off a geothermal energy project aimed at realizing 100 percent non-fossil energy heating for its factories in Shenyang, capital of northeast China’s Liaoning Province.

    Under the project, BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd. (BBA) will drill 28 medium-deep geothermal wells, which will be completed and provide a total heating area of approximately 580,000 square meters by the 2025 heating season.

    “We believe that investing in sustainable development is investing in the future. Starting today, our exploration of geothermal energy has entered a new chapter,” said Dai Hexuan, president and CEO of BBA.

    Geothermal energy is a stable and low-carbon form of renewable energy with large reserves and widespread distribution in China.

    In the geothermal energy project, BBA is expected to adopt a number of industry-leading technologies to collect the energy at a depth of approximately 2,900 meters underground in a pollution-free and zero-emission manner.

    The energy exploration will be carried in an enclosed process. The project is expected to achieve an annual carbon emission reduction of 18,000 tonnes, the company said.

    BMW has been increasing its investment in Shenyang in recent years. In November 2023, BBA completed the construction of the main building of a new battery production plant, with a total investment of 10 billion yuan (about 1.4 billion U.S. dollars). The geothermal energy will be mainly used to supply winter heating in the factory and the company’s assembly plant.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Beijing’s GDP grows 5.1%

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Foreign tourists take a tour on Wangfujing Street in Beijing, capital of China, June 27, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The gross domestic product (GDP) of Beijing increased 5.1 percent year on year in the first three quarters of 2024, the city’s statistics authorities said Monday.

    The Chinese capital’s GDP reached 3.3 trillion yuan (about 465 billion U.S. dollars) from January to September, according to the municipal bureau of statistics.

    Key industries in Beijing showed robust growth in the first nine months of the year. The manufacturing of computers, communication and other electronic equipment saw an increase of 19.5 percent year on year, while the automotive manufacturing industry surged by 18.4 percent compared with the same period last year.

    In the tertiary sector, the information transmission, software and information technology services industry saw rapid growth, achieving added value of 710.5 billion yuan, up 11.9 percent year on year. The added value of the financial industry increased by 6.6 percent to 672 billion yuan.

    In terms of employment, the urban surveyed unemployment rate in Beijing for the first three quarters stood at 4.1 percent on average, 0.4 percentage points lower than the same period last year.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Qualcomm unveils mobile platform featuring fastest mobile CPU

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon introduces the mobile platform, named Snapdragon 8 Elite, at Qualcomm’s annual tech summit in Maui, Hawaii, the United States, on Oct. 21, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    U.S. leading chip manufacturer Qualcomm on Monday unveiled its first Snapdragon Mobile Platform featuring the world’s fastest mobile CPU.

    The platform, named Snapdragon 8 Elite, was launched at Qualcomm’s annual tech summit in Maui, U.S. state of Hawaii.

    The platform powers a new era of on-device generative AI, built to handle the complexities of multi-modal AI seamlessly while prioritizing privacy.

    Snapdragon 8 Elite, featuring Qualcomm’s next generation custom-built Oryon CPU, is the most powerful and world’s fastest mobile system-on-a-chip ever, according to Qualcomm.

    The platform delivers improved performance and power efficiency across the board and transforms on-device experiences with support for multimodal generative AI, redefined AI photography, gaming and studio-quality audio — all backed by AI-enhanced connectivity.

    Earlier this year, Qualcomm debuted Oryon CPU in personal computers (PC).

    “We are so excited to bring the power of Qualcomm Oryon to our Snapdragon mobile platforms for the first time,” said Chris Patrick, senior vice president and general manager of mobile handsets, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.

    “It’s a major leap forward and we expect consumers to be thrilled with the new experiences enabled by our CPU technology,” he said.

    The first-in-mobile Qualcomm Oryon CPU delivers a 45 percent performance boost, 44 percent greater power efficiency, and the mobile industry’s largest shared data cache, according to Qualcomm.

    The tech summit, named Snapdragon Summit, runs from Monday to Wednesday, during which the company launches its next-generation platforms and showcases innovative technologies that will power consumer devices and automobiles.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Revitalizing property, shares high on agenda

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China’s monetary policymakers are likely to continue next year to prioritize revitalizing market expectations for the ailing property sector and an undervalued capital market to help bring about a steady economic recovery, economists and market mavens said.

    Such a policy stance was clearly signaled by the larger-than-expected lending rate reduction on Monday and the country’s first monetary policy tools that channel funds to the capital market, which will substantively alleviate homebuyer burdens while repairing the valuation of Chinese equities.

    “Shoring up the real estate sector and stabilizing the capital market have become the critical premise for China to expand domestic demand,” said Liu Yuanchun, president of Shanghai University of Finance and Economics.

    On Monday, China cut its market-based benchmark lending rates, with the one-year loan prime rate down to 3.1 percent and the over-five-year LPR, on which lenders base their mortgage rates, to 3.6 percent, both 25 basis points below September levels.

    The cut was slightly larger than expected and marked the biggest cut since 2019 when LPRs became benchmarks.

    Wang Qing, chief macroeconomic analyst at Golden Credit Rating International, said the considerable LPR reduction reflects that the People’s Bank of China, the country’s central bank, is putting into place the “impactful interest rate cuts” outlined by the country’s top leadership, a move that will effectively ease homebuyers’ and enterprises’ financing costs.

    “To ensure that the real estate market stops falling, boosts economic momentum and drives price levels to recover moderately, there remains some room for LPR reductions in 2025,” Wang said.

    China’s A-share market ended higher following the cut, led by smaller-cap stocks, with Shanghai’s tech-heavy STAR 50 index up 2.22 percent to close at 1000.37 points. The market was also lifted by the implementation of a special central bank lending program to buy back shares and boost share holdings.

    The program, starting Friday, offers 300 billion yuan ($42.18 billion) in loans at a rate of 1.75 percent to 21 eligible banks, which will then lend to qualified companies and shareholders at a rate no higher than 2.25 percent.

    As of Sunday, 23 listed companies had applied for over 10 billion yuan of the loans, and more are expected to follow suit.

    Liu, the SUFE president, said the program signals a “significant paradigm shift” that the PBOC is now striving to correct a systemic stock pricing distortion.

    “This will help establish a floor for China’s capital market, addressing the widespread, persistent issue of stock market values falling below book values.”

    Addressing Sibos 2024, a financial services event organized by Swift on Monday, Lu Lei, deputy governor of the PBOC, said the country’s financial sector will continue to embrace opening-up and cooperation, vowing to encourage Chinese sovereign wealth funds and financial institutions to invest abroad.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Sibos conference reveals China’s financial openness

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Photo taken on Oct. 3, 2022 shows the view of skyscrapers of the Central Business District (CBD) at dusk in Beijing, capital of China. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The Swift International Banker’s Operation Seminar 2024 (Sibos 2024) opened Monday in Beijing, a milestone demonstrating the country’s openness in the finance sector as it is the first time the Chinese capital has hosted the event.

    Over 10,000 participants from more than 150 countries and regions have gathered for Sibos 2024, which covers a wide range of topics, including payments, digital assets, trade financing, artificial intelligence and sustainable finance.

    The forum also has an exhibition area covering 133 financial institutions and third-party organizations, such as J.P. Morgan, Citibank, HSBC and ICBC.

    Lu Lei, deputy governor of the People’s Bank of China (PBOC), said at the opening ceremony that China has removed foreign ownership restrictions on banking, securities and insurance, attracting over 110 foreign financial institutions to operate in the country.

    The PBOC will expand the interconnectivity of domestic and international financial markets, further support excellent Chinese companies in listing and issuing bonds overseas, and encourage China’s sovereign wealth funds, financial institutions and other business entities to invest overseas, Lu said.

    He also noted that the PBOC will support qualified global banking institutions to join the Cross-border Interbank Payment System (CIPS), facilitating the clearance of cross-border RMB transactions.

    Javier Pérez-Tasso, chief executive officer of Swift, highlighted the rapid economic development in China and the corresponding growth of Swift’s business in the country. Swift is collaborating closely with CIPS and other entities to ensure the security of global finance and payments, the CEO said.

    Rani Gu, managing director and head of Payments, Greater China at J.P. Morgan, said the conference will foster communication and cooperation between China and top financial institutions around the world, further promoting the interconnectivity of the global financial industry and contributing to the further openness of China’s financial market.

    Bill Winters, group chief executive of Standard Chartered, said China is at the heart of the global trade and cross-border payments.

    The opportunity to be in China — looking at the global payments infrastructure through the lens of the Chinese market and from a Chinese perspective — is a special opportunity for Standard Chartered and could not be more timely, he said.

    The annual conference will run until Oct. 24 at the China National Convention Center.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Experts praise China’s expanding role in global IP governance

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

    China is becoming increasingly active in global intellectual property (IP) governance, playing a key role in promoting balanced protection and innovation, according to experts at the 2024 AIPPI World Congress. The event, themed “Balanced Protection and Innovative Development of IP Rights,” is being held for the first time in China, in Hangzhou, with participants from 92 countries and regions.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Daxing airport handles over 40M passenger trips this year

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Passenger throughput at Beijing Daxing International Airport reached 40.01 million this year as of Sunday, up 28.1 percent from the same period last year, the airport said Monday.

    It was the first time that the airport witnessed its annual passenger throughput exceed 40 million since it kicked off operations on Sept. 25, 2019.

    As of Sunday, some 262,100 flights had departed from or arrived at the airport in 2024.

    By the end of September, 43 domestic and international airlines had operated a total of 216 air routes from Daxing airport, connecting 197 destinations.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: ​Tearjerker movie delivers ‘BIG’ healing power

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    “BIG,” a new motion picture from renowned filmmaker Wei Te-Sheng, premiered in Beijing on Oct. 16. With its heartrending storyline that moved the premiere’s audience to tears, the film expresses a message of cherishing every precious moment.

    Actor Cheng You-Fei and director Wei Te-Sheng pose for a photo at the premiere for “BIG” in Beijing, Oct. 16, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Alibaba Pictures]

    The film, set in a pediatric oncology ward, tells the tragic yet heartwarming story of six children who are battling cancer and how they, their families and hospital staff navigate their diagnoses and treatments while still finding ways to live life to the fullest. 

    Highlighting the children’s courage and faith in the face of mortality, “BIG” emphasizes the value of life and the message that “Being is Gift,” abbreviated as BIG, which, as the film’s title, resembles the ward’s number: 816.

    At the Beijing premiere, Wei poignantly reflected on his experiences while preparing for the film: “In the pediatric oncology ward, I did not see a single child who did not want to live.” He added, “I hope that through this film, I can impart some strength to everyone, enabling them to be stronger and more resilient when facing difficulties.”

    “BIG” is a film Wei wanted to make since a long time ago, addressing topics he has yearned to explore, including family dynamics, vitality, universal values and youth.

    “And I also want to stress that although these ill children may look weak and small, they have big and strong hearts. Their willingness to live on and fight is BIG! We hope we can call them warriors from now on when we meet these children, because they deserve our respect and pride,” Wei said at the premiere.

    On stage at the Beijing premiere, Wei was joined by Cheng You-Fei, one of the film’s young actors, to interact with the audience, who were deeply touched after the advanced screening. 

    Cheng revealed that she was initially reluctant to take on the role of Yuanyuan, one of the children battling cancer, because it required her to shave off her hair. “I’ve always cherished my hair,” she said. “But after listening to the director’s explanation on the plot, I was deeply moved. He told me that I was not just making a movie, but also doing something meaningful, helping those who cherish life to bravely face challenges.”

    Besides the use of live acting, the film also uses 2D animation when portraying the children’s head-on battle with cancer. Wei revealed that for creating the 2D animation scenes, he enlisted a notable team, including Takumi Tanji, art director for Makoto Shinkai’s “Your Name” and “Suzume,” and other international talents from Japan and Italy. Wei chose animation to depict the children’s battle with cancer because, despite the arduous process, he wanted to avoid a somber tone. Instead, he aimed to reflect the children’s perspectives, using clean, bright and warm animation to illustrate their optimistic and positive attitudes during treatment.

    A film poster for “BIG.” [Photo courtesy of Alibaba Pictures]

    Wei is a filmmaker known for creating some of the most profitable films of all time in Taiwan, such as “Cape No. 7,” the highest-grossing film on the island. 

    “BIG” has been released across the mainland since Oct. 19.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Debut economy drives new growth in China’s consumer market

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

    China’s beloved animation series “Boonie Bears” is expanding its reach. The world’s first “Boonie Bears”-themed shopping mall has opened in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province and it’s attracting many new brands. This concept is part of the growing debut economy, which includes new business models, innovative services, and unique retail experiences.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Officials strive for quality elder care

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

    Authorities are stepping up efforts to promote the healthy development of the elder care sector in China, officials said.

    Li Yongxin, deputy director of the elder care service department at the Ministry of Civil Affairs, said during a news conference that the number of elderly care facilities in China had surged to around 410,000 by June, with 369,000 of them community-based. This represents a 100 percent increase in elderly care facilities and a 120 percent increase in community-based ones since 2019.

    The expansion and a recent crackdown are part of a broader initiative to address the challenges posed by China’s rapidly aging population and fraudulent practices in facilities designed to help seniors.

    “The ministry has strengthened its policy framework, diversified care options and enhanced regulatory measures, resulting in significant improvements in elderly care services,” Li said.

    Li added that legislative efforts are underway to create a law outlining the responsibilities of elder care service providers, with the goal of better protecting seniors’ rights. The move is a response to widespread concerns about financial scams targeting the elderly, including fraudulent schemes disguised as membership fees or unauthorized financial products being offered by some retirement homes.

    In 2022, a government crackdown on elder care fraud led to the arrest of 66,000 suspects and the recovery of 30.8 billion yuan ($4.3 billion) in stolen funds. Last year, an additional 33,000 suspects were apprehended.

    Along with fraud prevention, authorities are conducting inspections to reduce fire risks, improve building safety and create a more secure environment for seniors. The National Health Commission estimates that 78 percent of China’s elderly people have at least one chronic illness, and roughly 40 million seniors are disabled or semidisabled and require intensive care.

    Meanwhile, despite the growing number of elder care facilities, China still faces a shortage of caregivers, with only 500,000 currently available to meet the country’s needs. To fill the gap, authorities are promoting home-based care that allows seniors to stay in their homes while receiving regular visits from community workers and medical professionals.

    Since 2021, approximately 350,000 seniors have benefited from home-based care, with 650,000 home visits conducted, according to the ministry.

    By the end of 2023, nearly 300 million Chinese citizens were age 60 or older. By 2050, that number is expected to grow to one-third of the population.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: FTZ reforms deepen China-ASEAN economic, trade ties

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

    NANNING, Oct. 22 — In a bustling fruit processing facility in south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, the air is sweet with the luscious aroma of mangoes. Workers diligently manage a state-of-the-art, fully automated production line, preparing to send delectable products to eager markets across Southeast Asia.

    In recent years, with the deepening of economic cooperation and the trade exchange of agricultural products between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the complementary advantages of agricultural products trade between Guangxi and ASEAN have become more prominent. The geographical advantages of land and sea links with ASEAN have also injected vitality into the continuous expansion of Guangxi’s fruit exports.

    According to data from Nanning Customs, in 2023, Guangxi imported 16.71 billion yuan (about 2.4 billion U.S. dollars) of ASEAN agricultural products, a year-on-year increase of 43.1 percent. At the same time, Guangxi’s special fruits, such as orah mandarins and sweet tangerines, have also been well received in the ASEAN market.

    The thriving fruit trade has also spurred related companies to invest and establish their operations in Guangxi.

    Guangxi Junyi Agricultural Science and Technology Co., Ltd, a mango-processing company established in 2020 in the Chongzuo area in the China (Guangxi) Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ), is the region’s first border-based fruit processing enterprise with an annual main business turnover of at least 20 million yuan.

    “The pilot FTZ’s policies, including tax incentives, streamlined trade procedures and financial innovations, have not only laid fertile ground for growth but also provided substantial cost benefits to businesses,” said Shen Wuyang, the company’s deputy general manager.

    Guangxi, often described as China’s gateway to ASEAN, has risen to the forefront of China’s trade and cooperation with ASEAN in recent years, thanks to the establishment of the pilot FTZ.

    In 2019, the pilot FTZ was established to promote China’s opening up to ASEAN and to pilot new mechanisms in China-ASEAN cooperation. Since its inception, the pilot FTZ has proven to be a powerhouse, taking up a 37.7 percent share of Guangxi’s total foreign investment and a notable 38.6 percent share of the region’s foreign trade volume.

    The pilot FTZ comprises the Nanning area in the region’s capital city, the Qinzhou Port area along the coast and the Chongzuo area bordering Vietnam.

    The Chongzuo area is home to Youyiguan Port, or Friendship Pass, one of China’s busiest land ports for the trade of fruit.

    Thanks to the development of economic and trade relations between China and ASEAN, Youyiguan Port’s cargo clearance efficiency has doubled.

    “Our cargo predominantly goes to Southeast Asia, with Vietnam taking up 80 percent of our shipments and the remainder being distributed to places like Malaysia and Thailand,” noted Wang Shuqing, operations supervisor of a supply chain management company in Guangxi.

    The zone’s Nanning area focuses on the development of modern finance, the digital economy and modern services. It is pioneering innovation in cross-border finance and renminbi businesses, especially those working with ASEAN nations.

    “Previously, cross-border transactions between Guangxi and Indonesian companies involved an intermediate step of converting RMB to U.S. dollars before changing it to Indonesian rupiah. Now, we can achieve direct settlements,” said Bai Lili, deputy general manager of a China CITIC Bank branch located in the Nanning area of the pilot FTZ.

    As the pilot FTZ’s only coastal area, Qinzhou Port Area is establishing itself as a high-level gateway port that facilitates the transportation of cargo between China and ASEAN.

    According to Ye Jun, an official with the administrative committee of Qinzhou Port Area, the industrial focus of the area is on petrochemical projects, with quite a number of petrochemical enterprises having already set foot in raw material and preliminary processing in ASEAN countries.

    So far, more than 38,000 new enterprises have been established in Qinzhou Port Area, including 355 foreign-funded companies. Among the over 150 industrial projects operational or under construction, the area has attracted investments exceeding 300 billion yuan and is home to four enterprises with annual outputs of over 10 billion yuan.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi leaves for 16th BRICS Summit in Russia

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

    BEIJING, Oct. 22 — Chinese President Xi Jinping left Beijing on Tuesday for the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, at the invitation of President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin.

    Xi’s entourage includes Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, and Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and foreign minister.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Significant Police operation targets organised crime around North Island

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Today Police executed over 30 search warrants across the North Island as part of Operation Highwater, a concentrated operation targeting members and associates of the Mongrel Mob Barbarian MC East Bay chapter based in Opotiki.

    NZ Police National Organised Crime Group commenced Operation Highwater in December 2023 following an increase in occurrences of violent crime and other offending in Opotiki, in Eastern Bay of Plenty.

    Today’s search warrants spanned Eastern Bay of Plenty, Waikato, Auckland, Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington, and Hawke’s Bay, targeting identified people believed to be involved in a North Island-wide drug distribution network, including methamphetamine and cannabis.

    Police arrested a total of 28 people, seized illegal drugs and firearms and restrained assets. Provisional results are as follows.

    Arrests by Police District:

    • Bay Of Plenty – 18
    • Auckland – 3
    • Waikato – 3
    • Wellington – 2
    • Eastern – 2

    Restrained assets:

    • One residential property
    • Four cars
    • One jetski
    • Two trailbikes
    • One Harley Davidson motorcycle
    • Approx. $86,000 in a bank account
    • Approx. $20,000 value of jewellery
    • Approx. $65,500 cash

    Approx. total value of assets restrained of $800,000.

    Seizures include:

    • Six firearms including five rifles and a 3D-printed pistol
    • Quantities of illegal drugs including 12 lbs of cannabis and smaller quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine
    • 13 Mongrel Mob Barbarian Patches.

    The investigation team is now in the process of filing charges and confirming court dates.

    Today’s actions follow the execution of warrants in the Coromandel area over several days in August this year, after the Operation Highwater investigation team identified a flow of methamphetamine into the area. Police completed 12 search warrants in Whitianga and Coromandel resulting in six arrests and the seizure of methamphetamine, cannabis and a firearm.

    This is an example of the “all-of-Police” approach, which has seen several workgroups across Police working together toward a shared goal. The operation has been led by the National Organised Crime Group, supported by specialist groups and District Staff. Staff from the Police Partnership and Harm team will support the community wrap-around process during and after today’s termination.

    Today’s search warrants are the culmination of a 10-month investigation, during which instances of serious violence were detected and prevented by Police.

    One such incident saw Police deploy to Opotiki, after receiving information about a planned drive-by shooting at a local marae.

    Quick action meant Police located and seized three firearms, including a high-powered rifle, shotguns and ammunition, preventing what could have been a serious incident.

    Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Tim Anderson says that today is a good day for Opotiki.

    “The termination of this operation is a clear message to gang members selling illegal drugs across the Bay of Plenty that we will find you and you will be held accountable for your destructive behaviour.

    “We will continue to relentlessly pursue criminals who prey on our communities and cause a huge amount of harm and misery in their own communities with their drug dealing and violent behaviour.

    “From my travels around the Bay of Plenty, the feedback from different iwi leaders and the wider community is that they’ve had enough of this type of criminal offending.

    “I’d like to thank the community members who have reported this type of offending and I encourage them to keep reporting these drug dealers to us via 105 and Crimestoppers reporting lines.

    “I’d also like to acknowledge and thank our organised crime detectives for their tireless work and dedication, as well as all our policing teams across the Bay of Plenty who are making arrests every day to make us all much safer.

    “Yesterday we stood up our district Gang Disruption Unit and this new team is also in the Eastern Bay of Plenty targeting gang members as we speak. They, and all our staff across the Bay, will continue to work hard every day to make our communities safer.

    “I’m proud of the work our officers carry out every day, and results such as we’ve seen today are testament to their hard work.”

    Gang members commit a disproportionate amount of crime and harm in New Zealand, and particularly in the areas of serious assault, robberies, drug and firearms offences, and homicides.

    We continue to have a strong focus on disrupting unlawful activity by gang members and their associates, and holding offenders to account for crimes committed.

    Police is committed to doing everything we can to ensure everybody is safe and feels safe too. We urge anyone who has concerns about criminal offending by gangs in their community to contact Police so it can be investigated.

    Call 111 if there is an incident happening now or make a report via 105 online if it is not an emergency situation.

    Information can also be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre
     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Strategic Intentions 2024–2028

    Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health

    Summary

    The Strategic Intentions 2024–2028 is how the Ministry informs Parliament and the public about:

    1. the strategic objectives that the Ministry intends to achieve or contribute to over the medium term
    2. what the Ministry intends to achieve with appropriations
    3. the nature and scope of the Ministry’s functions and operations to achieve or contribute to the strategic objectives.

    There are three main sections.

    • Section one – introduction, including our purpose, functions and responsibilities, and our context
    • Section two – our strategic direction, which includes our strategic priorities and priority activities
    • Section three – how we operate as an organisation to achieve our strategic intentions. 

    The document sets out the Ministry’s own strategic focus, functions and priorities aligned and contributing to, but distinct from those of the Government. 

    The Ministry is responsible for reporting annually on progress against the Strategic Intentions 2024–2028 and what has been achieved with appropriations. Parliament sees information on performance reporting in the Ministry’s annual reports and information supporting the Estimates.

    The Ministry’s Strategic Intentions 2024–2028 also includes the strategic intentions of Te Aho o Te Kahu – Cancer Control Agency. The agency is a departmental agency hosted by the Ministry and is operating within the Ministry’s strategic and policy framework.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –