NewzIntel.com

Category: United States of America

  • MIL-OSI China: US halts military aid to Ukraine

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

    The Trump administration has halted part of military aid to Ukraine following a review of U.S. own stockpiles, the White House and Pentagon confirmed on Tuesday.

    “This decision was made to put America’s interests first following a review of our nation’s military support and assistance to other countries across the globe,” White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said in a statement.

    The move came amid concerns about U.S. military stockpiles falling too low, multiple U.S. media outlets reported, citing informative sources.

    Last month U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a memo ordering a review of the U.S. stockpile of munitions, in the aftermath of three years of aid to Ukraine, recent strikes on Yemen’s Houthi group and Iran.

    The review determined that stocks were too low on some weapons previously pledged, according to media reports.

    Elbridge Colby, the Defense Department undersecretary for policy, said the Pentagon will continue “to provide the president with robust options to continue military aid to Ukraine, consistent with his goal of bringing this tragic war to an end.”

    “At the same time, the department is rigorously examining and adapting its approach to achieving this objective while also preserving U.S. forces’ readiness for Administration defense priorities,” Colby said in a statement.

    After meeting with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky during the NATO summit at The Hague last week, U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters that Ukraine is eager to get the Patriot air defense missiles from the United States.

    “They do want to have the anti-missile missiles, OK, as they call them, the Patriots,” Trump said then. “And we’re going to see if we can make some available. We need them, too.”

    “We’re supplying them to Israel, and they’re very effective, 100 percent effective. Hard to believe how effective. They do want that more than any other thing,” he said.

    Some analysts suggest it is a signal that the Trump administration may further reduce aid to Ukraine. Hegseth skipped a meeting last month of an international group to coordinate military aid to Ukraine. It is the first time the U.S. defense secretary was not in attendance.

    The United States has provided Ukraine with more than 66 billion U.S. dollars worth of weapons and military assistance since the Russia-Ukraine conflict broke out in February 2022, according to an AP report.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • Iranian President Pezeshkian Signs into Law Suspending Cooperation with UN Nuclear Monitor

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has signed into law a bill suspending cooperation with the United Nations’ nuclear monitor, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iranian state media reported on Wednesday. This is one of the most drastic steps Iran has made in its standoff with international powers on its nuclear activities.

    State broadcaster of Iran reported that “Masoud Pezeshkian ratified the bill suspending cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency,” Press TV, Mehr news agency, and semi-official Tasnim news agency stated. The legislation, which occurred after the recent military clashes with Israel and the United States, came into effect officially.

    The suspension comes on the heels of Iran’s Parliament approving the legislation overwhelmingly, gaining 221 votes in support, one abstention, and no opposition from among those present in the 290-seat house. The parliamentary vote then got approval from Iran’s constitutional monitor before it could hit the president’s desk.

    The action follows a build-up of tensions that started on June 13 when Israel bombed Iranian military and nuclear facilities. Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks against Israeli targets, and the US retaliated with attacks on key Iranian nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan on June 22. Iran condemned the US attacks as a ‘savage assault’ and vowed not to abandon its nuclear program. The 12-day war finally came to an end under a US-facilitated ceasefire that took effect on June 24.

    Iranian officials accused the IAEA of remaining silent throughout the military campaign, stoking Iran’s tensions with the UN nuclear agency over access and transparency. The implications for the IAEA’s ability to monitor Iran’s nuclear program are uncertain, but it is a stark escalation of Iran’s nuclear posture amid rising regional tensions.

  • MIL-OSI: Delfin Midstream Enters into an Agreement with Siemens Energy to Reserve Gas Turbine Manufacturing Capacity, Expects Fall Final Investment Decision for its Leading US Energy Infrastructure Project

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Enters into Early Works program with Samsung Heavy Industries and Black & Veatch in preparation for the EPCI contracting and execution of the project

    HOUSTON, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Delfin Midstream Inc. (“Delfin” or the “Company”) announced today that it has entered into an agreement with Siemens Energy Inc. (“Siemens Energy”) to reserve manufacturing capacity for four SGT-750 Gas Turbine Mechanical Drive Packages. Delfin also announced that it has agreed to an Early Works program with Samsung Heavy Industries (“SHI”) and Black & Veatch Inc. (“B&V”) to further detail FLNG vessel design specifications as basis for the Lump-Sum Turn-Key Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Integration (“EPCI”) contract and to prepare both contractors for the execution of the project. The Company’s activities are in support of a Final Investment Decision (“FID”) anticipated in the Fall of 2025 for its leading US energy infrastructure project under development in Louisiana and offshore in the Gulf.

    Dudley Poston, Delfin CEO, said: “This is an incredibly exciting time for the development of Delfin’s critical energy infrastructure project. Following the successful issuance of the deepwater port license by MARAD, all workstreams are on schedule and the project is currently on track for FID in the Fall of 2025. By making this large investment to lock-in critical manufacturing capacity, we have secured our execution schedule with the anticipated delivery of our first FLNG Vessel from Samsung Heavy Industries shipyard in 2029.”

    Karim Amin, Siemens Energy Executive Board Member said: “Siemens Energy is excited to support Delfin’s energy infrastructure project by providing the critical Gas Turbine Mechanical Drive packages the Company needs as it moves towards delivering the first offshore LNG project in the United States. The modular design, high power-to-weight ratio and ability to operate under diverse conditions make Siemens Energy gas turbines an innovative and ideal technology solution for this leading low emissions energy infrastructure project.”

    The agreement with Siemens Energy reserves manufacturing capacity for four SGT-750 Gas Turbine Mechanical Drive Packages which will be used to drive the mixed-refrigerant compressors for Delfin’s LNG liquefaction system. Delfin’s Early Works program agreement with Samsung and B&V will further detail FLNG Vessel #1 design specifications as basis for the Lump-Sum Turn-Key EPCI contract. This work will de-risk project execution and ensure both contractors are prepared for immediate project execution following a positive FID.

    On March 21, 2025, Delfin LNG LLC (“Delfin LNG”), a subsidiary of Delfin, received the first deepwater port license from the Maritime Administration (“MARAD”) authorizing Delfin LNG to own, construct, operate, and export Liquefied Natural Gas (“LNG”) from the United States. The license was issued pursuant to the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 and MARAD’s 2017 Record of Decision and is in accordance with President Trump’s Executive Order titled, “Unleashing American Energy,” signed January 20, 2025.

    Delfin is a leader in LNG export infrastructure utilizing low-cost floating LNG technology. Delfin’s brownfield deepwater port requires minimal additional infrastructure investment to support up to three floating LNG vessels producing up to 13.2 million tonnes of LNG annually. The Delfin floating LNG project has the potential to not only be the first LNG export deepwater port facility in the United States, but a significant economic contributor and job creator over the long-term.

    About Delfin
    Delfin is a leading LNG export infrastructure development company utilizing low-cost Floating LNG technology solutions. Delfin is the parent company of Delfin LNG. Delfin LNG is a brownfield Deepwater Port requiring minimal additional infrastructure investment to support up to three FLNG Vessels producing up to 13.2 MTPA of LNG. Delfin purchased the UTOS pipeline, the largest natural gas pipeline in the Gulf of America. Delfin LNG received a deepwater port license from MARAD and approval from the Department of Energy for long-term exports of LNG to countries that do not have a Free Trade Agreement with the United States. Additional information is available at www.delfinmidstream.com.

    Public Relations
    Dan Gagnier
    Gagnier Communications
    Email: Delfin@gagnierfc.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Delfin Midstream Enters into an Agreement with Siemens Energy to Reserve Gas Turbine Manufacturing Capacity, Expects Fall Final Investment Decision for its Leading US Energy Infrastructure Project

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Enters into Early Works program with Samsung Heavy Industries and Black & Veatch in preparation for the EPCI contracting and execution of the project

    HOUSTON, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Delfin Midstream Inc. (“Delfin” or the “Company”) announced today that it has entered into an agreement with Siemens Energy Inc. (“Siemens Energy”) to reserve manufacturing capacity for four SGT-750 Gas Turbine Mechanical Drive Packages. Delfin also announced that it has agreed to an Early Works program with Samsung Heavy Industries (“SHI”) and Black & Veatch Inc. (“B&V”) to further detail FLNG vessel design specifications as basis for the Lump-Sum Turn-Key Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Integration (“EPCI”) contract and to prepare both contractors for the execution of the project. The Company’s activities are in support of a Final Investment Decision (“FID”) anticipated in the Fall of 2025 for its leading US energy infrastructure project under development in Louisiana and offshore in the Gulf.

    Dudley Poston, Delfin CEO, said: “This is an incredibly exciting time for the development of Delfin’s critical energy infrastructure project. Following the successful issuance of the deepwater port license by MARAD, all workstreams are on schedule and the project is currently on track for FID in the Fall of 2025. By making this large investment to lock-in critical manufacturing capacity, we have secured our execution schedule with the anticipated delivery of our first FLNG Vessel from Samsung Heavy Industries shipyard in 2029.”

    Karim Amin, Siemens Energy Executive Board Member said: “Siemens Energy is excited to support Delfin’s energy infrastructure project by providing the critical Gas Turbine Mechanical Drive packages the Company needs as it moves towards delivering the first offshore LNG project in the United States. The modular design, high power-to-weight ratio and ability to operate under diverse conditions make Siemens Energy gas turbines an innovative and ideal technology solution for this leading low emissions energy infrastructure project.”

    The agreement with Siemens Energy reserves manufacturing capacity for four SGT-750 Gas Turbine Mechanical Drive Packages which will be used to drive the mixed-refrigerant compressors for Delfin’s LNG liquefaction system. Delfin’s Early Works program agreement with Samsung and B&V will further detail FLNG Vessel #1 design specifications as basis for the Lump-Sum Turn-Key EPCI contract. This work will de-risk project execution and ensure both contractors are prepared for immediate project execution following a positive FID.

    On March 21, 2025, Delfin LNG LLC (“Delfin LNG”), a subsidiary of Delfin, received the first deepwater port license from the Maritime Administration (“MARAD”) authorizing Delfin LNG to own, construct, operate, and export Liquefied Natural Gas (“LNG”) from the United States. The license was issued pursuant to the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 and MARAD’s 2017 Record of Decision and is in accordance with President Trump’s Executive Order titled, “Unleashing American Energy,” signed January 20, 2025.

    Delfin is a leader in LNG export infrastructure utilizing low-cost floating LNG technology. Delfin’s brownfield deepwater port requires minimal additional infrastructure investment to support up to three floating LNG vessels producing up to 13.2 million tonnes of LNG annually. The Delfin floating LNG project has the potential to not only be the first LNG export deepwater port facility in the United States, but a significant economic contributor and job creator over the long-term.

    About Delfin
    Delfin is a leading LNG export infrastructure development company utilizing low-cost Floating LNG technology solutions. Delfin is the parent company of Delfin LNG. Delfin LNG is a brownfield Deepwater Port requiring minimal additional infrastructure investment to support up to three FLNG Vessels producing up to 13.2 MTPA of LNG. Delfin purchased the UTOS pipeline, the largest natural gas pipeline in the Gulf of America. Delfin LNG received a deepwater port license from MARAD and approval from the Department of Energy for long-term exports of LNG to countries that do not have a Free Trade Agreement with the United States. Additional information is available at www.delfinmidstream.com.

    Public Relations
    Dan Gagnier
    Gagnier Communications
    Email: Delfin@gagnierfc.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Over the year, the Krasnaya Pakhra electric bus depot began servicing 10 more eco-friendly routes

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Over the year, the Krasnaya Pakhra electric bus depot began servicing 10 more eco-friendly transport routes. Today, it provides operation of 17 routes in TiNAO. On weekdays, they make more than 38 thousand trips. The transport is managed by almost 300 professional Mosgortrans drivers. This was reported by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry Maxim Liksutov.

    “Moscow is the leader in the number of electric buses in Europe and the USA. Three years ago, we opened the first innovative electric bus park in Russia, Krasnaya Pakhra. Thanks to it, residents of nine districts of the capital use environmentally friendly transport and can comfortably get to metro stations and important points of attraction. We continue to replace buses with electric buses on the instructions of Sergei Sobyanin,” said Maxim Liksutov.

    Moscow was the first in Russia to start building innovative parks for electric buses. Now the capital is among the world leaders in the development and use of electric transport and the number one city in Europe in terms of the number of electric buses.

    House for electric buses

    Today, electric buses are serviced at 12 sites of the State Unitary Enterprise Mosgortrans. In 2022, the Krasnaya Pakhra electric bus park opened in TiNAO. Eco-friendly vehicles entered service in the Novomoskovsky and Troitsky administrative districts.

    A year later, the Mitino electric bus park was built in the northwest. With its appearance, electric buses began to run on routes in 20 districts of the capital and two nearby cities of the Moscow region. At the end of 2023, the third innovative electric bus park, Saltykovka, began operating. Thanks to this, electric buses entered the routes in the east of the city.

    Electric buses are serviced under life cycle contracts. For 15 years after transfer to Mosgortrans fleets, the manufacturing companies independently ensure the proper operation of the equipment on city routes.

    Krasnaya Pakhra is the largest electric bus park in Europe. Its total area is 10 hectares. It is designed to service up to 500 large-class electric buses. Krasnaya Pakhra has more than 200 charging posts and 34 charging stations for electric buses. In addition, the park has three lines of portal electric bus washes with a circulating water supply system.

    The Krasnaya Pakhra electric bus depot is designed for 1.6 thousand jobs. Its employees are provided with social guarantees from the Moscow Government. The depot is equipped with comfortable rest rooms, a canteen, showers and changing rooms for drivers.

    Comfortable and environmentally friendly transport

    The advantage of electric buses is that they travel smoothly and silently, for the comfort of passengers there is adaptive interior lighting, which changes from a cold shade to a warm one. When the doors are opened, an air curtain is activated, which helps maintain a comfortable temperature in the cabin. It has everything for the convenience of travel: charging ports for gadgets and media screens with useful information about the route.

    Such vehicles meet the most stringent safety and service standards. Low-floor transport is suitable for everyone, it is fully adapted for the comfort of passengers with limited mobility: the cabin has a folding ramp and driver call buttons, a storage area is provided for strollers and bicycles.

    For the safety of passengers, video cameras are installed outside and inside. In addition, this transport helps to preserve the environment: replacing one bus with an electric bus reduces carbon dioxide emissions into the environment by more than 60 tons per year.

    Innovative and reliable electric buses

    Since 2022, improved equipment has been delivered to the capital. In such vehicles, the front route indicator, increased by 18 percent, makes it even easier to see the number from afar. The interior has an electric heater, which minimizes the impact on the environment and maintains an optimal temperature. The power reserve has increased from 40-50 to 80 kilometers. At the same time, the weight of the vehicle has remained the same. In 2024, KAMAZ and LiAZ trucks with an updated design entered service.

    In 2025, new generation electric buses entered service. They became even more comfortable thanks to an improved interior layout, a 15 percent larger storage area, hand luggage space, and a modified door design. The climate control system became even more efficient, and the doors now have light strips indicating the opening and closing of the doors. The appearance became even more in line with modern trends in global industrial design.

    Under the contract with PJSC KAMAZ, this year it is planned to supply 400 innovative vehicles of the 52 222 model of the A5 generation. They are being created taking into account the operating experience of earlier electric buses and passenger feedback. Moscow’s order for the creation of new equipment supports employment in the regions and stimulates the development of domestic industry.

    In 2024, more than 70 electric bus routes were launched in the capital, and over 800 electric buses were delivered. More than 2,350 innovative KamAZ and LiAZ vehicles provide operation on over 210 routes. It is expected that by 2035, almost the entire Mosgortrans fleet will switch to electric buses.

    You can pay for your travel in any convenient way using digital validators.

    Quickly find out the main news of the capital inofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/156147073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Large Scale Global Exercise 24

    Source: United States EUROPEAN COMMAND

    LSGE 24 logo

    Large Scale Global Exercise 2024, a series of all-domain military exercises executed alongside Allies and partners around the globe, begins this month and will run through June.

    LSGE 24 is a Department of Defense global exercise, coordinated this year by U.S. European Command in collaboration with participating DoD combatant commands. It will incorporate military personnel from the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force, and demonstrate joint and multinational military cooperation.

    “Our commitment to peace and security not only here in Europe, but throughout the world, is unwavering,” said U.S. European Command Deputy Commander U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Steven Basham. “Large Scale Global Exercise 24 is another opportunity to showcase our commitment and resolve, while demonstrating our readiness to respond to any security challenge.”

    LSGE 24 is comprised of multiple exercises designed to strengthen agility and interoperability with Allies and partners. The LSGE 24 series will incorporate nearly 30 wide-ranging exercises and military activities with discrete objectives. Collectively, these activities will highlight America’s robust presence and capabilities alongside Allies, partners and fellow U.S. combatant commands.

    Of the multiple events associated with LSGE 24, 11 are set to take place in the USEUCOM area of responsibility and will include: Allied Spirit, Trojan Footprint, two iterations of Bomber Task Force, Nordic Response, Arctic Shock, Saber Strike, Immediate Response, Swift Response, Astral Knight, and BALTOPS. The remaining events will be conducted by participating U.S. combatant commands and executed alongside like-minded nations.

    LSGE 24 will be the third iteration of the global, integrated series of exercises.

    For more information and imagery/video of associated exercises, visit DVIDS: Large Scale Global Exercise 2024.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Large Scale Global Exercise 24

    Source: United States EUROPEAN COMMAND

    LSGE 24 logo

    Large Scale Global Exercise 2024, a series of all-domain military exercises executed alongside Allies and partners around the globe, begins this month and will run through June.

    LSGE 24 is a Department of Defense global exercise, coordinated this year by U.S. European Command in collaboration with participating DoD combatant commands. It will incorporate military personnel from the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force, and demonstrate joint and multinational military cooperation.

    “Our commitment to peace and security not only here in Europe, but throughout the world, is unwavering,” said U.S. European Command Deputy Commander U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Steven Basham. “Large Scale Global Exercise 24 is another opportunity to showcase our commitment and resolve, while demonstrating our readiness to respond to any security challenge.”

    LSGE 24 is comprised of multiple exercises designed to strengthen agility and interoperability with Allies and partners. The LSGE 24 series will incorporate nearly 30 wide-ranging exercises and military activities with discrete objectives. Collectively, these activities will highlight America’s robust presence and capabilities alongside Allies, partners and fellow U.S. combatant commands.

    Of the multiple events associated with LSGE 24, 11 are set to take place in the USEUCOM area of responsibility and will include: Allied Spirit, Trojan Footprint, two iterations of Bomber Task Force, Nordic Response, Arctic Shock, Saber Strike, Immediate Response, Swift Response, Astral Knight, and BALTOPS. The remaining events will be conducted by participating U.S. combatant commands and executed alongside like-minded nations.

    LSGE 24 will be the third iteration of the global, integrated series of exercises.

    For more information and imagery/video of associated exercises, visit DVIDS: Large Scale Global Exercise 2024.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S., European leaders endorse collective defense tactics at strategy symposium

    Source: United States EUROPEAN COMMAND

    U.S., European leaders endorse collective defense tactics at strategy symposium

    U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Steven Basham, U.S. European Command deputy commander, speaks with members of the European Strategy Conference and Workshop at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, on Feb. 1, 2024. Nearly 750 military and civilian leaders from more than 30 Allied and partner nations took part in the event to discuss the impacts of malign influence in the Euro-Atlantic, and considerations to implement and execute NATOS’s regional plans to enhance European security and stability.

    U.S., European leaders endorse collective defense tactics at strategy symposium

    U.S. Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, commander of U.S. European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe, gives opening remarks during the European Strategy Conference and Workshop at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, on Jan. 31, 2024. Nearly 750 military and civilian leaders from more than 30 Allied and partner nations took part in event to discuss the impacts of malign influence in the Euro-Atlantic, and considerations to implement and execute NATOS’s regional plans to enhance European security and stability.

    U.S., European leaders endorse collective defense tactics at strategy symposium

    U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Celeste Wallander provides remarks during the European Strategy Conference and Workshop at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, on Feb. 1, 2024. Nearly 750 military and civilian leaders from more than 30 Allied and partner nations took part in the event to discuss the impacts of malign influence in the Euro-Atlantic, and considerations to implement and execute NATOS’s regional plans to enhance European security and stability.

    U.S., European leaders endorse collective defense tactics at strategy symposium

    U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Daniel Lasica, U.S. European Command director of strategy, plans and policy, gives opening remarks during the European Strategy Conference and Workshop at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, on Feb. 1, 2024. Nearly 750 military and civilian leaders from more than 30 Allied and partner nations took part in event to discuss the impacts of malign influence in the Euro-Atlantic, and considerations to implement and execute NATOS’s regional plans to enhance European security and stability.

    Nearly 750 military and civilian leaders from more than 30 Allied and partner nations took part in the U.S. European Command Strategy Conference and Workshop to discuss security in Ramstein, Germany, from Jan. 29 to Feb. 2, 2024.

    In his keynote address, U.S. Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, commander of USEUCOM and Supreme Allied Commander Europe, highlighted the strength of the NATO Alliance and the command’s commitment to collective defense.

    “The Alliance continues to exhibit unprecedented cohesion, focus and determination during its transformation to conduct large-scale, theater-wide deterrence and defensive operations,” said Cavoli. “USEUCOM stands resolutely with the Alliance, committed to supporting its modernized system of collective defense every step of the way.”

    The week-long conference included two days of plenary sessions under the theme, “Unite, Adapt and Protect.” During the forum, leaders from NATO, the U.S. Department of Defense and USEUCOM discussed the impacts of malign influence in the Euro-Atlantic, and wide-ranging considerations to implement and execute NATO’s regional plans to enhance European security and stability.

    “This event was an opportunity for representatives from multiple nations to discuss strategies and initiatives to enhance capabilities within the NATO Alliance,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Daniel Lasica, USEUCOM’s director of strategy, plans and policy. “By bringing together experts and decision-makers from across the Alliance, we solidify our impactful partnerships and develop practical solutions and strategies to promote peace and stability.”

    In addition to Cavoli’s keynote address, plenary sessions were led by: U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, Celeste Wallander; NATO Military Committee Chair, Netherlands Navy Adm. Rob Bauer; NATO Defence Policy and Planning Assistant Secretary General, Angus Lapsley; and Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe, U.K. Navy Adm. Keith Edward Blount.

    Additional panel discussions and workshops throughout the week centered on the continued defense and deterrence of the Euro-Atlantic, NATO’s role in the 21st century and strategic planning for the year ahead.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • Japan PM says determined to protect national interests amid tariff stalemate

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said on Wednesday he was determined to protect his country’s national interests as trade negotiations with the U.S. struggled and President Donald Trump threatened even higher tariff rates on the Asian ally.

    “Japan is different from other countries as we are the largest investor in the United States, creating jobs,” Ishiba said in a public debate with opposition party leaders.

    “With our basic focus being on investment rather than tariffs, we’ll continue to protect our national interest,” he said.

    Trump on Tuesday cast doubt on a possible deal with Japan, indicating that he could impose a tariff of 30% or 35% on imports from Japan – well above the 24% rate he announced on April 2 and then paused until July 9.

    Japanese broadcaster TV Asahi reported on Wednesday that Japan’s tariff negotiator Ryosei Akazawa was organising his eighth visit to the United States for trade talks as early as this weekend.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Security: USEUCOM Welcomes New Commander in Stuttgart Ceremony

    Source: United States EUROPEAN COMMAND

    STUTTGART, Germany – July 1, 2025 —U.S. Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich assumed command of U.S. European Command from U.S. Army Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli during a formal Change of Command ceremony at Patch Barracks today.

    As one of the United States’ six geographic combatant commands, USEUCOM plays a critical role in deterring aggression, supporting NATO allies, and defending U.S. national interests across a vast area of responsibility that includes Europe, parts of Asia and the Middle East, and the Arctic.

    Cavoli, who led the command since June 27, 2022, oversaw a period marked by increased U.S. and NATO interoperability, rotational deployments, and defense posture adjustments in Eastern Europe.

    “Like many others, I have stood in awe of you,” Cavoli said speaking to members of USEUCOM. “The thing that drives you to great heights is that you perform for our country in front of others and with our allies. The one privilege I will always remember, I will always cherish, is the privilege to stand in the ranks with you, all of you at EUCOM.”

    Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, U.S. Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, presided over the ceremony. He spoke to the importance of integrated operations, and both Cavoli’s and Grynkewich’s leadership, saying, “The world can shift in a matter of hours, and that’s why we prepare, why we shift, and why we train and operate as an integrated force – to be ready. General Grynkewich is prepared for this job. He is the right leader who is humble, credible and approachable to follow the great leader before him.”

    Grynkewich previously served as the Director of Operations, J-3, Joint Staff. He assisted the Chairman in carrying out responsibilities as the principal military advisor to the President and Secretary of Defense. He has served as an instructor pilot, weapons officer and operational test pilot in the F-16 Fighting Falcon and F-22 Raptor. Grynkewich has commanded at the squadron, wing, and Air Expeditionary Task Force levels.

    “Today, a protracted war rages in Europe for the first time in decades, and our operations in the Mediterranean are helping to contain conflict in the Middle East. More broadly our adversaries are aligning, working together more than ever before as they seek to dominate their regions and even the globe, thus the good work done here across the command is more important than ever,” said Grynkewich. “These are consequential times, demanding bold and innovative leadership at all times. The men and women of EUCOM deliver this every single day, and my pledge to you is that I will do everything in my power to do the same for you.”

    USEUCOM is dedicated to proactively safeguarding the homeland while enhancing security across the Euro-Atlantic region. It is responsible for planning and executing military operations within its area of responsibility, which includes conducting joint and multinational training, providing military assistance to partner nations, and fostering military-to-military relationships with Allies and partners.

    For more information please contact USEUCOM public affairs at eucom.media@mail.mil

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: USEUCOM Welcomes New Commander in Stuttgart Ceremony

    Source: United States EUROPEAN COMMAND

    STUTTGART, Germany – July 1, 2025 —U.S. Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich assumed command of U.S. European Command from U.S. Army Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli during a formal Change of Command ceremony at Patch Barracks today.

    As one of the United States’ six geographic combatant commands, USEUCOM plays a critical role in deterring aggression, supporting NATO allies, and defending U.S. national interests across a vast area of responsibility that includes Europe, parts of Asia and the Middle East, and the Arctic.

    Cavoli, who led the command since June 27, 2022, oversaw a period marked by increased U.S. and NATO interoperability, rotational deployments, and defense posture adjustments in Eastern Europe.

    “Like many others, I have stood in awe of you,” Cavoli said speaking to members of USEUCOM. “The thing that drives you to great heights is that you perform for our country in front of others and with our allies. The one privilege I will always remember, I will always cherish, is the privilege to stand in the ranks with you, all of you at EUCOM.”

    Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, U.S. Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, presided over the ceremony. He spoke to the importance of integrated operations, and both Cavoli’s and Grynkewich’s leadership, saying, “The world can shift in a matter of hours, and that’s why we prepare, why we shift, and why we train and operate as an integrated force – to be ready. General Grynkewich is prepared for this job. He is the right leader who is humble, credible and approachable to follow the great leader before him.”

    Grynkewich previously served as the Director of Operations, J-3, Joint Staff. He assisted the Chairman in carrying out responsibilities as the principal military advisor to the President and Secretary of Defense. He has served as an instructor pilot, weapons officer and operational test pilot in the F-16 Fighting Falcon and F-22 Raptor. Grynkewich has commanded at the squadron, wing, and Air Expeditionary Task Force levels.

    “Today, a protracted war rages in Europe for the first time in decades, and our operations in the Mediterranean are helping to contain conflict in the Middle East. More broadly our adversaries are aligning, working together more than ever before as they seek to dominate their regions and even the globe, thus the good work done here across the command is more important than ever,” said Grynkewich. “These are consequential times, demanding bold and innovative leadership at all times. The men and women of EUCOM deliver this every single day, and my pledge to you is that I will do everything in my power to do the same for you.”

    USEUCOM is dedicated to proactively safeguarding the homeland while enhancing security across the Euro-Atlantic region. It is responsible for planning and executing military operations within its area of responsibility, which includes conducting joint and multinational training, providing military assistance to partner nations, and fostering military-to-military relationships with Allies and partners.

    For more information please contact USEUCOM public affairs at eucom.media@mail.mil

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI China: Guirassy double as Dortmund down Monterrey to reach Club World Cup quarters

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

    Serhou Guirassy scored two first-half goals as Borussia Dortmund beat Monterrey 2-1 on Tuesday to reach the FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinals.

    German Berterame pulled one back early in the second half but the Mexican side failed to capitalize on several late chances.

    The result means Dortmund will face Real Madrid in New Jersey on Saturday for a place in the last four while Monterrey bows out.

    Borussia Dortmund’s Niklas Suele (R) vies with CF Monterrey’s Jesus Corona during the round of 16 match between Borussia Dortmund of Germany and CF Monterrey of Mexico at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia, the United States, July 1, 2025. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)

    Monterrey had the first scoring opportunity of the match when Colombian midfielder Nelson Deossa fired a speculative long-range effort straight at goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.

    But most of the early attacking was done by Dortmund, whose fluid passing was causing problems for Monterrey’s defense.

    Guirassy opened the Bundesliga club’s account in the 14th minute when he played a slick one-two with Karim Adeyemi before side-footing a low effort that beat Argentine goalkeeper Esteban Andrada at his near post.

    The goal spurred Monterrey into action. Jesus Corona almost put his side on level terms when he miscued his cross from the left flank and instead hit the woodwork. Moments later, Deossa aimed a 25-yard rocket straight at Kobel.

    But the Liga MX side was undone once more by the Adeyemi-Guirassy combination in the 24th minute as the Guinea international striker caressed a first-time shot past Andrada after Adeyemi’s layoff.

    Deossa again tried his luck from distance, forcing a sharp save from Kobel, but most of the chances were at the other end as Dortmund maintained the pressure.

    Guirassy continued to trouble Monterrey’s defense and squandered the chance for a first-half hat-trick when he slid Jobe Bellingham’s cross wide. He then saw another attempt blocked by Andrada.

    Monterrey returned from the halftime interval with fresh urgency, reducing the deficit in the 48th minute through Berterame, who nodded in from close range after Daniel Svensson’s defensive header deflected off Erick Aguirre and into the path of the Mexico international.

    The Rayados pushed forward in search of an equalizer and Jesus Corona drew a reflex save from Kobel after Sergio Canales’ deft through ball.

    Corona then fired over after dribbling into the box, and Oliver Torres forced another stop with a clever volley.

    Former Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos had a gilt-edged chance to equalize in the 91st-minute but headed inches wide from Aguirre’s cross. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: US to deport nearly 4,000 illegal migrants from Ecuador in first half of 2025

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    QUITO, July 2 (Xinhua) — The United States has deported 3,977 illegal Ecuadorian migrants in the first half of 2025, the Ecuadorian Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.

    That number includes 38 Ecuadorians who arrived in the coastal city of Guayaquil on Monday on a U.S. Air Force plane. The U.S. Embassy said on its social media account that it was enforcing the country’s immigration laws and deporting illegal migrants.

    According to the agency, by June 30, 3,939 Ecuadorians had been deported from the United States on 46 flights, not counting the latest arrivals.

    The Ecuadorian government offers repatriates a monthly stipend of US$470 for the first three months of their return. Additional support measures include vocational training, educational opportunities and scholarship programs. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • Dalai Lama says he will be reincarnated, his Trust will lead search for his successor

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Dalai Lama said on Wednesday that he will be reincarnated and that his non-profit institution will have the sole authority to identify his reincarnation, countering China’s insistence that it will choose the successor of the Tibetan Buddhist leader.

    The remarks by the Dalai Lama, who turns 90 on Sunday, end speculation among millions of followers about whether there would be another Dalai Lama after his death. The Nobel peace laureate was speaking during a week of celebrations to mark his birthday which was expected to be closely watched by the U.S., India and China for clues about his successor for strategic reasons. There was no immediate comment from China.

    “I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue,” the Dalai Lama said in a video message to a gathering in Dharamshala, a town in the foothills of the Himalayas in northern India, that was attended by more than 100 monks in maroon robes, journalists from around the world and long-time supporters including Hollywood star Richard Gere.

    Beijing views the Dalai Lama, who fled to India from Tibet in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule, as a separatist. The Dalai Lama has previously said his successor will be born outside China and urged his followers to reject anyone chosen by Beijing. In previous years, he had also said it was possible that there might be no successor at all.

    The Dalai Lama added that the Gaden Phodrang Trust, the non-profit organisation that he set up to maintain and support the tradition and institution of the Dalai Lama, has the sole authority to recognise his future reincarnation in consultation with the heads of Tibetan Buddhist traditions.

    “They should accordingly carry out the procedures of search and recognition in accordance with past tradition … no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter,” the Dalai Lama said.

    Tibetan tradition holds that the soul of a senior Buddhist monk is reincarnated in the body of a child upon his death.

    Born as Lhamo Dhondup on July 6, 1935, to a farming family in what is now Qinghai province, the 14th Dalai Lama was identified as such a reincarnation when he was just two years old by a search party on the basis of several signs, such as a vision revealed to a senior monk, the Dalai Lama’s website says.

    He is now regarded as one of the world’s most influential religious figures, with a following extending well beyond Buddhism, and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989.

    ‘NO INSTRUCTIONS ON SUCCESSION’

    Samdhong Rinpoche, a senior official of the Gaden Phodrang Trust told reporters that the Dalai Lama was in good health and he has not given any written instructions yet on the succession.

    He said the successor can be of any gender and that their nationality would not be restricted to Tibet.

    China says its leaders have the right to approve the Dalai Lama’s successor, as a legacy from imperial times. A selection ritual, in which the names of possible reincarnations are drawn from a golden urn, dates to 1793, during the Qing dynasty.

    Chinese officials have repeatedly said the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama should be decided by following national laws that decree use of the golden urn and the birth of reincarnations within China’s borders.

    Penpa Tsering, leader of the Central Tibetan Administration, the Tibetan government-in-exile in India, said the Dalai Lama would be open to visiting Tibet if his health permits and if there were no restrictions from China.

    He also said that the U.S. had lifted some restrictions on funds for Tibetans in exile and that the Tibetan government was looking for alternate sources of funding.

    The United States, which faces rising competition from China for global dominance, has repeatedly said it is committed to advancing the human rights of Tibetans. U.S. lawmakers have previously said they would not allow China to influence the choice of the Dalai Lama’s successor.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai meets delegation from 2025 Taiwan International Ocean Forum

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Details
    2025-06-30
    President Lai meets Minister of State at UK Department for Business and Trade Douglas Alexander  
    On the morning of June 30, President Lai Ching-te met with Douglas Alexander, Minister of State at the Department for Business and Trade of the United Kingdom. In remarks, President Lai thanked the UK government for its longstanding support for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Noting that two years ago, Taiwan and the UK signed an enhanced trade partnership (ETP) arrangement, the president said that today Taiwan and the UK have signed three pillars under the ETP, which will help promote bilateral economic and trade cooperation. He expressed hope of the UK publicly supporting Taiwan’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) so that together we can create an economic and trade landscape in the Indo-Pacific characterized by shared prosperity and development. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: First, on behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend a warm welcome to Minister Alexander and wish a fruitful outcome for the 27th round of Taiwan-UK trade talks later today. Taiwan-UK relations have grown closer in recent years. We have not only continued to strengthen cooperation in such fields as offshore wind power, innovative technologies, and culture and education but also have established regular dialogue mechanisms in the critical areas of economics and trade, energy, and agriculture. The UK is currently Taiwan’s fourth-largest European trading partner, second-largest source of investment from Europe, and third-largest target for investment in Europe. Two years ago, Taiwan and the UK signed an ETP arrangement. This was particularly meaningful, as it was the first institutionalized economic and trade framework between Taiwan and a European country. Today, this arrangement is yielding further results. I am delighted that Taiwan and the UK have signed three pillars under the ETP covering investment, digital trade, and energy and net-zero. This will help promote bilateral economic and trade cooperation and advance industrial development on both sides. I also want to thank the UK government for its longstanding support for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. This month, the UK published its Strategic Defence Review 2025 and National Security Strategy 2025, which oppose any unilateral attempts to change the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. These not only demonstrate that Taiwan and the UK share similar goals but also show that security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region are inseparable from those of the transatlantic regions. In addition, last November, the House of Commons passed a motion which made clear that United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758 neither established the sovereignty of the People’s Republic of China over Taiwan nor determined Taiwan’s status in the United Nations. The UK government also responded to the motion by publicly expressing for the first time its position on UNGA Resolution 2758, opposing any attempt to broaden the interpretation of the resolution to rewrite history. For this, on behalf of the people of Taiwan, I once again want to extend my deepest gratitude. Taiwan and the UK have the advantage of being highly complementary in the technology sector. In facing the restructuring of global supply chains and other international economic and trade developments, I believe that Taiwan and the UK are indispensable key partners for one another. I look forward to the UK publicly supporting Taiwan’s accession to the CPTPP so that together, we can create an economic and trade landscape in the Indo-Pacific characterized by shared prosperity and development. In closing, I wish Minister Alexander a pleasant and successful visit. And I hope he has the opportunity to visit Taiwan for personal travel in the future. Minister Alexander then delivered remarks, saying that it is a great personal honor to meet with everyone today to discuss further deepening the UK-Taiwan trade relationship and explore the many opportunities our two sides can pursue together. He mentioned that he traveled to Taiwan in 2022 when he was a private citizen, a visit he thoroughly enjoyed, so he is delighted to be back to see the strength of the UK-Taiwan relationship and the strengthening of that relationship. He said that relationship is built on mutual respect, democratic values, and a shared vision for open, resilient, and rules-based economic cooperation. As like-minded partners, he pointed out, our collaboration continues to grow across multiple sectors, and he is here today to further that momentum. Minister Alexander stated that on trade and investment, he is proud that this morning we signed the ETP Pillars on Investment, Digital Trade, Energy and Net Zero, which will provide a clear framework for our future cooperation and lay the foundation for expanded access and market-shaping engagement between our two economies. The minister said he believes that together with our annual trade talks, this partnership will help UK’s firms secure new commercial opportunities, improve regulatory alignment, and promote long-term investment in key growth areas, which in turn will also support Taiwan’s efforts to expand high-quality trade relationships with trusted partners. Minister Alexander said that President Lai’s promotion of the Five Trusted Industry Sectors and the UK’s recently published industrial and trade strategies are very well-aligned, as both cover clean energy and semiconductors as well as advanced manufacturing. He then provided an example, saying that both sides plan to invest in AI infrastructure and compute power-creating opportunities for great joint research in the future. By combining our strengths in these areas, he said, we can open the door to innovative collaboration and commercial success for both sides. He mentioned that yesterday he visited the Taiwan Space Agency, commenting that in sectors such as satellite technology, green energy, and cyber security, British expertise and trusted standards can provide meaningful solutions. Noting that President Lai spoke in his remarks of the broader challenge of peace and security in the region, Minister Alexander stated that the United Kingdom has, of course, also continued to affirm its commitment to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, along with its G7 partners. The UK-Taiwan relationship is strategic, enduring, and growing, he stated, and they reaffirm and remain firm in their longstanding position and confident in their ability to work together to support both prosperity and resilience in both of our societies. Minister Alexander said that, as Taiwan looks to diversify capital and build global partnerships, they believe the UK represents a strong and ambitious investment destination, particularly for Taiwanese companies at the very forefront of robotics, clean tech, and advanced industry. He pointed out that the UK’s markets are stable, open, and aligned with Taiwan’s vision of a high-tech, sustainable future, adding that he looks forward to our discussion on how we can further deepen our cooperation across all of these areas and more. The delegation also included Martin Kent, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific at the UK Department for Business and Trade. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by British Office Taipei Representative Ruth Bradley-Jones.   

    Details
    2025-06-27
    President Lai confers decoration on former Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Chairman Ohashi Mitsuo
    On the morning of June 27, President Lai Ching-te conferred the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon upon former Chairman of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Ohashi Mitsuo in recognition of his firm convictions and tireless efforts in promoting Taiwan-Japan exchanges. In remarks, President Lai stated that Chairman Ohashi cares for Taiwan like a family member, and expressed hope that Taiwan and Japan continue to deepen their partnership, bring about the early signing of an economic partnership agreement (EPA), and jointly build secure and stable non-red supply chains as we boost the resilience and competitiveness of our economies and jointly safeguard the values of freedom and democracy. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: Every meeting I have with Chairman Ohashi, with whom I have worked side by side for many years, is warm and friendly. I recall that when we met last year, Chairman Ohashi said that he often thinks about what Japan can do for Taiwan and what Taiwan can do for Japan, and that it is that mutual concern that makes us so close. This was a truly moving statement illustrating the relationship between Taiwan and Japan. Chairman Ohashi has also said numerous times that our bilateral relations may very well be the best in the entire world, and that in fact they may serve as a model to other countries. Indeed, Chairman Ohashi is himself an exemplary model for friendly relations between Taiwan and Japan. His spirit of always working tirelessly to promote Taiwan-Japan exchanges is truly admirable. Assuming the position of chairman of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association in 2011, he served during the terms of former Presidents Ma Ying-jeou and Tsai Ing-wen, continuously making positive contributions to Taiwan-Japan relations. Over these past 14 years, Taiwan and Japan have signed over 50 major agreements, spanning the economy and trade, fisheries, and taxes, among other areas. In 2017, the Taiwan-Japan Relations Association and the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association underwent name changes, strengthening the essence and significance of Taiwan-Japan relations. These great achievements were all made possible thanks to the firm convictions and tireless efforts of Chairman Ohashi. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I am delighted to confer upon Chairman Ohashi the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon to express our deepest thanks for his outstanding contributions. Chairman Ohashi is not just a good friend of Taiwan, but someone who cares for Taiwan like a family member. When a major earthquake struck in 2016, he personally went to Tainan to assess the situation and meet with the city government. This outpouring of friendship and support across borders was deeply moving. As we look to the future, I hope that Taiwan and Japan can continue to deepen our partnership. In addition to bringing about the early signing of an EPA, I also hope that we can expand collaboration in key areas such as semiconductors, energy, and AI, continue building secure and stable non-red supply chains, and boost the resilience and competitiveness of our economies as well as peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. As Chairman Ohashi has said, the close bilateral relationship between Taiwan and Japan is one the world can be proud of. I would like to thank him once again for his contributions to deepening Taiwan-Japan ties. Taiwan will continue to forge ahead side by side with Japan, jointly safeguarding the values of freedom and democracy and mutually advancing prosperous development. I wish Chairman Ohashi good health, happiness, peace, and success in his future endeavors, and invite him to return to Taiwan often to visit old friends. Chairman Ohashi then delivered remarks, first thanking President Lai for his kind words. He stated that the Taiwan-Japan relationship is not only worthy of praise; it can also serve as a superb model in the world for bilateral relations that is worthy of study by other countries. He added that this is the result of the collective efforts of President Lai as well as many other individuals. Chairman Ohashi said that the current international situation is rather severe, with wars and conflicts occurring between many neighboring countries. He said that there is a growing trend of nuclear weapon proliferation, emphasizing that use of such weapons would cause significant harm between nations. He also pointed out that some countries even use nuclear weapons as a threat, leading to instability and impacting the global situation. Chairman Ohashi said that neither Taiwan nor Japan possesses nuclear weapons, which is something to be proud of. That is why, he said, we can declare that a world without nuclear weapons is a peaceful world. He also mentioned that during his tenure as chairman of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, he consistently upheld this principle in his work. Chairman Ohashi said that the mission of the World Federalist Movement (WFM) is to promote world peace. He said that the WFM has branches in countries worldwide, with the WFM of Japan being one of the most prominent, and that it also aspires to achieve the goal of world peace. Having served as chairman of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association for 14 years, he said, he is now stepping down from this role and will serve as the chairman of the WFM of Japan, aiming to promote peace in countries around the world. Chairman Ohashi said that both Taiwan and Japan can take pride in our friendly bilateral relationship, emphasizing that if the good relationship between Japan and Taiwan could be offered as an example to countries around the world, there would be no more wars. He expressed his sincere hope that under President Lai’s leadership, Taiwan and Japan can work together to jointly promote world peace. Also in attendance at the ceremony was Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Taipei Office Chief Representative Katayama Kazuyuki.

    Details
    2025-06-25
    President Lai meets Japan’s former Economic Security Minister Kobayashi Takayuki
    On the afternoon of June 25, President Lai Ching-te met with Kobayashi Takayuki, Japan’s former economic security minister and a current member of the House of Representatives. In remarks, President Lai expressed hope to combine the strengths of the democratic community to build resilient, reliable non-red supply chains, and ensure a resilient global economy and sustainable development. He also expressed hope that Taiwan and Japan can bring about the early signing of an economic partnership agreement (EPA), and that Japan will continue supporting Taiwan’s bid to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), enhancing our own bilateral partnership, as doing so would create win-win situations and further contribute to regional economic security and stability. The following is a translation of President Lai’s remarks: I welcome Representative Kobayashi back to Taiwan for another visit after seven years. During his last visit, he was with a delegation from the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Youth Division, and we met at the Executive Yuan. I am very happy to see him again today. Representative Kobayashi has long paid close attention to matters involving economic security, technological innovation, and aerospace policy. He also made a stunning debut in last year’s LDP presidential election, showing that he is truly a rising star and an influential figure in the political sphere. With this visit, Representative Kobayashi is demonstrating support for Taiwan with concrete action, which is very meaningful. Taiwan and Japan are both part of the first island chain’s key line of defense. We thank the many Japanese prime ministers, including former Prime Ministers Abe Shinzo, Suga Yoshihide, and Kishida Fumio, as well as current Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru, for the many times they have highlighted the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait at important international venues, and for expressing opposition to the use of force or coercion to unilaterally change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. I hope that Taiwan and Japan can engage in more cooperation and exchanges to promote peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region in all aspects. In particular, China in recent years has been actively expanding its red supply chains, which threaten the global free trade system and advanced technology markets. Taiwan hopes to combine the strengths of the democratic community to build resilient, reliable non-red supply chains. In the semiconductor industry, for example, Taiwan has excellent advanced manufacturing capabilities, while Japan plays an important role in materials, equipment, and key technologies. I am confident that, given the experience that Taiwan and Japan have in cooperating, we can build an industrial supply chain composed of democratic nations to ensure a resilient global economy and sustainable development. I hope that Taiwan and Japan can bring about the early signing of an EPA in order to deepen our bilateral trade and investment exchanges and cooperation. I also hope that Japan will continue supporting Taiwan’s bid to join the CPTPP, enhancing our own bilateral partnership, as doing so would create win-win situations and further contribute to regional economic security and stability. Taiwan and Japan are democratic partners that share the values of freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights. I firmly believe that so long as we work together, we can certainly address the challenges posed by authoritarianism, and bring prosperity and development to the Indo-Pacific region. In closing, I welcome Representative Kobayashi once again. I am certain that this visit will help enhance Taiwan-Japan exchanges and deepen our friendship. Representative Kobayashi then delivered remarks, first thanking President Lai for taking the time to meet with him, and noting that this was his second visit to Taiwan following a trip seven years prior, when he came with his good friend from college and then-Director of the LDP Youth Division Suzuki Keisuke, now Japan’s minister of justice. Representative Kobayashi mentioned a Japanese kanji that he is very fond of – 絆 (kizuna) – which means “deep ties of friendship.” He emphasized that a key purpose of this visit to Taiwan was to reiterate the deep ties of friendship between Taiwan and Japan. In addition to deep historical ties, he said, Taiwan and Japan also enjoy a like-minded partnership in terms of economic, personnel, and friendship-oriented exchanges. He went on to say that at the strategic level, Taiwan and Japan also have deep ties of friendship, and that for Japan, it is strategically important that Taiwan not be isolated under any circumstances. Representative Kobayashi emphasized that cooperation between Taiwan and Japan, and even cooperation among Taiwan, Japan, and the United States, are more important now than ever, and that another important focus of this visit is the non-red supply chains referred to earlier by President Lai. He said that as Japan’s first economic security minister and the person currently in charge of the LDP’s policy on economic security, he is acutely aware of the important impact of economic security on national interests, and therefore looks forward to further exchanging views regarding Taiwan’s concrete steps to build non-red supply chains. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Deputy Representative Takaba Yo.

    Details
    2025-06-16
    President Lai meets delegation led by Representative Bera, co-chair of US Congressional Taiwan Caucus
    On the morning of June 16, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Representative Ami Bera, co-chair of the US Congressional Taiwan Caucus. In remarks, President Lai thanked the representatives in Congress for actively voicing support for Taiwan and proposing numerous Taiwan-friendly initiatives to strengthen Taiwan-US ties, helping expand Taiwan’s international space and continuing to place focus on peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The president said that we will continue to strengthen bilateral investment and industrial cooperation and create a more comprehensive environment for economic and trade exchanges to jointly enhance economic and developmental resilience. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I am delighted to meet with the delegation and welcome Congressman Bera back to the Presidential Office. Last January, he visited after the presidential election, demonstrating the steadfast backing of the US Congress for democratic Taiwan. This time, as head of a delegation of new members of the House Armed Services Committee and the Foreign Affairs Committee, he is continuing to foster US congressional support for Taiwan. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend a sincere welcome to Congressman Bera and all our esteemed guests. Over the years, staunch bipartisan US congressional backing of Taiwan has been a key force for steadily advancing our bilateral relations. I thank the representatives in Congress for actively voicing support for Taiwan and proposing numerous Taiwan-friendly initiatives, thereby strengthening Taiwan-US ties, helping expand Taiwan’s international space, and continuing to place focus on peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. I want to emphasize that Taiwan has an unwavering determination to safeguard peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Over the past year, the government and private sector have been working together to enhance Taiwan’s whole-of-society defense resilience and accelerate reform of national defense. The government is also prioritizing special budget allocations to ensure that our defense budget exceeds three percent of GDP this year. I hope that Taiwan-US security cooperation will evolve beyond military procurement to a partnership that encompasses joint research and development and joint production, further strengthening cooperation and exchange in the defense industry. Regarding industrial exchanges, last month, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) and Minister of Economic Affairs Kuo Jyh-huei (郭智輝) each visited Texas to see firsthand Taiwan-US collaboration in AI and semiconductors. And the delegation led by Executive Yuan Secretary-General Kung Ming-hsin (龔明鑫) sent by Taiwan to this year’s SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington, DC, was again the largest of those attending. All of this demonstrates Taiwan’s commitment to working alongside the US to create mutual prosperity. In the future, we will continue to strengthen bilateral investment and industrial cooperation. And I hope that the legislation addressing the issue of Taiwan-US double taxation will become law this year. I want to thank Congressman Bera for co-leading a joint letter last November signed by over 100 members of Congress calling for such legislation. I believe that by creating a more comprehensive environment for economic and trade exchanges, Taiwan and the US can enhance economic and developmental resilience. In closing, I thank you all for making the long journey here to advance Taiwan-US relations. Let us continue working together to promote the prosperous development of this important partnership. Congressman Bera then delivered remarks, saying that on behalf of the delegation, it is an honor for him to be here once again, it being last January that he and Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart visited and congratulated President Lai on his election victory, noting that theirs was the first congressional delegation to do so. Congressman Bera said that this is an important time, not just for the US and Taiwan relationship, but for all relationships around the world. When we look at conflicts in Europe and in the Middle East, he said, it is incumbent upon democracies to hold the peace in Asia. He emphasized that is why it is important for them to bring a delegation of members of the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Armed Services Committee, adding that he believes for all of them it is their first trip to Taiwan.  Congressman Bera said that while this is a delegation of Democratic members of Congress, in a bipartisan way all of Congress continues to support the people of Taiwan. As such, in this visit he brings support from his co-chairs on the Taiwan caucus, Congressman Díaz-Balart and Congressman Andy Barr. He also took a moment to recognize the passing of Congressman Gerald Connolly, who was a longtime friend of Taiwan and one of their co-chairs on the caucus. Congressman Bera mentioned that there is always a special bond between himself and President Lai because they are both doctors, and as doctors, their profession is about healing, keeping the peace, and making sure everybody has a bright, prosperous future. In closing, he highlighted that it is in that spirit that their delegation visits with the president. The delegation also included members of the US Congress Gabe Amo, Wesley Bell, Julie Johnson, Sarah McBride, and Johnny Olszewski.

    Details
    2025-06-13
    President Lai meets delegation led by French National Assembly Taiwan Friendship Group Chair Marie-Noëlle Battistel
    On the morning of June 12, President Lai Ching-te met a delegation led by Marie-Noëlle Battistel, chair of the French National Assembly’s Taiwan Friendship Group. In remarks, President Lai thanked the National Assembly for its long-term support for Taiwan’s international participation and for upholding security in the Taiwan Strait, helping make France the first major country in the world to enact legislation to uphold freedom of navigation in the Taiwan Strait. The president also said that exchanges and cooperation between Taiwan and France are becoming more frequent, and that he hopes this visit by the Taiwan Friendship Group will inject new momentum into Taiwan-France relations and help build closer partnerships in the economy, trade, energy, and digital security.  A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: First, I would like to welcome Chair Battistel, who is once again leading a visiting delegation. Last year, Chair Battistel co-led a delegation to attend the inauguration ceremony for myself and Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao. This is her fourth visit, and first as chair of the Taiwan Friendship Group, which makes it especially meaningful. This delegation’s visit demonstrates strong support for Taiwan, and on behalf of the people of Taiwan, I want to express my sincerest welcome and thanks. France is a pioneer in promoting free and democratic values. These are values that Taiwan cherishes and is working hard to defend. I want to express gratitude to the French Parliament for their long-term support for Taiwan’s international participation, and for upholding security in the Taiwan Strait. The French Parliament’s two chambers have continued to strongly support Taiwan, with the passage of a resolution supporting Taiwan’s participation in international organizations in 2021, as well as the passage of the seven-year Military Programming Law in 2023. This has made France the first major country in the world to enact legislation to uphold freedom of navigation in the Taiwan Strait. Through it all, the Taiwan Friendship Group has played a key role, and I want to thank all of our distinguished guests for their efforts. Over the past few years, Taiwan and France have continued to deepen cooperation in areas including the economy, technology, culture, and sports. At the Choose France summit held in Paris last month, Taiwanese and French enterprises also announced they will launch cooperation in the semiconductor and satellite fields. The VivaTech startup exhibition, now being held in France, also has many Taiwanese vendors participating. Exchanges and cooperation between Taiwan and France, whether official or people-to-people, are becoming more and more frequent. I hope that this visit by the Taiwan Friendship Group will inject new momentum into Taiwan-France relations, building closer partnerships in the economy, trade, energy, and digital security.  To address current geopolitical and economic challenges, Taiwan will continue to join forces with France and other like-minded countries to jointly safeguard peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, and contribute our concerted efforts to global prosperity and development. Once again, I want to welcome our visitors to Taiwan. I hope to continue our joint efforts to create a more prosperous future for both Taiwan and France.   Chair Battistel then delivered remarks, thanking President Lai for extending this invitation. Last year on May 20, she said, she and her delegation attended the presidential inauguration ceremony, so she was delighted to visit Taiwan once again with the French National Assembly’s Taiwan Friendship Group and bear witness to their friendship with Taiwan. Chair Battistel noted that this visit has given them an opportunity to strengthen Taiwan-France relations in areas including the economy, culture, the humanities, and diplomacy, and conduct exchanges with numerous heads of government agencies and research institutes. It has also been an opportunity, she said, to witness the importance of exchanges and cooperation with Taiwan in areas including energy, semiconductors, youth, and culture, and the impact created by important issues of mutual concern, including AI and disinformation, on the security of many countries. Chair Battistel praised Taiwan for its youth development efforts, and said that under the Taiwan Global Pathfinders Initiative, 30 Taiwanese young people have embarked on a visit to France, with itineraries including the United Nations Ocean Conference and the VivaTech exhibition, as well as the city of Toulouse, which is strategically important for the aerospace industry. Members of the group are also conducting exchanges at the French National Assembly, she said.  Chair Battistel stated that the Taiwan-France partnership is growing closer, and that she hopes to continue to strengthen bilateral exchanges and cooperation, as supporting peace for Taiwan supports peace around the world.  The delegation also included Taiwan Friendship Group Vice Chair Éric Martineau, as well as National Assembly Committee on Foreign Affairs Vice Chair Laetitia Saint-Paul and Deputies Marie-José Allemand and Claudia Rouaux. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by French Office in Taipei Deputy Director Cléa Le Cardeur.

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

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Trump’s ‘big beautiful bill’ has passed the US Senate – these are the winners and losers

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lester Munson, Non-Resident Fellow, United States Studies Centre, University of Sydney

    Igor Link/Shutterstock

    One of the unique aspects of Washington life is a Senate “vote-a-rama,” in which the upper house of Congress tortures itself by pulling a marathon all-nighter of speeches, amendments and votes on a critical bill.

    The Senate has just endured the usual mélange of horrors before passing US President Donald Trump’s massive tax and spending agenda – the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

    The process was a mess and the final result was tight: 51-50 after Vice President JD Vance broke the tie. But it landed another huge political win for Trump.

    It will likely be no different when the bill hits the House of Representatives, before being signed into law, maybe as soon as July 4 – Independence Day.

    Mega bill

    Using the momentum from his bunker-busting strike on Iran’s nuclear weapons program, Trump pressured wavering congressional Republicans to toe the line and support the package.

    The bill includes a continuation of Trump’s tax cuts from his first term, which were set to expire next year. They are being portrayed as new tax relief, even though American tax policy remains the same because of arcane budget process rules in Congress.

    Trump included a provision eliminating taxes on tips and overtime, which will further endear him to many working Americans, particularly those in private sector unions and food services.

    The bill also provides more funding for border security and a US$150 billion (A$227 billion) boost to defence spending, which will soon be tracking at more than US$1 trillion (A$1.51 trillion) per year.

    Other measures include work requirements for government health care recipients and cuts to two major safety net programs, including Medicaid.

    As a budget bill, there are some limits to what provisions can be included, but the Trump team was able to shoehorn nearly all of his domestic agenda into this bill – hence the absurd title.

    All of this means Trump can get what he wants if he keeps Republicans united, as no Democrats are needed to pass the bill into law.

    Democrat opposition

    The “big beautiful bill” provides some political opportunities to Trump’s opponents.

    The Democrats have fought the bill at every step, saying the “tax cuts” only benefit rich people while the health care cuts will have severe consequences for the working poor.

    They can plausibly accuse Republicans of cutting taxes for the wealthy. However, the tax cuts on tips and overtime somewhat mitigate that attack.

    The Democrats have also highlighted the impact of the bill on America’s national debt, which is at historically high levels. But this attack has only highly limited benefits for the party, which is not known for its own spending restraint.

    Nevertheless, Trump’s bill is so far winning passage, often by the thinnest possible margins, at every stage of the wonderfully convoluted American legislative process.

    ‘Utterly insane and destructive’

    The victory in the Senate has not come without some costs, especially given the way it has exacerbated Trump’s explosive feud with Elon Musk.

    The public divorce between Trump and his former “First Friend” has been an ongoing soap opera. Saturation media coverage of the squabble between the world’s richest man and its most powerful, has featured threats, accusations, name-calling, and physical confrontations.

    Once it became clear Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill did not include significant budget cuts, Musk turned on his patron and severely criticised the legislative effort, as “political suicide” for the Republican Party:

    It will destroy millions of jobs in America and cause immense strategic harm to our country

    Although the two men patched things up a few weeks ago, the bitter feud has erupted again with the bill’s passage though the Senate.

    Musk says the bill is “utterly insane and destructive” and is vowing political retribution on Republicans who voted for it:

    In turn, Trump has threatened to deport Musk back to his birth country of South Africa and turn the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) loose on Musk’s companies that have contracts with the government, including SpaceX, which is a necessary component of the American space program.

    Musk’s tantrums are unlikely to lead to real political problems for Trump, given many congressional Republicans continue to rely on the president for support.

    They will not be tempted to support Musk no matter how much he threatens them.

    Trump’s triumph

    The president has managed his legislative strategy to near perfection.

    Trump and his team used the DOGE process to give political cover to fiscal conservatives to vote with him on the bill. Even the breach with Musk didn’t change this dynamic much.

    At the end of it all, Trump has been able to enforce discipline in his own party and get what he needed from Congress.

    When Trump signs his big beautiful bill into law, it will be another political victory for the president.

    Lester Munson receives funding from the U.S. Studies Centre at the University of Sydney. He is affiliated with BGR Group, a Washington DC consulting firm.

    – ref. Trump’s ‘big beautiful bill’ has passed the US Senate – these are the winners and losers – https://theconversation.com/trumps-big-beautiful-bill-has-passed-the-us-senate-these-are-the-winners-and-losers-260287

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Gonzalo heads Real Madrid past Juventus and into Club World Cup quarters

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

    Gonzalo Garcia’s second-half header lifted Real Madrid to a 1-0 victory over Juventus on Tuesday, securing the Spanish side a place in the FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinals.

    Vinicius Junior (L) of Real Madrid vies with Manuel Locatelli of Juventus during the round of 16 match between Spain’s Real Madrid and Italy’s Juventus FC at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 at the Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, Florida, the United States, July 1, 2025. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaoling)

    The breakthrough came in the 54th minute when Trent Alexander-Arnold delivered a precise cross from the right, allowing Garcia to nod home from close range. The 21-year-old now has three goals and one assist in four tournament matches.

    Persistent rain in the Hard Rock Stadium area eased shortly before kickoff, avoiding further delays after earlier weather disruptions during the tournament.

    Juventus made six changes to its starting lineup, with Kenan Yildiz, Francisco Conceicao and Randal Kolo Muani replacing Nicolas Gonzalez, Teun Koopmeiners and Dusan Vlahovic in the attack.

    Real Madrid welcomed back star forward Kylian Mbappe, who was named as a substitute after having missed the group stage with gastroenteritis.

    Despite Madrid controlling early possession, Juventus carved out the sharper chances. Yildiz intercepted a pass and surged through midfield to slip Kolo Muani through on goal, but the French forward lifted his effort over the bar. Yildiz threatened again minutes later, forcing a corner with a deflected shot.

    Jude Bellingham nearly opened the scoring for Madrid in the 29th minute, but Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio produced a reflex save to deny him from Alexander-Arnold’s cutback. Di Gregorio kept his side in the match with another close-range stop to deny Federico Valverde just before halftime.

    The Italian keeper continued his strong performance after the break, parrying efforts from both Bellingham and Dean Huijsen, but was finally beaten by Garcia’s decisive header.

    Garcia made way in the 68th minute for Mbappe, who made his Club World Cup debut.

    Late saves from Di Gregorio kept Juventus in contention, but the Serie A side failed to find an equalizer against Madrid’s disciplined defense.

    Real Madrid will face either Borussia Dortmund or Monterrey – who play later Tuesday night – in Saturday’s quarterfinal in New York.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Jul 2, 2025 0100 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

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    Jul 2, 2025 0100 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

    Updated: Wed Jul 2 00:56:50 UTC 2025 (Print Version |   |  )

    Probabilistic to Categorical Outlook Conversion Table

     Forecast Discussion

    SPC AC 020056

    Day 1 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    0756 PM CDT Tue Jul 01 2025

    Valid 020100Z – 021200Z

    …THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS PARTS OF
    THE NORTHERN/CENTRAL PLAINS…

    …SUMMARY…
    Scattered severe thunderstorms should continue this evening over
    parts of the northern/central Plains, with large hail the primary
    risk. Isolated damaging winds will also remain possible for a couple
    more hours across portions of the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast.

    …Northern/Central Plains…
    Multiple supercells developed this afternoon/evening across parts of
    the northern/central High Plains, generally along/east of a surface
    lee trough. Although low-level flow remains fairly modest per area
    VWPs, sufficient west-northwesterly mid/upper-level flow will
    continue to foster around 30-40 kt of deep-layer shear and updraft
    organization. Persistent supercells will pose mainly a large hail
    threat as they move slowly south-southeastward for at least the next
    several hours. An increasing risk for isolated severe winds may also
    develop given the well-mixed boundary layer and gradual upscale
    growth anticipated. Reference Mesoscale Discussion 1538 for more
    details on the short-term severe threat across this region. A
    separate area of mainly elevated convection may develop later
    tonight across a broader portion of SD in a low-level warm advection
    regime. This activity may have an isolated hail threat.

    …Mid-Atlantic into the Southeast…
    Loosely organized convection should continue this evening from parts
    of the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast along/ahead of a cold front. An
    isolated threat for damaging winds should persist where pockets of
    moderate instability remain. But, generally modest deep-layer shear
    and a gradually stabilizing boundary layer with the loss of daytime
    heating will likely lead to a gradual reduction in the overall
    severe threat this evening.

    ..Gleason.. 07/02/2025

    CLICK TO GET WUUS01 PTSDY1 PRODUCT

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC – No watches are valid as of Wed Jul 2 05:02:01 UTC 2025

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Current Convective Watches (View What is a Watch? clip)Updated:  Wed Jul 2 05:20:06 UTC 2025 No watches are currently valid

    Archived Convective ProductsTo view convective products for a previous day, type in the date you wish to retrieve (e.g. 20040529 for May 29, 2004). Data available since January 1, 2004.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Sergei Sobyanin told how Moscow art schools reveal talents

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Over the past academic year, students from Moscow art schools won more than 26,000 awards. How these educational institutions reveal talents, he told in his blog Sergei Sobyanin.

    “Moscow is deservedly proud of its developed network of city institutions of creative education: 153 educational institutions, each with its own long-standing traditions, but with a single standard of comfort and equipment. Today, they teach more than 40 areas in the field of music, painting, choreography and theater. About 100 thousand children study in Moscow art schools. And among them, there are many who will eventually turn their passion into a life’s work,” the Mayor of Moscow wrote.

    He noted that, as in any other business, success in a creative profession is achieved through hard daily work and regular participation in competitions. Competitions with peers provide indispensable experience and incentive to improve one’s art, and victories open up new horizons.

    Last academic year, students from the capital’s art schools represented the capital at more than 20 venues around the world.

    “Muscovites have won prizes in creative competitions in Andorra, Austria, Belarus, Bulgaria, Spain, China, Cyprus, the Netherlands, the USA, Switzerland and other countries: a total of 10,000 awards and incentive prizes, including more than 280 Grand Prix,” said Sergei Sobyanin.

    In addition, students from Moscow art schools have won more than 16 thousand awards at all-Russian and regional competitions and festivals, which sometimes significantly exceed international projects in terms of the number of participants.

    Winners of competitions in Beijing, New York and Spain

    In March-April, the IX International Festival-Competition “Golden Lotus” was held in Beijing. Elizaveta Menzhinskaya, a student of the B.L. Pasternak Children’s Music School, performed a solo program, as well as in a duet with her teacher Galina Ermakova.

    According to the jury’s decision, they were awarded the title of first-degree laureates as performers on large flutes, and third-degree laureates on piccolo flutes. The winners’ repertoire includes the works “Ksenia” and “Tarantella” by Yevgeny Magalif, Lensky’s aria from the opera “Eugene Onegin” by Pyotr Tchaikovsky, and the Karelo-Finnish Polka by Boris Tikhonov.

    In March, Alexey Mishchenko, a student of the children’s music school of the Moscow State College of Musical Performance (MGKMI) named after Frederic Chopin, won first prize at the international Golden Classical Music Awards competition in New York for his piano performance of Frederic Chopin’s Ballade No. 1 and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Sonata for piano No. 13 in B-flat major. In addition, he won first place at the international Clavierland Mozart Classical Music Competition and performed in the final concert of the laureates in Vienna, which took place in March at the Mozart House.

    Maya Shelikhova, a student of the Moscow City United Children’s School of Arts (MGODSHI) “Kuskovo”, became a first-degree laureate at the international competition of culture and arts Festival

    Laureates of competitions in Belarus, the Netherlands and Switzerland

    Students of the I.S. Kozlovsky Children’s Art School took almost the entire podium at the Republican Festival-Competition of Children’s Art “Lvenok” in the city of Lida (Belarus).

    Among the soloists, Dana Shakova won first place, performing the piece “Twilight” by composer Max Eichorn and “Dance” by Ezra Jenkinson on the violin; second place was taken by Antonina Struchevskaya, Maria Tuaeva, Ivan Fedotov, and Gleb Sakharov.

    Antonina Struchevskaya played “Moldavian Dance” by Boris Dubossarsky and “Arioso” by Karl Bohm, Maria Tuaeva played a piece by Manfred Schmitz on the violin. Gleb Sakharov played “March of the Wooden Soldiers” by Pyotr Tchaikovsky on the snare drum, and “Tarantella” by Sergei Prokofiev on the xylophone, Ivan Fedotov played “Hunt for a Butterfly” by Irina Iordan on the snare drum, and “Scherzino” by Viktor Kosenko on the xylophone.

    The third-degree laureate was Milana Ponomareva. She presented the play “Merry Journey” by Dmitry Kabalevsky (snare drum) and “Minuet” by Luigi Boccherini (xylophone) to the competition.

    The first place among the groups was won by the instrumental trio “Notka Boom”, which performed the works “Walking the Dog” by Peter Martin and “Beauty and the Beast” by Howard Ashman.

    In April, the Dutch International Flute Competition was held in Ittervoort (Netherlands). The laureates of the competition were talented flutists from the Gnessin Moscow Secondary Specialized Music School (MSSMSh).

    Vasilisa Melnikova received the first prize, Yuna Guryanova received the third prize, and in the under 18 category, Elen Virabyan won the first prize.

    The gold medal in the senior category of the Frederic Chopin Youth Competition, which took place in March in Lugano (Switzerland), was awarded to Ivan Chepkin, a student of the Gnessin Moscow Specialized Music School.

    The bronze medal in the middle age category was won by pianist Denis Kochanowski, who performed the Polonaise (opus 40, no. 2), Nocturne (opus 15, no. 1), Waltz (opus 18), and Barcarolle (opus 60) by Frederic Chopin.

    Ivan Chepkin played two etudes (opus 10, no. 1 and opus 25, no. 6), a nocturne (opus 27, no. 2), a mazurka (opus 33), a polonaise (opus 53) and a ballade (opus 52) by Frederic Chopin on the piano.

    Winners perform in Andorra, Bulgaria, Cyprus and Russia

    From April to May, Andorra hosted the XI international saxophone competition Andorra Sax Fest, one of the most prestigious, which annually brings together the best saxophonists from all over Europe.

    In the senior group, the third-degree laureate was Vladimir Petskus, a graduate and now a teacher at the Frederic Chopin Moscow State Musical Institute for Children. Arseny Budanov, a student at the same school, received the first prize in the junior group.

    “Vladimir and Arseniy performed a very complex program, full of modern performance techniques, demonstrating the rapid development of classical saxophone playing techniques. Vladimir presented his own composition SoloS at the competition, which can be played the same way from beginning to end, and vice versa. In the final, Vladimir performed a piece by the outstanding modern saxophonist Vincent David, with the author himself acting as conductor,” noted Sergei Sobyanin.

    Arseniy Budanov participated in two age categories at once. In the junior group, he presented Eugene Bozz’s etudes (No. 7, 10), the first part of Fernanda Decruk’s Saxophone Sonata to the jury and won first place. This will allow him to perform a solo concert at the next Andorra Sax Fest competition. In the senior group, the young man also showed himself, reaching the semi-finals.

    Students of the Moscow State Children’s Art School “Kuskovo” also became laureates of the saxophone competition: Alexander Ivashkov won first place, Alexander Dolgov – third.

    In April, the 1st International Competition of Professional Harpists and Amateurs VivaHarp was held in Sofia, bringing together the best performers from all over the world. The title of second-degree laureate was awarded to Tatyana Smirnova, a student of the Moscow State Children’s Art School “Kuskovo”.

    In May in Paphos (Cyprus), Elizaveta Ryapina, a student of the A.N. Alexandrov Children’s Music School, became a second-degree laureate of the Young Orpheus International Competition and Festival.

    In December 2024, the XXV International Competition of Young Musicians “The Nutcracker” of the Russia-Culture TV channel ended. Of the nine possible awards, students from Moscow art schools won five.

    In the Wind and Percussion Instruments category, all the Nutcrackers were awarded to young Moscow musicians. The Golden Nutcracker went to 14-year-old flutist Ekaterina Ivanova from the Gnessin Moscow Specialized Music School, the Silver Nutcracker was awarded to 14-year-old clarinetist Alisa Cherednikova from the Jazz Academy, and the Bronze Nutcracker went to the youngest participant in the competition, eight-year-old Vasilisa Moiseyeva from the D.D. Shostakovich Children’s Music School.

    Second and third places went to Muscovites in the Piano category. The Silver Nutcracker was taken by 13-year-old Andrey Goncharov from the I.O. Dunaevsky Moscow City Children’s Music School, and 12-year-old Mark Grotte from the Gnessin Moscow Specialized Music School won the Bronze Nutcracker.

    “Recognition of the skills and talents of Moscow children at Russian and international competitions is a clear indication of the quality of Moscow’s creative education,” Sergei Sobyanin emphasized.

    Moscow art schools help in the harmonious development of children and give a start in life to new generations of talents.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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    HTTPS: //vv.mos.ru/mayor/tkhemes/13018050/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Croatian President Calls on West to Resume Dialogue with Russia

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    ZAGREB, July 2 (Xinhua) — Western leaders should resume dialogue with Russia to help end the conflict in Ukraine, Croatian President Zoran Milanovic said Tuesday after talks with Slovakian President Peter Pellegrini in Zagreb.

    “There is no excuse for not having a dialogue,” Z. Milanovic noted at a joint press conference, adding that even during the Soviet era, negotiations were conducted between the West and the Soviet Union.

    “The whole architecture of trust and mistrust was created to avoid a nuclear war. This is the whole philosophy of international relations, which is very thoughtful and deep. Everything is broken today,” he said, adding that “there is an impressive generation of incompetent people who are acting in a harmful way.”

    P. Pellegrini, in turn, stated that neither of the two leaders believes that further military support will end the war in Ukraine, since it is impossible to defeat a nuclear power like Russia using military means.

    P. Pellegrini stressed that NATO and the United States must find a common language with Russia on the issue of whether they can stop hostilities and agree on a post-war settlement of the situation in Ukraine.

    He called on EU leaders, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgio Meloni and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, to enter into talks with Moscow and find a negotiated solution.

    P. Pellegrini arrived in Croatia on Monday for an official visit. That same day, he and Z. Milanovic discussed bilateral economic cooperation, regional security and preparations for the next NATO summit. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • Quad ministerial meeting very productive, will strengthen Indo-Pacific stability: EAM Jaishankar

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that the Quad ministerial meeting on Tuesday was very productive and will strengthen stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

    After the meeting, he shared on X that they “discussed how to make Quad more focused and impactful on contemporary opportunities and challenges”.

    “Just finished a very productive meeting of Quad Foreign Ministers in Washington DC. Discussed how to make Quad more focused and impactful on contemporary opportunities and challenges. Today’s gathering will strengthen strategic stability in the Indo – Pacific and keep it free and open,” he said about the meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Foreign Ministers Penny Wong of Australia and Takeshi Iwaya of Japan, representing the major democracies in the region.

    Before the meeting, he said, “India has every right to defend its people against terrorism, and we will exercise that right. We expect our Quad partners to understand and appreciate that”.

    Rubio, who hosted the meeting, said, “There are many global problems, but also problems that we face in our respective countries that can be solved by us cooperating together”.

    He said that he has met Jaishankar “a number of times now in just six months on the job”.

    “I was just telling how much he travels. I follow the news, and every time I see (he is) somewhere else in the world. So he’s been very busy,” he said.

    Rubio said the other Quad nations “are very important strategic partners and allies of the United States, and together, we have a lot of shared priorities, a lot of things we care about in the world”.

    The Quad is not only about security but also about economic development, he said.

    He said that he had “personally been very focused on diversifying the global supply chain of critical minerals, not just access to the raw material, but also access to the ability to process and refine it to usable material”.

    “Having a diverse and reliable global supply chain of these is just one example of many that we can focus on and build upon and achieve some real progress on,” he said. “So that’s the hope for this partnership”.

    Rubio said a challenge was to turn meetings “where we talk about ideas and concepts into a vehicle for action, into a vehicle for actually being able to take concrete actions”.

    “The next step in this great partnership is to actually begin to see concrete actions and steps being taken in conjunction with one another, in coordination with one another, in partnership with one another for the benefit of our respective countries, and ultimately of many other countries in the world,” he said.

    “There are many countries that are going to benefit from this partnership, even though they’re not members of it,” he added.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • MIL-OSI China: Ningbo-Zhoushan Port shows major trade rebound

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

    Despite recent volatility in global trade policy, especially the swift changes in US-China tariff regulations since April, Ningbo-Zhoushan Port — the world’s third-largest in terms of container throughput volume in 2024 — has demonstrated remarkable resilience.

    By early June, container throughput volume to the United States had returned to pre-fluctuation levels, said port officials.

    Located on China’s eastern seaboard, Ningbo-Zhoushan Port serves as a vital artery in global logistics. With over 300 container shipping routes connecting to more than 600 ports, across 200 countries and regions, the port handles nearly 300 vessel movements daily. It has become a critical hub in supporting the dual circulation of domestic and international trade.

    In the face of external pressure, the port managed to expand its container throughput volume. From January to April, the port handled 13.568 million twenty-foot equivalent units, marking a 9.9 percent year-on-year increase, said Teng Yahui, deputy general manager of Ningbo Zhoushan Port Co Ltd.

    Notably, full-container exports rose more than 10 percent, while volumes to emerging markets in Southeast Asia, South America and Africa surged over 20 percent, laying a robust foundation for sustained growth.

    From January to May, total container throughput volume exceeded 17 million TEUs — a year-on-year increase of more than 9 percent. Teng confirmed that US-bound container volumes had normalized by early June, reflecting a rebound in trans-Pacific trade following the May 12 joint announcement issued after China-US trade talks in Geneva.

    To meet growing market demand and improve global connectivity, Ningbo-Zhoushan Port has launched a series of new shipping routes in recent months. These routes not only accommodate increased outbound cargo, but also provide exporters with faster, more diversified transport options, further consolidating the port’s global hub status.

    “Ningbo-Zhoushan Port has capitalized on the reorganization of global shipping alliances, strengthening cooperation with shipping lines and optimizing our route network,” said Zhu Miao, general manager of Zhejiang Provincial Seaport Investment & Operation Group.

    Zhu said: “We now operate 307 routes, including 255 international ones and 23 express shipping lines. Our port connectivity index has surpassed Singapore’s, ranking second globally.”

    During periods of reduced US-bound shipments, the port took proactive measures to stabilize services. “We worked closely with carriers to secure capacity and stabilize schedules, ensuring minimal disruptions. At the same time, we collaborated to explore new cargo sources and routes, reinforcing our role as a pivotal gateway,” Teng said.

    Ningbo-Zhoushan Port continues to enhance service quality by deploying tailored solutions. Its dedicated “logistics concierge” team designs optimized transportation plans for clients, with a strong focus on high-growth regions such as South America, the Middle East and Europe. In parallel, the port has accelerated the implementation of facilitation measures to improve operational efficiency. These include reducing vessel waiting times and streamlining Customs clearance — efforts that have significantly enhanced port productivity and competitiveness.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: US Senate passes Trump’s landmark mega-bill

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

    U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the press at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on June 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The GOP-led Senate on Tuesday passed U.S. President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, a major stride toward Trump’s goal of getting the legislation to his desk and signed by this week’s end.

    The sweeping bill passed narrowly by 51 to 50, with U.S. Vice President JD Vance casting the deciding ballot. Three Republicans were the only GOP lawmakers to vote no: senators Susan Collins, Thom Tillis and Rand Paul.

    The legislation is considered the GOP’s biggest legislative win in the lead-up to next year’s midterms, in which the party could lose its slim majority in the House.

    The bill extends Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, slashes taxes on tips and provides new spending for the military and border security.

    “Today was a historic day … and we’re very excited to be a part of something that is going to make America stronger, safer and more prosperous,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune said after the bill passed the Senate.

    But there remains one more major hurdle ahead, as the bill needs to be passed in the House of Representatives, which is expected to vote as early as Wednesday.

    “It’s a great bill. There is something for everyone, and I think it’s going to go very nicely in the House. Actually, I think it will be easier in the House than it was in the Senate,” Trump said.

    However, Democrats have been vehemently opposed to the mega-bill, which funds an agenda to which Democrats stand in stark contrast.

    Democrats have blasted the tax cuts in the bill as reductions that benefit the wealthy. Republicans maintain that the cuts will help the middle class.

    The bill has angered Democrats for what the party says are cuts to essential programs such as Medicaid — health care coverage for low-income people — as well as to food stamps.

    Democrats also fret the bill will add trillions of U.S. dollars to the surging national debt.

    An analysis from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) said the changes Trump made in the Senate version of the bill would add trillions of dollars to the already significant national debt, and that the bill would create considerable losses in health care coverage.

    The CBO has predicted that the bill would add 2.4 trillion dollars to the national debt in the next 10 years, while also pushing up the deficit by around 3.3 trillion dollars between 2025 and 2034.

    The CBO’s analysis also forecast that the bill would cause 11.8 million more Americans to lose their insurance by 2034, which, as experts have said, will surely create hurdles for the bill’s passage in the House before Trump’s July 4 deadline.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Schiff Call on Trump to Release Billions of Dollars in Funding for Public Education

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Padilla, Schiff Call on Trump to Release Billions of Dollars in Funding for Public Education

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) issued the following statement demanding the immediate release of funding for K-12 public schools after the Trump Administration announced its intent to illegally withhold over $6 billion in Congressionally appropriated education funds, including approximately $928 million from California:

    “Just weeks away from the start of the school year, the Trump Administration has managed to find trillions of dollars in tax breaks for billionaires but went out of their way to freeze education funding that Trump, himself, signed into law. That’s not just wrong for our students — it’s wrong for our economy, too.

    “If the Trump Administration goes through with their latest political attack on California and our nation’s public education, it will punish the teachers and principals who are already underpaid and under-resourced. It will force schools to roll back after-school programs, hurt the children of farm workers traveling to pick our food, and hold back students who rely on English-language classes.

    “This reckless decision threatens the future of America’s workforce and our global competitiveness. And if the Administration is asking for a fight, make no mistake — California will give it to them.” 

    The Trump Administration has confirmed it is blocking funding for the following programs from being available to school districts across America:

    • Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants (Title II-A), which support professional development and other activities to improve the effectiveness of teachers and school leaders, including reducing class size.
    • 21st Century Community Learning Centers (Title IV-B), which support high-quality before and after-school programs focused on providing academic enrichment opportunities for students.
    • Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants (Title IV-A), which provide flexible funding for school districts for a wide range of activities including supporting STEM education, accelerated learning courses, college and career counseling, school-based mental health services, and improving school technology, among many others.
    • English Language Acquisition (Title III-A), which supports language instruction to help English language learners become proficient in English.
    • Migrant Education (Title I-C), which supports the educational needs of migratory children, including children of migrant and seasonal farm workers.
    • Adult Basic and Literacy Education State Grants (including Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education State Grants), which support adult education and literacy programs to provide the basic skills to help prepare adults and out-of-school youth for success in the workforce.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Crapo Statement on Senate Passage of One Big Beautiful Bill Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) today hailed Senate passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act:

    “With this bill’s passage, the United States Senate is fulfilling President Trump’s promise to secure the border, fortify our national defense and unleash American energy.  This legislation also prevents the biggest tax hike in U.S. history from ever happening, delivers additional tax relief to hardworking families and takes significant steps to get our fiscal house in order. 

    “Making the successful 2017 Trump tax cuts permanent ensures Americans keep more of their hard-earned money, and gives businesses the certainty they need to make the long-term investments that power economic growth.  New tax relief from policies like no taxes on tips, no taxes on overtime, tax relief for seniors and additional child care assistance will overwhelmingly benefit the working class.  

    “The legislation also achieves historic savings by targeting waste, fraud and abuse in our federal spending programs, strengthening them for the most vulnerable citizens they are intended to help.

    “Extending good tax policy, delivering targeted relief and reining in wasteful spending is the best way to restore economic prosperity and opportunity for all Americans.  I look forward to getting it to the President’s desk as soon as possible.”

    Crapo, as Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee which has jurisdiction over tax policy, is one of the chief architects of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. 

    For more information on the provisions within the Finance Committee’s jurisdiction, click HERE. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo Statement Honoring Heroic Coeur D’Alene Firefighters

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Coeur D’Alene, Idaho–Two of Idaho’s finest firefighters–Coeur D’Alene Fire Department Battalion Chief John Morrison and Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Chief Frank Harwood–sacrificed their lives rushing to extinguish a reported fire on Sunday.  As Idahoans and as a nation, we are forever in debt to these men who paid the ultimate price while protecting their fellow firefighters, community homes and surrounding neighborhoods.  I join many Idahoans to honor and revere their heroic lives, actions and legacies.

    I continue to pray for Coeur D’Alene Fire Department Engineer Dave Tysdal, who was in critical condition, and the other innocent first responders who came under fire and eliminated the threat.

    Their bravery, character and deep dedication in the face of unspeakable tragedy deserves the highest commendation one can bestow.  Their families will be honored, supported and lifted up by Idaho communities, their band of firefighters, caring friends and other loved ones.

    Frank Harwood and John Morrison are forever etched in our hearts, having secured their place among the greatest of heroes.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn Provision to Bring Space Shuttle Discovery to Houston Passed in Senate’s One Big Beautiful Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) today celebrated the passage of his provision to reconsider moving the Space Shuttle Discovery from Virginia to its rightful home near the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston in the Senate’s reconciliation legislation:

    “Houston has long been the cornerstone of our nation’s human space exploration program, and it’s long overdue for Space City to receive the recognition it deserves by bringing the Space Shuttle Discovery home,” said Sen. Cornyn. “I am glad to see this pass as part of the Senate’s One Big Beautiful Bill and look forward to welcoming Discovery to Houston and righting this egregious wrong.”“Houston has long stood at the heart of America’s human spaceflight program, and this legislation rightly honors that legacy,” said Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation Chairman Ted Cruz. “It ensures that any future transfer of a flown, crewed space vehicle will prioritize locations that have played a direct and vital role in our nation’s manned space program, making Houston, Texas, a leading candidate. Bringing such a historic space vehicle to the region would underscore the city’s indispensable contributions to our space missions, highlight the strength of America’s commercial space partnerships, and inspire future generations of engineers, scientists, and pioneers who will carry our legacy of American leadership in space.”

    Background:

     The Senator’s provision included in the Senate’s legislation would result in consideration of the Space Shuttle Discovery moving from Virginia to its rightful home near NASA’s JSC in Houston.

    Mission Control at NASA’s Johnson Space Center led all of the space shuttle flights throughout the program’s history, and the astronauts who flew aboard the shuttles lived and trained in the area Houston. Four space shuttles were retired from NASA in 2010, and one of them was expected to go on display in the Space City. Congress stated in the NASA Authorization Act of 2010 that the four space shuttles were to be given to states with a “historical relationship with either the launch, flight operations, or processing of the Space Shuttle orbiters or the retrieval of NASA-manned space vehicles, or significant contributions to human space flight.” Unfortunately, this directive was unlawfully ignored by the Obama administration, who played politics to keep Houston from getting one of the shuttles. Notably, the administration gave one of the four shuttles to New York City, which has not made any major contributions to the nation’s history of space exploration and is not home to a NASA center—unlike Houston. The Space Shuttle Discovery should be transferred to Houston. This legislation would authorize the movement of the Space Shuttle Discovery from the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia to an entity near the JSC in Houston.

    Additional space-related provisions led by Sen. Cornyn, including the Mission to Modernize Astronautic Resources (MARS) for Space Act, nearly $10 billion in NASA funding for programs at JSC, funding for National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Artemis program, and resources to support the International Space Station (ISS), were included in the Senate’s legislation.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Information Concerning the Budgetary Effects of H.R. 1, as Passed by the Senate on July 1, 2025

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    On a preliminary basis, the Congressional Budget Office and the staff of the Joint Committee on Taxation estimate that enacting H.R. 1, as passed by the Senate on July 1, 2025, would decrease deficits by $0.4 trillion, relative to the budget enforcement baseline for consideration in the Senate. Compared with CBO’s January 2025 baseline budget projections, it would increase deficits over the 2025‑2034 period by $3.4 trillion.

    On June 27, 2025, the Senate filed an amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 1, as passed by the House of Representatives on May 22, 2025. On June 28, 2025, CBO published its estimate for that amendment relative to the budget enforcement baseline for consideration in the Senate. On June 29, 2025, CBO published its estimate for the amendment relative to CBO’s January 2025 baseline projections.

    The language of the substitute amendment was subsequently modified during consideration on the floor of the Senate.

    CBO estimates that the amendments adopted during consideration on the Senate floor, relative to the language filed on June 27, would:

    • Increase outlays by about $90 billion;
    • Decrease revenues by roughly $20 billion; and
    • Increase deficits by about $110 billion.

    Those estimated changes are the same compared with either the budget enforcement baseline for consideration in the Senate or CBO’s January 2025 budget baseline projections.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hagerty Applauds Braden Boucek, Trump’s Nominee to be U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee, and Mike Dunavant, Trump’s Nominee to be U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Tennessee Bill Hagerty

    July 1, 2025

    NASHVILLE, TN—Today, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) applauded Braden Boucek, President Donald Trump’s Nominee to be U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee, and Mike Dunavant, President Donald Trump’s Nominee to be U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee.

    “I applaud President Trump for his strong nominee to be U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, Mike Dunavant,” said Senator Hagerty. “In President Trump’s first administration, Mike gave exemplary service to the people of Memphis and West Tennessee, and now will build on that success by continuing to aggressively work to put violent criminals behind bars.”

    “I also strongly support Braden Boucek, President Trump’s excellent nominee to be U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee. I am confident he will serve the people of Nashville and Middle Tennessee well, bringing a standout combination of experience as a federal prosecutor and innovative constitutional litigator.”

    “By nominating Braden and Mike, President Trump has demonstrated his commitment to uphold the rule of law, and crush violent crime in our major cities.”

    MIL OSI USA News –