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Category: Military Intelligence

  • MIL-OSI Video: So, you want to be a U.S. Army Ranger? | The Creed: Ranger School | Army Lethality

    Source: US Army (video statements)

    Witness the journey as several U.S. Army Soldiers attempt to complete one of the Army’s most challenging tasks: being accepted into the U.S. Army Ranger School.

    About the U.S. Army:
    The Army Mission – our purpose – remains constant: To deploy, fight and win our nation’s wars by providing ready, prompt & sustained land dominance by Army forces across the full spectrum of conflict as part of the joint force.

    Interested in joining the U.S. Army?
    Visit: https://www.goarmy.com/?iom=BNL7-22-0029_N_OSOC_OCPA_AL_ocpagen_xx_xx

    Connect with the U.S. Army online:
    Web: https://www.army.mil
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USarmy/
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/USArmy
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usarmy/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-army
    Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/soldiersmediacenter

    #USArmy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOKZibMQYEA

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese peacekeeping helicopter unit to Abyei passes UN equipment inspection 2025-06-06 19:07:38 Recently, the 5th Chinese Peacekeeping Military Utility Helicopter Unit to the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) successfully passed the UNISFA’s equipment inspection for the second quarter of 2025.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense

      BEIJING, June 6 — Recently, the 5th Chinese Peacekeeping Military Utility Helicopter Unit to the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) successfully passed the UNISFA’s equipment inspection for the second quarter of 2025.

      All the 45 inspection items of the Chinese peacekeeping helicopter unit, including barrack facilities, vehicles and equipment, and weapons and ammunition, met the verification standards of the UN.

      Since its deployment to the mission area, the Chinese peacekeeping helicopter unit has primarily undertaken air patrol, medical evacuation, logistic support, and other tasks. Its mission area mainly covers 23 locations in Abyei, Sudan, and South Sudan.

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    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese peacekeeping helicopter unit to Abyei passes UN equipment inspection

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense

      BEIJING, June 6 — Recently, the 5th Chinese Peacekeeping Military Utility Helicopter Unit to the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) successfully passed the UNISFA’s equipment inspection for the second quarter of 2025.

      All the 45 inspection items of the Chinese peacekeeping helicopter unit, including barrack facilities, vehicles and equipment, and weapons and ammunition, met the verification standards of the UN.

      Since its deployment to the mission area, the Chinese peacekeeping helicopter unit has primarily undertaken air patrol, medical evacuation, logistic support, and other tasks. Its mission area mainly covers 23 locations in Abyei, Sudan, and South Sudan.

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    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China Coast Guard conducts patrol off Diaoyu waters 2025-06-06 18:42:43 A China Coast Guard fleet conducted a patrol within the territorial waters of China’s Diaoyu Islands on Friday, the CCG said.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense

      A China Coast Guard fleet conducted a patrol within the territorial waters of China’s Diaoyu Islands on Friday, the CCG said.

      In a statement, the CCG noted that the operation was the rights protection activity carried out in accordance with the law.

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    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Jeremy Rose: Mister Netanyahu have you no sense of decency?

    Report by Dr David Robie – Café Pacific. –

    COMMENTARY: By Jeremy Rose

    The word antisemitism has become so debased that depending on who is using it I might well take it as a sign that the accused is worth listening to.

    When the World Criminal Court (ICC) issued a warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu’s arrest, he responded by saying the court was being antisemitic. One of the court’s legal advisers was Theodor Meron, a former Israeli ambassador and legal adviser who spent a chunk of his childhood in a Nazi concentration camp.

    Last month, Netanyahu declared the leaders of France, the UK and Canada of fuelling antisemitism.

    Their “crime”? Threatening “concrete action” against Israel if it continues its “egregious” blockade of aid entering Gaza.

    Egregious not genocidal. And the concrete action referred to wasn’t sanctions or a full arms embargo but stalling free trade talks.

    The bitter irony is that with none of those countries having yet imposed a complete ban on arms exports to Israel they are all in a sense fuelling a genocide.

    The Army-McCarthy hearings
    We’re coming up to the 71st anniversary of the Army-McCarthy hearings where an army lawyer, Joseph Welch, rebuked Senator Joseph McCarthy with the famous line: “Have you no sense of decency, sir, at long last?”

    We’ll be waiting a long time for the wanted war criminal Netanyahu to show any decency, but could we be approaching a tipping point where the establishment finally calls off a witch hunt after realising no one is safe from false accusations.

    The McCarthyite red scare, which began in the late 1940s, saw more than 2000 federal workers sacked, thousands of academics, teachers, and union members pressured or forced to resign due to anti-communist policies, and up to 500 Hollywood directors and actors blacklisted for being leftwing or refusing to name names.

    Welch’s rebuke was triggered by none of that. It was McCarthy turning his metaphorical guns onto the military implying he would expose high ranking army personnel that saw the army lawyer return fire.

    The conflating of criticism of Israel with antisemitism has been spectacularly successful in making any criticism of Israel a potentially career ending move. Three Ivy League presidents have been pushed out of their jobs for failing to crack down hard enough on students protesting the brutality of Israel’s ongoing genocide.

    UK Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, whose popularity had seen the party become the biggest political movement in Europe, was toppled in 2016 after bogus accusations of antisemitism.

    In the purge of the Labour Party that followed Jews were five times more likely to be investigated for antisemitism than goys.

    It’s the same story in Germany where Jews feature prominently among those cancelled for alleged antisemitism. Renowned professor of Jewish studies Peter Schäfe was forced to resign as the director of Berlin’s Jewish Museum after it retweeted a post critical of Germany’s anti-Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) resolutions.

    Greece’s former Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis — not a Jew — has been banned from Germany or even appearing via Zoom for this response, on 8 October 2023, to being asked if he condemned Hamas:

    “I condemn every single atrocity, whomever is the perpetrator or the victim. What I do not condemn is armed resistance to an apartheid system designed as part of a slow-burning, but inexorable, ethnic cleansing programme.
    As a European, it is important to refrain from condemning either the Israelis or the Palestinians when it is us, Europeans, who have caused this never-ending tragedy: after practising rabid anti-Semitism for centuries, leading up to the uniquely vile Holocaust, we have been complicit for decades with the slow genocide of Palestinians, as if two wrongs make one right.”

    That nuanced response, with its acknowledgement of the dreadful legacy of real antisemitism, has not only seen him banned from speaking — in person or virtually — but dropped by his German publisher.

    Antisemitism is often referred to as the oldest hatred — with good reason — but the word itself is relatively recent.

    A ‘scientific’ word for an old hatred
    Nineteenth century German journalist, Wilhelm Marr, popularised the term in a pamphlet the title of which translates as: The way to victory of Germanism over Judaism.

    What distinguished antisemitism from the commonly used Judenhass — or Jewish hate — was the idea that it was a Jew’s race not their religion that was deserving of hate.

    Antisemitism was a prejudice proud to speak its name. It was respectable in a way that religious intolerance wasn’t. Prominent professors and politicians happily declared themselves antisemites and adherents of “scientific racism”.

    It was an old idea dressed up in new clothing. Fifteenth century Spain passed Limpieza de Sangre (cleanliness of blood) statutes to allow discrimination against Jewish and Muslim converts to Christianity.

    The Judeo-Christian civilisational conflict with Islam, often referred to by right-wing supporters of Israel, is a relatively new construct. When the Jews were expelled from Spain, the Ottomans sent ships to take them to new homes in Istanbul, Thessaloniki and Izmer.

    Times change and while it was once possible — even common — to be a respectable antisemite and scientific racist but frowned upon to discriminate based on religious belief, now the reverse is true.

    So-called new atheists like Sam Harris and Richard Dawkins declare all religions bad but Islam worse.

    “Listening to the lovely bells of Winchester, one of our great mediaeval cathedrals. So much nicer than the aggressive sounding “Allahu Akhbar.” Or is that just my cultural upbringing?” Dawkins once tweeted.

    The cultures of Europe have indeed cultivated racist ideas for centuries. And just as half a millennia ago conversion offered you no protection from the racism of the Spanish court, embracing Buddhism didn’t protect Columbia University student Moshen Mahdawi from being snatched from a naturalisation interview by balaclava-clad ICE agents.

    His crime? Being Palestinian and telling his story.

    It’s a topsy-turvy world where life-long anti-fascists like Jeremy Corbyn and Yanis Varoufakis are sanctioned on bogus claims of antisemitism while the likes of Elon Musk and Hungarian PM Victor Orban — both peddlers of old-style antisemitic conspiracies — are welcomed to Israel as friends and allies in a contrived battle of civilisations.

    One thing that differentiates antisemitism from the Judeophobia, which has been a European disease since the early days of Christianity, is that it places Jews among the victims of the continent’s white supremacist legacy.

    It’s perhaps no coincidence the Christopher Columbus set sail for the Americas in the same year, 1492, that Spain expelled its Jews and Muslims.

    The settler colonisation of the Americas has been estimated by historian David Stannard to have resulted in the death of 100 million indigenous people — many from introduced diseases but tens of millions also died in genocides only recently making their way into history books.

    Last month, when Netanyahu declared Israel’s attacks on Gaza “a war against human beasts” he was echoing the words of settler colonialists from Alaska to Aotearoa and the dehumanising language of the Nazis against the Jews.

    So, back to that question about whether we’ve reached a tipping point where unfair accusations of antisemitism will be seen in a similar light to McCarthy’s red scare.

    With Netanyahu accusing the leader of the Democrats party, Yair Golan, an IDF reserve major-general, of promoting a blood libel for speaking out against the starving of babies in Gaza, it’s hard not to draw parallels with the Army-McCarthy hearings.

    It’s worth quoting the words that saw Israel’s PM accuse Golan of a blood libel — a reference to the lie that Jews used the blood of non-Jewish children in the baking of matzos, and a trigger for centuries of pogroms.

    “A sane country does not wage war against civilians, does not kill babies as a hobby, and does not set goals for itself like the expulsion of a population.”

    The idea that an IDF general speaking out against the killing of babies is propagating racist hatred of Jews is surely a leap too far even for many fervent Zionists.

    Another sign that the tide might be turning is Kenneth Stern, the lead drafter of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism, saying the US administration’s weaponisation of the IHRA definition is making academics and students (including Jews) less safe.

    The self-described Zionist said the definition was being distorted and used to silence anti-Israel critics.

    The IHRA working definition has been widely adopted internationally — including by institutions in New Zealand and Australia.

    Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have both criticised the definition claiming it has seen those documenting Israel’s human rights abuses being falsely accused of antisemitism.

    It’s a tragedy that weaponised accusations of antisemitism aimed at protecting Israel from criticism are obscuring a rise in Judeophobic conspiracy theories and attacks on Jewish community centres and synagogues around the world.

    And even more tragically that those accusations are blunting criticisms of Israel that could help bring the ongoing genocide in Gaza to an end.

    Jeremy Rose is a Wellington-based journalist. He has a Substack: Towards democracy

    This article was first published on Café Pacific.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Regular Press Conference of the Ministry of National Defense on May 29, 2025 2025-06-06 Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), answers questions at a regular press conference on the afternoon of May 29, 2025.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense

    By Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, Spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND)

    Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), answers questions at a regular press conference on the afternoon of May 29, 2025. (mod.gov.cn)

    (The following English text is for reference. In case of any divergence of interpretation, the Chinese text shall prevail.)

    Zhang Xiaogang: Friends from the media, good afternoon, welcome to this month’s regular press conference of the Ministry of National Defense of the People’s Republic of China

    I have a piece of news to release at the top.

    The PLA National Defense University (NDU) sent a delegation to attend the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) upon invitation on May 29. The visit is scheduled till June 2, during which the delegation will also have exchanges with military and civilian units in Singapore.

    Journalist: Not long ago, the 4th Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum was held in Beijing. President Xi Jinping attended the opening ceremony and delivered an important speech. Could you please provide more details about military cooperation between China and Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries?

    Zhang Xiaogang: Recently, President Xi Jinping attended the 4th Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum and delivered a keynote address. He summarized the best practices for developing China-LAC relations, and announced the launch of five programs of Solidarity, Development, Civilization, Peace and People-to-People Connectivity. In the speech, President Xi has charted the course for building a China-LAC Community with a Shared Future.

    China-LAC cooperation has withstood winds and rains, and transcended mountains and oceans across half a globe. The cooperation has bolstered economic growth and improved the livelihoods of the LAC region, bringing tangible benefits to the local people. In recent years, the Chinese and LAC militaries have had frequent high-level exchange, and conducted numerous working level meetings. Events such as the China-LAC States Defense Forum, China-LAC Military Medicine Forum and Seminar for Senior Military Officers from LAC Countries have been held multiple times. China-LAC defense cooperation has been productive, deepening our friendship and mutual trust. The Chinese side stands ready to work with the defense establishments and militaries of LAC countries to act on the Global Security Initiative, and deepen substantive cooperation in such areas as mutual visits, professional exchanges and personnel training. Together, we will promote sustained and solid progress in building a China-LAC Community with a Shared Future.

    Journalist: In his recent speech, Lai Ching-te said that Taiwan would continue to strengthen its defenses and avoid war by preparing for it. Will the PLA conduct military exercises as countermeasures as before?

    Zhang Xiaogang: As long as Lai Ching-te continues his provocations for “Taiwan independence”, there will be no tranquility in the Taiwan Strait and no stability for our Taiwan compatriots. We warn the DPP authorities that “Taiwan independence” separatists will come to no good end. The PLA will remain combat-ready at all times, enhance combat readiness, and safeguard our national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

    Journalist: The US recently unveiled plans for the Golden Dome missile defense system, and announced that it would be completed in 3 years. May I have your comments on this?

    Zhang Xiaogang: The US presses ahead with the Golden Dome system and deploys space-based weapons, continuously expands its military build-up and stokes an arms race in outer space. Such acts violate relevant principles of the Outer Space Treaty, heighten the risk of turning the space into a war zone and triggering a space arms race, and shake the international security and arms control regime. Its actions will once again open the Pandora’s box. This proves again that no country has done more than the US in militarizing the space and making it a battlefield. We urge the US side to stop expanding military build-up in space, and take concrete actions to uphold global strategic stability.

    Journalist: I have two questions. The first one is that Japan’s Defense Ministry recently announced that Chinese aircraft carrier PLANS Liaoning conducted take-off and landing operations of ship-borne aircraft in the East China Sea. Officials of the Japan Self-Defense Forces said that similar activities were conducted by Chinese aircraft carriers before, but this training occurred in waters closer to Japan. The Japanese Defense Ministry therefore decided to make it public and this is the first time for the Ministry to release such information. What’s your comment on this?

    The second question is that the US President Donald Trump recently said that the US was mass-producing hypersonic missiles. As one of the major countries that develop hypersonic technologies, how does the Chinese side view the impact on the global arms control regime caused by the US accelerating its deployment of such strategic weapons?

    Zhang Xiaogang: On the first question, the task fleet led by PLANS Liaoning conducted training in relevant waters, which does not target any specific country or entity and is in line with international law and practice. I think the Japanese side overreacted.

    On your second question, We pursue a national defense policy that is defensive in nature, never engage in arms race with any other country, and are committed to global strategic stability.

    Journalist: I have two questions. The first one is that the US Carrier Strike Group led by USS Nimitz re-entered the South China Sea through the Singapore Strait on May 26 after its visit to Malaysia. What’s your comment on this?

    The second question is that reports suggest that the Indian side recovered an undetonated PL-15E air-air missile during the India-Pakistan conflict. Can you confirm this? Will this give the Indian side assess to relevant military technology?

    Zhang Xiaogang: On your first question, activities to flex its muscle and stir up troubles in the South China Sea will find no support. The Chinese side will firmly safeguard our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.

    On your second question, the type of missile you mentioned is for export and has also been exhibited in international and domestic defense expos multiple times.

    Journalist: I have two questions. The first is the Commander of the US Army Pacific recently claimed that China’s increasingly aggressive behavior in the Indo-Pacific had made the situation more dangerous. He said that no one would have imagined that Beijing would conduct drills simulating a blockade of Taiwan five years ago, but now such moves were commonplace. In addition, head of the US Indo-Pacific Command said that the Chinese side was conducting comprehensive exercises in preparation for recovering Taiwan and was increasingly active in other regions of the Pacific. May I have your comments on this?

    The second question is that according to Taiwan media reports, the DPP authorities have stepped up its procurement of the Patriot missiles, drawn personnel from its Marine Corps to form combat units for the “Greater Taipei Area”, and launched several drills on responses to the so-called “PLA attacks on Taiwan”. Public opinion in Taiwan believes that these actions are preparing for Lai Ching-te’s desertion in the face of war. Do you have any comment?

    Zhang Xiaogang: For your first question, Taiwan is part of China. Resolving the Taiwan question is a matter for the Chinese, which brooks no external interference. For the cross-Strait situation, there is no factor more destabilizing than the provocations made by the “Taiwan independence” separatists and the disruptions by foreign forces. It’s legitimate, necessary, lawful and justified for the Chinese side to take actions to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity. We urge the US side to stop fanning the flames on the Taiwan question. Such behaviors would only backfire.

    For your second question. Don’t be fooled by Lai Ching-te’s reckless provocations now. When the day comes, people like him will be the first to run away. For the PLA, defeating military elements of the “Taiwan independence” separatist forces is like shooting fish in a barrel. Those notorious separatists have no chance to escape.

    Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), answers questions at a regular press conference on the afternoon of May 29, 2025. (mod.gov.cn)

    Journalist: I have two questions. Firstly, you just announced that the PLA NDU sent a delegation to attend this year’s SLD. Why didn’t the Chinese side send higher level military officials to attend the dialogue? The US Department of Defense has already announced its attendance at the dialogue, and said that the US was a more credible regional partner than China. What’s your comment on that? My second question is that this year marks the 80th year of the World Anti-Fascist War. Many European countries have held celebrations commemorating this victory. September 3rd marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. Many people are expecting the Chinese side to hold a military parade to commemorate this anniversary. What’s your comment on that?

    Zhang Xiaogang: On your first question, China consistently engages in constructive dialogues to articulate our vision and initiatives. We are committed to enhancing mutual trust and deepening cooperation through these exchanges, contributing Chinese wisdom to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. The PLA NDU delegation attending this year’s SLD will have in-depth exchanges with participating parties to build more consensus.

    As for the second question, I have no information to release here.

    Journalist: What is the Chinese Ministry of National Defense’s assessment on the equipment supplied by the Chinese military to Pakistan in the recent conflict between India and Pakistan? An Indian official said that China provided satellite and air defense systems for Pakistan, but these systems performed below average. What’s your comment on that?

    Zhang Xiaogang: Pakistan and India are neighbors who cannot move away from each other. We call on the both sides to keep calm, exercise restraint and avoid complicating the situation. China will continue to play a constructive role in maintaining regional peace and stability.

    Journalist: It’s reported that US Defense Secretary recently said that the US side would build up its military to meet China’s “threat” at every turn, and counter China in the Indo-Pacific. In addition, Commander of the US Army Pacific said that the US army was building agile new units in response to potential conflicts with China. What’s your comment on

    Zhang Xiaogang: Conflict and confrontation should not be the choice of either side. Mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation is the right way for China and the US to deal with each other. The US side should stop conjuring up a powerful enemy for itself whether intentionally or unintentionally. Such imagination is not rational and extremely dangerous. The Chinese military will make all-out efforts to enhance our combat readiness, and firmly safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests.

    Journalist: Some US and Israeli media outlets call on the US to stop its military assistance to Egypt, because of Egypt’s close cooperation with China. What’s your comment on this?

    Zhang Xiaogang: China-Egypt cooperation is not aimed at any third party, nor will it be interfered by any third party. The Chinese and Egyptian militaries will continue to deepen friendship, mutual trust and practical cooperation.

    Journalist: As China’s first aircraft carrier with catapult system, PLANS Fujian is undergoing a series of intensive sea trials. What kind of signal does that send out?

    Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), answers questions at a regular press conference on the afternoon of May 29, 2025. (mod.gov.cn)

    Zhang Xiaogang: The sea trial is a necessary part for the construction of aircraft carriers. PLANS Fujian will conduct relevant tests as planned.

    Journalist: According to a satellite image revealed last week, H-6 bombers and a KJ-500 airborne early warning aircraft were seen on Yongxing Dao of Xisha Qundao. What is the purpose of this deployment? Some experts suggest that it is to send signals to the Philippines and Vietnam. What’s your comment on that?

    Zhang Xiaogang: I am not aware of the information you mentioned. I want to emphasize that the Xisha Qundao is an inherent part of the Chinese territory. We oppose the hype about relevant military activities.

    Journalist: An African Young Officers Delegation visited China recently. Some commentary regarded the trip as one that combines culture, technology and friendship. Could you please provide more details on this?

    Zhang Xiaogang: The African Young Officers Delegation concluded its 10-day visit to China on May 15. During the visit, nearly a hundred military officers from over 40 African countries, including Egypt, Mozambique, Tanzania and Kenya, came to cities such as Beijing, Changsha and Shaoshan. They visited military units, academies and high-tech enterprises, attended themed lectures and seminars, toured the Museum of the Communist Party of China and the former residence of Comrade Mao Zedong, and had in-depth exchanges with their Chinese counterparts. Members of the delegation expressed how impressive and inspiring this visit was. This is the 4th African Young Officers Delegation invited to China by the Chinese Ministry of National Defense. This visit deepened the traditional friendship between the Chinese and African militaries, and advanced the building of an All-weather China-Africa Community with a Shared Future for the New Era.

    Journalist: I have two questions. The first one is that the US Indo-Pacific Commander reportedly said that China was outpacing the US in the production of warships and other equipment. He said that the rates of changes on the depth and breadth of PLA’s exercises was what kept him up at night. May I have your comments on this?

    The second question is that it’s reported that China’s third large hospital ship PLANS Ark Auspicious has been commissioned, marking the deployment of large ocean-going hospital ship to the Eastern Theater Command, South Theater Command and North Theater Command respectively. What’s your comment on this?

    Zhang Xiaogang: On your first question, China does not engage in arms race with any other country. We develop our military to defend China’s national sovereignty, security and development interests and to bring stability and positive energy to global peace and security.

    On your second question, PLANS Ark Auspicious is the third 10,000-ton-class ocean-going hospital ship domestically designed and built by China. It features a combat-oriented layout and is equipped with advanced medical equipment. PLANS Ark Auspicious, together with Ark Peace and Ark Silk Road, not only forms the backbone of medical support on the sea, but also executes tasks of international humanitarian medical services, emergency medical rescue in major disasters, and foreign exchanges and cooperation on military medicine. PLAN hospital ships will help the Chinese military materialize the vision of building a maritime community with a shared future and offer the world more public security goods of higher quality.

    Journalist: Does the Chinese delegation plan to meet with any other delegations on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue? Is there any planned meeting with the US delegation?

    Zhang Xiaogang: Regarding this, we will release information in due course. The Chinese side values our defense relations with the US military and is open to communications at different levels. We hope the US side will earnestly respect China’s core interests and major concerns, work with us in the same direction, and promote the steady and sound development of military-to-military relations.

    Journalist: Minister of National Defense Admiral Dong Jun recently visited France and Germany, and attended the 6th UN Peacekeeping Ministerial. Please provide further details about this.

    Zhang Xiaogang:Minister of National Defense Admiral Dong Jun led a delegation to visit France and Germany and attend the 6th UN Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin from May 11 to 17. Minister Dong held talks with French Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu and German Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius respectively. The leaders had an in-depth exchange of view on international and regional issues of mutual interests, and reached consensus on strengthening substantive engagements and cooperation between the Chinese and French and the Chinese and German militaries. Minister Dong also met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Under Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix on the sidelines of the 6th UN Peacekeeping Ministerial. In his speech delivered at the conference, Minister Dong emphasized that the Chinese side will work with different parties to act on the Global Security Initiative, uphold the core position of the UN, redouble efforts on the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (UNPKOs), support the training of professional peacekeepers, optimize the composition and capabilities of Chinese Peacekeeping Standby Force, advance continuous innovation of UNPKOs, and contribute more to UNPKOs.

    Journalist: Lately, official new media accounts of PLA theater commands and services and arms have been opened on the ‘China Bugle” app. What’s your comment on that?

    Zhang Xiaogang: China Bugle is the mobile flagship platform of information release launched by the PLA News Media Center. As of now, the PLA Army, Navy, Air Force, Rocket Force, and the PAP, as well as the PLA Eastern, Southern, Western, Northern and Central Theater Commands have opened their official new media accounts on this app. This demonstrates the deep integration of different forms of military media, and provides an important channel for the public to learn about defense and military development in an all-round manner. Going forward, more military units and media outlets will join the “China Bugle” app to form an integrated new media platform for military news.

    Journalist: The draft of the Japanese defense ministry’s Defense White Paper 2025 was revealed. The draft claims that China is ramping up its nuclear, missile, maritime and aviation capabilities; that PLA’s activities near Taiwan demonstrate that Beijing is trying to improve its combat capabilities; and strengthened China-Russia military cooperation is a concern for Japan. What’s your comment on this?

    Zhang Xiaogang: In the draft of its Defense White Paper, the Japanese side repeats its irresponsible comments about China’s military development, and points fingers at China’s legitimate military activities and external military cooperation. We are strongly opposed to this. This year marks the 80th year of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. At this special historical juncture, it’s even more important for Japan to reflect on its behaviors, instead of making unfounded smears and accusations against others. We urge the Japanese side to follow the path of peaceful development, act prudently in the domain of military and security, and earn the trust of its Asian neighbors and the rest of the international community with concrete actions.

    Journalist: Head of Taiwan’s defense authorities Koo Li-hsiung reportedly said in an interview that US forces and alliances across Asia was crucial for holding Beijing in check. He also expressed hope for the US to expedite arms sales to Taiwan to help Taiwan address military threats from China.What’s your comments on this?

    Zhang Xiaogang: The Taiwan question is purely an internal affair of China, which brooks no interference. We will strive for the prospect of peaceful reunification with utmost sincerity and greatest effort. However, should the “Taiwan independence” separatists make provocations, challenge our bottom lines, or even cross the red lines, we will have to take decisive measures. The US side supports “Taiwan independence” separatists through arms sales. Such acts are self-defeating and will push Taiwan into the abyss of war.

    Journalist: Recently, the Chinese and Cambodian militaries successfully held the Golden Dragon 2025 joint exercise. Please provide more details.

    Zhang Xiaogang: The Chinese and Cambodian armed forces conducted the Golden Dragon 2025 joint exercise in Kampong Chhnang Province and the airspace and waters off the Sihanoukville Port from May 14 to 28. As the 7th iteration of the Golden Dragon series, this year’s exercise has three highlights. First, it focused on counter-terrorism and humanitarian assistance operations, conducting drills on relevant subjects. Second, the China-Cambodia Joint Support and Training Center at Port Ream provided support for drills on the sea for the first time. Air force helicopters took part in the exercise for the first time. Land, naval, air and joint logistic support components from both sides conducted drills together. Third, the exercise consisted of two parts: naval & air operations and ground & air operations. Participating troops were organized into mixed groups to learn from each other during tactical training and comprehensive drills, which helped to enhance command coordination and emergency response capabilities of the two sides. During the joint exercise, the PLA contingent also donated school supplies and provided free medical services to the local community. China and Cambodia are iron-clad friends with rock-solid relations. The Chinese and Cambodian militaries will work in concert to act on the important consensus between leaders of the two countries, and make greater contributions to building a China-Cambodia All-weather Community with a Shared Future for the New Era, and to preserving regional security and stability.

    Journalist: The Philippine Coast Guard said that the Coast Guard and Armed Forces of the Philippines and the US Coast Guard conducted a joint patrol in waters off Palawan, which reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to maritime security and the “rule-based international order”. What’s your comment on this?

    Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), answers questions at a regular press conference on the afternoon of May 29, 2025. (mod.gov.cn)

    Zhang Xiaogang: At present, the situation in the South China Sea remains generally stable. The freedom of navigation and overflight entitled to all countries under international law has never been an issue. Some countries provoke confrontation in the name of cooperation, flex muscles under the guise of freedom, and create chaos with the pretext of order. They have become the biggest source of risks that undermines peace and stability in the South China Sea. We urge relevant countries to stop ganging up and stirring up troubles in the South China Sea, and stop harming regional peace and stability.

    Journalist: I have two questions. The first question is about the PLA aircraft carrier Liaoning and its task fleet. They are currently off the southeast coast of Taiwan. The Taiwan authority said that they have taken joint intelligence means to monitor relevant operations throughout the whole process. Some people suggest that the PLA will probably conduct military exercises before or after the Dragon Boat Festival. Can you confirm whether the PLA has relevant plans? My second question. According to media reports, the CIA is about to release its annual report, suggesting that the Chinese mainland poses the greatest threat to the world and increasing menace against Taiwan. It also said that the rapid modernization of the PLA would prevent the US from entering the Pacific. What’s your comment on this?

    Zhang Xiaogang: On your first question. Relevant military activities organized by the PLA recently are routine arrangements according to our annual training plan.

    On your second question, as we all know, China is unwavering in our commitment to peace, development and international order. The biggest threat to the current cross-Strait situation comes from separatist activities for “Taiwan independence” and support from foreign forces. If relevant countries truly care about stability in the Taiwan Strait, they should abide by the one-China principle and unequivocally oppose “Taiwan independence”.

    If there are no other questions, this concludes today’s press conference. Thank you.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Scientific Regiment. Tamara Smirnova: LISI first-year student and intelligence officer

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –

    Tamara Smirnova

    For her unparalleled courage and heroism, the nineteen-year-old first-year student of the construction department of the Leningrad Institute of Civil Engineering (now St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering), medical instructor of the Baltic Fleet Marine Brigade Tamara Smirnova was awarded the Order of the Red Banner. Seriously wounded and bleeding, she crawled across the front line for 28 hours and was able to convey valuable information to the command. In 1942, the fighting Baltic delegated her to the All-Union Anti-Fascist Rally of Soviet Women.

    Tamara Smirnova went to the front as a volunteer marine. She received her baptism of fire in a landing operation: she rushed to attack across a river with the Red Navy sailors on a dark autumn night. Despite the cold, icy water, wet clothes and shoes, the group reached the opposite bank. Only then did the enemy notice them and open heavy fire. With the support of artillery and machine guns, the Red Navy sailors found themselves behind enemy lines, breaking through a line of pillboxes. Tamara was with them until the last minute of the battle.

    Tamara proved her fearlessness and impeccable performance of combat missions again and again. One frosty day, Tamara was assigned to track the location of fire weapons on the enemy’s front line. The girl made her way through the forest, crawled across all the open spaces and lay unnoticed all day a few steps from the enemy, and at night she went to the rear of the Germans with the Red Navy sailors. Our artillery struck the fire points she had marked, and our troops soon captured the enemy’s fortified lines.

    She was on the front lines and with scouts made her way under the German barbed wire, passed through minefields, and went behind enemy lines. Once, a group of sailors was conducting a night reconnaissance in force. The sailors-scouts needed to take a fascist bunker. The enemy was illuminating everything around with rockets, so the main thing was to seize the moment to attack. However, one fighter did not have enough patience, and he rushed forward… While bandaging the wounded, Tamara received serious wounds to the head, chest, thigh, and lay unconscious for several hours literally twenty meters from the fascists’ location. Having come to, overcoming the pain, she made her way to her own for another 28 hours.

    After the war, Tamara Smirnova completed her studies at the university and worked in her specialty in Belgorod. Her son also studied at our university.

    Other materials of the project “Scientific Regiment”

    Our graduate built the Road of Life

    The pioneering work of architect Alexander Nikolsky

    A scientist who developed science in besieged Leningrad

    Fights of student Klinov

    Engineer of the 3rd Belorussian Front

    The path of a volunteer: from front-line roads to space developments

    Ivan Solomakhin: “The most memorable battle is for this Devil’s Height!”

    Fiery Dnieper of the Hero of the Soviet Union Alexander Prygunov

    Bringing Victory Closer

    Fyodor Komal’s Front: From the First Minutes of War to Victory

    Junior Political Instructor Boris Gubanov: “The shells whistled, and the earth flew up nearby”

    Viktor Kvyatkovsky – radio operator-intelligence officer of the Baltic Fleet

    How Chief Architect Nikolai Baranov “Hid” Leningrad from the Enemy

    Architect Nikolay Khomutetsky: Four years on the front lines

    Semyon Shifrin thwarted the Nazis’ plans to leave Leningrad without water

    LISI in the post-war years

    Nineteen-year-old machine gunner stormed Berlin

    Abdulla Mangushev: Four Years at the Front and a Life in Science

    The Zazersky architects built and defended the city on the Neva

    LISI graduate Mikhail Zherbin is a design engineer and composer

    He went from being a technical lieutenant to a galaxy of mathematicians

    Konstantin Sakhnovsky: from a cadet of the Russian Empire to an academician of the USSR

    Military architect of the front line of defense and engineering reconnaissance

    A world-renowned scientist, an outstanding engineer and a national champion

    An outstanding urban planner who lived and worked in besieged Leningrad

    Scientific Regiment. Projects of the architect Sergey Evdokimov: from defensive structures and city restoration to metro stations

    Volunteer Mikhail Laletin: “After the front – to university, and then, perhaps, to become an officer”

    Architect Alexander Sokolov preserved and restored cultural heritage

    Scientific Regiment. David Goldgor – architect and sapper

    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.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Underwood Announces $26 Million for Local Priorities Selected for Community Project Funding

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14)

    JOLIET – Representative Lauren Underwood (IL-14), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, announced the projects in the 14th District selected to be submitted for consideration for Community Project Funding in FY2026. 

    If funded, the projects below will have extraordinary benefits for our community: ensuring access to safe and reliable drinking water, strengthening rural access to health care, preventing workplace exploitation, helping residents get jobs, providing vulnerable populations access to necessities like emergency shelter and food, and supporting parent-students by providing affordable childcare options in northern Illinois. 

    “Making sure that our community’s needs are reflected in federal funding has always been a top priority of mine in Washington,” said Underwood. “Our families will feel the enormous impact of these 15 projects every day. We’re making sure our drinking water is clean and safe across northern Illinois; strengthening access to quality health care in rural communities, providing parents affordable childcare options, and so much more. I look forward to working with my colleagues to bring these federal dollars home.”

    FY25 projects that were selected by Members of Congress last year were not included in the funding bill passed earlier this year, and nearly all FY25 projects in the 14th District are being resubmitted for FY26.

    Community Project Funding is an initiative that allows Members of Congress to request direct funding for projects that benefit the communities they represent, coupled with strict transparency and ethics requirements. Projects are restricted to a limited number of federal funding streams, and only state and local governments and eligible non-profit entities are permitted to receive funding. In compliance with House Rules and Committee requirements, Underwood has certified that she and her immediate family have no financial interest in any of the projects selected. Underwood’s certification forms for the projects listed are available here, listed in alphabetical order.

    Below are descriptions of the projects submitted for consideration, in alphabetical order by project sponsor:

    Project Title: Bentley Road Pathway Connection

    Project Sponsor: Plainfield Park District

    Amount Requested: $1,300,000

    Address of Sponsor: 23729 W. Ottawa St., Plainfield, IL 60544

    Project Description and Justification: This funding would be used to develop 4 uninterrupted miles along the DuPage River into a pathway connecting parks, recreation areas, and small businesses in Will County.  The pathway will serve as a vital link between existing multi-use trails at Riverside Parkway, Sunset Park, and Hammel Woods along the DuPage River corridor. 

    Project Title: Center for Parenting Students 

    Project Sponsor: Waubonsee Community College

    Amount Requested: $600,000

    Address of Sponsor: Route 47 at Waubonsee Drive, Sugar Grove, IL 60554

    Project Description and Justification: This funding would support the creation of a new Center for Parenting Students’ at Waubonsee Community College. The center will provide crucial support for student parents, helping them balance their academic pursuits with childcare. 

    The Center will offer a welcoming environment with designated family-friendly consultation and meeting rooms. Additionally, lactation suites, changing rooms, and a dedicated feeding space will cater to the specific needs of parenting students. The Center will provide essential support services, access to books, toys, and tablets for children while their parents work on group projects or utilize computers and printers for academic work. 

    Project Title: City of Lockport Environmental Infrastructure Program 

    Project Sponsor: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Chicago District 

    Amount Requested: $1,368,950

    Address of Sponsor: 231 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 1500, Chicago, IL 60604 

    Project Purpose and Justification: This funding would be used for an environmental infrastructure project that will improve wastewater and stormwater management in the City of Lockport, Illinois. 

    Local infrastructure needs addressed by this project include the Bruce Road & SOS Children Village Utility Improvement Project, as the project includes the installation of a new lift station to serve the SOS Children Village.

    Project Title: Clean Water Project in Oglesby, IL

    Project Sponsor: City of Oglesby

    Amount Requested: $1,020,800

    Address of Sponsor: 110 East Walnut Street, Oglesby, IL 61348

    Project Purpose and Justification: This funding will help replace 2,100 feet of water main lines currently impacted by lead and/or asbestos-cement within the City of Oglesby. The pipes pose significant risks to the public and their replacement will ensure clean drinking water, protect public health and safety, and generate long-term cost savings for the community of Ogelsby.

    Project Title: Education for Parents Project

    Project Sponsor: Northern Illinois University 

    Amount Requested: $1,000,000

    Address of Sponsor: 1425 W Lincoln Hwy, Dekalb, IL 60115

    Priority Project and Justification: This funding will be used to remodel and convert property at Northern Illinois University into a significantly larger child care center. The project will help the university hire new personnel and cover essential upgrades to ensure a safe and healthy environment for children; including roof, drainage, window, and flooring repairs, classroom painting, and a learning space renovation.  

    Project Title: Expanding Hope and Reducing Hunger in La Salle, IL

    Project Sponsor: Illinois Valley Food Pantry

    Amount Requested: $750,000

    Address of Sponsor: 122 Wright Street, LaSalle, IL 61354

    Project Purpose and Justification: This funding will help the food pantry expand their refrigeration and storage capacity, allowing them to serve more families in our community. Currently serving around 500 families monthly, the pantry is at capacity.  

    Project Title: Grand Prairie Water Commission Infrastructure Construction for Northern Illinois

    Project Sponsor: City of Joliet

    Amount Requested: $5,000,000

    Address of Sponsor: 150 W Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL 60432

    Project Purpose and Justification: This funding will build 7.5 miles of underground water transmission main to deliver finished drinking water from the Chicago Department of Water Management to communities in the southwest suburbs. 

    The City of Joliet is part of the Grand Prairie Water Commission, a group of six communities that will utilize Lake Michigan as an alternative water source. 

    Project Title: Law Enforcement Collaboration to Prevent Workplace Crime in Will County, IL

    Project Sponsor: Joliet Township 

    Amount Requested: $339,346 

    Address of Sponsor: 1220 Richards St., Suite A, Joliet, IL 60435

    Project Purpose and Justification: This funding will be used by Joliet Township  to hire one attorney and two project staff dedicated to collaborating with local organizations and law enforcement to address workplace exploitation across Will County and the surrounding area. The project will connect victims of workplace abuse and violence to victim services in northern Illinois communities.

    Project Title: Lead-Free Water Project in Aurora, IL

    Project Sponsor: City of Aurora

    Amount Requested: $3,500,000

    Address of Sponsor: 44 E. Downer Place, City of Aurora, IL 60507

    Project Purpose and Justification: This funding will be used to remove and replace all remaining lead water service lines within the City of Aurora, providing safe, potable water for the community. An estimated 120 lead service lines for homes, impacting nearly 400 residents, are expected to be replaced. The pipes pose significant risks to the public and their replacement will ensure clean drinking water, protect public health and safety, and generate long-term cost savings for the community.   

    Project Title: Lockport Township Emergency Shelter  

    Project Sponsor: Lockport Township 

    Amount Requested: $2,235,015

    Address of Sponsor: 1463 Farrell Road, Lockport, Illinois, 60441

    This funding will be used to support and protect the local economy in Fairmont, Lockport, and the surrounding communities in Will County by converting space within an existing building in Lockport, Illinois into a permanent emergency shelter and regional hub for first responder safety training. Specifically, this project would fund renovations that would enable the shelter to have a full-service generator, weather-resistant roof, reinforced windows and doors, modern HVAC, emergency radios, cot beds, and ADA-compliant accommodation for up to 205 evacuees and personnel.

    Project Title: Reducing Recidivism and Supporting Reentry in Will County, IL

    Project Sponsor: Will County Workforce Services Division—LWIA—10 

    Amount Requested: $600,000

    Address of Sponsor: 2400 Glenwood Ave, Joliet, IL 60435 

    Project Purpose and Justification: This project will provide work training services to justice impacted individuals, increasing public safety and reducing the recidivism rate in Will County, IL. The program will offer participants the option to participate in work-based training or education, or to receive work-based training that leads to full-time employment. Through this program, formerly incarcerated individuals will obtain skills that will help them find and secure meaningful employment.  

    Project Title: Securing A Sustainable Water Source in Oswego, IL

    Project Sponsor: Village of Oswego

    Amount Requested: $2,640,000

    Address of Sponsor: 100 Parkers Mill, Oswego, IL 60543

    Project Purpose and Justification: This funding will support the construction of the three receiving stations, which are integral to the success of the Lake Michigan Water Source Project. The receiving stations will allow Montgomery, Oswego, and Yorkville to store and prepare more water from Lake Michigan. Each City requires one receiving station to prepare and store safe water, and to establish a proper connection with the lake.

    The communities of Montgomery, Oswego, and Yorkville will join the DuPage Water Commission, a group of 30 communities that utilize Lake Michigan as an alternative water source. 

    Project Title: Senior Outreach and Care Project

    Project Sponsor: White Oak Library District

    Amount Requested: $3,250,000

    Address of Sponsor: 201 W. Normantown Rd., Romeoville, IL 60446

    Project Description and Justification: This funding will be used for the construction of a new building for the Outreach Services Department at the Crest Hill Branch Library, allowing the library to reach more people in Will County. The funding will be used to construct a new building, hire two additional staff members to support the new location’s expanded services, and purchase three computer workstations and essential technology like chargers and keyboards.

    Additionally, the funding will allow the library to purchase a Bookmobile to continue outreach efforts outside the library’s physical location as well as additional books for circulation.

    Project Title: Shab-eh-nay Tribal Administration Buildings

    Project Sponsor: Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation

    Amount Requested: $1,360,914

    Address of Sponsor: 16281 Q Road Mayetta, Kansas 66509

    Project Purpose and Justification: This funding will support the construction of governmental office space for the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation and their neighbors. The new building will allow the Nation to have a designated facility to conduct its government business, deepen their connections with the community, and provide services to residents.  

    Project Title: Strengthening Rural Healthcare for Farmers and Families in Mendota, IL 

    Project Sponsor: Community Health Partnership of Illinois

    Amount Requested: $1,250,000

    Address of Sponsor: 205 West Randolph Street, Suite 1340, Chicago, IL 60606

    Project Purpose and Justification: This funding will expand the Mendota Health Center, transforming the 10,666-square-foot warehouse into an expanded space for medical, dental, and behavioral health services. 

    The proposed health center will house 25 employees and serve over 6,000 individuals needing accessible, quality primary care services. The Mendota Health Center is a lifeline for the community, providing quality health care in Mendota and surrounding areas.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi receives visit from Panchen Rinpoche

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Xi receives visit from Panchen Rinpoche

    Xinhua | June 6, 2025

    Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday called on Panchen Rinpoche to make greater contributions to promoting ethnic unity and religious harmony, as well as the stability, development and progress in southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region.

    Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks while receiving a visit from Panchen Erdeni Chos-kyi rGyal-po at Zhongnanhai in Beijing. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Targeting greener future, China embraces low-carbon growth with strides

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    From coal-powered plants belching smoke to vast expanses of solar panels glinting under the sun, China’s transition to green development is moving at a fast clip with notable progress, propelled by President Xi Jinping’s commitment to building a more sustainable future.

    In 2024, 86 percent of newly installed power capacity in China came from renewable energy sources, while the share of cumulative installed renewable capacity rose to a record high of 56 percent of the national total, official data showed.

    The figures reflect years of arduous efforts of the world’s largest developing country to pivot from fossil fuels toward cleaner energy sources, spearheaded by Xi’s steady and strategic commitment to a low-carbon development path.

    Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, said in 2020 that China will strive to peak carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060. The pledge represents the steepest cut in carbon emission intensity in the shortest period of time that the world has ever seen.

    “Carbon peaking and carbon neutrality are not something asked of us, but something we are doing on our own initiative,” Xi once said, adding that the goals cannot be achieved easily but efforts must be made immediately.

    Calling for advancing green and sustainable development rather than GDP-oriented growth, Xi has urged regions burdened by outdated industrial models to accelerate green transitions while balancing the need for energy security.

    Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in north China offers a vivid illustration. Rich in coal and central to the nation’s energy supply, the region had been leaning on high-polluting industries and resource-intensive growth.

    In 2018, during a joint deliberation with fellow lawmakers from Inner Mongolia, Xi urged the region to develop the modern energy sector effectively by following the latest industrial trends.

    Over recent years, the region has quickened its pace of transformation. Once known for coal and desert, it is now dotted with vast arrays of solar panels and wind turbines. By the end of 2024, the region’s installed new energy capacity, which includes wind power and solar energy, had overtaken thermal power for the first time, reaching the landmark a full year ahead of schedule.

    The region’s green transition mirrors broader national efforts. To achieve its carbon reduction goals, the government has introduced sweeping measures, including the expansion of market mechanisms to drive change.

    In July 2021, China officially launched its national carbon emissions trading market, a critical step in reducing carbon footprints and meeting emissions targets. The platform has since evolved into the world’s largest carbon market by the amount of greenhouse gas emissions traded. Notably, the carbon-emissions intensity in the generation of electricity has since decreased by 8.78 percent.

    While striving to tackle climate change, China’s green push has also emerged as a powerful engine of economic growth. “Green, circular, and low-carbon development represents the trend of the current technological revolution, and the direction in which is shifting,” Xi said at a meeting in 2015. He also noted that with unparalleled future prospects and potential, the development will create a number of growth drivers.

    Since Xi announced carbon peaking and carbon neutrality targets nearly five years ago, China has built the world’s largest and fastest-growing renewable energy system as well as the largest and most complete new energy industrial chain.

    The country’s production and sales of new energy vehicles have secured the top position in the world for 10 consecutive years. It also emerged as a global technology leader in sectors such as solar panels, lithium batteries, and carbon capture, among others.

    Xi has also underscored the key role a sound ecological environment plays in supporting China’s long-term development, and has long been concerned about land restoration and afforestation.

    For 13 consecutive years, Xi has maintained a tree-planting tradition, joining officials and citizens to promote the country’s afforestation drive. From 2012 to 2024, China’s afforestation area was equivalent to over twice the size of Germany.

    With nearly one-fifth of the world’s population, China’s green transformation carries global significance. The country has been working to help power the world’s green transition by sharing its expertise in green technologies and aiding clean energy projects in developing countries.

    Between 2016 and 2023, China provided a total of 24.5 billion U.S. dollars in climate-related funding to other developing countries. In 2023 alone, China’s exports of wind and solar products helped other countries reduce carbon emissions by 810 million tonnes.

    “However the world may change, China will not slow down its climate actions, will not reduce its support for international cooperation, and will not cease its efforts to build a community with a shared future for mankind,” said Xi at the Leaders Meeting on Climate and the Just Transition in April. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai hosts state banquet for President Bernardo Arévalo of Republic of Guatemala  

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Details
    2025-06-05
    President Lai welcomes President Bernardo Arévalo of Republic of Guatemala with military honors  
    On the morning of June 5, President Lai Ching-te welcomed with full military honors President Bernardo Arévalo of the Republic of Guatemala and his wife, who are leading a delegation of cabinet members visiting Taiwan for the first time, demonstrating the deep and enduring alliance between our nations. In remarks, President Lai noted that over the past few years, bilateral cooperation between Taiwan and Guatemala has grown closer and more diverse, and said that moving forward, based on a foundation of mutual assistance for mutual benefit, we will continue to promote programs in line with international trends, spurring prosperity and development in both our nations. The military honors ceremony began at 10:30 a.m. in the Entrance Hall of the Presidential Office. After a 21-gun salute and the playing of the two countries’ national anthems, President Lai and President Arévalo each delivered remarks. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: Today, President Arévalo and First Lady Lucrecia Peinado are leading a delegation of cabinet members visiting Taiwan for the first time, demonstrating the deep and enduring alliance between our nations. On behalf of the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I want to extend my sincerest welcome. Last year, our two countries celebrated the 90th anniversary of diplomatic ties, providing mutual support all along the way. Especially over the past few years, bilateral cooperation has grown closer and more diverse. We have a long record of remarkable results, whether in terms of medicine and public health, education and culture, technological cooperation, or economic and trade exchanges. Moving forward, based on a foundation of mutual assistance for mutual benefit, Taiwan and Guatemala will continue to promote programs in line with international trends. We will continue to strengthen exchange and cooperation for young people, as well as scholarship programs, and actively cultivate high-tech and information and communications technology industry talent, spurring prosperity and development in both our nations. Although separated by a great distance, the peoples of both countries are closely connected by their ideals and values. I am confident that with President Arévalo’s support, bilateral exchanges and cooperation will become closer and more diverse, beginning a very promising new chapter. I wish the visiting delegation a smooth and successful trip. President Arévalo then delivered remarks, saying that on behalf of the government and people of Guatemala, he is honored to visit the Republic of China (Taiwan), this beautiful nation, and to receive full military honors, which reflects the mutual respect between our two nations as well as our solid friendship. Especially as this state visit comes as we celebrate 90 years of formal diplomatic ties, he said, he has brought the foreign minister, economics minister, private secretary to the president, and social communication secretary as members of his delegation, in the hope of our ties embarking on a new chapter. President Arévalo said that Guatemala-Taiwan ties have in recent years been growing steadily on a foundation of mutual understanding and cooperation, making significant progress, and that our peoples have also cultivated sincere friendships and cooperative relationships across many fields. Our nations are especially promoting public health, education, agricultural technology, and infrastructure, he said, key fields which are conducive to economic and social development. He expressed his hope that on such good foundations of the past, we can further strengthen our bilateral ties for the future. President Arévalo stated that through this state visit they not only want to reaffirm the good bilateral ties between our nations, but that they also hope to define a trajectory for the future of our cooperation in the direction of expanding economic cooperation, building economic and trade alliances, and facilitating investment to foster a Taiwan-Guatemala relationship that benefits both peoples. He then expressed gratitude to the people of Taiwan for helping Guatemala over the past 90 years and reaffirmed the unwavering support of Guatemala for the Republic of China (Taiwan). On the occasion of this visit, he said, he hopes to extend a friendly hand to the people of Taiwan, adding that he looks forward to our nations continuing to take major steps forward on the road of mutual assistance and prosperity. Also in attendance at the welcome ceremony were Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Ambassador Andrea Clare Bowman, and members of the foreign diplomatic corps in Taiwan.  

    Details
    2025-06-03
    President Lai confers decoration on President Hilda C. Heine of Republic of the Marshall Islands, hosts state banquet  
    At noon on June 3, President Lai Ching-te, accompanied by Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, conferred a decoration upon President Hilda C. Heine of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and hosted a state banquet for President Heine and her husband at the Presidential Office. In remarks, President Lai thanked President Heine for her commitment to deepening the diplomatic partnership between our nations and speaking up for Taiwan in the international arena. He also expressed hope for Taiwan and the Marshall Islands to work together to address various challenges through an even greater diversity of exchanges, and that together, we can contribute even more to peace, stability, and development throughout the Pacific region. At the decoration ceremony, President Lai personally conferred the Order of Brilliant Jade with Grand Cordon on President Heine before delivering remarks, a translation of which follows:  The Marshall Islands was the first Pacific ally that I visited after taking office as president. When I arrived there, I was immediately drawn to its beautiful scenery. And I received a very warm welcome from the local people. This gesture showed the profound friendship between our two nations. I was truly touched. I also remember trying your nation’s special Bob Whisky for the first time. The flavor was as unique and impressive as the landscape of the Marshall Islands.  In addition to welcoming our distinguished guests today, we also presented President Heine with the Order of Brilliant Jade with Grand Cordon. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I want to thank President Heine for her commitment to deepening the diplomatic partnership between our nations, and for staunchly speaking up for Taiwan in the international arena. Both I and the people of Taiwan are profoundly grateful to President Heine for her friendship and support. Over the past few years, cooperation between Taiwan and the Marshall Islands has grown ever closer. And this visit by our distinguished guests will allow our two countries to further expand areas of bilateral exchange. I have always believed that only through mutual assistance and trust can two countries build a longstanding and steadfast partnership. I once again convey my sincere aspiration that Taiwan and the Marshall Islands work together to address various challenges through an even greater diversity of exchanges. Together, we can contribute even more to peace, stability, and development throughout the Pacific region. In closing, I want to thank President Heine and First Gentleman Thomas Kijiner, Jr. for leading this delegation to Taiwan, which deepens the foundations of our bilateral relationship. May our two nations enjoy a long and enduring friendship. President Heine then delivered remarks, stating that she felt especially privileged to receive the Order of Brilliant Jade with Grand Cordon of the Republic of China (Taiwan), and humbly accepted the honor with the utmost gratitude, humility, and deep responsibility. This is a deep responsibility, she said, because she understands that since its inception in 1933, this order has been bestowed upon a select few. She then thanked President Lai for this great honor. President Heine stated that the banquet was not just a celebration of our bilateral friendship, but a true reflection of the generosity of the Taiwan spirit and a testament to the enduring ties between our nations, founded on shared values and aspirations, including a respect for the rule of law, the preservation of human dignity, and a deep commitment to democracy. President Heine stated that the Taiwan-Marshall Islands partnership continues to evolve through practical cooperation and mutual support. In recent years, she said, our countries have worked hand in hand across a range of vital sectors, including the recent opening of the Majuro Hospital AI and Telehealth Center and the ongoing and successful Taiwan Health Center, various technical training and scholarship programs, and various climate change adaptation projects in renewable energy, coastal resilience, and sustainable agriculture.   President Heine emphasized that the Marshall Islands continues to be a proud and vocal supporter of Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the United Nations system and other international organizations. Taiwan’s exclusion from these platforms, she said, is not only unjust, but is bad for the world, and the global community needs Taiwan’s voice and expertise.  President Heine also expressed sincere appreciation to all of the Taiwanese friends who have contributed their efforts to deepening bilateral relations, including government officials, healthcare workers, teachers, engineers, and volunteers. The people of the Marshall Islands, she said, deeply appreciate and value everyone’s efforts and service. President Heine said that as we celebrate our partnership, let us look to the future with hope and determination, continue to work together, learn from one another, and support one another to champion a world where all nations can chart their own course based on peace and international law. Also attending the state banquet were Marshall Islands Council of Iroij Chairman Lanny Kabua, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Kalani R. Kaneko, Minister of Finance David Paul, Nitijela Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade Chairperson Joe Bejang, and Charge d’Affaires a.i. Anjanette Davis-Anjel of the Embassy of the Republic of the Marshall Islands.  

    Details
    2025-06-03
    President Lai and President Hilda C. Heine of Marshall Islands hold bilateral talks and witness signing of agreements
    On the morning of June 3, President Lai Ching-te, accompanied by Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, held bilateral talks with President Hilda C. Heine of the Republic of the Marshall Islands at the Presidential Office following a welcome ceremony with military honors for her and her husband. The leaders also jointly witnessed the signing of a letter of intent for sports exchanges and a memorandum of understanding regarding the Presidents’ Scholarship Fund. President Lai then presided over a launch ceremony for a loan program to purchase aircraft. In remarks, President Lai thanked the government and the Nitijela (parliament) of the Marshall Islands for their longstanding support for Taiwan’s international participation and for voicing staunch support for Taiwan at numerous international venues. President Lai said that Taiwan looks forward to continuing to deepen its diplomatic partnership with the Marshall Islands and build an even closer cooperative relationship across a range of fields, engaging in mutual assistance for mutual benefits and helping each other achieve joint and prosperous development to yield even greater well-being for our peoples. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I once again warmly welcome President Heine, First Gentleman Thomas Kijiner, Jr., and our guests to Taiwan. During my visit to the Marshall Islands last year, I said that Taiwan and the Marshall Islands are truly a family. When Vice President Hsiao and I took office last year, President Heine led a delegation to Taiwan. It is now one year since our inauguration, and I am delighted to see President Heine once again, just as if I were seeing family arrive from afar. Through my visit to the Marshall Islands, I gained a profound sense of the friendship between the peoples of our two nations, well-demonstrated by bilateral exchanges in such areas as healthcare, agriculture, and education. And it is thanks to President Heine’s longstanding support for Taiwan that our countries have been able to further advance collaboration on even more issues, including women’s empowerment and climate change. In recent years, the geopolitical and economic landscape has changed rapidly. We look forward to Taiwan and the Marshall Islands continuing to deepen our partnership and build an even closer cooperative relationship. In just a few moments, President Heine and I will witness the signing of several documents, including a memorandum of understanding and a letter of intent, to expand bilateral cooperation in such fields as sports, education, and transportation. Taiwan will take concrete action to work with the Marshall Islands and advance mutual prosperity and development, writing a new chapter in our diplomatic partnership. I would also like to take this opportunity to express gratitude to the government and Nitijela of the Marshall Islands. In recent years, the Nitijela has passed annual resolutions backing Taiwan’s international participation, and President Heine and Marshallese cabinet members have been some of the strongest advocates for Taiwan’s international participation, voicing staunch support for Taiwan at numerous international venues. Building on the pillars of democracy, peace, and prosperity, Taiwan will continue to work with the Marshall Islands and other like-minded countries to deepen our partnerships, engage in mutual assistance for mutual benefits, and help one another achieve joint and prosperous development. I have every confidence that the combined efforts of our two nations will yield even greater well-being for our peoples and see us make even more contributions to the world. President Heine then delivered remarks, and began by conveying warm greetings of iokwe from the people and government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands to the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan). She said she was deeply honored to be in Taiwan for an official visit, and extended appreciation to President Lai and his government for their gracious invitation and warm welcome. President Heine stated that this year marks 27 years of diplomatic ties between our two nations, and that they are proud of this enduring friendship. This special and enduring relationship, she said, is grounded in our shared Austronesian heritage, and strengthened by mutual respect for each other’s democratic systems and our steadfast commitment to the core values of freedom, justice, and the rule of law. President Heine stated that Taiwan’s continued support has been invaluable to the people and national development of the Marshall Islands, particularly in the areas of health, education, agriculture, and climate change. She also expressed deep appreciation to Taiwan for providing Marshallese students with opportunities to study in Taiwan, and for the care extended to Marshallese who travel here for medical treatment. President Heine also announced that she would be presenting a copy of a resolution by the people and government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands reiterating their appreciation for the support provided by the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), and calling on the United Nations to take immediate action to resolve the inappropriate exclusion of Taiwan’s 23 million people from the UN system. She added that she looked forward to the bilateral discussions later that day, and to continuing the important work that both countries carry out together. After the bilateral talks, President Lai and President Heine witnessed the signing of a letter of intent regarding sports exchanges and a memorandum of understanding regarding the Presidents’ Scholarship Fund by Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) and Marshallese Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Kalani R. Kaneko. President Lai then presided over a launch ceremony for a loan program to purchase aircraft, marking the formal beginning of Taiwan-Marshall Islands air transport cooperation. The visiting delegation also included Council of Iroij Chairman Lanny Kabua, Minister of Finance David Paul, and Nitijela Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade Chair Joe Bejang. They were accompanied to the Presidential Office by Charge d’Affaires a.i. Anjanette Davis-Anjel of the Embassy of the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

    Details
    2025-06-03
    President Lai welcomes President Hilda C. Heine of Republic of the Marshall Islands with military honors  
    President Lai Ching-te welcomed President Hilda C. Heine of the Republic of the Marshall Islands and her husband on the morning of June 3 with full military honors. In remarks, President Lai thanked President Heine and the people and government of the Marshall Islands for demonstrating such high regard for our nations’ diplomatic ties. The president said that over our 27 years of diplomatic relations, our cooperation in healthcare, agriculture, fisheries, education and training, and climate change has yielded many positive results. And moving ahead, he said, Taiwan will continue to deepen collaboration across all domains for mutual prosperity and growth. The welcome ceremony began at 10:30 a.m. in the plaza fronting the Presidential Office. President Lai and President Heine each delivered remarks after a 21-gun salute, the playing of the two countries’ national anthems, and a review of the military honor guard. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: On behalf of the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), it is a great pleasure to welcome President Heine, First Gentleman Thomas Kijiner, Jr., and their delegation with full military honors as they make this state visit to Taiwan. When I traveled to the Marshall Islands on a state visit last December, I was received with great warmth and courtesy. I once again thank President Heine and the people and government of the Marshall Islands for demonstrating such high regard for our nations’ diplomatic ties. Taiwan and the Marshall Islands share Austronesian cultural traditions, and we are like-minded friends. Throughout our 27 years of diplomatic relations, we have always engaged with each other in a spirit of reciprocal trust and mutual assistance. Our cooperation in healthcare, agriculture, fisheries, education and training, and climate change has yielded many positive results. This is President Heine’s first state visit to Taiwan since taking office for a second time. We look forward to engaging our esteemed guests in in-depth discussions on issues of common concern. And moving ahead, Taiwan will continue to deepen collaboration with the Marshall Islands across all domains for mutual prosperity and growth. In closing, I thank President Heine, First Gentleman Kijiner, and their entire delegation for visiting Taiwan. I wish you all a pleasant and successful trip.  A transcript of President Heine’s remarks follows: Your Excellency President Lai Ching-te, Vice President [Bi-khim] Hsiao, honorable members of the cabinet, ambassadors, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen: It is my pleasure to extend warm greetings of iokwe on behalf of the people and the government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. I wish to also convey my appreciation to Your Excellency President Lai, for the hospitality and very warm welcome – kommol tata. This visit marks my seventh official state visit to this beautiful country. It’s a testament to my strong commitment to further deepening ties between the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of China (Taiwan). During this visit, I look forward to engaging in meaningful discussions with Your Excellency President Lai to further strengthen the bilateral relationship between our two nations and our peoples.  For over a quarter-century, Taiwan has been a strong ally and friend to the Marshall Islands. Our partnership has thrived across many sectors, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development. Through Taiwan’s generous support and collaboration, we have made significant progress in improving the lives of our people, empowering our communities, and fostering sustainable growth. The Marshall Islands deeply values our partnership with Taiwan and appreciates Taiwan’s support over the years. Despite our small size and limited voice on the global stage, the Marshall Islands deeply cherishes our friendship with Taiwan, and to that end, I wish to reaffirm my government’s commitment to Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the United Nations system. Taiwan has consistently demonstrated its commitment to the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. In light of current constraints in global affairs, it is now more urgent than ever that the international community of nations recognize the fundamental rights of the 23 million Taiwanese people and recognize Taiwan’s aspiration to engage fully in global affairs. It is with this in mind that I wish to reiterate to Your Excellency President Lai, the Taiwanese people, and the world that under my government, Marshall Islands will continue to acknowledge Taiwan’s contribution on the global stage and urge like-minded countries to advocate for Taiwan’s meaningful engagement in the international arena. In closing, may I once again extend our sincere appreciation to Your Excellency President Lai, the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), for your warm welcome.  Also in attendance at the welcome ceremony were Charge d’Affaires a.i. Anjanette Davis-Anjel of the Embassy of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Ambassador Andrea Clare Bowman, and members of the foreign diplomatic corps in Taiwan.  

    Details
    2025-05-29
    President Lai attends 2025 Europe Day Dinner
    On the evening of May 29, President Lai Ching-te attended the 2025 Europe Day Dinner. In remarks, President Lai stated that Taiwan looks forward to further establishing institutionalized mechanisms with Europe for our trade and investment ties and hopes to take an innovative and diverse approach to sign an economic partnership agreement with the European Union, to provide a more transparent, stable, and predictable business environment for our enterprises. The president said that Taiwan will actively work alongside other democracies, including those in Europe, to jointly build resilient, promising non-red supply chains, and noted that Taiwan and Europe have endless potential for collaboration, whether it is in safeguarding freedom and democracy or advancing our economic and trade relationship. He expressed hope to further strengthen our partnership and work together toward global peace, stability, and prosperity. A transcript of President Lai’s remarks follows: Chairman [Henry] Chang (張瀚書), thank you for the invitation, and congratulations on your second term. I’m confident that under your leadership, the ECCT [European Chamber of Commerce Taiwan] will build even more bridges for cooperation between Taiwan and Europe. I would also like to thank EETO [European Economic and Trade Office] Head [Lutz] Güllner and all the European country representatives stationed in Taiwan. Your hard work over the years has helped deepen Taiwan-Europe relations and brought about such fruitful cooperation. Thank you. This year we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration. In 1950, then-French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman proposed to create a European federation dedicated to preserving peace. The declaration symbolized a new flowering in the post-war era of democracy, unity, and cooperation. As we face the geopolitical challenges and drastic economic changes of today’s world, the Schuman Declaration still speaks to us profoundly. This year is also the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe. Moving forward, Taiwan will continue to advance cooperation with our democratic partners, and will join hands with Europe to build a partnership of even greater resilience and mutual trust. Europe is Taiwan’s third largest trading partner. It is also Taiwan’s largest source of foreign direct investment. Last year, bilateral trade between Taiwan and Europe totaled US$84.7 billion. This demonstrates our vibrant economic and trade ties and reflects the high levels of confidence our businesses have in each other’s markets and systems. We look forward to Taiwan and Europe further establishing institutionalized mechanisms for our trade and investment ties. And we hope to take an innovative and diverse approach to sign an economic partnership agreement with the EU, to provide a more transparent, stable, and predictable business environment for our enterprises. Today’s Taiwan has an internationally recognized democracy and a semiconductor industry vital to global security and prosperity. This enables us to play a key role in restructuring global democratic supply chains and the economic order. In particular, we see supply chains dominated by a new authoritarian bloc expanding their influence through non-market mechanisms, price subsidies, and monopolies on resources, as they seek global control of critical technologies and manufacturing capabilities. Their actions not only distort principles of market fairness, but also threaten the international community’s basic expectations for democracy, the rule of law, and corporate responsibility. In response, Taiwan will actively work alongside other democracies, including those in Europe, to jointly build resilient, promising non-red supply chains. We will also introduce an initiative on semiconductor supply chain partnerships for global democracies. This is more than a proposal for economic cooperation; it is an alliance of shared values and advanced technology. Security in the Taiwan Strait and regional peace and stability have always been issues of mutual interest for Taiwan and Europe. So here today, on behalf of all the people of Taiwan, I would like to thank the EU and European nations for continuing to take concrete actions in public support of peace and stability across the strait. Such actions are vital to regional security and prosperity. Taiwan will continue to bolster itself to achieve real peace through strength, and will work with democratic partners to safeguard freedom and democracy, thereby showing our determination for regional peace. At this critical time, Taiwan and Europe have endless potential for collaboration, whether it’s in safeguarding freedom and democracy or advancing our economic and trade relationship. I look forward to our joining hands at this strategic juncture to further strengthen our partnership and work together toward global peace, stability, and prosperity. Also in attendance at the event was British Office Taipei Representative Ruth Bradley-Jones.

    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 –

  • US Supreme Court makes ‘reverse’ discrimination suits easier

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The U.S. Supreme Court made it easier on Thursday for people from majority backgrounds such as white or straight individuals to pursue claims alleging workplace “reverse” discrimination, reviving an Ohio woman’s lawsuit claiming she was illegally denied a promotion and demoted because she is heterosexual.

    The justices, in a 9-0 ruling authored by liberal Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, threw out a lower court’s decision rejecting a civil rights lawsuit by the plaintiff, Marlean Ames, against her employer, Ohio’s Department of Youth Services. Ames said she had a gay supervisor when she was passed over for a promotion in favor of a gay woman and demoted, with a pay cut, in favor of a gay man.

    Reverse discrimination lawsuits are increasing in the United States amid a backlash by conservatives and Republicans including President Donald Trump against initiatives in the public and private sectors to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in the workforce.

    The Ames case centered on how plaintiffs like her must try to prove a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, national origin and sex – including sexual orientation.

    Thursday’s ruling will affect how cases are handled by courts in certain parts of the country where plaintiffs from majority groups must provide more evidence than minority plaintiffs to make an initial – or “prima facie” – claim of discrimination under a 1973 Supreme Court ruling that governs the multi-step process employed to resolve such cases.

    These courts include the Cincinnati-based 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which ruled against Ames. They require majority-group plaintiffs to show “background circumstances” indicating that a defendant accused of workplace bias is “that unusual employer who discriminates against the majority.”

    Jackson, writing for the Supreme Court, said that both the language of Title VII and the court’s precedents make clear that there can be no distinctions between majority-group and minority-group plaintiffs.

    “By establishing the same protections for every ‘individual’ – without regard to that individual’s membership in a minority or majority group – Congress left no room for courts to impose special requirements on majority-group plaintiffs alone,” Jackson wrote.

    Ames, 61, sued in 2020 seeking monetary damages. She argued that she was discriminated against in her department’s 2019 employment decisions because she is heterosexual in violation of Title VII and that she was more qualified than the two gay people given the job positions instead of her.

    “I was straight and pushed aside for them,” Ames told Reuters in February.

    “We are overjoyed that the court saw the case our way,” Edward Gilbert, an attorney for Ames, said after Thursday’s ruling.

    The 6th Circuit said Ames could not satisfy the “background circumstances” requirement by showing that a gay person made the employment decisions in favor of gay people. The two people who had authority in those personnel decisions, the 6th Circuit noted, were straight.

    Republican Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s office had defended the employment actions concerning Ames as part of a Department of Youth Services restructuring and said department leaders felt she lacked the vision and leadership skills needed for the newly created job for which she applied.

    Department spokesperson Dominic Binkley said Ohio agrees that litigants should not be held to differing standards, but emphasized that lower courts must now address Ohio’s remaining arguments in the case.

    “We look forward to fully pressing those arguments as the case moves forward because the Ohio Department of Youth Services did not engage in unlawful discrimination,” Binkley said.

    WORKPLACE DIVERSITY POLICIES

    On his first day back in office in January, Trump ordered the dismantling of diversity, equity and inclusion policies in federal agencies and encouraged private companies to follow suit. Conservative groups including America First Legal, which has filed numerous legal actions claiming anti-white and anti-male bias, had urged the Supreme Court to rule in favor of Ames.

    The NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund and other civil rights groups told the Supreme Court in a legal filing that Ames was asking the justices “to interpret Title VII in a way that ignores the realities of this country’s persisting legacy of discrimination in evaluating disparate-treatment claims.”

    These groups said the “background circumstances” inquiry lets courts account for the reality of historical and present-day discrimination “against certain minority groups like Black and/or LGBTQ people, and the virtual absence of widespread discrimination targeting certain majority groups like white people and straight people.”

    The Supreme Court heard arguments in the case on February 26.

    (Reuters)

     

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pacific Partnership 2025 Kicks off with urban rescue training in Virac, Philippines, June 2, 2025 [Image 3 of 9]

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    Issued by: on

    VIRAC, Philippines (June 2, 2025) – U.S. Navy Cmdr. Robert Reyes, gives opening remarks to Armed Forces of the Philippines personnel, local emergency responders, and civilian authorities before an Incident Command Systems training in Virac, Philippines, June 2, 2025. This effort is part of a two-week urban rescue training exercise supporting the humanitarian assistance and disaster response objectives of Pacific Partnership 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jordan Jennings)

    Date Taken: 06.02.2025
    Date Posted: 06.03.2025 20:23
    Photo ID: 9081877
    VIRIN: 250602-N-YV347-1086
    Resolution: 7494×4996
    Size: 22.63 MB
    Location: VIRAC, PH
    Web Views: 25
    Downloads: 4

    PUBLIC DOMAIN  

    This work, Pacific Partnership 2025 Kicks off with urban rescue training in Virac, Philippines, June 2, 2025 [Image 9 of 9], by PO2 Jordan Jennings, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pacific Partnership 2025 Conducts Mission Stop in Philippines, June 2025

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    Issued by: on

    VIRAC, Philippines (June 4, 2025) – Hawaii National Guardsmen and personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines instruct local emergency responders and civilian authorities on how to perform a controlled descent in Virac, Philippines, June 4, 2025. This effort is part of a two-week urban rescue training exercise supporting the humanitarian assistance and disaster response objectives of Pacific Partnership 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jordan Jennings)

    Date Taken: 06.04.2025
    Date Posted: 06.06.2025 02:23
    Photo ID: 9088372
    VIRIN: 250604-N-YV347-2048
    Resolution: 7698×5132
    Size: 18.77 MB
    Location: VIRAC, PH
    Web Views: 4
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  • Thai military prepared for ‘high-level operation’ if Cambodia border row escalates

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Thailand’s military said it is ready to launch a “high-level operation” to counter any violation of its sovereignty, in the strongest words yet in a simmering border dispute with Cambodia that re-erupted with a deadly clash last week.

    The army said in a statement late on Thursday that its intelligence gathering indicated Cambodia had increased military readiness at the border while diplomatic efforts were ongoing, describing that as “worrisome”.

    Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra held a meeting of the National Security Council on Friday and said that while the military was ready to defend Thai sovereignty, it understood the situation and when an escalation would be required.

    “The military has confirmed readiness for any scenario,” she said. “But any clash will cause damage, so we will pursue peaceful means.”

    “The government and military are working together, supporting each other,” Paetongtarn added.

    The two governments had for days exchanged carefully worded statements committing to dialogue after a brief skirmish in an undemarcated border area on May 28 in which a Cambodian soldier was killed.

    Ahead of Friday’s meeting, the army had said it was “now ready for a high-level military operation in case it is necessary to retaliate”.

    “Operations of units at the border have been conducted carefully, calmly and based on an understanding of the situation to prevent losses on all sides, but at the same time, are ready to defend the country’s sovereignty to the fullest extent if the situation is called for.”

    Cambodia’s government did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the Thai military statement on Friday.

    HISTORIC RIVALRY

    Although the two neighbours have a historic rivalry, their governments enjoy friendly ties, partly due to the close relationship between their influential former leaders, Thailand’s Thaksin Shinawatra and Cambodia’s Hun Sen, whose daughter and son respectively are now the prime ministers in their countries.

    The issue comes at a tricky time for the Pheu Thai Party-led administration in Thailand as it battles to revive a flagging economy that could be hit by steep U.S. tariffs, while facing a challenge to its popularity having paused a signature cash handout to tens of millions of people.

    The party of the billionaire Shinawatra family has a troubled history with the Thai military, which twice toppled its governments in 2006 and 2014 coups.

    After Friday’s security meeting, Thai armed forces chief Songwit Noonpackdee said the military supported the government’s approach to settling the dispute peacefully.

    Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said that in a meeting on Thursday with his Cambodian counterpart, Thia Saya, they discussed avoiding violence and proceeding with caution. He said he proposed that both sides retreat to positions previously agreed in 2024.

    Deadly clashes between Cambodia and Thailand last erupted in 2011 over the Preah Vihear, a 900-year-old temple at the heart of a decades-long row that has stirred nationalist sentiment on both sides. The International Court of Justice in 2013 ruled in favour of Cambodia in clarifying a 1962 decision to award it jurisdiction over the temple.

    Cambodia said this week it would refer disputes over four parts of the border to the ICJ and has asked Thailand to cooperate. Thailand says it does not recognise the court’s jurisdiction.

    (Reuters) 

  • MIL-OSI Security: The Hawaii National Guard conducts Urban Rescue training during Pacific Partnership 2025 in Virac, Philippines [Image 1 of 2]

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    Issued by: on

    Virac, Philippines (June 3, 2025) – Hawaii National Guard 1st Sgt. Rodolfo Acosta, center, instructs local emergency responders and civilian authorities on the proper use of rappelling gear during a training session in Virac, Philippines, June 3, 2025. This effort is part of a two-week urban rescue training exercise supporting the humanitarian assistance and disaster response objectives of Pacific Partnership 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jordan Jennings)

    Date Taken: 06.03.2025
    Date Posted: 06.06.2025 02:19
    Photo ID: 9088355
    VIRIN: 250603-N-YV347-1136
    Resolution: 8256×5504
    Size: 30.66 MB
    Location: VIRAC, PH
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  • MIL-OSI Security: Pacific Partnership 2025 Conducts Mission Stop in Philippines, June 2025 [Image 2 of 9]

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    Issued by: on

    VIRAC, Philippines (June 1, 2025) – Hawaii National Guardsmen and personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines construct a platform used to conduct urban rescue training with local emergency responders and civilian authorities in Virac, Philippines, June 1, 2025. This effort is part of a two-week urban rescue training exercise supporting the humanitarian assistance and disaster response objectives of Pacific Partnership 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jordan Jennings)

    Date Taken: 06.01.2025
    Date Posted: 06.03.2025 20:23
    Photo ID: 9081876
    VIRIN: 250601-N-YV347-1021
    Resolution: 7539×5026
    Size: 18.53 MB
    Location: VIRAC, PH
    Web Views: 29
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  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Road rage and abusive behaviour concerns road freight operators

    Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

    The 2025 National Road Freight Survey has raised concerns about truck drivers facing road rage and abuse while doing their jobs.
    The survey of 194 industry participants across 128 road freight firms asked respondents to rank their three leading issues, ranging from health and wellbeing of drivers to the state of the roading network.
    Of the survey respondents who identified public perception and industry reputation as one of their leading issues, 50 per cent said their drivers regularly experienced abuse from members of the public while working.
    These findings were supported by results from a survey from AA Insurance earlier in the year, showing nearly half of respondents thought road rage had intensified over the past 12 months.
    Billy Clemens, head of Transporting New Zealand’s Policy & Advocacy, says while most of the public view truck drivers positively, a small minority of road users were putting others at risk.
    “Research NZ surveyed 1005 members of the public and found more than seven times as many people surveyed having a positive perception of road freight drivers compared to those taking a negative view (52 per cent to 7 per cent, the remainder being neutral).
    “Transporting New Zealand’s concerns about road rage and abuse are focussed on a very small proportion of road users.”
    “What worries us and our road freight members are truck drivers being harassed and abused while going about their work. Truck driving is challenging enough without drivers having to ignore insults and abuse, de-escalate disputes, and refer threatening behaviour onto Police.”
    Clemens acknowledged that trucks could challenge people’s patience on the road, but encouraged all road users to show patience and consideration, and report poor driving to Police at -555.
    “Trucks are limited to a maximum of 90 km/h on all roads, need additional time to speed up and slow down, and need to take particular care on narrow roads and corners.
    “Drivers also need to park up their trucks to take mandated rest breaks. These factors can all contribute to frustration from other road users, but we encourage everyone to be considerate.”
    Transporting New Zealand is also responding to these concerns by providing practical guidance to truck drivers on how to resolve incidents of road rage and abuse.
    This includes a session on practical de-escalation and conflict resolution skills at its South Island Road Freight Seminar in Christchurch on 28 June. The session will be presented by Protect Self Defence, with supporting resources and videos to be shared publicly afterwards, supported by the E. J. Brenan Memorial Trust.
    Transporting New Zealand also continues to advocate for roading improvements that reduce the risk of driver frustration and impatience, including additional passing lanes, widening narrow corners, and providing improved rest and parking facilities for trucks and other vehicles.
    “With a combination of education, roading improvements, and considerate behaviour, we can make the roads safer for everyone.”
    About Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand 
    Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand is the peak national membership association representing the road freight transport industry. Our members operate urban, rural and inter- regional commercial freight transport services throughout the country.
    Road is the dominant freight mode in New Zealand, transporting 92.8% of the freight task on a tonnage basis, and 75.1% on a tonne-km basis. The road freight transport industry employs over 34,000 people across more than 4700 businesses, with an annual turnover of $6 billion.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Press Release: Congressman Bennie G. Thompson Announces Academy Appointments for Second Congressional District

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bennie G Thompson (D-MS)

    BOLTON, MS – Today, United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) announces the Military Academy appointments for the Second Congressional District. 

    Dylan Michael Wiley has received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy, Class of 2029, after being nominated by U.S. Congressman Bennie G. Thompson.

    Dylan successfully completed his studies at the Naval Preparatory School (NAPS) in Newport, Rhode Island, where he demonstrated academic excellence and dedication. Throughout his time at NAPS, he excelled in his coursework and made significant contributions to the school community. His positive outlook and unwavering commitment to his future at the Naval Academy reflect his strong aspirations to succeed and lead. Among his many accomplishments, Dylan represented his peers as a NAPS representative. Additionally, he held the role of Supplementary Student Assistant for Physics and served as the NAPS 2nd Company Guide-On. 

    Dylan is the son of Nelson and Debra Wiley, Jr. of Raymond, Mississippi, and he looks forward to continuing his educational journey at the United States Naval Academy.

    Nicholas McGlorthan, has received an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy, Class of 2029, after being nominated by U.S. Congressman Bennie G. Thompson. 

    Nicholas has successfully completed the Air Force Preparatory School in Colorado Springs, CO. At the USFA Prep School, Nicholas further developed his leadership and academic skills. He served as a Character Officer, guiding fellow Cadets in upholding the honor code. He took part in land navigation exercises in the Colorado mountains, marched in parades, and completed college-level courses in trigonometry, chemistry, and writing. He also participated in an aviation course, which included hands-on flight experience. Hiking the Colorado mountains has become one of his favorite pastimes. Nicholas plans to major in Mechanical Engineering at the Air Force Academy and is exploring a future career in drone piloting.

    He is the son of Sharron McGlorthan of Jackson, Mississippi, and he looks forward to continuing his educational journey at the United States Air Force Academy.

    If you are interested in attending a Military Academy, you may contact Ms. Shander Gund, my academy representative at (662) 741-9003 or via e-mail at shander.gund@mail.house.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • Musk-Trump breakup puts $22 billion of SpaceX contracts at risk, jolting US space program

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    About $22 billion of SpaceX’s government contracts are at risk and multiple U.S. space programs could face dramatic changes in the fallout from Elon Musk and President Donald Trump’s explosive feud on Thursday.

    The disagreement, rooted in Musk’s criticism of Trump’s tax-cut and spending legislation that began last week, quickly spiraled out of control. Trump lashed out at Musk when the president spoke in the Oval Office. Then in a series of X posts, Musk launched barbs at Trump, who threatened to terminate government contracts with Musk’s companies.

    Taking the threat seriously, Musk said he would begin “decommissioning” SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft used by NASA.

    Hours later, however, Musk appeared to reverse course. Responding to a follower on X urging him and Trump to “cool off and take a step back for a couple of days,” Musk wrote: “Good advice. Ok, we won’t decommission Dragon.”

    Still, Musk’s mere threat to abruptly pull its Dragon spacecraft out of service marked an unprecedented outburst from one of NASA’s leading commercial partners.

    Under a roughly $5 billion contract, the Dragon capsule has been the agency’s only U.S. vessel capable of carrying astronauts to and from the International Space Station, making Musk’s company a critical element of the U.S. space program.

    The feud raised questions about how far Trump, an often unpredictable force who has intervened in past procurement efforts, would go to punish Musk, who until last week headed Trump’s initiative to downsize the federal government.

    If the president prioritized political retaliation and canceled billions of dollars of SpaceX contracts with NASA and the Pentagon, it could slow U.S. space progress.

    NASA press secretary Bethany Stevens declined to comment on SpaceX, but said: “We will continue to work with our industry partners to ensure the president’s objectives in space are met.”

    Musk and Trump’s tussle ruptured an extraordinary relationship between a U.S. president and industry titan that had yielded some key favors for SpaceX: a proposed overhaul of NASA’s moon program into a Mars program, a planned effort to build a gigantic missile defense shield in space, and the naming of an Air Force leader who favored SpaceX in a contract award.

    Taking Dragon out of service would likely disrupt the ISS program, which involves dozens of countries under a two-decade-old international agreement. But it was unclear how quickly such a decommissioning would occur. NASA uses Russia’s Soyuz spacecraft as a secondary ride for its astronauts to the ISS.

    SPACEX’S RISE

    SpaceX rose to dominance long before Musk’s foray into Republican politics last year, building formidable market share in the rocket launch and satellite communications industries that could shield it somewhat from Musk’s split with Trump, analysts said.

    “It fortunately wouldn’t be catastrophic, since SpaceX has developed itself into a global powerhouse that dominates most of the space industry, but there’s no question that it would result in significant lost revenue and missed contract opportunities,” said Justus Parmar, CEO of SpaceX investor Fortuna Investments.

    Under Trump in recent months, the U.S. space industry and NASA’s workforce of 18,000 have been whipsawed by looming layoffs and proposed budget cuts that would cancel dozens of science programs, while the U.S. space agency remains without a confirmed administrator.

    Trump’s nominee for NASA administrator, Musk ally and billionaire private astronaut Jared Isaacman, appeared to be an early casualty of Musk’s rift with the president when the White House abruptly removed him from consideration over the weekend, denying Musk his pick to lead the space agency.

    Trump on Thursday explained dumping Isaacman by saying he was “totally Democrat,” in an apparent reference to reports Isaacman had donated to Democrats. Isaacman has donated to some Republican but mostly Democratic candidates for office, according to public records.

    Musk’s quest to send humans to Mars has been a critical element of Trump’s space agenda. The effort has threatened to take resources away from NASA’s flagship effort to send humans back to the moon.

    Trump’s budget plan sought to cancel Artemis moon missions beyond its third mission, effectively ending the over-budget Space Launch System rocket used for those missions.

    But the Senate Commerce Committee version of Trump’s bill released late on Thursday would restore funding for missions four and five, providing at least $1 billion annually for SLS through 2029.

    Since SpaceX’s rockets are a less expensive alternative to SLS, whether the Trump administration opposes the Senate’s changes in the coming weeks will give an indication of Musk’s remaining political power.

    SpaceX, founded in 2002, has won $15 billion of contracts from NASA for the company’s Falcon 9 rockets and development of SpaceX’s Starship, a multipurpose rocket system tapped to land NASA astronauts on the moon this decade.

    The company has also been awarded billions of dollars to launch a majority of the Pentagon’s national security satellites into space while it builds a massive spy satellite constellation in orbit for a U.S. intelligence agency.

    In addition to not being in U.S. interests, former NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver said canceling SpaceX’s contracts would probably not be legal.

    But she also added, “A rogue CEO threatening to decommission spacecraft, putting astronauts’ lives at risk, is untenable.”

    (Reuters) 

  • MIL-OSI Video: D-Day Remembered: Omaha Beach Survivor Jake Larson Shares His Story

    Source: US Army (video statements)

    D-Day: Through My Fingers, A V Corps Feature is a historical short that shares the experience of Jake Larson, a Soldier who landed on Omaha Beach with the first wave during the Allied invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944.

    Told in Larson’s own words, the film also features commentary from V Corps Commanding General Lt. Gen. Charles Costanza and U.S. Army Europe and Africa Command Historian Michael Clauss. Together, they provide historical context and insight into Larson’s story; highlighting the scale of the operation, the leadership of Maj. Gen. Leonard T. Gerow, and the cost paid by Soldiers on that pivotal day.

    The feature draws a connection between V Corps’ legacy in World War II and its current mission on NATO’s eastern flank. It underscores how partnerships forged on the beaches of Normandy continue to shape allied cooperation 81 years later.

    Script by Sgt. Tyler Brock
    Video produced by Sgt. Tyler Brock
    Narrated by Sgt. Tyler Brock

    About the U.S. Army:
    The Army Mission – our purpose – remains constant: To deploy, fight and win our nation’s wars by providing ready, prompt & sustained land dominance by Army forces across the full spectrum of conflict as part of the joint force.

    Interested in joining the U.S. Army?
    Visit: https://www.goarmy.com/?iom=BNL7-22-0…

    Connect with the U.S. Army online:
    Web: https://www.army.mil
    Facebook: / usarmy
    X: https://x.com/USArmy
    Instagram: / usarmy
    LinkedIn: / us-army

    #USArmy #Soldiers #Military #BeAllYouCanBe #DDay

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1akWaSdf30

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, Armed Forces of the Philippines conduct Maritime Cooperative Activity

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps, demonstrating a collective commitment to strengthen regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific, conducted a bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone, June 4.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Israel strikes buildings in southern suburbs of Beirut

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    BEIRUT/JERUSALEM, June 6 (Xinhua) — The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out airstrikes on buildings in several areas of Beirut’s southern suburbs on Thursday evening after issuing an evacuation warning in anticipation of an attack on Hezbollah military infrastructure.

    Lebanon’s official National News Agency (NIA) reported that at least three rockets were fired at a southern suburb of Beirut.

    The Israeli army said it had struck “Hezbollah air force targets in the Dahiya neighborhood of Beirut.”

    The attack took place on the eve of the Eid al-Adha holiday. Less than two hours before the strikes, the Israeli military issued an evacuation warning for areas it said housed underground Hezbollah drone factories. IDF spokesman Avichai Adraei told the X website that Israel would target buildings in Beirut’s southern suburbs, urging residents to evacuate. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Policy Briefing on the Property Insurance Crisis Hosted by Congresswoman Frederica Wilson

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Frederica S Wilson (24th District of Florida)

    Today, June 5th, 2025, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson (FL-24) hosted a policy briefing on the Property Insurance Crisis in Florida and across the nation. Congresswoman Frederica Wilson brought policy experts to discuss the rising costs of property insurance, its coverage, and the challenges consumers face when dealing with property insurance.

    “Everywhere I go in Florida, doesn’t matter what parts folks are from, people are concerned about our property insurance crisis. And with hurricane season just starting, causing a rush through the hearts of South Florida Families, the fear of the rising costs of homeowner’s insurance is real and tangible for folks,” Congresswoman Frederica Wilson said. “That’s why I introduced the Homeowners’ Defense Act and convened a policy briefing, because we need real solutions to this crisis. Property insurance has become too expensive, with limited options and many insurers refusing coverage. It’s time we tackle this issue head-on.”

    According to Insurify, Florida’s projected cost of property insurance averages about $11,000 a year.

    As part of the 119th Congress, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson introduced the Homeowners’ Defense Act.  The Act seeks to bolster state efforts in managing natural disaster risks, support insurance market stability, and encourage mitigation and preventive measures to reduce future losses.

    Joining Congresswoman Frederica Wilson in this briefing were Congressman Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-2), Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-5), and Congressman Jonathan Jackson (IL-1).

    “Florida’s property insurance crisis is pushing families to make impossible choices. I’ve heard from Central Floridians that they are forgoing coverage altogether because they can’t afford both healthcare and property insurance. It’s a shame that the property insurance crisis has put folks in this position,” said Congressman Maxwell Frost (FL-10). “And it’s leading to a dangerous situation as climate change creates even more devastating hurricane seasons. We need urgent, collective action from policymakers and industry leaders before this makes worse the ongoing housing crisis.”

    “The escalating cost of homeowners insurance is not just a coastal issue; it’s hitting families hard right here in Chicago and the First District. We’ve seen premiums jump by as much as 50% in Illinois in just a few short years. Many of my constituents, particularly those in historic neighborhoods with older homes, are facing a double whammy: skyrocketing rates and, in some cases, the inability to find coverage at all,” Congressman Jonathan Jackson said (IL-1). “We need to explore all avenues – from federal support for mitigation and reinsurance, like ideas in H.R. 827, to robust state oversight – to ensure that insurance remains accessible and affordable, and that homeowners are treated fairly.”

    “I was proud to join my friend Congresswoman Frederica Wilson today to confront one of the most pressing challenges facing homeowners across the country – skyrocketing property insurance costs. This is hitting working families in every corner of America, especially Louisiana, and it’s squeezing them out of homeownership. The briefing made one thing clear: as natural disasters become more prevalent, property and casualty insurance rates will continue to rise and impact more communities. We have more storms in more places that have historically never had this before. There will continue to be a strain on communities as people will be dropped from insurance coverage after sustaining damages. This is unacceptable. Property insurance should be fair, accessible, and affordable for everyone,” said Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02).

    Congresswoman Nikema Williams said (GA-5), “Climate change’s impact on the insurance market is something I’ve experienced firsthand. After a hailstorm damaged my roof and those of my neighbors, I filed a claim—only to be labeled high-risk and dropped by my insurer. This is part of a growing trend of insurance companies pulling out of markets they consider too risky due to climate change. For families already struggling to get by, losing home insurance could mean losing the chance to build equity and generational wealth. If we leave this issue unaddressed—or worse, pretend it doesn’t exist—we put all homeowners at serious risk.”

    The panel included Doug Heller from the Consumer Federation of America, Robert Gordon from the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, and Baird Webel and Diane Horn from the Congressional Research Service. Alice Hill, the David M. Rubenstein senior fellow for energy and the environment at the Council on Foreign Relation, moderated the event.

    Vice Chairman of the Miami-Dade County Commission, Kionne McGhee, said “The crushing weight of mortgages, taxes, and insurance is already wiping out generational wealth. And with the high cost of property insurance, folks are struggling to even protect their families. Some insurance companies can raise rates and still stay within the law–decisions made behind closed doors with no regard for the people affected. For families with no savings, higher payments don’t mean just cutting back—it means choosing between skipping meals just to keep their homes. We need to address this property insurance crisis head-on for the sake of the families of Miami-Dade County and across the nation.”

    Douglas Heller, Director of Insurance at the Consumer Federation of America said, “Over the past several years, Americans have experienced an unprecedented increase in the cost of homeowners insurance and an equally unprecedented decrease in its availability. This is not only causing acute financial pain for millions of families, it is making homeownership less sustainable and less attainable. In order to address this crisis, as climate change increases risk across the country, we need to invest in loss mitigation and resilience, and we also need to demand better oversight and more scrutiny of the insurance companies that we rely on to protect our homes.”

    Robert Gordon, APCIA’s senior vice president of policy, research, and international  said, “APCIA commends Rep. Frederica Wilson, Rep. Maxwell Frost, Rep. Nikema Williams, Rep. Darren Soto, and Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners Vice Chair Kionne McGhee for their interest in addressing factors impacting the cost of living, including housing and homeowners insurance.  The growing demographic shifts and property values to high-climate-risk areas, inflation in the cost to repair and replace property, climate change, legal system abuse, delayed regulatory approval of rate filings, and mandated coverages have collectively resulted in escalating insurance losses.  Insurance is a passthrough of those costs. While homeowners insurance is a relatively small percent of the overall cost of homeownership, APCIA is committed to working with housing groups and regulators on long-term solutions to improve the availability and affordability of insurance. APCIA is also committed to working with members of Congress on commonsense mitigation and resiliency solutions that will better protect consumers and slow the rate of increase in property losses.” 

    The Congressional Research Service has published multiple reports on the Property Insurance Crisis, including “Homeowners Insurance and California Wildfires,” “Natural Disasters and the Homeowners Insurance Market,” and ‘“Hearing on “The Factors Influencing the High Cost of Insurance for Consumers”’

    For photos and B-Roll of the event, click here.

    For the livestream of the event, click here.

    This event was held in Rayburn House Office Building; Room 2075.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: AMERICA 250: JOIN US ON JUNE 14, 2025

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    Join us in D.C. on Sat., June 14 for an unforgettable celebration of 250 years of the U.S. Army—the greatest fighting force in the history of the world.

    We’re marking this historic milestone with a once-in-a-lifetime military parade.

    INFO http://America250.org

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQx5CA7fjY8

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Wicker Leads SASC Hearing on the Department of the Army’s Posture and Readiness

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Mississippi Roger Wicker

    Watch Video Here

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today led a hearing on the Department of the Army’s posture and requirements for the challenges ahead.

    During the hearing, the committee received testimony from the Army’s senior civilian leader, Secretary Driscoll, and the highest-ranking commissioned officer within the Department of the Army, General George.

    In his opening remarks, Chairman Wicker emphasized that this hearing marked the beginning of the Army’s dialogue with Congress on the Army’s Transformation Initiative (ATI) and underscored the committee’s willingness to partner with Army leadership to address fundamental problems within the service.

    Read Senator Wicker’s hearing opening statement as delivered.

    Good morning. The Senate Armed Services Committee meets today to receive testimony on the posture of the United States Army. I want to thank our witnesses, Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll and the Chief of Staff of the Army General Randy George, for being here.  Unfortunately, it seems the detailed Fiscal Year 2026 budget will not be available for several more weeks.

    Nonetheless, we will benefit from speaking with you both, Secretary Driscoll and General George. In the past month, we’ve been speaking publicly about the Army Transformation Initiative, or “ATI”. This initiative seeks to change portions of the Army’s capabilities and force structure while maintaining the Army’s flat budget.

    The Army provided this committee with the first real set of details on the ATI about a week ago. This hearing marks the beginning of the Army’s discussion with Congress on the idea.  We are ready to work with you, gentlemen.

    In fact, we must work together rapidly to fix fundamental problems with the U.S. Army.  Since 2000, the list of failed Army modernization initiatives – such as the Comanche helicopter, the Crusader howitzer, and the Future Combat Systems – has continued to grow.

    Between 2002 and 2012, the Army spent $50 billion on programs it eventually canceled. The record in the past five years has been better but still contains significant missteps. The Army recently spent $2 billion on a scout helicopter that will never fly. Other cancellations of programs have followed, including the Strategic Long-Range Cannon program, the Extended Range Cannon Artillery programs, and the M-10 Booker armored infantry support vehicle, as well as the “Hum-Vee.”

    Fundamentally, the Army needs to decide how to adapt to the changing character of warfare and meet priority missions, particularly against China and Russia. Mr. Secretary, many ideas you propose in your Transformation Initiative and your budget will meet that mark. I think you will find widespread support for increasing investments in long-range fires and air and missile defense, as you proposed. I would note, however, the lack of logistics investments in your plan, given the Army’s central role in logistics in the Pacific – so perhaps we’ll talk about that.

    Mr. Secretary, I think you will find Congress a very willing partner when presented with convincing analysis that justifies investment changes. In particular, those changes should help American soldiers deter war and, if necessary, win in convincing fashion. Where we do disagree, will likely be in effects on the industrial base. Our defense industrial base is brittle. We cannot afford to let sites close, or we will lose the defense expertise of many skilled workers. We need investment strategies that recognize this. Our investments should provide stability and ensure the United States can maintain maximum competition. The Army cannot follow the “divest to invest” strategy that the Navy and Air Force have wanted to pursue. The United States faces too many threats today to leave gaps in capabilities. It will require tightly woven investment strategies among the Army, Congress, and industry to get this right.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Issa, Ernst Re-Introduce Bill to Protect Law-Abiding Gun Shops from ATF Overreach

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-50)

    Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) and Senator Joni Ernst (IA) re-introduced legislation to protect gun store owners from onerous Biden-era gun control policies, which instigated the ATF to unfairly target small firearms businesses and the legal products they sell to customers.

    The Fighting Irrational Regulatory Enforcement to Avert Retailers’ Misfortune (FIREARM) Act, provides a safe harbor for law-abiding Federal Firearms License (FFL) holders – granting them the ability to correct minor clerical mistakes and insulating them from ATF retribution. The bill also increases due process protections for these businesses and establishes a retroactive reapplication process for those whose FFLs were unduly revoked. Senator Ernst earlier this week introduced the Senate companion of the FIREARM Act.

    “The Biden Administration repeatedly undermined Second Amendment rights and weaponized federal agencies against law-abiding citizens and family-owned small businesses because they were part of the lawful firearms industry. This delivered a transparently unfair assault on the fundamental rights of Americans, and that’s why my friend Senator Ernst and I introduced the FIREARM Act. This bill prevents a repeat of that kind of government weaponization and puts in permanent safeguards for the future,” said Rep. Issa.

    “The Biden administration’s zero-tolerance policy empowered gun grabbers in Washington to infringe on the Second Amendment and shutter small businesses,” said Senator Ernst. “Iowans spoke loud and clear in November that they were tired of bureaucratic overreach. My FIREARM Act disarms the out-of-control ATF and ensures that the rights of law-abiding gun owners are protected.”

    “The firearms industry is a core enabler of our constitutional rights under the Second Amendment, as well as acritical component of our National Defense apparatus. As such, ensuring fair and transparent adjudication of licensing matters — to include a mechanism for voluntary disclosures and self-corrections — for federal firearms licensees is of paramount importance. FRAC applauds Representative Issa for his leadership on this issue and for spearheading this bold legislation, which aims to create accountability, transparency, and fairness in such adjudication process.” Travis R. White, President & CEO, Firearms Regulatory Accountability Coalition

    “Congressman Issa’s ‘FIREARM’ Act will ensure that future administrations cannot weaponize the ATF as a political gun control tool for special interests,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President & General Counsel. “Under the Biden administration, the firearm and ammunition industry witnessed the ATF being weaponized to carry out that administration’s extreme antigun policies. That damaged the cooperative relationships between firearm retailers, who are on the frontline preventing illegal straw purchases of firearms, and the ATF, which enforces laws to safeguard our communities. NSSF is thankful for Congressman Issa’s leadership to provide remedies that repair this necessary public trust in our federal agencies.”

    Specifically, the FIREARM Act:

    • Prohibits zero-tolerance ATF FFL policies
    • Creates a safe harbor for self-reported violations and provides FFLs 30 days to correct violations that are not self-reported
    • Requires ATF to work collaboratively with FFLs to fix violations
    • Explicitly defines “willful” to mean a voluntary, intentional violation of a known legal duty achieved through specific intent or deliberate planning
    • Gives FFLs the option of district court judicial review in cases of revocation
    • Creates a license restoration process for stores impacted by the previous Biden Administration weaponization

    Cosponsors: Reps. Claudia Tenney (NY-24), Randy Weber (TX-14), Derrick Van Orden (WI-3), Mike Collins (GA-10), Wesley Hunt (TX-38), Lauren Boebert (CO-4), Troy Downing (MT-2), Jeff Van Drew (NJ-2), Brett Guthrie (KY-2), Scott DesJarlais (TN-4), Gus M. Bilirakis (FL-12), Tim Burchett (TN-2), Cory Mills (FL-7), Michael Guest (MS-3), Pete Sessions (TX-17), David Kustoff (TN-8), Gabe Evans (CO-8), Scott Franklin (FL-18), Mary Miller (IL-15), Don Bacon (NE-2), Chuck Edwards (NC-11),Andy Biggs (AZ-5), Elise Stefanik (NY-21), Diana Harshbarger (TN-1), Ashley Hinson (IA-2), Clay Higgins (LA-3), and Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13). 

    Industry support includes the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) and Firearms Regulatory Accountability Coalition (FRAC).

    The bill text can be found here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Enhancing Joint Interoperability

    Source: United States Department of Defense (video statements)

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    @usarmy paratroopers attached to the @82ndAirborneDiv1 conduct combined force-on-force combat training alongside U.K partners as part of Swift Response 25 in Setermoen, Norway.

    For more on the Department of Defense, visit: http://www.defense.gov
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    Keep up with the Department of Defense on social media!

    Like the DoD on Facebook: http://facebook.com/DeptofDefense
    Follow the DoD on Twitter: http://twitter.com/DeptofDefense
    Follow the DoD on Instagram: http://instagram.com/DeptofDefense
    Follow the DoD on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/DeptofDefense

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dukIdBqINPc

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressmen Sorensen Confronts Army Secretary on Job Cuts at the Rock Island Arsenal During House Armed Services Committee Hearing

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17)

    Congressman Sorensen to Army Secretary Dan Driscoll: “We Can’t Afford for Expertise to be Lost [at the Rock Island Arsenal], […] Where We Have Always Bolstered Our Munition Production”

    Congressmen Eric Sorensen (IL-17) confronted U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll about the proposed job cuts at the Rock Island Arsenal during a House Armed Services Committee hearing. Congressman Sorensen expressed concerns that cuts at the Arsenal would damage our nation’s military readiness and demanded answers from Secretary Driscoll on the impact cuts would have on our national security.

    “I’m proud to stand up in Washington D.C. for the hardworking men and women at the Rock Island Arsenal who help to protect our national security and ensure our military’s readiness across the globe,” said Congressman Sorensen. “I took my concerns about job cuts at the Arsenal straight to the Army Secretary so we can get a clear picture of the impact this will have on my neighbors. Any decisions about the future of the Arsenal needs to be transparently discussed and well thought out because the work there is too important for our country.”

    During the hearing, Secretary Driscoll also acknowledged to Congressman Sorensen that the Rock Island Arsenal is the “gem in the assets and the tools that we have.” 

    You can watch the full exchange with Secretary Driscoll HERE.

    As a new member of the House Armed Services Committee, Congressman Sorensen has leveraged his position to strongly advocate for the Rock Island Arsenal. He led a bipartisan effort with Senators Chuck Grassley, Dick Durbin, and Tammy Duckworth to ensure the Department of Defense would not be jeopardizing our country’s military readiness with large job cuts. Earlier this year, he introduced the Arsenal Workload Sustainment Act, which would ensure the Rock Island Arsenal can remain competitive, create good-paying jobs, and sustain the regional economy. 
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cramer, Bennet Introduce Bill to Strengthen Quad Space Cooperation

    US Senate News:

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

    Click here for audio.

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, or the “Quad,” is an informal strategic forum for the militaries of the United States, Japan, India, and Australia. The partnership between the four countries is built upon common interests: promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific and addressing regional geopolitical challenges.  

    At a time when adversaries like China and Russia are increasingly utilizing space-based capabilities to expand their interests, U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND), co-chair of the Senate Space Force Caucus and chair of the Senate Armed Services (SASC) Airland Subcommittee, and Michael Bennet (D-CO) introduced the Quad Space Act of 2025. The bill would direct the Secretary of Defense to initiate discussions with Quad countries to identify mutual areas of interest with respect to the formulation of best practices in space, cooperation on space situational awareness, and space industrial policy. 

    The Quad Space Act of 2025 would also require the Secretary of Defense to submit a report to the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, detailing potential areas of mutual interests. Additionally, the report must outline potential steps the Secretary intends to take to formalize cooperation among Quad members. 

    “Maintaining space dominance is vital to protecting the stability and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region,” said Cramer. “The Quad’s alignment addresses shared security challenges between our countries, and we recognize the importance of space as a strategic domain. The Quad Space Act protects our interests by deepening space cooperation with trusted partners and reaffirming our commitment to advancing a free and open region.”  

    “As China and Russia rapidly develop dangerous space capabilities and behave recklessly in space, the United States must bolster cooperation with our Quad partners to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said Bennet. “The Quad Space Act will enhance our collective capacity to address shared challenges by better ensuring safe and secure space missions, tracking objects and activities in space, and fostering shared innovation.” 

    Click here for bill text.

    MIL OSI USA News –