NewzIntel.com

Category: Military Intelligence

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Remarks made by Technology Secretary Peter Kyle at the Munich Security Conference

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Technology Secretary Peter Kyle spoke about the the UK’s approach to the responsible development of artificial intelligence at the Munich Security Conference.

    Innovation is defined by its ability to surprise.

    Only a few years ago, GPT-2 meant nothing to the public.

    For many of us, AI felt like a distant possibility at best.

    Something that would never – could never – live up to the hype.

    And yet, overnight, ChatGPT became a household name.

    It unleashed an unprecedented wave of technological change. 

    And the pace of progress shows no signs of slowing down.

    With DeepSeek, we’ve just seen once again just how sudden, how unpredictable, innovation can be.

    The AI revolution is happening.

    Ignoring it is simply not an option.

    In the UK, we reject the doomsayers and the pessimists.

    Because we are optimistic about the extraordinary potential of this technology.

    And hopeful for the radical, far-reaching change it will bring.

    We launched the AI Opportunities Action Plan to put us on the front foot.

    Working in collaboration with our international partners, we’re going to create one of the biggest clusters of AI innovation in the world and deliver a new era of prosperity and wealth creation for our country.

    This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity.

    If we can seize it, we will close the door on a decade of slow growth and stagnant productivity.

    Of taxes that are just too high.

    We will deliver new jobs that put more money in working people’s pockets.

    And we will drive forward a digital revolution inside government to make our state smaller, smarter, and more efficient.

    But none of that is possible unless we can mitigate its risks that AI presents.

    After all, businesses will only use these technologies if they can trust them.

    Security and innovation go hand in hand.

    AI is a powerful tool and powerful tools can be misused.

    State-sponsored hackers are using AI to write malicious code and identify system vulnerabilities, increasing the sophistication and efficiency of their attacks.

    Criminals are using AI deepfakes to assist in fraud, breaching security by impersonating officials.

    Last year, attackers used live deepfake technology during a video call to mimic bank officials.  

    They stole $25 million. 

    And now we are seeing instances of people using AI to assist them in planning violent and harmful acts.

    These aren’t distant possibilities.

    They are real, tangible harms, happening right now.

    The implications for our people could be pervasive and profound.

    In the UK, we have built the largest team in a government dedicated to understanding AI capabilities and risks in the world.

    That work is rooted in the strength of our partnerships with the companies who are right at the frontier of AI.

    Working with those companies, the government can conduct scientifically informed tests to understand new AI capabilities and the risks they pose.

    Make no mistake, I’m talking about risks to our people, their way of life, and the sovereignty and stability which underpins it.

    That is why today, I am renaming our AI Safety Institute as the AI Security Institute.

    This change brings us into line with what most people would expect an Institute like this to be doing.

    They are not looking into freedom of speech.

    They are not deciding what counts as bias or discrimination.

    They are not politicians – nor should they be.

    They are scientists – scientists who are squarely focused on rigorous research into the most serious emerging risks.

    They are researching AI’s potential to assist with the development of chemical and biological weapons.

    They are building on the expertise of our National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to understand how this technology could be used to help malicious actors commit cyber-attacks.

    They want to understand how AI could undermine human control.

    Our research shows that those risks are clear:

    There has been a clear upward trend in AI system capabilities most relevant to national security in the past 18 months.

    • For the first time last year, AI models demonstrated PhD-level performance on chemistry and biology question sets.

    • The safeguards designed to prevent these models doing harm are not currently sufficient.

    • Every model tested by the Institute is vulnerable to safeguard evasion attacks. 

    • And it is almost certain that these capabilities will continue to improve, while novel risks will emerge from systems acting as autonomous agents to complete tasks with only limited human instruction. 

    The more we understand these risks, the better we can work with companies to address them.

    And the faster we can keep our nation safe, the faster our people can embrace the potential of AI to create wealth and improve their lives.

    There are certain security risks which require immediate action.

    That is why the Security Institute will collaborate with the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, the Ministry of Defence’s science and technology organisation, to assess the dual-use scientific capabilities of frontier AI.

    Today, we are also launching a criminal misuse team in the Security Institute, who will partner directly with the Home Office to conduct research on a range of crime and security issues which threaten to harm our citizens.

    Earlier this month, the UK set out plans to make it illegal to own AI tools optimised to make images of child sexual abuse.

    Reports of AI-generated child sexual abuse material found online by the Internet Watch Foundation have quadrupled in a single year.

    The Security Institute will work with the Home Office to explore what more we can do to prevent abusers using AI to commit their sickening crimes.

    A security risk is a security risk, no matter where it comes from.

    US companies have shown the lead in taking security risks seriously.

    But we need to scrutinise all models regardless of their jurisdiction of origin.

    So I’ve instructed the Security Institute to take a leading role in testing AI models wherever they come from, open or closed.

    While we can’t discuss these results publicly, we will share them with our allies.

    We are alive to the security risks of today.

    But we need to focus on tomorrow, too, and the day after that.

    We are now seeing the glimmers of AI agents that can act autonomously, of their own accord.

    The 2025 International AI Safety Report, led by Yoshua Bengio, warns us that – without the checks and balances of people directing them – we must consider the possibility that risks won’t just come from malicious actors misusing AI models, but from the models themselves.

    We don’t yet know the full extent of these risks.

    However, as we deploy AI across our economy, our society, and the critical infrastructure that keeps our nation secure, we cannot afford to ignore them.

    Because losing oversight and control of advanced AI systems, particularly Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), would be catastrophic.

    It must be avoided at all costs.

    I want to be clear exactly what this testing is, and what it’s not.

    It’s not a barrier to market access. Not a blocker to innovation.

    It is urgent scientific work to understand serious risks to our country.

    Governments are not passive bystanders in the AI revolution.

    We have agency in how AI shapes our society.

    And we have a responsibility to use that agency to defend our democratic way of life.

    Only countries with a deep and knowing understanding of this technology will be able to build the capacity they need to deliver for their citizens in the twenty-first century.

    But success is not a given.

    It depends on the democratic world rallying together to maintain our leadership in AI.

    Together, we can protect our fundamental values – freedom, openness, and opportunity.

    If we do that, we won’t just keep our people safe.

    We will ensure that they are first to benefit from the new era of wealth and prosperity which AI will bring.

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kehoe Orders Flags to Fly at Half-Staff in Honor of United States Army Staff Sergeant Shelbe Faye Butner

    Source: US State of Missouri

    FEBRUARY 14, 2025

    Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe ordered U.S. and Missouri flags be flown at half-staff at all government buildings in Macon County on Sunday, February 16, 2025, from sunrise to sunset in honor of U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Shelbe Faye Butner, who was tragically killed in the line of duty on January 30, 2025, while conducting a training exercise at Fort Stewart United States Army post in Georgia.

    “Staff Sergeant Shelbe Faye Butner was dedicated to serving our country with honor, courage, and unwavering commitment,” said Governor Mike Kehoe. “Staff Sergeant Butner considered the welfare of others a personal responsibility and was guided by her love of country to serve our nation. Her sacrifice reminds us of the bravery and dedication of the men and women who put themselves in harm’s way to protect our freedoms. Claudia and I join Shelbe’s family and friends in honoring her service and mourning her loss.”

    A 2015 graduate of Macon High School, Staff Sergeant Butner enlisted in the U.S. Army on June 1, 2015. She earned the Military Occupational Specialty Code 88M as an Army Motor Transport Operator and completed several advanced training courses, including the Army Basic Leader Course, Air Assault School, and Drill Sergeant School. She was assigned to the 6th Squadron – 8th Cavalry Regiment, where she was promoted to Staff Sergeant on August 1, 2022.

    Staff Sergeant Butner was a proud and accomplished soldier, serving in the United States Army for nine years, including a tour in Kuwait. Throughout her career, Staff Sergeant Butner earned many commendations, including the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War Expeditionary Medal, and numerous others.

    The flags will be flown at half-staff on the day of Butner’s interment services. To view the governor’s proclamation, click here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Congress, not the president, decides on government spending − a constitutional law professor explains how the ‘power of the purse’ works

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Zachary Price, Associate Professor of Law, University of California College of the Law, San Francisco

    Congress has the authority to spend the nation’s money. Presidents try to get around that limitation. ATU Images-The Image Bank/Getty Images

    Because of the Trump administration’s efforts to cut staff and spending, Congress’ “power of the purse” has been in the news lately. Many of these actions have been challenged in court.

    I’m a law professor who has written about Congress’ power of the purse and some of the legal and constitutional issues that surround it. Here’s a brief explanation of the concept – and of why you should care about it.

    How it works

    Under the U.S. Constitution, Congress holds what’s commonly called the “power of the purse.” Congress, in other words, holds the authority to control government expenditures.

    Concretely, Congress may enact laws that raise revenue through taxes and import duties, and it may also spend money for “the common Defence and general Welfare,” terms in the Constitution that are understood to cover almost any spending that Congress thinks is a good idea.

    The Constitution, however, provides that “[n]o Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law.” Because of this clause, officials may not spend any government money unless a statute “appropriates,” or makes available, specific funds for the relevant purpose.

    Although the Constitution forbids any appropriation for the Army that lasts longer than two years, Congress can choose in other contexts whether to provide an appropriation permanently or only for a prescribed length of time. Some benefits programs such as Social Security today have permanent appropriations, but most government agencies receive funds for their operations for just a year at a time.

    James Madison, who wrote much of the U.S. Constitution, said Congress’ power of the purse was ‘the most complete and effectual weapon with which any constitution can arm the immediate representatives of the people.’
    wynnter-iStock/Getty Images Plus

    Leverage over policy and presidents

    Why does all of this matter?

    Historically, the British Parliament’s control over government funds created a powerful check on the crown, and Parliament developed the practice of annual appropriations to ensure that it would always have leverage over royal policy.

    Reflecting this history, James Madison, the fourth president and a leading figure in the Constitutional Convention, wrote in the Federalist Papers that the power of the purse was “the most complete and effectual weapon with which any constitution can arm the immediate representatives of the people, for obtaining a redress of every grievance, and for carrying into effect every just and salutary measure.”

    This sort of leverage over policy still matters. American presidents today exercise vast powers. Over time, Congress has conferred extensive regulatory authorities on administrative agencies that operate under the president’s supervision.

    Congress has also established a large Army, Navy, and Air Force over which the president is commander in chief. Presidents, moreover, have claimed the power to employ these armed forces in significant ways even without a declaration of war or other specific authorization from Congress.

    Congress’ power of the purse gives it a say in how these powers are exercised. If Congress doesn’t like what an administrative agency is doing, it can cut its budget or deny funds for enforcing certain regulations – something it does regularly.

    Likewise, Congress can deny funds for certain military operations or impose constraints on military activities – something it also does with some regularity. In the 1970s, Congress helped end the Vietnam War in part by withholding appropriations for military activities in Indochina.

    Who’s in charge here?

    Annual appropriations also give rise to the frustrating phenomenon of government “shutdowns”: If annual funding runs out before Congress enacts new appropriations, government agencies generally must halt operations.

    On the whole, however, annual appropriations continue to serve much the same purpose in the United States that they did in Britain: They provide a potent check on the executive branch.

    Given how strong this check is, it may not be surprising that presidents have sought ways to get around it.

    President Donald Trump, right, and Elon Musk, left, are cutting congressionally approved government programs and staff – an effort that may be unconstitutional.
    Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

    Based on debatable legal claims, President Barack Obama continued certain health insurance subsidies under the Affordable Care Act even after Congress denied appropriations for them. President Joe Biden attempted massive student debt relief without clear authority from Congress. Courts blocked both those actions, but now the new Trump administration has adopted several controversial policies that implicate Congress’ power of the purse.

    On the one hand, the administration has apparently offered many federal employees nine months of paid leave if they agree to resign from federal service. But the legal basis for these offers is unclear, and it may be that no current appropriation by Congress provides funds for them.

    On the other hand, the administration has attempted to “pause” certain government spending, even though existing appropriations made by Congress may require at least some of this spending.

    These actions could violate not only Congress’ constitutional power of the purse but also specific statutes that Congress has enacted to reinforce its constitutional power.

    The buyout offers could violate a law called the Anti-Deficiency Act that makes it unlawful, and sometimes criminal, for government officials to commit to spending money without an appropriation providing the necessary funds.

    For their part, the pauses could violate a 1974 law called the Impoundment Control Act that generally forbids the government from delaying or withholding spending that Congress has mandated. Courts are now considering challenges to these actions based on these laws and other issues.

    Trump may be hoping that Congress will cure any legal problems by ratifying these actions after the fact in its next round of appropriations legislation. But if Trump is indeed defying Congress’ spending laws and yet faces no consequences, his actions could chip away at Congress’ authority to check presidential policies in the future through its spending choices.

    James Madison would not have been pleased.

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

    – ref. Congress, not the president, decides on government spending − a constitutional law professor explains how the ‘power of the purse’ works – https://theconversation.com/congress-not-the-president-decides-on-government-spending-a-constitutional-law-professor-explains-how-the-power-of-the-purse-works-248644

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says antidepressants are harder to quit than heroin – is he right?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Colin Davidson, Professor of Neuropharmacology, University of Central Lancashire

    Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been sworn in as the US health and human services secretary, despite saying a few things that raised eyebrows during his confirmation hearing. One of those things was the claim that some people have a harder time coming off antidepressants than they do coming off heroin. He was referring specifically to the current generation of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs.

    RFK Jr. is known for saying controversial things about medicine, but is he right on this count?

    Coming off SSRIs can indeed be difficult, causing “SSRI discontinuation syndrome” in some people. The syndrome is characterised by flu-like symptoms, including dizziness, nausea, headaches and tiredness. In most cases, the symptoms are mild and short-lived.

    People trying to come off antidepressants who experience these types of symptom sometimes believe their depression has returned, and will start taking their antidepressant pills again. Differentiating between returning depression and SSRI discontinuation syndrome can be difficult. And it can lead to people continuing to take their antidepressant medication even though they no longer need it.

    Evidence suggests that SSRIs with short half-lives (where the drug is rapidly broken down in the body) are more likely to cause discontinuation syndrome. These drugs include paroxetine and fluvoxamine, which cause discontinuation syndrome in about 7% of people. Antidepressants with a long half-life – such as sertraline and fluoxetine – only cause the syndrome in about 2% of people.

    Other studies suggest that discontinuation syndrome may be as high as 40% when people stop taking SSRIs abruptly.

    The situation is further complicated in that some SSRIs, when broken down by the body, have active metabolites. These metabolites can have similar effects to the SSRI and effectively prolong the half-life of the drug.

    So fluoxetine, which has quite a long half-life and an active metabolite, rarely triggers discontinuation syndrome. On the other hand, paroxetine has a short half-life and no active metabolites and is the SSRI most likely to cause withdrawal effects, accounting for about 65% of cases.

    The simplest explanation for discontinuation syndrome is that coming off these drugs leads to an abrupt and rapid reduction in serotonin, the neurotransmitter thought to mediate the initial antidepressant effects. This is a gross oversimplification, but appropriate levels of serotonin make you happy and relaxed, while low levels make you sad and anxious.

    This serotonin discontinuation theory is supported by studies in rats, although other neurotransmitters are almost certainly involved.

    How does this compare to heroin withdrawal?

    Heroin activates a protein found in the brain, spinal cord and gastrointestinal tract called the mu opioid receptor. When activated, these receptors reduce the perception of pain by blocking pain signals in the nervous system.

    More users of heroin experience a withdrawal syndrome compared to users of SSRIs. Around 85% of opioid users who inject the drug experience severe withdrawal symptoms when they come off it. As with SSRIs, opioid withdrawal syndrome severity depends on how long they have been used for and the half-life of the specific opioid.

    The half-life of heroin is very short, which would suggest that it will cause severe withdrawal symptoms. However, heroin produces two active metabolites when it is broken down in the body, 6-MAM and morphine, which, like heroin, activate mu opioid receptors.

    But these metabolites do not activate the mu opioid receptor to the same extent as heroin. So in most cases of heroin withdrawal, significant symptoms occur as mu opioid receptors quickly shift from a state of high to low activation, leading to severe effects.

    Symptoms include drug craving, anxiety, nausea, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, fever and increased heart rate. These are all caused by changes to opioid receptors in the brain and gut. The gastrointestinal symptoms tend to be shorter lasting, whereas the psychological symptoms, such as anxiety and irritability, can last for years.

    Withdrawal from heroin often requires treatment with methadone or buprenorphine, two drugs that activate the mu opioid receptor but which have long half-lives.

    Typically, someone trying to come off heroin would go to the pharmacist and get a daily dose of methadone or buprenorphine. This is so-called substitution therapy because the new drug (methadone) substitutes for heroin.

    Methadone has many advantages over heroin, including that it is free (no need for criminality to get money for heroin), clean (no need to use potentially dirty needles or potentially contaminated heroin) and less addictive, with reduced side-effects.

    Heroin withdrawal is a relatively more common and more serious condition. But individual patients can still have a terrible time coming off SSRIs and a relatively easier time coming off heroin.

    How do you come off SSRIs?

    To come off SSRIs with minimal chance of a withdrawal syndrome, especially for the short-acting SSRIs, you should taper off the dose. This means that you would take progressively smaller and smaller doses over several weeks or months before coming off completely. Recent medical advice suggests that the tapering should be over a longer period than originally thought, and the final doses should be much lower.

    You could also switch from a short-acting SSRI to one with a long half-life like fluoxetine, and then taper off fluoxetine, which should be easier than tapering off paroxetine.

    Doctors should also consider “nocebo” effects. Just as doctors can increase placebo effects by being positive about a treatment, they can also increase negative effects (nocebo effects) by focusing on potential side-effects. So if your doctor focuses too much on a potential SSRI withdrawal syndrome, you will be more likely to experience negative effects.

    In addition to tapering off SSRIs very slowly, several drugs are available to mitigate the withdrawal effects of SSRIs. These include anxiety-reducing drugs, such as benzodiazepines, and antiemetic drugs, such as ondansetron for nausea.

    RFK Jr. has made several debatable statements related to health, including, for example, on vaccinations. On this occasion, though, concerning antidepressants, there is considerable evidence that coming off of SSRIs can be very difficult. But, for most people, it is unlikely that it would be as difficult as coming off heroin.

    Colin Davidson has previously received funding from the NIH (USA) and the European Community for projects related to drug abuse. His PhD, on the SSRI paroxetine, was sponsored by GSK. He is currently a consultant on psychoactive substances for the UK Defence Science Technology Labs and is a member of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (UK). The views expressed here are his own.

    – ref. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says antidepressants are harder to quit than heroin – is he right? – https://theconversation.com/robert-f-kennedy-jr-says-antidepressants-are-harder-to-quit-than-heroin-is-he-right-248937

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Galaxy S25 Series Arrives Locally

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has announced the local availability of the new Galaxy S25 series. Together with One UI 7, Gemini is officially available at launch in 46 languages,1 making it easier than ever to perform seamless interactions across Samsung and Google apps.

    “The Galaxy S25 series is a fundamental shift in how we interact with our phones,” said TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “We are thrilled to see how our users will enjoy this true AI companion that offers seamless and intuitive solutions in their daily lives.”
     
    On the Galaxy S25 series, AI agents with multimodal capabilities are integrated within the One UI 72 platform to perform complex tasks seamlessly across apps and enable natural user interactions through speech, text, videos and images. Now Brief3 provides tailored suggestions to guide through the day and Now Bar4 offers a new hub for ongoing activities. From enhanced productivity with Writing Assist to limitless creativity unleashed by Drawing Assist,5 the expanded capabilities of  Galaxy AI6 continue to empower users in every aspect of their daily lives.
     
    Interactions with the Galaxy S25 series are also more intuitive. With just a single command, Gemini7 can effortlessly find a user’s favourite sports team’s schedule and add it to Samsung Calendar. Additionally, Google’s enhanced Circle to Search8 now gives users more helpful information with AI Overviews and one-tap actions.

    The Galaxy S25 series further refines and enhances the core capabilities that define the Galaxy experience. Powering the Galaxy S25 series globally, the Snapdragon® 8 Elite Mobile Platform for Galaxy fuels on-device processing for more responsive AI experiences. With unique customisations for Galaxy, including ProScaler9 and Samsung’s mobile Digital Natural Image engine (mDNIe), the Galaxy S25 series boasts enhanced AI image processing and display power efficiency. The newly introduced 50MP ultrawide camera sensor for the Galaxy S25 Ultra delivers epic shots from every range in exceptional clarity, while professional grade controls like Virtual Aperture and Samsung Log turn any photo or video into the ultimate visual experience.
     
    The Galaxy S25 series is the industry’s first smartphone lineup to support Content Credentials, based on the open technical standard from the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA). Samsung has also joined the C2PA as a member, alongside industry leaders including Adobe, Microsoft, OpenAI, Google, Publicis Groupe and more, all collaborating to establish Content Credentials as the universal standard for digital content provenance. In line with its commitment to responsible mobile AI innovation, Samsung adopted this standard to enhance transparency for content created and edited with generative AI.
     
    Starting February 14, the Galaxy S25 series will be widely available through carriers and retailers and on Samsung websites. Galaxy S25 Ultra is available in Titanium Silverblue, Titanium Black, Titanium Whitesilver and Titanium Gray. Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25+ come in Navy, Silver Shadow, Icyblue and Mint.
     
    All Galaxy S25 devices will come with six months of Gemini Advanced and 2TB of cloud storage at no extra cost. Gemini Advanced comes with Samsung’s most capable AI models and priority access to the newest features like Gems, custom AI experts for any topic, and Deep Research, which acts as a personal AI research assistant.
     
    1 Supported languages include Arabic, Bengali, Bulgarian, Chinese (Simplified / Traditional), Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Farsi, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Gujarati, Hebrew, Hindi, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Kannada, Korean, Latvian, Lithuanian, Malayalam, Marathi, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish, Swahili, Swedish, Tamil, Telugu, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, Urdu and Vietnamese.
    2The official One UI 7 release will commence with the latest Galaxy S series devices. The update is expected to gradually roll out to other Galaxy devices.
    3 Now Brief feature requires Samsung Account login. Service availability may vary by country, language, device model, or apps. Some features may require a network connection.
    4 Availability of functions supported within the apps may vary by country. Some functional widgets may require a network connection and/or Samsung Account login.
    5 Drawing Assist feature requires a network connection and Samsung Account login. A visible watermark is overlaid on the image output upon saving in order to indicate that the image is generated by AI. The accuracy and reliability of the generated output is not guaranteed.
    6 Samsung Account login may be required to use certain Samsung AI features. Samsung does not make any promises, assurances or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or reliability of the output provided by AI features. Availability of Galaxy AI features may vary depending on the region/country, OS/One UI version, device model and phone carrier. Some function availability may vary by device model. Galaxy AI service may be limited for minors in certain regions with age restrictions over AI usage. Galaxy AI features will be provided for free until the end of 2025 on supported Samsung Galaxy devices. Different terms may apply for AI features provided by third parties.
    7 Gemini Extensions feature availability varies based on content. Internet connection, Android device, and set up required. Language availability varies. Results for illustrative purposes and may vary. Check responses for accuracy.
    8 Sequences shortened and simulated. Results for illustrative purposes only. Service availability may vary by country, language, or device model. Requires internet connection. Users may need to update Android and Google app to the latest version. Results may vary depending on visual or audio matches. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed. Works on compatible apps and surfaces, and with ambient music only. Will not identify music coming through headphones or if phone volume is off.
    9 ProScaler feature is supported on Galaxy S25+ and Ultra models. Image quality can be enhanced up to QHD+, depending on the screen resolution setting of the device.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin, Duckworth Join Entire Democratic Caucus To Raise Alarm Over Trump Administration Pushing Illegal, Indiscriminate Funding Cuts To NIH, Derailing Lifesaving Medical Research

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    February 13, 2025

    Illinois receives $1.23 billion in NIH funding that supports more than 14,200 jobs and $3.46 billion in economic activity

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today joined U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), as well as the entire Senate Democratic Caucus, in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. expressing serious alarm over the Trump Administration’s recent decisions that threaten to undermine America’s biomedical research infrastructure and setting progress back generations.  The steps the Trump Administration has taken would create a serious funding shortfall for research institutions nationwide, threaten to undermine progress on lifesaving scientific advancements, and could cost the U.S. economy billions of dollars while threatening the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of workers. 

    “As the largest public funder of biomedical research in the world, NIH plays a critical role in sustaining the research infrastructure necessary for scientific breakthroughs in cancer treatment, infectious disease prevention, and medical technology innovation, among many others.  President Trump has wreaked havoc on the nation’s biomedical research system in recent weeks.  In his first several days in office, President Trump imposed a hiring freeze, communications freeze, ban on travel, and cancellation of grant review and advisory panels that are necessary to advance research.  While some of these efforts have been reversed, they continue to cause confusion and miscommunication among researchers and recipients of NIH funds,” the lawmakers wrote.

    Last week, NIH announced it would set the maximum reimbursement rate for indirect costs to 15 percent—creating a serious funding shortfall for research institutions of all types across the country.  This move would dismantle the biomedical research system and stifle the development of new cures for disease.  It won’t produce cost savings—it will just shift costs to states who can’t afford to pay the difference.  Importantly, this action by the Trump Administration is illegal—Congress’ bipartisan Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Bill prohibits modifications to NIH’s indirect costs.

    “This change to NIH’s indirect cost rate represents an indiscriminate funding cut that will be nothing short of catastrophic for the lifesaving research that patients and families are counting on.  The Administration’s new policy means that research will come to a halt, sick kids may not get the treatment they need, and clinical trials may shut down abruptly,” the Senators wrote.  On Monday, a federal judge in Boston temporarily blocked the NIH rate cut and set a hearing for February 21.

    The Senators’ letter points out that, in addition to the stifling impact on discovering new cures and ripping away treatment from those who need it, changes to NIH policy and communications threaten jobs in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.  NIH research supported more than 412,000 jobs and fueled nearly $93 billion in new economic activity in Fiscal Year 2023 and every dollar the NIH invests in research generates almost $2.50 in economic activity. 

    “The Trump Administration has left researchers, universities, and health systems with great uncertainty about whether they can continue to support entire research programs and patient clinical trials across the country.  Institutions and grantees nationwide are dealing with an unprecedented external communications ‘pause’ enacted by new leadership at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the lack of transparency regarding the Administration’s illegal funding freeze, and the uncertainty of how new Executive Orders would be applied to their critical work.  These actions resulted in NIH freezing grant reviews and cancelling advisory meetings, delaying critical funding that scientists need to continue advancing new cures and treatments.  These disruptions do not just slow research—they cost lives,” the Senators continued.

    “Our standing as a world leader in funding and producing new medical and scientific innovations has been put at risk by these recent actions from the Trump Administration.  We urge you to stop playing political games with the lifesaving work of the NIH and to allow NIH research to continue uninterrupted,” the lawmakers wrote.

    The letter was signed by the entire Senate Democratic caucus.  In addition to Durbin, Duckworth, and Murray, U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR) signed onto the letter.

    Durbin has long been a strong advocate for robust medical research.  His legislation, the American Cures Act, would provide annual budget increases of five percent plus inflation at America’s top four biomedical research agencies: NIH, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Department of Defense Health Program, and the Veterans Medical and Prosthetics Research Program. Thanks to Durbin’s efforts to increase medical research funding, Congress has provided NIH with a 60 percent funding increase over the past decade.

    A PDF of the letter is available HERE and the full text is below:

    February 13, 2025

    Dear Secretary Kennedy,

    We write to express our serious concern with the Trump Administration’s recent decisions that threaten to undermine the nation’s biomedical research infrastructure and set us back generations. The steps the Trump Administration has taken will create a serious funding shortfall for research institutions nationwide, threaten to undermine progress on lifesaving scientific advancements, could cost the U.S. economy billions of dollars, and threaten the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of workers. 

    As the largest public funder of biomedical research in the world, NIH plays a critical role in sustaining the research infrastructure necessary for scientific breakthroughs in cancer treatment, infectious disease prevention, and medical technology innovation, among many others. President Trump has wreaked havoc on the nation’s biomedical research system in recent weeks. In his first several days in office, President Trump imposed a hiring freeze, communications freeze, ban on travel, and cancellation of grant review and advisory panels that are necessary to advance research. While some of these efforts have been reversed, they continue to cause confusion and miscommunication among researchers and recipients of NIH funds.

    Just last week, NIH announced an illegal plan to cap indirect cost rates that research institutions rely on. In capping indirect cost rates at 15 percent for NIH-funded grants, this policy would cut funding essential for conducting research, such as operating and maintaining laboratories, equipment, and research facilities. This change to NIH’s indirect cost rate represents an indiscriminate funding cut that will be nothing short of catastrophic for the lifesaving research that patients and families are counting on. The Administration’s new policy means that research will come to a halt, sick kids may not get the treatment they need, and clinical trials may shut down abruptly.

    These confusing and harmful policy changes threaten patient safety. The strength of the American research enterprise – recognized as the best in the world – is built on Congress’ bipartisan commitment to supporting essential research infrastructure. This funding, which Congress has long appropriated on a bipartisan basis, fuels groundbreaking medical discoveries and cements the United States’ position as the global leader in biomedical research.

    In addition to the stifling impact on discovering new cures and ripping away treatment from those who need it, changes to NIH policy and communications threaten jobs in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, with everyone from custodians, to research trainees, to scientists facing potential layoffs. NIH research supported more than 412,000 jobs and fueled nearly $93 billion in new economic activity in Fiscal Year 2023. Every dollar the NIH invests in research generates almost $2.50 in economic activity. These reckless policy changes not only threaten biomedical innovation and research, but also the livelihoods of thousands of workers in every state across the nation.

    The Trump Administration has left researchers, universities, and health systems with great uncertainty about whether they can continue to support entire research programs and patient clinical trials across the country. Institutions and grantees nationwide are dealing with an unprecedented external communications “pause” enacted by new leadership at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the lack of transparency regarding the Administration’s illegal funding freeze, and the uncertainty of how new Executive Orders would be applied to their critical work. These actions resulted in NIH freezing grant reviews and cancelling advisory meetings, delaying critical funding that scientists need to continue advancing new cures and treatments. These disruptions do not just slow research – they cost lives.

    The NIH plays a critical role in our nation’s efforts to fund scientific advancements that improve health and save lives. Our standing as a world leader in funding and producing new medical and scientific innovations has been put at risk by these recent actions from the Trump Administration. We urge you to stop playing political games with the lifesaving work of the NIH and to allow NIH research to continue uninterrupted.

    Sincerely,

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defendant Convicted in Bank Fraud Conspiracy Case Receives Sentence in Federal Court

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SHREVEPORT, La. – Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Elijah D. Brown, 24, has been sentenced by United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. for conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Brown was sentenced to 63 months in prison, to run consecutive to a 42-month federal prison sentence he is currently serving for illegal possession of a machine gun, for a total of 105 months (8 years, 9 months) in prison. In addition, Brown was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,254,790.

    In April 2024, a federal grand jury in Shreveport returned an indictment charging 21 defendants in connection with a federal bank fraud case in the Shreveport area. All of those defendants have now entered guilty pleas or entered into pretrial diversion agreements. A summary of the 20 remaining defendants and their status is as follows:

    Defendant Name

    Conviction/Sentence

    Destane Glass, 23,

    Shreveport, LA
    • Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud
    • Sentencing set for 3/27/25

    Sharmaine Jackson, 26,

    Shreveport, LA
    • Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud
    • Sentencing set for 6/5/2025

    ZarRajah Z. Watkins, 23,

    Shreveport, LA
    • Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud
    • Sentencing set for 4/24/2025

    Arazhia R. Gully, 24,

    Bossier City, LA
    • Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud
    • Sentencing set for 2/20/2025

    Eric D. Loud, 24,

    Shreveport, LA
    • Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud
    • Sentencing set for 3/20/2025

    Maya L. Green, 24,

    Bossier City, LA
    • Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud
    • Sentencing set for 3/27/2025

    Olivia M. Deboe, 23,

    Shreveport, LA
    • Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud
    • Sentenced to 3 years supervised probation and ordered to pay $34,261.81 in restitution

    Donte N. Larrimore, 24,

    Shreveport, LA
    • Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud
    • Sentenced to 3 years supervised probation

    Shamaya S. Pouncy, 27,

    Shreveport, LA
    • Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud
    • Sentenced to 9 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $9,317.50

    Precious Wilbert, 25,

    Shreveport, LA
    • Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud
    • Sentenced to 3 years of supervised probation

    Cynthia R. Bryant, 22,

    Shreveport, LA
    • Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud
    • Sentencing set for 4/10/2025

    Trameka McGinty, 25,

    Shreveport, LA
    • Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud
    • Sentencing set for 3/27/2025

    Shaquentalas B. McGinty,

    26, Shreveport, LA
    • Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud
    • Sentencing set for 6/5/25

    Javonte J. Lejay, 28,

    Shreveport, LA
    • Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud
    • Sentencing set for 3/27/2025

    Octavia L. Mitchell, 33,

    Shreveport, LA
    • Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud
    • Sentencing set for 3/20/2025

    Shmarrian J. Taylor, 27,

    Shreveport, LA
    • Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud
    • Sentencing set for 3/27/2025

    Rakeydra S. Shepherd, 28,

    Shreveport, LA
    • Pleaded guilty to possession of a counterfeit security
    • Sentencing set for 2/20/2025

    Tina Marie Bryant, 43,

    Shreveport, LA
    • Entered into Pretrial Diversion Agreement

    Lakysa S. Barfield, 26,

    Shreveport, LA
    • Entered into Pretrial Diversion Agreement

    Kyra D. Washington-Bates,

    24, Shreveport, LA
    • Entered into Pretrial Diversion Agreement

    This scheme to defraud began in January 2021 and continued through October 31, 2022. The defendants admitted to their involvement in the conspiracy to defraud banks including USAA Savings Bank (“USAA Bank”), Navy Federal Credit Union, JP Morgan Chase Bank, Barksdale Federal Credit Union and Bank of America. 

    Arazhiah Gully, Maya Green and ZarRajah Watkins worked at Teleperformance, a multinational company that provided business services including a call center in Shreveport. The call center provided customer service to USAA Bank. Gully, Green and Watkins all had access to USAA Bank customer information including names of customers, their ages, account balances, and account numbers. These three defendants admitted to conspiring with Destane Glass, Elijah Brown, Sharmaine Jackson, and others to defraud USAA Bank. Gully, Green and Watkins improperly obtained account holder information so that it could be used by others to create counterfeit USAA Bank checks, and they were paid to provide the account information. Counterfeit checks traced to accounts that these defendants accessed totaled over $4 million.

    Glass, Brown and Jackson used social media and other methods to recruit individuals in the Shreveport area with bank accounts to use their accounts to deposit the counterfeit checks to make money. The co-defendants involved in the scheme would open accounts at various financial institutions under their own names and then provide their access cards and login information to other co-defendants. Counterfeit checks were then provided to these co-defendants to be deposited into their own personal bank accounts, and they were instructed to withdraw the funds in various ways, including making withdrawals at local casinos, through ATMs, Apple Cash payments, and PayPal payments. After withdrawing the money, the defendants would meet Glass, Brown, Jackson and other co-defendants in various places, including casino parking lots, and give the funds to them, with a portion of the proceeds going to the one who made the withdrawal. Activity in the casinos were captured by the surveillance cameras at those locations which helped solve the case. The counterfeit checks that were deposited were in varying amounts ranging from $5,000 to $40,000. 

    “The defendants involved in this conspiracy shamelessly targeted vulnerable elderly victims, stealing their personal identifying and bank account information and using it to take advantage of them,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook. “We urge everyone to make a habit of checking your bank accounts regularly to avoid becoming a victim of this type of fraud. If you see suspicious transactions, report it to your bank immediately.”

    This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Louisiana State Police and Shreveport Police Department and was prosecuted by Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Readout of PTDO Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Alex Velez-Green’s Meeting With Bahrain National Security Advisor Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa

    Source: United States Department of Defense

    LtCol Garron Garn, USMC, provided the following readout:

    (Performing The Duties Of) Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, Mr. Alex Velez-Green, met with Bahrain National Security Advisor Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa at the Pentagon yesterday to review U.S.-Bahrain defense cooperation and exchange views on regional security issues. Mr. Velez-Green expressed appreciation for Bahrain’s support to U.S.-led regional operations as host of USNAVCENT, and the broader security partnership in light of Bahrain’s role as a major non-NATO Ally. He urged continued cooperation against shared threats in support of President Trump’s regional agenda for peace and prosperity.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Army National Guard supports southern border security

    Source: US National Guard (video statements)

    U.S. Soldiers with the California Army National Guard, the Texas National Guard’s Tactical Border Force, and Operation Lone Star conduct security operations along the southern border in New Mexico and Texas, Jan. 25, 2025 to Feb. 5, 2025.

    The National Guard works alongside U.S. Customs and Border Protection to enhance surveillance and monitoring efforts. Name tapes have been blurred for security purposes. (Video by Sgt. 1st Class Christy Van Drunen)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cg3G01JALG4

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: What’s an UNCASING Ceremony? | U.S. Army

    Source: US Army (video statements)

    Formed in 1957 as the 82nd Aviation Company and then later reorganized as the 82nd Aviation Battalion in 1960. The battalion became the first combat aviation battalion assigned to a division-sized unit in the U.S. Army. In 1987 the 82nd Aviation Battalion would again reorganized as the 82nd Aviation Brigade.

    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: spr.ly/6001igl5L

    Connect with the U.S. Army online:
    Web: https://www.army.mil

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USarmy/
    X: https://www.twitter.com/USArmy
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usarmy/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-army
    #USArmy #Soldiers #Military #Uncasing #

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmaiB9ZKuCE

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: International trade mission to Ukraine deepens industry ties and boosts growth

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    First-of-its-kind international defence trade mission to Kyiv deepens industry ties between Ukraine and its allies

    The UK and allies have deepened industry ties with Ukraine by leading a first-of-its-kind international defence trade mission to Kyiv this week.

    Led by the Minister for the Armed Forces, the trade delegation, which included Norway and The Netherlands, met with Ukrainian ministers, officials, and industry partners to strengthen strategic partnerships and enhance defence cooperation in support of Ukraine.  

    This was the fifth trade mission to Ukraine by Britain’s Task Force HIRST, but the first in conjunction with allies, setting a blueprint for future trade missions to be international as the norm.

    Following the visit, UK companies have agreed to work more closely with Ukrainian partners, agreeing to new commitments that will build on previous agreements and boost their capabilities.

    Despite a significant Russian airstrike targeting Kyiv on Wednesday morning this week, which killed one innocent civilian, the trade mission went ahead successfully, highlighting that the UK and our Allies will not be intimidated by Putin’s brutal tactics.

    With firms across the UK ramping up defence production to meet Ukraine’s requirements, support for Ukraine will directly boost the UK defence sector, create UK jobs, and deliver on this Government’s growth agenda and Plan for Change.

    Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard MP said:

    The UK is continuing to lead the way on global support for Ukraine. By strengthening defence industry ties with allies, we are providing Ukraine with the firepower it needs on the battlefield, whilst bolstering our own defence industrial base —creating jobs and driving investment.

    Our partnerships with The Netherlands, Norway, and Ukraine will help build resilient supply chains to ensure we put Ukraine in the strongest possible position to achieve a just and lasting peace through strength.

    We will stand with our allies to support Ukraine for as long as it takes.

    The Minister, along with officials from the Ministry of Defence and Department for Business and Trade, attended meetings focused on continuing to develop the industrial relationship with Ukraine, boosting their capabilities on the battlefield, whilst supporting growth back in the UK.

    The Ministry of Defence set up Task Force HIRST to drive increases in UK, Ukrainian and allies’ industrial capacity to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as national military resilience.

    Kevin Craven, CEO of ADS said:

    Our continued industrial partnership with the Ukraine will be pivotal if we are to strengthen our collective security. It is an honour for ADS and our members to work in such close collaboration with Ukraine.

    UK support to Ukraine has, at its heart, the knowledge that helping Ukraine is protecting our values and way of life.

    The visit coincided with the NATO meeting of defence ministers, where the Defence Secretary announced a new £150 million package of military aid to Ukraine. 

    The £150 million package includes thousands of drones, dozens of battle tanks and more than 50 armoured and protective vehicles to be deployed to Ukraine by the end of spring, building on the thousands of pieces of equipment the UK has already given to Ukraine. 

    In a boost to the UK’s economy, the package also includes a multi-million-pound contract with UK defence firm Babcock, who will train Ukrainian personnel to maintain and repair crucial equipment such as Challenger 2 tanks, self-propelled artillery, and combat reconnaissance vehicles inside Ukraine. Through this agreement, equipment can be serviced and returned to the frontline quicker. 

    This is part of the UK’s unprecedented £4.5 billion pledge for Ukraine this year, its highest-ever level.

    The Government is clear that the security of the UK starts in Ukraine and is therefore committed to Ukraine’s long-term security as a foundation for the government’s Plan for Change.

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Statement on Cessation of Hostilities Implementation Mechanism

    Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

    Feb. 14, 2025
    Release Number 20250214-01
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    TAMPA, Fla. — The Cessation of Hostilities Implementation “Mechanism” met for the fifth time in Naqoura today. UNIFIL hosted the meeting, with the United States serving as chair. They were joined by France, the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), and the Israeli Defense Forces. The attendees conducted military technical planning for the transfer of all remaining villages in the Southern Litani Area to full LAF control prior to Feb. 18.

    “We have made significant progress over the last few months, and I am confident that LAF will control all population centers in the Southern Litani Area before next Tuesday. However, it is important to remember that the Cessation of Hostilities arrangements have many components in the 13 paragraphs, and we will continue to assist with the implementation of all of these principles, even beyond the 18th of February. The Mechanism will stay focused, continuing its work with all parties until implementation is fully achieved,” said Major General Jasper Jeffers, US Mechanism Co-chair.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Video: JUMP! | U.S. Army

    Source: US Army (video statements)

    : Video by Pfc. Roberto Archila, 82nd Airborne Division

    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: spr.ly/6001igl5L

    Connect with the U.S. Army online:
    Web: https://www.army.mil
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USarmy/
    X: https://www.twitter.com/USArmy
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usarmy/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-army
    #USArmy #Soldiers #Military #Jump #82ndAirborne

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjlbNn-Hx6s

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa is Providing the Lifesaving Training When Every Second Counts

    Source: United States Navy (Medical)

    Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan February 13, 2025, staff from the U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa (USNHO) Emergency Department are training the future EMTs charged with providing lifesaving critical care to those in need en route to the hospital. Okinawa is a small island stretching 70 miles from north to south, up to 7 miles wide at its widest and only 2 miles wide at the narrowest. This geography, along with streets not wide enough for two cars to pass and 95% of the population all in the middle of the island, makes Okinawa one of the most densely populated non-metropolitan areas in the world. This unique environment makes it a daily challenge for the EMT personnel who provide emergency first responder care to 6 branch clinics and the interfacility transfers of patients of USNHO.

    The two most northern branch clinics can take as long as two hours to navigate the densely populated narrow streets where the average posted speed limit is 30km/h or 19mph. The gravity of that kicks in when you are potentially the sole provider riding in the back of an ambulance with a patient suffering grievous injuries. CDR Pete Nyilas, the Director for Medical Services at USNHO, explained the importance of the hospital providing EMT training to our corpsmen and the incredible responsibility these, often very young sailors, are shouldering. The Naval Hospital is doubling down and conducting ongoing training to ensure enough EMTs are trained to fill the role. A class is testing out today, February 13, 2025, then there will be a refresher training in March, followed by another training class between April and May. This is the constant battle rhythm needed to keep a continuous roster of EMTs to mitigate burnout, accommodate time off, and manage the permanent change of station (PCS) moves that are constantly happening. The goal is to have at least two EMTs per ambulance rig and enough to cover the 24-hour duty they stand when on call.

    The EMT course at the Naval Hospital is “rigorous and tests our corpsmen to the top of their training,” CDR Nyilas said. He pointed out that this course and opportunity are unique to Okinawa because stateside emergency transport is done by civilian ambulances and emergency responders, not by the Medical Treatment Facility (MTF) personnel. Nyilas also pointed out the similarities in real-world trauma that the corpsmen might encounter on a battlefield.

    The EMT course is challenging, and after passing, the students must take the Nationally Recognized Emergency Medical Transport (NREMT) test and pass to receive a nationally recognized certification that is good for two years. The previously mentioned refresher course given every third month helps keep the certifications current. Time is the enemy of this program because the students are often first tour young Sailors who come on two-year unaccompanied orders. By the time they make it into a course, pass it, schedule to take the NREMT, and pass to finally make it onto the watch bill, it can be nearly a year, and they are halfway through their tour! The demands of the course and the testing make the success rate around 70%, and some find that they are incompatible with the call of this specialized service.

    Senior Chief Rachel Kerner, the Senior Enlisted Leader for the Directorate for Medical Services, explained how very important these newly trained EMTs are and their important role on the island. Kerner said, “The importance of having well-trained, well-prepared EMTs stationed strategically around the island means a couple of minutes, and those can be crucial to a positive outcome for our patients.” Senior Chief Kerner pointed out that the opportunity to serve as an EMT is not just for the Corpsmen assigned to the hospital, that there are currently EMT-trained staff with the Dental BN in the Laboratory and Family Medicine who can help cover shifts to maintain their skills and relieve other EMTs. She also stressed the unique opportunity to serve in this capacity overseas, and when she asks her EMTs before they PSC how they liked being an EMT, they usually say something very similar. “The hours were brutal, and the traumas were tough, but I would not have wanted to do anything else while I was here!”

    The training is conducted in the Naval hospital, and one of the instructors is HM3 Nessa Zazi. You might mistake her youthful appearance and braces for a lack of experience and be very mistaken. She commanded her role as instructor and evaluator with the confidence and poise of a well-seasoned veteran of the ambulance rig. She was testing out a student, HM3 Jason Veloz, serving with the 3D Marine Division, conducting a complete mockup scenario of a semi-responsive patient on a scene to which he was called. It wasn’t lost in the moment that these two young Corpsmen were preparing to be the sole provider when those minutes count to evaluate and prep a patient for emergency transport. Zazi provided feedback after the role-playing exercise, during which each of them remained in character and walked through a very plausible patient encounter. HM3 Zazi said, “You need to expedite your evaluation and initial contact with the hospital Emergency Department; short, sweet, and to the point; if you are taking too long, you are holding up traffic!” Zazi also let Veloz know that she liked how he examined the patient even though a neighbor had provided their recollection of how the patient went down. HM3 Zazi’s parting advice, “You just have to complete the reps and sets before you can gain more confidence.”

    LCDR Amanda Studer, an emergency medicine physician at USNHO, leads the Emergency Department (ED) in a modernization effort that affects the emergency care of all the beneficiaries of USNHO in Okinawa. While it is easy to navigate Okinawa as a foreigner, some of the simple things we have come to expect in the U.S. are not the same here; the first is 911. We teach kids to dial 911 in an emergency from a very young age. In Okinawa, it is still 911 on base, but off base it is 119. Like any complicated system, many caveats and exceptions can lead to confusion, especially in a stressful medical situation. Dr. Studer has worked tirelessly to make changes and upgrade the dispatch system, including overseeing the EMT training program. When talking about the Sailors who have stepped up to the call, Studer said, “These are our modern-day superheroes who show up for you during some of the worst days of your lives.” She explained how it builds confidence in our community to see the strives and improvements to the system. The upgrades are not just in the programs and phone numbers; Dr. Studer was instrumental in helping acquire additional ambulances from the Army in Korea. This massive undertaking involved the Marines, Airforce, Army, and the Navy to ship the vehicles here to Okinawa. Opening lines of communication with host nation EMS allows both services to learn from each other and share best practices for improving care for every patient on Okinawa. Under her watch, the program procured over $500,000 in critical lifesaving EMS equipment. She helped coordinate long overdue EMS site visits for both Navy/Marine Corps and Army services and has helped build the infrastructure for a modern, readily equipped EMS program.

    The collaboration between Marine Corps Installation Pacific Command (MCIPAC), the host nation, sister services, and USNHO has provided the resources to help maintain medical care for the residents here in Okinawa. Our beneficiaries can be confident that a new group of well-trained EMTs will test out next Tuesday, and these modern-day heroes will be on the streets providing emergency medical care to those in need.

    The U.S. Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Okinawa (USNMRTCO) supports the Defense Health Agency’s U.S. Naval Hospital, Okinawa (USNHO) as the largest OCONUS Navy Medicine medical treatment facility and stands at the ready to respond to contingency operations to support the INDOPACOM region. It is a critical regional asset for direct care delivery, regional referrals, and medical contingency operations. The staff of USNHO understands their vital role as pre-positioned, forward-deployed naval forces within the first island chain, aligned and in support of the joint military commands and operations.

    Trey Savitz, Public Affairs Officer
    U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa, Japan
    Comm: 011-81-971-7024
    DSN: (315) 646-7024
    isaac.s.savitz.civ@health.mil

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI China: Philippines’ introduction of Typhon missile system is like giving open invitation to burglar and assisting evildoer 2025-02-14 Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense, said on Friday that China has made clear multiple times its firm opposition against the US deployment of the mid-range missile system in the Philippines.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense 2

    BEIJING, Feb. 14 — “China requires the Philippine side to recognize the high sensitivity and severe consequences of the deployment of Typhon missile system, remove the system as soon as possible to honor its previous open promises, and return to the right track of dialogue and consultations at an early date,” said a Chinese defense spokesperson at a press briefing on Friday.

    The US Indo-Pacific Command recently said that the Typhon strategic mid-range missile system had been relocated from the Laoag airfield to another location on the island of Luzon, and that the relocation, however, was not an indication that the system would be permanently deployed in the Philippines. The Philippine side said that it would return the Typhon system to the US so long as China stops claiming Philippine territory, harassing Philippine fishermen and attacking Philippine ships.

    In response, Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense, said that China has made clear multiple times its firm opposition against the US deployment of the mid-range missile system in the Philippines.

    “The Typhon missile system is a strategic asset and an offensive weapon. The Philippine side has repeatedly gone back on its words and brought in the system to cater to the US,” said the spokesperson, pointing out that such decision would only place the Philippines’ own security and national defense in the hands of others, and lead to geopolitical confrontation and risks of arms race in the region. It’s like giving an open invitation to the burglar and assisting the evildoer.

    The spokesperson mentioned that the territory of the Philippines is defined by a series of international treaties, including the 1898 Treaty of Peace between the United States of America and the Kingdom of Spain, the 1900 Treaty between the United States of America and the Kingdom of Spain for Cession of Outlying Islands of the Philippines, and the 1930 Convention between His Majesty in Respect of the United Kingdom and the President of the United States regarding the Boundary between the State of North Borneo and the Philippine Archipelago.

    “China’s Nansha Qundao and Huangyan Dao fall outside the Philippine territory defined by these treaties,” said the spokesperson, adding that China’s law-enforcement activities in relevant waters are reasonable, lawful and beyond reproach.

    “By using the deployment of Typhon as a bargaining chip on the South China Sea issue, the Philippine side is selling out its own national security, putting the well-being of its people and regional peace and stability at grave risks. Such behavior is ridiculous and very dangerous,” said the spokesperson.

    The spokesperson urged the Philippine side to recognize the high sensitivity and severe consequences of this issue, remove the Typhon missile system as soon as possible to honor its previous open promises, and return to the right track of dialogue and consultations at an early date.

    The spokesperson stressed that China will continue to take necessary measures to resolutely counter provocations and infringements and safeguard China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Metis Institute for Strategy and Foresight

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Mission

    Named after the Greek goddess of prudence and wise counsel, the Metis Institute for Strategy and Foresight brings academic knowledge to bear on today’s and tomorrow’s strategically relevant challenges of international politics.

    At home at University of the Bundeswehr Munich , Metis connects academic inquiry with policy practice. It combines continuous and scientifically rigorous research with problem-oriented, interdisciplinary counsel to the Policy Department at the Federal Ministry of Defence.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: INDIAN NAVY’S FIRST TRAINING SQUADRON ARRIVES AT SIHANOUKVILLE, CAMBODIA

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 14 FEB 2025 5:01PM by PIB Delhi

    The ships of First Training Squadron (1TS) comprising INS Sujata and ICGS Veera arrived at Sihanoukville Port, Cambodia on 14 Feb 25 as part of Long Range Training Deployment of the squadron to South East Asia. The ships were warmly welcomed by representatives of Maritime agencies of Cambodia.

    During the port call from 14 – 17 Feb 25, the ships will engage in numerous activities aimed at enhancing cooperation and interoperability between the Indian Navy and the Royal Cambodian Navy (RCN). The visit includes professional exchanges, cross training visits, social interaction, friendly sports fixtures and PASSEX with RCN. The visit also features formal handing over of a Small Arms Simulator to Royal Cambodian Army.

    The defence engagement and capacity building is an integral part of the warm and cordial India-Cambodia ties and the visit of squadron is aimed at further consolidating the maritime relationship between the two countries. Previously in Feb 2024, the Cambodian Navy participated in Ex-MILAN 24 at Visakhapatnam. The extant visits highlight the importance of growing India-Cambodia relations and strengthening maritime association and regional stability as a part of India’s ‘Act East’ policy.

    _____________________________________________________________

    VM/SKY                                                                                                        38/25

    (Release ID: 2103248) Visitor Counter : 40

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India – U.S. Joint Statement during the visit of Prime Minister of India to US

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 14 FEB 2025 9:07AM by PIB Delhi

    The President of the United States of America, The Honorable Donald J. Trump hosted the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi for an Official Working Visit in Washington, DC on February 13, 2025.

    As the leaders of sovereign and vibrant democracies that value freedom, the rule of law, human rights, and pluralism, President Trump and Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed the strength of the India-U.S. Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, anchored in mutual trust, shared interests, goodwill and robust engagement of their citizens.

    Today, President Trump and Prime Minister Modi launched a new initiative – the “U.S.-India COMPACT (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) for the 21st Century” – to drive transformative change across key pillars of cooperation. Under this initiative, they committed to a results-driven agenda with initial outcomes this year to demonstrate the level of trust for a mutually beneficial partnership.

    Defense

    Highlighting the deepening convergence of U.S.-India strategic interests, the leaders reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to a dynamic defense partnership spanning multiple domains. To advance defense ties further, the leaders announced plans to sign this year a new ten-year Framework for the U.S.-India Major Defense Partnership in the 21st Century.

    The leaders welcomed the significant integration of U.S.-origin defense items into India’s inventory to date, including C‑130J Super Hercules, C‑17 Globemaster III, P‑8I Poseidon aircraft; CH‑47F Chinooks, MH‑60R Seahawks, and AH‑64E Apaches; Harpoon anti-ship missiles; M777 howitzers; and MQ‑9Bs. The leaders determined that the U.S. would expand defense sales and co-production with India to strengthen interoperability and defense industrial cooperation. They announced plans to pursue this year new procurements and co-production arrangements for “Javelin” Anti-Tank Guided Missiles and “Stryker” Infantry Combat Vehicles in India to rapidly meet India’s defense requirements. They also expect completion of procurement for six additional P-8I Maritime Patrol aircraft to enhance India’s maritime surveillance reach in the Indian Ocean Region following agreement on sale terms.

    Recognizing that India is a Major Defense Partner with Strategic Trade Authorization-1 (STA‑1) authorization and a key Quad partner, the U.S. and India will review their respective arms transfer regulations, including International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), in order to streamline defense trade, technology exchange and maintenance, spare supplies and in-country repair and overhaul of U.S.-provided defense systems. The leaders also called for opening negotiations this year for a Reciprocal Defense Procurement (RDP) agreement to better align their procurement systems and enable the reciprocal supply of defense goods and services. The leaders pledged to accelerate defense technology cooperation across space, air defense, missile, maritime and undersea technologies, with the U.S. announcing a review of its policy on releasing fifth generation fighters and undersea systems to India.

    Building on the U.S.-India Roadmap for Defense Industrial Cooperation and recognizing the rising importance of autonomous systems, the leaders announced a new initiative – the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA) – to scale industry partnerships and production in the Indo-Pacific. The leaders welcomed a new partnership between Anduril Industries and Mahindra Group on advanced autonomous technologies to co-develop and co-produce state-of-the-art maritime systems and advanced AI-enabled counter Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) to strengthen regional security, and between L3 Harris and Bharat Electronics for co-development of active towed array systems.

    The leaders also pledged to elevate military cooperation across all domains – air, land, sea, space, and cyberspace – through enhanced training, exercises, and operations, incorporating the latest technologies. The leaders welcomed the forthcoming “Tiger Triumph” tri-service exercise (first inaugurated in 2019) with larger scale and complexity to be hosted in India.

    Finally, the leaders committed to break new ground to support and sustain the overseas deployments of the U.S. and Indian militaries in the Indo-Pacific, including enhanced logistics and intelligence sharing, as well as arrangements to improve force mobility for joint humanitarian and disaster relief operations along with other exchanges and security cooperation engagements.

    Trade and Investment

    The leaders resolved to expand trade and investment to make their citizens more prosperous, nations stronger, economies more innovative and supply chains more resilient. They resolved to deepen the U.S.-India trade relationship to promote growth that ensures fairness, national security and job creation. To this end, the leaders set a bold new goal for bilateral trade – “Mission 500” – aiming to more than double total bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030.

    Recognizing that this level of ambition would require new, fair-trade terms, the leaders announced plans to negotiate the first tranche of a mutually beneficial, multi-sector Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) by fall of 2025. The leaders committed to designate senior representatives to advance these negotiations and to ensure that the trade relationship fully reflects the aspirations of the COMPACT. To advance this innovative, wide-ranging BTA, the U.S. and India will take an integrated approach to strengthen and deepen bilateral trade across the goods and services sector, and will work towards increasing market access, reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers, and deepening supply chain integration.

    The leaders welcomed early steps to demonstrate mutual commitment to address bilateral trade barriers. The United States welcomed India’s recent measures to lower tariffs on U.S. products of interest in the areas of bourbon, motorcycles, ICT products and metals, as well as measures to enhance market access for U.S. agricultural products, like alfalfa hay and duck meat, and medical devices. India also expressed appreciation for U.S. measures taken to enhance exports of Indian mangoes and pomegranates to the United States. Both sides also pledged to collaborate to enhance bilateral trade by increasing U.S. exports of industrial goods to India and Indian exports of labor-intensive manufactured products to the United States. The two sides will also work together to increase trade in agricultural goods.

    Finally, the leaders committed to drive opportunities for U.S. and Indian companies to make greenfield investments in high-value industries in each other’s countries. In this regard, the leaders welcomed ongoing investments by Indian companies worth approximately $7.35 billion, such as those by Hindalco’s Novelis in finished aluminum goods at their state-of-the art facilities in Alabama and Kentucky; JSW in steel manufacturing operations at Texas and Ohio; Epsilon Advanced Materials in the manufacture of critical battery materials in North Carolina; and Jubilant Pharma in the manufacture of injectables in Washington. These investments support over 3,000 high-quality jobs for local families.

    Energy Security

    The leaders agreed that energy security is fundamental to economic growth, social well-being and technical innovation in both countries. They underscored the importance of U.S.-India collaboration to ensure energy affordability, reliability, and availability and stable energy markets. Realizing the consequential role of the U.S. and India, as leading producers and consumers, in driving the global energy landscape, the leaders re-committed to the U.S.-India Energy Security Partnership, including in oil, gas, and civil nuclear energy.

    The leaders underscored the importance of enhancing the production of hydrocarbons to ensure better global energy prices and secure affordable and reliable energy access for their citizens. The leaders also underscored the value of strategic petroleum reserves to preserve economic stability during crises and resolved to work with key partners to expand strategic oil reserve arrangements. In this context, the U.S. side affirmed its firm support for India to join the International Energy Agency as a full member.

    The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to increase energy trade, as part of efforts to ensure energy security, and to establish the United States as a leading supplier of crude oil and petroleum products and liquified natural gas to India, in line with the growing needs and priorities of our dynamic economies. They underscored the tremendous scope and opportunity to increase trade in the hydrocarbon sector including natural gas, ethane and petroleum products as part of efforts to ensure supply diversification and energy security. The leaders committed to enhance investments, particularly in oil and gas infrastructure, and facilitate greater cooperation between the energy companies of the two countries.

    The leaders announced their commitment to fully realize the U.S.-India 123 Civil Nuclear Agreement by moving forward with plans to work together to build U.S.-designed nuclear reactors in India through large scale localization and possible technology transfer. Both sides welcomed the recent Budget announcement by Government of India to take up amendments to the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLNDA) for nuclear reactors, and further decided to establish bilateral arrangements in accordance with CLNDA, that would address the issue of civil liability and facilitate the collaboration of Indian and U.S. industry in the production and deployment of nuclear reactors. This path forward will unlock plans to build large U.S.-designed reactors and enable collaboration to develop, deploy and scale up nuclear power generation with advanced small modular reactors.

    Technology and Innovation

    The leaders announced the launch of the U.S.-India TRUST (“Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology”) initiative, which will catalyze government-to-government, academia and private sector collaboration to promote application of critical and emerging technologies in areas like defense, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum, biotechnology, energy and space, while encouraging the use of verified technology vendors and ensuring sensitive technologies are protected.

    As a central pillar of the “TRUST” initiative, the leaders committed to work with U.S. and Indian private industry to put forward a U.S.-India Roadmap on Accelerating AI Infrastructure by the end of the year, identifying constraints to financing, building, powering, and connecting large-scale U.S.-origin AI infrastructure in India with milestones and future actions. The U.S. and India will work together to enable industry partnerships and investments in next generation data centers, cooperation on development and access to compute and processors for AI, for innovations in AI models and building AI applications for solving societal challenges while addressing the protections and controls necessary to protect these technologies and reduce regulatory barriers.

    The leaders announced the launch of INDUS Innovation, a new innovation bridge modeled after the successful INDUS-X platform, that will advance U.S.-India industry and academic partnerships and foster investments in space, energy, and other emerging technologies to maintain U.S. and India leadership in innovation and to meet the needs of the 21st century. The leaders also reinforced their commitment to the INDUS-X initiative, which facilities partnerships between U.S. and Indian defense companies, investors and universities to produce critical capability for our militaries, and welcomed the next summit in 2025.

    The leaders also committed, as part of the TRUST initiative, to build trusted and resilient supply chains, including for semiconductors, critical minerals, advanced materials and pharmaceuticals. As part of this effort, the leaders plan to encourage public and private investments to expand Indian manufacturing capacity, including in the U.S., for active pharmaceutical ingredients for critical medicines. These investments will create good jobs, diversify vital supply chains, and reduce the risk of life-saving drug shortages in both the United States and India.

    Recognizing the strategic importance of critical minerals for emerging technologies and advanced manufacturing, India and the United States will accelerate collaboration in research and development and promote investment across the entire critical mineral value chain, as well as through the Mineral Security Partnership, of which both the United States and India are members. Both countries have committed to intensifying efforts to deepen cooperation in the exploration, beneficiation, and processing as well as recycling technologies of critical minerals. To this end, the leaders announced the launch of the Strategic Mineral Recovery initiative, a new U.S.-India program to recover and process critical minerals (including lithium, cobalt, and rare earths) from heavy industries like aluminum, coal mining and oil and gas.

    The leaders hailed 2025 as a pioneering year for U.S.-India civil space cooperation, with plans for a NASA-ISRO effort through AXIOM to bring the first Indian astronaut to the International Space Station (ISS), and early launch of the joint “NISAR” mission, the first of its kind to systematically map changes to the Earth’s surface using dual radars. The leaders called for more collaboration in space exploration, including on long duration human spaceflight missions, spaceflight safety and sharing of expertise and professional exchanges in emerging areas, including planetary protection. The leaders committed to further commercial space collaboration through industry engagements in conventional and emerging areas, such as connectivity, advanced spaceflight, satellite and space launch systems, space sustainability, space tourism and advanced space manufacturing.

    The leaders underscored the value of deepening ties between the U.S. and Indian scientific research communities, announcing a new partnership between the U.S. National Science Foundation and the Indian Anusandhan National Research Foundation in researching critical and emerging technologies. This partnership builds on ongoing collaboration between the U.S. National Science Foundation and several Indian science agencies to enable joint research in the areas of semiconductors, connected vehicles, machine learning, next-generation telecommunications, intelligent transportation systems, and future biomanufacturing.

    The leaders determined that their governments redouble efforts to address export controls, enhance high technology commerce, and reduce barriers to technology transfer between our two countries, while addressing technology security. The leaders also resolved to work together to counter the common challenge of unfair practices in export controls by third parties seeking to exploit overconcentration of critical supply chains.

    Multilateral Cooperation

    The leaders reaffirmed that a close partnership between the U.S. and India is central to a free, open, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. As Quad partners, the leaders reiterated that this partnership is underpinned by the recognition of ASEAN centrality; adherence to international law and good governance; support for safety and freedom of navigation, overflight and other lawful uses of the seas; and unimpeded lawful commerce; and advocacy for peaceful resolution of maritime disputes in accordance with international law.

    Prime Minister Modi looks forward to hosting President Trump in New Delhi for the Quad leaders’ Summit, ahead of which the leaders will activate new Quad initiatives on shared airlift capacity to support civilian response to natural disasters and maritime patrols to improve interoperability.

    The leaders resolved to increase cooperation, enhance diplomatic consultations, and increase tangible collaboration with partners in the Middle East. They highlighted the importance of investing in critical infrastructure and economic corridors to advancing peace and security in the region. The leaders plan to convene partners from the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor and the I2U2 Group within the next six months in order to announce new initiatives in 2025.

    The US appreciates India’s role as a developmental, humanitarian assistance and net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region. In this context, the leaders committed to deepen bilateral dialogue and cooperation across the vast Indian Ocean region and launched the Indian Ocean Strategic Venture, a new bilateral, whole-of-government forum to advance coordinated investments in economic connectivity and commerce. Supporting greater Indian Ocean connectivity, the leaders also welcomed Meta’s announcement of a multi-billion, multi-year investment in an undersea cable project that will begin work this year and ultimately stretch over 50,000 km to connect five continents and strengthen global digital highways in the Indian Ocean region and beyond. India intends to invest in maintenance, repair and financing of undersea cables in the Indian Ocean, using trusted vendors.

    The leaders recognized the need to build new plurilateral anchor partnerships in the Western Indian Ocean, Middle East, and Indo-Pacific to grow relationships, commerce and cooperation across defense, technology, energy and critical minerals. The leaders expect to announce new partnership initiatives across these sub-regions by fall of 2025.

    The leaders also resolved to advance military cooperation in multinational settings to advance global peace and security. The leaders applauded India’s decision to take on a future leadership role in the Combined Maritime Forces naval task force to help secure sea lanes in the Arabian Sea.

    The leaders reaffirmed that the global scourge of terrorism must be fought and terrorist safe havens eliminated from every corner of the world. They committed to strengthen cooperation against terrorist threats from groups, including Al-Qa’ida, ISIS, Jaish-e Mohammad, and Lashkar-e-Tayyiba in order to prevent heinous acts like the attacks in Mumbai on 26/11 and the Abbey Gate bombing in Afghanistan on August 26, 2021. Recognizing a shared desire to bring to justice those who would harm our citizens, the U.S. announced that the extradition to India of Tahawwur Rana has been approved. The leaders further called on Pakistan to expeditiously bring to justice the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai, and Pathankot attacks and ensure that its territory is not used to carry out cross-border terrorist attacks. The leaders also pledged to work together to prevent proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems and to deny access to such weapons by terrorists and non-state actors.

    People to People Cooperation

    President Trump and Prime Minister Modi noted the importance of advancing the people-to-people ties between the two countries. In this context, they noted that the more than 300,000 strong Indian student community contributes over $8 billion annually to the U.S. economy and helped create a number of direct and indirect jobs. They recognized that the talent flow and movement of students, researchers and employees, has mutually benefitted both countries. Recognizing the importance of international academic collaborations in fostering innovation, improving learning outcomes and development of a future-ready workforce, both leaders resolved to strengthen collaborations between the higher education institutions through efforts such as joint/dual degree and twinning programs, establishing joint Centers of Excellence, and setting up of offshore campuses of premier educational institutions of the U.S. in India.

    Both leaders emphasized that the evolution of the world into a global workplace calls for putting in place innovative, mutually advantageous and secure mobility frameworks. In this regard, the leaders committed to streamlining avenues for legal mobility of students and professionals, and facilitating short-term tourist and business travel, while also aggressively addressing illegal immigration and human trafficking by taking strong action against bad actors, criminal facilitators, and illegal immigration networks to promote mutual security for both countries.

    The leaders also committed to strengthen law enforcement cooperation to take decisive action against illegal immigration networks, organized crime syndicates, including narco-terrorists human and arms traffickers, as well as other elements who threaten public and diplomatic safety and security, and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both nations.

    President Trump and Prime Minister Modi pledged to sustain high-level engagement between our governments, industries, and academic institutions and realize their ambitious vision for an enduring India-U.S. partnership that advances the aspirations of our people for a bright and prosperous future, serves the global good, and contributes to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

     

    ***

    MJPS/SR

    (Release ID: 2103037) Visitor Counter : 120

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: English translation of Press Statement by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during the India – USA Joint Press Conference

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 14 FEB 2025 8:48AM by PIB Delhi

    Your Excellency President Trump,
    Delegates from both countries,
    Friends from the media,

    Hello!

    First of all, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my dear friend, President Trump, for the gracious welcome and hospitality. Through his leadership, President Trump has cherished and revitalized the India-US relationship.

    The enthusiasm with which we worked together in his first term; I felt the same enthusiasm, the same energy and the same commitment today.

    Today’s discussions were a bridge of satisfaction with our achievements during his first term and deep mutual trust. At the same time, there was also a resolve to achieve new goals. We believe that the collaboration and cooperation between India and America can shape a better world.

    Friends,

    Americans are familiar with President Trump’s motto, Make America Great Again, or “MAGA.” The people of India are also moving towards development at a fast pace with the determination of “Viksit Bharat 2047” on the track of heritage and development.

    If I say in the language of America, developed India means Make India Great Again, i.e. “MIGA”. When the United States and India work together, i.e. “MAGA” plus “MIGA”, the “MEGA” Partnership for prosperity is formed. And this mega spirit gives new scale and scope to our goals.

    Friends,

    Today, we have set a target of more than doubling bilateral trade to 500 billion dollars by 2030. Our teams will work on an early conclusion of a mutually beneficial Trade Agreement.

    We will strengthen the oil and gas trade to ensure India’s energy security. Investment in energy infrastructure will also increase.

    In the nuclear energy sector, we also talked about increasing cooperation in the direction of Small Modular Reactors.

    Friends,

    America has an important role in India’s defense preparedness. As strategic and trusted partners, we are actively moving in the direction of joint development, joint production and transfer of technology.

    In the coming time, new technology and equipment will increase our capability. We have decided to launch the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance.

    The Defence Cooperation Framework will be created for the next decade. Defence inter-operability, logistics, repair and maintenance will also be its main parts.

    Friends,

    The twenty-first century is a technology-driven century. Close cooperation in the technology sector between countries that believe in democratic values can give new direction, strength and opportunities to the entire humanity.

    India and the United States will work together in Artificial Intelligence, Semiconductors, Quantum, Biotechnology, and other technologies.

    Today we have agreed on TRUST, i.e. Transforming Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology. Under this, emphasis will be laid on creating strong supply chains of critical minerals, advanced materials and pharmaceuticals. It has also been decided to launch a recovery and processing initiative for strategic minerals like lithium and rare earth.

    We have had close cooperation with the US in the field of space. The “NISAR” satellite, built in collaboration with “ISRO” and “NASA”, will soon fly into space on the Indian launch vehicle.

    Friends,

    The partnership between India and the United States underpins democracy and democratic values and systems. We will work together to enhance peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. The Quad will have a special role to play in this.

    In the Quad Summit to be held in India this year, we will increase cooperation with partner countries in new areas. Under the “IMEC” and “I2U2” initiative, we will work together on economic corridors and connectivity infrastructure.

    India and the United States have stood firmly together in the fight against terrorism. We agree that concerted action is necessary to eradicate cross-border terrorism.

    I am thankful to the President that he has decided to hand over the culprit who committed the killings in India in 2008, to India now. Indian courts will now take appropriate action.

    Friends,

    The Indian community in America is an important link in our relationship. To deepen our people-to-people ties, we will soon open new Indian consulates in Los Angeles and Boston.

    We have invited American universities and educational institutions to open off-shore campuses in India.

    President Trump,

    I thank you for your friendship and steadfast commitment to India. The people of India still remember your visit of 2020, and hope that President Trump will come to them once again.

    On behalf of 1.4 billion Indians, I invite you to come to India.

    Thank you very much.

    DISCLAIMER – This is the approximate translation of Prime Minister’s remarks. Original remarks were delivered

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Gravity Reports Preliminary Unaudited 4Q 2024 Results and Business Updates

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Seoul, South Korea, Feb. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GRAVITY Co., Ltd. (NasdaqGM: GRVY) (“Gravity” or “Company”), a developer and publisher of online and mobile games based in South Korea, today announced its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2024, prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board and business updates.

    PRELIMINARY UNAUDITED FOURTH QUARTER 2024 FINANCIAL RESULTS

    Tentative consolidated revenue for the fourth quarter of 2024 is KRW 130 billion, and tentative consolidated operating profit is KRW 16 billion.

    The preliminary fourth quarter of 2024 result is mainly attributed by increased revenues from THE RAGNAROK launched in Southeast Asia on October 31, 2024, Ragnarok: Rebirth launched in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau on October 31, 2024, and Ragnarok X: Next Generation launched in Japan on November 20, 2024. Tentative consolidated revenue for the fourth quarter of 2024 represented a 1.3% increase in QoQ and a 10.7% decrease in YoY.

    Unaudited preliminary consolidated revenue for 2024 is KRW 501 billion, and the operating profit is KRW 85 billion.

    The preliminary 2024 figures are unaudited and subject to revision. Final result for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2024 will be provided by our annual report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 on Form 20-F.

    Liquidity

    The balance of cash and cash equivalents and short-term financial instruments was KRW 553,202 million as of December 31, 2024.

    GRAVITY BUSINESS UPDATES

    Two Ragnarok IP-based Games Received ISBN Codes in China

    Ragnarok: Back to Glory (Ragnarok: Rebirth, Chinese title: 仙境传说：重生) and PROJECT ABYSS (Chinese title:  仙境传说：初心) have received ISBN codes from the Chinese government on December 24, 2024 and January 21, 2025, respectively.

    Ragnarok Online IP-based Games

    • THE RAGNAROK, an MMORPG Mobile and PC game

    THE RAGNAROK was officially launched in Southeast Asia on October 31, 2024.

    • Ragnarok in Wonderland, a Casual Healing Tycoon Mobile game

    Ragnarok in Wonderland was officially launched in Korea on December 4, 2024.

    • Ragnarok Classic, an MMORPG PC game

    Ragnarok Classic was officially launched in Indonesia on December 5, 2024.

    • Ragnarok Begins (Chinese Title: RO 仙境傳說：一定要可愛), an Action Side-Scrolling MMORPG Mobile and PC game

    Ragnarok Begins (Chinese Title: RO 仙境傳說：一定要可愛) was officially launched in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau on February 13, 2025.

    • Ragnarok M: Classic, an MMORPG Mobile game

    Ragnarok M: Classic, a renewal version of Ragnarok M: Eternal Love, is officially launched in Southeast Asia on February 14, 2025, and is underway for its launch in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau in the first half of 2025.

    • Ragnarok 3, an MMORPG Mobile and PC game

    Ragnarok 3, the new sequel game of Ragnarok Online, is being prepared to be launched in Global within 2026.

    • Ragnarok X: Next Generation, an MMORPG Mobile and PC game

    Ragnarok X: Next Generation was officially launched in Japan on November 20, 2024 with preparations underway for its launch in North, Central, and South America and Europe in the first half of 2025.

    • Ragnarok V: Returns, a 3D MMORPG Mobile and PC game

    Ragnarok V: Returns will be officially launched in all nations of Southeast Asia in March 2025.

    • Ragnarok M: Eternal Love 2, an MMORPG Mobile and PC Game

    Ragnarok M: Eternal Love 2, the next generation new sequel game of Ragnarok M: Eternal Love, is on development.

    • Ragnarok Crush, a Puzzle and Tower Defense Mobile game

    Ragnarok Crush will be launching in Global except for China and Japan in the third quarter of 2025.

    • Ragnarok: Back to Glory (Ragnarok: Rebirth), an MMORPG Mobile game

    Ragnarok: Back to Glory (Ragnarok: Rebirth) will be re-launched in Southeast Asia and launched in Korea, in the second quarter of 2025.

    • Ragnarok Idle Adventure Plus, an MMORPG Mobile game

    Ragnarok Idle Adventure Plus is underway for its launch in Global except for Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, China, Korea and Japan in February 2025 and in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau in the first half of 2025.

    • Ragnarok Promised Adventure (tentative English title), an MMORPG Mobile game

    Ragnarok Promised Adventure (tentative English title) is scheduled to be launched within 2025.

    • Ragnarok Online, an MMORPG PC game

    Ragnarok Online is scheduled to be direct-serviced in Latin America in the second quarter of 2025.

    • Ragnarok Landverse, an MMORPG Blockchain and PC game

    Ragnarok Landverse Genesis, a global new server onboarding in RONIN platform, will be released in Global in March, 2025.
    Ragnarok Landverse will be launched in Vietnam in the first half of 2025 and in Latin America in the second half of 2025. Ragnarok Landverse launching in Vietnam is a PC game without Blockchain.

    Other IP-based games

    • TOKYO PSYCHODEMIC, a 2D Cinematic Profiling Adventure PC and Console game

    TOKYO PSYCHODEMIC was officially launched in Global on November 28, 2024.

    • KAMiBAKO, a World Craft RPG PC and Console game

    KAMiBAKO was officially launched in Global on January 30, 2025.

    • Heroes Gambit, a Strategic Card Battle Mobile game

    Heroes Gambit will be launched in Global in the first half of 2025.

    • Scorp Hero, a Character Collecting RPG Mobile game

    Scorp Hero is underway for its launch in Japan within 2025.

    • Snow Brothers 2 Special, an Action and Platformer PC and Console game

    Snow Brothers 2 Special will be launched in Global in April 2025.

    • Gunbound an MMO Turn-Based Artillery PC game

    Gunbound will be launched in Southeast Asia and Latin America in the first half of 2025.

    • Dragonica New Origin, an MMORPG PC game

    Dragonica New Origin will be launched in Southeast Asia in May 2025.

    Expansion of Other IP business

    Gravtiy Co., Ltd. has signed a publishing agreement of Nobunaga’s Ambition: The Road to the World (tentative English title), a simulation mobile game based on Nobunaga‘s IP, in Japan with Kingnet Technology (HK) Limited.

    Investor Presentation

    Gravity issued an investor presentation. The presentation contains the Company’s recent business updates, results of the fourth quarter in 2024 and Gravity’s business plan. The presentation can be found on the Company’s website under the IR Archives section at https://www.gravity.co.kr/en/ir/updates. Korean and Japanese versions of the presentation are also provided on the website.

    About GRAVITY Co., Ltd. —————————————————
    Gravity is a developer and publisher of online and mobile games. Gravity’s principal product, Ragnarok Online, is a popular online game in many regions, including Japan and Taiwan, and is currently commercially offered in 91 regions. For more information about Gravity, please visit http://www.gravity.co.kr.

    Forward-Looking Statements:

    Certain statements in this press release may include, in addition to historical information, “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe-harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act 1995. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe”, “project,” or “continue” or the negative thereof or other similar words, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Investors should consider the information contained in our submissions and filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including our annual report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 on Form 20-F, together with such other documents that we may submit to or file with the SEC from time to time, on Form 6-K. The forward-looking statements speak only as of this press release and we assume no duty to update them to reflect new, changing or unanticipated events or circumstances.

    Contact:

    Mr. Heung Gon Kim
    Chief Financial Officer
    Gravity Co., Ltd.
    Email: kheung@gravity.co.kr

    Ms. Jin Lee
    Ms. Yujin Oh
    IR Unit
    Gravity Co., Ltd.
    Email: ir@gravity.co.kr
    Telephone: +82-2-2132-7800

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK targets Putin’s inner circle with new sanctions

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    New British sanctions target high profile figures working in the Russian Government and supporters of Russian state-owned business.

    • UK sanctions several high-profile individuals with links to Putin’s inner circle in latest crackdown on the Kremlin.  
    • Russia’s war machine further constrained by British sanctions, bolstering UK’s national security and delivering on the Plan for Change. 
    • Foreign Secretary will also urge partners to act to smash illicit people-smuggling gangs driving irregular migration.

    Nearly a year on from the death of Alexei Navalny, the UK has imposed new sanctions against people with links to Putin’s inner circle in a crackdown on the Kremlin.

    Today’s sanctions target high-profile figures working in the Russian Government, including Pavel Fradkov, a Russian Defence Minister and Vladimir Selin, who heads up an arm of the Russian Ministry of Defence. They also target Artem Chaika, whose extractives company supports Russian state-owned business.

    All three of these targets are also on the Navalny 50’ anti-corruption list. The UK is also sanctioning two entities linked to Russia’s nuclear energy giant Rosatom, which are supporting Russia’s military activity on the battlefield in Ukraine.    

    The measures come as the Foreign Secretary attends the Munich Security Conference where he will meet Yulia Navalnaya and reflect on Navalny’s enduring legacy.

    The UK continues to stand with civil society and human rights defenders working tirelessly to build a better future for Russia despite immense personal risk.

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:  

    I am announcing further sanctions to keep up the pressure on Putin. Ukrainians are fighting for their country’s future and the principle of sovereignty across Europe at the frontline.” 

    Nearly a year on from the death of Alexei Navalny, I am honoured to meet with Yulia Navalnaya and make clear our commitment to weaken Putin’s attempts to stifle political opposition and crack down on the Kremlin’s corrupt dealings globally. 

    We are calling on our friends and allies to continue to step up in the face of ongoing Russian aggression.

    Last week, the Foreign Secretary visited Kyiv, pushing on with implementation of the 100 Year Partnership with Ukrainian friends. David Lammy will make the case to others in Munich that it is in the collective interests of Ukraine’s partners to stand by them. 

    The UK-US relationship remains the backbone of the security and prosperity for millions on both sides of the Atlantic, and David Lammy will meet representatives of the new administration to discuss closer working to boost both economies and make our people safer.

    The Foreign Secretary will also discuss the situation in the Middle East with a wide range of leaders including Quint partners. He will urge for lasting peace as the current ceasefire in both Gaza and Lebanon hold, and phase two of the negotiations continues.  

    On Syria, the UK recently announced £3m for deliveries of Ukrainian grain and other food produce to Syria as part of our 100-year partnership. David Lammy will push for a peaceful future for Syria, centred around the interests of the Syrian people.

    More Information

    Today’s sanctions target 4 individuals and 2 entities including: 

    • Vladimir Viktorovich SELIN, Head of the Federal Service for Technical and Export Control (FSTEK), a federal service of the Russian government. 

    • Pavel Mikhailovich FRADKOV, a Deputy Minister of the Russian Ministry of Defence. 

    • Artem Yuryevich CHAIKA, owner of First Non-Metallic Company Ural (PNK-Ural) which conducts business in the Russian extractives sector, and the son of Yuri Yakovlevich CHAIKA, a member of Russia’s Security Council. 

    • Joint Stock Company Kirov Energomash Plant and Limited Liability Company Rosatom Additive Technologies, two subsidiaries of Russia’s state-owned civil nuclear energy company Rosastom. As well as operating in Russia’s energy sector both entities are operating in Russia’s defence sector. 

    • We have also made a variation to the existing designation of Yuri Yakovlevich CHAIKA. He was previously designated in March 2022.

    All individuals and entities in this package have been designated for the purposes of an asset freeze and trust services sanctions. All individuals in this package are also be subject to a travel ban. Several individuals have also been designated for the purposes of a transport ban.

    The Navalny list is created by the Anti-Corruption Foundation, also known as FBK, a non-profit organisation established in 2011 by Alexei Navalny.

    View the full UK Sanctions List and more information on UK sanctions relating to Russia.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Secretary of Defense Hegseth, Poland Defense Minister Brief Media

    Source: United States Department of Defense (video statements)

    Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz brief media during a joint press conference in Warsaw, Poland, Feb. 14, 2025.
    —————
    Your military is an all-volunteer force that serves to protect our security and way of life, but Service members are more than a fighting force. They are leaders, humanitarians and your fellow Americans. Get to know more about the men and women who serve, who they are, what they do, and why they do it.

    For more on the Department of Defense, visit: http://www.defense.gov
    —————
    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=Esuj8YtUwsM

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI China: China never engages in aggression or expansion and will firmly counter all threats and challenges: Defense Spokesperson 2025-02-14 “As a peace-loving nation, China never engages in aggression or expansion. But China will never give up its legitimate rights and interests, and will take firm countermeasures against all threats and challenges,” said Chinese Defense Spokesperson Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense 2

      BEIJING, Feb. 14 — “As a peace-loving nation, China never engages in aggression or expansion. But China will never give up its legitimate rights and interests, and will take firm countermeasures against all threats and challenges,” said Chinese Defense Spokesperson Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang at a press briefing on Friday.

      It is reported that after being sworn  in as the new US Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth made clear that the US would restore the warrior ethos and work with allies and partners to deter aggression in the Asia-Pacific by China.

      When being asked to share comment, the defense spokesperson first expressed firm opposition to the groundless accusation made by the US side, adding that China pursues a national defense policy that is defensive in nature and a military strategy of active defense. The Chinese military has always been a staunch force in safeguarding world peace. As a peace-loving nation, China never engages in aggression or expansion. But China will never give up its legitimate rights and interests, and will take firm countermeasures against all threats and challenges.

      The spokesperson went on to emphasize that major country competition should not be the underlying logic of the times. Instead, a steady, sound and sustained China-US diplomatic and defense relationship will serve the common interests of the two countries and meet the general expectation of the international community.

      “Standing at a new starting point, we hope the US will work with China on the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, to deepen state-to-state and military-to-military exchanges and cooperation, so as to inject more certainty and positive energy into the world”, said the spokesperson.

    loading…

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Cybersecurity: NCSC Director Florian Schütz attends various international events

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport

    To strengthen international cooperation in cybersecurity, Florian Schütz, director of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), has been attending various international cybersecurity events over the past few days. He chaired a panel at the AI Action Summit in Paris on building trust in artificial intelligence, met with cybersecurity authorities ahead of the Munich Security Conference and took part in a discussion at the Munich Cybersecurity Conference on the latest developments and best practices.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai holds press conference following high-level national security meeting

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Details
    2025-01-01
    President Lai delivers 2025 New Year’s Address
    On the morning of January 1, President Lai Ching-te delivered his 2025 New Year’s Address, titled “Bolstering National Strength through Democracy to Enter a New Global Landscape,” in the Reception Hall of the Presidential Office. President Lai stated that today’s Taiwan is receiving international recognition for its performance in many areas, among them democracy, technology, and economy. In this new year, he said, Taiwan must be united, and we must continue on the right course. The president expressed hope that everyone in the central and local governments, regardless of party, can work hard together, allowing Taiwan sure footing as it strides forward toward ever greater achievements.  President Lai emphasized that in 2025, we must keep firm on the path of democracy, continue to bolster our national strength, make Taiwan more economically resilient, enhance the resilience of supply chains for global democracies, and continue working toward a Balanced Taiwan and generational justice, ensuring that the fruits of our economic growth can be enjoyed by all our people. The president said that Taiwan will keep going strong, and we will keep walking tall as we enter the new global landscape. A translation of President Lai’s address follows: Today is the first day of 2025. With a new year comes new beginnings. I wish that Taiwan enjoys peace, prosperity, and success, and that our people lead happy lives. Taiwan truly finished 2024 strong. Though there were many challenges, there were also many triumphs. We withstood earthquakes and typhoons, and stood firm in the face of constant challenges posed by authoritarianism. We also shared glory as Taiwan won the Premier12 baseball championship, and now Taiwanese people around the world are all familiar with the gesture for Team Taiwan. At the Paris Olympics, Wang Chi-lin (王齊麟) and Lee Yang (李洋) clinched another gold in men’s doubles badminton. Lin Yu-ting (林郁婷) took home Taiwan’s first Olympic gold in boxing. At the International Junior Science Olympiad, every student in our delegation of six won a gold medal. And Yang Shuang-zi’s (楊双子) novel Taiwan Travelogue, translated into English by King Lin (金翎), became a United States National Book Award winner and a tour de force of Taiwan literature on the international level. Our heroes of Taiwan are defined by neither age nor discipline. They have taken home top prizes at international competitions and set new records. They tell Taiwan’s story through their outstanding performances, letting the world see the spirit and culture of Taiwan, and filling all our citizens with pride. My fellow citizens, we have stood together through thick and thin; we have shared our ups and downs. We have wept together, and we have laughed together. We are all one family, all members of Team Taiwan. I want to thank each of our citizens for their dedication, fueling Taiwan’s progress and bringing our nation glory. You have given Taiwan even greater strength to stand out on the global stage. In this new year, we must continue bringing Taiwan’s stories to the world, and make Taiwan’s successes a force for global progress. In 2025, the world will be entering a new landscape. Last year, over 70 countries held elections, and the will of the people has changed with the times. As many countries turn new pages politically, and in the midst of rapid international developments, Taiwan must continue marching forward with steady strides. First, we must keep firm on the path of democracy. Taiwan made it through a dark age of authoritarianism and has since become a glorious beacon of democracy in Asia. This was achieved through the sacrifices of our democratic forebears and the joint efforts of all our citizens. Democracy’s value to Taiwan lies not just in our free way of life, or in the force driving the diverse and vigorous growth of our society. Democracy is the brand that has earned us international trust in terms of diplomacy. No matter the threat or challenge Taiwan may face, democracy is Taiwan’s only path forward. We will not turn back. Domestic competition among political parties is a part of democracy. But domestic political disputes must be resolved democratically, within the constitutional system. This is the only way democracy can continue to grow. The Executive Yuan has the right to request a reconsideration of the controversial bills passed in the Legislative Yuan, giving it room for reexamination. Constitutional institutions can also lodge a petition for a constitutional interpretation, and through Constitutional Court adjudication, ensure a separation of powers, safeguard constitutional order, and gradually consolidate the constitutional system. The people also have the right of election, recall, initiative, and referendum, and can bring together even greater democratic power to show the true meaning of sovereignty in the hands of the people. In this new year, the changing international landscape will present democratic nations around the world with many grave challenges. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and conflict between Israel and Hamas rage on, and we are seeing the continued convergence of authoritarian regimes including China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran, threatening the rules-based international order and severely affecting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and the world at large. Peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are essential components for global security and prosperity. Taiwan needs to prepare for danger in times of peace. We must continue increasing our national defense budget, bolster our national defense capabilities, and show our determination to protect our country. Everyone has a responsibility to safeguard Taiwan’s democracy and security. We must gather together every bit of strength we have to enhance whole-of-society defense resilience, and build capabilities to respond to major disasters and deter threats or encroachment. We must also strengthen communication with society to combat information and cognitive warfare, so that the populace rejects threats and enticements and jointly guards against malicious infiltration by external forces. Here at home, we must consolidate democracy with democracy. Internationally, we must make friends worldwide through democracy. This is how we will ensure security and peace. The more secure Taiwan, the more secure the world. The more resilient Taiwan, the sounder the defense of global democracy. The global democratic community should work even closer together to support the democratic umbrella as we seek ways to resolve the war in Ukraine and conflict between Israel and Hamas. Together, we must uphold stability in the Taiwan Strait and security in the Indo-Pacific, and achieve our goal of global peace. Second, we must continue to bolster our national strength, make Taiwan more economically resilient, and enhance the resilience of supply chains for global democracies. In the first half of 2024, growth in the Taiwan Stock Index was the highest in the world. Our economic growth rate for the year as a whole is expected to reach 4.2 percent, leading among the Four Asian Tigers. Domestic investment is soaring, having exceeded NT$5 trillion, and inflation is gradually stabilizing. Export orders from January to November totaled US$536.6 billion, up 3.7 percent from the same period in 2023. And compared over the same period, exports saw a 9.9 percent increase, reaching US$431.5 billion. Recent surveys also show that in 2024, the average increase in salaries at companies was higher than that in 2023. Additionally, over 90 percent of companies plan to raise salaries this year, which is an eight-year high. All signs indicate that Taiwan’s economic climate continues to recover, and that our economy is growing steadily. Our overall economic performance is impressive; still, we must continue to pay attention to the impact on Taiwan’s industries from the changing geopolitical landscape, uncertainties in the global economic environment, and dumping by the “red supply chain.”  For a nation, all sectors and professions are equally important; only when all our industries are strong can Taiwan be strong as a nation. Our micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are the lifeblood of Taiwan, and the development of our various industrial parks has given Taiwan the impetus for our prosperity. We must carry the spirit of “Made in Taiwan” forward, bringing it to ever greater heights. Thus, beyond just developing our high-tech industry, our Executive Yuan has already proposed a solution that will help traditional industries and MSMEs comprehensively adopt technology applications, engage in the digital and net-zero twin transition, and develop channels, all for better operational structures and higher productivity. Taiwan must continue enhancing its economic resilience. In recent years, Taiwan has significantly increased its investments in the US, Japan, Europe, and the New Southbound countries, and such investment has already surpassed investment in China. This indicates that our efforts in diversifying markets and reducing reliance on any single market are working. Moving forward, we must keep providing assistance so that Taiwan industries can expand their global presence and market internationally from a solid base here in Taiwan. At the same time, Taiwan must use democracy to promote economic growth with the rest of the world. We must leverage our strengths in the semiconductor and AI industries. We must link with democratic countries so that we can together enhance the resilience of supply chains for global democracies. And through international cooperation across many sectors, such as UAVs, low-orbit communications satellites, robots, military, security and surveillance, or biopharmaceuticals, renewable energy technology, new agriculture, and the circular economy, we must keep abreast of the latest cutting-edge technology and promote diverse development. This approach will help Taiwan remain a leader in advancing global democratic supply chains, ensuring their security and stability. Third, we must continue working toward a Balanced Taiwan and generational justice, ensuring that the fruits of our economic growth can be enjoyed by all our people. Democracy means the people have the final say. Our nation belongs to all 23 million of us, without regard for ethnic group, generation, political party, or whether we live in urban or rural areas. In this new year, we must continue to pursue policies that promote the well-being of the nation and the people. But to that end, the central government needs adequate financial resources to ensure that it can enact each of these measures. Therefore, I hope that the ruling and opposition parties can each soberly reconsider the amendments to the Act Governing the Allocation of Government Revenues and Expenditures and find a path forward that ensures the lasting peace and stability of our country. For nine consecutive years, the minimum wage has continued to rise. Effective today, the minimum monthly salary is being raised from NT$27,470 to NT$28,590, and the hourly salary from NT$183 to NT$190. We hope by raising the pay for military personnel, civil servants, and educators for two consecutive years, coupled with benefits through wage increases and tax reductions, that private businesses will also raise wages, allowing all our people to enjoy the fruits of our economic growth. I know that everyone wants to pay lower taxes and rent. This year, we will continue to promote tax reductions. For example, unmarried individuals with an annual income of NT$446,000 or less can be exempt from paying income tax. Dual-income families with an annual income of NT$892,000 or less and dual-income families with two children aged six or younger with an annual income of NT$1,461,000 or less are also exempt from paying income tax. Additionally, the number of rent-subsidized housing units will also be increased, from 500,000 to 750,000 units, helping lighten the load for everyone. This year, the age eligibility for claiming Culture Points has been lowered from 16 to 13 years, so that now young people aged between 13 and 22 can receive government support for experiencing more in the arts. Also, our Taiwan Global Pathfinders Initiative is about to take effect, which will help more young people in Taiwan realize their dreams by taking part in education and exchange activities in many places around the world. We are also in the process of establishing a sports ministry to help young athletes achieve their dreams on the field, court, and beyond. The ministry will also be active in developing various sports industries and bringing sports and athletics more into the lives of the people, making our people healthier as a result. This year, as Taiwan becomes a “super-aged society,” we will launch our Long-term Care 3.0 Plan to provide better all-around care for our seniors. And we will expand the scope of cancer screening eligibility and services, all aimed at creating a Healthy Taiwan. In addition, Taiwan will officially begin collecting fees for its carbon fee system today. This brings us closer in line with global practices and helps us along the path to our goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. We will also continue on the path to achieving a Balanced Taiwan. Last month, the Executive Yuan launched the Trillion NT Dollar Investment National Development Plan and its six major regional flagship projects. Both of these initiatives will continue to expand the investment in our public infrastructure and the development of local specialty industries, narrowing urban-rural and wealth gaps so that all our people can live and work in peace and happiness. My fellow citizens, today’s Taiwan is receiving international recognition for its performance in many areas, among them democracy, technology, and economy. This tells us that national development is moving in the right direction. In this new year, Taiwan must be united, and we must continue on the right course. We hope that everyone in the central and local governments, regardless of party, can work hard together to ensure that national policies are successfully implemented, with the people’s well-being as our top priority. This will allow Taiwan sure footing as it strides forward toward ever greater achievements. In this new year, we have many more brilliant stories of Taiwan to share with the world, inspiring all Taiwanese, both here and around the world, to cheer time and again for the glory of Taiwan. Taiwan will keep going strong. And we will keep walking tall as we enter the new global landscape. Thank you.

    Details
    2025-01-01
    President Lai delivers 2024 National Day Address
    President Lai Ching-te on the morning of October 10 attended the ROC’s 113th Double Tenth National Day Celebration in the plaza fronting the Presidential Office Building, and delivered an address titled “Taiwan Together for Our Shared Dream.” A translation of the president’s address follows: National Day Celebration Chairperson Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜), Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰), Prime Minister of Tuvalu Feleti Teo and Madame Tausaga Teo, heads of delegations from diplomatic allies and friendly nations, distinguished guests from home and abroad, and my fellow citizens here in person and watching on TV or online: Good morning. Today, we gather together to celebrate the birthday of the Republic of China, praise the beautiful Taiwan of today, and usher in the better Taiwan for tomorrow. One hundred and thirteen years ago, a group of people full of ideals and aspirations rose in revolt and overthrew the imperial regime. Their dream was to establish a democratic republic of the people, to be governed by the people and for the people. Their ideal was to create a nation of freedom, equality, and benevolence. However, the dream of democracy was engulfed in the raging flames of war. The ideal of freedom had for long eroded under authoritarian rule. But we will never forget the Battle of Guningtou 75 years ago, or the August 23 Artillery Battle 66 years ago. Though we arrived on this land at different times and belonged to different communities, we defended Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu. We defended the Republic of China. We will never forget the Kaohsiung Incident 45 years ago, or wave after wave of democracy movements. Again and again, people who carried the dream of democracy and the ideal of freedom, through valiant sacrifice and devotion, gave their lives to open the door to democracy. Over more than a century, the people’s desire to master their own destiny has finally been fulfilled. My fellow citizens, though the Republic of China was driven out of the international community, the people of Taiwan have never exiled themselves. On this land, the people of Taiwan toil and labor, but when our friends face natural disasters or an unprecedented pandemic, we do not hesitate to extend a helping hand. “Taiwan Can Help” is not just a slogan. It is a movement by the people of Taiwan to cherish peace and do good for others. In the past, our people, going out into the world equipped with only a briefcase, sparked Taiwan’s economic achievements. Now, Taiwan’s chip technology drives the whole world, and has become a global force for prosperity and development. The people of Taiwan are diverse, and they are fearless. Our own Nymphia Wind is a queen on the world stage. The people of Taiwan are truly courageous. Lin Yu-ting (林郁婷), a daughter of Taiwan, is a queen of the boxing world. At 17 years old, Taiwan’s own Tsai Yun-rong (蔡昀融) put steady hands to work and won first place for woodwork in a global skills competition. Chen Sz-yuan (陳思源), at 20, took first for refrigeration and air conditioning, using the skills passed down by his father. A new generation of “Made in Taiwan” youth is putting a new shine on an old label. I want to thank generation after generation of fellow citizens for coming together and staying together through thick and thin. The Republic of China has already put down roots in Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu. And the Republic of China and the People’s Republic of China are not subordinate to each other. On this land, democracy and freedom are growing and thriving. The People’s Republic of China has no right to represent Taiwan. The 23 million people of Taiwan, now more than ever, must reach out our branches to embrace the future. My fellow citizens, we have overcome challenge after challenge. All along, the Republic of China has shown steadfast resolve; and all along, the people of Taiwan have shown unwavering tenacity. We fully understand that our views are not all the same, but we have always been willing to accept one another. We fully understand that we have differences in opinion, but we have always been willing to keep moving forward hand in hand. This is how the Republic of China Taiwan became what it is today. As president, my mission is to ensure that our nation endures and progresses, and to unite the 23 million people of Taiwan. I will also uphold the commitment to resist annexation or encroachment upon our sovereignty. It is also my mission to safeguard the lives and property of the public, firmly carry out our Four Pillars of Peace action plan, strengthen national defense, stand side by side with democratic countries, jointly demonstrate the strength of deterrence, and ensure peace through strength, so that all generations can lead good lives. All the more, my mission is to care for the lives and livelihoods of the 23 million people of Taiwan, actively develop our economy, and expand investment in social care. I must also ensure that the fruits of our economic growth can be enjoyed by all our people. However, Taiwan faces relentless challenges, and the world’s challenges are just as much our own. The world must achieve sustainable development as we grapple with global climate change. Sudden outbreaks of infectious diseases impact human lives and health around the globe. And expanding authoritarianism is posing a host of challenges to the rules-based international order, threatening our hard-won free and democratic way of life. For these reasons, I have established three committees at the Presidential Office: the National Climate Change Committee, the Healthy Taiwan Promotion Committee, and the Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee. These committees are interrelated, and they are closely connected by the theme of national resilience. We intend to build up a more resilient Taiwan, proactively deal with challenges, and bring Taiwan into deeper cooperation with the international community. We must strengthen Taiwan’s ability to adapt to the risks associated with extreme weather, continue promoting our second energy transition, and ensure a stable power supply. We must steadily advance toward our goal of net-zero transition by 2050 through the development of more forms of green energy, deep energy saving, and advanced energy storage. In terms of health, we must effectively fight the spread of global infectious diseases, and raise the population’s average life expectancy while reducing time spent living with illness or disability. We must achieve health equality so that people are healthy, the nation is stronger, and so that the world embraces Taiwan. Finally, we must strengthen resilience throughout Taiwan in national defense, economic livelihoods, disaster prevention, and democracy. As the people of Taiwan become more united, our nation grows more stable. As our society becomes better prepared, our nation grows more secure, and there is also greater peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan is resolved in our commitment to upholding peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and achieving global security and prosperity. We are willing to work with China on addressing climate change, combatting infectious diseases, and maintaining regional security to pursue peace and mutual prosperity for the well-being of the people on the two sides of the Taiwan Strait. For a long time now, countries around the world have supported China, invested in China, and assisted China in joining the World Trade Organization, thereby promoting China’s economic development and enhancing its national strength. This was done out of the hope that China would join the rest of the world in making global contributions, that internally it would place importance on the livelihoods of the people, and that externally it would maintain peace. As we stand here today, international tensions are on the rise, and each day countless innocents are suffering injuries or losing their lives in conflict. We hope that China will live up to the expectations of the international community, that it will apply its influence and work with other countries toward ending Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East. And we hope that it will take up its international responsibilities and, along with Taiwan, contribute to the peace, security, and prosperity of the region and the globe. In an era when the international landscape is becoming increasingly chaotic, Taiwan will become more calm, more confident, and stronger; it will become a force for regional peace, stability, and prosperity. I believe that a stronger democratic Taiwan is not only the ideal of our 23 million people, but also the expectation of the international community. We will continue to make Taiwan stronger and promote cross-sector economic development. Taiwan’s economic strength is no “miracle”; it is the result of the joint efforts of all the people of Taiwan. We must strive for an innovative economy, a balanced Taiwan, and inclusive growth; we must stay on top of changes in global trends, and continue to remain a key player in supply chains for global democracies. Going forward, in addition to our 5+2 innovative industries plan and Six Core Strategic Industries policy, we will more vigorously develop Taiwan’s Five Trusted Industry Sectors, namely semiconductors, AI, military, security and surveillance, and next-generation communications, and help expand their global presence. We will also promote the transformation and development of medium, small, and micro enterprises and help them develop their international markets. My fellow citizens, we will continue working to achieve a Taiwan that is balanced across all its regions. In the central government’s proposed general budget plan for next year, general grants for local governments and general centrally funded tax revenues increased significantly, by NT$89.5 billion, reaching a total of NT$724.1 billion, a record high. And our budget for flood control will be raised by NT$15.9 billion from this year, bringing the total to NT$55.1 billion. This will help municipalities across the country in addressing the challenges of extreme weather.  We will also expedite improvements to the safety of our national road network and create a human-friendly transportation environment. Furthermore, we will improve our mass rapid transit network and connect the greater Taipei area comprising Taipei, New Taipei, Keelung, and Taoyuan. We will roll out the new Silicon Valley plan for Taoyuan, Hsinchu, and Miaoli to form a central technology cluster connecting the north with the south and launch the Smart Technology Southern Industrial Ecosystem Development Plan. We will accelerate promotion of safety in our eastern transportation network so that locals can go home on safer roads. We will also enhance basic infrastructure in the outlying island areas to raise the quality of life for locals and increase their capacity for tourism. My fellow citizens, we must all the more ensure the well-being of our people across the generations. To our young parents, we will continue to promote version 2.0 of our national childcare policy for ages 0–6. We are going even further by already increasing childcare subsidies, and we will also enhance the quality of preschool services. Children are the future of our country, and the government has the responsibility to help take care of them. To our young students, we will continue to provide free tuition for students of high schools and vocational high schools, and we will also continue to subsidize tuition for students of private junior colleges, colleges, and universities. And we are taking that a step further by establishing the Ten-Billion-Dollar Youth Overseas Dream Fund. Young people have dreams, and the government has the responsibility to help youth realize those dreams. To our young adults and those in the prime of life, next year, the minimum wage will once again be raised, and the number of rent-subsidized housing units will be increased. We will expand investment in society and provide more support across life, work, housing, and health, and support for the young and old. Raising a family is hard work, and the government has a responsibility to help lighten the load. To our senior citizens all around Taiwan, next year, Taiwan will become a “super-aged society.” In advance, we will launch our Long-term Care 3.0 Plan and gradually implement the 888 Program for the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. We will also establish a NT$10 billion fund for new cancer drugs and advance the Healthy Taiwan Cultivation Plan. We will build a stronger social safety net and provide enhanced care for the disadvantaged. And we will bring mental health support to people of all ages, including the young and middle-aged, to truly achieve care for all people of all ages throughout the whole of our society. I am deeply aware that what everyone cares about the most is the pressure of high housing prices, and that what they most detest is rampant fraud. I give the people my promise that our administration will not shirk these issues; even if it offends certain groups, we will address them no matter the price. We will redouble our efforts to combat fraud and fight housing speculation. We will expand care for renters and strike a balance with the needs of people looking to change homes. We will walk together, continuing down the path toward achieving housing justice. We have with us today former President Chen Shui-bian, former President Tsai Ing-wen, and leaders from different political parties. I want to thank all of you for attending. Your presence represents the strength our nation has built up over generations, as well as the values and significance of Taiwan’s diverse democracy. Our nation must become more united, and our society must grow more stable. I also want to thank Legislative Yuan President Han and Premier Cho for recently initiating cooperation among the ruling and opposition parties to facilitate discussion among the ruling and opposition party caucuses. In democratic countries, political parties internally promote the nation’s progress through competition, and externally they unite to work toward achieving national interests. No matter our political party, no matter our political stances, national interests come before the interests of parties, and the interests of parties can never take precedence over the interests of the people. And this is precisely the spirit upheld by those who sacrificed, who gave everything they had, in order to establish the Republic of China. This is the lesson we take from our predecessors who, generation upon generation, overcame authoritarianism, and sacrificed and devoted themselves to the pursuit of democracy. That is precisely why, regardless of party affiliation or regardless of our differences, we are gathered here today. Regardless of what name we choose to call our nation – the Republic of China; Taiwan; or the Republic of China Taiwan – we must all share common convictions: Our determination to defend our national sovereignty remains unchanged. Our efforts to maintain the status quo of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait remain unchanged. Our commitment to hoping for parity and dignity, and healthy and orderly dialogue and exchanges between the two sides of the strait remains unchanged. Our determination, from one generation to the next, to protect our free and democratic way of life remains unchanged. I believe this is the dream that Taiwan’s 23 million people all share; it is also the shared ideal that Taiwanese society and the international community hold. The stronger the commitment of the Taiwanese people, the greater the tenacity of democracy around the world. The greater the tenacity of the Taiwanese people, the stronger the commitment of democracy around the world. Let’s keep going, Republic of China! Let’s keep going, Taiwan! Regardless of our differences, let’s keep going forward! Thank you.

    Details
    2025-01-01
    President Lai’s remarks on legislative amendments
    On the morning of June 24, President Lai Ching-te delivered his remarks on recent legislative amendments. In remarks, President Lai emphasized opposition to an expansion of legislative power, not legislative reforms, and said that the legislature should naturally engage in reforms, but refrain from an excessive expansion of power, adding that any proposal for legislative reform should remain legal and constitutional. Particularly, the president said, the investigative powers of the Legislative Yuan should not infringe upon the powers of the judiciary or the Control Yuan, and more importantly, they must not infringe upon people’s basic rights, including the right to privacy, trade secrets, and the freedom to withhold expression. Therefore, on the basis of safeguarding the constitutional order and protecting the rights of the people, the president stated that he will petition the Constitutional Court for a constitutional interpretation, as well as petition for a preliminary injunction. Emphasizing that the president’s role is as a guardian of democratic and constitutional governance, President Lai said that given that there are concerns about the recent amendments being unconstitutional, concerns that they confound constitutional provisions on the separation of powers and those on checks and balances, it is incumbent upon him to perform his duties as president and take action. Today, he said, he has decided to petition the Constitutional Court for a constitutional interpretation to rule on the constitutionality and legitimacy of the recent amendments. Stating that this approach is responsible to our nation and to our history and actually reflects the expectations of the people, the president expressed his hope that all of our fellow citizens can work together to safeguard our constitutional system and more deeply entrench our democracy, allowing for the sustainable development of Taiwan’s democracy. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: One month ago, I was sworn in as president, taking an oath before the people to observe the Constitution and faithfully perform my duties. Therefore, following the legislature’s passing of amendments to the Law Governing the Legislative Yuan’s Power and to the Criminal Code, earlier this morning, I signed these amendments into law in accordance with the Constitution, and will promulgate the bills today. However, aside from the deliberative process over the amendments raising pronounced concerns from the public, the contents of the bills also risk compromising the constitutional principle of separation of powers, as well as that of checks and balances. A moment ago, Attorney Hong Wei-sheng (洪偉勝) explained our reasons for seeking to petition for a constitutional interpretation. I would like to share with our fellow citizens that it is the responsibility and mission of the president to safeguard our free and democratic constitutional system and protect the rights of the people. In a free and democratic constitutional system, core principles include separation of powers, checks and balances, and the protection of human rights. Separation of powers should be based on the Constitution, with the branches working independently while respecting one another. Regarding checks and balances, branches should function according to their institutional design to ensure constitutionally responsible government. Therefore, I must emphasize that we are opposing an expansion of legislative power, not legislative reforms. The legislature should naturally engage in reforms, but refrain from an excessive expansion of power. Any proposal for legislative reform should remain legal and constitutional. Particularly, the investigative powers of the Legislative Yuan should not infringe upon the powers of the judiciary or the Control Yuan. More importantly, they must not infringe upon people’s basic rights, including the right to privacy, trade secrets, and the freedom to withhold expression. Therefore, on the basis of safeguarding the constitutional order and protecting the rights of the people, I will petition the Constitutional Court for a constitutional interpretation, as well as petition for a preliminary injunction. On the issue of the president giving an address on the state of the nation at the Legislative Yuan, there are already existing regulations in place in the Constitution and the Law Governing the Legislative Yuan’s Power. During legislative sessions, the legislature may invite the president to give a state of the nation address on national security and major policies. I have previously said that on the condition of legal and constitutional procedures, I am willing to deliver a state of the nation address at the Legislative Yuan. However, recent amendments passed by the legislature redefine the president’s address on the state of the nation as compulsory and require that the address be followed with an on-the-spot question and answer session, in an attempt to change the design of responsible government in the Constitution. This disrupts the institution of the Executive Yuan being responsible to the Legislative Yuan, leading to concerns about an overreaching expansion of the power originally bestowed to legislators by the Constitution. As president, I will not impose my personal opinions on the constitutional order; nor will I place my personal interests before national interests. As a physician, I deeply understand that any diagnosis should be made with care. When performing organ transplants, the physician must carefully evaluate and match various attributes, such as blood type, physical constitution, and other conditions. The same principles for treating illness hold true for governing a country. Institutional or legal transplants performed in the absence of careful evaluation or discussion could lead to negative outcomes for the nation’s constitutional governance and the protection of the people’s rights. We must address these issues seriously. Every law has far-reaching impact on our nation, our society, and the next generation. The president’s role is as a guardian of democratic and constitutional governance. Given that there are concerns about the recent amendments being unconstitutional, concerns that they confound constitutional provisions on the separation of powers and those on checks and balances, it is incumbent upon me to perform my duties as president and take action. Today, I have decided to petition the Constitutional Court for a constitutional interpretation to rule on the constitutionality and legitimacy of the recent amendments. This approach is responsible to our nation and to our history and actually reflects the expectations of the people. The Constitution stands as the supreme legal basis of our nation, and the Constitutional Court is the highest judicial organ that works to maintain the constitutional order and protect the rights of citizens. As to the interpretation, ruling and opposition parties must respect and accept the results, no matter what they turn out to be. And we also hope that the public will be able to support the results. In the coming days, as this process of constitutional interpretation unfolds, there will be much discussion and debate among the public. I am confident that this will be a reaffirmation, by Taiwanese society, of our democratic and constitutional governance, and that it will make our democratic society even more mature. For democracy to be even more deeply entrenched, it needs defending, and it needs dialogue. And the historic moment to defend the constitutional structure of free democracy is now. I hope that all of my fellow citizens can work together to safeguard our constitutional system and more deeply entrench our democracy, allowing for the sustainable development of Taiwan’s democracy. Thank you. Also in attendance were Secretary-General to the President Pan Men-an (潘孟安), Deputy Secretary-General to the President Xavier Chang (張惇涵), and agent ad litem Attorney Hong.

    Details
    2025-01-01
    President Lai holds press conference to mark first month in office
    On the morning of June 19, President Lai Ching-te held a press conference marking his first month in office titled “Building Trust through Policy Initiatives: A New Taiwan for an Era of Innovation” to announce the establishment of three committees at the Presidential Office: the National Climate Change Committee, Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee, and Healthy Taiwan Promotion Committee. In remarks, President Lai noted that the goal of the committees is to develop national strategies, engage in dialogue with civil society, deepen cooperation with the international community, and take action for Taiwan’s future. President Lai said he believes that as we actively pursue the transition to net-zero emissions by 2050 and participate in global security cooperation, our people will be healthier and our nation stronger, emphasizing that as Taiwan embraces the world, the world also embraces Taiwan. He stated that we are determined and confident as we guide our nation toward a better future, making the Taiwan of the world an even better place that will continue to contribute to the global community. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: As I am about to reach a full month in office as president, I am here today to announce the establishment of three committees at the Presidential Office. The goal of these committees is to develop national strategies, engage in dialogue with civil society, deepen cooperation with the international community, and take action for Taiwan’s future. Taiwan occupies a strategic position on one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes; we play a crucial role on the frontline of the democratic world; our advanced supply chains hold the key to the next generation of technological development. The Taiwan of today is a Taiwan of the world. Anything that happens to Taiwan could send ripples through the entire globe. Therefore, Taiwan’s issues are international issues, and international issues are Taiwan’s issues. Today, climate change, social resilience, and the promotion of health are three major issues that receive international attention; they also create the largest impact on our citizens. In response to these challenges, as well as for further cooperation with other countries, I have decided to establish three committees at the Presidential Office, with myself as the convenor. These committees aim to consolidate forces from government and civil society, to provide effective solutions for our country and for the world. First of all, the impact of climate change and extreme weather events is definitely the largest challenge that humanity faces. In 2022, an annual report from the United Nations pointed out that without proactive measures, average surface temperatures could rise by 2.8 degrees Celsius before the end of the century. And in 2023, we already witnessed the hottest summer in recorded history. The UN has warned that the issue is not only global warming, but that we have rather already entered an era of global boiling. The World Meteorological Organization has also recorded that Asia is a region heavily struck by climate-related disasters. We must face the pressing problems of climate breakdown, and the nations of the world must work together. In response to global climate change, we must address these issues faster, stronger, and more proactively.  Whether it is neighboring Japan or Korea, or other advanced democracies such as the United States, many countries have established agencies to address climate change at the level of the president or prime minister, with the goal of adopting proactive measures. Therefore, I will establish a National Climate Change Committee, with Executive Yuan Vice President Cheng Li-chiun (鄭麗君), Academia Sinica President James C. Liao (廖俊智), and Pegatron Corporation Chairman Tung Tzu-hsien (童子賢) as deputy convenors. The committee will promote climate governance from a national perspective and further transnational cooperation. Taiwan must not only continue to promote energy transition, but also put into practice the twin green and digital transition, as well as a just transition. We aim to realize a net-zero pathway, build a sustainable green lifestyle and green finance, and enhance environmental resilience to foster a sustainable homeland. I must also emphasize that transition to net-zero emissions by 2050 is no longer just an idealistic proposal, but an inevitable future. This path is extremely challenging, so we must face reality and rally the entire nation to strive together. We need a more comprehensive strategy to guide businesses and the public, implementing changes in energy, industry, finance, and daily life. Secondly, in the face of severe disasters caused by earthquakes and climate change, Taiwan must accelerate its efforts to strengthen the resilience of our entire society. The world is watching how Taiwan can demonstrate strong resilience in defending itself and deter the ambitions that seek to disrupt regional peace and stability. Only when our entire society possesses a strong will for self-defense and an unwavering confidence in ourselves can Taiwan effectively respond to various disasters and risks and grow stronger. Just days ago, the G7 leaders issued a communiqué, reaffirming that “maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is indispensable to international security and prosperity.” This means that as the resilience of Taiwanese society is strengthened, Taiwan’s security is enhanced; and as Taiwan’s security is strengthened, we also enhance global security and prosperity. Therefore, I will establish the Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee, with Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, Secretary-General to the President Pan Men-an (潘孟安), and National Security Council (NSC) Secretary-General Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) serving as deputy conveners. By thinking ahead and being prepared, we aim to make Taiwan stronger and instill greater confidence in our people. In times of national emergency or natural disaster, both the government and society will be able to maintain normal operations. We need to expand the training and utilization of civilian forces, enhance material preparation and critical supply distribution systems, and strengthen energy and critical infrastructure security. We must improve social welfare and medical networks, as well as evacuation facilities, ensuring the safety of information, transportation, and financial networks. We need to conduct a comprehensive review and propose solutions to problems, strengthening our resilience in national defense, economic livelihoods, disaster prevention, and democracy. Our goal is to build a stronger and more robust democratic society where we not only safeguard national security, but also maintain regional peace and stability. Finally, I will establish the Healthy Taiwan Promotion Committee to address the challenges of the post-pandemic era. In recent years, major challenges threatening our citizens include antibiotic-resistant superbugs, transnational diseases of unknown origin, and cancer, which is the leading cause of death among the Taiwanese population. Our vision for creating a Healthy Taiwan is to enable people to live long and healthy lives. Dr. Chen Jyh-hong (陳志鴻), convener of the Healthy Taiwan Promotion Alliance, President Wong Chi-huey (翁啟惠) of the Institute for Biotechnology and Medicine Industry, and Minister without Portfolio Chen Shih-chung (陳時中) of the Executive Yuan will serve as deputy conveners for the Healthy Taiwan Promotion Committee. We aim to advance the Healthy Taiwan Cultivation Plan through a health charter. We will improve the employment environment to attract and retain talent. We will optimize the National Health Insurance system for sustainable operation. We are committed to promoting holistic healthcare models and accelerating the application of smart healthcare technologies. Furthermore, we will establish a NT$10 billion fund for new cancer drugs, fully advancing our national plan for cancer prevention and treatment. I have never forgotten my mission as a doctor. I hope to gradually build a Taiwan where the number of years that people live with illness or disability is reduced, and that spent in health is increased. In the future, we must take action to promote healthy living for all, enhance lifelong care, and align Taiwan with sustainable health development around the globe. We must also look toward international cooperation to foster global solidarity in the post-pandemic era. These three committees not only signify unity and collaboration within the current administration and across ministries, but also embody a spirit of interdepartmental, cross-disciplinary, and public-private sector cooperation. These three committees will convene quarterly meetings. We will establish efficient communication platforms to foster social consensus and actively translate our goals into action. By harnessing the strengths of industry, government, academia, research institutions, and civil society sectors, we can effectively address global issues, making Taiwan’s strategies a global solution. In today’s interconnected world, every step Taiwan takes forward is a step forward for the world. Taiwan has capability, technology, and experience to share with the global community. According to last year’s rankings from the Economist Intelligence Unit and this year’s report from the Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society, Taiwan is recognized as the most democratic and charitable country in Asia. Our achievements in democracy and our actions as a force for good have received international recognition. I believe that as we actively pursue the transition to net-zero emissions by 2050 and participate in global security cooperation, our people will be healthier and our nation stronger. As Taiwan embraces the world, the world also embraces Taiwan. I also want to emphasize that addressing these global issues and challenges requires significant effort and long-term investment of resources to yield results. If we do not start taking action today, we will fall behind tomorrow. So, the time for action is now. Today, the government shoulders its responsibility and leads by example. We are determined and confident as we guide our nation toward a better future, making the Taiwan of the world an even better place that will continue to contribute to the global community. Thank you. Also in attendance were Vice President Hsiao, Secretary-General Pan, NSC Secretary-General Wu, and Deputy Secretary-General to the President Xavier Chang (張惇涵).

    Details
    2025-01-01
    President Lai interviewed by Time magazine
    In a recent interview with Time magazine, President Lai Ching-te responded to questions regarding diplomacy, cross-strait relations, the semiconductor industry, and Taiwan’s domestic economic development. Following is the text of the questions and the president’s responses: Q: Thank you so much for sparing us the time today and congratulations on your election victory. How are you settling into the new job? I know you’ve just moved one level down from where you were previously, but I hope that your access to bubble tea has not been adversely impacted by the new job. President Lai: My interest in bubble tea has not changed. The transition into my new job has also been steady, having just moved from the fourth to the third floor. I had previously served as a legislator, premier, and was vice president for four years, so I have a clear understanding about national policies and the direction of former President Tsai Ing-wen’s past governance. So far, it has been very smooth. Thank you. Q: Obviously you’ve had four months now since your election victory to prepare for this role. How have you spent that time and what advice has [former] President Tsai given you about taking the most important job in Taiwan? President Lai: Over the past four months, the most important task was the transition process with former President Tsai. This included foreign affairs, national defense, cross-strait affairs, and key domestic issues. Some of this took place in meetings at the Presidential Office and some at military facilities and different government agencies. I also worked to assemble a cabinet, inviting Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) to be premier. Cheng Li-chiun (鄭麗君) was invited to serve as vice premier, and former National Development Council Minister Kung Ming-hsin (龔明鑫) as secretary-general of the Executive Yuan. Premier Cho has invited people based on talent across political affiliations to form the cabinet. So far, the public response has been positive. As for advice and encouragement from former President Tsai, she emphasized to me that the president’s job is to safeguard the country and uphold the constitutional system of freedom and democracy. Second, we must listen to public opinion and take care of the people. Third, faced with difficult challenges, we should collectively discuss a course of action forward. This way there will be less headwind. Q: Speaking of headwinds, it was just 48 hours after your election victory that Beijing announced that one of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies, Nauru, was now going to switch recognition to Beijing. This seems to be quite a clear signal to you before you’d even stepped into office or made any policy decisions or anything. How concerned are you by Taiwan’s dwindling recognition on the world stage? President Lai: We cooperate with our diplomatic allies in a sincere way, holding to the principles of mutual benefit and reciprocity. We cherish our friendships with our diplomatic allies and thank them for voicing support for Taiwan in the international community, as well as creating greater international space for us. We also greatly value the cooperation projects we have with our diplomatic allies because these help the people of both countries. Taiwan has always held firm to these principles, regardless of which political party is in power. In the case that our diplomatic allies decide to switch allegiances to the People’s Republic of China (PRC), while we wish them well, such harmful actions by the PRC will not affect Taiwan’s status as a beacon of freedom and a bastion of democracy in the world. So, [on this issue of recognition], we are not deeply worried. Q: You chose and invited Bi-khim Hsiao to be your vice president and she left Washington, DC, where she was serving as your de facto ambassador to the US. Does that signify that US-Taiwan relations are going to take on newfound importance for your administration? President Lai: During Vice President Hsiao’s term as ambassador to the United States, she performed exceedingly well. Taiwanese society has recognized her as amongst the very best within our ambassadors to the US. The international community, including the US, has also recognized her outstanding performance. Now as vice president, she can support the new administration in furthering trusted channels with the US, which will help advance our bilateral cooperation. With Bi-khim’s support, we will engage in more substantive cooperation on national security and defense, the economy, and other substantive exchanges. I trust that we will make much progress, as Bi-khim has been instrumental in bridging Taiwan together with the US. Q: In your inauguration speech, you called for resumption of cross-strait dialogue, trade, and educational exchanges but caveated that on dignity and equivalence. What exactly do you mean by dignity and equivalence with the PRC? President Lai: First, the PRC should recognize that the Republic of China (ROC) exists. They should be sincere in building exchanges and cooperation with the popularly elected and legitimate government of Taiwan. Second, each issue should be mutually beneficial and reciprocal. For example, if Taiwan allows tourists to go to China, they should allow tourists to visit Taiwan. And if we let our students go to China, their students should be allowed to come here. Third, as we conduct exchanges and cooperate with each other, we should share a common conviction to enhance the well-being of people on the two sides of the Taiwan Strait, working toward an objective of peace and mutual prosperity. Q: Also, in your speech, you said that the ROC and the PRC are not subservient to each other. That obviously provoked a reaction from Beijing. We saw the military drills but also some of your political opponents here have said that this undermines the strategic ambiguity which has been the bedrock of peace and stability. How do you counter that? Do you think that you were unnecessarily provocative in hindsight? President Lai: What I said was the truth. Moreover, I was not the first person to express this truth. My intention was not to provoke. During her 2021 National Day Address, former President Tsai said as part of her Four Commitments that the ROC and PRC should not be subordinate to each other. Former President Ma Ying-jeou had also once said the ROC is a sovereign and independent state and that neither side of the strait is subordinate to the other. Third, I stated this in accordance with Articles 2 and 3 of the ROC Constitution, given that in Taiwan we have had our own citizens, land, sovereignty, and government for decades. According to international law, we are already a sovereign and independent country. My goal is to bring the people of Taiwan together. Q: In April, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken traveled to Beijing and met with Xi Jinping. From diplomatic sources, he became quite animated when discussing the status of Taiwan and US support for Taiwan. Do you worry that President Xi is becoming emboldened and impatient about resolving the so-called Taiwan issue? President Lai: Peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are indispensable elements of global peace and prosperity. In my inaugural address, I told the international community that I would uphold former President Tsai’s Four Commitments. We will neither yield nor provoke. We will maintain the status quo and fulfill our responsibilities. I also urge President Xi to understand that conflict in the Taiwan Strait and disruptions to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region will not be accepted by the international community. I invite President Xi to jointly shoulder with us the responsibility of maintaining peace and stability, building regional prosperity, and advancing world peace. Q: Since we last spoke, China’s economic problems continue to mount. Do you feel that this makes Taiwan more vulnerable, or is this an opportunity for further engagement for mutual benefit? President Lai: I have always believed that a stable China leads to a safer Taiwan. A prosperous Taiwan can also bring about progress in China. Therefore, I do not wish to see growing difficulties in China’s economy or its society become more unstable. Indeed, economic relations between Taiwan and China are the result of divisions of labor within global supply chains. In the past, China was the world’s factory as well as the world’s market. Many countries, including Taiwan, invested in manufacturing in China and sold products manufactured at home via China to the entire world. But today things have changed because China’s business environment has worsened. China has placed ever stricter controls on the free market. They have adopted a policy of placing state-owned businesses first, at the expense of the private sector. China’s intellectual property rights protection has also long fallen short of international expectations. In addition, China’s military expansionism in the East and South China Seas has impacted regional peace and stability. This is why capital investment from Taiwan and other countries is no longer heading to China at the pace it was in the past. Taiwanese companies have pulled out of China’s manufacturing sector en masse, favoring countries in the Indo-Pacific – including Japan – the US, and Europe. In 2010, investments in China accounted for 83.8 percent of Taiwan’s total foreign investment, meaning that for every NT$100, NT$83.8 was invested in China. During the same period of time, over half of Taiwan’s foreign trade was dependent on China. Parts and equipment produced in Taiwan were sent to China for assembly or used in the production of other goods, and then the finished products were sold internationally. Last year, investment in China accounted for only 11.4 percent of Taiwan’s total foreign investment, dropping from 83.8 percent. Taiwan’s foreign trade with China also fell from its previous high of over 50 percent, totaling 35.5 percent in 2023. Despite this, Taiwan’s economic growth rate has averaged 3.15 percent over the past eight years – ranking first among the Four Asian Tigers. During former President Tsai’s eight-year term, the stock market grew by 155.5 percent and its value increased 1.8-fold. When former President Tsai first assumed office, the stock market was a little over 8,000 points; it has now surpassed 20,000 points. In other words, even as China’s economy has continued to decline, Taiwan’s economy has continued to grow and has not been affected by China. Taiwan’s new government is willing to assist China and advance peace and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait. Q: Obviously Taiwan is central to global supply chains when it comes to semiconductors, producing 90 percent of the most advanced chips, but US export restrictions are preventing those chips from going to China. You mentioned that Taiwanese investment in China is plummeting. At the same time, Taiwan companies like TSMC are benefiting from billions of dollars from the US Chips Act. Do you fear that key players in Taiwan’s business industrial base moving closer to the US and being kept apart from China is increasing the risk of conflict? President Lai: In this era of smart technologies, semiconductors have become crucial industrial products. In the future, if all aspects of life – including food, clothing, housing, and transportation – are to be technologically advanced and intelligent, semiconductors will be indispensable. The industry runs on a global division of labor. From research and development, design, manufacturing, raw materials, and equipment, it is a worldwide industrial chain. Taiwan is involved in integrated circuit design, wafer manufacturing, and end-of-line packaging and testing, but raw materials are distributed across other countries. For example, components, equipment, and technology are sourced from the US, Japan, and the Netherlands. As we can see, this is an industry with a global division of labor. Although Taiwan has an advantage in the semiconductor industry, Taiwan also has a responsibility to promote global prosperity and development. Consequently, if semiconductor companies, including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), decide to expand in the US, Japan, Europe, or other countries consistent with their own business interests, the government will respect their decisions. Geopolitical changes will continue to impact the distribution of semiconductor companies. Given that the restructuring of global supply chains is not specific to any single country, I do not believe that this will increase the risk of conflict. Q: Your only trip to China was in 2014 when you were serving as mayor of Tainan. I understand that you had some quite open and frank discussions with students in Shanghai about Taiwanese aspirations for independence. What did you learn from that interaction? President Lai: In 2014, I visited Shanghai because the Tainan City government organized a traveling art exhibition to commemorate the 120th anniversary of Chen Cheng-po’s (陳澄波) birth. During my interactions with the Shanghai municipal government and Fudan University, I made it clear that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait should seek common ground and set aside differences. Through exchanges and cooperation, we should promote mutual understanding, empathy, reconciliation, and peaceful development. Q: You won the election with over 40 percent of the vote, but the DPP lost control of the legislature, and so you need to work across the aisle with opposition parties to get your domestic agenda across. It’s not been a very harmonious time in the Legislative Yuan at the moment. We’ve seen brawls and a lot of sniping over the new bill to increase scrutiny of the executive branch. How confident are you that you can overcome these differences to have a constructive relationship with the opposition parties? President Lai: I remain fully confident about the future development of Taiwan. This is because of our democracy. After decades of collective effort, as well as the numerous sacrifices and contributions of many people, the vitality and values of democracy are deeply imbued within the Taiwanese people. These democratic values are an important foundation as I promote future national policy priorities. In my inaugural address, I mentioned that a divided legislature is the will of the people. This provides an opportunity for each party to share their ideas and jointly bear the responsibility of serving the nation. At the same time, if any one party does not live up to public expectations, I trust that people will respond accordingly so that the country can still move forward. In my address, I also pointed out that Taiwan will continue to move in the direction of democracy, peace, and prosperity, linking us with the international community. I will pursue policies that further entrench Taiwan’s democracy, maintain regional peace, and allow Taiwan to engage with the international community to enhance global prosperity and development. This roadmap will benefit both our country and its people. I do not think opposition parties will strongly oppose bills related to this roadmap. Q: Some of your DPP colleagues have pointed out that 17 KMT lawmakers went to China recently and met with Wang Huning, and they have openly accused the KMT of being a fifth column for the CCP in trying to disrupt your administration. Is that an opinion that you share? President Lai: In a democratic society, the interests of the people should take precedent; this is the principle of democracy at work. As a result, political parties should put national interests above their own – that is their sacred duty . As Taiwan faces different forms of pressure from China, everybody, regardless of party affiliation, should put the people first and prioritize national interests. They should not let themselves be influenced by any authoritarian country. Q: The CCP has refused to engage with your administration or the DPP. Is it beneficial for the KMT to have trips to China and engagements with China, whether it’s Ma Ying-jeou on an unofficial basis or KMT lawmakers? President Lai: The people of Taiwan and all political parties – regardless of affiliation – should recognize and respond to the fact that China’s ambition to annex Taiwan is part of their national policy. Only by coming together domestically and strengthening our global linkages can we maintain our sovereignty, freedom, and democratic way of life. By doing so, we will have the capacity and opportunity to determine our own future. No political party should sacrifice national sovereignty for political gain. Q: Following the devastating Hualien earthquake just a month ago, China offered to send aid to Taiwan but was rebuffed. You hadn’t taken office at that point. But do you feel that was the right decision? Do you think it could have been an opportunity to mend bridges across the strait? President Lai: Taiwan very much cherishes the expressions of concern and support we received from the global community. International assistance creates a positive feedback loop that helps us come together in times of need. This helps support global development and stability. With this being said, at the time, China had offered 100 prefabricated homes, which was not what the people affected by the Hualien earthquake required. When central Taiwan was struck by a major earthquake on September 21, 1999, the government had provided such homes to alleviate housing shortages at the time. However, over the past 20 or 30 years, Taiwan has accumulated greater experience and capacity for search and rescue and post-disaster reconstruction. We have moved past the period of requiring prefabricated housing. Today, if a home is made unsafe by an earthquake, a red notice will be attached to the structure. We will consequently provide financial support for both the property and its reconstruction. If people need to live in a hotel or guesthouse, stay with a relative, or rent a place to stay, these costs will also be subsidized until the home has been rebuilt. Therefore, we did not require prefabricated homes. People living in hotels or guesthouses also supported the tourism industry, which was affected by a large drop in visitors following the earthquake. Q: Some in the opposition want to restart negotiations for the cross-strait service trade agreement for close economic integration with China. Why do you oppose such a move?  President Lai: In short, the time for this has long passed. As I said, many Taiwanese businesses have left China. Looking ahead, we can see substantive differences opening up between Taiwan’s economy and China’s present economic structure. If the cross-strait service trade agreement were passed, Chinese business owners could come to Taiwan and set up shop with as little as NT$6 million dollars. And it is not just a matter of the owners – they could also bring employees over. This would greatly affect Taiwan’s local economy. Q: Beijing is aggressively courting the Global South to back its claim over Taiwan with 28 nations, according to recent reporting, firmly supporting China’s push for reunification. How important is it to win the argument over Taiwan’s right for autonomy amongst the international community, especially those of the Global South? President Lai: I hope that all countries will respect the choice of Taiwan’s people. The will of the people should not be subject to decisions made by a majority or show of hands [in international fora]. Neither should our people be threatened by violence or the threat of war. China is presently engaged in lawfare, which is affecting support for Taiwan internationally. While Taiwan will do its best to speak up for our own rights and interests, I hope that the international community will also continue to assist, understand, and support Taiwan. This is because if China’s attempts at lawfare were to succeed, this would affect Taiwan’s global backing, be it in times of peace or war. Q: Domestically in Taiwan, a lot of Taiwan people are struggling with a growing but slow economy, rising prices, and stagnated wages. What is your plan to try to help the average Taiwanese person? President Lai: I have been deeply focused on supporting the salaries and lives of our grassroots workers. I also prioritize reducing the gap between the rich and poor, as well as efforts to give our young people a brighter future. I will faithfully implement the Minimum Wage Act that was passed under former President Tsai. With this act, minimum wage increases will be based on how the GDP or prices increase. More importantly, we must help our industries upgrade and our economy transform. In my inaugural address, I said that economic development will take a threefold approach. First, we will have a clear view for a smart, sustainable future. In other words, we must use technology to address climate change and respond to the global era of smart technologies. We will have an innovative economy and create a new Taiwan that is both smart and sustainable. Second, we will expand the space industry, exploring the future by developing medium- and low-orbit communications satellites and drones. We will also use our strengths as a maritime nation to explore the ocean, helping related industries grow and develop in many directions. Third, we will help our enterprises expand their presence and markets internationally. We will improve Taiwan’s investment environment and take care of our small- and medium-sized enterprises while helping our industries in their global reach. This will grow Taiwan’s economy, leading to development and creating an environment conducive to higher wages. During my election campaign, I put forward a National Project of Hope. With this, we will invest more in our society, take better care of both young and elderly people, as well as all those who need care. We will close the wealth gap, while supporting the people’s welfare and the future of our young people. Q: President Lai, thank you. You’ve been very generous with your time. But just to end off, we spoke before how you grew up in Wanli in a poor family and your father died when you were very young. You worked very hard to become a doctor and your mother wasn’t very keen about you taking a diversion route into politics. Now you’ve reached the very top of the political ladder in Taiwan, do you think that your mother would be proud, that she would have forgiven you for defying her? President Lai: My mother was just an ordinary person and, like many mothers in Taiwan’s society at that time, worked hard, took care of her family, and hoped that her children would grow up safe and sound. What probably mattered most to my mother was that I was safe and healthy. It did not matter to her whether I became a politician or not, just as I had no expectation that one day I would sit here in the Presidential Office. In fact, when I was little, I hoped to become a doctor so as to take care of the sick, relieve suffering, and save lives. But during the process of Taiwan’s democratization, many young people devoted themselves to politics, including myself. I had no idea that I would continue down this path, much less be here today. My mother told me that if people support me, then I should run for election; if not, then I should continue as a doctor. In other words, my mother felt that I probably would not pursue politics for very long. We were from the countryside and did not come from a political family. However, I attribute my success to Taiwan’s democratization. If it were not for the sacrifices, contributions, and achievements of countless individuals up until now, I could not have been afforded the opportunity to sit here. My responsibility is to further deepen Taiwan’s democracy and enable hardworking people from all walks of life to realize their ideals and contribute to our country.

    Details
    2025-02-14
    President Lai holds press conference following high-level national security meeting
    On the morning of February 14, President Lai Ching-te convened the first high-level national security meeting of the year, following which he held a press conference. In remarks, President Lai announced that in this new year, the government will prioritize special budget allocations to ensure that Taiwan’s defense budget exceeds 3 percent of GDP. He stated that the government will also continue to reform national defense, reform our legal framework for national security, and advance our economic and trade strategy of being rooted in Taiwan while expanding globally. The president also proposed clear-cut national strategies for Taiwan-US relations, semiconductor industry development, and cross-strait relations. President Lai indicated that he instructed the national security and administrative teams to take swift action and deliver results, working within a stable strategic framework and according to the various policies and approaches outlined. He also instructed them to keep a close watch on changes in the international situation, seize opportunities whenever they arise, and address the concerns and hope of the citizens with concrete actions. He expressed hope that as long as citizens remain steadfast in their convictions, are willing to work hand in hand, stand firm amidst uncertainty, and look for ways to win within changing circumstances, Taiwan is certain to prevail in the test of time yet again. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: First, I would like to convey my condolences for the tragic incident which occurred at the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store in Taichung, which resulted in numerous casualties. I have instructed Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) to lead the relevant central government agencies in assisting Taichung’s municipal government with actively resolving various issues regarding the incident. It is my hope that these issues can be resolved efficiently. Earlier today, I convened this year’s first high-level national security meeting. I will now report on the discussions from the meeting to all citizens. 2025 is a year full of challenges, but also a year full of hope. In today’s global landscape, the democratic world faces common threats posed by the convergence of authoritarian regimes, while dumping and unfair competition from China undermine the global economic order. A new United States administration was formed at the beginning of the year, adopting all-new strategies and policies to address challenges both domestic and from overseas. Every nation worldwide, including ours, is facing a new phase of changes and challenges. In face of such changes, ensuring national security, ensuring Taiwan’s indispensability in global supply chains, and ensuring that our nation continues to make progress amidst challenges are our top priorities this year. They are also why we convened a high-level national security meeting today. At the meeting, the national security team, the administrative team led by Premier Cho, and I held an in-depth discussion based on the overall state of affairs at home and abroad and the strategies the teams had prepared in response. We summed up the following points as an overall strategy for the next stage of advancing national security and development. First, for overall national security, so that we can ensure the freedom, democracy, and human rights of the Taiwanese people, as well as the progress and development of the nation as we face various threats from authoritarian regimes, Taiwan must resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, strengthen self-sufficiency in national defense, and consolidate national defense. Taiwan must enhance economic resilience, maintain economic autonomy, and stand firm with other democracies as we deepen our strategic partnerships with like-minded countries. As I have said, “As authoritarianism consolidates, democratic nations must come closer in solidarity!” And so, in this new year, we will focus on the following three priorities: First, to demonstrate our resolve for national defense, we will continue to reform national defense, implement whole-of-society defense resilience, and prioritize special budget allocations to ensure that our defense budget exceeds 3 percent of GDP. Second, to counter the threats to our national security from China’s united front tactics, attempts at infiltration, and cognitive warfare, we will continue with the reform of our legal framework for national security and expand the national security framework to boost societal resilience and foster unity within. Third, to seize opportunities in the restructuring of global supply chains and realignment of the economic order, we will continue advancing our economic and trade strategy of being rooted in Taiwan while expanding globally, strengthening protections for high-tech, and collaborating with our friends and allies to build supply chains for global democracies. Everyone shares concern regarding Taiwan-US relations, semiconductor industry development, and cross-strait relations. For these issues, I am proposing clear-cut national strategies. First, I will touch on Taiwan-US relations. Taiwan and the US have shared ideals and values, and are staunch partners within the democratic, free community. We are very grateful to President Donald Trump’s administration for their continued support for Taiwan after taking office. We are especially grateful for the US and Japan’s joint leaders’ statement reiterating “the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait as an indispensable element of security and prosperity for the international community,” as well as their high level of concern regarding China’s threat to regional security. In fact, the Democratic Progressive Party government has worked very closely with President Trump ever since his first term in office, and has remained an international partner. The procurement of numerous key advanced arms, freedom of navigation critical for security and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and many assisted breakthroughs in international diplomacy were made possible during this time. Positioned in the first island chain and on the democratic world’s frontline countering authoritarianism, Taiwan is willing and will continue to work with the US at all levels as we pursue regional stability and prosperity, helping realize our vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific. Although changes in policy may occur these next few years, the mutual trust and close cooperation between Taiwan and Washington will steadfastly endure. On that, our citizens can rest assured. In accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances, the US announced a total of 48 military sales to Taiwan over the past eight years amounting to US$26.265 billion. During President Trump’s first term, 22 sales were announced totaling US$18.763 billion. This greatly supported Taiwan’s defensive capabilities. On the foundation of our close cooperation with the past eight years’ two US administrations, Taiwan will continue to demonstrate our determination for self-defense, accelerate the bolstering of our national defense, and keep enhancing the depth and breadth of Taiwan-US security cooperation, along with all manner of institutional cooperation. In terms of bilateral economic cooperation, Taiwan has always been one of the US’s most reliable trade partners, as well as one of the most important cooperative partners of US companies in the global semiconductor industry. In the past few years, Taiwan has greatly increased both direct and indirect investment in the US. By 2024, investment surpassed US$100 billion, creating nearly 400,000 job opportunities. In 2023 and 2024, investment in the US accounted for over 40 percent of Taiwan’s overall foreign investment, far surpassing our investment in China. In fact, in 2023 and 2024, Taiwanese investment in China fell to 11 percent and 8 percent, respectively. The US is now Taiwan’s biggest investment target. Our government is now launching relevant plans in accordance with national development needs and the need to establish secure supply systems, and the Executive Yuan is taking comprehensive inventory of opportunities for Taiwan-US economic and trade cooperation. Moving forward, close bilateral cooperation will allow us to expand US investment and procurement, facilitating balanced trade. Our government will also strengthen guidance and support for Taiwanese enterprises on increasing US investment, and promote the global expansion and growth of Taiwan’s industries. We will also boost Taiwan-US cooperation in tech development and manufacturing for AI and advanced semiconductors, and work together to maintain order in the semiconductor market, shaping a new era for our strategic economic partnership. Second, the development of our semiconductor industry. I want to emphasize that Taiwan, as one of the world’s most capable semiconductor manufacturing nations, is both willing and able to address new situations. With respect to President Trump’s concerns about our semiconductor industry, the government will act prudently, strengthen communications between Taiwan and the US, and promote greater mutual understanding. We will pay attention to the challenges arising from the situation and assist businesses in navigating them. In addition, we will introduce an initiative on semiconductor supply chain partnerships for global democracies. We are willing to collaborate with the US and our other democratic partners to develop more resilient and diversified semiconductor supply chains. Leveraging our strengths in cutting-edge semiconductors, we will form a global alliance for the AI chip industry and establish democratic supply chains for industries connected to high-end chips. Through international cooperation, we will open up an entirely new era of growth in the semiconductor industry. As we face the various new policies of the Trump administration, we will continue to uphold a spirit of mutual benefit, and we will continue to communicate and negotiate closely with the US government. This will help the new administration’s team to better understand how Taiwan is an indispensable partner in the process of rebuilding American manufacturing and consolidating its leadership in high-tech, and that Taiwan-US cooperation will benefit us both. Third, cross-strait relations. Regarding the regional and cross-strait situation, Taiwan-US relations, US-China relations, and interactions among Taiwan, the US, and China are a focus of global attention. As a member of the international democratic community and a responsible member of the region, Taiwan hopes to see Taiwan-US relations continue to strengthen and, alongside US-China relations, form a virtuous cycle rather than a zero-sum game where one side’s gain is another side’s loss. In facing China, Taiwan will always be a responsible actor. We will neither yield nor provoke. We will remain resilient and composed, maintaining our consistent position on cross-strait relations: Our determination to safeguard our national sovereignty and protect our free and democratic way of life remains unchanged. Our efforts to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, as well as our willingness to work alongside China in the pursuit of peace and mutual prosperity across the strait, remain unchanged. Our commitment to promoting healthy and orderly exchanges across the strait, choosing dialogue over confrontation, and advancing well-being for the peoples on both sides of the strait, under the principles of parity and dignity, remains unchanged. Regarding the matters I reported to the public today, I have instructed our national security and administrative teams to take swift action and deliver results, working within a stable strategic framework and according to the various policies and approaches I just outlined. I have also instructed them to keep a close watch on changes in the international situation, seize opportunities whenever they arise, and address the concerns and hope of the citizens with concrete actions. My fellow citizens, over the past several years, Taiwan has weathered a global pandemic and faced global challenges, both political and economic, arising from the US-China trade war and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Through it all, Taiwan has persevered; we have continued to develop our economy, bolster our national strength, and raise our international profile while garnering more support – all unprecedented achievements. This is all because Taiwan’s fate has never been decided by the external environment, but by the unity of the Taiwanese people and the resolve to never give up. A one-of-a-kind global situation is creating new strategic opportunities for our one-of-a-kind Taiwanese people, bringing new hope. Taiwan’s foundation is solid; its strength is great. So as long as everyone remains steadfast in their convictions, is willing to work hand in hand, stands firm amidst uncertainty, and looks for ways to win within changing circumstances, Taiwan is certain to prevail in the test of our time yet again, for I am confident that there are no difficulties that Taiwan cannot overcome. Thank you.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China denounces Australia’s provocative actions in South China Sea

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    A spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense on Friday condemned Australia’s deliberate provocations in violating China’s sovereignty in the South China Sea.
    Zhang Xiaogang, the spokesperson, urged Australia to impose stricter controls on its military activities in the region, warning that such provocations could harm both Australia and regional stability.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Better homes for Papakura Military Camp personnel

    Source: New Zealand Government

    New state-of-the-art soldiers’ flats have officially opened for junior ranks at Papakura Military Camp, Associate Defence Minister Chris Penk has announced.  

    “The aging camp barracks had been in use for more than 40 years and were leaky, mouldy and outdated. Our soldiers, sailors and aviators deserve homes where they can thrive,” Mr Penk says.  

    “The completion of these new units through the Defence Estate Regeneration Plan is a significant step in this Government’s mission to transform living conditions for the force. 

    “This $5.8-million initiative is more than a construction project – it is a promise to our personnel that their health, morale, and comfort are a priority as they dedicate themselves to our country.” 

    The new accommodation includes five, four-bedroom fully furnished units with kitchens, lounges and ensuites – alongside a utility building with large commercial washing machines, drying rooms and storage.  

    “The project was delivered in an impressive six-month timeframe and constructed off-site with modular technology. Its success offers an exciting look at how innovative building practices can help transform military facilities around New Zealand.

    “This is about ensuring those who wear the uniform and stand ready to defend New Zealand have the support they need, on and off the field.” 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Europe demands role in Ukraine peace talk

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    This photo taken on Aug. 15, 2024 shows a Ukrainian tank destroyed during Russian attacks in Toretsk. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The European Union (EU) and several European leaders have insisted on playing a key role in potential Ukraine peace negotiations, voicing concerns about being sidelined after U.S. President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, held a phone talk on Wednesday.

    According to press release from both the White House and the Kremlin, the two leaders discussed a swift ceasefire in Ukraine without consulting the EU or Ukraine. In response, the EU officially demanded a seat at the negotiating table.

    “Ukraine’s security is Europe’s security,” Paula Pinho, chief spokesperson of the European Commission, said during a press briefing on Thursday. “If there is a discussion about Ukraine’s security, Europe is concerned. If there’s a discussion about Europe’s security, it also involves Ukraine,” she stressed.

    EU’s top diplomat Kaja Kallas reinforced this stance, sharing a joint statement from a meeting in Paris with her counterparts of France, Germany, Poland, Spain and Britain. The statement insisted on Ukraine’s and Europe’s participation in any relevant negotiations, highlighting the need for a peace that secures both European and Ukrainian interests while expressing willingness to engage with the United States.

    Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo also emphasized the necessity of Europe’s involvement in any Ukraine peace process. “Ukraine cannot be agreed upon without Ukraine, and European security cannot be agreed without Europe,” he stated, urging for a unified European stand and proposing an extraordinary EU Summit on the matter.

    Following his call with Putin, Trump called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, but when speaking to the U.S. press, he excluded Ukraine’s return to its pre-2014 borders — Kiev’s key precondition for talks with Moscow. Trump also voiced support for U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s declaration in Brussels that Ukraine’s membership of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) would be off the table as part of a negotiated settlement to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

    Trump’s stance, a stark departure from his predecessor’s policy, was perceived in Europe as a concession at Ukraine’s expense, sparking alarms among European leaders.

    “A dictated peace will never find our support,” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said in a statement on Thursday, stressing that any peace agreement must ensure Ukraine’s sovereignty and endure over time. He emphasized that Germany and its partners must represent their interests confidently and committedly in the upcoming negotiations.

    Germany’s Defense Minister Boris Pistorius criticized the Trump administration’s public concessions before negotiations even began, calling them “regrettable” during a NATO defense ministers’ meeting in Brussels.

    Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda, following a phone call with Zelensky on Thursday, unscored that any peace talks must guarantee Ukraine’s independence, territorial integrity and the right to decide its own future. He called for Europe to participate in the talks with “strength” and urged decisive action on military support for Ukraine.

    President of Latvia Edgars Rinkevics echoed the concerns, stating on X: “Borders must not be changed by force. Europe must take full responsibility for its security by investing in its own defense. Ukraine, U.S. and EU must work together to achieve durable peace.”

    While foreign ministers of Latvia and Estonia also called for more investment in building on Europe’s defence capabilities, and meanwhile strengthening NATO and transatlantic relations, Slovak Premier Robert Fico took a more skeptical stance. He described the push for increased military investment as “military madness” and criticized the EU’s lack of an independent foreign policy.

    The EU is the second loser after Ukraine, he stated, arguing that Europe must “sober up quickly” and formulate its own stance. He predicted that Trump would roll back U.S. support for Ukraine, pressure Europe to purchase more American energy, and demand NATO allies raise defense spending to 5 percent of GDP.

    While some European leaders voiced alarm, others cautiously welcomed the prospect of a peace talk to end the conflict on the continent.

    Milorad Dodik, the president of Republika Srpska in BiH, praised U.S.-Russia discussions as a step toward peace. “Talks are the only means” to end the conflict while respecting the legitimate interests of both Russia and Ukraine, he said.

    Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, speaking ahead of the 61st Munich Security Conference, stressed that not just any peace would suffice.

    “The solution is one that respects the fundamental principles of international law, which are the territorial integrity and integrity of Ukraine, because every negative precedent will have its repercussions, without any dilemmas, later,” he stressed.

    As Europe grapples with Trump’s evolving stance on the war, the debate over the continent’s role in shaping peace continues to intensify.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Chief Officer of NTES appointed

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Fire and Emergency Services (NTFES) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Wayne Snell as Chief Officer of NT Emergency Service (NTES), following an extensive merit-based selection process.

    Mr Snell’s appointment brings stability and renewed energy to NTES, particularly following its transition to NTFES in 2024.

    With over 35 years of emergency management and leadership experience, Mr Snell has held senior management roles both nationally and internationally for more than 20 years. His career includes prominent positions at the Australian Civil Military Centre, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), and as Commander of the New South Wales State Emergency Service, State Operations.

    Additionally, Mr Snell has worked with leading state, national, and international policing organisations, including INTERPOL and the Australian Federal Police (AFP).

    His qualifications span emergency management, human resources, law enforcement, training, fire investigation, and forensic science.

    Mr Snell succeeds Ms Fleur O’Connor, who has made invaluable contributions to NTES during her time as Chief Officer. NTFES thanks Ms O’Connor for her dedication and service and wishes her all the best.

    Quotes from Commissioner, NT Fire and Emergency Services, Andrew Warton:

    “I am pleased to welcome Wayne into the role of Chief Officer with NTES. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience from his extensive career in emergency management both in Australia and internationally.”
    “I also want to express my sincere thanks to Ms. Fleur O’Connor for her significant contributions to the service.”

    Quotes from incoming Chief Officer, NTES, Mr Wayne Snell:

    “It is an honour to join the NT Emergency Service at such a pivotal moment, as it transitions into the NFES standalone agency.”

    “My focus will be on ensuring the safety of our communities, supporting our dedicated staff and volunteers, and strengthening our operational capabilities to respond effectively across the Territory.”

    “I look forward to bringing my leadership and experience to the Northern Territory and collaborating with the NTES team and the broader NTFES agency to enhance our community safety and capability.”

    Media contact
    Rickie Abraham

    8923 9803 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER STATEMENT ON 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF 10TH MOUNTAIN DIVISION’S REACTIVATION AT FORT DRUM

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today released the following statement on the 40th anniversary of the 10th Mountain Division’s reactivation at Fort Drum in the North Country and the upcoming 80th anniversary of the Battle of Riva Ridge in which the 10th Mountain Division seized German positions on Riva Ridge, paving the way for Italy’s liberation during World War II:

    “Fort Drum is woven into the very fabric of the North Country, and today marks the 40th anniversary of the 10th Mountain Division’s reactivation at Fort Drum on February 13, 1985. Since World War II, the 10th Mountain Division has played a pivotal role in US contingency operations and our response to global conflicts. For more than 20 years, the 10th Mountain Division has been the most regularly deployed unit in the US Army, cementing its reputation as one of the most elite and readily deployable combat units in the US Armed Forces. From the European theater in WWII to the Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, to supporting Operation Atlantic Resolve, bolstering NATO and the Transatlantic Alliance in the face of Russian aggression, the soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division have time and time again answered the call to duty in theaters of operation across the globe, providing mission-critical support to protect our national security interests and support US allies and partners.

    “Indeed, the 10th Mountain Division’s significance transcends its battlefield accomplishments. Its focus on mobility, rapid deployment, and leadership in modernizing counter-UAS and integrating multi-domain capabilities in training for large-scale combat operations will help build the Army of the future, allowing America to continue to serve as a powerful force for peace and stability around the world. With the activation of elements of the 2nd Multi-Domain Task Force (MDTF) at Fort Drum starting this summer, it is becoming clearer every day that the future of our military will depend on Fort Drum and the North Country. I was proud to push for the selection of Fort Drum to base the 2nd MDTF and the hundreds of millions of dollars I’ve secured for infrastructure improvements at Fort Drum throughout my career, and will continue fighting to ensure that the heroic men and women serving at Fort Drum have what they need to be mission ready and defend our country. Climb to Glory!”

    MIL OSI USA News –