NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI China: East China’s time-honored ceramic industry sees export boom

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

    Every June, ceramic enterprises in Dehua County, east China’s Fujian Province, enter their busiest production season as international clients place advance orders for Christmas and other holidays.

    At Quanzhou Shunmei Group Co., Ltd., rows of Christmas-themed ceramic figurines are being carefully packed for export. “Although international trade remains challenging and some orders have been impacted, we remain confident,” said Zheng Pengfei, the company’s general manager.

    “This year, we’re actively exploring emerging markets, reducing dependence on a sole market, and participating in domestic and international expos to tap into new demand,” he added.

    Despite rising raw material costs and uncertainties in global demand, Dehua’s ceramic industry has demonstrated remarkable resilience. From January to April this year, the county’s ceramic exports had exceeded 1.2 billion yuan (about 167 million U.S. dollars), representing a 23.69 percent year-on-year increase, according to official data.

    An ancient county with centuries of ceramic-making history and famed for its white porcelain, Dehua has established a full industrial chain that spans kaolin mining, clay processing, mold-making, glazing, forming and sales. More than 4,500 ceramic enterprises operate in the county, employing over 100,000 people. Dehua ceramics are now exported to more than 190 countries and regions worldwide.

    Industry insiders say Dehua’s success lies in its shift from competing on price to competing on design, branding and production efficiency, driven by a strong focus on innovation and transformation.

    “Our output value reached 200 million yuan in 2024, with average annual growth of 20 percent in recent years,” said Zeng Liangwang, deputy general manager of Fujian Dehua Tongxin Ceramics Co., Ltd.

    He noted that the company is accelerating the development of “ceramics-plus” products, including artistic and smart flowerpots and festive homeware, which are now sold to over 50 countries and regions.

    The Tangfeng Ceramics Co., Ltd. developed a tea set inspired by China’s Dunhuang murals, as part of its efforts to enhance product value through storytelling and cultural integration.

    “Teaware with cultural depth is more attractive to consumers and allows us to increase added value,” said the company’s general manager Li Jianyang. “As industry competition intensifies, we must dig deeper into our cultural heritage.”

    Likewise, Shunmei is forging cooperation with world-renowned brands like Disney and Universal Studios, whose intellectual property has made its products more appealing to global consumers.

    Meanwhile, a wave of intelligent transformation is reshaping the production landscape, with widespread adoption of technologies like 3D clay printing, 5G-enabled smart factories, and automated casting machines.

    In Tongxin Ceramics’ 3D printing zone, once the modeling is finished, the data is transmitted to the printer. A hollow, sculptural flower vase that once took hours to craft can now be produced in just 30 minutes.

    In addition, Tongxin operates 75 automated production lines at full capacity. It takes just 10 seconds to press a lump of clay into a flowerpot, 15 seconds for a mold to complete the slip-casting process, and only 10 minutes for a fully automated line to complete an entire production cycle.

    Dehua Huamao Ceramics Co., Ltd. has established a 5G-enabled network that connects its production equipment and enables real-time monitoring. “Our data system collects key process indicators to support continuous optimization,” said Chen Weibin, deputy general manager of Huamao Ceramics.

    The local government is committed to building a complete “ceramic industry ecosystem” covering raw material supply, technological innovation and talent development, with the goal of providing sustained momentum for the industry’s long-term growth.

    “Behind the resilience of the ceramics industry is the joint efforts of enterprises and government,” said Zeng Xiansheng, an official with the ceramics development committee of Dehua. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Rural market in spotlight to tap growth

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

    The campaign to promote new energy vehicles in China’s rural areas features a larger and more diversified portfolio this year, catered to evolving consumer demands to unlock consumption potential in the extensive market.

    Now in its sixth year, the “NEVs Going to the Countryside” initiative — launched by government bodies including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the Ministry of Commerce — has selected 124 models, 25 more than 2024.

    The selected models need to meet essential requirements including good sales performance, high brand recognition, and a well-established network of maintenance service points, said Xu Haidong, vice-chief engineer of the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, one of the campaign organizers.

    BYD’s Dynasty and Ocean series, along with models from Dongfeng, Geely, Changan and BAIC, have joined in the program with high cost-performance offerings. Their product portfolios span plug-in hybrid SUVs to new energy commercial vehicles, including newcomers such as off-roaders and pickup trucks.

    Notably, the Model Y and Model 3 have been selected, marking Tesla’s first inclusion in the initiative.

    Other models priced above 200,000 yuan ($27,850) on the list include the Li Auto L6 SUV, Nio ES6 SUV and ET5 sedan, Zeekr 001 shooting brake, and XPeng G9 SUV.

    The involvement of the high-end brands indicates the upgrading of rural consumption, Xu said. Many automakers are keen to capture this significant vast market by providing high-performance, cost-effective models.

    Cui Dongshu, secretary-general of the China Passenger Car Association, said that counties, towns and villages have a certain level of economic strength, and consumers there are willing to improve their quality of life. The untapped potential for NEV consumption in rural areas could become another driving force of growth in the Chinese automotive market.

    At the first stop of the 2025 “NEVs Going to the Countryside” campaign held in Rugao, Jiangsu province, in mid-June, some models on display were tailored for rural consumers.

    For those engaged in freight transport, some vehicles featured extra-large cargo spaces. For users balancing personal and commercial needs, there were models that offer five, six, or seven-seat configurations alongside pure electric and range-extended powertrain options.

    However, Xu pointed out that the lack of charging infrastructure remains an obstacle to the widespread adoption of NEVs in rural areas, saying the vast geographical area and low population density result in high construction costs and long payback periods for charging stations.

    In recent years, relevant departments have issued documents aimed at filling the gaps in county-level charging facilities, specifying annual construction tasks, and investment.

    At the event in Rugao, some 10 charging station companies showcased their products and technologies. For example, private charging piles can be shared via apps, providing innovative solutions.

    Xu suggested that properly advancing the layout of charging stations could promote NEV popularization, boost rural tourism, and aid the development of commercial vehicles.

    He cited examples of automakers piloting integrated solar energy storage charging projects in rural areas, which use photovoltaic power generation to power charging stations, thereby cutting operational costs.

    This year, the incentives for “NEVs Going to the Countryside” have been increased. In addition to the national trade-in policy and local government support, automakers such as BYD and Wuling have introduced exclusive discounts, with some models seeing price reductions of more than 10,000 yuan.

    Financial institutions are contributing by offering low-interest loans, interest-free installment plans, and other financial solutions.

    According to data from the CAAM, NEV sales in rural outreach activities exhibited growth from 2020 to 2024.Sales increased from 397,000 vehicles in 2020 to nearly 7.6 million in 2024, surpassing the sector’s total market growth.

    Fu Bingfeng, secretary-general of the CAAM, said over the past five years, there were more than 500 NEV models involved in the program with combined sales totaling 15 million units. Some rural areas have one NEV per five households, driving green mobility transformation in these regions, he added.

    From January to May, NEV sales reached 5.61 million units in China, a year-on-year increase of 44 percent. NEVs accounted for 44 percent of the total new car sales during this period.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Instant retail reshapes consumption habits in China, driving new growth

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

    In the charming countryside of south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Alex Turner, a British expat, made a few taps on his phone as he hobbled back to his guesthouse, careful not to knock the toe he had just hurt while out for a hike. In just 30 minutes, a sealed yellow paper bag arrived at his doorstep.

    “I bought a nail clipper and some first-aid stuff to deal with the injury,” said Turner. “And I also bundled some dental floss and mosquito repellent for a bigger discount.”

    This prompt service epitomizes China’s rapidly growing instant retail sector. E-commerce giants like Alibaba, JD.com, and Meituan have all placed significant bets on a new model centered around the concept of “everything can be delivered within 30 minutes.” As more and more consumers in China turn to smartphone apps for everything from groceries to medical supplies, instant, or “flash,” delivery has become a game-changer to daily life.

    A recent report by MoonFox Data, a leading Chinese data insights provider, shows that China’s instant retail sector reached 780 billion yuan (about 108.8 billion U.S. dollars) in 2024 and is projected to exceed 2 trillion yuan by 2030. Platforms run by Alibaba, JD.com and Meituan are fueling this growth by catering to consumers’ increasing demand for instant gratification.

    “Today’s consumers prioritize speed and accessibility above all,” said Zhao Feng, dean of the school of business administration at Guangxi University of Finance and Economics. “The promise of half-hour delivery is not just a marketing ploy — it’s a game-changer. It taps into consumers’ desire for convenience, reduces the hassle of shopping, encourages impulse buying, and ultimately drives up overall spending.”

    A study by consultancy firm Accenture shows that over half of consumers born after 1995 expect same-day delivery for their purchases and are more willing to pay a premium for faster shipping.

    For Li Wei, a personal trainer in Nanning, Guangxi’s capital city, the speed of instant retail eliminates the need to plan ahead.

    “I don’t have to stock up on toilet paper, snacks or energy drinks anymore,” said Li. “With a few clicks on my phone, the groceries will be here before I can second-guess myself.”

    The appeal extends beyond on-demand convenience as many cost-conscious shoppers chase discounts and enjoy the thrill of snagging a deal.

    “Sometimes, it goes beyond the convenience,” said Zhang Chaozhen, a postgraduate student at Guangxi University as she scrolled through an app during her lunch break, hunting for the steepest discounts on a skincare product. “It’s about getting a deal and feeling smart about it.”

    Behind the scenes, the explosive wave of instant retail is reshaping supply chain logistics, fostering a deeper connection between online platforms and brick-and-mortar stores.

    Unlike traditional e-commerce, which typically depends on a few centralized warehouses, instant retail platforms utilize advanced AI to connect hundreds of local stores with a vast network of strategically placed, highly automated micro-warehouses.

    These facilities are designed to process retailer orders efficiently, expedite inventory shipment, and prevent the accumulation of excess “wrong” products in stores, according to Zhou Yimu, an industry insider and brand manager of Guishuangbai, a local convenience store chain in Guangxi.

    In late May, Alibaba reported that its flash delivery platform has logged a daily order volume exceeding 40 million in less than one month since its official launch.

    The model of instant retail unleashes a “triple wins” dynamic as the digital platforms gain access to a vast network of inventory, retailers boost sales through online channels, and consumers enjoy faster delivery and broader product selections, said Liu Yuanshuai with Chaoyigou, a supermarket chain that specializes in instant retail business in Guangxi.

    “Partnering with those instant retail platforms has been the revenue booster,” said Tao Zhaogui, a manager at a chain pharmacy in Nanning. “Before, we largely relied on walk-in customers, but now, with the round-the-clock access to online prescriptions, our online orders have increased by 41 percent year on year.”

    However, the rapid growth of the sector has also raised concerns about consumer rights. Some platforms are accused of exploiting big data to engage in “discriminatory pricing,” adjusting prices based on individual consumers’ purchase histories, according to Tang Yating, a lawyer specializing in civil and commercial law. Additionally, after-sales services often fall short, with cumbersome return and exchange policies that remain unresolved. There is also a tendency for platforms and sellers to shirk responsibility.

    “Stronger oversight is the key,” said Tang. “Clear regulations must safeguard consumer interests within this rapidly evolving sector by ensuring transparency and accountability in pricing and service.” 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Northland Regional Council News – 23 June 2025

    Source: Northland Regional Council

    ENVIRONMENTAL AWARDS LIVESTREAM
    Northland Regional Council’s Whakamānawa ā Taiao – Environmental Awards are happening this Thursday, 26 June, celebrating the incredible people and organisations making a real difference for Northland’s environment.
    Their dedication and mahi are helping our environment thrive, and we deeply value their contributions.
    Join the celebration live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15kgLhvKgU/
    Learn more about the winners and their inspiring mahi after the event at: www.awards.nrc.govt.nz
    THINKING ABOUT STANDING FOR COUNCIL?
    Are you considering standing for the Far North District Council or Northland Regional Council?
    Join us for a Candidate Information Session on Wednesday, 25 June at 6:00pm at Te Kona – Digital, Business and Learning Hub, 74 Guy Road, Kaikohe.
    This is your opportunity to:
    – Learn about the nomination and election process from our Electoral Officer and expert panel
    – Gain insights about the role of an elected member from experienced elected officials
    – Understand the functions of governance and operations and how they work together to achieve community aspirations.
    No bookings required.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for June 23, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on June 23, 2025.

    Illegal US attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities came in spite of no evidence
    BEARING WITNESS: By Cole Martin in occupied Bethlehem Kia ora koutou, I’m a Kiwi journo in occupied Bethlehem, here’s a brief summary of today’s events across the Palestinian and Israeli territories from on the ground. The US struck three of Iran’s nuclear facilities overnight, entering the illegal aggression on Iran with heavy airstrikes despite no

    My kids only want to eat processed foods. How can I get them eating a healthier and more varied diet?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nick Fuller, Clinical Trials Director, Department of Endocrinology, RPA Hospital, University of Sydney If it feels like your child’s diet consists entirely of breakfast cereal, chicken nuggets and snacks that’d outlast the apocalypse, you’re not alone. Processed foods are the go-to for many kids, and for some,

    Defence Force to send plane to assist New Zealanders stranded in Iran and Israel
    By Giles Dexter, RNZ News political reporter The Defence Force is sending a plane to the Middle East to assist any New Zealanders stranded in Iran or Israel. The C-130J Hercules, along with government personnel, will leave Auckland on Monday. Airspace is still closed in the region, but Defence Minister Judith Collins said the deployment

    Trump’s decision to bomb Iran exposes fissures in US politics
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lester Munson, Non-Resident Fellow, United States Studies Centre, University of Sydney US President Donald Trump’s strike on Iran’s nuclear weapons program, which he foreshadowed on and off for the past few days, has revealed a surprisingly broad middle ground in US politics, even as it has provoked

    Leaders in US-affiliated Pacific react to surprise strikes on Iran
    By Mark Rabago, RNZ Pacific Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas correspondent Leaders in the US-affliliated Pacific Islands have reacted to the US strikes on Iran. US president Donald Trump said Iran must now make peace or “we will go after” other targets in Iran, after US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Iran’s Foreign Ministry said

    Global warming is changing cloud patterns. That means more global warming
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Christian Jakob, Director, ARC Centre of Excellence for the Weather of the 21st Century, Monash University Caleb Weiner / Unsplash At any given time, about two-thirds of Earth’s surface is covered by clouds. Overall, they make the planet much cooler than it would be without them. But

    NZ’s changing diet: Māori bread and jackfruit join other new foods in the country’s nutritional database
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nick William Smith, Associate Investigator in Nutritional Science, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University Shutterstock/Alesia Bierliezova The latest update to the New Zealand food composition database, a comprehensive collection of nutrient data collated jointly by Plant & Food Research and the Ministry of Health, brings more

    How pregnant women are tested for gestational diabetes is changing. Here’s what this means for you
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alexis Shub, Obstetrician & Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist, The University of Melbourne How Australian pregnant women are tested for gestational diabetes is set to change, with new national guidelines released today. Changes are expected to lead to fewer diagnoses in women at lower risk, reducing the burden

    Freak wind gusts made worse by climate change threaten airline passenger safety
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Milton Speer, Visiting Fellow, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney Unexpected severe turbulence injured crew and passengers on a Qantas Boeing 737 during descent at Brisbane on May 4 2024. The subsequent Australian Transport Safety Bureau investigation suggested the severity of the turbulence

    Labubu plushies aren’t just toys. They’re a brand new frontier for Chinese soft power
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ming Gao, Research Fellow of East Asia Studies, Lund University Katerina Elagina/Shutterstock One of the most sought-after items of 2025 isn’t a designer handbag or the latest tech gadget. It’s a plush elf with a snaggle-toothed grin. Labubu (拉布布) is a global sensation. From David Beckham and

    Pro-independence advocates urge MSG to elevate West Papua membership
    By Scott Waide, RNZ Pacific PNG correspondent Two international organisations are leading a call for the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) to elevate the membership status of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) at their upcoming summit in Honiara in September. The collective, led by International Parliamentarians for West Papua (IPWP) and International Lawyers

    Starving Gaza civilians toll climbs at Israeli humanitarian ‘death traps’
    Pacific Media Watch BEARING WITNESS: By Cole Martin in occupied Bethlehem Kia ora koutou, I’m a Kiwi journo in occupied Bethlehem, here’s a brief summary of today’s events across the Palestinian and Israeli territories from on the ground. Israeli forces killed over 200 Palestinians in Gaza over the last 48 hours, injuring over 1037. Countless

    NZ group slams Israeli ‘hoodwinking’ of US over nuclear strikes – Peters calls for talks
    Asia Pacific Report The Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa has called on New Zealanders to condemn the US bombing of Iran. PSNA co-chair Maher Nazzal said in a statement that he hoped the New Zealand government would be critical of the US for its war escalation. “Israel has once again hoodwinked the United States into fighting

    The US has entered the Israel-Iran war. Here are 3 scenarios for what might happen next
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Parmeter, Research Scholar, Middle East Studies, Australian National University After prevaricating about whether the United States would enter Israel’s war on Iran, President Donald Trump finally made a decision. Early Sunday, US warplanes struck three of Iran’s nuclear sites at Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow, where the

    What is a ‘bunker buster’? An expert explains what the US dropped on Iran
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Dwyer, Lecturer, School of Social Sciences, University of Tasmania The jagged silhouette of a B2 stealth bomber seen during a 2015 flyover in the US. Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images Late on Saturday night, local time, the United States carried out strikes against Iranian nuclear enrichment

    Muted response from Albanese government on US attack on Iran
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The Albanese government has given a tepid response to the United States’ bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities. The Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement from a government spokesperson, but there were no plans on Sunday afternoon for Anthony Albanese or

    What is a ‘bunker buster’? An expert explains what the US dropped on Iran – and what might happen now
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Dwyer, Lecturer, School of Social Sciences, University of Tasmania The jagged silhouette of a B2 stealth bomber seen during a 2015 flyover in the US. Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images Late on Saturday night, local time, the United States carried out strikes against Iranian nuclear enrichment

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Illegal US attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities came in spite of no evidence

    BEARING WITNESS: By Cole Martin in occupied Bethlehem

    Kia ora koutou,

    I’m a Kiwi journo in occupied Bethlehem, here’s a brief summary of today’s events across the Palestinian and Israeli territories from on the ground.

    The US struck three of Iran’s nuclear facilities overnight, entering the illegal aggression on Iran with heavy airstrikes despite no evidence that nuclear weapons are being developed. Israel continued its strikes attacking dozens of locations across Iran throughout the day. Three were killed in an Israeli drone attack on an ambulance in central Iran. At least 400 have been killed and 2000 injured, according to the latest Health Ministry figures.

    *

    Heavy Iranian retaliation strikes on Israeli territories saw about 27 injured.

    *

    At least 47 killed by Israeli attacks in Gaza today, 18 while seeking aid. Two killed and 15 wounded in an Israeli airstrike on a house west of Gaza city. The murder of firefighter Muhammad Ghurab brings the total Gaza civil defence casualties to 121, representing 14.3 percent of its employees.

    Today I met a 10-year-old kid called Hassan on the streets of Bethlehem. He was looking for work. His dad had recently stopped working, unemployed like many in Bethlehem; around 80 percent of jobs here depend on tourism. He lives in al-Khader village, an hour’s walk away, but without opportunities there he had walked all this way in an attempt to help support his family.

    Israel’s illegal occupation of the West Bank has suffocated the economy here for decades. Now, as the genocidal war on Gaza continues and Israeli aggression expands to Iran, drawing in the USA and threatening regional collapse, a 10-year-old boy takes to the streets of Bethlehem to find work.

    *

    Israel’s illegal siege across the West Bank continues. Large numbers of Israeli soldiers conducted extensive raids on Bethlehem’s Dheisheh camp including demolitions, arrests, and interrogations last night. Mass demolitions continue across Nour Shams camp in the north, and further arrests, demolitions, and incursions took place across the West Bank. Bethlehem’s gasoline shortages continue due to Israel’s ongoing siege.

    *

    Twenty five killed in a terror attack targeting Mar Elias Church in Damascus, Syria.

    Cole Martin is an independent New Zealand photojournalist based in the Middle East and a contributor to Asia Pacific Report.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Ceremonies honor Fu Xi on both sides of Taiwan Strait

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

    Ma Ying-jeou (3rd from left), former chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang party, and Song Tao (left), head of the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, participate in a commemorative ceremony honoring Fu Xi, a mythical ancestor of the Chinese people, in Tianshui, Gansu province, on Saturday. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The majority of people in Taiwan hold a strong belief in Chinese culture and identity, which is an enduring virtue, said Ma Ying-jeou, former chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang party, during a commemorative ceremony on the Chinese mainland on Saturday.

    On Saturday morning, the annual ceremony honoring Fu Xi, a mythical ancestor of Chinese civilization, took place at Fu Xi Temple in Tianshui, a city in Northwest China’s Gansu province that is regarded as the birthplace of Fu Xi and the cradle of Fu Xi culture. Paying tribute to Fu Xi is a local tradition in Tianshui that dates back to ancient times.

    Ma and a delegation of students from China’s Taiwan island participated in the ceremony.

    “This is not only a time-honored tradition of the Chinese nation to trace its roots and honor its ancestors, but also a valuable opportunity for young people to experience the profound influence of Chinese culture and civilization,” Ma said after the ceremony.

    The ceremony, which began at 9:50 am, was held simultaneously on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, with a parallel event held at Xianse Temple in New Taipei City in Taiwan. It marked the 12th consecutive cross-Strait joint commemoration of Fu Xi.

    On Saturday, which marked the solar term Summer Solstice, the ceremony began with 34 drumbeats, symbolizing the descendants of Chinese civilization across the 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities on the mainland, as well as the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions and Taiwan. A series of solemn rituals followed, including the reading of a eulogy, ceremonial bows and ritual music and dance performances.

    Ma and Song Tao, head of both the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, attended the ceremony together and paid their respects at the ancestral temple.

    Ma said he brought the student delegation to take part in the ceremony to demonstrate the importance that people in Taiwan place on honoring their ancestors and respecting traditional Chinese culture, and to raise awareness about the need to preserve and pass on the nation’s cultural heritage.

    “I hope that through the solemn tribute to the cultural ancestor of Chinese civilization, young people across the Strait could join hands and work together to build a bright future for the Chinese nation,” Ma said.

    The ceremony in Tianshui drew around 750 participants from home and abroad, including more than 240 compatriots from Taiwan.

    In New Taipei City, Wang Jinpyng, the officiant of the commemorative ceremony and a KMT politician, noted that Fu Xi represents the root of Chinese culture. He expressed the hope that Fu Xi culture could be further promoted on the island to strengthen cultural confidence and identity.

    Lee Chien-lung, who is in charge of Xianse Temple, said that the ceremony served not only to honor the ancestor but also to educate and inspire the younger generation, according to a Xinhua News Agency report.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s top political advisor meets Thailand’s National Assembly president

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

    Wang Huning, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), meets with Thailand’s National Assembly President and Speaker of the House of Representatives Wan Muhamad Noor Matha in Beijing, capital of China, June 22, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China’s top political advisor Wang Huning met with Thailand’s National Assembly President and Speaker of the House of Representatives Wan Muhamad Noor Matha in Beijing on Sunday.

    Wang, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said that in February this year, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra had reached an important consensus on deepening the building of the China-Thailand community with a shared future, further pointing out the direction for the development of bilateral relations.

    China is willing to work with Thailand to take the celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to carry forward the traditional friendship, consolidate the political, economic and public foundation for the China-Thailand community with a shared future, and bring more benefits to the two peoples, Wang said.

    The CPPCC is ready to contribute to the development of relations between the two countries, Wang added.

    Wan Noor said the friendship between Thailand and China enjoys a long history, and the concept of Thailand and China as one family has been deeply rooted in people’s hearts.

    The Thai side supports the series of global initiatives proposed by President Xi and is willing to strengthen cooperation with China in various fields — including joint Belt and Road construction, economy and trade, and tourism.

    He also said the Thai parliament is willing to enhance exchanges and cooperation with China to promote the common development and prosperity of the two countries.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese medical team provides free healthcare to children in Botswana

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

    Members of the 17th batch of the Chinese medical team in Botswana provide free consulting service at the SOS Children’s Village in Tlokweng, on the outskirts of Gaborone, Botswana, June 22, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The 17th batch of the Chinese medical team in Botswana on Sunday conducted a free medical outreach service and made donations at the SOS Children’s Village in Tlokweng, located on the outskirts of Gaborone, the capital of the southern African country.

    In a speech at the event, Motshwari Kitso, national director of SOS Children’s Villages Botswana, expressed deep appreciation for the support the organization has received from the Chinese Embassy in Botswana and the Chinese community over the years.

    SOS Children’s Villages Botswana, a nongovernmental organization that supports children and young people without parental care or at risk of losing it, operates three centers in Tlokweng village of South-East District, Francistown city of North-East District, and Serowe town of Central District.

    Currently, the organization cares for about 320 children at its three centers and supports an additional 1,500 children in the communities, Kitso said, expecting more medical outreach services in the future at the other two centers and in the surrounding communities.

    Community leader Lazarus Ikalafeng welcomed the arrival of the Chinese medical team and their outreach service, which encourages people to prioritize their health by coming forward to see a doctor.

    “The Chinese medical team has always been paying close attention to the health of children in Botswana,” said Fan Wandong, head of the Chinese medical team.

    He noted that through the medical outreach, the Chinese team would apply their medical expertise and clinical experience to promote the well-being of children, ensuring that their childhoods are filled with laughter rather than illness.

    In addition to medical checkups, Chinese doctors educated the children on proper hygiene practices, including handwashing and preventing the spread of contagious germs.

    The event was attended by Cui Yin, counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Botswana, and featured donations from the embassy, the Chinese medical team, and the Charity Association of Chinese in Botswana, among others. Donations included hygiene and disinfection supplies, essential medicines, school supplies, drinking water, daily necessities, food, and sports equipment. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China-South Asia Expo promotes trade among China, South Asia, Southeast Asia: Vietnamese expert

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

    The China-South Asia Expo promotes trade linkage among China, South Asia and Southeast Asia, especially in green trade and digital trade sectors, Bui Lien Thao, a specialist at the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, has said.

    “Vietnam treasures win-win cooperation with China in various spheres, including import-export and modern transport infrastructure development,” said Thao in a recent interview with Xinhua.

    Her remarks came as the 9th China-South Asia Expo is being held in Kunming, capital of southwest China’s Yunnan Province, from June 19 to June 24.

    Beyond trade, Thao said Vietnam values China’s role in promoting the resilience and security of regional supply chains amid growing geopolitical uncertainties.

    “Supply chain cooperation with China reduces over-dependence and builds resilience,” she noted.

    Thao also welcomed China’s consistent position on supporting multilateralism and inclusive development.

    “Initiatives like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and the China-South Asia Expo show a clear commitment to inclusive globalization, in contrast to protectionist trends,” Thao added. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump’s decision to bomb Iran exposes fissures in US politics

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Lester Munson, Non-Resident Fellow, United States Studies Centre, University of Sydney

    US President Donald Trump’s strike on Iran’s nuclear weapons program, which he foreshadowed on and off for the past few days, has revealed a surprisingly broad middle ground in US politics, even as it has provoked controversy in the international community.

    Almost immediately after news of the US military action broke, John Fetterman, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, blasted out a statement of support, calling the attack the “correct move”.

    Steny Hoyer of Maryland, who spent decades in House Democratic Leadership roles, said the strike “was essential to preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon”.

    Governor of Pennsylvania Josh Shapiro, a likely presidential candidate in 2028, gave a thoughtful evaluation of the attack, calling Iran’s nuclear weapons program “dangerous”.

    Other Democrats were more muted. Leading Senators, including Leader Chuck Schumer, complained about the lack of congressional authorisation and the administration’s failure to consult Congress before the strike, but didn’t specifically oppose the US action.

    In the US system, only Congress can declare war, but the president has broad power as commander-in-chief to respond to threats. Most defenders of presidential authority acknowledge his authority to act militarily – particularly when the US’s role is highly limited, such as in the Iran strike. Should US involvement deepen, the calls for a congressional role in authorising the war will become louder and more legitimate.

    Some on the far left, including Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, openly opposed the strike and even called for Trump’s impeachment. Ocasio-Cortez said:

    The President’s disastrous decision to bomb Iran without authorization is a grave violation of the Constitution and Congressional War Powers. He has impulsively risked launching a war that may ensnare us for generations. It is absolutely and clearly grounds for impeachment.

    On the Republican side, there has also not been unanimous support for the strike.

    Even within the president’s coalition, some isolationists have been opposed to any US strike on Iran. They rightly pointed out that Trump campaigned on ending wars, not starting them.

    Media personalities Tucker Carlson and Steve Bannon openly urged the president not to strike Iran. Carlson’s interview on the issue with hawkish Republican Ted Cruz gathered huge attention on social media.

    Tulsi Gabbard, Trump’s Director of National Intelligence and a member of his cabinet, went so far as to make a video about the horrors of nuclear conflict.

    Trump’s reaction to Gabbard’s video was furious. He even suggested he might eliminate her office, which is charged with coordinating America’s many intelligence agencies.

    Trump also called Carlson, whose millions-strong following on X is a key component of Trump’s political base, “kooky” for opposing a strike on Iran. Trump later walked that back, saying Carlson had called to apologise, and that Carlson “is a nice guy”.

    In Congress, one notable Trump ally opposed the Iran attack. Marjorie Taylor Greene, the controversial congresswoman from Georgia, said:

    Every time America is on the verge of greatness, we get involved in another foreign war […] This is not our fight. Peace is the answer.

    Trump’s decision has wide cross-party support

    It is certainly fair to look closely at Trump’s base and explore divisions and disagreements. However, it is highly likely that Trump’s dominant personality means he will keep the vast majority of his base together.

    More revealing about US politics is the support across the aisle for his Iran policy.

    Trump’s brash manner and divisive rhetoric make it difficult for Democrats to support him in any circumstance, but the US people’s disdain for Iran appears to be much stronger.

    In 1979, Iranian revolutionaries took 52 US diplomats hostage. The image of those captive hostages blindfolded and at the mercy of Iranian radicals is burned into older Americans’ brains.

    A generation later, Iran-backed militias killed more than 600 Americans in the war in Iraq. There are other sins Iran has committed against the US, included the attempted assassination of Trump. In this context, Trump’s policy is in the US mainstream.

    Why didn’t Trump consult Congress?

    It has been the standard practice of US presidents to brief the bipartisan leadership of Congress on key national security initiatives, such as a strikes on adversaries. While not a hard-and-fast rule, the practice can produce more bipartisan support for a president’s actions that he might otherwise have. It’s not unreasonable to think senior congressional Democrats might be more openly supportive of the Iran strike if they had been consulted in this manner.

    However, Trump and his administration did not do this, for a reason. There is little value in open bipartisanship in America today. Even though both parties are very close on Iran policy, neither wants that to be seen in public as cooperating across the aisle. Each party would much rather make the case to its base that it represents their interests and is not willing to compromise with the other party. Support from Democrats does not strengthen Trump, as his base is highly suspicious of the opposition party.

    The reverse is true for elected Democrats, including those in leadership. They will be more vulnerable from progressives in next year’s primary contests if they are seen as insufficiently resisting Trump. There is no Trump-like figure in their party to protect them from this base.

    In US politics today, nothing is more dangerous than agreeing with the other party. There is a premium value on publicly opposing your political adversaries, no matter what the issue. It makes for a foreign policy that appears more fractured than it actually is.

    Lester Munson receives funding from the U.S. Studies Centre at the University of Sydney. He is affiliated with the Republican Party.

    – ref. Trump’s decision to bomb Iran exposes fissures in US politics – https://theconversation.com/trumps-decision-to-bomb-iran-exposes-fissures-in-us-politics-259446

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Ombudsman – Increase in awareness of whistleblowing legislation – latest survey

    Source: Office of the Ombudsman

    Awareness is at an all-time high of the law that allows people to report serious wrongdoing in the workplace and provides protection to whistleblowers.
    Today is World Whistleblowing Day and the Office of the Ombudsman has released an annual poll that shows 36 percent of people know about the Protected Disclosures Act. That’s an increase of 11 percent since 2024.
    Chief Ombudsman John Allen says his office has also seen a significant rise in protected disclosures since the new Protected Disclosures (Protection of Whistleblowers) Act came into force in 2022.
    “This survey reflects what my office is seeing when we are out and about in communities around New Zealand. There is very high interest in the Protected Disclosures Act and how to make a protected disclosure, particularly amongst Māori, Pasifika and Asian communities.
    “People are using this Act more and more. My office has seen more than a 300 percent increase in protected disclosures matters since the amended Act came into force. This may be because the revised Act expands the definition of serious wrongdoing and offers more avenues for reporting and protection.
    “Other factors could include an increase in news coverage of whistleblowing cases and it may be that changes in society have prompted workers to become more aware of their rights and protections.”
    Thirty one percent of those surveyed said they had witnessed serious wrongdoing at work, and of those who had witnessed it 50 percent said they reported it. That’s an increase of nine percent on the previous year in people reporting serious wrongdoing that they had witnessed.
    A solid majority – 84 percent – stated they would report it to their employer if they witnessed serious wrongdoing. However, just under half (48 percent) thought they would be safe to do so. Of those who would not feel safe, an increasing number of people said they were afraid of losing their job (61 percent). Almost half of those who would not feel safe (44 percent) also thought they would face retaliation.
    Almost half of those surveyed (49 percent) said they would feel safer reporting serious wrongdoing if they were assured of anonymity and confidentiality. This demonstrates how important it is for workplaces to have effective processes in place to encourage employees to speak out, protect them from retaliation, and keep their identities confidential.
    The Office of the Ombudsman has released new guidance aimed at businesses and workplaces that receive protected disclosures.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: US strikes on Iran raise regional tensions, draw widespread condemnation

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

    U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities drew swift condemnation across the Middle East on Sunday, stoking fears that the latest escalation could ignite a broader regional conflict.

    The attacks, which targeted key Iranian nuclear sites on Saturday, further destabilized an already volatile landscape. Regional leaders warned the situation risked spiraling into a wider cycle of violence with grave consequences.

    The Arab League voiced on Sunday “deep concern” over the developments, condemning “any military actions that violate the sovereignty of states.” In a statement, it warned that the escalation risked triggering “an endless cycle of ongoing violence, with negative repercussions for all.”

    Türkiye also sounded the alarm, calling the U.S. strikes a grave escalation. “We have repeatedly warned of the risk that regional conflicts, ignited by Israeli aggression and destabilization, could spiral out of control. Today’s U.S. attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities has brought this risk to its highest level,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry said.

    Ankara cautioned that the situation may escalate from a regional dispute into a global crisis, urging restraint and renewed diplomacy.

    Egypt’s Foreign Ministry condemned the “rapid escalation,” reiterating its rejection of any actions that violate the United Nations Charter and international law. Cairo warned that continued escalation could plunge the region into deeper chaos and called for political and diplomatic solutions as “the only path toward resolving the crisis.”

    Lebanese President Joseph Aoun echoed the warnings, saying the strikes risked igniting a broader conflict. “Such developments could threaten security and stability across multiple countries and regions,” he said, urging restraint and serious negotiations to prevent further bloodshed. “This escalation could be prolonged, and the cost may be unbearable,” Aoun added.

    Saudi Arabia also expressed concern, condemning the violation of Iran’s sovereignty. The Saudi Foreign Ministry urged all parties to exercise restraint, reduce tensions, and avoid further escalation.

    Jordan’s Foreign Ministry warned of “catastrophic” consequences if hostilities continue. In a statement, it called for dialogue and diplomacy, emphasizing respect for international law, the UN Charter, and state sovereignty.

    In the Gulf, United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed the situation with fellow Gulf leaders, stressing the need for wisdom, restraint, and a commitment to diplomatic solutions.

    Sudan’s Foreign Ministry said the U.S. attack “pushes the region into further complexities that negatively impact international peace, security, and stability.” Khartoum reaffirmed its rejection of any violation of Iran’s sovereignty and called on the international community to support peaceful negotiations.

    Three Palestinian factions — Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine — denounced the strikes as a dangerous escalation that threatens international peace and security and serves Israeli interests. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Innovation illuminates new pathways for China’s ‘flashlight town’

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

    An aerial drone photo taken in 2024 shows a view of Xidian Town in Ninghai County of Ningbo, east China’s Zhejiang Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    In the product showroom of a flashlight manufacturer in east China’s Zhejiang Province, rows of innovative lighting devices defy conventional expectations.

    Among them is a neck-worn model with 360-degree adjustable lighting, which can also serve as a magnetic work lamp when fixed on iron articles. A camping light with a built-in Bluetooth speaker caters to outdoor enthusiasts, while another model features a window-breaker for emergency situations.

    Far from obsolete, modern flashlights play critical roles in emergencies, adventures and workplaces. “Our mission is evolving them from backup devices to indispensable gear,” said Mao Bin, deputy general manager of Ningbo Xiesheng Lighting Co., Ltd.

    The company is located in Xidian Town in the city of Ningbo, where such innovations have transformed a local manufacturing industry into a global powerhouse.

    Producing 60 to 70 percent of China’s flashlight exports, this town’s 800 manufacturers generate 8 billion yuan (1.1 billion U.S. dollars) annually, shipping specialized lighting solutions to 50 countries and regions.

    The flashlight manufacturing history of the riverside town dates back to the early 1980s, when China’s reform and opening up spurred locals to trade their fishing nets for manufacturing tools, establishing household workshops to make flashlights.

    In the 1990s, when electrification replaced manual labor, the town’s workshops multiplied, but low-tech, high-volume and labor-intensive production soon hit limits.

    “Profit margins were slim and competition was cut-throat,” said Wu Shuanghai, deputy secretary-general of Xidian’s chamber of commerce, adding that the products were mainly sold at home via the small commodity hub of Yiwu, Zhejiang Province.

    The turning point came in October 2000, when 50 local enterprises pooled resources to charter a flight to the Canton Fair, a renowned event for foreign trade held in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou. For many of the farmers-turned-entrepreneurs, it was their first exposure to international buyers.

    “We were swarmed by reporters — it was overwhelming,” recalled Feng Caitong, general manager of Ningbo Baiyi Electric Co., Ltd., who secured his first overseas order, worth over 10,000 U.S. dollars, at the event. That year, the town saw its exports reach 45 million U.S. dollars.

    In April 2025, the town’s chamber of commerce organized nearly 100 companies to attend the 137th Canton Fair — its largest delegation ever.

    Black Forest Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. joined the delegation. Zhou Yiyun, the company’s business manager, said about 95 percent of their end buyers are from overseas, with exports reaching over 70 countries. Zhou and her team debuted at the fair with some 100 products, including multifunctional portable lights and solar-powered lamps, mostly new releases.

    To her surprise, although the team’s booth was not large, they managed to attract the most foreign buyers in the exhibition area. “High-quality, innovative products are the magnet,” Zhou explained.

    Having secured more than 200 patents of various designs, the company releases over 120 new products annually.

    Local flashlight makers are actively developing products for Belt and Road markets. For instance, Xiesheng’s solar flashlights are tailored for some regions in the Middle East, taking into account the unstable power supply there.

    According to the government work report released in March 2025, China will pursue integrated advancements in technological and industrial innovation.

    “Thanks to Xidian’s market, labor force and supply chain advantages, we can quickly adapt to trends and guarantee fast delivery, giving us confidence to expand globally,” said Wu of the chamber.

    This photo taken in May 2024 shows products displayed at a product showroom of Ningbo Xiesheng Lighting Co., Ltd. in Ningbo, east China’s Zhejiang Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Defence Force to send plane to assist New Zealanders stranded in Iran and Israel

    By Giles Dexter, RNZ News political reporter

    The Defence Force is sending a plane to the Middle East to assist any New Zealanders stranded in Iran or Israel.

    The C-130J Hercules, along with government personnel, will leave Auckland on Monday.

    Airspace is still closed in the region, but Defence Minister Judith Collins said the deployment was part of New Zealand’s contingency plans.

    “Airspace in Israel and Iran remains heavily restricted, which means getting people out by aircraft is not yet possible, but by positioning an aircraft, and defence and foreign affairs personnel in the region, we may be able to do more when airspace reopens,” she said.

    The government was also in discussions with commercial airlines to see what they could do to assist, although it was uncertain when airspace would reopen.

    Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters said New Zealanders should do everything they could to leave now, if they could find a safe route.

    “We know it will not be safe for everyone to leave Iran or Israel, and many people may not have access to transport or fuel supplies,” he said.

    ‘Stay in touch’
    “If you are in this situation, you should shelter in place, follow appropriate advice from local authorities and stay in touch with family and friends where possible.”

    Peters reiterated New Zealand’s call for diplomacy and dialogue.

    “Ongoing military action in the Middle East is extremely worrying and it is critical further escalation is avoided,” he said. “New Zealand strongly supports efforts towards diplomacy.

    “We urge all parties to return to talks. Diplomacy will deliver a more enduring resolution than further military action.”

    NZ’s Defence Minister Judith Collins and Foreign Minister Winston Peters address the media . . . “Look, this is a danger zone . . . Get out if you possibly can.” Image: RNZ/Calvin Samuel

    It will take a few days for the Hercules to reach the region.

    New Zealanders in Iran and Israel needing urgent consular assistance should call the Ministry’s Emergency Consular Call Centre on +64 99 20 20 20.

    New Zealand hoped the aircraft and personnel would not be needed, and diplomatic efforts would prevail, Collins re-iterated.

    The ministers would not say where exactly the plane and personnel would be based, for security reasons.

    Registered number in Iran jumps
    Peters told reporters the number of New Zealanders registered in Iran had jumped since the escalation of the crisis.

    How the New Zealand Herald, the country’s largest newspaper, reported the US strike on Iran today. Image: APR

    “We thought, at a certain time, we had them all counted out at 46,” he said. “It’s far more closer to 80 now, because they’re coming out of the woodwork, despite the fact that, for months, we said, ‘Look, this is a danger zone’, and for a number of days we’ve said, ‘Get out if you possibly can’.”

    There were 101 New Zealanders registered in Israel. Again, Peters said the figure had risen recently.

    He indicated people from other nations could be assisted, similar to when the NZDF assisted in repatriations from New Caledonia last year.

    Labour defence spokesperson Peeni Henare supported the move.

    “I acknowledge the news that the New Zealand Defence Force will soon begin a repatriation mission to the Middle East, and thank the crew and officials on this mission for their ongoing work to bring New Zealanders home safely,” he said.

    While he agreed with the government that the attacks were a dangerous escalation of the conflict and supported the government’s calls for dialogue, he said the US bombing of Iran was a breach of international law and the government should be saying it.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Defence Force to send plane to assist New Zealanders stranded in Iran and Israel

    By Giles Dexter, RNZ News political reporter

    The Defence Force is sending a plane to the Middle East to assist any New Zealanders stranded in Iran or Israel.

    The C-130J Hercules, along with government personnel, will leave Auckland on Monday.

    Airspace is still closed in the region, but Defence Minister Judith Collins said the deployment was part of New Zealand’s contingency plans.

    “Airspace in Israel and Iran remains heavily restricted, which means getting people out by aircraft is not yet possible, but by positioning an aircraft, and defence and foreign affairs personnel in the region, we may be able to do more when airspace reopens,” she said.

    The government was also in discussions with commercial airlines to see what they could do to assist, although it was uncertain when airspace would reopen.

    Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters said New Zealanders should do everything they could to leave now, if they could find a safe route.

    “We know it will not be safe for everyone to leave Iran or Israel, and many people may not have access to transport or fuel supplies,” he said.

    ‘Stay in touch’
    “If you are in this situation, you should shelter in place, follow appropriate advice from local authorities and stay in touch with family and friends where possible.”

    Peters reiterated New Zealand’s call for diplomacy and dialogue.

    “Ongoing military action in the Middle East is extremely worrying and it is critical further escalation is avoided,” he said. “New Zealand strongly supports efforts towards diplomacy.

    “We urge all parties to return to talks. Diplomacy will deliver a more enduring resolution than further military action.”

    NZ’s Defence Minister Judith Collins and Foreign Minister Winston Peters address the media . . . “Look, this is a danger zone . . . Get out if you possibly can.” Image: RNZ/Calvin Samuel

    It will take a few days for the Hercules to reach the region.

    New Zealanders in Iran and Israel needing urgent consular assistance should call the Ministry’s Emergency Consular Call Centre on +64 99 20 20 20.

    New Zealand hoped the aircraft and personnel would not be needed, and diplomatic efforts would prevail, Collins re-iterated.

    The ministers would not say where exactly the plane and personnel would be based, for security reasons.

    Registered number in Iran jumps
    Peters told reporters the number of New Zealanders registered in Iran had jumped since the escalation of the crisis.

    How the New Zealand Herald, the country’s largest newspaper, reported the US strike on Iran today. Image: APR

    “We thought, at a certain time, we had them all counted out at 46,” he said. “It’s far more closer to 80 now, because they’re coming out of the woodwork, despite the fact that, for months, we said, ‘Look, this is a danger zone’, and for a number of days we’ve said, ‘Get out if you possibly can’.”

    There were 101 New Zealanders registered in Israel. Again, Peters said the figure had risen recently.

    He indicated people from other nations could be assisted, similar to when the NZDF assisted in repatriations from New Caledonia last year.

    Labour defence spokesperson Peeni Henare supported the move.

    “I acknowledge the news that the New Zealand Defence Force will soon begin a repatriation mission to the Middle East, and thank the crew and officials on this mission for their ongoing work to bring New Zealanders home safely,” he said.

    While he agreed with the government that the attacks were a dangerous escalation of the conflict and supported the government’s calls for dialogue, he said the US bombing of Iran was a breach of international law and the government should be saying it.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Federated Farmers CEO Terry Copeland steps down

    Source: Federated Farmers

    Long-serving Federated Farmers chief executive Terry Copeland is stepping down from his role at the end of this month.
    “Terry has been the leader we needed in a crisis. He was the man who kept us together through the toughest times, through the Mycoplasma Bovis incursion and then COVID, through droughts, fires and disastrous floods,” Federated Farmers national president Wayne Langford says.
    “Terry’s seven years with Feds has also been marked by unprecedented political and advocacy challenges for our members. His cool head in times of need was hugely beneficial for the organisation.”
    There are a couple of key achievements to highlight during his time at Federated Farmers. Terry was responsible for setting up the highly successful Primary Industries NZ Summit and Awards, now into its seventh year, attracting over 600 delegates annually.
    Continual business improvement is another legacy from Terry’s time leading the organisation.
    “His championing and overseeing the investment into better processes and systems across finance, information technology, human resources and project management will ensure the great advocacy and policy work Federated Farmers does is supported by a well-functioning machine,” Wayne says.
    Terry says it is time for a new person to lead the membership organisation, and he’s proud to be leaving the influential association stronger than he found it.
    “Federated Farmers is a terrific organisation to have been a part of. I have been able to contribute to the powerhouse of New Zealand’s economy – the primary sector – and it has been an honour to work with some of New Zealand’s best farmers,” Terry says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: ACT Budget 2025-26: Investing in Tourism, Events and Iconic Destinations

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

    Released 22/06/2025 – Joint media release

    The ACT Government is investing more than $15 million through the 2025-26 Budget to support Canberra’s growing visitor economy, strengthen the city’s national profile, and deliver high-quality events that benefit the whole community.

    The Budget includes funding to grow tourism, attract more events and business visitors, and continue the revitalisation of one of the capital’s most recognisable landmarks – Telstra Tower.

    Backing tourism, events and destination marketing, the Government is supporting Canberra’s tourism industry with:

    • Continued operational support for the Canberra Convention Bureau
    • An Aviation Stimulus Fund to improve flight access to the capital
    • Continuing the Major Events Fund
    • Support for core activities of Brand Canberra, the National Capital Educational Tourism Project, and in-market tourism representation
    • Additional funding to deliver and enhance major events including Enlighten, Floriade and New Year’s Eve, and the return of Windows to the World in 2025.

    Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the investments would help grow Canberra’s tourism, hospitality and events sectors.

    “This Budget supports a growing visitor economy, with targeted funding to further expand aviation access, bring new events to Canberra, and showcase our strengths,” the Chief Minister said.

    “We’re backing local tourism operators and our major festivals, while also strengthening our international engagement and trade connections to create new economic opportunities for the ACT.”

    The Government will also support the revitalisation of Telstra Tower in partnership with Telstra.  The Government is working towards finalisation of an operational agreement with Telstra.

    “We want Telstra Tower to once again be part of a great Canberra tourism experience,” the Chief Minister said.

    “By working with Telstra to deliver a commercially viable and modern fit-out, we can secure the future of this iconic landmark and boost tourism activity.”

    The Budget also includes funding to continue the ACT’s international engagement activities, including trade missions, business export support and international partnerships, with a focus on business, education and tourism opportunities.

    Treasurer Chris Steel said the investments were part of a broader plan to grow Canberra’s economy and support local jobs.

    “This Budget provides targeted investments in tourism, events, business and trade that will deliver economic returns to the Territory,” Mr Steel said.

    “Whether it’s new events, more flights, or major destination projects like Telstra Tower, we’re making sure Canberra is well-placed to grow as a visitor and business hub.”

    Quote attributable to Brendon Riley, Telstra InfraCo CEO

    “Telstra is proud to be partnering with the ACT Government to revitalise this iconic site. We’ve already taken important steps by preparing the Tower for redevelopment, and we look forward to supporting the ACT’s vision through detailed design collaboration and a staged re-opening. This project represents a strong commitment from both parties to create something enduring for the Canberra community and its visitors.”

    – Statement ends –

    Andrew Barr, MLA | Chris Steel, MLA | Media Releases

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: ACT Budget 25-26: 30,000 new homes to provide more housing for Canberrans

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

    Released 23/06/2025 – Joint media release

    The Government is supporting the delivery of more homes for Canberrans where and how they want to live.

    The Territory Budget will invest more than $145 million to kickstart a significant pipeline of homes for our growing city.  This supply pipeline will be supported through a range of policy initiatives and industry incentives.

    In partnership with the Australian Government, and our commitments under the national housing accord, the ACT Government has a clear plan to enable 30,000 new homes by 2030.

    The Housing Supply and Land Release Program released today demonstrates how the Government will achieve this target, with government land release to support nearly 26,000 homes over the next five years, direct investment to build social and affordable housing, and thousands more homes expected to be delivered on leased land enabled by new planning reforms.

    The investments through the Budget will make it easier for Canberrans to find the home they need, whether they’re buying their first home, raising a family, ageing in place, or in need of supported housing.

    This includes direct investment in new social and affordable homes, modernising the planning system to support medium-density supply, and targeted reforms to improve fairness and choice in the housing market.

    At the same time, the Government will be increasing apprenticeship subsidies for training in six key construction trades to 90 per cent, building on our existing investment in electrotechnology apprenticeships.

    This significant investment in training for the construction industry will shape the workforce Canberra needs to build more homes for a generation.

    The Budget supports a wide range of practical initiatives to boost supply, increase affordability and deliver homes that suit different stages of life:

    • Increasing eligibility for stamp duty concessions for all eligible purchasers’ price threshold above $1 million.
    • 85 new public housing dwellings delivered through Community Housing Providers under the Housing Australia Future Fund Facility (HAFFF).
    • $20 million additional funding for the Affordable Housing Project Fund, increasing the total to $100 million.
    • 300 affordable Build-to-Rent homes.
    • 17 new social housing townhouses acquired in Coombs under the Social Housing Accelerator.
    • Ongoing investment in the Growing and Renewing Public Housing Program to maintain and expand Canberra’s public housing portfolio.

    In addition to new home construction, the ACT Government is continuing the planning work needed to ensure Canberra grows in a smart, inclusive and sustainable way.

    This includes:

    • Planning for new housing and community facilities in well-located areas, particularly around town centres, local shops and public transport corridors.
    • Funding to support the Construction Productivity Agenda for the ACT of the new Planning Act, aimed at streamlining approvals and increasing clarity for developers and the community.

    To support our plans to enable 30,000 homes by 2030, the Budget supports the development of a future construction workforce, including:

    • An increase in training subsidies to 90% for carpenters, plumbers, tilers, bricklaying and other critical construction trades.
    • The Try-a-Trade program in ACT public high schools to support more young women to enter the construction industry.
    • $250 cost-of-living payments to apprentices and trainees, including an extra $250 for first year apprentices, building on the $10,000 payments available under the Commonwealth’s residential construction training incentive.

    Chief Minister Andrew Barr said housing remains a central investment priority as Canberra grows.

    “Canberrans need homes where they want to live that are affordable, sustainable and well-designed,” the Chief Minister said.

    “This Budget brings together land release, planning reform, housing delivery and tax reform to meet the needs of a changing city and enable 30,000 new homes by 2030.”

    Deputy Chief Minister Yvette Berry said the Budget delivers both practical results and a pathway to lasting change.

    “We’re investing in affordable homes now and laying the foundations for a more equitable, more liveable city,” Minister Berry said.

    “A stable home is essential for a good life, which is why we’re partnering with the Commonwealth Government to get more homes built than ever before.”

    Treasurer Chris Steel said that the Budget demonstrates how the ACT Government is taking action on housing supply from all sides to support 30,000 new homes and making Canberra a more affordable place to live.

    “Housing is a key priority for our Government in the Budget. These targets will be achieved through budget investment to build more social and affordable homes, undertaking the next stages of planning reform, further land release and investment in supporting infrastructure,” Minister Steel said.

    “We will continue to progress missing middle housing reforms, as well as supporting more well-located homes close to transport, services and jobs.

    “The investment in construction skills, trades and productivity will make a real difference to getting more quality homes built more quickly, boosting our economy and helping to reduce inequality.”

    Finance Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said reforms to stamp duty are part of the Government’s broader approach to making housing more accessible.

    “By expanding stamp duty concessions to more homebuyers, we’re making it easier for Canberrans to enter the market and find a home that suits their needs.”

    Minister for Skills, Training and Industrial Relations Michael Pettersson said that the ACT Government was delivering on election commitments to strengthen Canberra’s construction workforce.

    “We promised to make training in the construction trades more accessible for Canberrans who want to develop the skills they need to get a good, secure job – and now we’re delivering.”

    – Statement ends –

    Andrew Barr, MLA | Yvette Berry, MLA | Chris Steel, MLA | Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Michael Pettersson, MLA | Media Releases

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: South Florida Medical Providers Agree to Pay $810,301 to Resolve Allegations of Fraudulently Billing Medicare

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MIAMI – Vascular and Interventional Specialists, LLC (VIS); Vascular and Spine Institute, Inc. (VSI); Oscar Sosa, M.D.; and Osmany DeAngelo, D.O. have agreed to pay $810,301 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by submitting claims for medically unnecessary percutaneous transluminal angioplasties (PTA)—a procedure that is performed to increase blood flow through a diseased or abnormally narrowed vessel.

    The United States alleged that from 2015 to 2024, VIS, VSI, Sosa, and DeAngelo performed hundreds of PTAs without conducting any diagnostic inquiry or making a clinical diagnosis to support the medical necessity of the PTAs they performed. VIS, VSI, Sosa, and DeAngelo subsequently submitted claims to federal healthcare programs, including Medicare, for the PTAs that were not reasonable or medically necessary.

    VIS is an endovascular surgery center in Miami, which provides vascular and interventional radiology services with a specialty in the diagnosis and treatment of vascular disease as well as the management and maintenance of dialysis access. VSI submitted bills to federal healthcare programs for services provided by VIS and its individual practitioners. DeAngelo and Sosa are individual practitioners who provided medical services, including PTAs, on behalf of VIS.

    The allegations arose from a lawsuit filed by a whistleblower, Emilio Lopez, M.D., under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act. Under the False Claims Act, private citizens can bring suit on behalf of the government for false claims and share in any recovery. Dr. Lopez will receive approximately $186,369 from the recovery announced today.

    U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida and acting Special Agent in Charge Jesus Barranco of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Miami Regional Office announced the settlement.

    HHS-OIG investigated the matter.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. Feeley handled the litigation.

    Note: See the settlement agreement here.

    Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 20-cv-22046.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Leaders in US-affiliated Pacific react to surprise strikes on Iran

    By Mark Rabago, RNZ Pacific Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas correspondent

    Leaders in the US-affliliated Pacific Islands have reacted to the US strikes on Iran.

    US president Donald Trump said Iran must now make peace or “we will go after” other targets in Iran, after US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.

    Iran’s Foreign Ministry said the US had begun a “dangerous war against Iran”, according to a statement shared by Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency.

    Governor Arnold Palacios of the Northern Marianas said he WAs “monitoring the situation in our region with our US military partners”.

    “The Northern Marianas remains alert and we remain positively hopeful and confident that peace and diplomacy reign for the benefit of our fellow brethren here at home and around the world.”

    Governor Arnold Palacios of the Northern Marianas . . . “monitoring the situation.” Image: Mark Rabago/RNZ Pacific

    Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds said the Marianas had long understood “the delicate balance between strategic presence and peace”.

    “As tensions rise in the Middle East, I’m hopeful that diplomacy remains the guiding force,” she said.

    “My prayers are with the service members and their families throughout the region, most especially those from our islands who quietly serve in defense of global stability.”

    No credible threats
    Guam’s Governor Lou Leon Guerrero said that there were no credible threats to their island, and “we will do everything in our power to keep Guam safe”.

    “Our people have always been resilient in the face of uncertainty, and today, as we watch our nation take action overseas, that strength matters more than ever,” she said.

    “Guam is proud to support the men and women who serve our country — and we feel the weight of that commitment every day as home to vital military installations.”

    She said she and her team have been in close touch with local military leaders.

    “I encourage everyone to stay calm and informed by official sources, to look out for one another, and to hold in our thoughts the troops, their loved ones, and all innocent people caught in this conflict.”

    Lieutenant-Governor Josh Tenorio said: “What is unfolding in the Middle East is serious, and it reminds us that our prayers and our preparedness must go hand in hand.

    “While we stand by our troops and support our national security, we also remain committed to the values of peace and resilience. Our teams are working closely with our Homeland Security advisor, Joint Region Marianas, Joint Task Force-Micronesia, and the Guam National Guard to stay ahead of any changes.”

    Long-time warnings
    Meanwhile, Mark Anufat Terlaje-Pangelinan, one of the protesters during the recent 32nd Pacific Islands Environmental Training Symposium on Saipan, said he was not surprised by the US attack on Iran.

    “This is exactly what we concerned citizens have been warning against for the longest time,” he said.

    Terlaje-Pangelinan said the potential of CNMI troops and the Marianas itself being dragged into a wider and more protracted conflict was disheartening.

    “Perpetuating the concept of the CNMI being a tip of the spear more than being a bridge for peace between the Pacific landscapes does more harm than good.

    “The CNMI will never be fully prepped for war. With our only safe havens being the limited number of caves we have on island, we are at more risk to be under attack than any other part of America.”

    Iran requested an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, it said in a letter issued Sunday, urging the council to condemn the US strikes on its nuclear facilities.

    UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has described the US military action in Iran as a direct threat to world peace and security.

    Officials in Iran are downplaying the impact of US strikes on its nuclear facilities, particularly the Fordow site buried deep in the mountains, in sharp contrast with Trump’s claims that the attack “obliterated” them.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Trump’s decision to bomb Iran exposes fissures in US politics

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

    US President Donald Trump’s strike on Iran’s nuclear weapons program, which he foreshadowed on and off for the past few days, has revealed a surprisingly broad middle ground in US politics, even as it has provoked controversy in the international community.

    Almost immediately after news of the US military action broke, John Fetterman, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, blasted out a statement of support, calling the attack the “correct move”.

    Steny Hoyer of Maryland, who spent decades in House Democratic Leadership roles, said the strike “was essential to preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon”.

    Governor of Pennsylvania Josh Shapiro, a likely presidential candidate in 2028, gave a thoughtful evaluation of the attack, calling Iran’s nuclear weapons program “dangerous”.

    Other Democrats were more muted. Leading Senators, including Leader Chuck Schumer, complained about the lack of congressional authorisation and the administration’s failure to consult Congress before the strike, but didn’t specifically oppose the US action.

    In the US system, only Congress can declare war, but the president has broad power as commander-in-chief to respond to threats. Most defenders of presidential authority acknowledge his authority to act militarily – particularly when the US’s role is highly limited, such as in the Iran strike. Should US involvement deepen, the calls for a congressional role in authorising the war will become louder and more legitimate.

    Some on the far left, including Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, openly opposed the strike and even called for Trump’s impeachment. Ocasio-Cortez said:

    The President’s disastrous decision to bomb Iran without authorization is a grave violation of the Constitution and Congressional War Powers. He has impulsively risked launching a war that may ensnare us for generations. It is absolutely and clearly grounds for impeachment.

    On the Republican side, there has also not been unanimous support for the strike.

    Even within the president’s coalition, some isolationists have been opposed to any US strike on Iran. They rightly pointed out that Trump campaigned on ending wars, not starting them.

    Media personalities Tucker Carlson and Steve Bannon openly urged the president not to strike Iran. Carlson’s interview on the issue with hawkish Republican Ted Cruz gathered huge attention on social media.

    Tulsi Gabbard, Trump’s Director of National Intelligence and a member of his cabinet, went so far as to make a video about the horrors of nuclear conflict.

    Trump’s reaction to Gabbard’s video was furious. He even suggested he might eliminate her office, which is charged with coordinating America’s many intelligence agencies.

    Trump also called Carlson, whose millions-strong following on X is a key component of Trump’s political base, “kooky” for opposing a strike on Iran. Trump later walked that back, saying Carlson had called to apologise, and that Carlson “is a nice guy”.

    In Congress, one notable Trump ally opposed the Iran attack. Marjorie Taylor Greene, the controversial congresswoman from Georgia, said:

    Every time America is on the verge of greatness, we get involved in another foreign war […] This is not our fight. Peace is the answer.

    Trump’s decision has wide cross-party support

    It is certainly fair to look closely at Trump’s base and explore divisions and disagreements. However, it is highly likely that Trump’s dominant personality means he will keep the vast majority of his base together.

    More revealing about US politics is the support across the aisle for his Iran policy.

    Trump’s brash manner and divisive rhetoric make it difficult for Democrats to support him in any circumstance, but the US people’s disdain for Iran appears to be much stronger.

    In 1979, Iranian revolutionaries took 52 US diplomats hostage. The image of those captive hostages blindfolded and at the mercy of Iranian radicals is burned into older Americans’ brains.

    A generation later, Iran-backed militias killed more than 600 Americans in the war in Iraq. There are other sins Iran has committed against the US, included the attempted assassination of Trump. In this context, Trump’s policy is in the US mainstream.

    Why didn’t Trump consult Congress?

    It has been the standard practice of US presidents to brief the bipartisan leadership of Congress on key national security initiatives, such as a strikes on adversaries. While not a hard-and-fast rule, the practice can produce more bipartisan support for a president’s actions that he might otherwise have. It’s not unreasonable to think senior congressional Democrats might be more openly supportive of the Iran strike if they had been consulted in this manner.

    However, Trump and his administration did not do this, for a reason. There is little value in open bipartisanship in America today. Even though both parties are very close on Iran policy, neither wants that to be seen in public as cooperating across the aisle. Each party would much rather make the case to its base that it represents their interests and is not willing to compromise with the other party. Support from Democrats does not strengthen Trump, as his base is highly suspicious of the opposition party.

    The reverse is true for elected Democrats, including those in leadership. They will be more vulnerable from progressives in next year’s primary contests if they are seen as insufficiently resisting Trump. There is no Trump-like figure in their party to protect them from this base.

    In US politics today, nothing is more dangerous than agreeing with the other party. There is a premium value on publicly opposing your political adversaries, no matter what the issue. It makes for a foreign policy that appears more fractured than it actually is.

    Lester Munson receives funding from the U.S. Studies Centre at the University of Sydney. He is affiliated with the Republican Party.

    – ref. Trump’s decision to bomb Iran exposes fissures in US politics – https://theconversation.com/trumps-decision-to-bomb-iran-exposes-fissures-in-us-politics-259446

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Local Government – Local authority elections coming – strong candidates needed – BusinessNZ

    Source: BusinessNZ

    With two weeks until nominations open for this year’s local authority elections, the Local Government Business Forum is encouraging strong candidates to stand for election.
    “Given the importance of local government to New Zealand, it is essential that councils are well-governed,” Forum Chair Matt Cowley said.
    “Council decisions on spending, rating and regulation are incredibly influential in determining the quality of the business environment. It is essential that mayors and councillors have a good understanding of the issues facing businesses and how councils can help rather than hinder them.”
    The Local Government Business Forum is calling for council candidates who have a good mix of the following attributes:
    1. Commercial and financial acumen with focus on efficient council operation
    2. Focus on efficient and effective provision of core infrastructure and services
    3. Pro-growth and pro-development mindset, understanding of local economic drivers
    4. Evidence-based decision making, with respect for property rights and regulatory certainty
    5. Collaborative and constructive leadership and engagement
    6. Supportive of transparent, accountable governance
    7. Solutions-based attitude to reforms to get the best results for their residents and ratepayers
    “We need strong candidates to put their names forward. We also need the business community and residents to be informed and vote for candidates that can provide the leadership needed. Attention should be paid to the voting record and actions of current mayors and councillors.
    “Local government touches every business and every member of society every day. We need good people governing them,” Mr Cowley said.
    Candidate nomination forms for the 2025 local authority elections will be available from councils. Nominations open on 4 July and close on 1 August. Voting papers will be delivered to electors from 9 September and voting closes at 12 noon on Saturday 11 October.
    About the Local Government Business Forum
    The Local Government Business Forum comprises organisations that have a vital interest in the activities of local government. Its members include Business New Zealand, Federated Farmers of New Zealand, New Zealand Forest Owners Association, Infrastructure New Zealand, New Zealand Initiative, New Zealand Business Chamber, and the Retirement Villages Association of New Zealand. It was established in 1994 to promote greater efficiency in local government and to contribute to debate on policy issues affecting it.
    The Forum’s members are each significant representatives of ratepayers in their own right but the Forum’s perspective is to advance community welfare through the advocacy of sound public policy. We believe that local government can best serve the interests of the community and ratepayers by focusing on the efficient provision of public goods at a local level.
    The Local Government Forum advocates policies that create a positive economic environment. Recognising the significant role of local government in private investment decisions, the Forum regularly produces publications addressing crucial issues relating to the performance of local government and legislative developments in that sector.
    The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central, Business Canterbury and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: ACT Budget 2025-26: Delivering for Molonglo, Weston Creek and Woden

    Source: Australian National Party

    As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

    Released 21/06/2025 – Joint media release

    The 2025-26 ACT Budget continues the Government’s significant investment in infrastructure and services to meet the needs of rapidly growing communities in Molonglo, Weston Creek and Woden.

    This Budget delivers new investment in suburban upgrades, sport and recreation facilities, and active travel infrastructure, while also progressing planning and early works for major community precincts like the Molonglo Town Centre and Stromlo Forest Park.

    Treasurer Chris Steel said the Budget would ensure that community infrastructure keeps pace with growth in the region.

    “This Budget delivers a strong pipeline of infrastructure and local upgrades across Woden, Weston Creek and Molonglo, supporting growing communities and improving the services people rely on,” Minister Steel said.

    2025-26 Budget initiatives for Molonglo, Weston Creek and Woden include:

    Better Footpaths and Safer Streets:

    • Improvements to footpaths across Woden and Weston Creek.
    • Lighting upgrades to improve safety and visibility.

    Revitalised Local Shops:

    • Upgrades to the public spaces around Mawson Group Centre

    Investing in Sport and Recreation:

    • Mawson, Phillip and Hughes will benefit from female-friendly changeroom upgrades, part of Territory-wide investment in inclusive sports facilities.
    • Changeroom and toilet upgrades at North Curtin Oval.
    • Improved lighting at Waramanga Oval.
    • Stage 1 of the Stromlo Forest Park Tracks and Trails Master Plan, including new trails and signage.

    “We are delivering on Labor’s commitment to upgrade Mawson shops, with improved pedestrian access, landscaping and other improvements to make it an even better place to visit our thriving local businesses,” Minister Steel said.

    “The investment in tracks and trails at UC Stromlo will ensure that park continues to offer range of new experiences for mountain bikers and other users, based directly on their feedback in the master plan.”

    Minister for Women, Dr Marisa Paterson said these upgrades would make a meaningful difference for local families and sports clubs.

    “These investments in community sport and recreation facilities will create spaces where everyone feels welcome, supported and inspired to participate, especially women and girls,” Minister Paterson said.

    Canberrans of all ages will benefit from the ACT Government’s expanded path renewal program, over the next four years in active travel infrastructure will be upgraded across the city.

    Dr Paterson said delivering safe and accessible footpaths and bike paths was one of her key priorities for the region.

    “I’ve been advocating for better path networks and improved lighting across our suburbs, so I’m thrilled to see this funding in the Budget to help keep our community connected, safe and active.”

    – Statement ends –

    Chris Steel, MLA | Marisa Paterson, MLA | Media Releases

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Forums on China-Central Asia cooperation development, Silk Road int’l communication held in Astana

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

    Arman Kyrykbayev, assistant to the Kazakh president, reads a congratulatory message from Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the opening ceremony of the China-Central Asia Cooperation Development Forum and the Third Silk Road International Communication Forum in Astana, Kazakhstan, June 22, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The China-Central Asia Cooperation Development Forum and the Third Silk Road International Communication Forum were held on Sunday in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan.

    Around 240 representatives from media, think tanks, cultural institutions and business sectors across China and Central Asia engaged in in-depth discussions on topics including deepening Silk Road cooperation.

    At the opening ceremony, Arman Kyrykbayev, assistant to the Kazakh president, read a congratulatory message from Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. In the letter, Tokayev noted that not long ago, Chinese President Xi Jinping and the heads of state of the five Central Asian countries attended the second China-Central Asia Summit, which concluded with great success.

    He said the China-Central Asia Cooperation Development Forum and the Third Silk Road International Communication Forum serve as important platforms for people-to-people dialogue and cultural exchange between Central Asian countries and China. Tokayev expressed confidence that the event will further deepen exchanges and cooperation between the two sides in various fields.

    In his keynote speech, Fu Hua, president of Xinhua News Agency, said President Xi attaches great importance to China-Central Asia cooperation and development. A stable, prosperous, harmonious and interconnected Central Asia is of great significance to the entire world, Fu said.

    Fu said that Xinhua is willing to work together with media outlets and think tanks from Central Asian countries to strengthen media exchanges and deepen cooperation in areas such as news reporting, technological development and personnel exchanges, carry out joint research on topics of common interest based on the realities and development needs of China and Central Asia, enhance field studies, analytical assessments and sharing of information and achievements, and produce more high-quality and actionable think tank reports to offer insights and recommendations for the development of China-Central Asia cooperation.

    Qiu Xiaoqi, vice president of the China Public Diplomacy Association, said the launch of the China-Central Asia forum marks a new chapter of exchange and cooperation among the media, think tanks and cultural institutions of the six countries. All parties should make earnest efforts to better tell the stories of China-Central Asia cooperation and the modernization of the Global South, he said.

    Tursunali Kuziev, first deputy director of Uzbekistan’s Cultural Heritage Agency, said the Uzbek side fully agrees with the proverb “a close neighbor is better than a distant relative,” and remains committed to building a good-neighborly and mutually beneficial relationship between Central Asia and China. He expressed hope that the event would serve as an efficient platform for exchanging ideas, inspiring creativity and charting future cooperation.

    Chinese Ambassador to Kazakhstan Han Chunlin said the “China-Central Asia Spirit” reflects the six countries’ strong commitment to good-neighborly relations, solidarity and mutual support. He called on the media, as a bridge for people-to-people connections, to promote a favorable public opinion environment for the high-quality development of China-Central Asia relations.

    Sun Weidong, secretary-general of the Secretariat of the China-Central Asia Mechanism, said in his speech that think tanks and media from the six countries bear an important responsibility in strengthening the social foundation of a China-Central Asia community with a shared future. The Secretariat of the China-Central Asia Mechanism stands ready to work closely with all parties, actively support cooperation mechanisms and platforms in various fields, and contribute to building a closer China-Central Asia community with a shared future.

    Zu Bin, director of China Huadian Corporation Ltd., said in his speech that as a leading global energy enterprise, China Huadian will fully implement the Belt and Road Initiative and the consensus reached at the China-Central Asia Summit. Upholding the principle of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, the company aims to help Central Asian countries transform resource advantages into development strengths and promote vigorous growth of green Belt and Road cooperation, he said.

    At the opening ceremony, a center on China-Central Asia regional cooperation and development was officially inaugurated.

    The forum was co-hosted by Xinhua News Agency, Kazakhstan President’s TV and Radio Complex, the Communist Party of China Shaanxi Provincial Committee and the provincial government, and China Huadian Corporation.

    During the event, a think tank report titled “Championing the China-Central Asia Spirit: Achievements, Opportunities and Prospects for Regional Cooperation” was released globally in Chinese, Russian and English. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: US strikes against nuclear facilities in Iran mark “dangerous escalation” -Security Council briefing

    Source: United Nations (video statements)

    Remarks to the Security Council by Miroslav Jenča, Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and Americas, Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, on threats to international peace and security.
    —
    Madam President,

    On the evening of 21 June, the President of the United States announced that the US military conducted strikes against the Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear facilities in Iran.

    Shortly thereafter, the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran confirmed that the attacks around the nuclear sites had taken place. Iranian state media indicated the three sites had been evacuated and the highly enriched uranium stockpile transferred in advance. Iran has said there were no immediate signs of radioactive contamination at the three locations following the strikes.

    The Crisis Management Bureau of Qom, where Fordow is located, stated that the perimeter of the Fordow nuclear site had been targeted. Iranian state media said only two tunnels—for entry and exit—were destroyed at Fordow. Preliminary open-source satellite imagery shows damage at various points at the facility.

    I urge Iran to allow IAEA inspectors access to the sites to conduct damage assessments as soon as safety conditions allow. I also note that this Council will shortly hear from IAEA Director-General Grossi.

    I reiterate the Secretary-General’s grave alarm over the use of force by the United States against Iran.

    This latest development must be viewed with the utmost seriousness. It marks a dangerous escalation in a conflict that has already devastated many lives in both countries, in a region on the edge. It is a direct threat to international peace and security.

    Madam President,

    Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo opted before this Council only two days ago that we were teetering on the edge of a full-blown conflict. I fear we are now in that dangerous moment.

    Meanwhile, the hostilities between Israel and Iran continue and are now in their 10th day.

    Hours after the US strikes, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it had launched some 40 missiles at Israel.

    Israeli authorities reported that more than 85 people were injured in the barrage, and numerous structures in Tel Aviv and its southern suburbs sustained heavy damage, including many residential buildings and an elder care home.

    Israel also said it had launched a series of strikes against military targets in Iran, including in Tehran, Tabriz and Yazd. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said 30 fighter jets had struck dozens of military targets across Iran. Iranian media reported several civilian fatalities, including children, and damage to homes and other civilian infrastructure. Earlier on 21 June, Israel attacked, for a second time since 13 June, the Isfahan nuclear complex, hitting six buildings.

    According to Iran’s Ministry of Health, as of 21 June, 430 people have been killed and more than 3,500 others injured due to Israeli strikes across Iran. Most have been civilians.

    According to Israeli authorities, 25 Israelis have been killed and 1,300 more have been injured since the beginning of exchanges with Iran.

    Madam President,

    The conflict risks engulfing the region in further instability and volatility. Some nonstate armed groups aligned with Iran warned against US involvement. The Houthis in Yemen and some armed groups in Iraq vowed to attack if the US intervened in the conflict between Israel and Iran.

    Iran’s parliament unanimously expressed support for measures to close the Strait of Hormuz – a vital maritime route for global energy transit. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council would need to take the final decision.

    I recall the rights and obligations of all States under international law in relation to maritime navigation.

    Madam President,

    The Middle East cannot afford yet another violent conflict where civilians pay the price of military confrontations. And the world will also not be spared from the ramifications of this dangerous conflict.

    I echo the Secretary-General’s call on Member States, and on the members of the Security Council, to de-escalate and to uphold their obligations under the UN Charter, notably the obligation to settle their international disputes by peaceful means and other rules of international law. All states must live up to their nuclear commitments.

    All parties to the conflict must also comply with the relevant rules of international humanitarian law in the conduct of their military operations.

    There is no military solution to this conflict. We need diplomacy, de-escalation and confidence-building is now.

    Thank you, Madam President.
    —

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zg162TAYuzs

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Innovation Projects| Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (video statements)

    At the UN DPPA Innovation Cell, innovation goes beyond technology. We integrate design thinking, foresight, behavioral science, AI and digital tools to strengthen political analysis, dialogue, and decision-making in the field of peace and security.

    Celebrating World Creativity and Innovation Week in April 2025, the UN DPPA Innovation Cell presents a short film offering a glimpse into a different kind of innovation—one rooted in human-centered design, political insight, and creative problem-solving. In a world of growing complexity, the Cell brings together foresight, behavioral science, AI, and digital tools to support conflict prevention, mediation, and peacebuilding. This video invites viewers into the Cell’s unique approach, where imagination, data, and diplomacy meet to shape more adaptive and inclusive responses to global challenges.

    Produced by the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (UN DPPA)Innovation Cell.
    https://dppa.un.org/en/innovation
    https://futuringpeace.org/

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAuqNQSz49s

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Iran/Israel: Alarming Risk of Expanded Conflict – Security Council Briefing | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (video statements)

    Briefing by Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, on Threats to international peace and security.
    —
    We meet as the scope and scale of attacks in Iran and Israel continue to widen, with grave consequences for civilians in both countries.

    In Iran, Israel claims to have targeted over 100 military sites and nuclear facilities, including the Kermanshah missile base, the Natanz and Isfahan nuclear facilities, and the Khondab (former Araak) heavy water reactor.

    At the same time, government buildings, homes and residential neighborhoods, factories, hospitals, airports, and refineries have been struck in and around Tehran, Isfahan, Tabriz, Ahvaz, among other cities.

    The bombing on 17 June of Iran’s state-run television channel during a live broadcast marked a chilling moment.

    Residents of Tehran and other cities have received warnings to evacuate on more than one occasion. Iran has closed its airspace until further notice and has shut some border crossings.

    In Israel, residential neighborhoods and essential infrastructure have been hit throughout the country, notably in Tel Aviv, Haifa, Bat Yam, Dimona, Petah Tikva, and Eilat.

    Several civilian sites have been directly impacted by Iran’s airstrikes, including the Weizmann research institute in Rehovot, the Bazan petrochemical complex in Haifa, and yesterday, the Soroka Medical center in Beersheba.

    A state of national emergency remains in place, with severe restrictions on air travel. Several areas in the occupied West Bank have also been impacted, and checkpoints and road closures are impacting movement, particularly for Palestinians.

    Throughout the region, airspace remains severely constrained by these exchanges, not only within Iran and Israel, but also throughout Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, and beyond.

    The intensifying cycle of attacks and counterattacks has resulted in hundreds of civilian casualties, including fatalities, in both Iran and Israel.

    According to Iran’s Ministry of Health, as of 19 June, 224 people had been killed and more than 2,500 others injured in Israeli strikes across Iran. The Health Ministry added that 90 per cent of the victims were civilians.

    Other estimates, based on local non-governmental organizations and human rights groups, suggest the death toll is at least double the official figure.

    In addition, there have been over 20 high-ranking Iranian military leaders killed, notably the Commander and Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, the IRGC Commander-in-Chief and IRGC Intelligence Chief, as well as several nuclear scientists.

    We have also received reports of significant displacement out of Tehran – a city of over 12 million residents – resulting in massive traffic jams. Fuel shortages are leading to long queues at petrol stations, sometimes for over five hours, further hampering movement.

    And still, many remain trapped in their homes in Tehran with nowhere to flee. In the absence of bomb shelters or air raid sirens in the city and widespread internet blackouts, further strikes are bound to harm more civilians.

    In Israel, the Office of the Prime Minister stated that, as of 19 June, Iran’s strikes have killed 24 people and injured 915 others, the vast majority civilians. The strikes have also damaged homes, leading to the displacement of Israelis.

    —

    We are teetering on the edge of a full-blown conflict and a humanitarian crisis.

    International humanitarian law must be respected, including the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution in attack.

    Attacks directed against civilians and civilian objects, and indiscriminate attacks, are strictly prohibited. Medical personnel and medical facilities, including hospitals, must be respected and protected.

    We are witnessing in real time the impact of the conflict regionally, with missile launches by the Houthis in Yemen towards Israel, and heightened tensions involving armed groups in Iraq.

    With each passing day of fighting, the danger, particularly for civilians, grows. Interceptions and explosives falling short have been reported over Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, and Syria, sending debris into populated areas, sowing fear, and uncertainty.

    —

    At the center of the ongoing conflict are concerns about Iran’s nuclear program. As the Secretary-General has consistently stated, the best way to address these concerns is through dialogue leading to a negotiated solution.

    Israel’s attacks on nuclear installations are alarming, as is the risk of an expanded conflict.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdPD5n-lFUM

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Innovation x QCRI | Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (video statements)

    Since 2019, the UN DPPA Innovation Cell and the Qatar Computing Research Institute have partnered to bring cutting-edge technology into the heart of diplomacy.

    Since 2019, the UN DPPA Innovation Cell has partnered with the Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI) to bring cutting-edge technology into the heart of diplomacy. Through a shared commitment to innovation, the collaboration has led to the development of advanced tools and approaches for political analysis and peacebuilding. One of the highlights of this partnership is the co-designed E-Analytics and Innovation Course, hosted in Doha, which brings together UN staff and data scientists to explore how machine learning, natural language processing, and digital tools can enhance conflict prevention and mediation efforts. The course is not just about skill-building; it’s about reimagining how diplomacy can evolve in a data-driven world.

    Produced by the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs(UN DPPA)Innovation Cell.

    https://dppa.un.org/en/innovation
    https://futuringpeace.org/

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7UZrDs0Pgc

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Israel/Iran: “Give peace a chance” – UN Chief, Security Council Briefing | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (video statements)

    Secretary-General António Guterres today (20 Jun) called on the parties to the Israel – Iran conflict, as well as potential parties to the conflict, to “give peace a chance,” and said, “let us act — responsibly and together — to pull the region, and our world, back from the brink.”

    Addressing the Security Council, Guterres said, “there are moments when the choices before us are not just consequential — they are defining. Moments when the direction taken will shape not only the fate of nations, but potentially, our collective future. This is such a moment.”

    Guterres said, “the world is watching with growing alarm. We are not drifting toward crisis – we are racing toward it. We are not witnessing isolated incidents — we are on course to potential chaos. The expansion of this conflict could ignite a fire that no one can control. We must not let that happen.”

    He said, “the only thing that is predictable is that the consequences of continuing this conflict are unpredictable. Let us not look back on this decisive moment with regret.”

    Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo, for her part said, “the intensifying cycle of attacks and counterattacks has resulted in hundreds of civilian casualties, including fatalities, in both Iran and Israel,” reporting to the Council official Iranian figures of 224 people killed and more than 2,500 others injured in Israeli strikes across Iran as of 19 June, 90 percent of them civilians.

    Other estimates, she said, “based on local non-governmental organizations and human rights groups, suggest the death toll is at least double the official figure.”

    In Israel, DiCarlo continued, “the Office of the Prime Minister stated that, as of 19 June, Iran’s strikes have killed 24 people and injured 915 others, the vast majority civilians. The strikes have also damaged homes, leading to the displacement of Israelis.”

    IAEA Director-General Mariano Grossi briefing the Council via video teleconference, said, “attacks on nuclear sites in the Islamic Republic of Iran have caused a sharp degradation in nuclear safety and security in Iran. Though they have not so far led to a radiological release affecting the public, there is a danger this could occur.”

    Grossi said, “in case of an attack on the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant a direct hit could result in a very high release of radioactivity to the environment. Similarly, a hit that disabled the only two lines supplying electrical power to the plant could cause its reactor’s core to melt, which could result in a high release of radioactivity to the environment. In their worst-case, both scenarios would necessitate protective actions, such as evacuations and sheltering of the population or the need to take stable iodine, with the reach extending to distances from a few to several hundred kilometres.”

    He said, “any action against the Tehran Nuclear Research Reactor could have severe consequences, potentially for large areas of the city of Tehran and its inhabitants.”

    Shea told the Council that “while the United States was not involved in Israel’s strikes, let there be no doubt that the United States continues to stand with Israel and supports its actions against Iran’s nuclear ambitions.”

    She said, “Iran’s leaders could have avoided this conflict had they agreed to a deal that would have prevented them from ever obtaining a nuclear weapon, but they refused to do so – choosing instead to delay and deny.”

    Iranian Ambassador Amir-Saeid Iravani for his part said Israeli airstrikes were “an assault on the global non-proliferation regime,” and called on the Council to “implement its resolution.”

    Iravani said, “if the Council fails to act now, it will send a message that international law and resolutions apply selectively. If the non-proliferation regime collapses, this Council will share responsibility with the Israeli regime.”

    The Iranian Ambassador said, “Iran’s nuclear program is peaceful and under the world’s most extensive inspections. Iran has long advocated for a nuclear-weapon-free-zone in the Middle East. Israel is the only possessor of undeclared nuclear weapons in the region. It’s refused to accede to the NPT and blocked regional disarmament efforts.”

    Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon, addressing Iravani directly, said, “you are not a victim. You are not even a diplomat. You are a wolf pretending to be a diplomat. And we are done pretending otherwise.”

    Danon told the Council that “Iran has already enriched uranium to new weapon-grade levels,” and “has built deep underground facilities designed to survive bunker busting bombs.”

    He said Iran “has advanced missile delivery systems, and it has lied to the IAEA and the world at every step,” stressing that “there must finally be an acknowledgment that there is no greater threat to international peace and security than a nuclear Iran.”

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

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