NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CE meets new Liaison Office Director

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Chief Executive John Lee met new Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (LOCPG) and National Security Adviser to the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Zhou Ji at Government House today.

    They exchanged views on a range of issues, including Hong Kong’s opportunities and challenges, and promoting the city’s long-term prosperity and stability.

    Mr Lee expressed his gratitude to the central government for its continued support to and care for Hong Kong, driving and supporting its transition from stability to prosperity. He also extended his warm welcome to Mr Zhou on his new appointment.

    Mr Zhou has had extensive experience in local governance and policy-making from a macroscopic perspective, having previously held such positions as CPC Hubei Standing Committee Member, CPC Henan Standing Committee Member and CPC Henan Provincial Committee Deputy Secretary, and Henan Party Leadership Group Deputy Secretary and Henan Vice Governor.

    Since taking office in July 2023 as CPC Central Committee Hong Kong & Macao Work Office Executive Deputy Director and State Council Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office Executive Deputy Director, Mr Zhou has been participating in taking forward Hong Kong’s work under national development strategies.

    He is well acquainted with the national policies on Hong Kong and actively promoted the implementation of the central government’s policies benefitting the city.

    Mr Lee expressed confidence in working with Mr Zhou in actively aligning with national development strategies, as well as in implementing fully, faithfully and resolutely the principles of “one country, two systems” and “Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong” with a high degree of autonomy, maintaining the constitutional order of the Hong Kong SAR as stipulated in the Constitution and the Basic Law, implementing the executive-led structure and implementing the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong”, with a view to ensuring the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong, the steadfast and successful implementation of the “one country, two systems” principle, and jointly expediting the development of Hong Kong from stability to prosperity.

    During the session, Mr Lee said that Hong Kong is currently undergoing an economic transformation, and that the Hong Kong SAR Government will uphold fundamental principles while breaking new ground, endeavour to take forward reforms, and continue to lead all sectors of Hong Kong society to embrace changes and strive for innovation, actively exploring new areas of development and growth.

    The Chief Executive said he believes that under the leadership of Mr Zhou, the LOCPG will continue to support the Hong Kong SAR Government’s governance in accordance with the law.

    Noting that Mr Zhou is well acquainted with Hong Kong affairs, Mr Lee said that this will help Hong Kong better contribute to and benefit from its integration into national development, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development and the Belt & Road Initiative.

    The session was conducted in a cordial and productive atmosphere, with both officials sharing the common goal of expediting Hong Kong’s rise from stability to prosperity.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK-EU Reset Deal Is a Sell-Out

    Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

    Statement by TUV North Down chairman Peter Wilson:

    “The announcement of the so-called UK-EU Reset Deal represents yet another disgraceful betrayal of the Union and a shameful continuation of the Irish Sea border, which separates Northern Ireland from the rest of our United Kingdom. Let there be no doubt – this is not a deal to safeguard the Union, but rather to cement the constitutional and economic annexation of Northern Ireland by the European Union.

    “We in the TUV reject entirely the notion that the Irish Sea border has gone. If the border was truly gone, why is the Government still spending millions of pounds constructing permanent border posts at our ports, particularly in Larne? These are not symbolic gestures – they are physical manifestations of a regulatory and customs frontier between Northern Ireland and Great Britain, a frontier imposed at the behest of Brussels and with the active compliance of the DUP.

    “The DUP’s so-called “Safeguarding the Union” document has been exposed as the sham that it is. Repeating the fiction that the Irish Sea border has been removed is not just disingenuous – it is insulting to the people of Northern Ireland who were promised the benefits of full Brexit but have instead been abandoned as a semi-detached province under foreign rule.

    “We now know that the EU will continue to impose its customs code, regulations, and tariffs on Northern Ireland. The continuation of EU Regulation 2017/625 – treating NI as part of the EU and GB as a foreign country – ensures that our economy remains in a straitjacket, unable to fully benefit from UK-wide trade or domestic policy.

    “As our leader Jim Allister KC MP has rightly pointed out, the new SPS arrangements are made between the EU and Great Britain, because Northern Ireland is already considered EU territory. That is not sovereignty restored – it is sovereignty surrendered.

    “And let’s not forget the parcel border that continues to restrict the movement of goods to our citizens. The idea that this deal brings normality or balance is nothing more than spin. The truth is that none of the underlying architecture of the Protocol has been dismantled.

    “The people of North Down and all of Northern Ireland deserve honesty. They deserve leaders who will not capitulate for political convenience, but who will stand firm in defence of our place within the United Kingdom. The DUP have failed in that duty and now attempt to repackage surrender as success.

    “The TUV will not be silenced. We will continue to expose these lies, stand against this betrayal, and fight for the full restoration of Northern Ireland’s place within the UK – politically, legally, and economically.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Southfield Doctor Convicted of Fraudulently Obtaining $1.7M PPP Loan

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DETROIT – On May 29, 2025, a federal jury convicted Dr. Reginald Eburuche of Southfield of bank fraud, United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. announced.

    Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Division.

    Dr. Eburuche was found guilty of fraudulently obtaining a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan in July 2020, in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, for his start-up business Renovis Healthcare.  According to evidence presented at trial, after being unsuccessful in obtaining a line of credit for this new business venture in 2019, Eburuche looked to the PPP program as a source of potential seed-funding—$1.7M at 1% interest.  In order to get that money though, he grossly inflated the number of employees and the average monthly payroll for his fledgling company.  In support of his application, he also created and uploaded fraudulent tax documents, meant to make it appear as though his stated headcount and salary expenditures were legitimate.  A large portion of the funds were frozen and seized in advance of trial.

    “When a licensed professional choses fraud over integrity, the harm runs deeper than dollars,” said U.S. Attorney Gorgon. “Dr. Eburuche stole money meant to keep workers afloat during a time of crisis. This Office will continue to pursue those who exploited these programs for personal gain.”

    “Dr. Reginald Eburuche’s conviction for Bank Fraud represents not only an abuse of taxpayer dollars but a betrayal of public trust during a time of national hardship,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “I commend the dedicated efforts of our Oakland County Resident Agency members and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, whose contributions were vital in concluding this case. We remain fully committed to collaborating with our community and law enforcement allies to identify, investigate, and bring to justice those who exploit government relief programs for personal financial gain.”

    This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carl Gilmer-Hill and was investigated by special agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The United States Attorney’s Office also thanks the Small Business Administration and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration for their support.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • Finalising policy for launching ₹2,500 Mahila scheme: Delhi CM

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday said that the poll promise of a ₹2,500 monthly financial dole for poor women in the national capital would be launched soon. She also mocked the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab for either failing to implement similar schemes despite promises or doing so without adequate funding.

    In a podcast-style interview with actor Anupam Kher to mark the Delhi government’s 100 days in office, Gupta said, “We have held six meetings to form the policy on the matter, and I have allocated ₹5,100 crore in the Budget for the Mahila Samridhi Yojana.”

    Gupta said her government does not want to falter like the Himachal Pradesh government, which enthusiastically announced a financial scheme but later ran out of funds to support it.

    She also criticised the previous Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government, which, just before the Lok Sabha elections, promised ₹1,000 per month to women in Delhi but failed to deliver.

    “The AAP government in Punjab has also failed to start the financial assistance scheme despite announcements,” she said.

    Admitting that women in Delhi have high expectations from the BJP government, Chief Minister Gupta assured that the Mahila Samridhi Yojana would be rolled out soon for eligible women. “We want the scheme to be a long-term, beneficial initiative without disruptions,” she added.

    Reflecting on the BJP’s 10 years in opposition during AAP’s rule, she said party workers and leaders stayed strong and continued to work with the people as public representatives.

    “When we saw that the people of Delhi were being wronged, when corruption was being exposed every day, when liquor shops were opening on every street — we were in the midst of that struggle… Overall, in these 10 years, Delhi fell behind. But wherever we could make a difference, we stayed among the people and worked for them,” she said.

    She added that winning back the trust of the people in just 100 days was a challenge, as many were disillusioned after the anti-corruption movement — which began at Ramlila Maidan — failed to live up to its promises.

    “People who were looking for honest governance were hurt. They again lost faith in politicians. But my Cabinet members and I have tried to remain present among the people, and this is helping to heal the people of Delhi, who have suffered for 27 years,” claimed CM Gupta, adding that the Yamuna River and the city at large suffered due to the neglect of previous governments.

    IANS

  • MIL-OSI Global: Investors are calling Trump a chicken – here’s why that matters

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Alex Dryden, PhD Student in Economics, Department of Economics, SOAS, University of London

    Calling someone “chicken” might sound like a playground insult, but it’s exactly the label some financial investors have begun attaching to US president Donald Trump. The “Taco” trade, short for “Trump Always Chickens Out”, has gained traction in financial circles in recent weeks, as investors come to believe that whenever markets begin to slide as a result of one of his policy decisions, Trump tends to retreat.

    The jibe appears to have struck a nerve. When a reporter asked him about the “chicken” reputation this week, Trump bristled. “Oh isn’t that nice – I chicken out. I’ve never heard that,” he snapped. The president returned to the topic later to criticise the “nasty” question and insisted that he was no such thing.

    Policy reversals have been a hallmark of both Trump’s first and second terms. During the 2018-19 trade wars, he frequently threatened sweeping tariffs only to water them down in subsequent rounds of negotiation.

    A similar pattern has emerged this year. In early April, Trump’s “liberation day” announcement triggered a sharp sell-off, with the S&P 500 falling more than 12% over the following week.

    However, as market volatility surged, the administration softened its positioned and opted to delay the tariffs for 90 days. As the tariff plans were softened, markets rebounded. The index is now 4% higher than it was before the announcement and up 0.7% year-to-date.

    To the president’s supporters, these policy U-turns reflect his shrewd negotiating tactics designed to extract concessions or cajole reluctant governments into striking trade deals. But to many investors, the pattern looks less like strategy and more like retreat. And while the Taco nickname might sound like a playground insult, for financial investors the jibe has a real impact on navigating financial markets.

    Credibility is currency

    When investors call a politician or policymaker a “chicken”, it’s not just a jab at their courage. It’s a much more serious insult that calls into question their credibility. And in financial markets, that’s one of the most valuable assets a leader can have.

    As a policymaker or politician, communicating successfully with markets depends on trust. Investors allocate capital based on expectations about the future – inflation, trade flows, interest rates, fiscal spending – and those expectations are influenced not only by what policymakers do, but by what they say.

    If a leader regularly threatens sweeping economic action but repeatedly backs down at the first sign of trouble, their credibility begins to erode.

    Once that doubt takes hold, it changes the dynamic. Investors begin to ignore warnings as threats are brushed off and policymakers’ influence loses its force.

    The erosion of a leader’s credibility among investors is likely initially to dampen market volatility as investors begin to ignore the words of politicians and policymakers. They assume that the status quo will remain in place as a leader is unwilling or unable to instigate the changes they had initially proposed, leading to little change in financial markets. This weakens a leader’s ability to steer market expectations and, by extension, the broader economy.

    However, the Taco mindset could be dangerous if it takes hold in markets. Once investors start to assume that Trump will always blink, they build their portfolios around that expectation. Talk of sweeping economic changes or significant increases in tariffs begin to be ignored as investors lean into risky positions in the belief that escalation will be avoided at the last minute. This can create a false sense of calm that holds only as long as Trump plays to type.

    ‘It’s called negotiating.’ Trump was clearly angered by the chicken jibe.

    But the “chicken” jibe has clearly angered the president. He may well be looking for an opportunity to change investors’ minds. If Trump decides to hold the line by pushing through tariffs without compromise even in the face of legal action, or let a standoff over the US debt ceiling run hot, this could catch complacent investors off-guard.

    The resulting repricing is likely to be sharp and disorderly. Volatility could spike, not because Trump changed, but because investors assumed he never would and then overreact when he does. In that sense, the real risk of the Taco mindset isn’t that it insults Trump – it’s that it provokes a stubborn response. A president who digs his heels in and ploughs ahead with risky policies despite all the warning signs would be bad news for the whole world – and the global economy.

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

    – ref. Investors are calling Trump a chicken – here’s why that matters – https://theconversation.com/investors-are-calling-trump-a-chicken-heres-why-that-matters-257926

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Kyiv’s allies have lifted restrictions on Ukraine attacking targets inside Russia – here’s what that means for the war

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Matthew Powell, Teaching Fellow in Strategic and Air Power Studies, University of Portsmouth

    The frontlines in the Russo-Ukrainian conflict have largely been bogged down, with little significant movement on either side. It was reported recently that Russian troops had only advanced about 25 miles in the eastern sector near Donetsk in one year, at a huge cost in terms of casualties. As a result, both sides have sought different ways of trying to gain a strategic advantage over their opponent.

    Air power has long been a recognised way of restoring a degree of mobility to the battlefield. But in Ukraine, neither side has been able to achieve control of the air, thanks to the quality of their air defences. So instead, both sides are using drones for “tactical” (small-scale) effect.

    At this point, it’s worth focusing on the three levels of warfare: tactical, operational and strategic. The chart below, taken from the US Military Review, illustrates how these levels work – operating as a “distinct hierarchy with marginally overlapping areas between the strategic and the operational, and between the tactical and the operational”.

    The three levels of war: tactical, operational and strategic.
    Army University Press

    The tactical level is where small actions are planned and executed. At the operational level, major operations and campaigns are planned with a view to achieving strategic objectives. The strategic level involves longer-term ways to achieve the overarching political objectives of a conflict.

    Russia’s ability to deploy long-range missiles and longer-range drones (such as the Shahed 136) that can strike targets – both military and civilian – deep inside Ukraine, has given it a strategic advantage.

    There are two strategic aims to these strikes. The first is to reduce Ukraine’s capacity to produce military equipment through its domestic industrial base. The second is to target urban areas and civilian populations to undermine public morale – although how effective this is has long been a matter for debate.

    Advantage Russia

    The prohibition on Ukraine using weapons supplied by its allies to strike targets in Russia has put it at a considerable disadvantage – meaning that Ukraine’s military has been unable to exploit these weapons’ full potential. So, Russia has been able to build a considerable military/industrial base without threat of attack.

    But now, the decision to lift these restrictions by the UK, US and, most recently, Germany will allow Ukraine to attack a wider range of targets and create more strategic difficulties for Russian political and military leadership.

    In particular, it’s worth highlighting the recent statement by the German chancellor, Friedrich Merz, who announced on May 28 that Berlin would help Kyiv develop new long-range weapons that can hit targets in Russian territory.

    To what extent Ukraine will be able to exploit this greater latitude to attack targets inside Russia remains to be seen. But the prospect of long-range missiles being used against its cities – the German Taurus missiles have a range of more than 500km – could give Ukraine a degree of leverage in any fresh peace talks.

    The lifting of these restrictions is unlikely to make much difference on the ground for some time, though. While theoretically, Ukraine will be able to strike at some of Russia’s military production sites, Russia has dramatically overhauled its arms production capacity. Nato’s top US commander is reported to have recently told a Senate Armed Services Committee that Russia is “on track to build a stockpile three times greater than the United States and Europe combined”.

    No restrictions – for now

    It’s also worth noting that both the US and UK signalled their willingness to allow their long-range missiles to strike at missile launchers inside Russia late last year as a defensive measure – but on a limited scale and only using domestically produced weapons, in contrast to the attacks conducted by Russia.

    What is different in the most recent announcement is the lifting of restrictions on what can be targeted with weapons provided by western allies, rather than those domestically produced by the Ukrainian defence industry. This is an extension of an initial lifting of restrictions in late 2024
     by the US and UK, further broadening the targets that can be attacked.

    But the relaxation of these restrictions could be reversed very quickly if Ukraine launches large-scale strikes against civilian populations – which could generate highly adverse publicity for Ukraine and the countries that supplied the weapons.

    Russia’s targeting of Kyiv in recent weeks has been bitterly criticised by the US president, Donald Trump, who posted on his TruthSocial website recently: “[Vladimir Putin] has gone absolutely crazy. Needlessly killing a lot of people.”

    But Kyiv’s allies will also be wary of how Russia may react. Russia has always threatened dire consequences if Ukraine uses western-supplied weapons to launch attacks within Russia.

    Indeed, the political ramifications of the lifting of restrictions are likely to be more consequential than the military outcomes – for now, at least.

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

    – ref. Kyiv’s allies have lifted restrictions on Ukraine attacking targets inside Russia – here’s what that means for the war – https://theconversation.com/kyivs-allies-have-lifted-restrictions-on-ukraine-attacking-targets-inside-russia-heres-what-that-means-for-the-war-257841

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Video: App Teaching Future Skills & Medical Research Gender Gap | WEF | Top Stories Week

    Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

    This week’s top stories of the week include:

    0:14 – Want your shrimp healthy and antibiotic-free? This start-up has a solution to help shrimp farmers identify diseases early so they can cure their shrimp without overusing antibiotics.

    1:58 – This app uses games to teach young people the skills they need for the future. Goodwall has helped more than 3 million people in 150 countries through gamified challenges, allowing users to sharpen their skills in AI, problem-solving and communication to prepare for success in the rapidly changing world of work.

    4:56 – Too calm for catastrophe: there’s a problem with climate data, say experts. This phenomenon is called ‘shifting baseline syndrome’ or ‘the boiling frog’. Experts say it reduces public pressure for climate action because the slow pace of change obscures the urgency of the crisis.

    6:47 – What if your medicine was never tested on someone like you. There is a gender disparity in medical research. This leaves millions of women facing health decisions without evidence-based options. Here are 5 ways policy-makers can start to close these gaps.

    _____________________________________________

    The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. We believe that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to make positive change.

    World Economic Forum Website ► http://www.weforum.org/
    Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/worldeconomicforum/
    YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/wef
    Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/worldeconomicforum/ 
    Twitter ► https://twitter.com/wef
    LinkedIn ► https://www.linkedin.com/company/world-economic-forum
    TikTok ► https://www.tiktok.com/@worldeconomicforum
    Flipboard ► https://flipboard.com/@WEF

    #WorldEconomicForum

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAJt4vHQEnU

    MIL OSI Video –

  • PM Modi commemorates 300th birth anniversary of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar, launches key infrastructure projects in Madhya Pradesh

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday commemorated the 300th birth anniversary of Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar at the Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Mahila Sashaktikaran Mahasammelan in Bhopal. Speaking on the occasion, the PM paid tribute to her enduring legacy in governance, social reform, and cultural preservation, while emphasizing the crucial role of women in India’s development.

    The Prime Minister also inaugurated key infrastructure projects, including the launch of passenger services on the Indore Metro’s Super Priority Corridor and the new airports at Datia and Satna. These initiatives aim to enhance regional connectivity, stimulate economic growth, and create employment opportunities, reinforcing the government’s commitment to inclusive progress inspired by the vision of women’s empowerment and India’s rich heritage.

    Honouring Ahilyabai Holkar’s Legacy

    PM Modi highlighted Devi Ahilyabai’s exceptional leadership, emphasizing her commitment to public service, cultural preservation, and inclusive governance. He highlighted her devotion, exemplified by carrying a Shiva Lingam and restoring important temples, including Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi. The Prime Minister praised her pioneering social reforms such as raising the minimum marriage age for girls, securing women’s property rights, and supporting widow remarriage.

    Inauguration of Key Development Projects

    The Prime Minister inaugurated several developmental projects including the launch of passenger services on the Indore Metro’s Super Priority Corridor (Yellow Line) and the inauguration of Datia and Satna airports. He emphasized that these developments would bolster infrastructure in Madhya Pradesh, catalyze economic progress, and generate employment opportunities. The PM also noted that these initiatives aim to improve regional connectivity and bring citizens closer to major religious and cultural destinations.

    Women’s Empowerment and Economic Inclusion

    Reaffirming the government’s commitment to women’s empowerment, PM Modi said that over four crore houses have been built with many registered in women’s names. He highlighted expanded access to essential amenities and healthcare benefits through schemes like Ayushman Bharat.

    The Prime Minister underlined initiatives promoting financial independence, including Mudra Yojana loans—with more than 75% beneficiaries being women—and the active involvement of 10 crore women in self-help groups.

    Women in Science, Defence, and Governance

    The Prime Minister celebrated the increasing participation of women in STEM fields, startups, and space missions, citing over 100 women contributors to Chandrayaan-3. He highlighted historic milestones such as the first women NDA cadets and their expanding roles in the armed forces, including frontline service and leadership positions. The PM also praised women’s critical role in national security operations like Operation Sindoor.

    Balancing Development with Cultural Heritage

    Drawing parallels between Ahilyabai’s era and today, the Prime Minister emphasized India’s progress while preserving cultural roots. He highlighted infrastructure projects like Indore’s metro, railway expansions, and improved air connectivity, which also facilitate access to prominent pilgrimage sites.

    A Call to Strengthen Sashakt Bharat

    PM Modi invoked the legacy of great women leaders and urged the nation to draw inspiration from their courage and vision. He called for collective efforts to build a stronger, inclusive India—Sashakt Bharat.

    PM Modi also released a commemorative ₹300 coin and postage stamp honoring Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar and presented the National Devi Ahilyabai Award to a woman artist.

    Additionally, the Prime Minister approved ₹480 crore for 1,271 Atal Gram Sushasan Bhawans to strengthen governance infrastructure in gram panchayats.

    The event was attended by the Governor of Madhya Pradesh, Mangubhai Chhaganbhai Patel, and the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Mohan Yadav, among other dignitaries.

  • MIL-OSI China: Ancient Silk Road hub inspires global dialogue

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

    LANZHOU, May 31 — As dusk falls over the Gobi Desert, the golden hues of the Mogao Caves seem to whisper tales of a bygone era. Yet within these ancient grottoes lies something extraordinary: cutting-edge technology now breathes new life into millennia-old art.

    At the ongoing fourth Dialogue on Exchanges and Mutual Learning among Civilizations in Dunhuang, northwest China’s Gansu Province, this fusion of past and future has emerged as a central theme, positioning Dunhuang as both a guardian of heritage and a pioneer of 21st-century cultural innovation and cultural exchange.

    The “Digital Dunhuang” project, a decade-long endeavor to create virtual replicas of caves and murals, has drawn particular attention. Delegates examined 3D-printed replicas of eroded statues and augmented reality projections that restore faded pigments to their original brilliance.

    Jointly hosted by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the Gansu Provincial Government, the dialogue gathered nearly 400 participants, including foreign political leaders, scholars, and representatives from international organizations.

    Marking the first time the dialogue has been held outside Beijing since its 2019 inception, the choice of Dunhuang — a UNESCO World Heritage site — underscores its enduring role as a bridge between civilizations.

    “It is interesting for this symposium to take place in Dunhuang, as part of the Silk Road where so many different items and ideas were traded for so very long,” said Christopher Merrill, director of the International Writing Program at the University of Iowa. “When people come together and exchange ideas, poems, and stories, they come away with different understandings not only of the culture they are exposed to, but of their very own ways of thinking about the world.”

    For centuries, Dunhuang’s Mogao Caves stood as a melting pot of Buddhist art, Persian motifs, and Hellenistic influences. Today, its frescoes tell timeless tales: Western traders with aquiline noses leading camels meet East Asian merchants; Hindu apsaras (celestial beings) mingle with Chinese mythological figures like Fuxi and Nuwa.

    “Dunhuang is where civilizations began to converse,” remarked Eliso Elisashvili, president of Georgian International University, marveling at the city’s “beautiful, magnetic” blend of histories.

    The dialogue’s agenda — spanning topics from AI-era cultural shifts to museum collaborations — reflects modern challenges. Delegates from Nepal, Egypt, and beyond emphasized that mutual respect for diversity must be the foundation of global discourse.

    “Dunhuang offers a blueprint for dialogue,” said one participant after touring the caves’ vibrant murals.

    “Dunhuang’s openness remains instructive,” noted Lee Kang-bum, professor emeritus and specialist in Confucian classics and classical Chinese texts at Chung-Ang University in the Republic of Korea.

    “In the digital age, we no longer depend solely on a singular ancient Silk Road, but instead embrace countless ‘digital Silk Roads’ that connect billions globally. Artificial intelligence is also reshaping the methods and depth of cross-cultural exchanges,” German sinologist Martin Woesler added.

    Fan Jinshi, the honorary president of Dunhuang Academy, said: “In today’s era, as nations worldwide share the mission of pursuing peaceful development, we hope countries can draw lessons from the Silk Road’s historical legacy of civilizational integration and cultural dialogue to advance the Silk Road Economic Belt and promote the flourishing of diverse cultures across the globe.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: D. Trump thanks I. Musk, who is leaving the government, for “colossal changes”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    WASHINGTON, May 31 (Xinhua) — U.S. President Donald Trump bid farewell to Elon Musk in the Oval Office on Friday after the billionaire announced his decision to step down from his position at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

    “I just want to say that Elon has worked tirelessly to help lead the largest and most significant government reform program in generations,” he said.

    Mr. Musk has “made a huge change to the old ways of doing things in Washington,” the president said, adding that some of his staffers will retain positions in the administration.

    “I look forward to remaining a friend and adviser to the president,” Musk told reporters after Trump presented him with a golden key.

    Musk, who has spent about $300 million supporting the election campaigns of Donald Trump and other Republicans, recently said he plans to significantly cut his political spending. “I think I’ve done enough,” he said. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Jana Merunková receives the CNB Governor’s Award

    Source: Czech National Bank

    Jana Merunková is the winner of the third round of the CNB Governor’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Advancement of Financial and Economic Literacy. The Governor of the Czech National Bank Aleš Michl presented the award to her on Saturday, 31 May, during a ceremony held at the CNB’s Visitor Centre in Prague.

    The aim of the award is to highlight the importance of financial and economic literacy across all age groups. In this way, the CNB annually recognises and supports individuals who, with exceptional commitment, have long been engaged in raising awareness in this area and whose projects help promote greater financial responsibility among the public.

    “Financial literacy is not a theory – it’s a life skill. It helps people avoid debt, navigate contracts and plan for the future. At the CNB, we want money to be explained in plain language. A big thank you to those who put in the time and energy to do this. That’s one of the reasons this award was created,” said CNB Governor Aleš Michl.

    As in previous years, the public was involved in selecting the winner and could nominate candidates using an online form on the CNB website until 28 March. A total of 30 individuals received public support in this way. The final decision on the award was made by the Governor of the CNB at the recommendation of an advisory team.

    Jana Merunková has worked in the field of financial and economic literacy for more than fifteen years. After a successful business career, in 2009 she became the expert guarantor of the projects run by non-profit organisation yourchance o.p.s., which focuses on teaching financial literacy and fostering entrepreneurship among children, young people and socially disadvantaged groups. She has also been an active member of expert working groups at the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports since 2013.

    “This award from the Governor is a strong affirmation that my work is meaningful. At the same time, I see it as an incentive to keep going, as there is still much to be done – whether we are talking about improving the practical grasp of financial literacy in schools or nurturing such skills across generations and other target groups,” added Jana Merunková upon receiving the award.

    The award ceremony for the CNB Governor’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Advancement of Financial and Economic Literacy took place on 31 May 2025 at the CNB Visitor Centre, which plays a key role in the central bank’s educational activities. The centre offers free exhibitions and programmes focusing on the world of money, the economy and monetary policy. Tens of thousands of people visit the centre every year, with primary and secondary school pupils making up roughly half of all visitors.

    Announcement of the fourth round of the CNB Governor’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Advancement of Financial and Economic Literacy

    The third round of the CNB Governor’s Award has its winner. Who will become the winner of the fourth round in 2026? Once again, the public can actively take part in the selection process by using the nomination form on the CNB’s website to highlight individuals who have long been dedicated to advancing financial and economic literacy. Nominations may be submitted until 28 March 2026. The winner will be selected by the CNB Governor at the recommendation of his advisory team.

    Jaroslav Krejčí
    CNB spokesperson

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • We don’t believe in dialogue with a gun pointed towards our forehead: Tharoor clarifies India’s stance against Pakistan

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, leading an all-party delegation to Colombia, stressed that there can be no dialogue with Pakistan until it takes concrete steps to dismantle terrorist networks operating from its territory. He emphasised that while India recognises the importance of resolving disputes through dialogue, such engagement cannot occur “with a gun pointed at its forehead.”

    “We do not dispute the value of dialogue, but no nation can be expected to negotiate with a gun pointed at its forehead,” Tharoor said, leading an all-party parliamentary delegation to Latin America. He emphasized that Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence coexisted with an unwavering commitment to justice and freedom.

    “Gandhiji taught us Ahimsa, but he also led a determined struggle for independence. Peace must be accompanied by self-respect, and freedom must come without fear,” he asserted.

    Tharoor made it clear that India is open to dialogue — but only once Pakistan takes credible steps to dismantle terror infrastructure on its soil.

    The Congress MP cited the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 civilian lives, as a turning point. “This was not just an act of terror — it was a targeted attack, where the victims were asked their religion before being shot. Such acts not only claim innocent lives but also affect the livelihoods of the people of Kashmir,” he said.

    In response, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting known terror launch pads and infrastructure across the border. “We struck nine identified terror bases with precision, avoiding civilian areas. Our message was clear: we will respond strongly, but responsibly,” Tharoor explained.

    Tharoor condemned Pakistan’s retaliatory shelling of civilian areas and reiterated India’s policy of proportionate response. “If you hit us, we will hit you hard. If you stop, we stop. After 18 hours, they stopped.”

    Tharoor also drew attention to the unity of the Indian delegation, which comprises MPs from five political parties, seven states, and three religions. “We are united in our message: India stands firmly against terrorism and will continue to engage the world on this front.”

    The delegation, part of India’s diplomatic outreach, has visited Panama, Guyana, and Colombia, and is scheduled to travel next to Brazil and the United States.

    ANI

  • PM Modi unveils ₹300 coin honouring Ahilyabai Holkar

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday unveiled a special ₹300 coin to commemorate the 300th birth anniversary of Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, the revered 18th-century ruler of Malwa. The coin was released during the Women Empowerment Maha Sammelan at Jamboree Maidan in Bhopal.

    The commemorative coin, issued by the Union Ministry of Culture, bears an embossed image of Ahilyabai Holkar, paying tribute to her enduring legacy. An official gazette notification regarding the release of the special-edition coin was issued by the Ministry of Finance.

    Before unveiling the coin, Prime Minister Modi garlanded the statue of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar and paid his respects.

    As part of the celebrations, the Prime Minister also presented the Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Prize to Dr. Jaymati Kashyap from Bastar, Chhattisgarh. Dr. Kashyap was recognised for her work in preserving the Gondi language and rescuing women from human trafficking.

    Born on May 31, 1725, in Chondi, Maharashtra, Ahilyabai Holkar is remembered for her enlightened rule and progressive social reforms. After the untimely deaths of her husband and son, she assumed the throne of Indore in 1767 and governed for nearly three decades.

    During her reign, she promoted trade, restored temples, and advanced infrastructure projects, including the reconstruction of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple—efforts that earned her the title of the “Philosopher Queen of Malwa.”

    The event in Bhopal marked the culmination of ten days of commemorative activities held across Madhya Pradesh, celebrating her contributions to society.

    Addressing the large gathering, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav reiterated his government’s commitment to women’s empowerment and inclusive development.

    Prime Minister Modi’s visit also marked his first public appearance in Bhopal following the success of ‘Operation Sindoor’, India’s recent military operation targeting cross-border terrorism.

    IANS

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Treasury chief joins tech mega event

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui attended the Web Summit Vancouver yesterday in Vancouver, Canada, and appealed to technology investors and leaders to grasp the vast business opportunities in the vibrant fintech ecosystem in Hong Kong.

    The summit, a mega event for the tech sector, attracts over 10,000 tech investors, entrepreneurs and industry leaders across the world each time it is hosted. This is the first time the summit has been held in Vancouver.

    Mr Hui engaged in a panel discussion session titled “Local to global: Strategies for tech success”, which was joined by Minister of Jobs, Economic Development & Innovation of the Province of British Columbia, Canada Diana Gibson. They had an illuminating discussion on the various approaches taken in building dynamic fintech economies, ranging from developing talent, attracting investment to creating opportunities.

    The treasury chief noted that Hong Kong is striving to accelerate green and sustainable finance and virtual asset development, with a view to making them key components of the diversified financial value chain. The Monetary Authority has already commenced sandbox experimentation of Project Ensemble, which is a new wholesale central bank digital currency project to support the development of the tokenisation market in Hong Kong.

    Mr Hui also updated the summit on the latest passage of legislation last week establishing a licensing regime for fiat-referenced stablecoins issuers in Hong Kong, as a way to further enhance the city’s regulatory framework on virtual asset activities for supporting the healthy, responsible and sustainable development of its stablecoin and the broader digital asset ecosystem.

    Hong Kong is among the first batch of regions to have introduced stablecoin legislation and strives to fully implement the licensing regime within this year, with a view to approving the first batch of licences as soon as practicable.

    Looking forward, Hong Kong will soon promulgate a second policy statement on the development of virtual assets to explore the convergence of traditional finance and virtual assets. A consultation on the licensing regimes for virtual asset over-the-counter trading services and custodian services will also be conducted within this year.

    Whie attending the summit, Mr Hui visited exhibition booths manned by Hong Kong delegates. He was pleased to learn that the Hong Kong delegates received encouraging feedback over the past few days, reflecting the world-class standard of Hong Kong fintech talent and their appeal to investors.

    In the afternoon, Mr Hui paid a courtesy call on Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Vancouver Yang Shu. Mr Yang said Hong Kong has always been a window of the country to the world and will continue to be. He encouraged Hong Kong to keep up with its work in deepening international exchanges and co-operation.

    Before concluding his visit to Canada, Mr Hui visited Bank of Montreal and met its Senior Vice President & Head, Mid-Market, Commercial Bank, Andrew Hung, and Senior Vice President & Head, BC & Yukon, Greg Vriend.

    He told them that in a world full of geopolitical uncertainties, Hong Kong’s financial market is emerging as a risk-off haven for investors and attracting more investments owing to its connectivity with the Mainland and the world at large, bringing greater prospects for the banking sector and different financial areas.

    Mr Hui will return to Hong Kong in the early hours of May 31.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CE welcomes new liaison chief

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Chief Executive John Lee today welcomed Zhou Ji assuming his new posts as Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (LOCPG) and National Security Adviser to the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

    In a statement on the appointment by the State Council, Mr Lee noted that since July 2023, Mr Zhou has been serving as CPC Central Committee Hong Kong & Macao Work Office Executive Deputy Director and State Council Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office Executive Deputy Director, directly participating in the management and co-ordination of Hong Kong affairs, adding that he is well acquainted with the national policies on Hong Kong.

    Mr Lee said: “I sincerely thank the central government for its care and support for the Hong Kong SAR. I am fully confident that Mr Zhou will lead the LOCPG in continuing its support to the Hong Kong SAR Government’s governance in accordance with the law, working together with us in fully, faithfully and resolutely implementing the principles of ‘one country, two systems’, ‘Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong’ and a high degree of autonomy. We will together maintain the constitutional order of the Hong Kong SAR as stipulated in the Constitution and the Basic Law and implement the principle of ‘patriots administering Hong Kong’.

    “I am also confident that Mr Zhou will lead the LOCPG in its continued co-operation with the Hong Kong SAR Government of promoting the Hong Kong SAR’s proactive alignment with national strategies, creating new momentum and advantages for Hong Kong’s economic development, promoting Hong Kong’s transition from stability to prosperity through innovation and invention, and making greater contribution to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.”

    Meanwhile, the State Council announced the departure of Zheng Yanxiong from the posts of LOCPG Director, State Council Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office Deputy Director and National Security Adviser of the committee.

    Mr Lee, together with the Hong Kong SAR Government, expressed their gratitude to Mr Zheng for his contribution in performing his duties, including steadfastly upholding the “one country, two systems” principle on issues such as safeguarding national security and maintaining the Hong Kong SAR’s constitutional order in his tenure of over two years.

    The Chief Executive pointed out that during his office, Mr Zheng fully supported the Hong Kong SAR Government in fulfilling its constitutional responsibility and historic mission of enacting local legislation for Article 23 of the Basic Law. The Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, which entered into force on March 23, 2024, has strengthened Hong Kong’s legal regime in safeguarding national security.

    Mr Zheng has all along held the issues of providing a better living and working environment for the people of Hong Kong, youth development, and Hong Kong’s leverage of the opportunities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area close to his heart, Mr Lee added.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: US labels QRIS a trade barrier – what’s next for Indonesia’s digital payment system?

    Source: The Conversation – Indonesia – By Farhan Mutaqin, PhD Researcher, University of Edinburgh

    The United States has recently called out Indonesia’s national digital payment system QRIS (Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard) for being unfair. The Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) assessed QRIS as a trade barrier in its the National Trade Estimate Report 2025. The report – which includes broader trade concerns – underpins the Trump administration’s plan to impose 32% tariff duty for Indonesian products as of July 2025.

    QRIS synchronises Indonesia’s electronic money payments, digital wallets, and mobile banking into one national standard system. By scanning a QR code, payment takes only a matter of seconds, allowing a swift cashless transaction compared to using cards.

    USTR report criticises how QRIS implementation limits access for international stakeholders — particularly US companies — and creates an imbalance in Indonesia’s digital payments market.

    The report also cites Indonesia’s National Payment Gateway (GPN) as less transparent and limits foreign ownership. The card, which is for domestic use only, eases administrative financial burdens, encourages cashless payment and facilitate social disbursement of social assistance.

    Putting the trade assessment aside, QRIS helps small businesses and low-income groups in Indonesia to access modern payment facilities, closing the gap that Visa and Mastercard cannot provide. Throughout 2024, more than 30 million small businesses and merchants across Indonesia have made transactions via QRIS.

    Here are what readers need to know about QRIS and what may come for Indonesia after its labelling as a trade barrier.

    How significant is QRIS?

    QRIS transaction value and popularity have skyrocketed since the central bank, Bank Indonesia, introduced it to the market in August 2019, months away before COVID-19 entered Indonesia. Throughout 2024 QRIS has recorded 2.2 billion transactions with a total value of Rp 242 trillion (around US$14.9 billion). This figure increased by 188% compared to the previous year.

    In the first quarter of 2025, Bank Indonesia’s latest report noted that QRIS transactions surged to 2.6 billion with a transaction value reaching Rp 262 trillion (US$16 billion).

    So, why does QRIS have such a huge reputation?

    Massive digital adoption and user convenience factors triggered its growth, contributing to financial inclusion and supporting the growth and productivity of the Indonesian economy.

    According to 2024 survey, the main reasons Indonesians use QRIS are its simplicity (49%) and transaction speed (42%). Promotion factors (33%) and the habit of not carrying cash (28%) also add to its appeal.

    Wide outlet coverage (23%) and perceived security (22%) are also factors causing QRIS to be increasingly in demand. This practicality and growing digital habits in Indonesia are the main drivers of QRIS adoption.

    From the merchant’s perspective, QRIS has advantages over card payments. The card system requires expensive EDC machines that cost Rp 3–5 million (US$180-310) per device.

    Meanwhile, the merchant can receive payments via QRIS with just a single printed QR code, without needing extra equipment. QRIS transaction fees are also much lower at around 0.3% of transactions (even 0% for micro merchants), compared to 2–3% on cards.

    QRIS is also compatible with all Indonesian and most of ASEAN countries e-wallets.

    According to the Indonesian Payment System Association QRIS has become “the king of digital payment” channels for local transactions. Meanwhile, Visa–Mastercard’s position remains dominant for cross-border payments.

    Risk of QRIS blocking

    The USTR claims developed without input from international stakeholders may serve as an empty accusation.

    Bank Indonesia designed QRIS to meet domestic needs while aligning with international standards like EMVCo standards carried by Europay, Mastercard, and Visa (EMV). The three global payment giants are also members of Indonesian Payment System Association and were involved in QRIS drafting process, accompanying the government and the central bank. Given how strictly regulated digital payment systems are, it’s hard to believe the US lacks information about QRIS.

    However, the label of “trade barriers” has already been attached by the US and could ruin Indonesia’s negotiation process with other countries.

    First, this issue could potentially hamper QRIS adoption in other countries. While Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand have already facilitated QRIS into their national payment systems, further expansion into India and South Korea could be hampered by concerns about creating friction with Washington.

    Second, the classification of QRIS as a trade barrier could also hinder the expansion of Indonesian small businesses into overseas markets. In fact, this standard was designed so that micro and small business actors can speed up the transaction process, including cross-border transactions with foreign buyers.

    Advantage or disadvantage?

    Both. It brings opportunities and challenges. The impact of USTR claim for Indonesia will depend largely on its negotiating strategy in the coming terms.

    For now, the 32%-tariff sanction – affecting products from shoes, textiles, to nickel components – has been suspended until early July 2025. The two countries are continuing negotiations, including technical discussions on QRIS access since the US complaint aired.

    But Indonesia can turn the US protest into an opportunity. The threat of tariffs forced the two countries into a two-month negotiation window.

    Indonesia could trade off small adjustments to QRIS rules for larger rewards —such as lower tariffs on nickel products or new investment commitments from the US, especially in the fields of technology or the latest financial systems.

    At least, Bank Indonesia has stated that “If America is ready, we are ready,” – a nod for possibility to prepare clearer guidelines for both countries. Arranging such documents will benefit all parties, including foreign and local business.

    At last, Indonesia needs to share the success story of QRIS more widely. Currently, QRIS has served 56 million users, supports payments at more than 33 million outlets, and is seamlessly connected to several countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. This shows that the payment system is open, beneficial, and contributes to financial integration across countries and regions.

    QRIS’s rapid growth, along with how the US feels threatened by it, shows huge potential for Indonesia’s digital finance. This can actually contribute to its bargaining position in the international arena in this digital era.

    This article was originally published in Indonesian, translated into English with the help of machine translator and further edited by human editors.

    Para penulis tidak bekerja, menjadi konsultan, memiliki saham atau menerima dana dari perusahaan atau organisasi mana pun yang akan mengambil untung dari artikel ini, dan telah mengungkapkan bahwa ia tidak memiliki afiliasi di luar afiliasi akademis yang telah disebut di atas.

    – ref. US labels QRIS a trade barrier – what’s next for Indonesia’s digital payment system? – https://theconversation.com/us-labels-qris-a-trade-barrier-whats-next-for-indonesias-digital-payment-system-257616

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • In a significant move to enhance national security preparedness, civil defence mock drills will be conducted on Saturday under ‘Operation Shield’ across several states and Union Territories sharing borders with Pakistan.

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The exercises are scheduled to begin at 5:00 p.m. and will be held in Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, and Chandigarh, focusing on regions closest to the border and most susceptible to cross-border threats.

    Initially planned for May 29, the drills were rescheduled due to administrative reasons.

    A government press release issued on May 29 confirmed the new date and emphasised the importance of this exercise in bolstering readiness and addressing critical gaps identified during a similar nationwide drill conducted earlier this month, on May 7.

    ‘Operation Shield’ is designed to simulate hostile situations, including air raid sirens, blackout protocols, and various emergency response actions, to evaluate the preparedness of civil authorities, emergency services, and local populations.

    The drills aim to replicate real-time scenarios that may arise from potential external threats, particularly in sensitive districts near the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB).

    This initiative underscores the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen civil defence mechanisms amid heightened regional security concerns.

    The drills are expected to significantly improve inter-agency coordination, public awareness, and the ability of local systems to respond swiftly and efficiently in the event of any hostile act or natural disaster affecting the border regions.

    IANS

  • Mock drills Under ‘Operation Shield’ to be conducted today in States, UTs bordering Pakistan

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a significant move to enhance national security preparedness, civil defence mock drills will be conducted on Saturday under ‘Operation Shield’ across several states and Union Territories sharing borders with Pakistan.

    The exercises are scheduled to begin at 5:00 p.m. and will be held in Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, and Chandigarh, focusing on regions closest to the border and most susceptible to cross-border threats.

    Initially planned for May 29, the drills were rescheduled due to administrative reasons.

    A government press release issued on May 29 confirmed the new date and emphasised the importance of this exercise in bolstering readiness and addressing critical gaps identified during a similar nationwide drill conducted earlier this month, on May 7.

    ‘Operation Shield’ is designed to simulate hostile situations, including air raid sirens, blackout protocols, and various emergency response actions, to evaluate the preparedness of civil authorities, emergency services, and local populations.

    The drills aim to replicate real-time scenarios that may arise from potential external threats, particularly in sensitive districts near the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB).

    This initiative underscores the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen civil defence mechanisms amid heightened regional security concerns.

    The drills are expected to significantly improve inter-agency coordination, public awareness, and the ability of local systems to respond swiftly and efficiently in the event of any hostile act or natural disaster affecting the border regions.

    IANS

  • Colombia withdraws statement condoling terrorists killed in ‘Operation Sindoor’

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Colombia’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio, on Friday said that Bogota was withdrawing an earlier statement expressing condolences for those killed in Pakistan during India’s counter-terror operation, ‘Operation Sindoor’.

    The statement came after a meeting with an Indian parliamentary delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who said Colombia had “fully understood India’s position” on the matter.

    “The Vice Minister very graciously mentioned that they have withdrawn the statement we had expressed concern about, and that they fully understand our position on the matter, which is something we really value,” Tharoor told reporters after the meeting.

    Earlier, India had expressed disappointment over the Colombian statement, which appeared to equate terrorists killed in the Indian strike with the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, carried out by The Resistance Front — an affiliate of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba.

    Standing alongside Tharoor, Villavicencio said: “We are very confident that with the explanations we received today, and the detailed information we now have regarding the real situation in Kashmir, we can continue the dialogue.”

    Colombia’s course correction comes as it prepares to join the UN Security Council next year, where it is running unopposed for the Latin American seat.

    Speaking to local media on Thursday, Tharoor said India had been “a little disappointed” that Colombia had issued condolences for those killed in Pakistan “rather than sympathising with the victims of terrorism” in Jammu and Kashmir.

    Colombia acted promptly on India’s concerns. Former President Cesar Augusto Gaviria Trujillo, leader of the country’s largest political party, said, “Colombia has solidarity with India. We check any kind of terrorism, and under any circumstances, we will be on your side.”

    Following the meeting with Villavicencio, BJP MP Tejasvi Surya, in a post on X, said that the Indian delegation had briefed her “on the sequence of events, from the Pahalgam terror attack to India’s calibrated response under Operation Sindoor.”

    The MPs also met members of Colombia’s Congress, including Alejandro Toro, president of the Second Commission, which handles international relations, and Jaime Raul.

    During their visit, Colombian leaders gifted Tharoor a wool poncho and traditional hat. The delegation also interacted with the Consejo Colombiano de Relaciones Internacionales (CORI), a leading foreign affairs think tank, and paid tribute at the Mahatma Gandhi statue at Tadeo University.

    Tharoor is leading a cross-party Indian delegation that includes BJP’s Tejasvi Surya, Bhubaneswar Kalita, and Shashank Mani Tripathi; GM Harish Balayogi of the Telugu Desam Party; Milind Murli Deora of the Shiv Sena; Sarfaraz Ahmad of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha; and Shambhavi of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas).

    The delegation has already visited Guyana and Panama — both non-permanent members of the Security Council — and will next travel to Brazil and then Washington, DC.

    IANS

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner & Kaine Slam Department of Homeland Security for Issuing Erroneous List of ‘Sanctuary Jurisdictions’ in Virginia

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) issued the following statements slamming an erroneous list released by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that includes 20 counties—including Martinsville County, which does not exist—and 13 “cities”—including Duffield, a town with roughly 70 residents and no dedicated police department—as being “sanctuary jurisdictions defying federal immigration law.” There are no sanctuary cities in Virginia and various jurisdictions, including Martinsville and Tazewell County, have released statements to share their confusion regarding being included on the list.
    “This list is further proof that the Trump administration’s obsession with government efficiency is nothing but cheap talk. The White House should get its basic facts straight before attempting to come after Virginia’s localities and its hardworking public servants,” said Warner. 
    “The list is riddled with egregious errors—Martinsville isn’t a county and Duffield isn’t a city,” said Kaine. “Coupled with the Department of Health and Human Services’ report this week that cites nonexistent studies, I’m concerned that the Administration is turning to artificial intelligence to replace the work of dedicated civil servants that are being fired. This is yet another reminder of why it’s important that agencies be staffed by experts, because putting inaccurate information out only sows chaos and confusion, and puts commonsense solutions to real problems further out of reach.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: First duty-free shop in central China opens in Wuhan

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    WUHAN, May 31 (Xinhua) — The first duty-free shop in central China’s Hubei Province and the entire central China began trial operation in Wuhan on Friday, the Hubei Provincial Bureau of Commerce said.

    In August last year, five government departments, including the Ministry of Finance, jointly issued a statement that duty-free shops would be opened in the city limits of Wuhan, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Shenzhen, Tianjin, Xi’an, Changsha and Fuzhou.

    Previously, 6 similar stores have already opened in Beijing, Shanghai, Qingdao, Dalian, Xiamen and Sanya.

    According to local authorities, the Wuhan outlet was a natural result of the announcement of new policy measures.

    Located in a luxury mall in the heart of Wuhan, it saw more than 32 million customer visits last year and generated annual sales of 10 billion yuan (about $1.39 billion).

    The investor and operator of the duty-free shop is Wuhan Wangfujing Wushang Duty-free Goods Management Co., Ltd., a joint venture that has direct purchasing agreements with more than 100 international brands. These partnerships cover a variety of product categories, including perfumes and cosmetics, wines and food, digital electronics, luxury accessories, popular domestic cultural products, and coffee and tea.

    It is especially worth mentioning that this duty-free store, as part of the strategy of promoting fashion for domestic brands on the world market, also presents cultural creations from the imperial palace, the so-called “Wuhan gifts”, which are objects of intangible cultural heritage.

    “The opening of the duty-free shop in downtown Wuhan marks a new stage in the development of cities on the Chinese mainland,” said an official from the provincial department of commerce, adding that once the project is launched, it is expected to be able to serve the consumption demand of over 2 million foreign travelers visiting Hubei on average per year. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Increasing the number of weapons on the battlefield will only prolong the Russian-Ukrainian conflict – Deputy Permanent Representative of China to the UN

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    UNITED NATIONS, May 31 (Xinhua) — China’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations Geng Shuang warned on Friday that increasing the number of weapons on the battlefield will only prolong the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

    At present, when direct negotiations are underway between Russia and Ukraine, more and more lethal weapons with increased lethal force are appearing on the battlefield, which only intensifies the confrontation and prolongs the fighting, the Chinese representative said.

    “This is not conducive to achieving a ceasefire and ending the war, and is contrary to the common expectations of the international community,” Geng Shuang told the UN Security Council. “We urge all parties to actively shape an environment conducive to peace talks by creating conditions and providing support. We also call on the parties to the conflict to work collectively to de-escalate and find a political solution, rather than continue military confrontation and attacks.”

    He rejected the US representative’s accusations against China regarding the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.

    “Just now, the US representative once again spread disinformation and slandered China. This is completely unacceptable,” Geng Shuang said.

    The US attacks on China are not based on facts and are not aimed at solving any problems at all. Rather, they are based on their own political agenda, and this is pure political manipulation, the Chinese official added.

    According to him, China has never supplied lethal weapons to any of the parties to the conflict, strictly controls dual-use goods and resolutely opposes any unfounded accusations and political manipulation.

    The United States bears the primary responsibility for the outbreak and continuation of the conflict, and must make efforts and play its role in ending it as soon as possible. China urges the United States to focus on ongoing diplomatic efforts and stop the boring blame game, Geng Shuang said. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Land degradation neutrality- a pathway to sustainable futures for vulnerable communities 

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    By Bernice Swarts

    As the world battles escalating environmental challenges, from climate change to biodiversity loss, one crisis continues to be overshadowed – that is land degradation. Every year, over 100 million hectares of productive land are lost or degraded, affecting the lives of more than 1.3 billion people globally.

    In regions already grappling with poverty, hunger, and unemployment, this environmental degradation becomes a multiplier of vulnerability.

    The recent Global Land Degradation Neutrality – Integrated Land Use Planning (LDN–ILUP) Inception Workshop that took place in Sandton, South Africa marked a critical turning point in the global fight against Desertification, Land Degradation, and Drought (DLDD). For four days, experts, government representatives, and development partners from 18 participating countries gathered to refine targets and develop strategies aimed at restoring our planet’s productive land. This meeting was not just another technical gathering – it was a platform of hope for millions whose lives and livelihoods depend on healthy land.

    At the heart of this initiative is the principle of Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN), a concept rooted in sustainability and inclusivity. It recognises that land restoration cannot succeed without the active participation of people at the grassroots level. These are the farmers, herders, and communities whose daily decisions directly influence land and water resources. Empowering them to implement sustainable practices remains vital.

    Bringing the issue of land degradation home to our country, it must be noted that South Africa, is currently presiding over the G20 under the theme: “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability.”  Our country will use its presidency of the G20 to place the issues of DLDD at the heart of G20 member states and tackle degradation in the country. Our argument is that the G20 – representing the world’s largest economies – must lead by example in addressing land degradation as an integral part of climate and development discourse.

    The G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) – which is led by our department – will focus on DLDD, along with other critical areas such as biodiversity, climate change, and ocean health. But while global policy alignment is essential, real progress lies in concrete actions on the ground—large-scale restoration projects, transboundary collaboration, and integration of Sustainable Land Management (SLM) into national development plans.

    To this end, existing initiatives such as the Changwon Initiative, African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative (AFR100), the Great Green Wall, and the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration must be harnessed and scaled up. These programmes provide tested frameworks for land restoration and resilience building.

    However, none of these ambitions will materialise without adequate and sustained financial support. Development and financial partners must step up their efforts. While we acknowledge the critical support provided by entities like the Global Mechanism of the UNCCD, Global Environment Facility, and development partners from Canada and Germany, there remains a significant financing gap. Innovation in resource mobilisation is urgently needed, whether through blended finance, public-private partnerships, or carbon markets. South Africa will therefore call on the developed nations under the G20 to provide more financial support to developed countries to tackle land degradation.

    It must also be noted that we cannot continue to formulate frameworks and strategies without addressing the daily realities faced by vulnerable communities. If we are serious about achieving the targets of the UNCCD, Convention on Biological Diversity, and the Paris Agreement, financial commitments must match the scale of ambition.

    I must commend all dignitaries from all over the world who attended the workshop. I want to reiterate that the workshop should not be seen as a standalone event. It must be viewed as a launchpad for action—an opportunity to demonstrate that LDN is not merely a technical term, but a vehicle for change, resilience, and hope. As global citizens, we owe it to future generations to restore the land they will inherit.

    Let this be the moment we stop talking and start restoring.
     

    *Bernice Swarts is the Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Cape Town commuters to benefit from Chris Hani to Cape Town line 

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has officially re-opened the Chris Hani to Cape Town leg of the Central Line to commuters, bringing this very important rail artery to near-total recovery.

    “The Central Line is Cape Town’s most important rail corridor. It connects the communities of Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain to the Cape Town CBD and the Bellville CBD [central business district].  At full capacity, the central line contributes 350 000 daily passenger trips of Cape Town’s 685 900 daily passenger trips,” Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy said on Thursday.

    She was addressing the launch of the Chris Hani- Cape Town line, which is part of the Presidential Rail Project, aimed at revamping and improving rail infrastructure in South Africa.

    WATCH | Minister Creecy Launches Chris Hani to Cape Town Passenger Rail Line
     

    The line was opened after extensive repair works on stations, substations, Overhead Traction Electrification (OHTE) systems and more.

    “A fully recovered central line has the potential to return a considerable number of commuters to rail, thereby easing the city’s unbearable traffic congestion. The numbers speak for themselves: nearly 700 000 daily passenger trips equate to a substantial number of cars that are taken off Cape Town’s Road network.

    “Given the capacity of a full 12-car Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) train to transport some 2400 passengers, the gains in affordable, safe and efficient public transport are considerable. 

    “The recovery of the Central Line provides residents of Cape Town a safer commuter experience, shorter travel times and a more integrated mobility environment. Due to its affordability, and the greater mobility that it enables, passenger rail has the potential to provide the working class with greater economic opportunities,” Creecy explained.

    The Central Line is a significant part of PRASA’s rail service in the Western Cape and following a halt in services as a result of theft, vandalism and the occupation of the perways along various parts of the route, the return of the Chris Hani station and service is a reflection of the synergy and collaboration between various tiers of government, law enforcement agencies as well as communities.

    “The recovery of the Central Line has not been easy—illegal occupation, vandalism of infrastructure, and a grim security environment all stood in the way. But what we have experienced today on the train ride from Chris Hani Station to Cape Town Station is a safe, reliable, and modern rail corridor that once again connects our people to opportunities, to work and to education,” she said.

    Impact 

    The Minister shared the impact of recovering parts of the Central Line using numbers.

    “Cape Town had 53,000 daily passenger trips in April 2024. With the reopening of Philippi and Nolungile stations, this number rose to 104,000. With the targeted July – December 2025 completion of Kapteinsklip’s second line, the number of daily trips is expected to reach 162,400. By April 2026, the number of trips is expected to climb to 342,951 per day.

    “This will signal the move towards an optimal service, characterised by improved frequencies, recovered signalling, higher train speeds and enhanced connectivity. This all bodes well for the commuter community, both for peak and off-peak travel,” Creecy said.

    The target for 2026-2027 is the delivery of an optimally operating service — fully recovered signalling, 90km/h speeds, digital environment and compliance with every aspect of the regulator’s safety standards.

    “The entire process of recovering the central line corridor – replacing and repairing overhead signalling equipment and substations, refurbishing stations and perway, and relocating those occupying the tracks – has so far cost R 1.3 billion.

    “During the recovery of the central line over 2,500 direct jobs have been created and 53 Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) empowered, contributing to local economic upliftment,” the Minister said.

    PRASA recovery project

    PRASA has successfully revived 35 out of 40 service lines as part of restoring passenger rail services nationwide.
    “At present there are two trains departing Chris Hani Station per hour on the central line, however as we increase our signalling capacity, we hope to run an optimal service where we have six trains per hour. 

    “In Cape Town the southern line is 98% re-signalled. The focus has now shifted to fully restoring signalling on the central line, with completion scheduled for the end of the 2026/2027 financial year. This will increase service frequency and allow a more regular, punctual passenger service,” the Minister said.

    The reopening of these lines has led to a significant increase in passenger trips nationwide, reaching 77 million over the past year.
    This figure is projected to reach 123 million in the current year, indicating a clear trajectory towards the goal of 600 million passenger trips by 2030/31. –SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Postbank warns grant beneficiaries of card fraud scams

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Friday, May 30, 2025

    South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grant beneficiaries using the black Postbank cards as well as the gold SASSA cards have been urged to be wary of rising fraud scams targeting their cards and PIN information. 

    In a statement on Friday, Postbank said a recent scam involves fraudsters impersonating Postbank officials and targeting social beneficiaries in their homes. 

    “The beneficiaries are then duped into handing over their Postbank grant cards and PIN information under the pretext that there is something that requires fixing on the cards; or fear is instilled in them that they will not receive their future grant payments if they don’t handover their cards PIN information.

    “Postbank assures social grant beneficiaries that there is nothing that requires fixing on any of its black cards and SASSA gold cards, and that both cards will continue to work beyond 31 May 2025 for the payments of their grants,” Postbank said. 

    Beneficiaries must be wary of fraudsters who may pretend that they are from Postbank, even if they are wearing what may appear to be Postbank uniforms or branded cars. 

    Here is how they can be spotted:

    • They show up unannounced or without an appointment.
    • They ask you for your card PIN number.

    If fraudsters pretending to be from Postbank visit your home:

    • Quietly alert your neighbours and the community.
    • Alert the police.
    • Report the incident to Postbank on 0800 53 54 55.

    Protect you card PIN numbers:

    • Never give anyone your card PIN number, even to a Postbank official.
    • Postbank will never ask you for your card PIN as that is against banking
      rules. Your card PIN is your personal possession.
    • Memorise your PIN and don’t write it on a piece of paper (If you must
      write your PIN, ensure that the paper on which you write it is not kept in
      the same place as your card).

    Postbank will not visit beneficiaries’ homes unless invited.

    • Postbank will never visit your home unless you have requested that
      through the necessary home visits channels.
    • Beneficiaries must always remember that their cards and PINs are their
      personal keys to their money. They should never give them to anyone.

    “Beneficiaries are also reminded that they should not listen to anyone that tells them to change their SASSA gold cards or Postbank black cards to other banks payment methods, even if they are advised to do so by government officials.

    “Postbank is committed to protecting its social grant customers while offering them safe, secure and convenient ways of accessing their social grant payments,” Postbank said. 

    For any enquiries customers can contact Postbank on 0800 53 54 55. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Minister advocates for transparency and ethics at roundtable

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Public Service and Administration Minister Mzamo Buthelezi has emphasised the critical need for a more transparent, ethical, and efficient relationship between the political leadership and public administration.

    He believes that the interface between politics and administration should be guided by mutual respect, clearly defined roles, and a shared commitment to the public good.

    The Minister was speaking during a roundtable discussion on strengthening the political and administrative interface led by Deputy President Paul Mashatile. 

    The gathering, which is currently underway, is focusing on improving governance, and the Minister highlighted several crucial points about governance reform.

    READ | Roundtable to focus on strengthening political and administrative interface

    Friday’s engagement is part of the broader efforts by the Presidency to support the implementation of the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030.

    The NDP emphasises the importance of establishing a capable and developmental state to address the country’s socio-economic challenges effectively.

    Buthelezi welcomed the platform to reflect the relationship between the political heads and the accounting officers.

    “The interface forms a crucial pillar of their capacity, as it invites us to look deeply at the architecture of our governance,” he told the attendees.

    The Minister identified key challenges, including unstable relationships between Ministers and senior officials, political interference in administrative decisions, accountability gaps and undermining service delivery.

    He believes that the inefficiency and tensions diminish public confidence.

    “This roundtable, therefore, helps us to ask important questions as to how we lead with clarity of efforts, while ensuring that the institutions entrusted to us implement policy are empowered, are ethical and efficient.”

    According to the Minister, the role of political facilities, including Ministers, is to provide strategic direction and mandate of government.

    Reflections 

    Meanwhile, he said it is also the responsibility of administrators and accounting officers, including Heads of Departments, to translate that direction into implementable plans within legal, fiscal, and ethical frameworks.

    He proposed reforms such as stronger tenure protection for Directors-General, more transparent performance contracts, better coordination across government departments and professionalising the public service.

    The Minister stressed that governance is not just a technical exercise, but a fundamental process of building a “people-centred, capable, and corruption-resistant state.”

    The roundtable called for honest reflection on internal party structures and their impact on governance, urging participants to move beyond discussions to concrete commitments for improving public service delivery.

    The meeting represents a significant step towards addressing systemic challenges in government administration and strengthening democratic governance.

    The Commissioner of the Public Service Commission (PSC), Professor Somadoda Fikeni, addressed the challenges facing South Africa’s administrative leadership.

    His talk centred on improving the relationship between political leaders and civil servants, highlighting the urgent need for a more professional and capable state.

    Fikeni said that the public sector is the largest employer and service provider, directly impacting citizens’ lives.

    His discussion drew parallels with successful developmental states like South Korea and Singapore, where strong collaboration between political leadership and civil service has driven national progress.

    Fikeni noted the persistent challenges, including high leadership turnover, potential political interference, and complex institutional dynamics.

    He also challenged the leaders to move beyond mere discussion to concrete implementation, with participants calling for evidence-based solutions that prioritise national interest over factional politics.

    “Whether you are from the private sector, you want to invest, you depend on the ethical capability of the state. You depend on this institution, whether you want to fight crime, GBV [gender-based violence], or you want to improve personal security; whether you want to see service delivery, it all depends on this one institution,” Fikeni said.

    The gathering represented a critical effort to rebuild state capacity and address long-standing inefficiencies in South Africa’s public service, with hopes of creating a more responsive and effective government. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Call for reform of political-administrative interface 

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Deputy President Paul Mashatile has recognised significant systemic weaknesses that undermine the effectiveness of the South African state, calling for the construction of a capable government and the reform of the political-administrative interface.

    The Deputy President cited the synthesis evaluation, conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), which reveals deep-rooted challenges in public service delivery and institutional stability.

    Key findings highlight critical issues, including high turnover among Directors-Generals(DGs), persistent political interference in administrative decisions, and weak performance management systems.

    The report found that these problems are eroding institutional memory, compromising policy continuity, and undermining public trust.

    “The significance of today’s engagement cannot be overstated as we progress in our commitment to establishing a capable and developmental state, which continues to be a key priority of the seventh administration,” he said on Friday. 

    Deputy President Mashatile was leading a roundtable discussion on strengthening the political and administrative interface at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Pretoria.

    WATCH | Deputy President leads roundtable on the Political and Administrative Interface
     

    The engagement is part of the broader efforts by the Presidency to support the implementation of the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030. 

    The NDP emphasises the importance of establishing a capable and developmental state to address the country’s socio-economic challenges effectively.

    To address these challenges, Deputy President Mashatile said government is implementing a comprehensive National Framework for Public Service Professionalisation.

    This initiative aims to create a more meritocratic, competent, and accountable public service, with plans to establish clearer lines of accountability and reduce political interference in administrative processes. 

    It also involves improving leadership stability in government departments and strengthening intergovernmental collaboration. 
    The Deputy President recognised that resolving these institutional weaknesses is crucial for achieving the Government of National Unity’s (GNU) strategic priorities of inclusive economic growth, poverty reduction, and building a developmental state.

    “Central to us attaining these three strategic priorities is ensuring sound institutional design that is responsive to the prevailing challenges and the nuances of a modern state that is agile enough to respond to a rapidly changing environment.”

    The Deputy President  has defined a capable and developmental state as a government that has essential resources and skills to successfully execute policies that foster economic growth and enhance the well-being of its citizens. 

    In addition, he said a developmental, capable and ethical state requires skilled managers, especially DGs and Heads of Department, with clear lines of authority and accountability to execute their duties in a way that achieves optimal outputs and agreed outcomes. 

    “This requires a political and administrative environment that is free from undue political interference, with effective systems, and with a consistent and fair application of rules.”

    He told the attendees that the urgency to enhance state capacity has never been more pressing. 

    “Our nation has made strides in the past, overcoming immense challenges to secure our democracy and pursue socio-economic progress. Yet, we acknowledge that there are areas where our state machinery still lags behind, hindering our ability to deliver on the promises of our Constitution.”

    He acknowledged that the tensions and instability in relationships at this interface remain a matter of great concern for all respondents, both accounting officers and executive authorities. 

    “Without doubt, these problems are compounded by a history of apartheid and its lingering effects, corruption, skills gaps, and a lack of accountability.”

    The country’s second-in-command has called for a state that will ensure that citizens have access to basic services, a growing economy that creates jobs and a youthful population is inspired to build viable start-ups that can compete on a global level.

    “If we are serious about building a capable, developmental and ethical state, we must recognise that reforming the interface is the precondition, not the afterthought.” 

    He also called for the establishment of war rooms focused on the economy, poverty, and clean governance, aiming to improve payment cycles and procurement processes, especially for small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs).

    In his address at the gathering, Public Service and Administration Minister Mzamo Buthelezi emphasised the critical need for a more transparent, ethical, and efficient relationship between the political leadership and public administration.

    READ | Minister advocates for transparency and ethics at roundtable

    Buthelezi welcomed the platform to reflect the relationship between the political heads and the accounting officers.

    “The interface forms a crucial pillar of their capacity, as it invites us to look deeply at the architecture of our governance,” he told the attendees. – SAnews.gov.za
     

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  • MIL-OSI China: China expects strengthened collaboration with Switzerland through IOMed: FM

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

    HONG KONG, May 30 — China looks forward to strengthening communication, collaboration and experience exchange with Switzerland in areas such as dispute settlement through the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed), Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here on Friday.

    Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during a meeting with Swiss Federal Councilor and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis while attending the signing ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of the IOMed.

    Noting that the IOMed is the world’s first intergovernmental international legal organization specialized in dispute resolving, Wang expected its role in jointly practicing multilateralism and safeguarding international fairness and justice.

    Stressing that Hong Kong’s social stability and economic development thanks to “one country, two systems”, Wang hoped that Switzerland would deepen exchanges and cooperation with Hong Kong in various fields.

    He briefed Cassis about the recent China-U.S. high-level meeting on economic and trade affairs in Geneva, and thanked Switzerland for providing convenience.

    Cassis said the IOMed is an important step in resolving differences through mediation, and opens up a new area of cooperation between Switzerland and China.

    He expected China to play a greater role in a world full of uncertainties.

    Switzerland is willing to uphold a positive attitude towards China and take the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries as an opportunity to further promote their relations, Cassis added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese proficiency competition held in South Africa

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

    A contestant performs a talent show during the South Africa finals of the 24th “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students in Cape Town, South Africa, on May 30, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The South Africa finals of the 24th “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students took place on Friday in Cape Town, the country’s legislative capital, where participants showcased remarkable language abilities and cultural talents.

    Hosted by the Chinese Embassy in South Africa and organized by the “Chinese Bridge” Club in Cape Town, the event was co-sponsored by Confucius Institutes across the country. This year’s competition, themed “One World, One Family,” consisted of three segments: a quiz on China-related knowledge, a Chinese language proficiency contest, and a showcase of Chinese cultural talents.

    Fifteen university students won rounds of applause and cheers from the audience. Thakane Masia, a second-year student from Rhodes University, emerged as the winner. Masia, whose Chinese name is Ma Kaini, will represent South Africa in the global finals to be held in China.

    Masia said the competition was intense and that all contestants performed well. She expressed her pride in winning first place and noted the value of Chinese as one of the official languages of the United Nations.

    Masia believed her Chinese language skills will be an asset in her future career. “With my politics degree, I also know Chinese. I can communicate with a lot of different people. It can also help if I have business or political engagement with China in the future,” she said.

    In a video message, Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Wu Peng highlighted the role of language cooperation as a key part of people-to-people exchanges.

    “As an important component of people-to-people exchanges, language cooperation between China and South Africa empowers mutual understanding between our peoples and contributes to the enduring friendship between our two nations,” he noted.

    Wu expressed hope for the contestants to find inspiration in the beauty of the Chinese language, form lasting friendships, and become active ambassadors for China-South Africa friendship and cooperation.

    Tang Chang’an, deputy consul general of the Chinese Consulate-General in Cape Town, attended the event, saying that language is not just about grammar or vocabulary — it is about understanding, connection, and respect.

    “Through your effort and your interest in language and culture, you are helping build a stronger, more connected world,” he added, encouraging the contestants to continuously bridge diverse cultures through the power of language, friendship, and shared dreams.

    Wu Changhong, chairperson of the “Chinese Bridge” Club in Cape Town, described the competition as a celebration of language and culture. She praised the participants for demonstrating excellent language proficiency and a deep appreciation of Chinese culture.

    “The event not only enhanced students’ language abilities but also fostered cross-cultural understanding and built bridges between people,” she said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Stauber to Attend President Trump’s Rally in Pittsburgh Celebrating U.S. Steel-Nippon Partnership

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08)

    PITTSBURGH, PA – Today, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) will join President Donald Trump, Members of Congress from the Pennsylvania delegation, and local steelworkers at the U.S. Steel Irvin Works Plant in Pittsburgh to celebrate the new and historic partnership between U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel.

    Of this partnership, Congressman Stauber stated, “The partnership between U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel will revive America’s steel industry, and the benefits will be felt right here in Northern Minnesota. This deal will inject $14 billion in new, capital investments, including an estimated $800 million for U.S. Steel’s Iron Range taconite mining operations. This significant investment will create jobs and strengthen our region’s proud iron mining legacy for generations to come. I thank the President for his decisive leadership on the matter, and for making American Steel Great Again.”

    BACKGROUND: 

    Without this partnership, U.S. Steel faced an uncertain future. This iconic American company was in jeopardy of being split up, thousands of jobs would have been lost, and China would have been enabled to attempt its dominance in global steelmaking.

    Instead, this historic partnership will save jobs and strengthen American steel production, improving the domestic steel supply chain for vital products such as cars, appliances, ships, pipelines, and more. Northern Minnesota will greatly benefit from the partnership, as the iron ore and taconite mined on the Iron Range is used to make approximately 80% of the country’s domestically produced steel.

    Under this partnership, U.S. Steel will remain headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania under American control: 

    • U.S. Steel will maintain its production locations and capacity in the United States. American jobs are protected and cannot be offshored.
    • A majority of U.S. Steel’s Board of Directors must be American citizens.
    • U.S. Steel’s key management team, including the CEO, will all be American citizens.
    • U.S. Steel’s trade actions will continue to be determined solely by American citizens, with oversight from the U.S. government.
    • U.S. Steel will honor existing labor commitments with the United Steelworkers (USW).  

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    MIL OSI USA News –