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  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 5 June 2025 Departmental update Vaccinating at every age is key to unlocking the full potential of immunization

    Source: World Health Organisation

    Yet, while childhood immunization programmes have saved millions of lives, vaccination of adults remains an overlooked tool—especially in low- and middle-income countries, where efforts have historically focused on reaching children, adolescents, and women of reproductive age. 

    A recent World Health Organization (WHO) study published in Vaccines underscores the value of adult vaccination to achieve healthy aging, while meeting the challenge of rising healthcare costs and antimicrobial resistance.  

    Although WHO recommends vaccines against diseases such as influenza, COVID-19, pneumococcal disease, tetanus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), among others, for different adult population groups, the study finds that access remains unequal. Many low- and middle-income countries have yet to include vaccines targeting adults in their national schedules—leaving millions unprotected.  

    “As outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases increase, it’s more critical than ever that people receive every recommended dose—through every stage of life—to stay protected,” said Dr Alba Vilajeliu, lead author and technical officer in the Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals at WHO. “This isn’t just about saving lives; it’s also about increasing the quality of life for adults, their productivity within communities and alleviating the burden on already overstretched health systems.”  

    Under Immunization Agenda 2030, a global strategy for vaccination, countries envision a world where everyone, everywhere, at every age benefits from vaccines. Expanding adult immunization programmes will not only benefit older populations it will strengthen immunization programmes across the life course by enhancing health worker capacity, infrastructure and confidence in vaccines. 

    Adult immunization can be scaled quickly – as shown by COVID-19 

    The COVID-19 pandemic thrust adult vaccination into the global spotlight, driving major shifts in policies, attitudes, and health systems traditionally focused on childhood immunization. By the end of 2023, more than 13.6 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses had been administered globally, reaching 89% of health workers and 84% of older adults.  

    However, the WHO-study found those efforts have yet to translate to other adult vaccines. Despite seasonal influenza causing 3 to 5 million severe cases and up to 650 000 deaths annually, just 4% of low-income countries offer influenza vaccines to pregnant women, and only 8% to older adults. In contrast, high-income countries include them in 87% and 89% of national immunization schedules for these groups, respectively.  

    More than 50 years ago, countries began providing tetanus-containing vaccines for pregnant women to prevent maternal and neonatal tetanus. Today, 73% of low-income and 80% of lower-middle-income countries offer these vaccines. The experience of these and other vaccines for pregnant women offers valuable lessons for introducing new ones, like the maternal RSV vaccine to protect infants or future vaccines to prevent Group B streptococcus and malaria in pregnancy. 

    A recent Office of Health Economics (OHE) report also found that scaling up adult vaccination programmes for seasonal influenza, RSV, herpes zoster and pneumococcal disease in just 10 high- and upper middle-income countries returned up to 19 times their initial investment, offering a potential greater return in low- and middle-income countries. This amounted to up to US$ 4637 per individual full vaccination course. 

    New vaccines and innovations will broaden adult immunization 

    In addition to scaling up existing adult vaccines, new vaccines in development—like the next generation of tuberculosis vaccines, and vaccines for combinations of respiratory viruses—are expanding target groups beyond childhood. Through new platform technologies, such as mRNA, vaccine candidates are advancing into clinical testing at faster rates, without compromising safety. 

    Countries will need to continue to strengthen immunization programmes as part of primary health care services in order to introduce new- and under-utilized adult vaccines, scale-up existing vaccines, and ensure strong demand and uptake for adult immunization. Additionally, health workers will need to be trained to communicate on the importance of immunization across the life course. Engaging community leaders and healthcare professional networks will be essential for developing tailored communication for adult populations. 

    “As vaccination expands across the life course, now is the moment for countries to lay a strong foundation,” says Dr Kate O’Brien, Director of the Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals at WHO. “When we prioritize disease prevention to support lifelong health, we create continuous opportunities for health and well-being—and shift from a disease-centered model to one that truly puts people first. Adult immunization is central to that shift.” 

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    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Sham Shui Po youth hostel approved

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Home & Youth Affairs Bureau today approved a youth hostel project in Sham Shui Po that will provide up to 676 hostel places.

    Named TN Residence, it is the sixth project under the Subsidy Scheme for Using Hotels & Guesthouses as Youth Hostels.

    Located on 280 Tung Chau Street, the project will be launched by the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals (TWGHs) and the Hong Kong Ferry (Holdings) Company.

    The TWGHs has introduced the concept of a “youth vertical community” for the project to enable youth tenants to establish a social network with mutual assistance and trust.

    Another feature of the project is the V-Mile programme, which encourages youth tenants to actively participate in value-added activities and community services recognised by the TWGHs or organise activities on their own, in order to promote self-enrichment, networking and contributing to society.

    The bureau said TN Residence is in close proximity to railway stations, and situated within the cultural and creative industry hub with many specialty shops and restaurants nearby.

    It added that it will set up a physical platform for Youth Link members to interact with each other, in the Nam Cheong District Community Centre and Tung Chau Street Temporary Market close by, creating synergy with the youth hostel project.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai welcomes President Bernardo Arévalo of Republic of Guatemala with military honors  

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

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

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

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

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

    Details
    2025-05-28
    President Lai meets US delegation led by Senator Tammy Duckworth
    On the afternoon of May 28, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by United States Senator Tammy Duckworth. In remarks, President Lai thanked the US Congress and government for their longstanding and bipartisan support for Taiwan. The president stated that Taiwan will continue to strengthen cooperation with the US and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability. He pointed out that the Taiwan government has already proposed a roadmap for deepening Taiwan-US trade ties and will encourage mutual investment between Taiwanese and US businesses. He then expressed hope of deepening Taiwan-US ties and creating more niches for both sides. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I warmly welcome this delegation led by Senator Duckworth, a dear friend of Taiwan. Senator Duckworth previously visited in May last year to convey congratulations after the inauguration of myself and Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao. Your bipartisan delegation was the first group from the US Senate that I met with as president. Today, you are visiting just after the first anniversary of my taking office, demonstrating the staunch support of the US and our deep friendship. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend my sincere appreciation and greetings. And I invite you to come back and visit next year, the year after that, and every year. Taiwan and the US share the values of democracy and the rule of law and believe in free and open markets. Both sides embrace a common goal of peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. I thank the US Congress and government for their longstanding, bipartisan, and steadfast support for Taiwan. In 2021, to help Taiwan overcome the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Senator Duckworth made a special trip here to announce that the US government would be donating vaccines to Taiwan. In recent years, Senator Duckworth has also promoted the TAIWAN Security Act, STAND with Taiwan Act, and Taiwan and America Space Assistance Act in the US Congress, all of which have further deepened Taiwan-US cooperation and steadily advanced our ties. For this, I express my deepest appreciation. I want to emphasize that the people of Taiwan have an unyielding determination to protect their homeland and free and democratic way of life. Over the past year, the government and private sector have been working together to enhance Taiwan’s whole-of-society defense resilience. The government is committed to reforming national defense, and it has proposed prioritizing special budget allocations to ensure that our defense budget exceeds three percent of GDP. This will continue to bolster Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities. Moving forward, Taiwan will continue to strengthen cooperation with the US. In addition to jointly safeguarding regional peace and stability, we also aspire to deepen bilateral trade and economic ties. At the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington, DC, earlier this month, Taiwan’s delegation was once again the biggest delegation attending the event – proof positive of our close economic and trade cooperation. We have already proposed a roadmap for deepening Taiwan-US trade ties. We will narrow the trade imbalance through the procurement of energy and agricultural and other industrial products from the US. We will encourage mutual investment between Taiwanese and US businesses to stimulate industrial development on both sides, especially in such industries as national defense and shipbuilding. We therefore look forward to Congress passing the US-Taiwan Expedited Double-Tax Relief Act as soon as possible, as this would deepen Taiwan-US trade ties and create more niches for business. In closing, I once again thank Senator Duckworth for making the trip to Taiwan. Let us continue to work together to elevate Taiwan-US ties. I wish you a pleasant and successful visit. Senator Duckworth then delivered remarks, saying that she is happy to be back in Taiwan and that she wanted to make sure to come back just after President Lai’s one-year anniversary of taking office to show the dedication and the outstanding friendship that we have. She noted that because no matter who is in the White House, no matter which political party is in power in Washington, DC, she has always believed that if America wants to remain a leader on the global stage, it has to show up for friends like Taiwan.  Senator Duckworth mentioned that in the years that she has been coming to Taiwan since pre-COVID times, she has seen a remarkable increase in participation in its defense and the support of the Taiwanese people for defending the homeland. She then thanked Taiwan for making the commitment to its self-defense, and also for being a partner with other nations around the world.  The STAND with Taiwan Act, the senator noted, is so named because the US wants to stand side by side with Taiwan. Pointing out that Taiwan is an important leader in the Indo-Pacific and on the global stage, she reiterated that there is support on both sides of the aisle in Washington for Taiwanese democracy, and added that the people of Taiwan are showing that they are willing to shore up their own readiness. Senator Duckworth said that whether it is delivering vaccines to Taiwan or making sure that the US National Guard works with Taiwan’s reserve forces or even with its civilian emergency response teams, these are all important components to the ongoing partnership between our nations.  Senator Duckworth indicated that there are many great opportunities moving forward beyond our military cooperation with one another. Whether it is in chip manufacturing, agricultural investments, shipbuilding, or in the healthcare field, those investments in both nations will facilitate stability and development in both our nations. She said that is why she wants to continue the Taiwan-US relationship, underlining that they are in it for the long haul. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by American Institute in Taiwan Taipei Office Director Raymond Greene.

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

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Jill Martin Joins MOBIA as Director of Sales

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DARTMOUTH, Nova Scotia, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MOBIA, Canada’s leading business transformation partner, is thrilled to welcome Jill Martin to its team, marking a new chapter in the company’s strategy to grow its presence across Canada. A dynamic sales executive Martin has over two decades of experience in translating big picture vision into revenue growth across enterprise, small to medium businesses (SMB), and partner-led ecosystems. Martin has honed the unique ability to consistently deliver results while building high-performing teams, scaling channel partnerships, and leading with a challenger mindset in competitive markets.

    “Jill’s leadership style and strategic mindset are a perfect match for MOBIA’s values and our national vision,” said Chris Peerless, Vice President, Canada. “She brings not only a depth of sales expertise but a culture-first approach that energizes team members and partners. We’re excited to see the impact she’ll have as we continue to grow and strengthen our presence across Canada.”

    Most recently, Martin served as National Channel Sales Leader at Pure Storage, where she shaped the company’s go-to-market strategy across Canada. From launching the channel to driving major enterprise wins, her tenure was defined by purpose, pride, and powerful collaboration. Her strategic instincts, creativity, and trusted leadership made her a driving force behind Pure’s partner success and market expansion. “Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege to work with talented teams at leading organizations,” said Martin. “I’m excited for the opportunity to work with another high-caliber team and to lead the efforts to expand MOBIA’s reach across Canada, not just with customers but with strong partner relationships, too.”

    As an acknowledged culture builder, it was MOBIA’s great culture that drew Martin. “I believe that a healthy company and team focussed culture is a critical factor for success, she said. “I’m excited to be part of a team that lives this, not just internally but when it comes to serving its clients.”

    “I look forward to having Jill on the team as another advocate as we continue to build lasting relationships with our partners,” said Nicole Murphy, Director of Alliances and Partnerships at MOBIA. “At MOBIA, we always say that we’re stronger together. Having leaders that embody this bring us closer to that vision.”

    To learn more about MOBIA contact Laura Hambly at laura.hambly@mobia.io.

    ABOUT MOBIA
    MOBIA is a leading expert in business transformation and innovative enterprise technology systems. With hundreds of customers across North America, MOBIA partners with organizations of all sizes, across all verticals to transform the way they work. Focused on people, processes, technology, and culture, MOBIA helps businesses reach their full potential. MOBIA is proud to be recognized as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies and Canada’s Top Growing Companies. To learn more, visit Mobia.io

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Form 8.3 – [CRANEWARE PLC – 04 06 2025] – (CGWL)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

    PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY
    A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
    Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)   Full name of discloser: CANACCORD GENUITY WEALTH LIMITED (for Discretionary clients)
    (b)   Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
            The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.    		 N/A
    (c)   Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
            Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree    		 CRANEWARE PLC
    (d)   If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: N/A
    (e)   Date position held/dealing undertaken:
            For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure    		 04 JUNE 2025
    (f)   In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
            If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”    		 N/A

    2.        POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.

    (a)      Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

    Class of relevant security: 1p ORDINARY
      Interests Short positions
    Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 1,694,624 4.7857    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives:        
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        
    TOTAL: 1,694,624 4.7857    

    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

    Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

    (b)      Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)

    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:  
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:  

    3.        DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

    The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit
    1p ORDINARY SALE 690 2093.5p
    1p ORDINARY SALE 2,125 2094p
    1p ORDINARY SALE 1,523 2056p

    (b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. CFD    		 Nature of dealing
    e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position    		 Number of reference securities Price per unit
    NONE        

    (c)        Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type
    e.g. American, European etc.    		 Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
    NONE              

    (ii)        Exercise

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. call option    		 Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit

    (d)        Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing
    e.g. subscription, conversion    		 Details Price per unit (if applicable)
    NONE      

    4.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
    Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    NONE

    (b)        Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i)   the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii)   the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    NONE

    (c)        Attachments

    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO
    Date of disclosure: 05 JUNE 2025
    Contact name: PHIL HULME
    Telephone number: 01253 376551

    Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

    The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

    The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Virgin Australia is coming back to the share market. Here’s what this new chapter could mean

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rico Merkert, Professor in Transport and Supply Chain Management and Deputy Director, Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies (ITLS), University of Sydney Business School, University of Sydney

    Petr Podrouzek/Shutterstock

    It is finally happening. After five years of being a private company, Virgin Australia will relist on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) on June 24. The company is expected to raise A$685 million through the initial public offering (IPO).

    So, who will benefit from Virgin Australia’s return to the share market? Having paid $3.5 billion for the bankrupt carrier back in 2020, private equity firm Bain Capital will be the most immediate winner.

    Earlier this year, Bain had sold 25% of the company to Qatar Airways. Now, with the IPO, Bain will reduce its stake from about 70% down to 40%.

    With Virgin’s anticipated market capitalisation close to $2.3 billion and enterprise value of reportedly up to $3.6 billion, it is now evident that Bain Capital has – with Jayne Hrdlicka at the helm of the airline – not only managed to turn the company around, but to also profit nicely from doing so.

    Without Bain’s rescue at the beginning of the pandemic (which was catastrophic for airlines globally), the situation may have become quite detrimental for travellers. It also avoided having the Australian taxpayer foot the bill for a bailout.

    Whether the airline’s customers end up better off will depend on what Virgin Australia ends up doing with the $685 million it raises, on top of the substantial profits it has recently been able to generate.

    Stronger competition for Qantas?

    Looking at the strategies of both Virgin Australia and its biggest competitor, Qantas, in recent years, it seems both have learned to love playing the duopoly game.

    Based on our own calculations, Virgin controls roughly 33% of Australia’s domestic seat capacity and the Qantas group (which includes Jetstar) much of the rest on the country’s core flight network.

    In the 2010s, the two airlines were out-competing themselves in adding capacity to the market, which drove down yields (or revenue per passenger) and nearly killed Virgin Australia 1.0.

    Now, Qantas and Virgin have new chief executives who understand both airlines can be very profitable if they show some (capacity) discipline in how many seats they create and sell.

    Better services

    For that reason, it’s likely not much will change in terms of competition, at least in the domestic market. But this is only true as far as capacity is concerned.

    It seems reasonable to assume Virgin’s raised capital will only support future growth if it is profitable. The majority of the funds will likely go towards fleet renewal and improvement of the airline’s product.

    For consumers, this wouldn’t necessarily mean lower airfares in the domestic market. But it would mean newer aircraft and enhanced services, which is a positive for both flyers and the environment.

    International departures

    Virgin Australia will become a more formidable competitor to Qantas, thanks to its newly formed relationship with international partner Qatar Airways and the additional cash from relisting.

    It will be interesting to observe what Qatar will do next and whether a new player – perhaps Singapore Airlines – will enter the scene and take a stake in the airline once Virgin Australia is trading publicly again.

    It would not be the first time an international airline has taken a stake in Virgin Australia, and could create some interesting dynamics.

    Another beneficiary is Virgin Australia’s management team, who’ve been somewhat shackled by the priority of getting the IPO off the ground. The IPO will free up management to deploy resources towards more longer-term priorities.

    Many will see a significant payday – it’s estimated staff are sitting on shares that could soon collectively be worth $180 million.

    Why now?

    Bain Capital has timed this IPO carefully. Virgin Australia has (in tandem with Qantas) produced a stellar financial performance in the last financial year. It may deliver an even better one in the current reporting period.

    To maximise returns, it is likely Bain did not want to waste the opportunity to capitalise on the moment. Global markets are still full of volatility and geopolitical uncertainty. What may diminish is the financial performance of the core business Bain Capital is trying to sell.

    At $2.90 a share, Virgin Australia will have a price-to-earnings ratio (used to assess how relatively expensive a share price is) of seven times its expected earnings this financial year. This is lower than Qantas’ ratio of ten times expected earnings this financial year.

    Profits are likely to remain high this year, with continuing strong demand, high yields and low jet fuel prices. The brokers and underwriting investment banks will use this to sell the story.

    IPOs can sometimes deliver those already holding shares in a company significant day-one windfall profits. In this case, however, Bain’s expertise in the venture capital market means it is unlikely to leave any money on the table.

    One may also argue while Virgin appears to be priced at a discount compared to Qantas, there may be legitimate reasons for the price differential, such as Qantas’ very profitable loyalty business.

    Given uncertainties around demand and geopolitical tensions, there is no guarantee the share price of Qantas will remain at record highs for too long, which means the opportunity to present Virgin shares as a bargain may be short-lived.

    In the long term, it is widely agreed airlines are by definition volatile investments and not necessarily something the average investor should have in their portfolio.

    Moving forward

    Symbolically, the decision for Virgin to use a new stock ticker – VGN instead of the old VAH – may avoid bringing back bad memories.

    Five years can be a lifetime in aviation, but maybe not to bond holders who got just 10 cents in the dollar and shareholders (including the large airline partners who held equity stakes) who got nothing when the airline collapsed in 2020.

    From a strategy perspective, it will be important for management to avoid history repeating itself with international airlines buying into Virgin and securing board seats.

    This can be one way of influencing the strategy of the carrier’s domestic arm to funnel more passengers to their own international flights.

    It is positive, for both Virgin Australia and the Australian aviation industry, that Bain Capital appears set to pull this off and that the revitalised airline is now truly Virgin Australia 2.0.

    Rico Merkert and his team of PhD students receive funding from the Australian Research Council through a discovery project and various research industry project, including with Thales and Air New Zealand. He has previously worked on research with and for international airlines, including Qantas and Virgin Australia.

    – ref. Virgin Australia is coming back to the share market. Here’s what this new chapter could mean – https://theconversation.com/virgin-australia-is-coming-back-to-the-share-market-heres-what-this-new-chapter-could-mean-258179

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Jackie Chan, Ralph Macchio return to ‘Karate Kid’ franchise

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

    “Karate Kid: Legends,” starring Jackie Chan, one of China’s most renowned kung fu stars, will open in Chinese theaters on June 7, aiming to revive one of Hollywood’s most beloved martial arts franchises.

    A still from “Karate Kid: Legends.” [Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures Entertainment]

    Directed by Jonathan Entwistle, “Karate Kid: Legends” follows Ben Wang as Li Fong, a kung fu prodigy who moves to New York City with his mother. There, he finds comfort in a new friendship with a classmate and her father. That is until he attracts the unwanted attention of a formidable local karate champion. To defend himself, Li trains under kung fu master Mr. Han and the legendary Daniel LaRusso, merging their distinct styles to prepare for the ultimate martial arts showdown.

    At the premiere in New York on May 27, 71-year-old Jackie Chan told reporters he still performs his own stunts, though with less intensity than in his earlier days. Chan emphasized the audiences’ demand for authenticity and reflected on his career-long mission to prove himself as an actor rather than just a fighter. 

    The sixth installment in “The Karate Kid” franchise reunites Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan, reprising their iconic roles – Daniel LaRusso from the original trilogy (1984-1989) and Mr. Han from the 2010 remake. Together, they mentor Li Fong, combining traditional karate with Chinese kung fu in the new adventure. 

    “Bringing these two legends together is beyond a producer’s dream,” producer Karen Rosenfelt said of uniting Chan and Macchio. “What’s fresh and unique about this movie is that both Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso are training a Chinese, Mandarin-speaking boy. It is a story about family and recovering what’s important. It works as a standalone if you have never seen a ‘Karate Kid’ film, and it’s also a love letter to those who were there for ‘The Karate Kid’ in 1984.”

    Macchio noted, “I’ve been careful over the years with protecting this franchise, protecting this character. The evolution of these characters, the themes in the original movie, they still stand the test of time and win over each generation.”

    The film explores how Chinese kung fu and Japanese karate interact through technical fusion and a dynamic exchange of philosophies. Chan said his return to the “Karate Kid” series is driven by his hope to use cinema to promote Chinese culture globally.

    He noted that karate actually evolved from Chinese kung fu, emphasizing that despite their different names, martial arts are deeply connected. By combining kung fu and karate, he said the film not only celebrates cultural heritages but also spreads a message of unity and compassion – something the world urgently needs.

    Chan observes that more young people are discovering kung fu in new ways. He continues to experiment with blending different styles – from boxing to Wing Chun to acrobatics – to keep the art form dynamic. “I often tell my disciples and fellow martial artists in China that our kung fu must evolve, ” he said.

    With its explosive fight choreography and heartfelt homage to Karate Kid icon Mr. Miyagi, the new film delivers a fresh yet nostalgic experience. It captivates both new audiences and longtime fans, with strong earnings. As of June 2, the film earned $47.67 million globally since it hit theaters on May 30, all before the official release in China on June 7.

    A still from “Karate Kid: Legends.” [Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures Entertainment]

    After an extensive global search, Ben Wang was cast as the new Karate Kid. Wang first discovered the franchise through the 2010 film, a story that mirrored his own move from Beijing to New York. This personal connection drew him to the role and he did most of his own stunts, demonstrating his potential as a rising star.

    “It gets me emotional,” Wang said. “This idea of going somewhere completely new and having to start over and finding people who help you along the way. And that’s what these movies are really about. Behind kung fu and karate and all that cool stuff, it’s about finding your way, learning to fit in, and finding good teachers.”

    The film’s fresh narrative approach allows the cast and crew to balance innovative storytelling with respect for the franchise’s 40-year legacy. “What we’ve made is definitely a movie with heart, humor and action,” Entwistle said. “It’s about fighting for your family, or learning what to fight for, and I think that’s the most important message. But it’s wrapped up in a real martial arts film, a real action-adventure film, with lots of heart and lots of big scenes of people learning what it means to grow up.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Trash or trend? Chinese enterprises recycle plastic waste into chic souvenirs

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

    In a gift shop at Beijing’s Palace Museum, a tote bag featuring a design inspired by a classic Chinese ink painting displays an intriguing symbol on its strap: the number nine alongside an illustration of beverage bottles.

    The sign indicates that the bag is made from nine recycled beverage bottles. Another bag, also adorned with antique patterns, features a graphic showing a reduction of 419 grams of CO2 emissions as its silky fabric is made from recycled plastic waste.

    These items are part of a special collection of souvenirs available at an ongoing exhibition. Their exquisite designs contrast with their humble origins — recycled PET bottles, disposable meal boxes, and other plastic waste.

    World Environment Day 2025, which falls on Thursday, calls for collective action to tackle plastic pollution. In China, a number of recycling initiatives, such as those repurposing beverage bottles into crafted souvenirs, are helping to raise awareness about plastic pollution and the value of recycling.

    “Environmental protection is not just about lecturing the public,” said Liu Xuesong, founder of Beijing Bottloop Environmental Technology Co., Ltd. (BOTTLOOP), the start-up that designed and produced the sustainable souvenirs sold at the Palace Museum exhibition.

    Liu believes in the power of creativity, with which everyday trash can be transformed into aesthetic and functional souvenirs. Liu hopes that young consumers will choose their products not just because it is a responsible option, but also because they are drawn to the elaborate designs and the eco-friendly stories behind them.

    Since both PET and synthetic fibers are mainly derived from petroleum, PET bottles and other plastics can be transformed into fabric through a series of processes. Liu explained the science behind these waste-to-wonder practices: typically, recycled plastic products are cleaned and shredded into small flakes. These flakes are then melted and extruded into yarn, which is spun into thread, and finally woven into rolls of fabric.

    BOTTLOOP, founded in 2019, has a parent company that handles the initial processes, while supply chain partners take care of the remaining steps, all adhering to a unified environmental standard.

    Recycling the plastics is accredited with saving consumption of petroleum and exempting the waste from landfills and incineration, thereby reducing CO2 emissions.

    According to an on-site investigation by the Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, the recycling rate for PET beverage packaging in China reached 96.48 percent.

    However, the overall plastic waste recycling rate was less optimistic. In 2022, China generated 63 million tonnes of plastic waste, of which approximately 30 percent was recycled, according to the China National Resources Recycling Association.

    BOTTLOOP is not alone in navigating the niche market for recycled souvenirs, especially as the recent surge in public interest in traditional Chinese culture has fostered a young generation of museum-goers and sparked a craze for stylish cultural and creative items.

    According to a report by Zhiyan Consulting, the market size of China’s cultural and creative products reached 16.38 billion U.S. dollars in 2023, a year-on-year increase of 13.09 percent. Recycling initiatives are capitalizing on this boom to attract a broader audience.

    Shanghai-based GOOD CYCLE, founded in 2018, offers plastic recycling solutions to corporate clients. Both BOTTLOOP and GOOD CYCLE are participants in the Palace Museum’s waste-free initiative.

    Zhao Wenjing, the founder of GOOD CYCLE, believes that sustainable culture and creative products hold the potential to inspire the public to take eco-friendly action.

    Zhao has witnessed rising business interest in recycling, as evidenced by increasing numbers of both domestic companies engaged in the waste recycling business and companies that seek cooperation with them.

    “Moreover, our business partners now span a much wider range of industries, and they seek our expertise in providing office supplies and corporate gifts made from recycled materials.”

    She credits the transformation to supportive government policies, rising environmental awareness among the public, and a heightened sense of social responsibility among Chinese companies.

    In recent years, the Chinese government has introduced a series of policies to reduce the use of single-use plastic products and encourage the adoption of environmentally friendly alternatives.

    In 2021, the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Ecology and Environment announced a plan aimed at effectively reducing plastic pollution by 2025, which mentioned “stepping up standardized recycling and use of plastic waste.” In 2023, China initiated a three-year action plan to promote the use of bamboo as an alternative to plastic products to curb pollution.

    According to the United Nations Environment Programme, 19 to 23 million tonnes of plastic waste leaks into aquatic ecosystems every year, polluting lakes, rivers and seas.

    GOOD CYCLE’s recycled bags and wristbands were made available during the just-concluded Dragon Boat Festival.

    “It is a Chinese tradition to give gifts on special occasions,” Zhao said. “We hope our products are seen not just as gifts for family and friends, but also as presents for Mother Earth.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: IT threat evolution in Q1 2025. Non-mobile statistics

    Source: Securelist – Kaspersky

    Headline: IT threat evolution in Q1 2025. Non-mobile statistics

    IT threat evolution in Q1 2025. Non-mobile statistics
    IT threat evolution in Q1 2025. Mobile statistics

    The statistics in this report are based on detection verdicts returned by Kaspersky products unless otherwise stated. The information was provided by Kaspersky users who consented to sharing statistical data.

    The quarter in numbers

    In Q1 2025:

    • Kaspersky products blocked more than 629 million attacks that originated with various online resources.
    • Web Anti-Virus detected 88 million unique links.
    • File Anti-Virus blocked more than 21 million malicious and potentially unwanted objects.
    • Nearly 12,000 new ransomware variants were detected.
    • More than 85,000 users experienced ransomware attacks.
    • RansomHub was involved in attacks on 11% of all ransomware victims whose data was published on data leak sites (DLSs). Slightly under 11% encountered the Akira and Clop ransomware.
    • Almost 315,000 users faced miners.

    Ransomware

    Law enforcement success

    Phobos Aetor, a joint international effort by law enforcement agencies from the United States, Great Britain, Germany, France and several other countries, resulted in the arrest of four suspected members of 8Base. They are accused of carrying out more than 1000 cyberattacks around the world with the help of the Phobos ransomware. The suspects were arrested in Thailand and charged with extorting more than $16 million dollars in Bitcoin. According to law enforcement officials, the multinational operation resulted in the seizure of more than 40 assets, including computers, phones, and cryptocurrency wallets. Additionally, law enforcement took down 27 servers linked to the cybercrime gang.

    An ongoing effort to combat LockBit led to the extradition of a suspected ransomware developer to the United States. Arrested in Israel last August, the suspect is accused of receiving more than $230,000 in cryptocurrency for his work with the group between June 2022 and February 2024.

    Vulnerabilities and attacks, BYOVD, and EDR bypassing

    The first quarter saw a series of vulnerabilities detected in Paragon Partition Manager. They were assigned the identifiers CVE-2025-0288, CVE-2025-0287, CVE-2025-0286, CVE-2025-0285, and CVE-2025-0289. According to researchers, ransomware gangs had been exploiting the vulnerabilities to gain Windows SYSTEM privileges during BYOVD (bring your own vulnerable driver) attacks.

    Akira exploited a vulnerability in a webcam to try and bypass endpoint detection and response (EDR) and encrypt files on the organization’s network over the SMB protocol. The attackers found that their Windows ransomware was being detected and blocked by the security solution. To bypass it, they found a vulnerable network webcam in the targeted organization that was running a Linux-based operating system and was not protected by EDR. The attackers were able to evade detection by compromising the webcam, mounting network drives of other machines, and running the Linux version of their ransomware on the camera.

    HellCat leveraged compromised Jira credentials to attack a series of companies, including Ascom, Jaguar Land Rover, and Affinitiv. According to researchers, the threat actors obtain credentials by infecting employees’ computers with Trojan stealers like Lumma.

    Other developments

    An unidentified source posted Matrix chat logs belonging to the Black Basta gang. The logs feature information about the gang’s attack techniques and vulnerabilities that it exploited. In addition, the logs contain details about the group’s internal structure and its members, as well as more than 367 unique ZoomInfo links that the attackers used to gather data on potential victims.

    BlackLock was compromised due to a vulnerability in the threat actor’s data leak site (DLS). Researchers who discovered the vulnerability gained access to confidential information about the group and its activities, including configuration files, login credentials, and the history of commands run on the server. DragonForce, a rival ransomware outfit, exploited the same security flaw to deface the DLS. They changed the site’s appearance, and made BlackLock’s internal chat logs and certain configuration files publicly available.

    The most prolific groups

    This section highlights the most prolific ransomware groups by number of victims that each added to their DLS during the reporting period. RansomHub, which stood out in 2024, remained the leader by number of new victims with 11.03%. Akira (10.89%) and Clop (10.69%) followed close behind.

    The number of the group’s victims according to its DLS as a percentage of all groups’ victims published on all the DLSs reviewed during the reporting period (download)

    Number of new modifications

    In the first quarter, Kaspersky solutions detected three new ransomware families and 11,733 new variants – almost four times more than in the fourth quarter of 2024. This is due to the large number of samples that our solutions categorized as belonging to the Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Gen family.

    New ransomware variants, Q1 2024 – Q1 2025 (download)

    Number of users attacked by ransomware Trojans

    The number of unique KSN users protected is 85,474.

    Number of unique users attacked by ransomware Trojans, Q1 2025 (download)

    Attack geography

    Top 10 countries and territories attacked by ransomware Trojans

    Country/territory* %**
    1 Oman 0.661
    2 Libya 0.643
    3 South Korea 0.631
    4 China 0.626
    5 Bangladesh 0.472
    6 Iraq 0.452
    7 Rwanda 0.443
    8 Pakistan 0.441
    9 Tajikistan 0.439
    10 Sri Lanka 0.419

    * Excluded are countries and territories with relatively few (under 50,000) Kaspersky product users.
    ** Unique users whose computers were attacked by ransomware Trojans as a percentage of all unique Kaspersky product users in the country/territory

    TOP 10 most common ransomware Trojan families

    Name Verdict* %**
    1 (generic verdict) Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Gen 25.10
    2 WannaCry Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Wanna 8.19
    3 (generic verdict) Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Encoder 6.70
    4 (generic verdict) Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Crypren 6.65
    5 (generic verdict) Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Agent 3.95
    6 Cryakl/CryLock Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Cryakl 3.16
    7 LockBit Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Lockbit 3.15
    8 (generic verdict) Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Phny 2.90
    9 PolyRansom/VirLock Virus.Win32.PolyRansom / Trojan-Ransom.Win32.PolyRansom 2.73
    10 (generic verdict) Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Crypmod 2.66

    * Unique Kaspersky product users attacked by the specific ransomware Trojan family as a percentage of all unique users attacked by this type of threat.

    Miners

    Number of new modifications

    In the first quarter of 2025, Kaspersky solutions detected 5,467 new miner variants.

    New miner variants, Q1 2025 (download)

    Number of users attacked by miners

    Miners were fairly active in the first quarter. During the reporting period, we detected miner attacks on the computers of 315,701 unique Kaspersky product users worldwide.

    Number of unique users attacked by miners, Q1 2025 (download)

    Attack geography

    Top 10 countries and territories attacked by miners

    Country/territory* %**
    1 Senegal 2.59
    2 Kazakhstan 1.36
    3 Panama 1.28
    4 Belarus 1.22
    5 Ethiopia 1.09
    6 Tajikistan 1.07
    7 Moldova 0.90
    8 Dominican Republic 0.86
    9 Kyrgyzstan 0.84
    10 Tanzania 0.82

    * Excluded are countries and territories with relatively few (under 50,000) Kaspersky product users.
    ** Unique users whose computers were attacked by miners as a percentage of all unique Kaspersky product users in the country/territory.

    Attacks on macOS

    The first quarter saw the discovery of a new Trojan loader for macOS. This is a Go-based variant of ReaderUpdate, which has previously appeared in Python, Crystal, Rust, and Nim versions. These loaders are typically used to download intrusive adware, but there is nothing stopping them from delivering any kind of Trojan.

    During the reporting period researchers identified new loaders from the Ferret malware family which were being distributed by attackers through fake online job interview invitations. These Trojans are believed to be part of an ongoing campaign that began in December 2022. The original members of the Ferret family date back to late 2024. Past versions of the loader delivered both a backdoor and a crypto stealer.

    Throughout the first quarter, various modifications of the Amos stealer were the most aggressively distributed Trojans. Amos is designed to steal user passwords, cryptocurrency wallet data, browser cookies, and documents. In this campaign, threat actors frequently modify their Trojan obfuscation techniques to evade detection, generating thousands of obfuscated files to overwhelm security solutions.

    TOP 20 threats to macOS

    (download)

    * Unique users who encountered this malware as a percentage of all attacked users of Kaspersky security solutions for macOS.
    * Data for the previous quarter may differ slightly from previously published data due to certain verdicts being retrospectively revised.

    As usual, a significant share of the most common threats to macOS consists of potentially unwanted applications: adware, spyware tracking user activity, fake cleaners, and reverse proxies like NetTool. Amos Trojans, which we mentioned earlier, also gained popularity in the first quarter. Trojan.OSX.Agent.gen, which holds the third spot in the rankings, is a generic verdict that detects a wide variety of malware.

    Geography of threats to macOS

    TOP 10 countries and territories by share of attacked users

    Country/territory Q4 2024* Q1 2025*
    Spain 1.16% 1.02%
    France 1.52% 0.96%
    Hong Kong 1.21% 0.83%
    Singapore 0.32% 0.75%
    Mexico 0.85% 0.74%
    Germany 0.96% 0.74%
    Mainland China 0.73% 0.68%
    Brazil 0.66% 0.61%
    Russian Federation 0.50% 0.53%
    India 0.84% 0.51%

    * Unique users who encountered threats to macOS as a percentage of all unique Kaspersky product users in the country/territory.

    IoT threat statistics

    This section presents statistics on attacks targeting Kaspersky IoT honeypots. The geographic data on attack sources is based on the IP addresses of attacking devices.

    In the first quarter of 2025, the share of devices that attacked Kaspersky honeypots via the Telnet protocol increased again, following a decline at the end of 2024.

    Distribution of attacked services by number of unique IP addresses of attacking devices (download)

    The distribution of attacks across Telnet and SSH remained virtually unchanged compared to the fourth quarter of 2024.

    Distribution of attackers’ sessions in Kaspersky honeypots (download)

    TOP 10 threats delivered to IoT devices:

    Share of each threat uploaded to an infected device as a result of a successful attack in the total number of uploaded threats (download)

    A significant portion of the most widespread IoT threats continues to be made up of various Mirai DDoS botnet variants. BitCoinMiner also saw active distribution in the first quarter, accounting for 7.32% of detections. The number of attacks by the NyaDrop botnet (19.31%) decreased compared to the fourth quarter of 2024.

    Geography of attacks on IoT honeypots

    When looking at SSH attacks by country/territory, mainland China’s share has declined, while attacks coming from Brazil have seen a noticeable increase. There was also a slight uptick in attacks coming from the United States, Indonesia, Australia, and Vietnam.

    Country/territory Q4 2024 Q1 2025
    Mainland China 32.99% 20.52%
    India 19.13% 19.16%
    Russian Federation 9.46% 9.16%
    Brazil 2.18% 8.48%
    United States 4.90% 5.52%
    Indonesia 1.37% 3.99%
    Hong Kong 2.81% 3.46%
    Australia 1.31% 2.75%
    France 3.53% 2.54%
    Vietnam 1.41% 2.27%

    The share of Telnet attacks originating from China and India dropped, while Brazil, Nigeria, and Indonesia took a noticeably larger share.

    Country/territory Q4 2024 Q1 2025
    China 44.67% 39.82%
    India 33.79% 30.07%
    Brazil 2.62% 12.03%
    Russian Federation 6.52% 5.14%
    Pakistan 5.77% 3.99%
    Nigeria 0.50% 3.01%
    Indonesia 0.58% 2.25%
    United States 0.42% 0.68%
    Ukraine 0.79% 0.67%
    Sweden 0.42% 0.33%

    Attacks via web resources

    The statistics in this section are based on detection verdicts by Web Anti-Virus, which protects users when suspicious objects are downloaded from malicious or infected web pages. Cybercriminals create malicious pages on purpose. Websites that host user-created content, such as forums, as well as compromised legitimate sites, can become infected.

    Countries and territories that serve as sources of web-based attacks: the TOP 10

    This section contains a geographical distribution of sources of online attacks blocked by Kaspersky products: web pages that redirect to exploits, sites that host exploits and other malware, botnet C&C centers, and so on. Any unique host could be the source of one or more web-based attacks.
    To determine the geographical source of web-based attacks, domain names were matched against their actual IP addresses, and then the geographical location of a specific IP address (GeoIP) was established.

    In the first quarter of 2025, Kaspersky solutions blocked 629,211,451 attacks launched from online resources across the globe. Web Anti-Virus detected 88,389,361 unique URLs.

    Geographical distribution of sources of web-based attacks by country/territory, Q1 2025 (download)

    Countries and territories where users faced the greatest risk of online infection

    To assess the risk of online infection faced by PC users in various countries and territories, for each country or territory, we calculated the percentage of Kaspersky users on whose computers Web Anti-Virus was triggered during the reporting period. The resulting data reflects the aggressiveness of the environment in which computers operate in different countries and territories.

    These rankings only include attacks by malicious objects that belong in the Malware category. Our calculations do not include Web Anti-Virus detections of potentially dangerous or unwanted programs, such as RiskTool or adware.

    Country/territory* %**
    1 North Macedonia 10.17
    2 Albania 9.96
    3 Algeria 9.92
    4 Bangladesh 9.92
    5 Tunisia 9.80
    6 Slovakia 9.77
    7 Greece 9.66
    8 Serbia 9.44
    9 Tajikistan 9.28
    10 Turkey 9.10
    11 Peru 8.78
    12 Portugal 8.70
    13 Nepal 8.38
    14 Philippines 8.33
    15 Romania 8.26
    16 Sri Lanka 8.20
    17 Bulgaria 8.19
    18 Madagascar 8.14
    19 Hungary 8.12
    20 Egypt 8.12

    * Excluded are countries and territories with relatively few (under 10,000) Kaspersky product users.
    ** Unique users targeted by web-based Malware attacks as a percentage of all unique Kaspersky product users in the country/territory.

    On average during the quarter, 6.46% of users’ computers worldwide were subjected to at least one web-based Malware attack.

    Local threats

    Statistics on local infections of user computers are an important indicator. They include objects that penetrated the target computer by infecting files or removable media, or initially made their way onto the computer in non-transparent form. Examples of the latter are programs in complex installers and encrypted files.

    Data in this section is based on analyzing statistics produced by anti-virus scans of files on the hard drive at the moment they were created or accessed, and the results of scanning removable storage media. The statistics are based on detection verdicts from the OAS (on-access scan) and ODS (on-demand scan) modules of File Anti-Virus. The data includes detections of malicious programs located on user computers or removable media connected to the computers, such as flash drives, camera memory cards, phones, or external hard drives.

    In the first quarter of 2025, our File Anti-Virus detected 21,533,464 malicious and potentially unwanted objects.

    Countries and territories where users faced the highest risk of local infection

    For each country and territory, we calculated the percentage of Kaspersky product users on whose computers File Anti-Virus was triggered during the reporting period. These statistics reflect the level of personal computer infection in various countries and territories across the globe.

    The rankings only include attacks by malicious objects that belong in the Malware category. Our calculations do not include File Anti-Virus detections of potentially dangerous or unwanted programs, such as RiskTool or adware.

    Country/territory* %**
    1 Turkmenistan 47.41
    2 Tajikistan 37.23
    3 Afghanistan 36.92
    4 Yemen 35.80
    5 Cuba 32.08
    6 Uzbekistan 31.31
    7 Gabon 27.55
    8 Syria 26.50
    9 Vietnam 25.88
    10 Belarus 25.68
    11 Algeria 25.02
    12 Bangladesh 24.86
    13 Iraq 24.77
    14 Cameroon 24.28
    15 Burundi 24.28
    16 Tanzania 24.23
    17 Niger 24.01
    18 Madagascar 23.74
    19 Kyrgyzstan 23.73
    20 Nicaragua 23.72

    * Excluded are countries and territories with relatively few (under 10,000) Kaspersky product users.
    ** Unique users on whose computers local Malware threats were blocked, as a percentage of all unique users of Kaspersky products in the country/territory.

    On average worldwide, local Malware threats were recorded on 13.62% of users’ computers at least once during the quarter.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New vision for UK ports will propel prosperity in Britain’s coastal communities

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    New vision for UK ports will propel prosperity in Britain’s coastal communities

    Have your say on the draft revised national policy statement for ports until 29 July 2025.

    • plans to boost expansion of maritime ports to propel economic growth and support jobs across the country, as part of the Plan for Change
    • new guidance will help ports save time and money on planning applications to expand sites, opening up jobs and opportunities in coastal communities
    • plans will secure the long-term future of the maritime industry, inviting private investment into coastal communities and supporting development of green technologies, delivering on the UK’s clean energy ambitions

    Coastal communities across England stand to benefit from proposals set out yesterday (4 June 2025), which will better support ports to deliver important national infrastructure more quickly, helping to boost local economies and jobs.

    The proposals aim to streamline the planning process for ports in England and expedite planning applications by more clearly outlining the existing needs for port facilities and how to design applications to meet the latest requirements to avoid process delays.  

    For instance, updated proposals will more clearly outline how ports can meet obligations on noise and emissions, increasing the likelihood of achieving successful planning approvals and saving time and money during the planning process. Greater clarity, fewer delays and reduced costs will give ports the confidence they need to expand, creating more local, skilled jobs and driving money back into communities.

    The plans tie in with wider reforms, including the Planning and Infrastructure Bill and will see ports going further and faster with commercial projects, helping to secure millions of pounds in investment and supporting jobs across the country.  

    By enabling ports to go further and faster with their infrastructure projects, the UK aims to build on the levels of investment already flowing into ports.  

    Just last month, it was announced that £35 million is being driven into the Port of Liverpool to develop a new deep-water terminal, while just under £1 billion is being invested in the Port of Tyne to develop state-of-the-art infrastructure.  

    Revisions to the national policy statement for ports (NPSP) will also see planning decisions judged and approved, against the need to kickstart economic growth and cement the UK as a clean energy superpower.  

    Maritime Minister, Mike Kane, said:  

    Ports are the lifeblood of the UK economy, keeping the country moving and trading, and are vital in unlocking prosperity and opportunity for our coastal communities.  

    We are determined to deliver the projects that will make a real difference to local people, turbocharge economic growth and create jobs as part of our Plan for Change.

    The proposals have been published alongside the UK’s port freight demand forecasts, which show an expected rise in UK port freight tonnage overall, particularly of roll-on-roll-off cargo such as cars, buses, trailers, etc, as well as containers and dry bulks.  

    Taking these forecasts into account, the revisions will help secure the long-term future of ports, ensuring they are equipped to handle growing trade demands and to best meet the needs of the country in terms of the movements of goods and people. 

    Richard Ballantyne OBE, Chief Executive of the British Ports Association, said: 

    The ports industry is optimistic about its long-term future, with significant growth expected in trade volumes and other sectors such as offshore wind. A refreshed ports policy statement is welcome recognition from government of the value of port development and expansion to the UK’s future prosperity. We hope it will speed up planning processes, delivering on shared industry and government economic growth ambitions.

    Geraint Evans, Chief Executive of UK Major Ports Group, said: 

    Ports are central to delivering the government’s ambitions on economic growth and clean energy and the draft national policy statement rightly recognises the vital role our sector plays across the UK – alongside the need to unlock its full potential by speeding up consents for sustainable port development.

    With the right policy frameworks, major ports can double the levels of private investment – going further and faster – opportunity for coastal communities nationwide.

    Matt Beeton, Chief Executive of the Port of Tyne, said: 

    Growth at our ports is vital to the UK economy. The government’s modernisation agenda will reset the maritime sector, attract significant investment, ensure our ports are fit for the future and boost generational employment opportunities.

    Claudio Veritiero, CEO of Peel Ports Group, said:

    Ports are the unsung heroes of the UK economy, and this is an extremely encouraging development. We have invested more than £1 billion in the last decade and intend to exceed that level of investment in the coming years.

    We want to be able to invest for the future, creating jobs and opportunities right across the country and anything that streamlines that process and allows us to create conditions for economic growth is to be welcomed.

    Professor Chris Shirling-Rooke MBE, Chief Executive of Maritime UK, said: 

    We welcome this announcement, which will provide valuable support for our coastal communities. These regions represent a significant opportunity for economic growth and job creation, vital for strengthening our proud maritime nation. We appreciate the government’s continued commitment to the maritime sector and this announcement highlights just that.

    Industry and the wider public are now invited to give their views on the proposals as part of a consultation on the NPSP.

    This is part of the government’s determination to go lockstep with the sector, to ensure prosperity for industry as well as for people across the UK.

    Maritime media enquiries

    Media enquiries 0300 7777 878

    Switchboard 0300 330 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 5 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Gold Winner of the Edison Awards-Smart Aqua Leak Finder by the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI)

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    The Smart Aqua Leak Finder is a portable device that utilizes AI-driven acoustic technology and GPS mapping to detect underground pipe water leaks in three seconds with 98% accuracy. By minimizing repair time and water loss, it offers an innovative solution to overcome global water scarcity.

    The Smart Aqua Leak Finder improves leak location precision, water flow sound analysis, and repair efficiency. The portable device, along with its mobile cloud acoustic system, detects leaks in just three seconds with 98% accuracy, exceeding the 90% of traditional manual inspections. With 5G & IoT, results are accessible on mobile devices for review. Patented in the U.S. and Taiwan, the system is compatible with various pipe types and highly scalable. Field-tested in disaster recovery, it reduces water loss, repair costs, and downtime. By streamlining workflows, this innovation eliminates the need for inspectors to wear earphones during surveys, minimizes unnecessary excavations, and offers a smart water management solution.

    With the Smart Aqua Leak Finder, Taiwan Water Corporation has inspected 105,500 meters of underground pipelines and identified 564 leaks, reducing water loss by 13,404 tons per day, with projected annual savings of 4.88 million tons-an amount equivalent to nearly 2,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools. During the Hualien earthquake in April 2024, the technology quickly diagnosed leak water issues, expediting pipe repairs to resume water supply. It also won an IWA 2024 Project Innovation Award. This innovation has strong potential in optimizing water resource management in water-scarce regions and preserving infrastructure in historic European cities through non-invasive detection. It can be deployed globally for efficient water pipeline network inspection.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man from El Salvador charged with making false statement

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Oscar David Contreras Guzman, 49, a citizen of El Salvador, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with making a false statement, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Sasha Mascarenhas, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in the early morning hours of May 17, 2025, Guzman was driving a commercial truck bearing Maryland license plates at the Lewiston Bridge Port of Entry. When asked for identification during primary inspection, Guzman presented a Maryland State Driver’s License. He also claimed to be a citizen of Mexico and indicated that he had been refused entry into Canada, after making a wrong turn onto the Lewiston Bridge, on his way to Michigan. Guzman was referred to secondary to determine his immigration status in the United States. During secondary inspection, Guzman again stated that he was a citizen of Mexico and had in his possession a Mexican Consular ID card. A fingerprint check determined that he was in fact Oscar David Contreras Guzman, a citizen of El Salvador, and was previously removed from the United States in April 2007.

    This investigation is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

    The complaint is the result of an investigation by Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy.

    The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.   

    # # # #

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Guatemalan man pleads guilty, sentenced for making false statement

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BUFFALO, NY—U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Gendry Amilcar Niz-Niz, 25, a native of Guatemala, pleaded guilty to making a false statement before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. Niz-Niz was then sentenced to time served and turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. 

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Sasha Mascarenhas, who handled the case, stated that on March 16, 2025, during a traffic stop, Niz-Niz provided a name and identification card, which did not match his true identity, to law enforcement. During the traffic stop, law enforcement learned, through fingerprint analysis and immigration checks, Niz-Niz’s identity.

    This investigation is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

    The plea and sentencing are the result of an investigation by the Lockport Police Department, under the direction of Chief Steven Abbott and U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Patrol Agent-in-Charge Martin B. Coombs.

    # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: British Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Stealing Nearly $1.9 Million in Romance Fraud Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PORTLAND, Ore.—A British man was sentenced to federal prison today for stealing nearly $1.9 million from a Portland resident in a romance fraud scheme.

    Oscar Peters, 65, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison and 3 years’ supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $1,892,439 in restitution to his victim.

    According to court documents, Peters met his victim through Millionaire Match Maker, an online dating website, and convinced his victim that he was a billionaire living in Denmark seeking long-term commitment. Defendant engaged in daily romantic emails and phone calls with his victim and ingratiated himself with promises of marriage. Defendant then concocted elaborate lies about why he needed financial assistance – ranging from his soon-to-be ex-wife had frozen his assets or needed money to complete business obligations for their future together.  With defendant’s calculated promises to repay the money and move to Portland, over about two years he convinced his victim to send him nearly $1.9 million.

    On June 4, 2019, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a seven-count indictment charging Peters with wire fraud. On April 9, 2020, Peters was arrested in the United Kingdom where he remained in custody until he was extradited to the United States on October 23, 2023. On March 26, 2023, Peters pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Meredith Bateman, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Career Criminal Sentenced to Thirteen Years in Federal Prison for Manufacturing and Selling THC and Psilocybin Products Nationwide

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PORTLAND, Ore.—Jered Hayward, 45, of Salem, Oregon, was sentenced today to 156 months in prison after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute over 1,000 kilograms of marijuana and conspiracy to launder the proceeds. He also agreed to forfeit assets worth more than $2 million dollars.

    According to court documents, Hayward operated a large-scale THC and psilocybin production and distribution facility headquartered in Salem. As part of his operation, Hayward and his employees obtained cereal and candy products and infused or sprayed potent THC oils on them.  They then inserted the edibles into packages which mimicked the legitimate consumer food products, and sold them throughout the United States and internationally. While there was no evidence Hayward deliberately targeted minors, the manner in which his organization packaged the edibles posed a risk to children, who are often unable to comprehend the fine print warnings that the packages contained THC products.

    Hayward’s organization utilized encrypted communications such as Telegram to market, sell and process orders, and straw businesses to mask money laundering transactions. Hayward had no permits or licenses to produce or sell these products; the entire operation was illegal.

    Hayward has an extensive criminal record, including three prior state and federal convictions for marijuana and fentanyl trafficking. Because of these convictions, he is a career criminal under federal law.

    Hayward agreed to forfeit substantial assets which he admitted were related to his drug and money laundering enterprise. As part of his guilty plea Hayward agreed to forfeit:

    • The Salem production facility;
    • More than $1 million in cash;
    • $640,000 worth of cryptocurrency and bank account funds;
    • More than $400,000 worth of gold and silver;
    • Jewelry and a Rolex watch; and
    • Twelve vehicles, two UTV’s, and boats.

    This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, Portland Police Bureau, United States Postal Inspection, Oregon State Police, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Salem Police Department and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Kemp Strickland and Christopher Cardani, Assistant United States Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Drug Trafficker Unlawfully Residing in Oregon Sentenced to Federal Prison for Role in Fatal Fentanyl Overdose

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PORTLAND, Ore.— A Portland area drug trafficker was sentenced to federal prison today for his role in distributing illicit fentanyl that resulted in the fatal overdose of a young man in Washington County, Oregon.

    Efrain Roberto Diaz-Rangel, 35, a Mexican national unlawfully residing in Portland, was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison and four years’ supervised release. 

    According to court documents, in April 2023, the Westside Interagency Narcotics Team (WIN) began investigating a suspected fentanyl overdose of the adult male victim in Washington County. In May 2023, WIN requested investigative assistance from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Interdiction Task Force (HIT), and Portland Police Bureau (PPB).

    Investigators determined that several people were involved in a distribution chain responsible for selling counterfeit Oxycodone pills manufactured with illicit fentanyl. Investigators identified Diaz-Rangel as an originating source of fentanyl in Oregon and learned that he trafficked fentanyl and heroin for a Mexico-based drug dispatcher.

    On June 27, 2023, as part of a controlled buy, HSI special agents arrested Diaz-Rangel. At the time of his arrest, Diaz-Rangel possessed approximately 1,000 counterfeit pills and a small quantity of heroin. Later that day, investigators executed a search warrant on Diaz-Rangel’s residence and located an additional 30,000 counterfeit pills containing fentanyl, four pounds of heroin, and more than $10,000 in cash.

    On June 27, 2023, Diaz-Rangel was charged by criminal complaint with possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin.

    On March 4, 2025, Diaz-Rangel pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

    This case was jointly investigated by WIN and HSI with assistance from the HIDTA HIT and PPB. It was prosecuted by Scott M. Kerin, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

    Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 80 to 100 times more powerful than morphine and 30 to 50 times more powerful than heroin. A 3-milligram dose of fentanyl—a few grains of the substance—is enough to kill an average adult male. The wide availability of illicit fentanyl in Oregon has caused a dramatic increase in overdose deaths throughout the state.

    If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

    If you or someone you know suffers from addiction, please call the Lines for Life substance abuse helpline at 1-800-923-4357 or visit www.linesforlife.org. Phone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also text “RecoveryNow” to 839863 between 2pm and 6pm Pacific Time daily.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Special Report: Education Cooperation Boosts China-Russia Friendship

    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

    Moscow, June 5 (Xinhua) — “The meaning of studying in Russia for me is not only to gain knowledge but also to get to know another culture,” Chinese student Shen Daiyu told Xinhua.

    In recent years, China-Russia cooperation in the field of education has continually achieved new results. According to the Chinese side, in 2023, the total number of Chinese students studying in Russia exceeded 58 thousand, and Russian students in China – 16 thousand. In addition, 14 specialized associations have been created, covering more than 600 universities in the two countries.

    Shen Daiyu studied Russian as an undergraduate. After completing her undergraduate degree, she entered the master’s program at several universities, and chose to study at the Higher School of Translation and Interpreting at Lomonosov Moscow State University.

    “I believe that the best way to learn a language is to immerse yourself in the culture it represents. In Moscow, I can not only communicate with locals, but also visit the Bolshoi Theater and the Tchaikovsky Concert Hall to enjoy Russia’s artistic masterpieces. In addition, I see street musicians everywhere, which makes me feel the passion Russians have for life,” the Chinese woman shared.

    Russian students also have the opportunity to learn about Chinese culture at universities in China, including Nick Gu, a graduate student at Tsinghua University in Beijing.

    “China’s rapid development has opened up unprecedented opportunities and career prospects for foreigners who speak Chinese,” says Nick Gu, who has been studying Chinese for nearly 20 years. His excellent command of the language has led him to become a host at student events on numerous occasions. As a political science major, he notes, “I especially enjoy the weekly seminars where my classmates and I discuss Sino-Russian relations and exchange opinions.”

    At the same time, the scope and depth of educational cooperation between China and Russia continues to expand. For example, language teaching: as of early April this year, more than 140 universities and over 220 schools in Russia offer Chinese language courses. In addition, there are 19 Confucius Institutes, five Confucius Classrooms, and many other institutions of additional education in the country that teach Chinese.

    In February of this year, Moscow School No. 548 “Tsaritsyno” hosted a concert dedicated to the Spring Festival /Chunjie, Chinese New Year according to the lunar calendar/ and the 20th anniversary of the School of Chinese Language and Culture of China at School No. 548. “The successes of our students and graduates are our joy. This is what we work for, what we strive to instill in our children a love for Chinese culture and the Chinese language,” said Deputy Principal of School No. 548, Head of the School of Chinese Language and Culture of China at School No. 548 Lyubov Konyushenko in an interview with Xinhua.

    Last year, School No. 548 graduate Sofia Don entered the Institute of Media and Communications at Shanghai Jiaotong University. “I chose to study at a Chinese university, on the one hand, out of interest in Chinese culture, and on the other, because of my desire for the country’s high-quality educational resources,” she says. “Wherever I live and work in the future, I want to contribute to the development of ties between Russia and China.”

    At the level of inter-university cooperation, China and Russia have also achieved significant results. The China-Russia Mathematics Center, established in 2020 on the initiative of Peking University and Moscow State University, actively develops international research teams, promotes the construction of international cooperation bases, carries out joint training of specialists and organizes academic exchanges, strengthening the results of scientific and educational cooperation between China and Russia.

    MSU-BPI University in Shenzhen /Guangdong Province, South China/ is the first Chinese-Russian joint university, a flagship project of humanitarian and educational cooperation between the two countries. In 2024, the number of students studying at this university reached a record 3,500 people. Among the bachelor’s degree graduates of 2024, the proportion of those who found a job or continued their education reached 95%, and the proportion of those who entered master’s programs was 73%.

    From primary education to higher education, from language teaching to scientific cooperation, the educational cooperation between China and Russia continues to deepen and expand. The youth of the two countries will continue to march forward shoulder to shoulder, continuing to write new chapters in the history of China-Russia cultural exchanges and friendship that has been passed down from generation to generation. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Gold Winner of the Edison Awards-Dual-Phase Hydrogel by the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI)

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    The Dual-Phase Hydrogel is an injectable biomaterial that gels at body temperature, preventing post-operative adhesions and enabling accelerated cell growth to facilitate faster recovery. Its unique gel formation extends the therapeutic effects of wound-healing factors for up to 30 days, significantly outperforming traditional hydrogels that are quickly broken down by the body.

    The temperature-sensitive feature allows the Dual-Phase Hydrogel to work as a drug delivery system for accelerating wound healing. The biomaterial turns into a colloid within a minute of injection, and its high viscosity makes it suitable to treat wounds longer, preventing post-surgical adhesions and severe pain. The product biodegrades into water or urine over time.

    Dual-Phase Hydrogel, when in a liquid state, can be easily administered by injection, minimizing the risk and complications incurred by surgical interventions. It can be applied to hard-to-reach injury sites such as joints and spine. When in its gelatinous state, the Dual-Phase Hydrogel maintains long-term therapeutic effects since it can occupy the wounded area longer than traditional hydrogels. Depending on the disease, its degradation rate is adjustable, with effects lasting up to 30 days. Currently, no spinal anti-adhesion products have received US FDA approval; however, the Dual-Phase Hydrogel, with an FDA Master File for Devices (MAF), now offers an effective and safe treatment for patients after spinal surgery.

    The Dual-Phase Hydrogel provides a revolutionary solution for healing, significantly relieving the pain of patients suffering from diseases such as lumbar laminectomy, knee osteoarthritis, and bone fracture. Its longer residence at the injury site (up to a month) can enhance wound care and avoid repeated injections. It also eliminates the need for open surgery and its risks. With further development of this product, significant medical costs can be saved for both patients and hospitals. Meanwhile, individuals’ wellness is greatly improved by this minimally invasive innovation. In collaboration with the University of Georgia, ITRI has successfully introduced Dual-Phase Hydrogel to the US market to treat bone fractures in dogs and cats.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Gold Winner of the Edison Awards-NaPoGlass by the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI)

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Globally, about one million tons of discarded LCD glass are produced each year, most of which is buried, causing environmental damage. ITRI developed NaPoGlass, an optimal solution for recycling LCD glass while addressing wastewater treatment.

    NaPoGlass is a nanoporous composite made from waste LCD glass. It can adsorb metal ions and filters wastewater without leaving metal sediment. This innovation enables water recycling, and after multiple uses, it can be repurposed into products such as humidity-regulating tiles, deodorizing insoles, and antibacterial keyboards.

    NaPoGlass turns recycled LCD glass into a valuable adsorbent through a patented nanopore formation technique. It has a glass structure skeleton with pores ranging from 2 nm to 20 nm, yielding a surface area of about 200 square meter/g and can adsorb up to 200 mg of positively charged metal ions per gram. Metal ions are stably present in NaPoGlass’ nanopores in ionic form. As a result, they exhibit ion-specific properties including water absorption through calcium ions, antibacterial properties from copper ions and deodorization by nickel ions.

    Chemical coagulation is the primary method for treating heavy metal wastewater. A drawback is the difficulty in recycling the water and metals, leading to metal sludge. NaPoGlass is designed for efficient metal removal from wastewater via adsorption. Its metal adsorption capacity is 20% of its weight and the removal efficiency is greater than 99%.

    NaPoGlass can be reused 20 times through adsorbing and desorbing processes or recycled as functional additives. Both the treated water and the desorbed metals can be reused. NaPoGlass offers a sludge-free, cost-effective solution crucial for metal wastewater treatment and has only one-fifth of the carbon emissions of chemical coagulation.

    NaPoGlass has been adopted by ten surface treatment plants, resulting in 10,000 tons of recycled water, recovering 500 kg of metals, and reducing carbon emissions by 100 tons. Products derived from NaPoGlass, such as humidity-regulating tiles, deodorizing insoles, and antibacterial keyboards are also being produced. This solution not only benefits e-waste management but also helps pollution-intensive industries achieve wastewater reclamation, contributing to global sustainability.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Groundbreaking discovery of ‘new’ pain target brings hope for those with chronic pain In a groundbreaking discovery, chronic pain has been shown to be physiologically different from acute pain and now scientists have the roadmap for how to target it.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    In a groundbreaking discovery, chronic pain has been shown to be physiologically different from acute pain and now scientists have the roadmap for how to target it.
    Researchers from the University of Aberdeen, Academia Sinica in Taiwan and a group of international experts say the discovery brings hope for sufferers of chronic pain and fibromyalgia.
    The team identified that in the nervous system chronic pain is processed differently from the pain that comes from an injury or over exertion.
    Crucially, they found a new and distinct separate physiological pathway for this chronic type of pain, which means it can now be a target for future therapies.
    Dr Guy Bewick, Senior Lecturer in Neurosciences at the University of Aberdeen, explains: “We all know there are different types of pain. There is the sharp stinging pain of pricking your finger with a needle, and there is also the chronic pain of muscle soreness after unaccustomed exercise. Nevertheless, most of us in the West, including scientists, regard both simply as ‘pain’. Currently, Western medicine is very often ineffective for chronic pain.
    “However, Eastern cultures have differentiated for many centuries, calling the latter ‘sng’ in Taiwanese, or ‘suan tong’ (sour pain) in Mandarin. The stinging pain from sharp objects and surgery can usually be treated effectively with common painkillers, but chronic pain often cannot. 
    “New treatments require an identifiably different drug target. This study has found that target. Specifically, we discovered the mechanism of this pain we call ‘sng’.”
    The discovery of the new pain pathway is described by the team as ‘a paradigm-shifting discovery that has fundamentally changed our understanding of human sensory systems and challenged the central dogma of pain biology that has been established in the past 50 years.’
    Dr Guy Bewick, and his team identified crucial evidence which laid the foundations for the discovery in Taiwan.
    Dr Bewick’s team discovered that a molecule called glutamate is released in muscles to activate a highly unusual receptor. This sparked a collaboration with Professor Chen’s team in Taiwan who found that too much glutamate release activated pain nerves nearby making them permanently active and not switch off as they normally would. Crucially, they then discovered that blocking the newly discovered, highly unusual, glutamate receptor entirely stopped the chronic pain being triggered.
    Dr Bewick said that: “This discovery means scientists can now start to develop new treatments specifically targeting this new pain pathway which does not respond to standard painkillers.
    “This has the potential to help the many people whose pain is currently inadequately treated.”
    The wider research was led by Professor Chih-Cheng Chen from Academia Sinica, supported by National Science and Technology Council’s Brain Technology Project and an Investigator Award of Academia Sinica.
    They were able to differentiate between the two types of pain by genetically silencing neuronal pathways in a mouse model and then testing the theory in practice in a patient with a spinal cord injury that blocked ‘standard’ pain but spared the newly discovered pathway, in the Taipei Medical University Hospital in Taiwan.
    Professor Chen explains: “Fundamentally, we found that sng persists even in people who have lost other pain sensation, for example, a patient with spinal cord damage did not notice when he had broken a toe but could still perceive ‘sng’ and position in the same leg.
    “Clearly, therefore, sng is a separate pathway.
    “The identification of a different mechanism for this type of chronic pain is an essential first step to start to develop new treatments specifically targeting this pathway, which does not respond to standard painkillers, to help the many people whose pain is currently inadequately treated.
    “This finding could lead to new pain relief treatments for such conditions as fibromyalgia, exercise-induced muscle pain (DOMS), rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic pain after spinal surgery.
    “It is a truly ground-breaking discovery in pain research.”
    Dr Robert Banks, a Visiting Researcher in Biosciences and the Biophysical Sciences Institute of Durham University, who contributed to this work and who collaborated with Dr Bewick on the fundamental discoveries that led to it, added: “It is very pleasing that a potentially important contribution to human health has developed from our original basic scientific observations.”

    Scientists can now start to develop new treatments specifically targeting this pathway, which does not respond to standard painkillers, to help the many people whose pain is currently inadequately treated.” Dr Guy Bewick

    Professor Chen added: “With this finding we now have a neurobiological basis of the difference between sng and pain, which annotates a new era of pain medicine.
    “Further research into the development of sng-killers and sng management is ushering in a new wave of revolution in the biomedical industry and medical field, as well as bringing hope for millions of patients suffering from intractable sng-type pain.”
    Professor Sonia Aitken CEO of Pain Association Scotland added: “Pain Association Scotland welcome this continued research within the field of chronic pain. Such advancing knowledge is essential to fostering innovation, informing thoughtful decision-making, but more importantly, helping to improve the quality of life for those living with chronic pain.”
    Marlene Lowe
    Marlene Lowe, 35, lives in Aberdeen with her partner, Mark, and their two-year-old springer spaniels, Spock and Cheese.
    Marlene describes her experience of living with the chronic pain condition fibromyalgia: “I was first diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) in my early twenties, after pushing myself through two degrees and several years of debilitating illness. I was sick every couple of weeks with no clear explanation, and for a long time it felt like maybe it was all in my head. When I finally received a diagnosis, I cried—not because there was a solution, but because I finally had validation. It wasn’t just in my imagination.
    “That’s the hardest part of living with an invisible illness—or one that makes you invisible by shutting you away from the world. You begin to question everything. It’s hard to think clearly, to trust your instincts, and you constantly feel like your life no longer belongs to you. I once read someone describe CFS as “the illness that takes your life away, but doesn’t have the decency to kill you.” In the early years, that’s exactly how it felt.
    “About a decade later, I started experiencing a new kind of pain—something I couldn’t explain away with my CFS, which I’d mostly managed to get under control. Just as I felt I was reclaiming parts of my life, the cycle of doctor’s appointments, symptom tracking, and self-doubt began again. Over and over, I was told it was my weight or my CFS, and no one seemed willing to acknowledge the severity of the pain I was in.
    “It was actually my family and friends who first suggested I look into fibromyalgia, and that was the first time I felt a glimmer of hope. At 34, I saw a new GP and arrived with a full list of symptoms and everything I’d been doing to try and help myself. He listened. He believed me. He confirmed it wasn’t just in my head and told me I was already doing everything right. He was so confident in his diagnosis that rheumatology signed it off without even needing an additional assessment. That’s when I learned how far a detailed symptom log and a little self-assurance can go when speaking to doctors.
    “This journey can be incredibly lonely. Chronic pain is hard to explain to someone who hasn’t lived it — how you can keep going despite everything hurting, or how the choice to stop feels like giving up entirely. There are days when functioning is an act of defiance, a refusal to surrender to the exhaustion or pain.
    “Some medical professionals have been brilliant—really taking the time to listen and treat me like a person, not a puzzle. Others, unfortunately, have been quick to make assumptions. Too often, there’s a rush to explain symptoms away rather than look at the full picture. But when someone takes just a few extra minutes to genuinely engage, it makes all the difference.
    “I’ve been lucky. My mother, who also lives with autoimmune conditions, has been my anchor. She helped me find the words when I couldn’t express how I was feeling. Friends who’ve gone through similar experiences have shared what worked for them, and I’ve tried just about everything, from nutritional changes to alternative therapies, in an effort to manage symptoms and reclaim some sense of control. My partner has been unwavering in his support, gently encouraging me to pace myself and always looking for ways to make daily life more manageable. He’s held me up, quite literally, since the fibromyalgia diagnosis.”
    Marlene has experience of trying various medications to ease her symptoms: “Pain medication is a complicated area. Most of the time, it doesn’t feel like it makes a significant difference, and ideally, I’d love to live a life free from meds altogether. But that’s not always possible. This path has been one of constant trial and error—trying everything from conventional treatments to alternative approaches, focusing on nutrition, sleep, and gradually improving my fitness where I can.
    “A lot of the progress I’ve made has come through self-discovery and community—not through the medical system. And that feels like a missed opportunity, because not everyone has access to the kind of support I’ve been fortunate to have. I honestly don’t know where I’d be without the people in my life who believed me, helped me advocate for myself, and reminded me that I’m not alone.
    “I am delighted to see that there is more work being done to try to understand and treat chronic pain conditions and it gives me hope for a pain-free future.”
    Dr Rachael Dobson, a GP from Bentley Medical Practice at Redcar Primary Care Hospital who increasingly sees patients living with chronic pain supports the research saying: “Managing chronic pain as a GP is both professionally and emotionally challenging. Every patient’s experience is unique, and finding the right balance of treatment is difficult and time consuming.
    “Many patients come to appointments exhausted, frustrated, and often disheartened by the lack of immediate relief, and frequently despite my best efforts, it is often impossible to completely eliminate their pain. 
    “One of the hardest aspects is managing expectations. Chronic pain is rarely something that can be ‘fixed,’ and helping patients navigate that reality while offering hope takes patience and empathy. It’s a journey of trial and adjustment, and sometimes, just acknowledging the weight of their experience makes all the difference.  
    “This step towards a new type of painkiller has the potential to transform the lives of the many, many patients living with chronic pain every day.” 
    The full paper is published in Science Advances.

    Related Content

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Graves, Budzinski Introduce Save America’s Rural Hospitals Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sam Graves (6th District of Missouri)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Sam Graves (R-MO) and Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (D-IL) reintroduced the bipartisan Save America’s Rural Hospitals Act to help struggling rural hospitals stay open and continue serving their communities. Rising costs and falling Medicare reimbursement rates have pushed many to the brink—this bill gives them the lifeline they need.

    “Falling Medicare reimbursement rates have been hammering rural hospitals for years,” said Congressman Graves. “In the last 15 years, more than 150 rural hospitals have closed, and hundreds more are at risk. When these hospitals shut down, families lose access to care, good-paying jobs disappear, and entire communities suffer. I’m proud to reintroduce this bipartisan bill to make commonsense reforms, keep rural hospitals open, and ensure folks can get the care they need without having to drive hours to find it.” 

    “Rural hospitals are a lifeline for the folks they serve. But with healthcare costs rising and outdated Medicare repayment rules, many have been forced to close their doors,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “The Save America’s Rural Hospitals Act offers a real solution to help rural hospitals become more financially solvent so they can continue to serve our communities. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation with Congressman Graves to make sure that every American can access quality care – no matter where they live.”

    Since 2010, more than 150 rural hospitals across the country have closed their doors—forcing patients to travel further to get the care they need and leaving others to put off necessary healthcare. Today, 453 rural hospitals are currently operating at levels similar to those that have shut down over the last decade.

    The Save America’s Rural Hospitals Act will reverse this dangerous trend by:

    • Eliminating Medicare sequestration for rural hospitals,

    • Making Medicare telehealth service enhancements permanent for Federally Qualified Health Centers and Rural Health Clinics, and

    • Making permanent increased Medicare payments for rural ground ambulance services.

    You can read the bill here.

    You can read highlights of the bill here.

    What They Are Saying:

     “The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) applauds Representatives Graves and Budzinski for introducing the Save America’s Rural Hospitals Act. Since 2010, 190 rural hospitals have closed their doors or stopped providing inpatient care, leaving the majority of those communities without access to care. The provisions in this important legislation will support the rural health infrastructure and ensure that the 60 million Americans who call rural America home will maintain local access to the care they need.” – Alan Morgan, Chief Executive Officer, National Rural Health Association 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: LaMalfa Applauds DOT Report Confirming California High-Speed Rail Has No Path Forward

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Doug LaMalfa 1st District of California

    Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) applauded the U.S. Department of Transportation’s newly released compliance report confirming that California’s High-Speed Rail project is in default of its federal grant agreements and has no viable path to completion.

    The 315-page report, released by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, cites years of mismanagement, missed deadlines, inflated ridership projections, and a staggering $7 billion funding gap just to complete a small segment between Merced and Bakersfield. The full cost of the project has now ballooned to $128 billion. Notably, the Federal Railroad Administration stated it has no confidence CHSRA will ever deliver an operating high-speed rail system and found that the state cannot support the representations it made when applying for Federal funds. In other words, California misled the federal government to secure billions in taxpayer dollars—and still has nothing to show for it.

    “This report confirms what Californians have known for years: this project is a train to nowhere. It was supposed to be done by 2020. Now they’re saying 2030 just to finish a small stretch that costs more than the entire original plan. The price tag has quadrupled to $128 billion, they’re now an incredible $110 billion short, and have only raised about $17 billion after 17 years. They’ve barely built anything. It’s a waste of time, money, and trust—a shining example of government waste. The state has not held up its end of the deal. It’s well past time to shut this down and send the money to real infrastructure projects that can actually be delivered, like water storage that California desperately needs, or road repairs and traffic relief. I appreciate Secretary Duffy’s leadership in holding the line for taxpayers. It’s long past time for accountability,” said Rep. LaMalfa.

    Congressman LaMalfa joined Secretary Duffy earlier this year at a press conference calling attention to the project’s mounting failures and urging a full federal review. The report issued today by the Federal Railroad Administration makes clear that the California High-Speed Rail Authority has failed to meet its basic obligations under the $4 billion in federal grant funding it received.

    The DOT has given the state until mid-July to respond before the administration moves to terminate the grants. You can find a full copy of the letter and report, here.

    Congressman Doug LaMalfa is Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus and a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District, including Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama and Yuba Counties.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Beware of counterfeit mobile apps purporting to be made by Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Office

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Office of the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau today (June 5) again appealed to members of the public for heightened vigilance against counterfeit mobile apps purporting to be made by the Office.
     
         The spokesman for the Office said that some mobile apps carrying the Office’s name and logo have recently been circulating online again for public downloading. The Office solemnly clarified that it has no connection with those mobile apps and has reported the incident to the Police for follow-up. Members of the public should stay vigilant and are strongly advised not to visit or download them. The Office has not provided mobile apps on any online platform about the joint development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Members of the public should report to the local police as soon as practicable if a scam is suspected.
     
         For enquiries about the online information of the Office, please call 2810 2059 or email enquiry@bayarea.gov.hk.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Parliamentarians unite in Helsinki to advance gender equality in politics

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: Parliamentarians unite in Helsinki to advance gender equality in politics

    Participants in the event ‘Realizing Gender Equality in and by Parliaments’. Helsinki, 3 June 2025 (OSCE) Photo details

    More than 60 parliamentarians and experts from Europe and Central Asia gathered at the Finnish Parliament for a two-day workshop on gender-sensitive parliaments, organized by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) with support from the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, and OSCE field operations. Entitled Realizing Gender Equality in and by Parliaments, the workshop highlighted the critical role of national parliaments in driving progress toward gender equality.
    “It is difficult to recognize inequality when you are on the side of the privileged. Equality work must be continuous to respond to societal changes. The goal of equality policy is a society in which every individual has the opportunity to grow to their full potential,” highlighted Tarja Filatov, Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Finland in her opening remarks.
    “A gender-sensitive parliament does not only mean equal participation of women and men,” said OSCE PA President Pia Kauma. “It is much more than that. It reflects the diverse needs and experiences of all people in its work, structures, policies, and culture. That is why advocating for gender-sensitive parliaments does not mean favouring women. It simply benefits democracy, good governance, and peace and security.”
    In the 30 years since the Beijing Platform for Action set out international norms on women’s rights and gender equality, many national parliaments across the OSCE region have taken steps to implement gender-sensitive practices, often in co-operation with academia, civil society, and international partners. Some parliaments have conducted gender audits, developed parliamentary gender action plans, set up targeted gender equality committees, and introduced practices of gender-sensitive lawmaking and oversight. However, significant gaps remain, and much work is still required to ensure that all parliaments across the OSCE region become truly gender-sensitive institutions.
    “As institutions at the heart of our democracies parliaments are uniquely positioned to legislate for change, and at the same time they embody the values of equality, inclusivity and representation,” said Tea Jaliashvili, ODIHR’s First Deputy Director.
    The workshop provided a platform for Members of Parliament to reflect on how to embed gender equality more effectively within parliamentary work. Discussions underlined the importance of institutional reforms, gender-sensitive legislation and oversight, addressing violence against women in politics, and engaging men as active partners in advancing equality.
    A highlight of the workshop was the endorsement of the Helsinki Pledges on Gender-sensitive Parliaments in the OSCE Region by all participants. The Pledges call on national parliaments to commit to working towards gender-sensitive parliaments and targeted action to realise this aim in all their functions, from representation through lawmaking, to oversight.
    “All of the legislative work we do in our national parliaments needs to be looked carefully through the gender lens and unfortunately none of us is doing this well enough yet. We have to do better.  Also, we can do better in empowering women in business as well as in politics. We need to start engaging women from grass-roots level and support them for example with finding the proper funding”, said Saara Sofia Sirén, Finnish MP and the Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office on Gender.
    Participants agreed that the Helsinki Pledges should be discussed widely in parliaments across the OSCE region and used as a basis for action and dialogue.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man who threatened to stab father in rap video guilty of murder

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man has been convicted of murdering a father in front of his young child in a barbershop in Leyton.

    Josh McKay, 33, was stabbed in the neck by Renai Belle in a targeted attack and died from his injuries at the scene. During the Metropolitan Police investigation, officers discovered a rap video showing Belle threaten Josh before the attack.

    On Wednesday, 4 June at the Old Bailey, Belle, 30 (20.02.95), of Swaythling Close, Edmonton was convicted of Josh’s murder and possession of a knife. A man and woman were also convicted of separate offences.

    Detective Inspector Chris Griffith, from Specialist Crime North, who led the investigation, said: “This was a savage and pre-planned attack, committed in broad daylight and with scant regard for passers-by. What took place left the local community reeling, and two young children without their father.

    “My heart goes out to Josh’s family and friends. He was a loving parent, whose life was ended in the most horrendous way.

    “I hope that today’s result provides Josh’s family with some closure, and allows the community to feel safer knowing that Belle is no longer free to commit such heinous crimes.”

    The court heard that Josh was at a barbershop on Lea Bridge Road with his son on Saturday, 6 July. Around 15:00hrs, as shown on CCTV seized by the investigation team, Belle entered the shop wearing a balaclava where he stabbed Josh in the neck in a pre-meditated attack following a long-standing dispute. Belle was then chased away by Josh.

    Members of the public rushed to Josh’s aid and attempted to provide medical treatment until the arrival of officers and paramedics. Despite their best efforts, Josh died from his injuries.

    A determined investigation began immediately in which officers painstakingly combed through more than 100 hours of CCTV footage to track Belle’s movements and understand what took place.

    Officers discovered that Belle was the passenger in a car being driven by his partner, Tenika Parker. Having seen Josh enter the barbershop, the pair drove to the address of man called Daniel Copper. In doorbell footage later seized, Cooper was seen providing Belle with the balaclava and knife that would be used minutes later to murder Josh. Belle was then driven back to the barbers nearby before stabbing Josh. He was helped to escape by Parker in the waiting car.

    A manhunt led to the arrest of Belle at an address in Pincott Road, SW19 on Monday 8 July, 2024.

    As part of officers’ determination to further establish a watertight case against Belle, officers carried out further enquiries. They discovered a rap video on YouTube showing Belle threaten Josh in advance of the attack, further proof that it was pre-planned.

    Parker was initially arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender on Sunday, 7 July in India Dock Road, Poplar. She was stopped by police while driving the car that had been identified as involved in the murder. During a search of Parker’s vehicle, officers found distinct black sliders Belle was seen wearing in CCTV footage, as well as traces of blood that officers sent for forensic testing. This provided a DNA match to Josh. Parker was rearrested on Wednesday, 2 October, and charged with perverting the course of justice after CCTV footage showed her attempting to clean her car after the attack to remove any evidence.

    Cooper was arrested after handing himself in to police on Thursday, 11 July. During a search at Cooper’s property, officers discovered two knives matching the branding of the weapon that was left at the scene of Josh’s murder. Forensic testing on the balaclava and knife discarded by Belle at the scene of Josh’s murder found DNA that matched with Cooper.

    Tenika Parker, 39 (21.02.86), of Canterbury Road, Leytonstone and Daniel Cooper, 22 (20.02.03) of Gosport Road, Leytonstone stood trial alongside Belle. Parker was convicted of possession of a knife and perverting the course of justice. Cooper had previously pleaded guilty to possession of a knife but was acquitted of other offences.

    Cooper will be sentenced at the Old Bailey on Friday, 6 June.

    Belle and Parker will be sentenced at the Old Bailey on Wednesday, 30 July.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Olli Rehn: Europe at the crossroads – common defence, re-emerging economy?

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    Presentation accompanying the speech

    Dear Friends of Bruegel and the Bank of Finland,

    It is a great pleasure to celebrate with you all today both the 20th anniversary of Bruegel and the 30th anniversary of Finland’s membership of the EU. It is indeed an honour to organise and hold this conference together with Bruegel and to celebrate Europe Day.

    The founders of Bruegel were truly visionary 20 years ago. They recognized a gap – a growing need for stronger economics-based analysis and research on the shaping of the European Union. Anchoring the think tank firmly with EU Member States was also a wise decision.

    I had the privilege and pleasure of being present – if not at Bruegel’s creation, then certainly at its institutional foundation – as economic policy advisor to Finland’s Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen. The Finnish Government, specifically the Ministry of Finance, decided to become a founding member institution. More recently, the Bank of Finland also joined the club, and we have made good use of Bruegel’s valuable work.

    Today, we all appreciate Bruegel for its diverse and independent research, which significantly enhances evidence-based and research-informed policymaking in Europe. Let me extend my warmest congratulations and wish you many more dynamic and productive years as Europe’s leading policy think tank.

    Dear Friends,

    Europe Day today marks the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, which laid out the foundation for European integration. In 1950 Europe was still recovering from the human and economic devastation of the Second World War.

    From the Finnish standpoint, the immediate post-war years were not a brilliant time to be a small nation. As Private Rahikainen put it in Väinö Linna’s The Unknown Soldier, in response to a minister’s idealistic speech after the armistice in September 1944:

     “To hell with their damned speeches. When your powder’s all gone, it’s better to keep your mouth shut than go spouting about the rights of small nations. A dog raises his hind leg on them.”

    The Schuman Declaration nevertheless turned the tide and became the starting point for Pax Europaea, the long period of relative peace with notably few conflicts between European countries.

    Indeed, an essential manifestation of Europe as a peace project is the EU’s 2012 Nobel Peace Prize. The European Union had, by then, “for over six decades contributed to the advancement of peace and reconciliation, democracy and human rights in Europe”.

    Slide 2: Outline of today’s talk

    I’d like to structure my remarks today under three themes. First, the seismic geopolitical shift which the world is currently witnessing. Second, the need for immediate investments in common defence to secure Europe’s peace. And third, revitalising the EU economy through advancements in innovation, trade and productivity.

    Slide 3: Power politics is overshadowing the world economy

    Let me start with the shifting geopolitical landscape, which presents the EU with significant new security challenges.

    The rules-based international order, on which Europe built its post-war recovery, is under strain. Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump have each, in their own way, challenged this order − pushing for a world where great powers claim their spheres of influence and where might is only right. Such a tri-polar world would not be a world of peace and prosperity.

    Since the Second World War, for good reason we have trusted that it is in the enlightened self-interest of the United States to stand as the security backstop for the Euro-Atlantic community. To my mind, as a long-time student of US foreign and security policy, this self-interest has clearly been rational from the standpoint of the United States’ own national security and its global strategic interests and influence. However, the US is now making decisions based on a very different type of rationality that involves strained relations with the European Union.

    I am aware that some are holding out hope that this is just temporary – that we’ll be back to ‘the old normal’ in a few years. Two points on that. First, I would not bet on it – there is no guarantee of a policy U-turn, as we may be witnessing a deeper political current in the US. And second, even more fundamentally, we must ask: can European security over the longer term be left at the mercy of the political winds in Pennsylvania’s rust belt and seven swing states? Or should Europe finally take substantially greater responsibility for its own security?

    In my view, the answer is clear, given the current and probable future defence environment: Europe must build its own credible common defence. Supporting Ukraine and reinforcing European defence is imperative for the security of the whole of Europe. Common defence is a crucial European public good. We need a strong, independent Europe, capable of defending itself as the European pillar of Nato.

    The COVID-era recovery fund and earlier crisis responses have shown that the EU is capable of solidarity. A similar level of unity and quick decision-making is now needed for defence.

    Many EU countries have already increased defence spending. Germany has committed to major investments. Not all EU states currently have the fiscal capacity to follow suit. That’s why Europe must build joint capabilities, interoperable forces − and, if necessary, common financing.

    Europe would also benefit from a broad and liquid market for safe assets, such as the US enjoys. Bonds issued by EU institutions have consistently drawn strong investor demand. The currently unpredictable nature of US economic policy only increases the demand for stable investment options. Europe should capitalise on that by developing genuine safe assets – another field calling for Bruegel’s continued active input.

    Moreover, I have been reading with great interest about the proposal for a European Defence Mechanism (EDM), which was launched by Bruegel last month. Such an intergovernmental organisation would apparently be modelled on the existing and well-tested template of the European Stability Mechanism. I see many merits in this proposal and would love to dive deeper into this – but I shall refrain from doing so, as I suppose that the panel will shortly be discussing the EDM more closely.

    Let me nevertheless comment that Bruegel’s proposal includes cooperation with the United Kingdom, which shares our values and has a strong military. Despite no longer being part of the EU, the UK remains a key partner in Europe’s security architecture. I should also add that we cannot afford to be held back by foot-dragging or by hostile Member States, such as Hungary, which might wish to hinder progress.

    This is why we must, as Bruegel has done, search for creative solutions, typically driven by coalitions of the capable and willing, to ensure that we move forward with our shared goals.

    At the same time, we must work for more effective European institutional arrangements that better serve the common good. These should include a significantly larger EU budget and more streamlined decision-making structures.

    This is also an opportunity to make Europe economically and financially stronger, as we need a liquid and large market of safe assets, as I alluded to earlier. Could European defence bonds provide such safe assets? A precondition for this would be that these bonds would be used to finance genuine European public goods and be backed by larger common revenues in the future.

    Solidarity and unity within the EU are reinforced by standing together, demonstrating our commitment to collective security and prosperity. Let us recall that the Treaty on European Union offers the legal basis for common defence in its Article 42. Involvement from us all is vital in maintaining a united front and ensuring a peaceful and prosperous Europe for future generations.

    Slide 4: Growth in the euro area has been picking up

    My third and final theme is the re-emerging European economy. Yes, re-emerging, even though it provides a mixed picture today.

    Recent data has shown signs of recovery in the euro area, but the outlook remains clouded by exceptional uncertainty due to President Trump’s trade war. Employment is solid in the euro area, and unemployment is low at 6.2%. Private consumption has benefited from stronger real incomes. Investments in Europe’s common defence and infrastructure will bolster manufacturing further and strengthen long-term growth. Europe will continue to build up resilience against global shocks.

    With disinflation on track and the growth outlook weakening, we decided at the European Central Bank’s Governing Council meeting on 17 April to lower interest rates. This was the seventh reduction since last summer.

    Given the pervasive uncertainty, the Governing Council is maintaining full freedom of action in monetary policy. We will adjust our rates to bring inflation to 2% in the medium term – just as our strategy tells us to do.

    Slide 5: Bank of Finland’s scenario calculation: A trade war would weaken growth worldwide

    The elevated uncertainty brings me to the significant risks in our economic outlook, especially trade protectionism.

    An extensive trade war would weaken economic output worldwide, and we have already seen major turbulence in the global stock markets.

    Calculations by the Bank of Finland show that if the US were to impose tariffs targeting all imports from EU countries and China – raising them by 25 percentage points – and the EU were to take equivalent counter measures, world GDP could decline by over 0.5% in both 2025 and 2026. The impact on the euro area economy could be slightly greater, with the estimated GDP effect ranging from 0.7% to 1.5% in the first year, depending on the increased uncertainty and the extent of counter measures taken. With all the usual caveats, these figures illustrate the seriousness of the threat posed by a full-scale trade war.

    Bank of Finland’s earlier calculations concerning the effects of the trade war on the Finnish economy are in line with these estimated effects on the euro area economy. While the model estimations come with uncertainty, they consistently speak to significantly negative outcomes for open economies such as Finland, as a result of trade war.

    In my view, in the face of US protectionism, the European Commission’s response has been justified and rational. The Commission has rightly suggested a zero-for-zero tariff agreement between the EU and the US. While Europe remains committed to constructive negotiations with the US, the Commission has been preparing proportionate countermeasures to reinforce our negotiating position, with the aim of reaching a solution that benefits everybody and avoids further damage to growth.

    Slide 6: Investment needed now in security and productivity

    “This is Europe’s moment” has become a slogan of the era. But to what extent is there substance to it?

    No doubt, President Trump’s policies are compromising the United States’ economic and institutional dominance, while Europe’s position is benefiting from its stability and certain political developments.

    Yet, the fact remains that the size of the US bypasses the European economy significantly in many dimensions, especially in factor productivity and therefore in growth. Will Europe adopt Mario Draghi’s recommendations to boost productivity? European industry must strengthen its technological capabilities. Cutting-edge research and innovation, and investment in areas like AI, will be crucial.

    Furthermore, Europe’s Savings and Investment Union needs to be advanced. The US has a larger and more unified internal capital market which benefits from scaling, a strong venture capital ecosystem, and fewer regulatory hurdles. The US dollar may remain the world’s leading reserve currency at the centre of the global financial system. But many investors are keen to diversify their portfolios to euro-denominated assets, which will also strengthen the international role of the euro.

    The price of energy is a considerable burden to European competitiveness. Unlike the US, the EU has no abundant fossil fuel supplies, so there is no other viable strategy for increasing our energy security than decarbonisation and the green transition. The green transition in energy is not just climate action – it’s a geopolitical investment. So is the digital euro and the broader effort to bolster the international role of the euro.

    Human capital and academic freedom are among Europe’s greatest assets. As these freedoms are eroded in the United States, Europe has a unique opportunity. In my view, the EU should rapidly create a special visa programme for top researchers seeking intellectual freedom without political pressure. We must highlight Europe’s universities where critical thinking is encouraged and academic liberty protected. This is an investment in Europe’s future prosperity and influence.

    Slide 7: Conclusions

    To conclude, today’s world is experiencing yet another major transition, as it was 30 years ago when the Cold War came to an end. But now, unfortunately, it is moving in reverse gear.

    Europe’s external security and its soft power depend now on strengthening its hard power, particularly in terms of coordinated defence solutions. Moreover, despite the current uncertain geopolitical environment, international cooperation remains essential in a highly interconnected world. We stand for it.

    At the same time, Europe must strengthen its economic foundation by finding ways to increase productivity and hence fulfil its true potential. At the ECB, we will contribute to this by ensuring price stability and financial stability, thus laying the foundation for Europe’s economic and social re-emergence and long-term resilience.

    In sum, this truly is Europe’s moment. We must defend our way of life – solving conflict and making progress through reason, dialogue and democracy.

    As Reinhold Niebuhr, the theologian and international relations theorist from our western neighbour, once said:

    “The sad duty of politics is to establish justice in a sinful world.”

    That is precisely Europe’s task now – more so than for decades.

    Thank you!

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Former world darts champion Rob Cross banned as director over unpaid taxes

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Former world darts champion Rob Cross banned as director over unpaid taxes

    Darts professional banned after company failed to pay hundreds of thousands of pounds in tax

    • Former world darts champion Rob Cross has been disqualified as a director after his company failed to pay more than £450,000 in tax 

    • The Insolvency Service also found Cross withdrew more than £300,000 from Rob Cross Darts Limited between March 2020 and November 2023 that should have gone to creditors 

    • Cross has now been banned as a company director until June 2030 and entered into an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) last year in a bid to pay off some of the money he owes 

    Former world darts champion Rob Cross has been banned as a director for five years after his company failed to pay more than £450,000 in tax. 

    Cross, known for winning the PDC World Darts Championship in 2018 and five World Series of Darts titles, was the director of Rob Cross Darts Limited, which was set up for the 34-year-old to receive his earnings and prize money. 

    However, between March 2020 and November 2023, Cross removed more than £300,000 in company money which should have been paid to creditors, including to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). 

    He had also taken out more than £400,000 from Rob Cross Darts Limited in the form of a director’s loan account by the time the company went into liquidation. 

    In an attempt to repay part of his debts, Cross has entered into an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA), a legally binding agreement where he has committed to making regular payments to an insolvency practitioner. The monthly contributions Cross makes to the IVA will vary depending on the income he receives through his performances at darts tournaments during this year and future years. 

    Kevin Read, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said: 

    When directors fail to pay the correct amount of tax, it directly impacts the government’s ability to fund vital public services such as the NHS, schools, transport infrastructure, and our national defence.  

    Rob Cross’s company owed more than £400,000 in corporation tax alone when it went into liquidation. For more than three years, he withdrew funds from the company which should have gone to HMRC and other creditors. 

    This case demonstrates that we will pursue action against directors who deprive the public purse of much-needed funds. The rules apply equally to everyone in business, and we expect all company directors to comply with their legal responsibilities. 

    Enforcing these rules consistently is crucial in maintaining a level playing field and preventing companies from gaining an unfair competitive advantage over compliant businesses that properly fulfil their tax obligations.

    Rob Cross Darts Limited was formed in May 2017, with Cross appointed as director on the same day. 

    Insolvency Service investigations found that the company received just more than £1 million from Cross’s earnings between the start of March 2020 and the date of liquidation in November 2023. 

    A total of £169,500 in sponsorships and £261,901 from his management company was also paid in to the company. 

    However, in the same period, Cross withdrew funds of at least £306,403 from the company which he acknowledged was “to the risk and ultimate detriment of HMRC”. 

    A further £665,419 was paid into the personal account of a connected party. 

    By the time the company went into liquidation, it owed £403,896 in corporation tax, £49,071 in VAT, and £12,436 in PAYE and National Insurance contributions. 

    The company had only paid £41,936 to HMRC between March 2020 and November 2023. 

    Cross’s director’s loan account was also overdrawn by £423,608 when the company went into liquidation with liabilities of £579,805. 

    The Secretary of State for Business and Trade accepted a disqualification undertaking from Cross, and his ban started on Thursday 5 June. 

    It prevents him from being involved in the promotion, formation or management of a company, without the permission of the court. 

    Further information 

    Updates to this page

    Published 5 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The rector of the State University of Management spoke at a visiting meeting of the State Council of the Russian Federation commission on “Personnel”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    On June 4, 2025, the rector of the State University of Management Vladimir Stroyev took part in a meeting of the commission of the State Council of the Russian Federation on the direction of “Personnel” via videoconference.

    The main topic of the meeting was the discussion of mechanisms for student employment, taking into account the needs of the economy of technologically developed regions.

    The participants were addressed with a welcoming speech by the chairman of the commission, the governor of the Kaluga region, a graduate of the State University of Management Vladislav Shapsha and the chairperson of the Committee of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation on Science, Education and Culture Liliya Gumerova. The discussion was moderated by the expert of the Federal Competence Center in the Sphere of Employment of the Federal State Budgetary Institution “All-Russian Research Institute of Labor” of the Ministry of Labor of Russia Andrey Zhdanov.

    The meeting was attended by the heads of pilot territories, State Duma deputies, senators, as well as representatives of Rostrud and federal agencies.

    Particular attention at the meeting was paid to synchronizing educational programs with labor market demands – this issue was previously discussed at interdepartmental meetings with the participation of relevant ministries.

    The discussion also touched on routing within the framework of the national project “Personnel”, targeted training and targeted admission in the system of secondary and higher vocational education, routing foreign students to domestic enterprises and the adaptation of talented youth in Russia.

    Following the meeting, steps will be identified that will improve the system of career guidance and employment for young people.

    Let us recall that Vladimir Stroyev is a member of the State Council of the Russian Federation Commission on Personnel and regularly takes part in meetings. What was discussed at the meetings in January and February 2025, read in our articles.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: InvestHK promotes using Hong Kong as gateway for global expansion in Liaoning Province to enhance cross-regional collaboration (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         ​Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) Mr Arnold Lau today (June 5) visited Shenyang, Liaoning Province, to promote Hong Kong’s latest business opportunities to local government authorities, enterprises and media, supporting Liaoning companies in going global via Hong Kong and fostering mutually beneficial co-operation.

         In the morning, Mr Lau toured a well-known multinational information technology enterprise in Liaoning Province to gain deeper insights into its industrial presence and global business scale. He encouraged the company to leverage Hong Kong’s unique advantages to further drive its global expansion.
     
         In the afternoon, Mr Lau attended the seminar entitled “Unparalleled Opportunities to Expand Your Global Business – Liaoning to Hong Kong Investment Promotion Seminar”, which was organised by InvestHK, the Office of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in Beijing, and the Department of Commerce of Liaoning Province. He delivered opening remarks first, followed by speeches from the Associate Director of the Beijing Office, Ms Eunice Chan, and Deputy Director of the Department of Commerce of Liaoning Province Mr Li Jun. The event was supported by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Liaoning Sub-Council, the Liaoning Federation of Industry and Commerce, the General Association of Liaoning Entrepreneurs, and the Shenyang Municipal Commerce Bureau.
     
         During Mr Lau’s first official visit to Shenyang, under his current tenure, he showcased Hong Kong’s strengths under the “one country, two systems” framework. He said, “Liaoning and Hong Kong enjoy close economic and trade ties, with Hong Kong being Liaoning’s largest source of foreign investment. As Asia’s leading international financial centre, Hong Kong attracts many Mainland and foreign enterprises to come to Hong Kong for financing activities and to set up corporate treasury centres in the city. Mainland enterprises have shown strong performance among companies listed in Hong Kong. Among them, 20 listed companies are from Liaoning, spanning sectors such as industrial manufacturing, energy, finance, healthcare, food, and education. I encourage more Liaoning enterprises to leverage Hong Kong’s strengths in financial services and actively consider listing in Hong Kong to raise capital. Amid the evolving global economic dynamics, Hong Kong serves as a ‘super connector’ and ‘super value-adder’, sailing together with the Mainland and to explore new overseas markets and opportunities.” He added that InvestHK will continue to leverage Hong Kong’s strengths to attract overseas enterprises, capital and talent to Liaoning, promoting two-way investment.
     
         Ms Chan noted in her remarks, “The Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China explicitly outlined Hong Kong’s strategic positioning, supporting its development as a hub for international high-end talent and its enhanced role in the nation’s opening up. The National “Government Work Report” of this year, for the first time, called for Hong Kong to deepen international exchanges and co-operation, reflecting the nation’s high expectations for the city. Hong Kong is building itself into a multinational supply chain management centre, offering one-stop support for Mainland enterprises expanding overseas production and supply chain networks, enabling them to participate more deeply in global industrial division and collaboration amid complex geopolitical landscapes.” She expressed hope that today’s seminar could serve as a platform for Liaoning-Hong Kong collaboration, with the Beijing Office and the Liaoning Liaison Unit of the HKSAR Government committed to fostering all-round co-operation.
     
         Mr Li, representing Liaoning provincial government authorities, pledged to further deepen economic, trade, and investment exchanges between Liaoning and Hong Kong, enabling enterprises in both regions to capitalise on their respective strengths for mutual development.
     
         Deputy Head of Business and Talent Attraction/Investment Promotion of InvestHK in Beijing Ms Angie Kwok delivered a thematic presentation, encouraging Liaoning enterprises to establish multinational supply chain management centres in Hong Kong. The Principal Immigration Officer of the Beijing Office, Mr Jacky Wong, also provided a briefing on Hong Kong’s latest talent schemes.
     
         The event featured a professional services session with the Managing Director of Equities Department at CMB International Securities Limited, Mr Alan Chan, and Offering Services Partner, Audit and Assurance, Capital Market Services Group, Deloitte China, Mr Raymond Ng, who spoke on Hong Kong’s diversified financial services and how Mainland enterprises can leverage the city’s business advantages for global expansion. Three Liaoning-based enterprises were also invited to share their Hong Kong success stories, including the Secretary of the CPC Committee and Vice President of Neusoft Corporation, Mr Hu Wangyang; Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of Hi-Think Technology International Limited, Mr Yue Xuefeng; and the General Manager of Solargiga Energy Holdings Limited, Mr Zhang Hai. They encouraged Liaoning enterprises to explore Hong Kong’s business environment and new opportunities and implement their “going global” strategy. The event attracted around 160 representatives from Liaoning enterprises, institutions, and media.
     
         For photos of the seminar, please visit www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/albums/72177720326654239.  

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: National Event on the Environment Day 2026 to be jointly organised by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    National Event on the Environment Day 2026 to be jointly organised by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao (with photo) 
    In recent years, authorities including MEE and the Central Office of Spiritual Civilization Construction have joined local governments regularly to orgainse the National Event on the Environment Day, which has become an important platform for learning, promoting, and implementing President Xi Jinping’s vision of ecological civilisation, showcasing achievements in promoting the development of a beautiful China across the country, and mobilising people from all walks of life to participate in the promotion of ecological civilisation.
     
    Government representatives of the three places expressed at the event that organising the National Event on the Environment Day is the practical implementation and important window of practicing President Xi’s vision of ecological civilisation, promoting the development of an international first-class beautiful bay area, and showcasing the landscape of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). Under the guidance of MEE, the three places will learn from the experiences of previous organising cities, engage in effective collaboration with careful planning, and prepare diligently, striving to make the National Event on the Environment Day 2026 excellent and full of character. In addition, the three places will take this opportunity to further deepen communication and co-operation in the ecological and environmental field, jointly build an integrated and innovative beautiful bay area, and provide more concrete ecological support for transforming the GBA into a strategic fulcrum of new development patterns, a demonstration area for high-quality development, and a leading region for Chinese modernisation.
    Issued at HKT 16:36

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –