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Category: Universities

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Features of admission to a fee-paying place at the HSE

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University “Higher School of Economics” –

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    July 22

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NSF Graduate Research Fellow helps turn ‘forever chemicals’ into valuable resource

    Source: US Government research organizations

    “Forever chemicals” are everywhere — from Teflon pans and dental floss to raincoats and microwave popcorn bags. Known as PFAS, these chemicals (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are noted for their resistance to heat, oil and water. That same staying power makes them a growing concern. PFAS have been linked to a range of serious health risks, including increased risk of certain cancers, fertility issues, immune system dysfunction and developmental problems. Because PFAS remain in water, soil and air for a long time (hence the name “forever chemicals”), removing them from the environment has become a public priority.  

    Earlier this year, a team of scientists from Rice University (including U.S. National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program alum Kevin Wyss) announced the development of a new method to break down PFAS that is not only extremely effective (removing 99.98% of the most common PFAS pollutant), but also creates the valuable manufacturing material graphene, one of the world’s strongest and lightest materials.  

    This pioneering method involves combining PFAS with granular activated carbon and salts, then heating it to over 3,000 degrees Celsius in under a second. The intense heat breaks the chemical bonds in PFAS, turning them into harmless fluoride salts. At the same time, the activated carbon in the mixture is turned into graphene, which is used in industries such as manufacturing, electronics and construction.  

    This new method of PFAS disposal holds both health and economic promise. This article from Rice University notes that it works on a wide range of PFAS compounds, even Teflon-R, the most difficult to remove. The heating process can also be altered to produce carbon nanotubes and nanodiamonds, increasing its economic potential.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: There is no known cure for ALS, but medical tourism exploits desperation for profit

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Judy Illes, Professor, Neurology, University of British Columbia

    Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurological disorder of unknown cause, in which motor nerve cells of the brain and spinal cord that transmit signals to muscles progressively degenerate. This weakens limbs and affects speech, swallowing and ultimately the ability to breathe, resulting in death, typically within just a few years.

    Each year in Canada, approximately two people per 100,000 are diagnosed with ALS, amounting to about 1,000 cases based on the current population. In British Columbia, where we are located, the rate is estimated at just over three per 100,000 or roughly 190 new cases per year.

    This equates to approximately 4,000 Canadians — and 400 British Columbians — living with ALS at any given time.

    Rigorous ALS research is underway locally, nationally and internationally to slow — and ideally reverse — the relentless progression of this disease. Significant advances in understanding the genetic and environmental drivers of ALS are providing genuine hope that motor neuron diseases will one day be defeated.

    As experts in neurology and ethics, we are committed to delivering the best available health care and information throughout B.C. and across Canada. Trust in science and informed hope are essential to achieving the best possible outcomes and the longest possible trajectories in enjoying life when facing the overwhelming odds of ALS.

    A disturbing case

    In June, CBC’s The National reported on the case of Geoff Sando, a person living with ALS who pursued an unproven intervention for his condition. Sando travelled to Moose Jaw, Sask., to seek treatment at a clinic that claims to provide a cure for ALS.

    CBC’s The National reports on a Saskatchewan clinic claiming to offer ALS treatments.

    The ALS Society of Saskatchewan and the provincial New Democrat Party allege the clinic attended by Sando and several other patients is a form of medical tourism — travelling elsewhere to seek treatment — that can prey on the most vulnerable in society: those whose quality of life is deteriorating, and whose futures are tragically cut short.

    Medical tourism for a wide variety of other health-related conditions is not new. For example, treatments for cancer, strokes and orthopedic conditions have been available abroad for decades.

    In the United States and Mexico, unfounded stem cell interventions for ALS have been advertised for years. But until recently, it had been unusual to find such offerings in Canada. Their emergence speaks to the need for Health Canada to revisit its guidance on both regulated health and unregulated wellness products, including all forms of treatments, medications and device-based approaches.



    Read more:
    Giving patients the ‘right to try’ experimental drugs is a political maneuver, not a lifesaver

    We understand the urgency and desire to pursue any thread of hope in the face of desperation, but claims of dramatic improvement or cures from ALS by unregulated clinics that seem too good to be true are likely just that.

    Before investing in alternative treatments, we recommend that patients conduct their due diligence by consulting with their health-care team and their provincial ALS society for guidance. Ineffective interventions can jeopardize not only recipients, but also caregivers, especially when financial resources are drained.

    Trusted sources

    Developing approved therapies for ALS has been painfully slow, as evidenced by the failure of more than 95 per cent of ALS clinical trials in the past 28 years. Only three drugs — riluzole, edaravone and tofersen — have been approved by Health Canada and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

    Although riluzole and edaravone are only modestly effective, they remain the only widely approved pharmacological options for all forms of ALS. Tofersen is the first gene therapy recently approved to treat hereditary ALS caused by SOD1 gene abnormalities. Other treatments are being evaluated worldwide.

    This marks only the beginning of such treatment approaches to not only hereditary ALS but also non-hereditary ALS, which makes up about 90 per cent of all cases.



    Read more:
    A promising new study could lead to a reduction in symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

    For those affected by ALS and their families, ample resources are provided by various organizations, including ALS Canada and related provincial organizations, including the ALS Society of BC.

    Future hope

    Canadians generally trust science and scientists more than citizens of other countries and, on the whole, value science and believe in our government’s support for the work that scientists do.

    But in this time of geopolitical upheaval, vast incursions of disinformation and reversals of prior evidence-based human and health rights abroad means keeping up this level of trust — trust that leads to hope — will only become more challenging.

    The disproportionate suffering and impact on people who are marginalized by serious health conditions will only grow if dubious treatment offerings become normalized in Canada.

    Erik P Pioro consults for MT Pharma, which manufactures edaravone (Radicava) and for Biogen, which manufactures tofersen (Qalsody). He has received funding support for ALS research from the ALS Association and the National Institutes of Health.

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

    – ref. There is no known cure for ALS, but medical tourism exploits desperation for profit – https://theconversation.com/there-is-no-known-cure-for-als-but-medical-tourism-exploits-desperation-for-profit-261057

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Financing Agreements to Strengthen Education in Mauritania and Chad

    Source: APO


    .

    The Governments of Mauritania and Chad today signed funding agreements for the Regional Engagement for Learning and Collaboration in Education (RELANCE) Project, supported by the World Bank and the Federal Republic of Germany, for a total of $137 million.

    This ambitious project aims to transform education systems in both countries by strengthening sector governance and expanding access to flexible and inclusive learning pathways. It targets more than 850,000 young people, half of whom are girls, while promoting access to learners with special needs.

    In a regional context of sustained demographic growth, disparities in access to education, and increasing demand for job-relevant skills, RELANCE offers a collaborative and integrated approach. It builds on ongoing efforts to strengthen education systems while introducing regional mechanisms for coordination, resource sharing, and innovation.

    The project includes the establishment of a Regional Institute of Education in Nouakchott to strengthen executive capacity in the education sector, drive applied research, and inform policy through data and evidence. Supported by the Association of African Universities, the institute is positioned to become a center of academic excellence for both countries, fostering structured, long-term collaboration and knowledge exchange.

    “The signing of the financing agreements for the RELANCE Sahel project reflects our collective commitment to building a resilient, educated, and forward-looking Sahel,” said Sid’Ahmed Bouh, Minister of Economy and Finance.

    The initiative includes the creation of a regional Open School in each country, designed to meet the needs of young people outside the traditional education circuits, especially in areas where access to education remains limited. This hybrid system will combine digital learning, face-to-face support and professional training.

    “The Regional Open School is a concrete response to the educational realities of our country. It will allow thousands of young people, often far from traditional structures, to have access to adapted learning paths that bring skills and hope,” said Dr. Aboubakar Assidick Tchoroma, Minister of National Education and Civic Promotion of Chad.

    The project also benefits from significant financial support from the Federal Republic of Germany, through KfW, under the Sahel and West Africa Coast Multi-Donor Trust Fund. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to enhanced regional cooperation.

    “RELANCE reflects an ambitious and pragmatic regional approach. By supporting this initiative, Germany reaffirms its willingness to support Sahel countries in their efforts to build more inclusive education systems that are better grounded in local realities,” said H.E. Dr. Florian Reindel, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Mauritania.

    The World Bank is supporting participating countries through a strategic partnership that combines technical support with long-term financing. RELANCE builds on the achievements of existing national projects, such as the Basic Education Sector Support Project (PASEB II) in Mauritania and the Project to Improve Learning Outcomes in Basic Education (PARAEB) in Chad, while introducing a unique regional dimension.

    “Shaping minds is about charting the path to a brighter future. Like a carefully planted seed, an ambitious education policy carries the promise of progress. The RELANCE project thus reflects our shared commitment to making education a transformative force in Mauritania and Chad, by training informed, empowered generations ready to take on the challenges of tomorrow,” said Ousmane Diagana, World Bank Vice President for Western and Central Africa.

    Designed as an open regional platform, the project will be open to other Sahel countries interested in joining. It marks an important step towards building a more integrated Sahelian educational space capable of meeting the aspirations of a dynamic and committed youth.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The World Bank Group.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/SOUTH KOREA – Like a hidden treasure. Korean Catholics treasure the memory of their martyrs

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    [embedded content]
    by Pascale RizkSeoul (Fides Agency) – “If we follow the example of the martyrs and believe in the word of the Lord, then we will understand the sublime freedom and joy with which they went to their death.” These were the words of Pope Francis to the Korean people during the Mass for the beatification of Paul Yun Ji-Chung and his 123 fellow martyrs, celebrated on Saturday, August 16, 2014, at Gwanghwamun Gate in Seoul, during his apostolic journey to South Korea.In a Korea that hardly resembles that of three centuries ago, the joy and freedom of the martyrs of the past continue to attract many Koreans and lead them to encounter Christ.It is the places, the descendants, and even the soil that today hold “like a treasure” the memory of those who, with simple courage and the gift of self, left everything behind so as not to be “separated from the love of Christ” (Rom 8:35).This July, the Catholic Church in Korea pauses to commemorate the centenary of the beatification of its first 79 martyrs, canonized in 1984.Pilgrimages in the footsteps of martyrsIn recent years, the emotion felt by many Koreans who visit the sites of their martyrdom seems to be growing and becoming increasingly intense.In 2011, bishops and priests responsible for places of martyrdom in various dioceses created an ideal itinerary entitled “Shrines of Catholicism in Korea,” an initiative that has become a valuable guide for pilgrims. It collects and lists 167 references to shrines dear to the memories of the Church, 69 of which are places of martyrdom. The guidebook includes a prayer to begin the pilgrimage and another to conclude it. In its revised edition published in 2019, the guide distinguishes between shrines, places of martyrdom, and places of pilgrimage.The most well-known and popular places are the itineraries proposed by the Archdiocese of Seoul as pilgrimage routes, which were also approved by the Holy See on September 14, 2018. Three itineraries, presented as the ‘ Good News Road’, ‘the Eternal Life Road’ and ‘the Unity Road’, offer visitors the chance to walk through the streets of the capital, visiting the most important monuments in the history of the Catholic Church on the peninsula, such as Gwanghuimun Gate, where the bodies of martyred Catholics were carried, hence its nickname ‘Gate of the Dead’. Other significant sites include the Jeoldusan Shrine, a rocky promontory where thousands of baptized Christians were martyred, and the Gahoe-dong Church, where the first Mass was celebrated in 1795. At other points identified along the route, such as the site of the house of John the Baptist Yi Byeok, who welcomed the first Korean Christians, only commemorative plaques remain, after centuries of destruction and reconstruction have radically altered the urban landscape.The descendants honor their ancestorsIn September, the Catholic Church in Korea commemorates its 103 saints and 124 blessed. The former were canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1984, while the latter were proclaimed blessed by Pope Francis in 2014. The relics presented to public worship a few days ago, on July 2, in Seoul, belong to four Korean saints. The relics belong to three French missionaries of the Societé des Missions Etrangères de Paris (Bishop Laurent Imbert, Priests Pierre Maubant and Jacques Chastan), together with the first Korean priest, Andrea Kim Tae-gon. The Korean Bishops’ Conference received these relics on February 19, previously kept by the Sisters of St. Benedict of Olivetano in Korea. In particular, they are a fragment of Andrew Kim’s foot bone and hair from the others. Kim was martyred at the age of 25 on September 16, 1846, while the French missionaries were beheaded on September 21, 1839, in Saenamteo, on the north bank of the Han River, in the Yongsan-gu district of Seoul. The ceremony was part of a series of commemorative events for the centenary of the holy month of the beatification of the 79 martyrs.New faces of martyrdomCurrently, the Catholic Church in Korea is pursuing the beatification process for two other groups of baptized Christians who were killed during the persecutions. The first is that of the Servant of God John Baptist Yi Byeok and his 132 lay companions killed during the Joseon dynasty between 1785 and 1879. Yi Byeok played a key role in the first Korean Christian community and his companions included Francis Xavier Kwon Il-shin and Ambrose Kwon Cheol-shin.The second group is that of Bishop Francis Borgia Hong Yeong-ho and his 80 companions who lived in modern times, some of whom died in the 1901 massacre in Jeju and others killed after the division of Korea, including 20 priests and 3 foreign missionary nuns. Among them are Sister Marie Mechtilde of the Blessed Sacrament and Sister Teresa of the Child Jesus of the Carmelite monastery in Seoul who, together with three other foreign sisters, founded the small convent in Hyehwa-dong, desired by Bishop Won Larriveau in 1940. All of them had the opportunity to flee abroad, but decided to remain with the Korean nuns: two of them were kidnapped and tortured. Eventually, during the infamous “death march” from Pyongyang to Chunggangjin on the Amnok River, they were martyred and buried in North Korea. The other three were repatriated to their country of origin, France, thanks to a prisoner exchange.The Maryknoll missionary Patrick Byrne, the first bishop of Pyongyang, who was originally from the United States, also chose to remain in Korea during the war. Refusing to denounce the United States, the United Nations, and the Vatican, he was sentenced to death by the North Koreans but managed to survive, albeit after suffering brutal treatment. He later joined other prisoners on a forced march led by a ruthless commander known as “the Tiger.” Despite his suffering and exhaustion, Byrne assisted dying soldiers, praying and giving blessings along the way. On the third day of the march, while giving general absolution to the soldiers kneeling with him in the snow-covered mountains, he fell seriously ill and died in a freezing North Korean hospital with no medicine, known to the prisoners as “the morgue.”The investigation for the beatification process was completed in June 2022 in Korea, and the relevant material was sent to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.The hidden shrine of HantiDuring the Joseon dynasty, Catholics fled to the south of the country and sought refuge in the mountains. They tried to stay close to or at least in secret contact with their families who had been imprisoned and arrested in various places. Thus, the first Christian families arrived at the mountain called Hanti, located 600 meters above sea level, northwest of Palgongsan and north of the city of Daegu, in the province of Gyeongsang. After the persecutions of Eulhae (1815), Jeonghae (1827), and Gihae (1839), and during a period of easing tensions in the middle of the century, the presence of Catholics in the country had become significant. This is also attested to by the letter sent in 1862 to François-Antoine Albrand, Superior General of the Paris Foreign Missions Society, by Siméon-François Berneux, Vicar Apostolic of Korea (1854-1866), which reads: “I went to a very isolated village on the side of a large mountain, and about 40 Christians received Holy Communion.”With the Byeongin persecution (1866), which followed the Gyeongsin persecution (1860), the tribulations of Korean Catholics reached their peak of violence, becoming extermination: nearly 8,000 out of 10,000 were killed. Then came the Mujin persecution (1868), which struck the inhabitants of Hanti, martyred on the spot for apostasy.The first pilgrimages to the site began a hundred years later, and in 1988 six martyrs’ graves were exhumed and transferred. Present at the site, Joo-gang Thomas Aquinas, professor of anatomy at the National University of Kyeongpook’s medical school, recounts in an article in a Catholic newspaper: “The body in front of me was decapitated. The neck was bent at the waist and the lower part of the body was lying on the ground. I carefully examined the cervical vertebrae. There were no fractures and the number matched; it seemed that only the flesh had been cut with a sharp knife. Tears streamed from my eyes.“ Today, 37 tombs of the “countless unknown martyrs” rest on Hanti Hill in the metropolitan archdiocese of Daegu.The soil soaked with the blood of martyrsThere were just as many nameless martyrs in the diocese of Daejeon, 157 kilometers from Daegu. “In 2014, Father Peter Kim Dongyum oversaw the transfer of the graves of the nameless Korean martyrs, who belonged to the lowest social class and were killed in the 19th century in Deoksan, Haemi, and Hongju, cities located in the diocese. This intervention was necessary because rising water levels threatened the integrity of the graves,“ says Father Agostino Han, head of the office at the Dicastery for Evangelization. ”The graves were transferred to a plot of land adjacent to the Silli Shrine. In Silli, Saint Marie-Nicolas-Antoine Daveluy, M.E.P., fifth bishop of the Korean peninsula, secretly carried out his pastoral ministry for 21 years. During the transfer, Peter Kim felt compelled to preserve some of the soil around the graves, believing that it might contain relics of the Martyrs, who had been buried without proper funeral rites due to the harsh persecutions of the time. For this reason, he reserved a portion of that soil for the creation of ceramic crucifixes and rosary beads, incorporating the soil taken from the tombs of the Martyrs. It can therefore be assumed that these rosary beads contain soil imbued with the blood and bone fragments of those Martyrs who offered their lives in witness to their faith. It is a way of honoring them, their faith, and their memory.”(Fides Agency 22/7/25)Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: MiddleGround Capital Announces Seven Promotions Across Multiple Offices

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LEXINGTON, Ky., July 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MiddleGround Capital (“MiddleGround”), an operationally focused private equity firm that makes control investments in North American and European headquartered middle-market B2B industrial and specialty distribution companies, today announced that it has promoted seven of its professionals to more senior positions within the firm. The individuals serve in a range of roles across the organization, including investment, business development, operations, and accounting.

    • Shelby Hundley has been promoted to Managing Director, Chief of Staff. Based in the firm’s Lexington, KY headquarters, Shelby acts as a strategic and operational cornerstone, partnering with the Managing Partner to translate the firm’s vision into actionable goals while driving optimization and efficiency. Shelby joined MiddleGround in 2021 following her time at General Electric, where she led long-term synergies, organizational growth, and both employee and union relations for Oil & Gas and Steam Power segments. Shelby holds a master’s degree in human resource management from the University of Central Florida as well as a master’s degree in safety, security, and emergency management from Eastern Kentucky University.
    • Erica Richardson has been named Vice President. Based in MiddleGround’s headquarters in Lexington, KY, Erica works on the transaction team. She joined the firm in 2022, bringing experience from Wells Fargo, where she was an Investment Banking Analyst, and from Harbor View Advisors, where she was an Associate. Erica holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
    • Zachary Spencer has been named Vice President. Working out of MiddleGround’s New York office, Zachary is a member of the investment team focusing on due diligence and underwriting activities. He joined MiddleGround in 2021 after working at Wells Fargo in the Industrials group, where he concentrated on building product manufacturers. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Auburn University.
    • Taylor Hall has been named Vice President. Working from MiddleGround’s headquarters in Lexington, KY, Taylor collaborates with management teams across the portfolio to drive value creation through operational initiatives. Prior to joining MiddleGround in 2021, he held roles at GE Appliances within its financial development program. He holds a master’s in business administration from Indiana University.
    • Graham Sparks has been promoted to Senior Associate. Based in MiddleGround’s New York office, he works on deal origination as part of the firm’s Business Development team. Before joining MiddleGround in 2022, Graham worked at JP Morgan where he was a Private Banking Analyst. Graham holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and administration from the University of Kentucky.
    • Sebastian Ruff has been elevated to Senior Associate in MiddleGround’s EU location in Amsterdam. In this role, Sebastian provides the deal team with support in evaluating and executing transactions, specifically analyzing portfolio company performance and business initiatives. He was an Associate at global investment bank Harris Williams prior to coming to MiddleGround in 2023. Sebastian holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt and a master’s degree in management from the University of Mannheim.
    • Tyler Sebastian has been named Senior Accountant. Working from MiddleGround’s headquarters in Lexington, KY, he participates in various accounting activities for the firm, including accounts payable and prepaids, along with other financial reporting tasks. Tyler holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and a master’s degree in accounting and data from Northern Kentucky University, and first joined the firm in 2022.

    “These promotions reflect the depth of talent across our firm and the meaningful contributions each individual has made in their respective areas,” said John Stewart, Founding and Managing Partner of MiddleGround. “We’re proud to recognize their hard work spanning various business units and offices – from investment and business development to accounting and operations – and are excited to support their continued growth as we scale to meet the evolving needs of our investors and portfolio companies.”

    About MiddleGround Capital
    MiddleGround Capital is a private equity firm based in Lexington, Kentucky with over $4.1 billion of assets under management. MiddleGround makes control equity investments in middle market B2B industrial and specialty distribution businesses. MiddleGround works with its portfolio companies to create value through a hands-on operational approach and partners with its management teams to support long-term growth strategies. For more information, please visit: https://middleground.com/.

    MiddleGround Capital Media Contacts
    Doug Allen/Maya Hanowitz
    Dukas Linden Public Relations
    MiddleGround@dlpr.com
    +1 (646) 722-6530

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: MiddleGround Capital Announces Seven Promotions Across Multiple Offices

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LEXINGTON, Ky., July 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MiddleGround Capital (“MiddleGround”), an operationally focused private equity firm that makes control investments in North American and European headquartered middle-market B2B industrial and specialty distribution companies, today announced that it has promoted seven of its professionals to more senior positions within the firm. The individuals serve in a range of roles across the organization, including investment, business development, operations, and accounting.

    • Shelby Hundley has been promoted to Managing Director, Chief of Staff. Based in the firm’s Lexington, KY headquarters, Shelby acts as a strategic and operational cornerstone, partnering with the Managing Partner to translate the firm’s vision into actionable goals while driving optimization and efficiency. Shelby joined MiddleGround in 2021 following her time at General Electric, where she led long-term synergies, organizational growth, and both employee and union relations for Oil & Gas and Steam Power segments. Shelby holds a master’s degree in human resource management from the University of Central Florida as well as a master’s degree in safety, security, and emergency management from Eastern Kentucky University.
    • Erica Richardson has been named Vice President. Based in MiddleGround’s headquarters in Lexington, KY, Erica works on the transaction team. She joined the firm in 2022, bringing experience from Wells Fargo, where she was an Investment Banking Analyst, and from Harbor View Advisors, where she was an Associate. Erica holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
    • Zachary Spencer has been named Vice President. Working out of MiddleGround’s New York office, Zachary is a member of the investment team focusing on due diligence and underwriting activities. He joined MiddleGround in 2021 after working at Wells Fargo in the Industrials group, where he concentrated on building product manufacturers. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Auburn University.
    • Taylor Hall has been named Vice President. Working from MiddleGround’s headquarters in Lexington, KY, Taylor collaborates with management teams across the portfolio to drive value creation through operational initiatives. Prior to joining MiddleGround in 2021, he held roles at GE Appliances within its financial development program. He holds a master’s in business administration from Indiana University.
    • Graham Sparks has been promoted to Senior Associate. Based in MiddleGround’s New York office, he works on deal origination as part of the firm’s Business Development team. Before joining MiddleGround in 2022, Graham worked at JP Morgan where he was a Private Banking Analyst. Graham holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and administration from the University of Kentucky.
    • Sebastian Ruff has been elevated to Senior Associate in MiddleGround’s EU location in Amsterdam. In this role, Sebastian provides the deal team with support in evaluating and executing transactions, specifically analyzing portfolio company performance and business initiatives. He was an Associate at global investment bank Harris Williams prior to coming to MiddleGround in 2023. Sebastian holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt and a master’s degree in management from the University of Mannheim.
    • Tyler Sebastian has been named Senior Accountant. Working from MiddleGround’s headquarters in Lexington, KY, he participates in various accounting activities for the firm, including accounts payable and prepaids, along with other financial reporting tasks. Tyler holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and a master’s degree in accounting and data from Northern Kentucky University, and first joined the firm in 2022.

    “These promotions reflect the depth of talent across our firm and the meaningful contributions each individual has made in their respective areas,” said John Stewart, Founding and Managing Partner of MiddleGround. “We’re proud to recognize their hard work spanning various business units and offices – from investment and business development to accounting and operations – and are excited to support their continued growth as we scale to meet the evolving needs of our investors and portfolio companies.”

    About MiddleGround Capital
    MiddleGround Capital is a private equity firm based in Lexington, Kentucky with over $4.1 billion of assets under management. MiddleGround makes control equity investments in middle market B2B industrial and specialty distribution businesses. MiddleGround works with its portfolio companies to create value through a hands-on operational approach and partners with its management teams to support long-term growth strategies. For more information, please visit: https://middleground.com/.

    MiddleGround Capital Media Contacts
    Doug Allen/Maya Hanowitz
    Dukas Linden Public Relations
    MiddleGround@dlpr.com
    +1 (646) 722-6530

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: The University of Ottawa Students’ Union Partners with Bounce to Build a More Inclusive and Connected Campus for 2025-2026

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OTTAWA, Ontario, July 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  The University of Ottawa Students’ Union (UOSU) is ushering in a bold new chapter for student life on campus. With a new partnership with Bounce for the 2025-2026 academic year, the UOSU executive team is delivering on its promise to create a more inclusive and connected campus experience.

    A Leadership Team Raising the Bar

    Strengthening student life on campus at the University of Ottawa is the cornerstone of the mandate of new UOSU President Jack Coen. This includes every aspect of student life, from better engagement and visibility to a safer campus for students.

    “Our executive team came into this year with a clear mission: make student life more accessible and more visible for everyone,” said Coen. “We know how hard our campus leaders and clubs work to build community, and it’s our job to give them the tools and platform to shine.”

    For many students, one of the biggest barriers to engagement is visibility. Without a centralized platform to showcase their efforts, clubs that work tirelessly to build community often go unnoticed. This year’s UOSU executive team is bringing a new light to this old problem.

    “We knew we had to tackle this challenge in an innovative way,” said Emilia Bah, interim Student Life Commissioner. “There’s so much happening at uOttawa, but it’s often hard for students to find and navigate. When we saw what Bounce could offer, a single place where everything comes together, it became an easy decision.”

    With Bounce, the UOSU will join the top unions in the country who are bringing the entire campus experience under one umbrella in an intuitive, centralized platform.

    For student organizations, this means:

    • Streamlined tools to manage members, recruitment, and communication.
    • Smarter ways to promote events and attract students who align with their mission.
    • Easier coordination of RSVPs, ticketing, and processing payments all in one platform.

    For students themselves, it means:

    • Finding and joining clubs that align with their interests.
    • Easily discovering new campus activities to try.
    • Staying up to date on what’s happening on their campus.

    “If Bounce had existed in my first year, I would have felt way less overwhelmed. There were so many events and clubs happening, but it was hard to know what was actually going on or, when, or where.” said Mari Laviola, a uOttawa undergraduate student, “Now, everything’s going to be in one place, like a living map of campus life. I’m excited because it’s going to change how students meet friends, discover what we are into, and actually become a part of the community much earlier and more easily”.

    Safety, Transparency, and Inclusivity

    The union’s commitment to student well-being also guided this partnership. Bounce includes real-time event safety scoring, anonymous reporting features, and communication tools that prioritize transparency and responsiveness. These features align directly with Coen’s pledge to strengthen campus safety.

    Bounce’s track record at peer student unions, like its role in helping St. Francis Xavier reach the 99th percentile for event safety, offers a strong foundation for what can be achieved by Coen’s team at uOttawa.

    Built for a Better Tomorrow

    As the UOSU navigates an exciting year of transition and renewed purpose, this partnership positions them at the forefront of innovation in student engagement. The whole executive team is united in their goal to build a campus where no student feels left out, and where participation is seamless, safe, and celebrated.

    “This isn’t just about new technology or another tool,” said Coen. “This is about finally solving a problem that students have been facing for years of not knowing where to go or how to get involved. We’re proud to be joining the ranks of the great student unions across the country who are choosing a better, more connected path forward.”

    In addition to student life tools, Bounce also offers centralized, easy-to-use workflows for event approvals, club budget requests, and student elections management. These governance tools are available to any student union looking to save time and money by simplifying their internal processes.

    The UOSU joins a rapidly growing list of top student unions in Canada who are transforming student engagement with Bounce.

    Ready to join the movement and bring your student union to the forefront? Let’s talk.

    https://www.bouncelife.com/admin 

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/315832e8-5ea5-40d2-b70f-54cad8b15efc

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: The University of Ottawa Students’ Union Partners with Bounce to Build a More Inclusive and Connected Campus for 2025-2026

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OTTAWA, Ontario, July 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  The University of Ottawa Students’ Union (UOSU) is ushering in a bold new chapter for student life on campus. With a new partnership with Bounce for the 2025-2026 academic year, the UOSU executive team is delivering on its promise to create a more inclusive and connected campus experience.

    A Leadership Team Raising the Bar

    Strengthening student life on campus at the University of Ottawa is the cornerstone of the mandate of new UOSU President Jack Coen. This includes every aspect of student life, from better engagement and visibility to a safer campus for students.

    “Our executive team came into this year with a clear mission: make student life more accessible and more visible for everyone,” said Coen. “We know how hard our campus leaders and clubs work to build community, and it’s our job to give them the tools and platform to shine.”

    For many students, one of the biggest barriers to engagement is visibility. Without a centralized platform to showcase their efforts, clubs that work tirelessly to build community often go unnoticed. This year’s UOSU executive team is bringing a new light to this old problem.

    “We knew we had to tackle this challenge in an innovative way,” said Emilia Bah, interim Student Life Commissioner. “There’s so much happening at uOttawa, but it’s often hard for students to find and navigate. When we saw what Bounce could offer, a single place where everything comes together, it became an easy decision.”

    With Bounce, the UOSU will join the top unions in the country who are bringing the entire campus experience under one umbrella in an intuitive, centralized platform.

    For student organizations, this means:

    • Streamlined tools to manage members, recruitment, and communication.
    • Smarter ways to promote events and attract students who align with their mission.
    • Easier coordination of RSVPs, ticketing, and processing payments all in one platform.

    For students themselves, it means:

    • Finding and joining clubs that align with their interests.
    • Easily discovering new campus activities to try.
    • Staying up to date on what’s happening on their campus.

    “If Bounce had existed in my first year, I would have felt way less overwhelmed. There were so many events and clubs happening, but it was hard to know what was actually going on or, when, or where.” said Mari Laviola, a uOttawa undergraduate student, “Now, everything’s going to be in one place, like a living map of campus life. I’m excited because it’s going to change how students meet friends, discover what we are into, and actually become a part of the community much earlier and more easily”.

    Safety, Transparency, and Inclusivity

    The union’s commitment to student well-being also guided this partnership. Bounce includes real-time event safety scoring, anonymous reporting features, and communication tools that prioritize transparency and responsiveness. These features align directly with Coen’s pledge to strengthen campus safety.

    Bounce’s track record at peer student unions, like its role in helping St. Francis Xavier reach the 99th percentile for event safety, offers a strong foundation for what can be achieved by Coen’s team at uOttawa.

    Built for a Better Tomorrow

    As the UOSU navigates an exciting year of transition and renewed purpose, this partnership positions them at the forefront of innovation in student engagement. The whole executive team is united in their goal to build a campus where no student feels left out, and where participation is seamless, safe, and celebrated.

    “This isn’t just about new technology or another tool,” said Coen. “This is about finally solving a problem that students have been facing for years of not knowing where to go or how to get involved. We’re proud to be joining the ranks of the great student unions across the country who are choosing a better, more connected path forward.”

    In addition to student life tools, Bounce also offers centralized, easy-to-use workflows for event approvals, club budget requests, and student elections management. These governance tools are available to any student union looking to save time and money by simplifying their internal processes.

    The UOSU joins a rapidly growing list of top student unions in Canada who are transforming student engagement with Bounce.

    Ready to join the movement and bring your student union to the forefront? Let’s talk.

    https://www.bouncelife.com/admin 

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/315832e8-5ea5-40d2-b70f-54cad8b15efc

    The MIL Network –

  • Vadhavan Port to add 23.2 million TEUs to India’s maritime capacity

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Vadhavan Port, a major infrastructure initiative located on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), is expected to significantly boost India’s container handling capacity by 23.2 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit). The development of this deep-draft port is set to strengthen India’s position as a leading global maritime hub.

    The project is not only focused on enhancing port infrastructure but is also creating avenues for skill development and livelihood generation for local communities.

    In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal shared key updates on the progress of the Vadhavan Port Project. He said that the project is not only focused on expanding maritime infrastructure but also aims to create employment opportunities through targeted skilling initiatives in the region.

    As part of these efforts, a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between Vadhavan Port Project Ltd (VPPL) and Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University (YCMOU) to promote education and training for local communities. Another MoU has been signed between the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority and the Directorate General of Shipping to provide skill development training to local residents and project-affected individuals through selected Maritime Training Institutes.

    To support rural entrepreneurship and the agricultural value chain, VPPL has also entered into a strategic partnership with Sahyadri Farms. In addition, skill training programmes for heavy vehicle driving and mechanical work are being conducted in collaboration with non-governmental organisations in the region.

    Further enhancing outreach, VPPL has launched a dedicated WhatsApp Chatbot to connect directly with the youth of Vadhavan. This platform enables interested candidates to easily access information and register for skilling programmes.

  • MIL-OSI: Brag House Files First Quarterly Report as Public Company Highlighting Strengthened Balance Sheet, Strategic Partnership with Learfield, and Platform Readiness for Fall Expansion

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, July 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Brag House Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: TBH) (“Brag House” or the “Company”), the Gen Z engagement platform operating at the intersection of gaming, college sports, and digital media, today announced the filing of its Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2025. This is the Company’s first quarterly report since becoming a publicly listed company in March.

    The filing reflects significant balance sheet improvements following the Company’s initial public offering, as well as strategic positioning ahead of key growth initiatives scheduled for later this year.

    Key Highlights from the Q1 2025 Filing:

    • Strengthened Capital Position: As of March 31, 2025, the Company held $3.5 million in cash, bolstered by net proceeds from its IPO.
    • Convertible Debt Eliminated: All $6.6 million of convertible debt including accrued interest was eliminated through equity conversion, significantly strengthening the Company’s financial foundation.
    • Balance Sheet Turnaround: Brag House moved from a $8.5 million deficit to a $1.6 million surplus in stockholders’ equity during the quarter, reflecting strong investor confidence as evidenced by the Company’s IPO and the full exercise of the Overallotment option.

    “This quarter validates the strategy we set in motion leading up to our IPO,” said Lavell Juan Malloy II, CEO and Co-Founder of Brag House. “We’ve entered the public markets with a strong balance sheet and a clear plan for scaling revenue, data capabilities, and brand partnerships.”

    Strategic Partnership with Learfield Fuels Fall Activation

    In Q1, the Company secured a strategic partnership with Learfield Communications, the media and technology powerhouse in college athletics. Through this agreement, Brag House gains access to more than 200 NCAA collegiate properties, including premier football programs and student communities.

    Following several successful beta activations, including the inaugural Brag Gators Gauntlet at the University of Florida on May 17, 2025, Brag House is now preparing to launch the Brag Gators series this fall, aligned with the college football season.

    This partnership underpins the Company’s multi-layered revenue model and supports its evolution into a data-driven platform that delivers anonymized Gen Z behavioral insights to brand partners seeking to lower customer acquisition costs and optimize campaign engagement.

    Zacks Valuation Signals Upside Potential

    On July 9, 2025, Zacks Small-Cap Research initiated coverage on Brag House with a $4.40 valuation target — more than [6x] the Company’s current share price based on the closing price as of July 21, 2025. The report underscores Brag House’s differentiated Gen Z-first model and scalable growth potential.

    “We are honored to be recognized by Zacks for the strategic and structural foundation we’ve built,” added Malloy. “Like Zacks, we believe Brag House is uniquely positioned to scale into a $6.7 billion Total Addressable Market focused on Gen Z.”

    About Brag House

    Brag House is a leading media technology platform dedicated to transforming casual college gaming into a vibrant, community-driven experience. By merging gaming, social interaction, and collegiate culture, Brag House enables brands to authentically connect with the influential Gen Z demographic through gamified experiences, live-streaming content, and scalable data insights. For more information, visit www.braghouse.com.

    Media Contact
    Fatema Bhabrawala
    Director of Media Relations
    fbhabrawala@allianceadvisors.com

    Investor Relations Contact
    Adele Carey
    VP, Investor Relations
    ir@thebraghouse.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: JMU experts offer back-to-school insights on AI, student wellness, and more

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HARRISONBURG, Va., July 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As AI becomes increasingly embedded in college life, James Madison University is equipping students and faculty with the tools to think critically about its use. Professor Philip Frana, a leading voice on the ethical and educational implications of AI, urges the campus community to go beyond simply using AI — and start questioning it. 

    Topics Frana is available to discuss include: 

    • – Conformity risks: How AI-generated content may push students toward generic, conformist and even mediocre expression. 
    • – The value of originality: How tools that reduce originality or ingenuity have no place in higher education. “AI can aid brainstorming,” he said, “but it can’t replace an authentic student question or genuine personal insight.” 
    • – The design of dependency: How AI interfaces, like social media, are designed to be habit-forming, encouraging overreliance on automation. 
    • – The role of higher education: How universities must guide educators to use AI responsibly in the service of society and empower them to contribute directly to AI innovation on campus. 
    • – The future of education: How AI will increase the need for a university education that encourages critical thinking and fosters ethical reasoning.  

    In addition to Frana, the following experts are available to discuss students’ health and wellness, learning routines, budgeting and dating habits: 

    John Almarode, a professor in the College of Education, researches transitions, recalibrating routines and enhancing learner readiness. 

    Jeremy Akers, a professor in the College of Health and Behavioral Studies, researches nutrition, exercise and weight management. 

    Trent Hargens, a professor in the College of Health and Behavioral Studies, researches the physiological links between sleep quality, physical activity and sedentary behavior. 

    Ron Rubin, a lecturer in the College of Business, helps students understand the importance of personal financing, identifying basic budgeting strategies, how to build creditworthiness and saving for retirement. 

    Dayna Henry, a professor in the College of Health and Behavioral Studies, studies sexuality education and can discuss sexual assault prevention and sexual and relationship health. 

    Jennie Rosier, a professor in the College of Arts and Letters, researches romantic and parent-child relationships and has done several interviews recently on Gen Z dating habits. 

    To arrange an interview with these experts, please contact Chad Saylor at saylorcx@jmu.edu  or Eric Gorton at gortonej@jmu.edu 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Schurz Communications Appoints John Smarrella as General Counsel

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MISHAWAKA, Ind., July 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Schurz Communications, Inc. (“Schurz”) today announced that John Smarrella, Esq. has been appointed as General Counsel, effective July 28, 2025. As General Counsel, Smarrella will join the executive leadership team to manage and direct Schurz’s legal and enterprise risk management operations.

    “We are excited to welcome John to the Schurz team,” said John Reardon, President and CEO, Schurz Communications. “He brings decades of legal expertise and a wealth of knowledge of our family-owned business, having worked as outside counsel to the Company for the past decade. He is a team player who works productively with our shareholders, executives, and board to achieve successful results. John will be a valuable addition to the business as we continue to grow and expand.”

    Smarrella brings more than two decades of legal expertise as a corporate and M&A transactional attorney with a strong background of serving as outside counsel for closely held and family-owned businesses. Prior to joining Schurz Communications, he was a partner at Barnes & Thornburg, one of the 100 largest law firms in the United States. With a concentration in corporate and business law, he has deep experience in acquisitions, joint ventures, minority investments, as well as contracts, regulations, policies, and more. Smarrella earned a J.D. (magna cum laude) from the University of Notre Dame and holds a Bachelor of Science (magna cum laude) in Business and History/Political Science from Greenville University.

    “Schurz is a multi-generational family business that has stood the test of time, evolving and advancing to become a leader in connecting and empowering people through innovative technologies,” said Smarrella. “I greatly admire the entire team and am excited to join this dynamic company. I look forward to contributing to the future of the business.”

    Smarrella will be based in the Schurz Communications headquarters office in Mishawaka, Indiana.

    About Schurz Communications
    Schurz is a family-owned corporation that has been helping businesses, communities and individuals make meaningful connections for five generations. The Schurz legacy began in newspaper publishing, radio, and television, and today, the company remains committed to making information more accessible through the platforms and technology of the digital age. Schurz Communications’ recent investments include regional broadband companies and cloud managed services providers, and the company’s portfolio also includes a variety of minority investments. For more information, visit: www.schurz.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: GUU became the winner of the All-Russian competition of youth projects 2025

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Official website of the State –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The State University of Management was among the winners of the All-Russian competition of youth projects among universities, implemented with the support of Rosmolodezh and Rosmolodezh.Grants.

    A total of 2,803 projects from 293 educational institutions were submitted to the competition, and 89 universities won.

    The State University of Management received the maximum grant of 22.5 million rubles for the implementation of youth initiatives.

    The head of the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs, associate professor of the Department of State and Municipal Management of the State University of Management Grigory Gurov noted that “the grant is no longer a one-time subsidy, but a two-year program for the development of youth policy. Comprehensive programs that receive funding go beyond individual events and become systemic work.”

    In 2025-2026, 14 project solutions aimed at forming value systems and guidelines among young people will be implemented at the State University of Management:

    School of Coordinators “KUL” All-Russian Forum of Student Commissions on Education Quality and Centers for Researching Students’ Opinions “Exploring Students” Creation of a System for Popularizing Volunteering “The Path of Good” School of Student Self-Government Activists “Successful Leader’s Course” Military-Patriotic Game “Defenders of the State University of Management” Student Interregional Historical Ball “Inspiration” Festival of Youth Brass Bands “St. George’s Trumpets” Youth Festival of Creativity “Raising the Flag” School of Administrators of the Service-Learning Program Interregional Accelerator “Entrepreneur for Russia” Student Coworking Zone on the -1 Floor of the Main Academic Building Entrepreneurial Coworking Zone Festival of Interethnic Friendship and Harmony Dedicated to the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland “Hero of His People” Patriotic Festival “Family History. Immortal Memory”

    We will report on the progress of the projects on our website and in the official social networks of the State University of Management, subscribe so as not to miss important information: VKontakte, Telegram, Zen, Rutube.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Young musicians hit the high notes in concert series

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    Over 4 nights, 400 members of Wolverhampton Music Service represented 60 city schools and performed 50 individual pieces of music as part of Wolverhampton Summer Sounds, a celebration of musical talent held at the Wulfrun Hall, University of Wolverhampton at The Halls.

    Organised by Wolverhampton Music Service, it included performances by the Youth Choir, Concert String Orchestra, Keyboard Ensemble, Fusion Fives, Big Top SEND Ensemble, Bhangra Fusion Percussion, the Primary and Secondary Rock ‘n’ Pop groups, Guitar Group, Concert Wind Band, New Wind, Early Strings, New Strings, Jazz Big Band, Youth Wind Orchestra and Youth Orchestra.

    Head of Service Ciaran O’Donnell said: “It has been an aspiration to bring all 16 musical groups to the city’s most iconic venue, and I am so proud of everyone who took part and made it happen.

    “Many parents went for coffee or something to eat beforehand; in this way, alongside our educational ambition for our children and young people, the Music Service can also really support the city’s nighttime economy. I hope we can do it again next year.”

    Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “This concert series was a powerful showcase of the dedication, creativity and spirit of Wolverhampton’s young musicians.

    “Their talent deserved to be heard and celebrated on the big stage and it was great that so many family and friends were able to watch on proudly as their young people took part in these very special performances.”

    The Summer Sounds concert series was made possible thanks to a generous donation of £10,000 donation from the Friends of Wolverhampton Music Service.

    Wolverhampton Music Service’s team of 34 hard working staff provide high quality tuition and musical opportunities for youngsters from schools across the city, including the chance to perform with its flagship groups, Wolverhampton Youth Orchestra and Wolverhampton Youth Wind Orchestra.

    Recent feedback from the Arts Council cited school engagement at 94%, with curriculum support the highest in the West Midlands.

    The Music Service will be recruiting new members in September – to find out more, please visit Wolverhampton Music Service.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: NSU students took part in the first All-Russian festival of student families

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Novosibirsk State University –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The festival was created with the aim of uniting student families, as well as rectors, vice-rectors and specialists responsible for the implementation of family policy in universities. A pair of young scientists, Tatyana and Danil Sboev, had the opportunity to represent NSU at the first All-Russian Festival of Student Families. Tatyana completed her first year of Master’s degree Physics Department of NSU, and Danil is a 1st year postgraduate student Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics of NSU.

    — It was an honor for us to represent Novosibirsk State University at the All-Russian Festival of Student Families. Participation in the festival is, first of all, new acquaintances. We talked with the rector and vice-rector of Buryat State University, exchanged experiences and ideas in the field of supporting families within the university, — said Tatyana.

    During the festival, a plenary session was held, at which the Chairperson of the Federation Council Valentina Matviyenko, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Government Dmitry Chernyshenko and the Head of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia Valery Falkov told students in a question-and-answer format about measures to support young families.

    — The program was very busy. Unfortunately, we were able to attend only the first day of the festival. But during that day we managed to participate in a quiz dedicated to family traditions, where our team took second place, and we received many memorable prizes, and also participated in a master class on psychological well-being of the family. Among other things, the festival provided an opportunity to voice the questions and problems that young student families face. At the plenary session, we asked a question that concerns us as a family of young scientists, and we hope that measures to support the families of young scientists will be developed at the state level, — Tatyana added.

    During the plenary session, Valentina Matvienko personally invited Tatyana and Danil to take part in the V Congress of Young Scientists, which will be held from November 26 to 28, 2025, in the federal territory “Sirius” of Krasnodar Krai. The event is part of the national project “Youth and Children”.

    — I liked the festival. We met other student families, exchanged experiences, what kind of support universities offer when entering into marriage. I liked the quiz about family values and traditions. There were guys from Penza, Lugansk and Skolkovo on our team. In addition, despite the busy festival program, Tanya and I managed to take a short walk around summer Moscow, — Danil shared.

    Material prepared by: Varvara Frolkina, NSU press service

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: A member of the RUDN construction team told how the third work shift is going

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peoples’Friendship University of Russia –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Every weekday morning, Jean-Pierre Tsishugi Bisimva, a member of the RUDN Meridian Druzhby construction team, comes to the assembly line at 8:45 a.m. before the start of the work day. He works as a painter in the 11th block of the dormitory. Before this summer, he had never had to paint anything, but in three weeks he has already learned a lot.

    His experience working in a repair crew will definitely be useful to him in the future. After all, Jean-Pierre came to Russia from the Democratic Republic of Congo and graduated from the preparatory faculty to enroll in the RUDN Engineering Academy in the Construction program. He will begin his studies on September 1, but in the meantime, he is gaining useful practical skills in advance.

    “In the morning, we discuss the work plan for the day, and then we go to our site. I have a wonderful supervisor who is always ready to give professional advice and just suggest something on personal issues. I got used to the work faster than I thought, learned how to paint walls, stairs, radiators. To make it look prettier and more even, we use tape to separate the borders between colors and to avoid painting too much,” Jean-Pierre Tsishugi Bisimva (Construction, 1st year).

    Insidious paints

    Jean-Pierre already has not only useful knowledge and skills “under his belt”, but also a funny story about his colleague from the construction team.

    “He also worked as a painter, but he didn’t know much about paint. When he had to work in the bathroom, he didn’t cover the floor with anything to protect the surface from the oil paint that was dripping off the walls. This was because he thought that all paints were the same and could be easily washed off after work. As a result, my friend spent a long time cleaning the floor, and it was difficult to do. And that’s why we are always advised to use protective bags, film or cardboard to cover surfaces and keep the work area clean,” Jean-Pierre Tsishugi Bisimwa (Construction, 1st year).

    Concerts on Fridays

    The construction team members work from 09:00 to 18:00, with a lunch break. They go to the university cafeteria to recharge their batteries or bring food with them. In the evening, they hand over their completed work to the foreman and go home to rest and tidy up their work uniforms so that they are clean and ready for the new day. However, they are not always in a hurry to part with each other after checking in with the foreman.

    “We have a friendly, even family-like atmosphere. On Wednesdays we play football. And on Fridays we organize concerts where everyone can demonstrate their talents: sing, dance, play the guitar. In addition, excursions are organized for us. We have already seen the iconic places of Moscow, learned about its history and architecture,” – Jean-Pierre Tsishugi Bisimva (Construction, 1st year).

    At the end of July and in August, students will also be able to compete for the titles of “Miss and Mister of the Construction Team”. Who knows, maybe Jean-Pierre will receive the title of “Mister”? Time will tell.

    The third semester of the RUDN construction team “Meridian of Friendship” started on June 27. In total, more than 190 students from 55 countries are taking part in it.

    They were divided into two work areas: “Atlantes” are engaged in the improvement of student dormitories, and the guys from “Prometheus” are repairing classrooms, laboratories and sports areas of the university. The teams will work for two months.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: View from The Hill: How much can Jim Chalmers get out of the economic reform roundtable?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    We’re now less than a month away from the start of the Albanese government’s “economic reform” (aka “productivity”) roundtable, but it has become quite hard to get a fix on exactly what this gathering will amount to.

    The guest list for the August 19-21 summit is obviously tight, given the government decided it wanted the meeting to fit into the cabinet room (so avoiding a more extensive “talkfest”).

    But excluding the states and territories from a meeting that discusses deregulation and taxation means major players in these policy areas are not in the room (the NSW treasurer, Daniel Mookhey, chair of the board of treasurers, is the only state government representative invited). Treasurer Jim Chalmers says he will meet state treasurers beforehand, but that doesn’t quite cover their omission.

    The government has flagged that industrial relations isn’t on the table, although the unions will be at that table. Yet IR is a major issue in productivity, so that excludes a central area from discussion. The unions are being given a level of protection other players potentially do not have.

    Tax reform is a central topic at the roundtable, the themes of which are productivity, budget sustainability and economic resilience. But the scope of what is up for serious consideration is limited.

    The government is not willing to consider changing the GST, even if it is not formally ruling out it being canvassed.

    When it was put to him that he opposed altering the GST, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told the ABC this week what he would not do was “go to an election and secure a majority because our government concentrated on cost-of-living measures in our first term […] and immediately we get elected and we say, we’re going to put up the price of everything that you buy.

    “That is not something that’s tenable. That’s something which would have represented a breach of trust upon which we were elected on May 3rd.”

    Rejecting an overhaul of the GST kyboshes, for better or worse, a major tax switch from our over-reliance on personal income tax to putting more of the tax burden on indirect tax. This is a change many tax experts advocate.

    Despite the hype around the pre-roundtable discussion of broad tax reform, what appears likely to find favour with the government are tax changes affecting wealth (but excluding the family home) and the resources sector.

    It remains unclear to what extent Chalmers will seek to define the outcome beforehand. That is: will he, after reviewing the submissions, go into the roundtable with a firm idea of what he wants to get out of it, and then see how much he can get over the “consensus” line?

    Helpfully for everyone at the roundtable, the Productivity Commission is about to release a series of reports on various aspects of productivity, which will provide data and ideas.

    These cover economic resilience, improving workforce skills and adaptability, harnessing digital technology, improving care delivery, and investing in the net zero transformation.

    Meanwhile business, which felt it was made something of a patsy in the 2022 jobs and skills summit, with the government using that meeting to gain traction for what it already wanted to do, is being cautious this time.

    Even before the formal announcement of the roundtable, it set up a group following the government’s nomination of productivity as a central priority for this term. The umbrella body’s first meeting was attended by more than 20 groups representing businesses of all sizes, universities and the investment community. This body is ongoing. It includes the Business Council of Australia, the Australian Industry Group, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Minerals Council of Australia and the Council of Small Business Organisations.

    The umbrella body will put forward a suite of recommendations for the roundtable including on investment, innovation, reducing red tape, planning and approval processes, tax, education and employment.

    We now have the full list of roundtable participants. It’s interesting for who’s there and who’s not. Ken Henry, of the seminal Henry taxation report – of which Chalmers has vivid memories from his days as a staffer of former treasurer Wayne Swan – will be present. Henry last week gave a strong presentation at the National Press Club about the pressing need for reform of the environment protection regime.

    Also scoring an invitation is teal crossbencher Allegra Spender, who made tax reform one of her core issues last term. Spender is holding her own “tax reform roundtable” on Friday, with a who’s who of experts.

    But left off the Treasurer’s invitation list list was the Minerals Council of Australia. This despite the fact that tax changes in the resources area seem a ripe area for discussion.

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

    – ref. View from The Hill: How much can Jim Chalmers get out of the economic reform roundtable? – https://theconversation.com/view-from-the-hill-how-much-can-jim-chalmers-get-out-of-the-economic-reform-roundtable-261095

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Pharaoh’s fungus yields cancer-fighting compounds

    Source: Anglia Ruskin University

    The sarcophagus inside the tomb of King Tutankhamun

    By Justin Stebbing, Anglia Ruskin University

    In November 1922, archaeologist Howard Carter peered through a small hole into the sealed tomb of King Tutankhamun. When asked if he could see anything, he replied: “Yes, wonderful things.” Within months, however, Carter’s financial backer Lord Carnarvon was dead from a mysterious illness. Over the following years, several other members of the excavation team would meet similar fates, fuelling legends of the “pharaoh’s curse” that have captivated the public imagination for just over a century.

    For decades, these mysterious deaths were attributed to supernatural forces. But modern science has revealed a more likely culprit: a toxic fungus known as Aspergillus flavus. Now, in an unexpected twist, this same deadly organism is being transformed into a powerful new weapon in the fight against cancer.

    Aspergillus flavus is a common mould found in soil, decaying vegetation and stored grains. It is infamous for its ability to survive in harsh environments, including the sealed chambers of ancient tombs, where it can lie dormant for thousands of years.

    When disturbed, the fungus releases spores that can cause severe respiratory infections, particularly in people with weakened immune systems. This may explain the so-called “curse” of King Tutankhamun and similar incidents, such as the deaths of several scientists who entered the tomb of Casimir IV in Poland in the 1970s. In both cases, investigations later found that A flavus was present, and its toxins were probably responsible for the illnesses and deaths.

    Despite its deadly reputation, Aspergillus flavus is now at the centre of a remarkable scientific finding. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have discovered that this fungus produces a unique class of molecules with the potential to fight cancer.

    These molecules belong to a group called ribosomally synthesised and post-translationally modified peptides, or RiPPs. RiPPs are made by the ribosome – the cell’s protein factory – and are later chemically altered to enhance their function.

    While thousands of RiPPs have been identified in bacteria, only a handful have been found in fungi – until now.

    The process of finding these fungal RiPPs was far from simple. The research team screened a dozen different strains or types of aspergillus, searching for chemical clues that might indicate the presence of these promising molecules. Aspergillus flavus quickly stood out as a prime candidate.

    The researchers compared the chemicals from different fungal strains to known RiPP compounds and found promising matches. To confirm their discovery, they switched off the relevant genes and, sure enough, the target chemicals vanished, proving they had found the source.

    Purifying these chemicals proved to be a significant challenge. However, this complexity is also what gives fungal RiPPs their remarkable biological activity.

    The team eventually succeeded in isolating four different RiPPs from Aspergillus flavus. These molecules shared a unique structure of interlocking rings, a feature that had never been described before. The researchers named these new compounds “asperigimycins”, after the fungus in which they were found.

    The next step was to test these asperigimycins against human cancer cells. In some cases, they stopped the growth of cancer cells, suggesting that asperigimycins could one day become a new treatment for certain types of cancer.

    The team also worked out how these chemicals get inside cancer cells. This discovery is significant because many chemicals, like asperigimycins, have medicinal properties but struggle to enter cells in large enough quantities to be useful. Knowing that particular fats (lipids) can enhance this process gives scientists a new tool for drug development.

    Further experiments revealed that asperigimycins probably disrupt the process of cell division in cancer cells. Cancer cells divide uncontrollably, and these compounds appear to block the formation of microtubules, the scaffolding inside cells that are essential for cell division.

    Tremendous untapped potential

    This disruption is specific to certain types of cells, so this may in turn reduce the risk of side-effects. But the discovery of asperigimycins is just the beginning. The researchers also identified similar clusters of genes in other fungi, suggesting that many more fungal RiPPs remain to be discovered.

    Almost all the fungal RiPPs found so far have strong biological activity, making this an area with tremendous untapped potential. The next step is to test asperigimycins in other systems and models, with the hope of eventually moving to human clinical trials. If successful, these molecules could join the ranks of other fungal-derived medicines, such as penicillin, which revolutionised modern medicine.

    The story of Aspergillus flavus is a powerful example of how nature can be both a source of danger and a wellspring of healing. For centuries, this fungus was feared as a silent killer lurking in ancient tombs, responsible for mysterious deaths and the legend of the pharaoh’s curse. Today, scientists are turning that fear into hope, harnessing the same deadly spores to create life-saving medicines.

    This transformation, from curse to cure, highlights the importance of continued exploration and innovation in the natural world. Nature has in fact provided us with an incredible pharmacy, filled with compounds that can heal as well as harm. It is up to scientists and engineers to uncover these secrets, using the latest technologies to identify, modify and test new molecules for their potential to treat disease.

    The discovery of asperigimycins is a reminder that even the most unlikely sources – such as a toxic tomb fungus – can hold the key to revolutionary new treatments. As researchers continue to explore the hidden world of fungi, who knows what other medical breakthroughs may lie just beneath the surface?

    Justin Stebbing, Professor of Biomedical Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University

    This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

    The opinions expressed in VIEWPOINT articles are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of ARU.

    If you wish to republish this article, please follow these guidelines: https://theconversation.com/uk/republishing-guidelines

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Scheme helping SMEs grow has just got bigger

    Source: Anglia Ruskin University

    A fully-funded programme for managers of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the East of England is expanding to help more businesses to grow.

    The 12-week Help to Grow: Management programme is designed to connect ambitious SME leaders with leading academics and experienced business professionals.

    Through interactive workshops, peer networking opportunities, and dedicated one-on-one mentoring, participants gain practical tools aimed at boosting operational efficiency and elevating business performance.

    The course focuses on crucial business areas, including leadership and strategy; marketing and international markets; financial management; and employee engagement.

    The programme also integrates participants into a network of over 140 successful alumni who continue to benefit from ongoing connections and shared experiences.

    The course is 90% Government-funded and is delivered by Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) in Cambridge and Chelmsford. ARU is now offering a fully-funded bursary to cover the remaining 10% of costs for eligible businesses, making the course available free to participants upon successful completion.

    “The Help to Grow programme is instrumental in equipping business owners with the essential knowledge and skills needed for sustainable growth and innovation. We are delighted to expand its reach, further strengthening our commitment to supporting the regional business community and fostering a vibrant alumni network.”

    Fiona McGonigle, Programme Manager and Business Engagement and Innovation Lead at ARU

    “This unique programme helps share cutting-edge business models and novel research findings from academia directly to business executives. Our goal is to improve their enterprise innovation, profitability, and overall growth strategies.”

    Dr Frank Nyame-Asiamah, Director of the Help to Grow: Management programme at ARU

    The next course begins in Cambridge on 19 September 2025, with an additional cohort starting in Chelmsford on 9 January 2026.

    For more information, contact [email protected]

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai meets cross-party Irish Oireachtas delegation

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Details
    2025-07-22
    President Lai meets official delegation from European Parliament’s Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield
    On the morning of July 22, President Lai Ching-te met with an official delegation from the European Parliament’s Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield (EUDS). In remarks, President Lai thanked the committee for choosing to visit Taiwan for its first trip to Asia, demonstrating the close ties between Taiwan and Europe. President Lai emphasized that Taiwan, standing at the very frontline of the democratic world, is determined to protect democracy, peace, and prosperity worldwide. He expressed hope that we can share our experiences with Europe to foster even more resilient societies. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: Firstly, on behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend a warm welcome to your delegation, which marks another official visit from the European Parliament. The Special Committee on the EUDS aims to strengthen societal resilience and counter disinformation and hybrid threats. Having been constituted at the beginning of this year, the committee has chosen to visit Taiwan for its first trip to Asia, demonstrating the close ties between Taiwan and Europe and the unlimited possibilities for deepening cooperation on issues of concern. I am also delighted to see many old friends of Taiwan gathered here today. I deeply appreciate your longstanding support for Taiwan. Taiwan and the European Union enjoy close trade and economic relations and share the values of freedom and democracy. However, in recent years, we have both been subjected to information manipulation and infiltration by foreign forces that seek to interfere in democratic elections, foment division in our societies, and shake people’s faith in democracy. Taiwan not only faces an onslaught of disinformation, but also is the target of gray-zone aggression. That is why, after taking office, I established the Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee at the Presidential Office, with myself as convener. The committee is a platform that integrates domestic affairs, national defense, foreign affairs, cybersecurity, and civil resources. It aims to strengthen the capability of Taiwan’s society to defend itself against new forms of threat, pinpoint external and internal vulnerabilities, and bolster overall resilience and security. The efforts that democracies make are not for opposing anyone else; they are for safeguarding the way of life that we cherish – just as Europe has endeavored to promote diversity and human rights. The Taiwanese people firmly believe that when our society is united and people trust one another, we will be able to withstand any form of authoritarian aggression. Taiwan stands at the very frontline of the democratic world. We are determined to protect democracy, peace, and prosperity worldwide. We also hope to share our experiences with Europe and deepen cooperation in such fields as cybersecurity, media literacy, and societal resilience. Thank you once again for visiting Taiwan. Your presence further strengthens the foundations of Taiwan-Europe relations. Let us continue to work together to uphold freedom and democracy and foster even more resilient societies. EUDS Special Committee Chair Nathalie Loiseau then delivered remarks, saying that the delegation has members from different countries, including France, Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Belgium, and different political parties, but that they have in common their desire for stronger relations between the EU and Taiwan. Committee Chair Loiseau stated that the EU and Taiwan, having many things in common, should work more together. She noted that we have strong trade relations, strong investments on both sides, and strong cultural relations, while we are also facing very similar challenges and threats. She said that we are democracies living in a world where autocracies want to weaken and divide democracies. She added that we also face external information manipulation, cyberattacks, sabotage, attempts to capture elites, and every single gray-zone activity that aims to divide and weaken us. Committee Chair Loiseau pointed out another commonality, that we have never threatened our neighbors. She said that we want to live in peace and we care about our people; we want to defend ourselves, not to attack others. We are not being threatened because of what we do, she emphasized, but because of what we are; and thus there is no reason for not working more together to face these threats and attacks. Committee Chair Loiseau said that Taiwan has valuable experience and good practices in the area of societal resilience, and that they are interested in learning more about Taiwan’s whole-of-society approach. They in Europe are facing interference, she said, mainly from Russia, and they know that Russia inspires others. She added that they in the EU also have experience regulating social media in a way which combines freedom of expression and responsibility. In closing, the chair said that they are happy to have the opportunity to exchange views with President Lai and that the European Parliament will continue to strongly support relations between the EU and Taiwan. The delegation also included Members of the European Parliament Engin Eroglu, Tomáš Zdechovský, Michał Wawrykiewicz, Kathleen Van Brempt, and Markéta Gregorová.

    Details
    2025-07-17
    President Lai meets President of Guatemalan Congress Nery Abilio Ramos y Ramos  
    On the morning of July 17, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Nery Abilio Ramos y Ramos, the president of the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala. In remarks, President Lai thanked Congress President Ramos and the Guatemalan Congress for their support for Taiwan, and noted that official diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Guatemala go back more than 90 years. As important partners in the global democratic community, the president said, the two nations will continue moving forward together in joint defense of the values of democracy and freedom, and will cooperate to promote regional and global prosperity and development. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:  I recall that when Congress President Ramos visited Taiwan in July last year, he put forward many ideas about how our countries could promote bilateral cooperation and exchanges. Now, a year later, he is leading another cross-party delegation from the Guatemalan Congress on a visit, demonstrating support for Taiwan and continuing to help deepen our diplomatic ties. In addition to extending a sincere welcome to the distinguished delegation members who have traveled so far to be here, I would also like to express our concern and condolences for everyone in Guatemala affected by the earthquake that struck earlier this month. We hope that the recovery effort is going smoothly. Official diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Guatemala go back more than 90 years. In such fields as healthcare, agriculture, education, and women’s empowerment, we have continually strengthened our cooperation to benefit our peoples. Just last month, Guatemala’s President Bernardo Arévalo and the First Lady led a delegation on a state visit to Taiwan. President Arévalo and I signed a letter of intent for semiconductor cooperation, and also witnessed the signing of cooperation documents to establish a political consultation mechanism and continue to promote bilateral investment. This has laid an even sounder foundation for bilateral exchanges and cooperation, and will help enhance both countries’ international competitiveness. Taiwan is currently running a semiconductor vocational training program, helping Guatemala cultivate semiconductor talent and develop its tech industry, and demonstrating our determination to share experience with democratic partners. At the same time, we continue to assist Taiwanese businesses in their efforts to develop overseas markets with Guatemala as an important base, spurring industrial development in both countries and increasing economic and trade benefits. I want to thank Congress President Ramos and the Guatemalan Congress for their continued support for Taiwan’s international participation. Representing the Guatemalan Congress, Congress President Ramos has signed resolutions in support of Taiwan, and has also issued statements addressing China’s misinterpretation of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758. Taiwan and Guatemala, as important partners in the global democratic community, will continue moving forward together in joint defense of the values of democracy and freedom, and will cooperate to promote regional and global prosperity and development. Congress President Ramos then delivered remarks, first noting that the members of the delegation are not only from different parties, but also represent different classes, cultures, professions, and departments, which shows that the diplomatic ties between Guatemala and the Republic of China (Taiwan) are based on firm friendships at all levels and in all fields. Noting that this was his second time to visit Taiwan and meet with President Lai, Congress President Ramos thanked the government of Taiwan for its warm hospitality. With the international situation growing more complex by the day, he said, Guatemala highly values its longstanding friendship and cooperative ties with Taiwan, and hopes that both sides can continue to deepen their cooperation in such areas as the economy, technology, education, agriculture, and culture, and work together to spur sustainable development in each of our countries. Congress President Ramos said that the way the Taiwan government looks after the well-being of its people is an excellent model for how other countries should promote national development and social well-being. Accordingly, he said, the Guatemalan Congress has stood for justice and, for a second time, adopted a resolution backing Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Assembly. Regarding President Arévalo’s state visit to Taiwan the previous month, Congress President Ramos commented that this high-level interaction has undoubtedly strengthened the diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Guatemala and led to more opportunities for cooperation. Congress President Ramos emphasized that democracy, freedom, and human rights are universal values that bind Taiwan and Guatemala together, and that he is confident the two countries’ diplomatic ties will continue to grow deeper. In closing, on behalf of the Republic of Guatemala, Congress President Ramos presented President Lai with a Chinese translation of the resolution that the Guatemalan Congress proposed to the UN in support of Taiwan’s participation in international organizations, demonstrating the staunch bonds of friendship between the two countries. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Guatemala Ambassador Luis Raúl Estévez López.  

    Details
    2025-07-08
    President Lai meets delegation led by Foreign Minister Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste of Republic of Haiti
    On the morning of July 8, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste of the Republic of Haiti and his wife. In remarks, President Lai noted that our two countries will soon mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations and that our exchanges have been fruitful in important areas such as public security, educational cooperation, and infrastructure. The president stated that Taiwan will continue to work together with Haiti to promote the development of medical and health care, food security, and construction that benefits people’s livelihoods. The president thanked Haiti for supporting Taiwan’s international participation and expressed hope that both countries will continue to support each other, deepen cooperation, and face various challenges together. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I am delighted to meet and exchange ideas with Minister Jean-Baptiste, his wife, and our distinguished guests. Minister Jean-Baptiste is the highest-ranking official from Haiti to visit Taiwan since former President Jovenel Moïse visited in 2018, demonstrating the importance that the Haitian government attaches to our bilateral diplomatic ties. On behalf of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I extend a sincere welcome. Next year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between our two countries. Our bilateral exchanges have been fruitful in important areas such as public security, educational cooperation, and infrastructure. Over the past few years, Haiti has faced challenges in such areas as food supply and healthcare. Taiwan will continue to work together with Haiti through various cooperative programs to promote the development of medical and health care, food security, and construction that benefits people’s livelihoods. I want to thank the government of Haiti and Minister Jean-Baptiste for speaking out in support of Taiwan on the international stage for many years. Minister Jean-Baptiste’s personal letter to the World Health Organization Secretariat in May this year and Minister of Public Health and Population Bertrand Sinal’s public statement during the World Health Assembly both affirmed Taiwan’s efforts and contributions to global public health and supported Taiwan’s international participation, for which we are very grateful. I hope that Taiwan and Haiti will continue to support each other and deepen cooperation. I believe that Minister Jean-Baptiste’s visit will open up more opportunities for cooperation for both countries, helping Taiwan and Haiti face various challenges together. In closing, I once again offer a sincere welcome to the delegation led by Minister Jean-Baptiste, and ask him to convey greetings from Taiwan to Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé and the members of the Transitional Presidential Council. Minister Jean-Baptiste then delivered remarks, saying that he is extremely honored to visit Taiwan and reaffirm the solid and friendly cooperative relationship based on mutual respect between the Republic of Haiti and the Republic of China (Taiwan), which will soon mark its 70th anniversary. He also brought greetings to President Lai from Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council and Prime Minister Fils-Aimé. Minister Jean-Baptiste emphasized that over the past few decades, despite the great geographical distance and developmental and cultural differences between our two countries, we have nevertheless established a firm friendship and demonstrated to the world the progress resulting from the mutual assistance and cooperation between our peoples. Minister Jean-Baptiste pointed out that our two countries cooperate closely in agriculture, health, education, and community development and have achieved concrete results. Taiwan’s voice, he said, is thus essential for the people of Haiti. He noted that Taiwan also plays an important role in peace and innovation and actively participates in global cooperative efforts. Pointing out that the world is currently facing significant challenges and that Haiti is experiencing its most difficult period in history, Minister Jean-Baptiste said that at this time, Taiwan and Haiti need to unite, help each other, and jointly think about how to move forward and deepen bilateral relations to benefit the peoples of both countries. Minister Jean-Baptiste said that he is pleased that throughout our solid and friendly diplomatic relationship, both countries have demonstrated mutual trust, mutual respect, and the values we jointly defend. He then stated his belief that Haiti and Taiwan will together create a cooperation model and future that are sincere, friendly, and sustainable. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Francilien Victorin of the Embassy of the Republic of Haiti in Taiwan.

    Details
    2025-07-01
    President Lai meets delegation from 2025 Taiwan International Ocean Forum
    On the afternoon of July 1, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation from the 2025 Taiwan International Ocean Forum (TIOF). In remarks, President Lai noted that the people of Taiwan will continue to work with democratic partners throughout the world in a maritime spirit of freedom and openness to contribute to ocean governance and jointly ensure maritime security. He expressed hope that their visit will help forge stronger friendships between Taiwan and international maritime partners, so that all can work together to spur shared maritime prosperity and sustainable development for the next generation. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I want to thank our guests for coming here to the Presidential Office. The 2025 TIOF will take place tomorrow and the day after, and I thank you all for making the long trip to Taiwan to attend the event and share your valuable insights and experiences. This year’s forum will focus on strategies for strengthening maritime security and pathways to achieving a sustainable blue economy. By attending this forum, our guests are highlighting their commitment to safeguarding the oceans, and beyond that, taking concrete action to demonstrate support for Taiwan. I once again offer deepest gratitude on behalf of the people of Taiwan. Taiwan holds a key position on the first island chain, is one of the world’s top 10 shipping nations, and accounts for close to 10 percent of global container shipping by volume. As such, Taiwan occupies a unique and important position in maritime strategy. For Taiwan, the ocean is more than just a basis for survival and development; it is also an important driver of national prosperity. In my inaugural address last year, I spoke of a threefold approach to further Taiwan’s development. One of these involves further developing our strengths as a maritime nation. Our government must actively help deepen our connections with the ocean, and must continue to promote green shipping, a sustainable fishing industry, marine renewable energy, and other forms of industrial transformation. It must also make use of marine technology and digital innovation to create a new paradigm that balances environmental, economic, and social inclusion concerns. This will help enhance Taiwan’s responsibilities and competitiveness as a maritime nation. Taiwan is surrounded by ocean, and our territorial waters are a natural protective barrier. However, continued gray-zone aggression from China creates serious threats and challenges to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Our government continues to invest resources to deal with increasingly complex maritime security issues. In addition to building coast guard patrol vessels, we must also step up efforts to build underwater, surface, and airborne unmanned vehicles and smart reconnaissance equipment, so as to demonstrate Taiwan’s determination to defend democracy and freedom and commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Oceans are Taiwan’s roots, and provide the channels by which we engage with the world. The people of Taiwan will continue to work with democratic partners throughout the world in a maritime spirit of freedom and openness to contribute to ocean governance and jointly ensure maritime security. The TIOF was first launched in 2020, and has now become an important platform for enhancement of cooperation between Taiwan and other countries. I hope that our distinguished guests will reap great benefits at this year’s forum, and further hope that this visit will help forge stronger friendships between Taiwan and international maritime partners, so that all can work together to spur shared maritime prosperity and sustainable development for the next generation. Chairman of The Washington Times Thomas McDevitt, a member of the delegation, then delivered remarks, noting first that July 4th, this Friday, is Independence Day in America. Independence is a sacred, powerful word which has great meaning in this part of the world, he said. Chairman McDevitt indicated that Taiwan has truly become a global beacon of democracy and a key partner for many nations. He then quoted President Lai’s 2024 inaugural address: “We will work together to combat disinformation, strengthen democratic resilience, address challenges, and allow Taiwan to become the MVP of the democratic world.” Chairman McDevitt went on to say that he appreciated the president’s speech with regard to his philosophical depth, sensitivity, and both moral and political clarity. He said that he was deeply moved by the speech, but within a few days of it, China responded with military activities and many threats. The chairman then emphasized that we are in a civilization crisis. Chairman McDevitt mentioned that President Lai has begun a series of 10 lectures, and remarked that they would help the world to understand the identity and the nature of Taiwan, as well as the situation we are in in the world. On behalf of all the delegation, Chairman McDevitt thanked the president for his leadership in dealing with these issues thoughtfully. Chairman McDevitt concluded with a line from the Old Testament which states that if the people have no vision, they will perish. He said that he believes Taiwan’s president has led the people of Taiwan, and the world, with a vision of how to navigate this great civilization crisis together. The delegation also included Members of the Japanese House of Representatives Kikawada Hitoshi, Aoyama Yamato, and Genma Kentaro, and Member of Parliament of the United Kingdom Gavin Williamson.

    Details
    2025-06-30
    President Lai meets Minister of State at UK Department for Business and Trade Douglas Alexander  
    On the morning of June 30, President Lai Ching-te met with Douglas Alexander, Minister of State at the Department for Business and Trade of the United Kingdom. In remarks, President Lai thanked the UK government for its longstanding support for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, demonstrating that Taiwan and the UK share similar goals. Noting that two years ago, Taiwan and the UK signed an enhanced trade partnership (ETP) arrangement, the president said that today Taiwan and the UK have signed three pillars under the ETP, which will help promote bilateral economic and trade cooperation. He expressed hope of the UK publicly supporting Taiwan’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) so that together we can create an economic and trade landscape in the Indo-Pacific characterized by shared prosperity and development. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: First, on behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend a warm welcome to Minister Alexander and wish a fruitful outcome for the 27th round of Taiwan-UK trade talks later today. Taiwan-UK relations have grown closer in recent years. We have not only continued to strengthen cooperation in such fields as offshore wind power, innovative technologies, and culture and education but also have established regular dialogue mechanisms in the critical areas of economics and trade, energy, and agriculture. The UK is currently Taiwan’s fourth-largest European trading partner, second-largest source of investment from Europe, and third-largest target for investment in Europe. Two years ago, Taiwan and the UK signed an ETP arrangement. This was particularly meaningful, as it was the first institutionalized economic and trade framework between Taiwan and a European country. Today, this arrangement is yielding further results. I am delighted that Taiwan and the UK have signed three pillars under the ETP covering investment, digital trade, and energy and net-zero. This will help promote bilateral economic and trade cooperation and advance industrial development on both sides. I also want to thank the UK government for its longstanding support for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. This month, the UK published its Strategic Defence Review 2025 and National Security Strategy 2025, which oppose any unilateral attempts to change the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. These not only demonstrate that Taiwan and the UK share similar goals but also show that security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region are inseparable from those of the transatlantic regions. In addition, last November, the House of Commons passed a motion which made clear that United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758 neither established the sovereignty of the People’s Republic of China over Taiwan nor determined Taiwan’s status in the United Nations. The UK government also responded to the motion by publicly expressing for the first time its position on UNGA Resolution 2758, opposing any attempt to broaden the interpretation of the resolution to rewrite history. For this, on behalf of the people of Taiwan, I once again want to extend my deepest gratitude. Taiwan and the UK have the advantage of being highly complementary in the technology sector. In facing the restructuring of global supply chains and other international economic and trade developments, I believe that Taiwan and the UK are indispensable key partners for one another. I look forward to the UK publicly supporting Taiwan’s accession to the CPTPP so that together, we can create an economic and trade landscape in the Indo-Pacific characterized by shared prosperity and development. In closing, I wish Minister Alexander a pleasant and successful visit. And I hope he has the opportunity to visit Taiwan for personal travel in the future. Minister Alexander then delivered remarks, saying that it is a great personal honor to meet with everyone today to discuss further deepening the UK-Taiwan trade relationship and explore the many opportunities our two sides can pursue together. He mentioned that he traveled to Taiwan in 2022 when he was a private citizen, a visit he thoroughly enjoyed, so he is delighted to be back to see the strength of the UK-Taiwan relationship and the strengthening of that relationship. He said that relationship is built on mutual respect, democratic values, and a shared vision for open, resilient, and rules-based economic cooperation. As like-minded partners, he pointed out, our collaboration continues to grow across multiple sectors, and he is here today to further that momentum. Minister Alexander stated that on trade and investment, he is proud that this morning we signed the ETP Pillars on Investment, Digital Trade, Energy and Net Zero, which will provide a clear framework for our future cooperation and lay the foundation for expanded access and market-shaping engagement between our two economies. The minister said he believes that together with our annual trade talks, this partnership will help UK’s firms secure new commercial opportunities, improve regulatory alignment, and promote long-term investment in key growth areas, which in turn will also support Taiwan’s efforts to expand high-quality trade relationships with trusted partners. Minister Alexander said that President Lai’s promotion of the Five Trusted Industry Sectors and the UK’s recently published industrial and trade strategies are very well-aligned, as both cover clean energy and semiconductors as well as advanced manufacturing. He then provided an example, saying that both sides plan to invest in AI infrastructure and compute power-creating opportunities for great joint research in the future. By combining our strengths in these areas, he said, we can open the door to innovative collaboration and commercial success for both sides. He mentioned that yesterday he visited the Taiwan Space Agency, commenting that in sectors such as satellite technology, green energy, and cyber security, British expertise and trusted standards can provide meaningful solutions. Noting that President Lai spoke in his remarks of the broader challenge of peace and security in the region, Minister Alexander stated that the United Kingdom has, of course, also continued to affirm its commitment to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, along with its G7 partners. The UK-Taiwan relationship is strategic, enduring, and growing, he stated, and they reaffirm and remain firm in their longstanding position and confident in their ability to work together to support both prosperity and resilience in both of our societies. Minister Alexander said that, as Taiwan looks to diversify capital and build global partnerships, they believe the UK represents a strong and ambitious investment destination, particularly for Taiwanese companies at the very forefront of robotics, clean tech, and advanced industry. He pointed out that the UK’s markets are stable, open, and aligned with Taiwan’s vision of a high-tech, sustainable future, adding that he looks forward to our discussion on how we can further deepen our cooperation across all of these areas and more. The delegation also included Martin Kent, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific at the UK Department for Business and Trade. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by British Office Taipei Representative Ruth Bradley-Jones.   

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

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: South Africa’s police serve the ANC insiders, not the people: here’s how it happened

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Ivor Chipkin, Professional Professor, GIBS, University of Pretoria

    After South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994, there was significant optimism about police reform in the country. Impressive steps were taken to bring the South African Police Service under civilian control and to create a service responsive to calls for assistance from the public.

    During the apartheid period, South Africa’s police worked to preserve the political order and pursue political opponents. It did not focus on dealing with crime. This is why the achievements of the 1990s are so important. For the first time, black South Africans could call upon officers to respond to personal emergencies. This period also saw a drop in crime levels.

    However, this promising early transformation was interrupted. The appointment of Jackie Selebi as national police commissioner in 2000 heralded a new era. Selebi was an African National Congress (ANC) insider. The ANC originated as a liberation movement and has governed the country since 1994.

    Selebi had served as the head of the ANC’s Youth League in the 1980s, when it was banned. In 1987 he was appointed to the organisation’s national executive committee, its highest decision-making organ.

    His appointment as police commissioner was the start of significant change in the purpose of policing. It marked the end of the focus on civilian control of the police force and prosecuting authorities. As an ANC insider, Selebi led efforts to establish party control over the police.

    This politicisation gained momentum over the next two decades. In the early years it was exemplified by the suspension of the head of the National Prosecuting Authority, Advocate Vusi Pikoli,, by then president Thabo Mbeki, amid corruption allegations against Selebi himself.

    Other telling developments ensued. The Scorpions were disbanded in 2009 by acting president Kgalema Motlanthe. The unit’s job was to pursue high-profile cases against senior ANC politicians (among others).

    The police became increasingly entangled in the ANC’s internal political conflicts. At the same time the office of the national police commissioner experienced high turnover due to intense political manoeuvring. Between 2009 and 2022, there were seven national commissioners.

    Recent developments have once again brought the intermingling of police work and power battles in the ANC to the fore. In early July 2025, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the commissioner of police in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, made some startling claims. He called a press conference and, wearing camouflage uniform, he implicated the minister of police, Senzo Mchunu, together with the deputy national commissioner for crime detection, in a scheme to close down investigations into political assassinations in the province.

    President Cyril Ramaphosa rushed back from a meeting of the Brics countries in Brazil to attend to the matter. He announced that the police minister had been placed on leave with immediate effect. He also announced a judicial inquiry into the allegations.

    I have conducted research into South Africa’s security apparatus over the last decade. Based on this work, and new research forthcoming in the Journal of Southern African Studies done with Jelena Vidojevic, co-founder of the New South Institute, it is clear that elite contestation in the ANC is intensifying.

    In other words, the ability of internal party structures to manage gatekeeping is declining. Many of the people involved are indifferent or even hostile to South Africa’s democratic and constitutional order.

    As the ability of some political elites to access state resources through the party declines, some are linked with organised criminal networks. Organised crime has been on the edges of South African politics. It now risks taking a more central role.

    In this environment, the police service will often be the thin (blue) line between multiparty contestation according to constitutional rules and the criminalisation of politics in South Africa.

    The shift

    Large organisational changes within the police vividly illustrate this shift away from its core function.

    The Visible Policing programme was meant to meant to deter crime through patrols, checkpoints and roadblocks. But, instead, there was a steady decline in resource allocation. Employee numbers dropped between 2015 and 2021.

    Detective services and crime intelligence also experienced such declines.

    Conversely, employee numbers in the Protection and Security Services programme, responsible for providing bodyguards to politicians, increased sharply between 2014 and 2016.

    Evidence heard by the commission of inquiry into state capture suggested that some officers and budgets in the service were even used to supply President Jacob Zuma and other politicians with what amounted to a private militia.

    This reorientation of resources coincided with a rise in crime across the country, a decline in arrests by 24.5%, and a drop in the police’s efficacy in solving crimes.

    Furthermore, a politicised police leadership effectively stopped policing various categories of crime. This was particularly true of offences like fraud, corruption, and certain types of theft, and particularly when politically connected persons were involved.

    The state capture commission heard extensive evidence about the failure of the police to pursue politically sensitive investigations. Investigations into senior officials were frequently frustrated or impeded, and cases at state-owned enterprises were abandoned.

    This shows how police resources were actively redirected as weapons of elite competition, pursuing political enemies and protecting allies within the ruling party.

    Mkhwanazi’s claims, if substantiated, suggest that this political policing remains entrenched.

    What now?

    Ramaphosa has announced the appointment of Firoz Cachalia as the acting minister of police. Cachalia, a well regarded legal academic, served as ANC minister for community safety. Between 2019 and 2022 he was part of the ANC’s national executive committee.

    His appointment raises serious questions.

    If the core problem with the police is that it has become embroiled in ANC internal politics, having an ANC insider head the ministry of police (even if only on an acting basis) threatens only to compound the problem.

    Moreover, South Africans have already witnessed a long and expensive judicial inquiry into state capture. And despite extensive evidence of police failure to pursue politically sensitive investigations, nothing concrete has come of it.

    How likely is it that this new initiative will be any different, especially if those investigating it and presiding over key institutions are themselves ANC insiders?

    To depoliticise the police service and redirect its attention and activities towards crime and emergencies, a crucial first step is to reconsider the appointment processes for the national police commissioner and other top managers.

    Under the current system the president has sole discretion. This bakes party-political considerations into the decision-making process.

    Without structural changes, genuine democratic policing will remain an elusive ideal.

    In 2024/25 the murder rate in South Africa stood at 42 per 100,000, among the highest in the world and close to levels not seen since the early 2000s.

    At the very least, the minister of police must not be an ANC insider. Democratic renewal in South Africa requires bringing the police firmly under parliamentary control.

    – South Africa’s police serve the ANC insiders, not the people: here’s how it happened
    – https://theconversation.com/south-africas-police-serve-the-anc-insiders-not-the-people-heres-how-it-happened-261301

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: South Africa’s police serve the ANC insiders, not the people: here’s how it happened

    Source: The Conversation – Africa (2) – By Ivor Chipkin, Professional Professor, GIBS, University of Pretoria

    After South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994, there was significant optimism about police reform in the country. Impressive steps were taken to bring the South African Police Service under civilian control and to create a service responsive to calls for assistance from the public.

    During the apartheid period, South Africa’s police worked to preserve the political order and pursue political opponents. It did not focus on dealing with crime. This is why the achievements of the 1990s are so important. For the first time, black South Africans could call upon officers to respond to personal emergencies. This period also saw a drop in crime levels.

    However, this promising early transformation was interrupted. The appointment of Jackie Selebi as national police commissioner in 2000 heralded a new era. Selebi was an African National Congress (ANC) insider. The ANC originated as a liberation movement and has governed the country since 1994.

    Selebi had served as the head of the ANC’s Youth League in the 1980s, when it was banned. In 1987 he was appointed to the organisation’s national executive committee, its highest decision-making organ.

    His appointment as police commissioner was the start of significant change in the purpose of policing. It marked the end of the focus on civilian control of the police force and prosecuting authorities. As an ANC insider, Selebi led efforts to establish party control over the police.

    This politicisation gained momentum over the next two decades. In the early years it was exemplified by the suspension of the head of the National Prosecuting Authority, Advocate Vusi Pikoli,, by then president Thabo Mbeki, amid corruption allegations against Selebi himself.

    Other telling developments ensued. The Scorpions were disbanded in 2009 by acting president Kgalema Motlanthe. The unit’s job was to pursue high-profile cases against senior ANC politicians (among others).

    The police became increasingly entangled in the ANC’s internal political conflicts. At the same time the office of the national police commissioner experienced high turnover due to intense political manoeuvring. Between 2009 and 2022, there were seven national commissioners.

    Recent developments have once again brought the intermingling of police work and power battles in the ANC to the fore. In early July 2025, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the commissioner of police in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, made some startling claims. He called a press conference and, wearing camouflage uniform, he implicated the minister of police, Senzo Mchunu, together with the deputy national commissioner for crime detection, in a scheme to close down investigations into political assassinations in the province.

    President Cyril Ramaphosa rushed back from a meeting of the Brics countries in Brazil to attend to the matter. He announced that the police minister had been placed on leave with immediate effect. He also announced a judicial inquiry into the allegations.

    I have conducted research into South Africa’s security apparatus over the last decade. Based on this work, and new research forthcoming in the Journal of Southern African Studies done with Jelena Vidojevic, co-founder of the New South Institute, it is clear that elite contestation in the ANC is intensifying.

    In other words, the ability of internal party structures to manage gatekeeping is declining. Many of the people involved are indifferent or even hostile to South Africa’s democratic and constitutional order.

    As the ability of some political elites to access state resources through the party declines, some are linked with organised criminal networks. Organised crime has been on the edges of South African politics. It now risks taking a more central role.

    In this environment, the police service will often be the thin (blue) line between multiparty contestation according to constitutional rules and the criminalisation of politics in South Africa.

    The shift

    Large organisational changes within the police vividly illustrate this shift away from its core function.

    The Visible Policing programme was meant to meant to deter crime through patrols, checkpoints and roadblocks. But, instead, there was a steady decline in resource allocation. Employee numbers dropped between 2015 and 2021.

    Detective services and crime intelligence also experienced such declines.

    Conversely, employee numbers in the Protection and Security Services programme, responsible for providing bodyguards to politicians, increased sharply between 2014 and 2016.

    Evidence heard by the commission of inquiry into state capture suggested that some officers and budgets in the service were even used to supply President Jacob Zuma and other politicians with what amounted to a private militia.

    This reorientation of resources coincided with a rise in crime across the country, a decline in arrests by 24.5%, and a drop in the police’s efficacy in solving crimes.

    Furthermore, a politicised police leadership effectively stopped policing various categories of crime. This was particularly true of offences like fraud, corruption, and certain types of theft, and particularly when politically connected persons were involved.

    The state capture commission heard extensive evidence about the failure of the police to pursue politically sensitive investigations. Investigations into senior officials were frequently frustrated or impeded, and cases at state-owned enterprises were abandoned.

    This shows how police resources were actively redirected as weapons of elite competition, pursuing political enemies and protecting allies within the ruling party.

    Mkhwanazi’s claims, if substantiated, suggest that this political policing remains entrenched.

    What now?

    Ramaphosa has announced the appointment of Firoz Cachalia as the acting minister of police. Cachalia, a well regarded legal academic, served as ANC minister for community safety. Between 2019 and 2022 he was part of the ANC’s national executive committee.

    His appointment raises serious questions.

    If the core problem with the police is that it has become embroiled in ANC internal politics, having an ANC insider head the ministry of police (even if only on an acting basis) threatens only to compound the problem.

    Moreover, South Africans have already witnessed a long and expensive judicial inquiry into state capture. And despite extensive evidence of police failure to pursue politically sensitive investigations, nothing concrete has come of it.

    How likely is it that this new initiative will be any different, especially if those investigating it and presiding over key institutions are themselves ANC insiders?

    To depoliticise the police service and redirect its attention and activities towards crime and emergencies, a crucial first step is to reconsider the appointment processes for the national police commissioner and other top managers.

    Under the current system the president has sole discretion. This bakes party-political considerations into the decision-making process.

    Without structural changes, genuine democratic policing will remain an elusive ideal.

    In 2024/25 the murder rate in South Africa stood at 42 per 100,000, among the highest in the world and close to levels not seen since the early 2000s.

    At the very least, the minister of police must not be an ANC insider. Democratic renewal in South Africa requires bringing the police firmly under parliamentary control.

    Ivor Chipkin teaches public policy at the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) at the University of Pretoria. He is the director of the New South Institute.

    – ref. South Africa’s police serve the ANC insiders, not the people: here’s how it happened – https://theconversation.com/south-africas-police-serve-the-anc-insiders-not-the-people-heres-how-it-happened-261301

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai meets official delegation from European Parliament’s Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Details
    2025-07-17
    President Lai meets President of Guatemalan Congress Nery Abilio Ramos y Ramos  
    On the morning of July 17, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Nery Abilio Ramos y Ramos, the president of the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala. In remarks, President Lai thanked Congress President Ramos and the Guatemalan Congress for their support for Taiwan, and noted that official diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Guatemala go back more than 90 years. As important partners in the global democratic community, the president said, the two nations will continue moving forward together in joint defense of the values of democracy and freedom, and will cooperate to promote regional and global prosperity and development. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:  I recall that when Congress President Ramos visited Taiwan in July last year, he put forward many ideas about how our countries could promote bilateral cooperation and exchanges. Now, a year later, he is leading another cross-party delegation from the Guatemalan Congress on a visit, demonstrating support for Taiwan and continuing to help deepen our diplomatic ties. In addition to extending a sincere welcome to the distinguished delegation members who have traveled so far to be here, I would also like to express our concern and condolences for everyone in Guatemala affected by the earthquake that struck earlier this month. We hope that the recovery effort is going smoothly. Official diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Guatemala go back more than 90 years. In such fields as healthcare, agriculture, education, and women’s empowerment, we have continually strengthened our cooperation to benefit our peoples. Just last month, Guatemala’s President Bernardo Arévalo and the First Lady led a delegation on a state visit to Taiwan. President Arévalo and I signed a letter of intent for semiconductor cooperation, and also witnessed the signing of cooperation documents to establish a political consultation mechanism and continue to promote bilateral investment. This has laid an even sounder foundation for bilateral exchanges and cooperation, and will help enhance both countries’ international competitiveness. Taiwan is currently running a semiconductor vocational training program, helping Guatemala cultivate semiconductor talent and develop its tech industry, and demonstrating our determination to share experience with democratic partners. At the same time, we continue to assist Taiwanese businesses in their efforts to develop overseas markets with Guatemala as an important base, spurring industrial development in both countries and increasing economic and trade benefits. I want to thank Congress President Ramos and the Guatemalan Congress for their continued support for Taiwan’s international participation. Representing the Guatemalan Congress, Congress President Ramos has signed resolutions in support of Taiwan, and has also issued statements addressing China’s misinterpretation of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758. Taiwan and Guatemala, as important partners in the global democratic community, will continue moving forward together in joint defense of the values of democracy and freedom, and will cooperate to promote regional and global prosperity and development. Congress President Ramos then delivered remarks, first noting that the members of the delegation are not only from different parties, but also represent different classes, cultures, professions, and departments, which shows that the diplomatic ties between Guatemala and the Republic of China (Taiwan) are based on firm friendships at all levels and in all fields. Noting that this was his second time to visit Taiwan and meet with President Lai, Congress President Ramos thanked the government of Taiwan for its warm hospitality. With the international situation growing more complex by the day, he said, Guatemala highly values its longstanding friendship and cooperative ties with Taiwan, and hopes that both sides can continue to deepen their cooperation in such areas as the economy, technology, education, agriculture, and culture, and work together to spur sustainable development in each of our countries. Congress President Ramos said that the way the Taiwan government looks after the well-being of its people is an excellent model for how other countries should promote national development and social well-being. Accordingly, he said, the Guatemalan Congress has stood for justice and, for a second time, adopted a resolution backing Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Assembly. Regarding President Arévalo’s state visit to Taiwan the previous month, Congress President Ramos commented that this high-level interaction has undoubtedly strengthened the diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Guatemala and led to more opportunities for cooperation. Congress President Ramos emphasized that democracy, freedom, and human rights are universal values that bind Taiwan and Guatemala together, and that he is confident the two countries’ diplomatic ties will continue to grow deeper. In closing, on behalf of the Republic of Guatemala, Congress President Ramos presented President Lai with a Chinese translation of the resolution that the Guatemalan Congress proposed to the UN in support of Taiwan’s participation in international organizations, demonstrating the staunch bonds of friendship between the two countries. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Guatemala Ambassador Luis Raúl Estévez López.  

    Details
    2025-07-08
    President Lai meets delegation led by Foreign Minister Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste of Republic of Haiti
    On the morning of July 8, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste of the Republic of Haiti and his wife. In remarks, President Lai noted that our two countries will soon mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations and that our exchanges have been fruitful in important areas such as public security, educational cooperation, and infrastructure. The president stated that Taiwan will continue to work together with Haiti to promote the development of medical and health care, food security, and construction that benefits people’s livelihoods. The president thanked Haiti for supporting Taiwan’s international participation and expressed hope that both countries will continue to support each other, deepen cooperation, and face various challenges together. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I am delighted to meet and exchange ideas with Minister Jean-Baptiste, his wife, and our distinguished guests. Minister Jean-Baptiste is the highest-ranking official from Haiti to visit Taiwan since former President Jovenel Moïse visited in 2018, demonstrating the importance that the Haitian government attaches to our bilateral diplomatic ties. On behalf of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I extend a sincere welcome. Next year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between our two countries. Our bilateral exchanges have been fruitful in important areas such as public security, educational cooperation, and infrastructure. Over the past few years, Haiti has faced challenges in such areas as food supply and healthcare. Taiwan will continue to work together with Haiti through various cooperative programs to promote the development of medical and health care, food security, and construction that benefits people’s livelihoods. I want to thank the government of Haiti and Minister Jean-Baptiste for speaking out in support of Taiwan on the international stage for many years. Minister Jean-Baptiste’s personal letter to the World Health Organization Secretariat in May this year and Minister of Public Health and Population Bertrand Sinal’s public statement during the World Health Assembly both affirmed Taiwan’s efforts and contributions to global public health and supported Taiwan’s international participation, for which we are very grateful. I hope that Taiwan and Haiti will continue to support each other and deepen cooperation. I believe that Minister Jean-Baptiste’s visit will open up more opportunities for cooperation for both countries, helping Taiwan and Haiti face various challenges together. In closing, I once again offer a sincere welcome to the delegation led by Minister Jean-Baptiste, and ask him to convey greetings from Taiwan to Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé and the members of the Transitional Presidential Council. Minister Jean-Baptiste then delivered remarks, saying that he is extremely honored to visit Taiwan and reaffirm the solid and friendly cooperative relationship based on mutual respect between the Republic of Haiti and the Republic of China (Taiwan), which will soon mark its 70th anniversary. He also brought greetings to President Lai from Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council and Prime Minister Fils-Aimé. Minister Jean-Baptiste emphasized that over the past few decades, despite the great geographical distance and developmental and cultural differences between our two countries, we have nevertheless established a firm friendship and demonstrated to the world the progress resulting from the mutual assistance and cooperation between our peoples. Minister Jean-Baptiste pointed out that our two countries cooperate closely in agriculture, health, education, and community development and have achieved concrete results. Taiwan’s voice, he said, is thus essential for the people of Haiti. He noted that Taiwan also plays an important role in peace and innovation and actively participates in global cooperative efforts. Pointing out that the world is currently facing significant challenges and that Haiti is experiencing its most difficult period in history, Minister Jean-Baptiste said that at this time, Taiwan and Haiti need to unite, help each other, and jointly think about how to move forward and deepen bilateral relations to benefit the peoples of both countries. Minister Jean-Baptiste said that he is pleased that throughout our solid and friendly diplomatic relationship, both countries have demonstrated mutual trust, mutual respect, and the values we jointly defend. He then stated his belief that Haiti and Taiwan will together create a cooperation model and future that are sincere, friendly, and sustainable. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Francilien Victorin of the Embassy of the Republic of Haiti in Taiwan.

    Details
    2025-07-01
    President Lai meets delegation from 2025 Taiwan International Ocean Forum
    On the afternoon of July 1, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation from the 2025 Taiwan International Ocean Forum (TIOF). In remarks, President Lai noted that the people of Taiwan will continue to work with democratic partners throughout the world in a maritime spirit of freedom and openness to contribute to ocean governance and jointly ensure maritime security. He expressed hope that their visit will help forge stronger friendships between Taiwan and international maritime partners, so that all can work together to spur shared maritime prosperity and sustainable development for the next generation. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I want to thank our guests for coming here to the Presidential Office. The 2025 TIOF will take place tomorrow and the day after, and I thank you all for making the long trip to Taiwan to attend the event and share your valuable insights and experiences. This year’s forum will focus on strategies for strengthening maritime security and pathways to achieving a sustainable blue economy. By attending this forum, our guests are highlighting their commitment to safeguarding the oceans, and beyond that, taking concrete action to demonstrate support for Taiwan. I once again offer deepest gratitude on behalf of the people of Taiwan. Taiwan holds a key position on the first island chain, is one of the world’s top 10 shipping nations, and accounts for close to 10 percent of global container shipping by volume. As such, Taiwan occupies a unique and important position in maritime strategy. For Taiwan, the ocean is more than just a basis for survival and development; it is also an important driver of national prosperity. In my inaugural address last year, I spoke of a threefold approach to further Taiwan’s development. One of these involves further developing our strengths as a maritime nation. Our government must actively help deepen our connections with the ocean, and must continue to promote green shipping, a sustainable fishing industry, marine renewable energy, and other forms of industrial transformation. It must also make use of marine technology and digital innovation to create a new paradigm that balances environmental, economic, and social inclusion concerns. This will help enhance Taiwan’s responsibilities and competitiveness as a maritime nation. Taiwan is surrounded by ocean, and our territorial waters are a natural protective barrier. However, continued gray-zone aggression from China creates serious threats and challenges to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Our government continues to invest resources to deal with increasingly complex maritime security issues. In addition to building coast guard patrol vessels, we must also step up efforts to build underwater, surface, and airborne unmanned vehicles and smart reconnaissance equipment, so as to demonstrate Taiwan’s determination to defend democracy and freedom and commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Oceans are Taiwan’s roots, and provide the channels by which we engage with the world. The people of Taiwan will continue to work with democratic partners throughout the world in a maritime spirit of freedom and openness to contribute to ocean governance and jointly ensure maritime security. The TIOF was first launched in 2020, and has now become an important platform for enhancement of cooperation between Taiwan and other countries. I hope that our distinguished guests will reap great benefits at this year’s forum, and further hope that this visit will help forge stronger friendships between Taiwan and international maritime partners, so that all can work together to spur shared maritime prosperity and sustainable development for the next generation. Chairman of The Washington Times Thomas McDevitt, a member of the delegation, then delivered remarks, noting first that July 4th, this Friday, is Independence Day in America. Independence is a sacred, powerful word which has great meaning in this part of the world, he said. Chairman McDevitt indicated that Taiwan has truly become a global beacon of democracy and a key partner for many nations. He then quoted President Lai’s 2024 inaugural address: “We will work together to combat disinformation, strengthen democratic resilience, address challenges, and allow Taiwan to become the MVP of the democratic world.” Chairman McDevitt went on to say that he appreciated the president’s speech with regard to his philosophical depth, sensitivity, and both moral and political clarity. He said that he was deeply moved by the speech, but within a few days of it, China responded with military activities and many threats. The chairman then emphasized that we are in a civilization crisis. Chairman McDevitt mentioned that President Lai has begun a series of 10 lectures, and remarked that they would help the world to understand the identity and the nature of Taiwan, as well as the situation we are in in the world. On behalf of all the delegation, Chairman McDevitt thanked the president for his leadership in dealing with these issues thoughtfully. Chairman McDevitt concluded with a line from the Old Testament which states that if the people have no vision, they will perish. He said that he believes Taiwan’s president has led the people of Taiwan, and the world, with a vision of how to navigate this great civilization crisis together. The delegation also included Members of the Japanese House of Representatives Kikawada Hitoshi, Aoyama Yamato, and Genma Kentaro, and Member of Parliament of the United Kingdom Gavin Williamson.

    Details
    2025-06-30
    President Lai meets Minister of State at UK Department for Business and Trade Douglas Alexander  
    On the morning of June 30, President Lai Ching-te met with Douglas Alexander, Minister of State at the Department for Business and Trade of the United Kingdom. In remarks, President Lai thanked the UK government for its longstanding support for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, demonstrating that Taiwan and the UK share similar goals. Noting that two years ago, Taiwan and the UK signed an enhanced trade partnership (ETP) arrangement, the president said that today Taiwan and the UK have signed three pillars under the ETP, which will help promote bilateral economic and trade cooperation. He expressed hope of the UK publicly supporting Taiwan’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) so that together we can create an economic and trade landscape in the Indo-Pacific characterized by shared prosperity and development. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: First, on behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend a warm welcome to Minister Alexander and wish a fruitful outcome for the 27th round of Taiwan-UK trade talks later today. Taiwan-UK relations have grown closer in recent years. We have not only continued to strengthen cooperation in such fields as offshore wind power, innovative technologies, and culture and education but also have established regular dialogue mechanisms in the critical areas of economics and trade, energy, and agriculture. The UK is currently Taiwan’s fourth-largest European trading partner, second-largest source of investment from Europe, and third-largest target for investment in Europe. Two years ago, Taiwan and the UK signed an ETP arrangement. This was particularly meaningful, as it was the first institutionalized economic and trade framework between Taiwan and a European country. Today, this arrangement is yielding further results. I am delighted that Taiwan and the UK have signed three pillars under the ETP covering investment, digital trade, and energy and net-zero. This will help promote bilateral economic and trade cooperation and advance industrial development on both sides. I also want to thank the UK government for its longstanding support for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. This month, the UK published its Strategic Defence Review 2025 and National Security Strategy 2025, which oppose any unilateral attempts to change the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. These not only demonstrate that Taiwan and the UK share similar goals but also show that security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region are inseparable from those of the transatlantic regions. In addition, last November, the House of Commons passed a motion which made clear that United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758 neither established the sovereignty of the People’s Republic of China over Taiwan nor determined Taiwan’s status in the United Nations. The UK government also responded to the motion by publicly expressing for the first time its position on UNGA Resolution 2758, opposing any attempt to broaden the interpretation of the resolution to rewrite history. For this, on behalf of the people of Taiwan, I once again want to extend my deepest gratitude. Taiwan and the UK have the advantage of being highly complementary in the technology sector. In facing the restructuring of global supply chains and other international economic and trade developments, I believe that Taiwan and the UK are indispensable key partners for one another. I look forward to the UK publicly supporting Taiwan’s accession to the CPTPP so that together, we can create an economic and trade landscape in the Indo-Pacific characterized by shared prosperity and development. In closing, I wish Minister Alexander a pleasant and successful visit. And I hope he has the opportunity to visit Taiwan for personal travel in the future. Minister Alexander then delivered remarks, saying that it is a great personal honor to meet with everyone today to discuss further deepening the UK-Taiwan trade relationship and explore the many opportunities our two sides can pursue together. He mentioned that he traveled to Taiwan in 2022 when he was a private citizen, a visit he thoroughly enjoyed, so he is delighted to be back to see the strength of the UK-Taiwan relationship and the strengthening of that relationship. He said that relationship is built on mutual respect, democratic values, and a shared vision for open, resilient, and rules-based economic cooperation. As like-minded partners, he pointed out, our collaboration continues to grow across multiple sectors, and he is here today to further that momentum. Minister Alexander stated that on trade and investment, he is proud that this morning we signed the ETP Pillars on Investment, Digital Trade, Energy and Net Zero, which will provide a clear framework for our future cooperation and lay the foundation for expanded access and market-shaping engagement between our two economies. The minister said he believes that together with our annual trade talks, this partnership will help UK’s firms secure new commercial opportunities, improve regulatory alignment, and promote long-term investment in key growth areas, which in turn will also support Taiwan’s efforts to expand high-quality trade relationships with trusted partners. Minister Alexander said that President Lai’s promotion of the Five Trusted Industry Sectors and the UK’s recently published industrial and trade strategies are very well-aligned, as both cover clean energy and semiconductors as well as advanced manufacturing. He then provided an example, saying that both sides plan to invest in AI infrastructure and compute power-creating opportunities for great joint research in the future. By combining our strengths in these areas, he said, we can open the door to innovative collaboration and commercial success for both sides. He mentioned that yesterday he visited the Taiwan Space Agency, commenting that in sectors such as satellite technology, green energy, and cyber security, British expertise and trusted standards can provide meaningful solutions. Noting that President Lai spoke in his remarks of the broader challenge of peace and security in the region, Minister Alexander stated that the United Kingdom has, of course, also continued to affirm its commitment to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, along with its G7 partners. The UK-Taiwan relationship is strategic, enduring, and growing, he stated, and they reaffirm and remain firm in their longstanding position and confident in their ability to work together to support both prosperity and resilience in both of our societies. Minister Alexander said that, as Taiwan looks to diversify capital and build global partnerships, they believe the UK represents a strong and ambitious investment destination, particularly for Taiwanese companies at the very forefront of robotics, clean tech, and advanced industry. He pointed out that the UK’s markets are stable, open, and aligned with Taiwan’s vision of a high-tech, sustainable future, adding that he looks forward to our discussion on how we can further deepen our cooperation across all of these areas and more. The delegation also included Martin Kent, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific at the UK Department for Business and Trade. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by British Office Taipei Representative Ruth Bradley-Jones.   

    Details
    2025-06-27
    President Lai confers decoration on former Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Chairman Ohashi Mitsuo
    On the morning of June 27, President Lai Ching-te conferred the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon upon former Chairman of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Ohashi Mitsuo in recognition of his firm convictions and tireless efforts in promoting Taiwan-Japan exchanges. In remarks, President Lai stated that Chairman Ohashi cares for Taiwan like a family member, and expressed hope that Taiwan and Japan continue to deepen their partnership, bring about the early signing of an economic partnership agreement (EPA), and jointly build secure and stable non-red supply chains as we boost the resilience and competitiveness of our economies and jointly safeguard the values of freedom and democracy. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: Every meeting I have with Chairman Ohashi, with whom I have worked side by side for many years, is warm and friendly. I recall that when we met last year, Chairman Ohashi said that he often thinks about what Japan can do for Taiwan and what Taiwan can do for Japan, and that it is that mutual concern that makes us so close. This was a truly moving statement illustrating the relationship between Taiwan and Japan. Chairman Ohashi has also said numerous times that our bilateral relations may very well be the best in the entire world, and that in fact they may serve as a model to other countries. Indeed, Chairman Ohashi is himself an exemplary model for friendly relations between Taiwan and Japan. His spirit of always working tirelessly to promote Taiwan-Japan exchanges is truly admirable. Assuming the position of chairman of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association in 2011, he served during the terms of former Presidents Ma Ying-jeou and Tsai Ing-wen, continuously making positive contributions to Taiwan-Japan relations. Over these past 14 years, Taiwan and Japan have signed over 50 major agreements, spanning the economy and trade, fisheries, and taxes, among other areas. In 2017, the Taiwan-Japan Relations Association and the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association underwent name changes, strengthening the essence and significance of Taiwan-Japan relations. These great achievements were all made possible thanks to the firm convictions and tireless efforts of Chairman Ohashi. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I am delighted to confer upon Chairman Ohashi the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon to express our deepest thanks for his outstanding contributions. Chairman Ohashi is not just a good friend of Taiwan, but someone who cares for Taiwan like a family member. When a major earthquake struck in 2016, he personally went to Tainan to assess the situation and meet with the city government. This outpouring of friendship and support across borders was deeply moving. As we look to the future, I hope that Taiwan and Japan can continue to deepen our partnership. In addition to bringing about the early signing of an EPA, I also hope that we can expand collaboration in key areas such as semiconductors, energy, and AI, continue building secure and stable non-red supply chains, and boost the resilience and competitiveness of our economies as well as peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. As Chairman Ohashi has said, the close bilateral relationship between Taiwan and Japan is one the world can be proud of. I would like to thank him once again for his contributions to deepening Taiwan-Japan ties. Taiwan will continue to forge ahead side by side with Japan, jointly safeguarding the values of freedom and democracy and mutually advancing prosperous development. I wish Chairman Ohashi good health, happiness, peace, and success in his future endeavors, and invite him to return to Taiwan often to visit old friends. Chairman Ohashi then delivered remarks, first thanking President Lai for his kind words. He stated that the Taiwan-Japan relationship is not only worthy of praise; it can also serve as a superb model in the world for bilateral relations that is worthy of study by other countries. He added that this is the result of the collective efforts of President Lai as well as many other individuals. Chairman Ohashi said that the current international situation is rather severe, with wars and conflicts occurring between many neighboring countries. He said that there is a growing trend of nuclear weapon proliferation, emphasizing that use of such weapons would cause significant harm between nations. He also pointed out that some countries even use nuclear weapons as a threat, leading to instability and impacting the global situation. Chairman Ohashi said that neither Taiwan nor Japan possesses nuclear weapons, which is something to be proud of. That is why, he said, we can declare that a world without nuclear weapons is a peaceful world. He also mentioned that during his tenure as chairman of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, he consistently upheld this principle in his work. Chairman Ohashi said that the mission of the World Federalist Movement (WFM) is to promote world peace. He said that the WFM has branches in countries worldwide, with the WFM of Japan being one of the most prominent, and that it also aspires to achieve the goal of world peace. Having served as chairman of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association for 14 years, he said, he is now stepping down from this role and will serve as the chairman of the WFM of Japan, aiming to promote peace in countries around the world. Chairman Ohashi said that both Taiwan and Japan can take pride in our friendly bilateral relationship, emphasizing that if the good relationship between Japan and Taiwan could be offered as an example to countries around the world, there would be no more wars. He expressed his sincere hope that under President Lai’s leadership, Taiwan and Japan can work together to jointly promote world peace. Also in attendance at the ceremony was Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Taipei Office Chief Representative Katayama Kazuyuki.

    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 Russia: Summer of good initiatives

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    In the summer, the corridors of the Polytechnic University are empty, but the Dobro.Center “Harmony” continues to unite students, teachers, partners and all those who are not indifferent for good deeds.

    The Polytechnic regularly collects humanitarian aid at the university headquarters

    On June 15, Medical Worker’s Day, curators of military hospitals of St. Petersburg met. The event was organized by the “For Friends” community. Polytechnic was represented by the responsible curator of the military hospital 122 MSC Tatyana Nam and a volunteer of the university headquarters

    On June 21, children from Mariupol arrived for summer vacation in Zelenogorsk. Volunteers of “Harmony”, who are part of the regional headquarters

    On June 25, at the Family and Children Assistance Center of the Kalininsky District of St. Petersburg, SPbPU volunteers together with students of the Higher School of Linguistics and Pedagogy of the Humanitarian Institute held a training program with elements of art therapy for children aged 7-12. The event became part of the positive leisure camp “LetoVmeste”.

    In addition, in June, a concert was held at Clinical Hospital No. 122 for military personnel dedicated to Russian Language Day. Kirill Grishin read poems by classic Russian poets. Maria Guner shared her original poems and fascinating stories about the classics of Russian culture and literature. Vera Ugai performed heartfelt songs about the Motherland, love, hope and dream. Tatyana Nam told stories about great polytechnicians. Konstantin Zakharov concluded the concert with songs to the guitar. According to tradition, volunteers visited the wards, presented gifts and treats to patients.

    On June 26, the Polytechnicians performed vocal compositions at the General Surgery Clinic of the Kirov Military Medical Academy. The concert was supplemented by numbers by the soloist of the chapel Ilya Zavatsky and the string quartet of the Troitsky Cultural Center.

    On June 27, a concert was held at the hospital of the North-West District Scientific and Clinical Center named after L. G. Sokolov featuring a female vocal quartet and theater and film actor Oleg Kharitonov. In conclusion, all those gathered sang the song “I love you, life!” Volunteers talked to patients and presented gifts. The servicemen asked to bring books if possible, and to organize “home tournaments” in backgammon and board games at the hospital.

    Harmony has new challenges, big projects and inspiring stories ahead.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic University and Rossotrudnichestvo held an international chess day

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, together with the Rossotrudnichestvo representative office in India, held an educational master class for Indian schoolchildren who are passionate about chess.

    Chess as a physical education discipline appeared at the Polytechnic University in 2021. Every semester, chess classes are attended by more than a hundred first- and second-year students. The Polytechnic University Chess Club, named after a university graduate, the first Soviet world champion, grandmaster Mikhail Botvinnik, regularly holds tournaments, including online ones. Our club’s Interuniversity project is the largest international online tournament among students in the world (more than 1,000 participants from 20 different countries). The Polytechnic University team is the champion of St. Petersburg and Russia in chess, and winners of the All-Russian Summer Universiade. The honor of the team was defended by FIDE masters, international masters, and grandmaster Kirill Alekseenko, who was a contender for the world chess crown at the time of his studies at the Polytechnic University.

    The event, dedicated to the development of Russian-Indian cooperation in the field of education and sports, brought together young chess players from India. The program was rich and informative. Polytechnic University was represented by Pavel Martynov, an international FIDE master and candidate of pedagogical sciences with more than 10 years of experience, speaking via videoconference. He gave the children a remote lecture on how chess develops critical thinking, memory, concentration and strategic planning skills, and shared practical strategies that are useful both at the board and in studies.

    The participants of the master class were shown a film about the Polytechnic University. The schoolchildren learned about the history, traditions, modern scientific achievements and the rich student life of the university. The children were reminded that the legendary Mikhail Botvinnik, the 6th world chess champion, the founder of the Soviet chess school, was a graduate of the Electromechanical Faculty of the Leningrad Polytechnic Institute (now SPbPU) in 1932. This fact aroused keen interest among young Indian chess players, for whom the name Botvinnik is synonymous with chess greatness. The children got acquainted with his biography at a photo exhibition dedicated to outstanding chess players.

    The theoretical part smoothly turned into the practical. Pavel Martynov held a session of simultaneous play with the schoolchildren. The children were able to test their strength and apply some of the ideas they heard in practice.

    “It is a great honor for the Polytechnic University to continue the traditions established by such giants as Mikhail Botvinnik,” noted Pavel Martynov. “We are pleased to have the opportunity to share our developments with young talents of India and strengthen our friendly ties through the universal language of chess. The enthusiasm and level of play of Indian schoolchildren are impressive!”

    The Rossotrudnichestvo Representative Office in India expressed gratitude to SPbPU and personally to Pavel Martynov for organizing and holding a highly professional and educational event that promotes the popularization of the Russian language, Russian education and culture, and also strengthens friendship between the youth of the two countries.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Live training: SPbPU students completed practical training at Setl Group construction sites

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Second-year students of the Institute of Civil Engineering of SPbPU took part in a series of excursions to the construction sites of Setl Group. During their introductory practice, the students also visited the company’s office.

    The students of the Polytechnic University were accompanied by Svetlana Belyaeva, senior lecturer of the Civil Engineering Institute, and Alexandra Zatsepina, assistant of the ISI. Setl Group was represented by Daria Fioletova, manager of personnel training and development.

    In the residential complex “Bionika Zapovednaya” the tour was conducted by the leading construction engineer Ivan Golubev and the head of the construction project Vladimir Farykin. In the residential complex Univer City the children were met by the construction engineer Ksenia Tolkacheva and the leading construction engineer Alexey Borisenko. The head of the construction project Ruslan Ermoolenko, leading construction engineers Kirill Tropin and Artem Akimov told about the residential complex “Dvortsovy Fasad”.

    At the company’s office, construction project manager Dmitry Shmodin gave a lecture on the specifics of management, site organization, interaction between engineers at all stages of work, and the use of modern technologies.

    During excursions to residential complexes and the office, ISI students received detailed safety instructions, saw presentations of architectural concepts of the facilities, learned about the company’s areas of activity, job responsibilities of engineers and strict requirements for the quality of work. In addition, the students studied the sequence of construction processes – from monolithic work to finishing and landscaping, got acquainted with engineering systems, visited the technical underground and underground parking. They discussed modern digital solutions for construction management with experts, including the ICONA platform, and also asked questions to engineers.

    Based on the results of the internship, the students compiled reports with photos and videos. This will be useful to them in the next semester when designing a multi-apartment residential building. The guys were interested in the possibility of completing an internship at the company and further employment.

    “I received additional motivation in my desire to become a professional who not only knows how to design, but is also able to control and understand the entire construction process on site,” shared Mikhail Abramov.

    “Such excursions help students combine knowledge of different disciplines in a single real picture of construction. This is how they learn to think, reason, ask questions and see more,” noted ISI teacher Alexandra Zatsepina.

    “It’s nice to see the students’ sincere desire to learn a lot. This gives rise to the desire to invest more: to hold useful events to help the new generation grow professionally. We will be glad to see interested students in our practice,” said Setl Group’s HR Training and Development Manager Daria Fioletova.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese divers fend off host’s charge at FISU Games

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

    While Chinese divers kept their dominance in the diving event, host Germany jumps into the limelight with its strong performance at the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games.

    Wang Weiying brought China its sixth diving gold on Monday with a wire-to-wire victory on 344.25 points in the women’s 3m springboard. Her teammate Qu Zhixin completed a one-two finish for China with silver at 318.55, while Germany’s Lena Hentschel and Jette Muller thrilled the home crowd by taking bronze and fourth place, respectively.

    A golden Monday capped a near-perfect week for Wang, who has two golds and one silver in Berlin. The lone blemish came in the 10m platform competition where she finished runner-up to fellow Chinese Lu Wei.

    Qu Zhixin of China competes in the women’s 3m springboard. [photo:xinhua]

    “The environment is amazing. I am very happy to be able to compete in so many different events,” Wang said.

    After five competition days, China has collected six gold and six silver medals in diving, while host Germany has three golds, two silvers and three bronzes under its belt – compared to just two silvers at the previous Games held in Chengdu two years ago.

    The 11-strong German roster includes five Olympians, with Hentschel arriving in Berlin as a Tokyo 2020 bronze medalist.

    “The German divers are looking to use home-crowd advantage to better their fourth place on the Chengdu Games medal table in 2023, when they claimed two silver medals,” the FISU’s official preview noted.

    “Considering we are competing away from home and the hosts place great emphasis on diving, the results so far are already very good,” said Fu Yuchao, leader of the Chinese diving team. “There are still some regrets, but overall the team has performed to expectation.”

    The diving competition of the Rhine-Ruhr Universiade will conclude on Wednesday with four gold medals up for grabs.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: COVID, flu, RSV: how these common viruses are tracking this winter – and how to protect yourself

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Esterman, Professor of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of South Australia

    nimis69/Getty Images

    Winter is here, and with it come higher rates of respiratory illnesses. If you’ve been struck down recently with a sore throat, runny nose and a cough, or perhaps even a fever, you’re not alone.

    Last week, non-urgent surgeries were paused in several Queensland hospitals due to a surge of influenza and COVID cases filling up hospital beds.

    Meanwhile, more than 200 aged care facilities around Australia are reportedly facing COVID outbreaks.

    So, just how bad are respiratory infections this year, and which viruses are causing the biggest problems?

    COVID

    Until May, COVID case numbers were about half last year’s level, but June’s 32,348 notifications are closing the gap (compared with 45,634 in June 2024). That said, we know far fewer people test now than they did earlier in the pandemic, so these numbers are likely to be an underestimate.

    According to the latest Australian Respiratory Surveillance Report, Australia now appears to be emerging from a winter wave of COVID cases driven largely by the NB.1.8.1 subvariant, known as “Nimbus”.

    Besides classic cold-like symptoms, this Omicron offshoot can reportedly cause particularly painful sore throats as well as gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhoea.

    While some people who catch COVID have no symptoms or just mild ones, for many people the virus can be serious. Older adults and those with chronic health issues remain at greatest risk of experiencing severe illness and dying from COVID.

    Some 138 aged care residents have died from COVID since the beginning of June.

    The COVID booster currently available is based on the JN.1 subvariant. Nimbus is a direct descendant of JN.1 – as is another subvariant in circulation, XFG or “Stratus” – which means the vaccine should remain effective against current variants.

    Free boosters are available to most people annually, while those aged 75 and older are advised to get one every six months.

    Vaccination, as well as early treatment with antivirals, lowers the risk of severe illness and long COVID. People aged 70 and older, as well as younger people with certain risk factors, are eligible for antivirals if they test positive.

    Influenza

    The 2025 flu season has been unusually severe. From January to May, total case numbers were 30% higher than last year, increasing pressure on health systems.

    More recent case numbers seem to be trending lower than 2024, however we don’t appear to have reached the peak yet.

    Flu symptoms are generally more severe than the common cold and may include high fever, chills, muscle aches, fatigue, sore throat and a runny or blocked nose.

    Most people recover in under a week, but the flu can be more severe (and even fatal) in groups including older people, young children and pregnant women.

    An annual vaccination is available for free to children aged 6 months to 4 years, pregnant women, those aged 65+, and other higher-risk groups.

    Queensland and Western Australia provide a free flu vaccine for all people aged 6 months and older, but in other states and territories, people not eligible for a free vaccine can pay (usually A$30 or less) to receive one.

    RSV

    The third significant respiratory virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), only became a notifiable disease in 2021 (before this doctors didn’t need to record infections, meaning data is sparse).

    Last year saw Australia’s highest case numbers since RSV reporting began. By May, cases in 2025 were lower than 2024, but by June, they had caught up: 27,243 cases this June versus 26,596 in June 2024. However it looks as though we may have just passed the peak.

    RSV’s symptoms are usually mild and cold-like, but it can cause serious illness such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Infants, older people, and people with chronic health conditions are among those at highest risk. In young children, RSV is a leading cause of hospitalisation.

    A free vaccine is now available for pregnant women, protecting infants for up to six months. A monoclonal antibody (different to a vaccine but also given as an injection) is also available for at-risk children up to age two, especially if their mothers didn’t receive the RSV vaccine during pregnancy.

    For older adults, two RSV vaccines (Arexvy and Abrysvo) are available, with a single dose recommended for everyone aged 75+, those over 60 at higher risk due to medical conditions, and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 60+.

    Unfortunately, these are not currently subsidised and cost about $300. Protection lasts at least three years.

    The common cold

    While viruses including COVID, RSV and influenza dominate headlines, we often overlook one of the most widespread – the common cold.

    The common cold can be caused by more than 200 different viruses – mainly rhinoviruses but also some coronaviruses, adenoviruses and enteroviruses.

    Typical symptoms include a runny or blocked nose, sore throat, coughing, sneezing, headache, tiredness and sometimes a mild fever.

    Children get about 6–8 colds per year while adults average 2–4, and symptoms usually resolve in a week. Most recover with rest, fluids, and possibly over-the-counter medications.

    Because so many different viruses cause the common cold, and because these constantly mutate, developing a vaccine has been extremely challenging. Researchers continue to explore solutions, but a universal cold vaccine remains elusive.

    How do I protect myself and others?

    The precautions we learned during the COVID pandemic remain valid. These are all airborne viruses which can be spread by coughing, sneezing and touching contaminated surfaces.

    Practise good hygiene, teach children proper cough etiquette, wear a high-quality mask if you’re at high risk, and stay home to rest if unwell.

    You can now buy rapid antigen tests (called panel tests) that test for influenza (A or B), COVID and RSV. So, if you’re unwell with a respiratory infection, consider testing yourself at home.

    While many winter lurgies can be trivial, this is not always the case. We can all do our bit to reduce the impact.

    Adrian Esterman receives funding from the Medical Research Future Fund.

    – ref. COVID, flu, RSV: how these common viruses are tracking this winter – and how to protect yourself – https://theconversation.com/covid-flu-rsv-how-these-common-viruses-are-tracking-this-winter-and-how-to-protect-yourself-261383

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: South Australia’s algal bloom may shrink over winter – but this model suggests it will spread to new areas in summer

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jochen Kaempf, Associate Professor of Natural Sciences (Oceanography), Flinders University

    South Australia is desperate for help to tackle an unprecedented harmful algal bloom that has decimated marine life up and down the coast. While the extent of the damage is still unknown, my preliminary research suggests there’s no end in sight. It may just get better over winter before it gets worse next summer.

    The Karenia mikimotoi bloom first appeared in March on two surf beaches outside Gulf St Vincent, about an hour south of Adelaide. It has since spread, killing all kinds of marine organisms – from crabs and small fish to sharks and rays. Only the neighbouring Spencer Gulf, far west coast and southeast coasts have been spared. For now.

    In preliminary research now undergoing peer review, I have predicted the bloom’s future spread using a new computer model. In the worst-case scenario, the harmful algal bloom would reach the Spencer Gulf and spread – from Port Lincoln to Whyalla and across to Port Pirie – next summer and autumn. That would be extremely bad news for the thriving seafood, aquaculture and tourism industries. They may need help to prepare.

    Some help is on the way. Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt yesterday announced A$14 million in federal funding. SA Premier Peter Malinauskas convened an Emergency Management Cabinet Committee meeting today and signed off on a $28 million support package.

    The worst-case scenario forecasts high concentrations of K. mikimotoi in both South Australian gulfs next April.
    Jochen Kaempf

    A rolling disaster

    The algal bloom was first noticed when dozens of surfers and beachgoers on the southern coast of the Fleurieu Peninsula fell ill after exposure to seawater in March.

    Soon, dangerous sea foam appeared. Then the killing began in earnest. Many marine species started washing up dead or dying.

    The bloom began to spread. In mid-April, K. mikimotoi was detected in water samples from Edithburgh and Coobowie on the southeastern corner of Yorke Peninsula.

    In early May, the Kangaroo Island Council announced the bloom had spread across the Investigator Strait affecting the island’s northern coastline.

    Wild weather in June pushed the bloom through the Murray Mouth into the Coorong.

    By July, the state government had detected K. mikimotoi along Adelaide’s metropolitan coastline. Videos of fish kills near the Ardrossan Jetty in the northern Gulf St Vincent also emerged.

    So far, the bloom has not been detected in Spencer Gulf. But my modelling suggests it’s only a matter of time.

    Predicting the future

    I was the first to discover the seasonal upwelling of nutrients in several regions along SA’s southern coastal shelf. This nutrient source fuels the marine food chain. It’s a big part of the reason why the marine life in our Great Southern Australian Coastal Upwelling System is so diverse.

    I also simulated the ocean currents in South Australian gulfs using computer models as early as 2009.

    I have now developed a computer model to predict where the algae will spread next.

    Preliminary results from this research have been submitted to the journal Continental Shelf Research and are being reviewed. But given the speed at which this situation is developing, it’s worth sharing a preprint of this manuscript.

    My model matches what’s known about the early spread of the bloom. It began in the coastal waters of the southern Fleurieu Peninsula. It then invaded Investigator Strait, between the Yorke Peninsula and Kangaroo Island, before slowly spreading in a clockwise circulation across the wider Gulf St Vincent.

    When the model is used to forecast how the algae bloom will evolve, the story becomes deeply concerning.

    It predicts the algal bloom will weaken over this winter, as the growth rate will slow in cooler water. In my model, the algae had already invaded the lower Spencer Gulf in May 2025 but at very low concentrations.

    Then, in the worst-case scenario of high growth rates and nothing stopping it, the model predicts the bloom will affect both gulfs – Gulf St Vincent and Spencer Gulf – and Investigator Strait, with severe conditions predicted for the coming summer.

    A bloom in the Spencer Gulf could decimate stocks of Australian sardine in the lower gulf, and potentially also western king prawns and the giant Australian cuttlefish in the upper Spencer Gulf. Some research suggests algal growth may be limited in the hypersaline upper reaches of the gulfs, but the spread of the algae as far as Ardrossan indicates otherwise.

    Under the best-case scenario, the algae’s natural predator, zooplankton, would eat more of the algae, suppressing future flare-ups. So there is some hope, but more research is needed to better understand how zooplankton could control these algae.

    SA also needs to make continuous efforts to monitor K. mikimotoi concentrations. This includes analysis of water samples in both gulfs. It’s important to note satellite images only show the peak phase of the toxic algal bloom, and can be misleading as they also display other species including blooms of “good” algae.

    Fortunately, the $28 million support package includes $8.5 million for early detection and monitoring of harmful algal bloom species. This will involve real-time sensors (buoys), satellite imagery and oceanographic modelling. A new $2 million national testing laboratory will check for toxins, while $3 million will be spent on a rapid assessment of fish stocks and fisheries.

    But if the algae stick around, there may be little anyone can do to protect our marine environment.

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

    – ref. South Australia’s algal bloom may shrink over winter – but this model suggests it will spread to new areas in summer – https://theconversation.com/south-australias-algal-bloom-may-shrink-over-winter-but-this-model-suggests-it-will-spread-to-new-areas-in-summer-261549

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –