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Category: Vehicles

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. Rep Angie Craig Announces $330,750 to Increase Domestic Biofuels in Lakeville

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02)

    Lakeville, MN – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig announced $330,750 in federal grant funding for the Mega Stop Inc., a truck stop in Lakeville, to help expand their access to homegrown biofuels.

    This funding comes as a Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentives Program grant, which is part of a $239 million investment, made in the Inflation Reduction Act, to increase the availability of domestic biofuels in 18 states and give Americans cleaner, more affordable fuel options. 

    “Bolstering domestic biofuel production supports Minnesota’s family farmers and lowers prices at the pump for working Minnesotans – it’s a win-win for everybody,” said Rep. Craig. “I was proud to work to pass the Inflation Reduction Act and I’ll keep working to invest in the all-of-the-above energy approach we need to lower energy costs and combat climate change.”

    The Inflation Reduction Act, which passed in 2022 with Rep. Craig’s support, made the largest investment ever in homegrown biofuels infrastructure.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two sent to prison for roles in cartel-linked human smuggling scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LAREDO, Texas – Two individuals have been sentenced to prison for their roles in an extensive human smuggling conspiracy involving Cartel del Noreste (CDN), announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. 

    Laredo resident Francisco Suarez, 20, and Luis Daniel Segura Guzman, 26, a Mexican citizen residing in Laredo. Suarez pleaded guilty Dec. 20, 2023, and Jan. 18, respectively.    

    U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña has now imposed a 33-month term of imprisonment for Suarez, while Segura received 30 months. Both must serve three years of supervised release following their sentences. Not a U.S. citizen, Guzman is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that Suarez and Segura were a part of Los Fantasmas, a gang and alien smuggling organization who works hand-in-hand with Mexican cartels. Judge Saldaña imposed sentencing enhancements that held each responsible for smuggling at least 100 aliens or more. The court commented that both were “committed to this lifestyle” and noted the importance of imposing a sentence that would deter them from becoming involved in this conduct in the future.  

    Another co-conspirator Bernardo Aniceto Garza, 27, Laredo, also pleaded guilty and is set for sentencing Nov. 4.  

    “Cartel del Noreste, a Mexican cartel, is known for engaging in ruthless acts of violence and extortion to support its drug trafficking operations, and in recent years it has added human smuggling to its list of illicit money-making operations, with Facebook and social media becoming invaluable tools to facilitate its new venture,” said Hamdani. “CDN uses these platforms to recruit, coordinate and expand its criminal operations, reaching broader audiences, while putting countless lives at risk. For years, Suarez and Guzman used Facebook to exploit and profit from vulnerable individuals while also evading detection, but thanks to the efforts of my office, those days are now over.”

    On Aug. 23, 2023, authorities discovered a Facebook post that appeared to be advertising transportation services for undocumented aliens via sleeper cabs of tractor trailers. The investigation revealed Segura coordinated the transportation of three undocumented aliens for approximately $8,000 and arranged for a Garza to make the pickup in Laredo that afternoon.

    Authorities were able to apprehend Garza and found two women and a 15-year-old minor inside a parked tractor. All were citizens of Mexico and El Salvador and illegally present in the United States. Law enforcement also discovered a firearm inside the vehicle Garza was driving.   

    On Sept. 16, 2023, authorities encountered Segura in Laredo. He admitted the CDN had recruited him in Mexico to smuggle aliens and that he worked with Suarez to do so. Law enforcement located a cell phone in Segura’s possession that was still logged into the Facebook account used to advertise and coordinate the August smuggling event.  

    Suarez was acting as a scout in a separate smuggling attempt Sept. 19, 2023, when law enforcement arrested him. He admitted he worked for Garza and had provided him with the three migrants authorities caught Garza transporting. The investigation also identified Suarez as a stash house operator responsible for harboring undocumented individuals. 

    An analysis of Segura’s phone revealed his involvement in the smuggling of at least 133 undocumented individuals. Historical data and messages traced Segura’s smuggling activities back to May 2020. The phone also contained detailed information, including photographs and identifying information of suspected migrants, screenshots of smuggling routes and deposit receipts for payments tied to smuggling services. 

    Authorities found similar information on Suarez’s cell phone which included photos of approximately 300 unique individuals illegally smuggled across the border, including children, dating back to September 2022. 

    The men will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. 

    Homeland Security Investigations, Laredo Police Department and Border Patrol conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations and the Texas Department of Public Safety. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage. 

    This sentencing is also the result of the coordinated efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). Attorney General Merrick B. Garland established JTFA in June 2021 to marshal the investigative and prosecutorial resources of the Department of Justice, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to combat the rise in prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras. The initiative was expanded to Colombia and Panama to combat human smuggling in the Darién in June 2024. JTFA comprises detailees from U.S. attorneys’ offices along the southwest border including the Southern District of California, districts of Arizona and New Mexico and the Western and Southern Districts of Texas. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section, and supported by the Office of Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training; Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section; Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section; Office of Enforcement Operations; Office of International Affairs; and the Violent Crime and Racketeering Section. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, Drug Enforcement Adminstration and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in over 325 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers and significant facilitators of human smuggling, more than 270 U.S. convictions, more than 210 significant jail sentences imposed and forfeitures of substantial assets.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney and JTFA detailee Jennifer Day prosecuted this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: 56th Security Consultative Meeting Joint Communique

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    1. The 56th United States (U.S.)-Republic of Korea (ROK) Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) was held in Washington, D.C., on October 30, 2024. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and ROK Minister of National Defense Kim Yong Hyun led their respective delegations, which included senior defense and foreign affairs officials. On October 17, 2024, the U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Charles Q. Brown Jr., and ROK Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Kim Myung-soo, presided over the 49th ROK-U.S. Military Committee Meeting (MCM).

    2. The Secretary and the Minister reaffirmed that the U.S.-ROK Alliance is the linchpin of peace, stability, and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula and beyond based on our shared values, including freedom, human rights, and the rule of law. The two leaders reviewed progress taken during 2024 to implement the “Defense Vision of the U.S.-ROK Alliance,” including enhancing extended deterrence against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), modernizing Alliance capabilities based on science and technology cooperation, and strengthening solidarity and regional security cooperation with like-minded partners. They noted that the SCM has played a pivotal role in developing the ROK-U.S. Alliance into a Global Comprehensive Strategic Alliance and would continue maintaining its role as a core consultative mechanism to discuss the future development of the Alliance and provide strategic direction.  The two leaders also provided direction and guidance for continued progress in 2025 through a newly endorsed framework of U.S.-ROK bilateral defense consultative mechanisms that effectively and efficiently support Alliance objectives.  Both concurred that the current U.S.-ROK Alliance is stronger than ever and reaffirmed the two nations’ unwavering mutual commitment to a combined defense posture to defend the ROK as stated in the U.S-ROK Mutual Defense Treaty, and as reflected in the Washington Declaration. The two leaders also resolved to continue to strengthen the Alliances’ deterrence and defense posture against DPRK aggression and promote stability on the Korean Peninsula and throughout the region.

    3. The Secretary and the Minister reviewed the current security environment in and around the Korean Peninsula and discussed cooperative measures between the two nations. The Secretary and Minister expressed grave concern that the DPRK continues to modernize and diversify its nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities.  The two sides condemned the DPRK’s multiple missile launches, including ballistic missiles, its attempted launches of a space launch vehicle, and Russian-DPRK arms trade as clear violations of existing UN Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs).  They noted that these actions present profound security challenges to the international community and pose an increasingly serious threat to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and throughout the Indo-Pacific region, as well as in the Euro-Atlantic region.

    4. Secretary Austin reiterated the firm U.S. commitment to provide extended deterrence to the ROK, utilizing the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear, conventional, missile defense, and advanced non-nuclear capabilities.  He noted that any nuclear attack by the DPRK against the United States or its Allies and partners is unacceptable and would result in the end of the Kim regime in line with the 2022 U.S. Nuclear Posture Review.  He highlighted the increased frequency and routinization of U.S. strategic asset deployments as committed to by President Biden in the Washington Declaration, and noted that these were tangible evidence of the U.S. commitment to defend the ROK.

    5. The two leaders highly appreciated the work of the Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) inaugurated following the Washington Declaration.  Both applauded the completion on July 11, 2024, of “United States and Republic of Korea Guidelines for Nuclear Deterrence and Nuclear Operations on the Korean Peninsula,” which represents tremendous progress of the NCG commended and endorsed by President Biden and President Yoon. The two leaders affirmed that the completion of the Guidelines established the foundation for enhancing ROK-U.S. extended deterrence in an integrated manner.  Minister Kim noted that, through such progress, the ROK-U.S. Alliance was elevated to a nuclear-based alliance. The two leaders stressed that the principles and procedures contained in the Guidelines enable Alliance policy and military authorities to maintain an effective nuclear deterrence policy and posture.  The Secretary and Minister also welcomed the successful execution of the ROK-U.S. NCG table-top simulations and table-top exercises to enhance decision-making about nuclear deterrence and operations, and planning for potential nuclear contingencies on the Korean Peninsula.  Both sides affirmed that the full capabilities of the two countries would contribute to the Alliance’s combined deterrence and defense posture, and in this regard the Secretary welcomed the recent establishment of the ROK Strategic Command.  The Secretary and Minister directed the NCG to continue swift progress on NCG workstreams, including security protocols and expansion of information sharing; nuclear consultation processes in crises and contingencies; nuclear and strategic planning; ROK conventional support to U.S. nuclear operations in a contingency through conventional-nuclear integration (CNI); strategic communications; exercises, simulations, training, and investment activities; and risk reduction practices.  They noted that such efforts would be coordinated to strengthen capabilities of the ROK and United States to enhance U.S.-ROK extended deterrence cooperation in an integrated manner, and looked forward to receiving regular updates on NCG progress activities at future SCMs.

    6. The two sides pledged to continue coordinating efforts to deter DPRK’s nuclear threat with the Alliance’s overwhelming strength, while continuing to pursue efforts through sanctions and pressure to dissuade and delay DPRK’s nuclear development.  Both leaders stressed the importance of full implementation of UNSCRs by the entire international community, including the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Russia, both permanent members of the UN Security Council.  The two leaders urged the international community to prevent and respond to DPRK’s sanctions evasion so that it abandons its illegal nuclear and ballistic missile development.  To this end, they decided to work closely with each other and the international community to combat the DPRK’s illegal and malicious cyber activities, cryptocurrency theft, overseas laborer dispatches, and ship-to-ship transfers.  The Secretary and Minister expressed concern that Russia-DPRK military cooperation, which has been intensified since the signing of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty between the two, is deepening regional instability.  The two leaders made clear that military cooperation, including illegal arms trade and high-technology transfers between Russia and the DPRK, constitute a clear violation of UNSCRs, and called on Russia to uphold its commitments.  The two leaders also strongly condemned in the strongest terms with one voice that the military cooperation between Russia and the DPRK has expanded beyond transfers of military supplies to actual deployment of forces, and pledged to closely coordinate with the international community regarding this issue. 

    7. Both leaders reiterated the willingness of their Presidents to pursue dialogue and diplomacy, backed by a robust and credible deterrence and defense posture.  In this regard, Secretary Austin expressed support for the goals of the ROK’s Audacious Initiative and President Yoon’s vision of a free, peaceful, and prosperous unified Korean Peninsula, and welcomed President Yoon’s desire to open a path for serious and sustained diplomacy with the DPRK.  Both sides reaffirmed that they remain open to dialogue with the DPRK without preconditions and pledged to continue close coordination.

    8. The Minister and the Secretary noted concerns that the DPRK’s claims of “two hostile countries,” and activities near the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) could threaten peace and the Armistice on the Korean Peninsula.  The two leaders strongly condemned DPRK’s activities that raise tension on the Korean Peninsula, such as multiple unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) infiltrations in the past, as well as the recent unilateral detonation of sections of inter-Korean roads and ongoing launches of “filth and trash balloons,” and urged the DPRK to immediately cease such activities.  The Secretary and the Minister concurred that the Armistice Agreement remains in effect as an international norm guaranteeing the stable security order on the Korean Peninsula, and that all parties of the Korean War should abide by it while it remains in force.  Both sides noted that the Northern Limit Line (NLL) has been an effective means of separating military forces and preventing military tension over the past 70 years, and urged the DPRK to respect the NLL.

    9. Secretary Austin and Minister Kim reaffirmed the role of the United Nations Command (UNC) in implementing, managing, and enforcing the Korean Armistice Agreement, deterring DPRK aggression, and coordinating a multinational, united response in case of contingencies on the Korean Peninsula.  They reaffirmed that UNC has successfully contributed to those aims for more than 70 years and continues to carry out its mission with the utmost respect for the sovereignty of ROK, the primary host nation.  Both sides welcomed the successful organization of the second ROK-UNC Member States Defense Ministerial Meeting and expressed their appreciation for UNC Member State contributions.  They welcomed the addition of Germany to UNC, and noted that peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, including the Korean Peninsula, and Euro-Atlantic regions are increasingly connected.  The two leaders are determined to continue seeking the expanded participation in UNC by like-minded countries that share the values of the 1953 Washington Declaration, anchored in the principles of the UN Charter and mandates of relevant UNSCRs. Secretary Austin thanked Minister Kim for the ROK’s efforts to support the UNC’s role to maintain and enforce the Armistice Agreement, and to support the defense of the ROK against DPRK aggression.  In this regard, the Secretary and Minister both highlighted their desire to expand combined exercises, information sharing, and interoperability between the ROK, the Combined Forces Command, and UNC Member States.

    10. The Secretary and the Minister also noted the critical role that U.S. forces in the ROK have played for more than 70 years and reaffirmed that U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) continues to play a decisive role in preventing armed conflict on the Korean Peninsula, and in promoting peace and stability in Northeast Asia.  Secretary Austin reiterated the U.S. commitment to maintain current USFK force levels to defend the ROK. 

    11. The Secretary and Minister also reviewed the work of the various bilateral mechanisms such as the U.S.-Korea Integrated Defense Dialogue (KIDD).  They welcomed efforts to enhance information sharing through the U.S. Shared Early Warning System (SEWS) for strengthening the Alliance’s detection capabilities in response to advancing DPRK missile threats.  They also commended the work of the Counter-Missile Working Group (CMWG) and reviewed “the Joint Study on Alliance Comprehensive Counter-Missile Strategy” aimed at informing recommendations for counter-missile capabilities and posture of ROK and United States.  The Secretary and Minister also discussed concrete efforts to strengthen cooperation in space and cyber to robustly deter and defend against growing threats.  They endorsed efforts by the Space Cooperation Working Group (SCWG) to improve space situational awareness information sharing and interoperability, and acknowledged the need to expand ROK participation in exercises and training that can strengthen Alliance space capability and improve resilience against growing space threats.  In particular, the Secretary also welcomed ROK participation in the Joint Commercial Operations (JCO) cell to leverage space industry and strengthen allied space capabilities.  The Secretary and Minister also pledged to deepen cyber cooperation through the Cyber Cooperation Working Group and improve coordination through cyber defense exercises, such as Cyber Alliance and Cyber Flag.  Overall, both leaders expressed appreciation for the continuing cooperation to ensure the Alliance’s space, cyber, and counter-missile efforts to keep pace with the evolving threats posed by the DPRK.

    12. Noting the importance of science and technology (S&T) cooperation, the Secretary and Minister decided to establish the Defense Science and Technology Executive Committee (DSTEC) at the Vice-Minister-Under Secretary level within this year, to guide and prioritize Alliance defense S&T cooperation.  They noted priority areas for cooperation including autonomy, artificial intelligence, and crewed-uncrewed teaming are particularly vital to ensure the ROK is able to achieve the goals of Defense Innovation 4.0 and modernize Alliance capabilities.  Both leaders also welcomed future S&T cooperation related to quantum technologies, future-generation wireless communication technologies, and directed energy to ensure that S&T advancements enhance the combined capabilities of the Alliance.  This included efforts to identify potential areas of collaboration on AUKUS Pillar II.  The Secretary welcomed the Minister’s proposal to host a Defense Science and Technology conference in 2025, and concurred that the DSTEC should leverage this conference to baseline and prioritize Alliance defense S&T collaboration.

    13. The Secretary and Minister also reviewed efforts to improve the interoperability, interchangeability, and resilience of the U.S. and ROK defense industrial base.  They underscored the need to improve efficient and effective collaboration in the development, acquisition, fielding, logistics, sustainment, and maintenance of defense capabilities, and to ensure that S&T advancements are swiftly and seamlessly transitioned into acquisition and sustainment efforts.  Both leaders welcomed progress under the U.S. Regional Sustainment Framework (RSF) and welcomed ROK participation in a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) pilot project on Air Force aviation maintenance.  The two leaders noted that this pilot project could lead to more bilateral co-sustainment opportunities, and also expand defense industrial collaboration with like-minded partners in the region in light of the ROK’s key role in the Partnership for Indo-Pacific Industrial Resilience (PIPIR) contact group.  The Secretary and Minister also noted with satisfaction the recent U.S. Navy contract with ROK shipyards to conduct MRO services for U.S. vessels, and underscored the potential to expand such work to improve the resilience of the Alliance’s posture in the Indo-Pacific Region.  The Secretary and Minister also recognized the need to improve reciprocal market access to deepen defense industrial cooperation and enhance supply chain resiliency, and are committed to accelerate cooperation with the goal of signing the Reciprocal Defense Procurement Agreement next year based on guidance from both Presidents.

    14. The Secretary and the Minister received and endorsed the MCM Report to the SCM presented by the U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Charles Q. Brown.  They welcomed the efforts of General Brown, Admiral Kim, and the MCM to enhance military plans, posture, training, exercises, and efforts to coordinate U.S.-ROK Combined Forces Command (CFC) activities and enhance military strength of the Alliance.  The Secretary and Minister concurred that the Freedom Shield 24 (FS 24) and Ulchi Freedom Shield 24 (UFS 24) exercises, which included realistic threats from the DPRK advancing nuclear, missile, space, and cyber threats, enhanced the Alliance’s crisis management and strengthened deterrence and defense capabilities.  In addition, they assessed that combined field training exercises (FTX), which were more extensive than the past year and conducted in land, maritime and air domains, enhanced interoperability and combined operations execution capabilities.  Based on such outcomes, both leaders decided to continue strengthening combined exercises and training in line with the rapidly changing security environment of the Korean Peninsula, and further decided that future combined exercises should include appropriate and realistic scenarios including responses to DPRK nuclear use.  The Secretary and the Minister also emphasized that ensuring consistent training opportunities for USFK is critical to maintaining a strong combined defense posture.  Secretary Austin noted the efforts of ROK Ministry of National Defense (MND) to improve the training conditions for U.S. and ROK forces and stressed the importance of maintaining close cooperation between USFK and MND for the joint use of ROK facilities and airspace for training. 

    15. Given the growth and diversification of the DPRK’s chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) weapons and delivery systems, both leaders assessed efforts and works to ensure execution of Alliance missions under a CBRN-challenged environment.  In particular, they welcomed progress by the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Committee (CWMDC), including the expansion of information sharing required for nuclear elimination operations consistent with the Nuclear Weapons Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT), and the strengthening of cooperation to prevent proliferation of WMD in the Indo-Pacific region. Both leaders welcomed continued multinational counter-proliferation activities in the region amidst advancements of DPRK nuclear and missile program and intensification of arms trade between Russia and the DPRK following the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty.  Secretary Austin expressed appreciation for ROK contributions to various global security efforts such as Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI), and the Minister and the Secretary concurred on the importance of maintaining cooperative efforts to enforce relevant counter-proliferation UNSCRs.

    16. The Secretary and Minister also reviewed the progress and works to fulfill the Conditions-based Wartime Operational Control (OPCON) Transition Plan (COTP).  Both leaders reaffirmed that the conditions stated in the bilaterally approved COTP must be met before wartime OPCON is transitioned in a stable and systematic manner.  They received the results of the annual U.S.-ROK bilateral evaluation on the capabilities and systems for conditions #1 and #2 based on the bilaterally-approved assessment criteria and standards.  Both leaders affirmed that there was a significant progress of this year’s bilateral evaluation on readiness posture and capabilities, and pledged to continue close consultations between the ROK and the United States. for the establishment of the Future-CFC.  The Secretary and the Minister also reaffirmed that Future-CFC Full Operational Capability (FOC) Certification would be pursued when the results of the bilateral evaluation on the capabilities and systems of conditions #1 and #2 meet the mutually approved levels.  Regarding condition #3, the Secretary and the Minister decided to remain in close consultation for the assessment of the security environment.  Both sides pledged to support continued evaluation and progress in wartime OPCON transition implementation through annual MCMs and SCMs, and affirmed that the wartime OPCON transition would strengthen ROK and Alliance capabilities and the combined defense posture. 

    17. The Secretary and the Minister reviewed the regional security environment, and plans to expand U.S.-ROK security cooperation throughout the Indo-Pacific region to support maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific that is connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient.  They also reaffirmed support for Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) centrality and the ASEAN-led regional architecture as well as regional efforts of the Pacific Islands Forum.  In particular, the two leaders noted the importance of enhancing cooperation during the implementation of both the ROK and U.S. respective strategies for the Indo-Pacific region.  To this end, the Secretary and the Minister endorsed the “Regional Cooperation Framework for U.S.-ROK Alliance Contributions to Security in the Indo-Pacific,” and discussed priorities areas and partners to better respond to the complex regional and global security situation.  After reviewing the work of the ROK-U.S. Regional Cooperation Working Group (RCWG), both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen defense cooperation with ASEAN members and work together with the Pacific Island Countries to contribute to regional security.  The Secretary and the Minister also acknowledged the importance of preserving peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait as reflected in the April 2023 “Joint Statement in Commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of the Alliance between the United States of America and the Republic of Korea.”  

    18. The Secretary and the Minister reflected on the remarkable progress made during 2024 to fulfill the historic understandings at the Camp David Summit.  They welcomed the Memorandum of Cooperation on the Trilateral Security Cooperation Framework (TSCF), signed by the Ministers and the Secretary of the United States, ROK, and Japan in July, along with enhanced sharing of missile warning information and efforts to systematically conduct trilateral exercises, including the first execution of the multi-domain trilateral exercise FREEDOM EDGE.  The Secretary and the Minister reaffirmed their commitment to continuing to promote and expand trilateral security cooperation including senior-level policy consultations, trilateral exercises, information sharing, and defense exchange cooperation.

    19. The two sides also took the opportunity to reaffirm that expediting the relocation and return of U.S. military bases in the ROK is in the interests of both countries, and decided to work closely to ensure the timely return of the bases in accordance with the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) and related agreements.  The two leaders noted the significance of the complete construction of Yongsan Park, and pledged to expedite the remaining return of Yongsan Garrison.  The Minister and the Secretary also reaffirmed their mutual commitment to discuss the return of other U.S. military bases through regular consultations through SOFA channels to reach mutually acceptable outcomes in the future.

    20. Secretary Austin expressed his gratitude that the ROK is contributing toward ensuring a stable environment for U.S. Forces Korea.  The Secretary and Minister also welcomed the recent conclusion of consultations related to a 12th Special Measures Agreement (SMA), and concurred that it would greatly contribute to the strengthening of the U.S.-ROK combined defense posture.

    21. Secretary Austin and Minister Kim affirmed that the discussions during the 56th SCM and the 49th MCM contributed to strengthening the U.S.-ROK Alliance with a vision toward the further development of a truly global alliance.  The two leaders commended the U.S. and ROK military and civilian personnel that worked to strengthen the bond of the Alliance, and expressed appreciation for their shared commitment and sacrifice.  Both sides expect to hold the 57th SCM and 50th MCM in Seoul at a mutually convenient time in 2025.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Bristol Virginia Man Convicted In Federal Court Of Carjacking And Firearms Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – On October 30, 2024, following a three-day trial in the United States District Court in Greeneville, Tennessee, a jury convicted Charles Nile Mixon, 48, of Bristol, Virginia, of Carjacking in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 2119; Using and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(ii); Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon in violation of 18. U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), and Possession of a Stolen Firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(j).

    Sentencing is set for March 6, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. before the Honorable Clifton L Corker, United States District Judge, in United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Greeneville. Mixon faces a minimum mandatory sentence of twenty-two years in federal prison.

    According to witnesses, court documents, and evidence presented at trial, in the early morning hours of May 24, 2023, Mixon carjacked a victim at gunpoint in the parking lot of a Taco Bell restaurant in Bristol, Tennessee.  Mixon forced the victim to give him the keys to the vehicle and then briefly held the victim at gunpoint inside the car.  As Mixon fled the restaurant’s parking lot with the victim in the passenger seat, the victim jumped from the moving car to escape.  Within minutes, the Bristol Tennessee Police Department located Mixon in the stolen car just as he arrived at the Tennessee/Virginia state line and attempted to stop him.  Mixon refused to stop and fled into Virginia.  Evidence showed that he later dropped the victim’s car at a gas station in Kingsport, Tennessee, before stealing an unattended vehicle at the gas station.

    On May 25, 2023, Mixon woke up a relative to inform them that he had taken the relatives’ firearm and used it to carjack the victim at the Taco Bell.  The relative contacted law enforcement who responded.  Mixon fled, but was arrested after a brief chase from Bristol, Virginia, into Bristol, Tennessee.  A search of Mixon at the time of his arrest recovered the stolen firearm.

    U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton, III of the Eastern District of Tennessee made the announcement.

    The criminal indictment was the result of an investigation by the Bristol Tennessee Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”).

    Senior Officer Jared Patrick with the Bristol Tennessee Police Department led the investigation, along with Special Agent Jamie Jenkins of ATF.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys B. Todd Martin and Emily Swecker represented the United States.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communicates, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring results.

                                                                                                                    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Road Closed, Vaughan Road, Owhata

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Vaughan Road, Owhata is closed following a serious crash this morning.

    Emergency services are in attendance of a two-vehicle crash on Vaughan Road, at around 11.35am.

    Initial reports suggest there are serious injuries.

    The road is closed between Tennyson Drive and Allen Mills Road.

    Motorists are advised to follow diversions and expect delays.

    ENDS

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Investigation launched after firearms incidents

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    An investigation has been launched in the Hawke’s Bay following a number of firearms incidents in the last 24 hours.

    Police have responded to four incidents – the first one at 3pm yesterday, and the most recent at 4am today.

    Three of the incidents involved a firearm allegedly being discharged towards an address – two in Flaxmere, and one in Tamatea.

    The fourth incident was an altercation in Ahuriri about 3.30pm yesterday, involving the occupants of two vehicles, where the parties have presented baseball bats and other weapons at each other. There were no reports of any injuries.

    Work is underway to determine if these incidents are linked.

    Senior Sergeant Caroline Martin says there is no place for this violence in our communities, and Police are working hard to hold these offenders to account.

    “We know incidents like this are distressing for the wider community, and we will have a visible presence in the Hawke’s Bay over the coming days while we investigate.

    “Anyone who sees anything of concern is urged to please let us know immediately via 111 so we can respond accordingly.”

    You can also anonymously report anything of concern via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Batchelor Search and Rescue Exercise Enhances NT Police Capabilities

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Search and Rescue Section (SRS) conducted an intensive search and rescue exercise (SAREX) in Batchelor last week, focusing on testing and refining the agency’s land search and rescue response capabilities. The exercise showcased the effectiveness of deploying K9 units and other specialist police assets in challenging field conditions, vital for enhancing operational readiness across the Territory.

    The exercise revolved around a simulated missing person report, where the search began after an abandoned vehicle was discovered on a remote dirt road in Batchelor. The scenario required the missing person, who had wandered a considerable distance from the vehicle, to be located by the Northern Territory (NT) Search and Rescue K9 Unit, an external agency working in collaboration with our NT Police Dog Operations Unit. Various specialist sections of NT Police were deployed to establish a field search headquarters, coordinate search efforts, and safely recover the missing person according to the rescue plan.

    As part of NT Police’s responsibility under the Intergovernmental Agreement, the SRS coordinates both marine and land search and rescue operations. This recent training exercise provided a critical opportunity to assess the deployability of police SAR assets to regional and remote areas, demonstrating the team’s ability to respond to emergencies across varied and demanding terrains.

    Acting Sergeant Chris Grotherr explained, “The main purpose of this SAREX was to test our Land SAR response capabilities, particularly the deployment of K9 assets in the field, alongside other specialist resources, such as the Mounted Unit, motorcycles, ATVs, and drone capability. This allows us to identify gaps in our capabilities and find ways to bridge them, ensuring we are constantly improving our readiness for future operations.”

    The exercise also offered vital training for SRS and other specialist police sections, helping them understand local conditions at this time of year and the specific challenges associated with the terrain in the Batchelor region.

    In the 12 months ending June 2024, the SRS responded to over 80 search and rescue incidents across the NT, assisting 93 people and saving 10 lives. These successes highlight the importance of ongoing training and multi-agency collaboration. Regular exercises like the one in Batchelor help the team maintain proficiency in operating specialist equipment and assets, while identifying any maintenance or serviceability issues that need to be addressed.

    “Operating specialist equipment in real-world conditions is key to maintaining our proficiency and ensuring all assets are mission-ready,” A/Sgt Grotherr added. “The insights gained from this exercise are invaluable in fine-tuning our response strategies moving forward.”

    The NT Police are dedicated to maintaining a high standard of search and rescue readiness, working continuously to enhance their operations and ensure the safety of all Territorians, no matter the challenge or location.

    Media Note: Imagery, including interview footage, overlays, and still shots, is available upon request.

    MIL OSI News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Enovix Announces Pricing of Public Offering of Common Stock

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FREMONT, Calif., Oct. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Enovix Corporation (“Enovix”) (NASDAQ: ENVX), a global high-performance battery company, today announced the pricing of an underwritten public offering of 10,416,667 shares of its common stock for total gross proceeds of $100 million before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by Enovix. The offering is expected to close on November 1, 2024, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions. All of the shares of common stock in the offering will be sold by Enovix.

    Enovix has granted the underwriter a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 1,562,500 shares of its common stock offered in the public offering, at the public offering price, less underwriting discounts and commissions.

    Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. is acting as sole book-running manager for the offering.

    The underwriter may offer the shares from time to time for sale in one or more transactions on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, in the over-the-counter market, through negotiated transactions or otherwise at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices.

    Enovix intends to use the net proceeds from this offering, together with its existing cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, for general corporate purposes, and for working capital and capital expenses to achieve high-volume manufacturing at its high-volume production facility “Fab2” in Penang, Malaysia.

    The securities described above are being offered by Enovix pursuant to a shelf registration statement on Form S-3, including a base prospectus, that was filed on August 9, 2023 and declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on August 18, 2023. The offering is being made only by means of a written prospectus and prospectus supplement that form a part of the registration statement. A preliminary prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus relating to the offering were filed with the SEC and are available on the SEC’s website located at www.sec.gov. A final prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus relating to the offering will be filed with the SEC and will be available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of the final prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus relating to the offering, when available, may also be obtained from Cantor Fitzgerald & Co., Attention: Capital Markets, 110 East 59th Street, 6th Floor, or by email at prospectus@cantor.com.

    This press release is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy any of these securities nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification thereof under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

    About Enovix

    Enovix is on a mission to deliver high-performance batteries that unlock the full potential of technology products. Everything from IoT, mobile, and computing devices, to the vehicle you drive, needs a better battery. Enovix partners with OEMs worldwide to usher in a new era of user experiences. Our innovative, materials-agnostic approach to building a higher performing battery without compromising safety keeps us flexible and on the cutting-edge of battery technology innovation.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, including, without limitation, statements regarding Enovix’s anticipated public offering. The words “may,” “might,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “achieve,” “intend,” “believe,” “expect,” “estimate,” “seek,” “predict,” “future,” “project,” “potential,” “continue,” “target” and similar words or expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words.

    Any forward-looking statements in this press release, such as the intended offering terms, are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and important factors that may cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements contained in this press release, including, without limitation, uncertainties related to market conditions, the completion of the public offering on the anticipated terms or at all and satisfaction of customary closing conditions related to the proposed offering. These and other risks and uncertainties are described in greater detail in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Enovix’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2024, June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2024. In addition, any forward-looking statements contained in this press release represent the Enovix’s views only as of the date hereof and should not be relied upon as representing its views as of any subsequent date. Enovix explicitly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements. No representations or warranties (expressed or implied) are made about the accuracy of any such forward-looking statements.

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

    Enovix Corporation
    Robert Lahey
    Email: ir@enovix.com

    The MIL Network –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: What the Great Gale of 1824 taught us about extreme weather

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    November is the 200th anniversary of the Great Gale of 1824. It killed nearly 100 people and destroyed villages along the south coast of England.

    There is a free public exhibition about the impacts of the Great Gale on the Dorset coast.

    The Environment Agency, Dorset Coast Forum and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council are raising awareness of extreme weather and flooding as they mark the 200th anniversary of the 1824 Great Gale.

    On the night of 22 November 1824, a devastating storm struck England’s south coast and raged for two days. Winds reached hurricane force, with gusts exceeding 100 mph, causing widespread damage. Houses were severely flooded, whole villages destroyed, ships lost at sea and nearly 100 people were tragically killed.

    Trail of destruction

    The Dorset coast was hardest hit, but the storm’s impact stretched from Land’s End to Dover. Inland communities did not escape devastation from wind damage and it took many years for affected communities to recover.

    At Plymouth, the storm sunk 22 vessels and swept away over 200,000 tons of stone from the city’s new breakwater which was under construction. While, at Abbotsbury, seawater surged over Chesil Beach, reaching astonishing depths of up to 6.9 metres.

    Watch our animation about the Great Gale’s trail of destruction Great Gale of 1824.

    Rare combination created Dorset’s worst storm

    The Great Gale, considered the most destructive storm ever to strike the Dorset coastline, was caused by a rare combination of factors. Hurricane force winds, spring high tides, extreme low pressure and towering waves created unprecedented conditions for the storm. Its severity was so extreme it is estimated to have a 1 in 10,000 chance of recurring each year.

    Recent events like Storm Boris in Europe, Typhoon Yagi in Asia and Hurricanes Helene and Milton in North America highlight the ongoing threat of severe weather – and, as climate change increases the energy driving these storms, the importance of being prepared.

    How to prepare for extreme weather

    This post is nearly 7m high and shows the 1824 storm’s high water mark which reached 22ft 8in at the Swannery, Abbotsbury, Dorset.

    Know the simple steps to take in advance to protect yourself from flooding.

    Andrea Summers, Environment Agency flood and coastal risk manager for Wessex, said:

    As we remember those who tragically lost their lives 200 years ago, this anniversary serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of nature and the devastating impact flooding can have on communities.

    Needless to say, we are much more resilient now than we were then, with major innovations in forecasting, warning and defence systems. But our climate is changing, sea levels are rising and extreme weather events are becoming more frequent.

    While the events of November 1824 represent a worst-case scenario, they highlight the importance of being prepared. You should know your flood risk, sign up for flood warnings and make sure your homes and businesses are resilient to flooding.

    What is being done to better protect people

    The Environment Agency is investing to better protect people from flooding and extreme weather. The £200m Flood and Coastal Innovation Programmes is working in partnership with local authorities nationwide to develop, test and implement innovative ways of improving resilience and adapting to the impacts of flooding, coastal erosion and climate change. 

    Additionally, the new Floods Resilience Taskforce is driving government efforts to accelerate the development of flood defences and bolster the nation’s resilience to extreme weather events.

    How to see The Great Gale of 1824 exhibition

    As part of the bicentenary commemorations, the Environment Agency has worked with Dorset Coast Forum and BCP Council to bring together a free public exhibition to explore the impacts the Great Gale left on the Dorset Coast.  For more information, including dates and venues, please visit the Dorset Coast Forum website.

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    Updates to this page

    Published 31 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: PCC short-line railroad receives $37.7 million federal grant to improve eastern Washington track

    Source: Washington State News 2

    OLYMPIA – A project to improve 34 miles of railroad track between Davenport and Wilbur recently received a $37.7 million grant from the Federal Railroad Administration.

    The Washington State Department of Transportation will use the grant, from the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements program, to continue enhancements on the state-owned Palouse River and Coulee City (PCC) railway in eastern Washington. Another $20.3 million in state and private matching funds were contributed toward this project.  

    This grant is in addition to two previous federal grants received for upgrades to the PCC system – one in 2018 for $5.6 million and another in 2023 for $72.8 million. These grants were matched with a total of $45 million in state, local and private funds. Capital projects funded by these two grants benefit the PCC system in Grant, Lincoln, Spokane, Adams and Whitman counties.

    The latest Phase III grant will replace 100-year-old worn rail with new heavy 115-pound rail, which can accommodate today’s modern 286,000-pound rail cars. Once the new rail is installed, track speeds will increase from 10 to 25 mph, enabling agricultural products to move more quickly to national and international markets.

    These improvements align with the 2015 PCC Rail System Strategic Plan (PDF 3MB), which serves as a blueprint for investments on the state’s longest short-line railroad. WSDOT oversees the facilities and regulatory portions of the system and contracts with private railroads to operate and maintain each of the three branches. The PCC Rail Authority — an intergovernmental entity formed by the counties — oversees the business and economic development portions of the operating leases.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Media Release: Australia wins bid to host 2026 global carbon capture conference – Australian Energy Producers

    Source: Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association

    Headline: Media Release: Australia wins bid to host 2026 global carbon capture conference – Australian Energy Producers

    The Australian oil and gas sector’s leadership in carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) – a key emissions reductions technology – is set to be showcased on the world stage.

    Australian Energy Producers is pleased to announce it will co-host the world’s leading CCUS conference in Perth in 2026, in partnership with the CSIRO, CO2CRC and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

    The Greenhouse Gas Control Technologies (GHGT) Conference, run by the IEA Greenhouse Gas R&D Programme, brings together over 1,000 CCUS researchers, industry leaders, government officials, and stakeholders from around the world to discuss and share the latest developments with the technology.

    Australian Energy Producers Chief Executive Samantha McCulloch said Australia’s selection to host GHGT-18 reinforced its standing as a global leader in CCUS research, development and deployment.  

    “Australia has two of the largest carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects operating globally – Chevron’s Gorgon Project and the Santos and Beach Energy joint venture Moomba Project,” she said.

    “These projects are today storing emissions equivalent to taking one million cars off the road each year.

    “CCUS is a key technology in efforts to reach net zero in Australia and the region.

    “The International Energy Agency, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and CSIRO have all found that there is no pathway to net zero without CCUS.”

    The 2026 event will be the third time Australia has hosted the global conference, having hosted it in Cairns in 2000 and Melbourne in 2018.

    The announcement last week in Canada during the closing session of GHGT-17 coincided with a major CCUS milestone for Australia, with the Moomba CCS Project achieving first injection and full ramp up.

    “Australia has a comparative advantage in CCUS, with world class geology, industry experience, and strong links with regional trading partners looking to collaborate on CCUS,” Ms McCulloch said.

    “Scaling up CCUS is an opportunity to not just reduce emissions but also create new jobs and attract new investment.”

    Australia’s hosting of the conference is supported by Business Events Perth, reflecting the opportunity for GHGT-18 to amplify Western Australia’s global standing as a premier destination for impactful global events.

    Contact: 0401 839 227

    MIL OSI Economics –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-Evening Report: Individual action on climate was tarred as greenwashing or virtue signalling. But it still has a place

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sukhbir Sandhu, Associate Professor in Sustainability, University of South Australia

    j.chizhe/Shutterstock

    Two decades ago, the fight against climate change was often framed as a personal choice. You might try to reduce your carbon footprint by avoiding flights or change your buying habits to avoid meat or reduce plastic.

    But this approach lost popularity, as it shifted responsibility from producer to consumer. The carbon footprint, for instance, was famously popularised by oil company BP. In 2008, well-known American climate activist Bill McKibben pointed out the impotence of individual action without collective action.

    Behavioural researchers also began finding a seeming paradox – many of us expressed strong interest in taking individual action on climate, but our actual behaviours barely changed.

    Much focus shifted to top-down efforts such as government incentives for clean energy and commitments at a national level to cut emissions.

    But there is still a role for individuals – especially around demonstrating what clean alternatives actually look like. For instance, the more solar panels are installed on rooftops in your neighbourhood, the more likely you are to consider it. This neighbourhood effect also affects uptake of electric vehicles and e-bikes. This is especially important if we are to see clean alternatives go mainstream rather than stop at a small fraction of the population.

    Of course, individual actions can only go so far. As our research on sustainable consumption has shown, individual actions can be magnified with a backdrop of institutional support.

    The neighbourhood effect has influence on solar and electric vehicle uptake.
    zstock/Shutterstock

    What we say and what we do

    Humans are complicated. We often say we want to make greener choices – but in reality, we act differently.

    Individual climate action sounds great in theory. If many of us chose electric vehicles or bikes, installed solar panels and built energy efficient houses, our actions in aggregate could contribute to wider emissions goals. Then there are choices such as reducing dairy and meat, installing LED lights and buying produce with less packaging.

    Everyday actions can contribute too, such as washing clothes in cold water, avoiding putting aircon too low or heating too high, and wearing extra layers of clothes. Recycling, repairing and reusing offer us still more methods to extend the life of our products, reduce waste and save money.

    Yet it turns out the reality of individual action on climate is much more complicated – because we are complicated.

    When surveyed, a majority of us say we want green, sustainable products. But when we go to the shops, we often don’t actually buy them. My colleagues and I have dubbed this the “Janus faced” consumer phenomenon – we often say one thing but do another.

    Why might that be? One reason is many consumers believe green products – whether electric cars or detergents – will perform worse. Green products are also perceived to be more expensive and inconvenient to use.

    Then there’s the question of virtue signalling. This is a phenomenon where consumers purchase highly visible green products primarily to signal they’re a person who cares about the environment without necessarily doing so.

    Some of these challenges are being overcome. It’s hard to write off modern electric cars as inferior when they can accelerate faster and run much cheaper than fossil fuel cars. While early adopters of solar might once have been seen as virtue-signallers, the main reason Australian households go solar is to save money on the power bill, according to a CSIRO survey.

    Was buying a Toyota Prius about going green – or signalling your virtue?
    Stephen Barnes/Shutterstock

    One and the many

    Individual action can only go so far. For individual action to create sustained impact, it needs supportive policies and institutional backing.

    For instance, a 2023 report found many Australian clean energy organisations would like to re-use solar panels for community projects or as a low-cost option for households. This makes sense, given used solar panels are often 80% as good as new ones.

    But for consumers to actually act on this, they need institutional scaffolding. If you’re going to buy used solar, you want to make sure they are in good condition. Without a certification process, their willingness will come to nothing.

    While many of us say we would consider buying an electric vehicle, the uptake is constrained by things outside our control such as whether there are enough public chargers in cities and rural areas.

    You can see the importance of institutional backing clearly in transport. The Melbourne-Sydney flight path is the fifth busiest in the world. That’s because there are no fast green alternatives. If there was high-speed rail as in China or Japan, many of us would choose to avoid the emissions caused by flying. But it doesn’t exist (yet), so our individual choices are curtailed.

    Which way forward?

    As climate change intensifies, more and more of us say we are willing to act on our beliefs and concerns on an individual level. Even better, more of us are actually doing what we say we will.

    Not everywhere, of course. For many Australians, switching from petrol to electric might be easier than giving up meat or a flight to Japan. But some progress is better than none.

    This groundswell is encouraging. But our individual efforts can only go so far. To make the most of it, we need institutional scaffolding. Australia has world-beating rooftop solar uptake because state and federal governments used subsidies and incentives to make the emerging technology cheaper. With incentives on offer, millions of us made individual choices to take it up.

    We are more than consumers, of course. Our power as individuals isn’t limited to choosing specific products. As citizens, we can push for our governments to provide the essential scaffolding we need to make greener choices.

    Sukhbir Sandhu has received research grants from Australian Research Council (Discovery), Green Industries SA, and the European Union.

    – ref. Individual action on climate was tarred as greenwashing or virtue signalling. But it still has a place – https://theconversation.com/individual-action-on-climate-was-tarred-as-greenwashing-or-virtue-signalling-but-it-still-has-a-place-239196

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Recycling truck fire in Colac prompts warning

    Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

    Photos by ACFO Craig Brittain

    CFA firefighters battled a recycling truck fire this morning at Colac which prompted a warning to the community to stay indoors.

    CFA was called to the truck fire on the corner of Calvert Street and Queen Street at 7.14am today.

    Firefighters found the rubbish in the recycling truck on fire and heavy haulage machinery was called to the scene to help lift the truck to empty its contents onto the ground.

    CFA District 6 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Craig Brittain said the volunteer firefighters who responded to this incident have done an amazing job.

    “On inspection there was quite a number of items such as aerosol cans that shouldn’t be in a recycling bin that have possibly caused the fire so we will investigate that further,” Craig said.

    “Community members need to please be careful what they put into rubbish bins.”

    An excavator was also called in to pull apart the rubbish to assist firefighting with extinguishing the fire.

    A Watch and Act message was issued asking people in the area to stay indoors due to the dangerous smoke from the burning plastic and other materials in the truck. That warning has since been downgraded to an Advice message.

    The incident was brought under control at 8.48am and declared safe at 9.05am.

    CFA has four trucks on scene from Colac, Cororooke and Larpent.

    Victoria Police and VICSES are also on scene.

    Submitted by CFA Media

    MIL OSI News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: BYD reports rising revenue, net profit from Jan.-Sept.

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Chinese auto company BYD registered increasing revenues and net profits in both the first nine months and the third quarter of this year, the company said on Wednesday.

    The Shenzhen-based company’s revenue for the January-September period was 502.25 billion yuan (about 70.35 billion U.S. dollars), up 18.9 percent year on year. Its net profit during the period increased 18.1 percent year on year to 25.24 billion yuan.

    In the third quarter, BYD’s revenue increased by about 24 percent and its net profit by 11.5 percent, the company said in its quarterly report.

    A leading producer of electric cars and hybrid vehicles, BYD’s auto sales surpassed 2.74 million units in the first three quarters, with its September sales hitting a monthly record of 419,400 units.

    The company said its exports of new energy passenger cars doubled to 298,000 units in the first nine months, and it has entered 96 countries and regions around the world.

    BYD is one of many NEV producers that have seen booming sales as China, which has the largest number of motor vehicles in the world, continues its transition toward greener technology.

    China’s NEV output between January and September was 8.3 million units, representing annual growth of 31.7 percent, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers. 

    MIL OSI China News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: REMINDER: Raumati Rebuild Coming for State Highway 1

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    Wellington drivers are reminded to be ready for upcoming roadworks on State Highway 1 on the Kāpiti Coast next week.

    The Raumati Straights on State Highway 1, north of Mackays Crossing, will undergo significant improvements from Sunday, 3 November, until early December.

    A road rebuild will be carried out on two kilometres of the left northbound lane, making this section of the highway smoother and safer.

    Road crews will be working at nights when traffic volumes are lower and to minimise disruption as much as possible.

    A single northbound lane will remain open at night, and southbound lanes will be open as usual.

    During the day, both northbound lanes will be open but under a temporary speed limit.

    The scope of the work involved means some traffic delays are likely. 

    Drivers are asked to obey the speed limits and traffic management in place. This protects the road work site, keeps drivers safe, and prevents vehicle damage.

    NZTA/Waka Kotahi and the Wellington Transport Alliance thank drivers for their patience and understanding while this essential state highway maintenance is completed.

    Works schedule and location:

    • Sunday, 3 November to Thursday, 6 December. Sunday to Thursday nights, 9 pm to 4:30 am (these works are weather-dependent, and schedules may change)
    • SH1 Raumati Straights between the Paekākāriki interchange and Raumati South
    • Northbound will be down to one lane at night under a temporary speed limit of 30 km/h
    • During the day, both northbound lanes will be open under a temporary speed limit of 50 km/h.
    • The southbound lanes will be open at all times
    • Traffic management will be set up from 8 pm, so drivers may experience delays from then. Two lanes will be open again by 5.30 am

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Making State Highway 2 tip top at Totara Park

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    Wellington’s state highway summer maintenance programme will be coming to Upper Hutt next week, with road resurfacing and safety barrier repairs planned for the route.

    The work will require one southbound and two full closures of State Highway 2 Upper Hutt, weather permitting.

    Roxanne Hilliard, Wellington Alliance Manager, it is needed for road resurfacing and other maintenance works to be carried out on the highway from Silverstream to Totara Park Road between Wednesday, 6 November and Wednesday, 13 November.

    “This is a busy section of State Highway 2, which carries around 19,000 vehicles daily. It must be kept well maintained for road users.”

    Ms Hilliard says that in addition to resurfacing works, around six median barriers and traffic signal sensors between Whakatiki Street and Gibbons Street will be repaired on Sunday, 10 November. It will mean a longer detour for this night only.

    “Median barriers are essential for preventing head-on crashes, which are the leading cause of death on state highways. Keeping the barriers in good condition means they can do their job effectively and help protect drivers.”

    “The traffic signal sensor works will make traffic flows more efficient at the State Highway 2/Gibbons Street intersection,” Ms Hilliard says.

    Work will happen at night between 9 pm and 4.30 am. Scheduling works at night when there is less traffic on the road keeps disruption to a minimum. Traffic management will start at 8 pm, so drivers may experience delays while this is underway.

    Ms Hilliard says three separate local road detours will be available via Fergusson Drive.

    “They will take longer to travel, so drivers must allow extra time for their journeys.

    “This is especially important for people with escorted crossings booked for the State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill night closures. Please make sure you get there on time,” Ms Hilliard says.

    Works schedule and detour routes

    Road resurfacing – Silverstream to Whakatiki Street

    • Wednesday, 6 November, 9 pm – 4.30 am
    • SH2 CLOSED to southbound traffic between, Whakatiki Street and Fergusson Drive at Silverstream
    • Detour via Whakatiki Street and Fergusson Drive
    • Riverstone Terraces residents will need to detour via Whakatiki Street, Fergusson Drive, take the Silverstream exit to turn right back onto SH2 towards Riverstone Terraces.

    View larger image [PDF, 254 KB]

    Road resurfacing – Gibbons Street to Totara Park Road

    • Thursday, 7 November, Monday 11 November, Tuesday 12 November and Wednesday, 13 November, 9 pm – 4.30 am
    • SH2 CLOSED between Totara Park Drive and Gibbons Street
    • Detour via Gibbons, Fergusson Drive, and Totara Park Road

    View larger image [PDF, 234 KB]

    RRoad resurfacing, median barrier repairs and traffic signal repairs – Whakatiki Street to Totara Park Road

    • Sunday, 10 November only, 9 pm – 4.30 am
    • SH2 CLOSED between Whakatiki Street and Totara Park Road
    • Detour via Whakatiki Street, Fergusson Drive, and Totara Park Road

    View larger image [PDF, 240 KB]

    More information

    • Research shows median barriers virtually eliminate head-on crashes and reduce deaths and serious injuries from run-off-road crashes by around 40 to 50 percent.
    • Head-on crashes are the leading cause of death on state highways and account for approximately half of all deaths recorded. Safety barriers offer a second chance. They help reduce the chance of a simple mistake costing lives and destroying families.

    Useful links:

    State Highway Summer Maintenance information:

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Busy summer roadworks season for Tairāwhiti

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    Safe, resilient, reliable state highways are the priority across Tairāwhiti, as the summer maintenance season ramps up in addition to cyclone recovery work.

    The 2024/25 summer maintenance season is now underway.

    During the course of the maintenance season, which typically runs from now until March when the weather is warmer and drier, it’s anticipated that approximately 11.8 lane kilometres* of state highway in the region will be renewed.

    Renewing the road involves removing the existing road surface and underlying structure and replacing it with new materials.

    NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Regional Manager of Maintenance and Operations Rua Pani says this summer is set to be one of the biggest roadwork seasons the region has seen.

    “Summer, with its warmer, drier, calmer weather, is always a better time to renew and reseal roads.

    “This year, the annual renewals programme includes major road renewal work on both State Highway 2 and State Highway 35.

    “Renewing a road is the best way to boost the resilience and durability of a road. When we talk about renewing a road during the summer maintenance season, it’s not redesigning the road, rather it involves removing the existing road surface and underlying structure and renewing it with new materials.

    “Undertaking a higher number of road renewals is a key priority in the region. This is how we improve road conditions long-term,” says Ms Pani.

    NZTA crews will be working alongside Transport Rebuild East Coast (TREC) alliance crews who are currently carrying out other cyclone recovery work throughout the region, alongside local contractors.

    TREC project spokesman Richard Bayley says there’s a whole raft of activity underway, in addition to the summer maintenance programme.

    “Crews are continuing repair and recovery work on cyclone damaged sections of the highway – stabilising areas to help prevent slips,  restoring the Rotokautuku (Waiapu) Bridge and other bridges, and preparing to start larger projects such as replacing Hikuwai Bridge No.1.

    “Work to finish Connecting Tairāwhiti programme sites is also continuing – installing slow vehicle bays, laybys and other resilience work,” says Mr Bayley.

    “It’s a busy time of year for the region as a whole, with lots of different events planned.

    “We all like to get to our destination as quickly and safely as possible. We’re mindful that this work is going to be diusruptive for local communities, for road users and businesses.

    “It’s the support from the region’s communities since the cyclone which has helped us get to this point. We’re doing what we can to schedule work in a way that minimises delays. However, road users will notice longer travel at times, as a result of the summer works.

    “We’re strongly urging people to expect those delays and plan ahead.

    “Ultimately all this work will lead to more efficient travel and safer, more resilient roads,” says Mr Bayley.

    Connecting Tairāwhiti

    Some of the planned work

    State Highway 35

    • Seven road renewals are scheduled for SH35 until January, starting in Hicks Bay and working towards Mangatuna.
    • Resealing is also planned, with the majority of sites between Te Puia Springs and Gisborne.
    • On other parts of the highway, crews will be working on recovery projects designed to safeguard the road and bridges from erosion and repairing several underslips. Key areas include Awatere Gully, Rotokautuku Bridge, Jeru Straight, Makarika Valley, Kopuaroa Hill, Ihungia Road, and Whakaari Bluff.
    • Subject to consents and design, work on enabling works for Hikuwai Bridge No.1 is expected to start by early 2025. People may notice crews carrying out investigation works in the area and on the highway through the Mangahauini Gorge.

    State Highway 2

    • Two road renewals are scheduled on SH2 north of Gisborne. One near Matawai in mid-November and one near Waihuka in early-January.
    • Two road renewals are scheduled on SH2 south of Gisborne, one near Tarewa (starting late November) and the other near Bartletts Hill (mid-January).
    • Almost half of SH2 north of Gisborne will also be resealed this summer.
    • Drivers will see a lot of activity around the Otoko Hill area where TREC crews are working to upgrade drainage and culverts and strengthen and stabilise areas around the highway.

    The season’s work is funded through the State Highway Maintenance and Pothole Prevention activity classes in the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP).

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: EU tariffs on Chinese EVs spark widespread opposition

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The European Union’s (EU) decision to impose definitive countervailing duties on Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs) for a period of five years has sparked strong opposition, with China calling the move “unfair, unreasonable and unobjective.”

    In a statement on Wednesday, the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products (CCCME), on behalf of the Chinese automotive industry, expressed “great regret” over the decision to impose anti-subsidy tariffs on electric vehicles originating in China.

    Starting Wednesday, these tariffs will apply with varying rates for different companies: 17 percent for BYD, 18.8 percent for Geely, and 35.3 percent for SAIC. Other cooperating firms will be subject to a 20.7 percent duty, while non-cooperating companies will have a duty rate of 35.3 percent, according to the European Commission.

    Following a substantiated request for an individual review, U.S. EV maker Tesla, which also manufactures vehicles in China, will face a duty of 7.8 percent, the commission noted.

    The CCCME said the European Commission failed to rectify its “incorrect findings” in the final ruling on the imposition of definitive duties against Chinese EVs, and there was a serious lack of transparency in the procedure, adding that the move seriously violates relevant World Trade Organization (WTO) and EU anti-subsidy rules.

    The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) also expressed disagreement with the decision in a statement on Wednesday. The decision, which is not objective and extremely unfair to China’s auto companies, is deemed unacceptable, the CAAM said.

    The CAAM stressed that the imposition of tariffs not only violates the fundamental principles of free trade and fair competition, but also undermines cooperation between the Chinese and European automotive industries, as well as green and low-carbon transition.

    Earlier on Wednesday, a Ministry of Commerce (MOC) spokesperson said China does not approve of or accept the European Commission’s decision to impose extra tariffs on Chinese EVs.

    China has repeatedly pointed out that the EU’s anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese EVs is irrational, fraught with numerous non-compliance issues, and is a protectionist move under the guise of “fair competition,” the MOC said.

    China has already appealed to the WTO’s dispute settlement mechanism over the issue, and will continue to take all necessary measures to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises, the MOC spokesperson noted.

    Chinese carmaker SAIC Motor, which has been slapped with a duty rate of 35.3 percent by the European Commission, said that it plans to file a lawsuit at the Court of Justice of the European Union challenging the decision.

    According to the carmaker, the European Commission made errors in identifying subsidies during its probe, ignored key facts and arguments presented by SAIC, and inaccurately presumed subsidy rates for several items.

    The company said that the extra tariffs will only raise costs for European car buyers and impede the widespread adoption of EVs, adding that it is taking steps to adapt to trade barriers, including intensifying efforts to introduce new car models with various power systems to the European market and expanding its product lineup under the MG brand.

    NEW PHASE OF CONSULTATIONS

    While announcing the imposition of duties on Tuesday, the European Commission said the EU and China are continuing to work toward finding alternative, WTO-compatible solutions that would be effective in addressing the problems identified by the investigation, adding that it remains open to negotiations on price undertakings.

    Noting that the EU remains open to continuing discussions on price commitments for Chinese-made EVs, the MOC spokesperson said that China always advocates for resolving trade disputes through dialogue and consultation, and has made every effort to achieve this.

    Currently, technical teams from both sides are engaged in a new phase of consultations. It is hoped that the European side will work constructively with China, follow the principles of “pragmatism and balance” and take into account each other’s core concerns, and strive to reach a mutually acceptable solution as soon as possible to avoid an escalation of trade frictions, according to the MOC.

    The CAAM voiced the hope that both sides will continue to engage in dialogue and consultations to maintain the steady operations of global automotive industrial and supply chains.

    The CCCME, meanwhile, has expressed the hope that the EU would approach the consultations with the utmost sincerity and reach a balanced solution acceptable to both sides as soon as possible. 

    MIL OSI China News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police find shotgun following road rage incident

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police in South Auckland have taken another firearm off the streets following a road rage incident in Hampton Downs.

    At about 6pm, a member of the public contacted Police stating that a person travelling in a yellow vehicle had allegedly pointed a gun at them while travelling north on State Highway 1.

    Counties Manukau South Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Matt Hoyes, says within minutes Police located the vehicle north of Ramarama and observed it exiting at Drury.

    “The Police Eagle helicopter has provided support as ground units initiated an armed vehicle stop on Chichester Drive, Papakura.

    “During a search of the car, a loaded shotgun was located along with a number of shotgun cartridges.”

    Inspector Hoyes says three people were taken into custody without incident.

    “Thanks to the detailed and prompt report made by a member of the public, we were able to act quickly to locate the vehicle of interest and take one more firearm off the street.

    “Police work hard to hold offenders to account, especially those with the potential to cause serious harm in our communities.”

    If you witness any unlawful activity and it is happening now, please contact Police on 111 as soon as possible with as much information as possible, including descriptions of the offenders, their vehicles, and what direction they may have travelled in.

    Alternatively you can report any information anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

    A 22-year-old man will appear in Papakura District Court today charged with presenting a firearm at a person, unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition.

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: EU tariffs on Chinese EVs face backlash

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China does not acknowledge or accept the European Union’s final ruling to impose additional tariffs on electric vehicles manufactured in the Chinese market, the Ministry of Commerce said on Wednesday, vowing to take all necessary measures to protect the interests of companies.

    The European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, announced on Tuesday the conclusion of its anti-subsidy investigation, resulting in the imposition of definitive countervailing duties on EVs produced in China. The measures will expire at the end of a five-year period unless an expiration review is initiated before that date, the commission said in a news release.

    In response, China has filed a complaint under the World Trade Organization’s dispute settlement mechanism.

    China has repeatedly pointed out that the EU’s anti-subsidy investigation into EVs manufactured in China is irrational and fraught with numerous noncompliance issues, and is a protectionist move under the guise of “fair competition”, the Ministry of Commerce said in an online statement.

    Noting that the EU is still willing to continue talks on price commitments for Chinese-made EVs, the ministry said that China always advocates the resolution of trade disputes through dialogue and consultation.

    The EU’s new tariffs will range from 7.8 percent for the Chinese output of United States EV maker Tesla Inc, to 18.8 percent for Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, and up to 35.3 percent for Shanghai-based carmaker SAIC Motor Corp, in addition to the EU’s existing 10 percent duty on imported cars.

    Other Chinese EV manufacturers face an average tariff of 20.7 percent, with rates reaching up to 35.3 percent for those classified as “noncooperative”.

    SAIC Motor expressed disappointment on Wednesday with the decision and said that it plans to pursue necessary legal action by filing a lawsuit with the Court of Justice of the European Union to ensure its legitimate rights and interests.

    The Chinese automaker said that it is implementing a series of measures to strengthen its resilience against the EU’s trade barriers.

    These tariffs on Chinese, European and US EV producers operating in China neither enhance the EU’s resilience in EV manufacturing nor promote innovation or job creation. Instead, they represent a politically motivated approach, the Brussels-based China Chamber of Commerce to the EU said on Wednesday.

    Market watchers warned that these additional tariffs will likely intensify trade friction between China and the EU, and may trigger a global rise in trade protectionism within the automotive industry.

    Zhang Yongjun, secretary-general of the China Center for International Economic Exchanges in Beijing, said that based on the principle of reciprocity, the EU’s decision will inevitably trigger countermeasures, potentially having an impact on competitive EU export industries that trade with China.

    “Under such circumstances, European consumers may suffer, facing either increased costs for Chinese EVs or limited options from alternative suppliers,” he added.

    Wei Jianguo, former vice-minister of commerce, said that the EU’s move could weaken Chinese investors’ confidence in Europe, especially those in the automobile, power battery, industrial parts and logistics industries.

    Erik Solheim, former executive director of the United Nations Environment Program, told China Daily on Wednesday: “Tariffs on superior Chinese electric cars go contrary to all economic wisdom. It will make us all poorer and slow down the green transformation in Europe.

    “Green competition is a race to the top, tariffs and protectionism is a race to the bottom. Europe should invite investments from BYD and all the other Chinese car makers to help share technology and help shape competition so that European car makers can catch up.”

    Also on Wednesday, Foreign Minister Wang Yi reiterated China’s opposition to the EU’s tariff measure. The move clearly violates WTO rules and contradicts the principles of free trade, Wang said while meeting in Beijing with Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen.

    China has always believed that openness leads to progress while protectionism has no future, and universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization serves the interests of all parties, Wang added.

    Believing that dialogue is the best path forward, Chen Huiqing, head of the legal service branch at the Beijing-based China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products, said that talks remain the most effective way to prevent the escalation of bilateral economic and trade tensions.

    Currently, technical teams from both sides are engaged in a new phase of consultations, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

    MIL OSI China News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese foreign minister holds talks with Finnish counterpart

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 30, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday said that China hopes Finland can play a constructive role in urging the European Union (EU) to avoid politicizing economic and trade issues, properly resolve differences through dialogue and consultation, and jointly safeguard the overall situation of China-EU relations.

    Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks during his talks with Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen.

    Wang noted that in 2017, the two heads of state jointly decided to elevate China-Finland relations to a future-oriented new-type cooperative partnership, which is unique in China’s foreign relations and fully reflects the distinctiveness and adaptability of the China-Finland relationship.

    Finnish President Alexander Stubb’s state visit to China, accompanied by a high-profile delegation, is not only a continuation of friendship but also an opportunity to expand cooperation, Wang added.

    The foreign ministries of the two countries should maintain close communication and coordination, implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, jointly tackle global challenges, and push China-Finland relations to a higher level, Wang said.

    The EU imposing tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles obviously violates WTO rules and the principle of free trade, Wang stressed, noting that China has always believed that a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization is in the interests of all parties involved.

    Valtonen said Finland looks forward to working closely with China to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, strengthen cooperation in areas such as low-carbon, green energy and circular economy, and jointly address global challenges such as climate change.

    As a member of the EU, Finland hopes that EU-China relations will maintain constructive development and supports both sides to strengthen cooperation and properly handle differences, Valtonen said.

    It is expected that China will play a greater role in resolving international hotspot issues such as the Ukraine crisis, Valtonen added. 

    MIL OSI China News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash following fleeing driver incident, Rotorua

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Attributable to Inspector Herby Ngawhika, Rotorua Area Commander.

    A person has died following a serious crash in Owhata, after initially fleeing Police.

    At around 11.30am a vehicle of interest was identified on Haupapa Street, Rotorua. Police signalled it to stop but it failed to do so and instead fled from Police.

    A pursuit was initiated and a short time later, the vehicle collided with another vehicle on Vaughan Road.

    Despite efforts of emergency services, the driver of the fleeing vehicle died at the scene. The passenger of the vehicle received minor injuries and was transported to Rotorua Hospital..

    The two occupants of the other vehicle sustained moderate injuries and were transported to Rotorua Hospital.

    The road remains closed while the Serious Crash Unit conducts a scene examination.

    Motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible, follow diversions, and expect delays.

    As standard practice, the matter will be referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority.

    Police would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the crash, or has dashcam footage from the area at the time of the crash.

    If you have information that may assist Police, please contact us online at 105.police.govt.nz or call 105.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: EU’s protectionist tariffs on Chinese EVs face backlash from industry, officials

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The European Commission on Tuesday announced the imposition of anti-subsidy tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs), a decision that has sparked strong opposition from within the EU and key industry stakeholders.

    Starting Wednesday, these tariffs will remain in place for five years with varying rates: 17 percent for BYD, 18.8 percent for Geely, and 35.3 percent for SAIC, among China’s leading automakers.

    Additional firms that cooperated in the investigation will be subject to a 20.7-percent duty, while non-cooperative companies will incur the maximum 35.3-percent rate, according to the commission’s statement.

    Despite this decision, the European Commission noted that the EU and China are still exploring alternative measures within WTO guidelines to address trade concerns.

    The decision has sparked widespread discontent among EU member states and industry stakeholders alike. Critics argue that such tariffs could burden European consumers, strain EU-China trade and investment ties, hinder Europe’s transition to a greener automotive sector, and ultimately undermine global efforts to mitigate climate change.

    Germany’s economy ministry reaffirmed its commitment to “open markets,” underscoring the country’s reliance on global trade networks and calling for continued negotiations with China to ease tensions while protecting EU industries.

    Slovakia, a dissenting voice in the October vote, opposed the tariff increase. Prime Minister Robert Fico noted that China is “20 years ahead of us when it comes to EVs,” cautioning that heightened trade barriers could ultimately harm Europe more than China.

    Industry leaders in the automotive sector echoed these concerns. Hildegard Muller, president of the German Association of the Automotive Industry, criticized the tariffs as a “step backwards for global free trade,” warning of potential job losses, stunted economic growth, and weakened market prosperity, along with further trade disputes.

    “The door for negotiations remains open. This is the only positive news today,” she said, urging sustained efforts toward open negotiations.

    Major European automakers, including Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, voiced a unified stance against the tariffs, advocating for open markets that support fair competition.

    BMW CEO Oliver Zipse warned that the tariffs could “harm the business model of globally active companies, limit the supply of electric cars to European customers and thus slow down decarbonization in the transport sector.”

    Michael Schumann, chairman of the Board of the German Federal Association for Economic Development and Foreign Trade, criticized the tariffs as counterproductive, arguing that they contradict Europe’s objectives of promoting electric mobility and advancing climate protection.

    “The transition to electric mobility is a cornerstone of climate protection, and we need to support and advance that transition,” Schumann told Xinhua.

    Experts have also weighed in, highlighting broader geopolitical influences. Boyan Chukov, a former foreign policy advisor to Bulgaria’s Prime Minister, argued that the United States is leveraging the EU in its economic competition with China.

    “China is one of the countries most compliant with environmental regulations. In this regard, it stands as an example for other countries to follow,” he said, adding that the additional tariffs are driven by “political imperatives.”

    Liang Guoyong, a senior economist with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, described the EU tariffs as “counterproductive.”

    He noted that protective and restrictive trade measures on green products, such as EVs, conflict with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and could increase costs for European consumers.

    “Imposing these tariffs would only undermine the economic interests of both importers and exporters and threaten global climate change progress,” Liang warned.

    MIL OSI China News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Guangdong expressway cuts down travel time

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

    A new expressway linking three major cities in Guangdong province officially opened on Wednesday afternoon, further promoting the integrated and high-quality development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

    Through the new Nansha-Zhongshan Expressway, vehicles can travel from Guangzhou’s Nansha district to the Shenzhen special economic zone in less than 20 minutes and to Zhongshan in about 15 minutes. Connected with the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link that operates across the estuary of the Pearl River, it further advances economic ties between cities in the eastern and western parts of the Pearl River delta.

    Previously, it took more than an hour for drivers to complete the journey between Zhongshan and the Shenzhen special economic zone via the Humen or Nansha bridges, which have witnessed heavy traffic jams during peak periods. Now, they can drive between the two areas in about 30 minutes.

    The 32.4-kilometer-long, six-lane two-way expressway, with a speed limit of 100 kilometers per hour, consists of the 21.6-kilometer-long main road and the 10.8-kilometer-long Wanqingsha Branch road. It will help Nansha Port improve its gateway function and achieve high-quality development.

    The project is also expected to strengthen the direct connection between Nansha, located at the mouth of the Pearl River, and major cities in the GBA, said Guo Sheng, deputy director of Nansha district’s housing and urban-rural development bureau.

    The expressway will provide huge opportunities for Nansha, a shipping hub in the southern Chinese region, to participate in the construction of the GBA and help the district open up more to the outside world.

    The new highway further connects the three pilot free trade zones of Qianhai in Shenzhen, Hengqin in Zhuhai and Nansha together. Together with the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link, people in Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Zhongshan can reach each city within 30 minutes.

    “Nansha already has subways, light railways and intercity railway networks to connect with major cities in the GBA,” said Guo.

    Li Jing, chief planner with Department of Transport of Guangdong Province, said the province would further accelerate the construction of infrastructure and actively expand effective investment in transportation to further improve the highway network along the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link and surrounding areas.

    The move aims to promote high-level connectivity within and outside the GBA, playing a pioneering role in transportation to better serve and support Guangdong’s opening-up to the outside world and high-quality development, Li said.

    Meanwhile, transportation departments in Guangzhou and Shenzhen have also opened intercity bus routes to link Nansha district to Shenzhen and Nansha to the Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport to strengthen the connection between the two cities on Wednesday.

    The Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link, which opened in June, connects the city clusters of Shenzhen, Dongguan and Huizhou in the eastern part of the Pearl River Delta to the prosperous cities of Guangzhou, Zhuhai, Foshan, Zhongshan, Jiangmen and Zhaoqing in the western part, further enhancing infrastructure connectivity, cooperation and exchanges among the GBA cities.

    MIL OSI China News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Speedway shift to Waikaraka Park decided

    Source: Auckland Council

    Over the years, significant work has gone into investigating options for the consolidation of speedway activities in Auckland, with a solution now decided. 

    The council’s Governing Body agreed on 30 October 2024 to the request to transfer $11 million of existing Long-term Plan capital funding from Tātaki Auckland Unlimited to the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board. This funding will enable the delivery of critical works at Waikaraka Park and the consolidation of the two current four-wheel class speedway venues in Auckland into the Onehunga venue.

    Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU) supports the consolidation of four-wheel speedway classes at Waikaraka Park, which will enable the realisation of improved financial outcomes at Western Springs Stadium for the benefit of Auckland ratepayers.

    The Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board have been drivers and strong supporters of the consolidation to Waikaraka Park, seeing this activity as strategically important to the local board area and aligned to their approved Waikaraka masterplan.

    Maungakiekie-Tāmaki local board chair Maria Meredith welcomes the investment into Waikaraka Park.

    “This is a pivotal step forward for speedway activities at Waikaraka Park. The Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board has been a longtime supporter of racing activities at this iconic Tāmaki Makaurau venue. This investment unlocks critical upgrades to the facility which are consistent with our approved Waikaraka Park Masterplan and help to ensure a bright and exciting future for the facility,” says Ms Meredith.

    The decision to back and invest in Waikaraka Park provides a viable future for four-wheel speedway events in Auckland. It provides much-needed investment in facilities and infrastructure, improves safety and security, and allows for the confident planning of future high-quality events.

    The Western Springs Speedway promoter came to the natural end of a four-year venue hire agreement in 2023, before being granted a one-year extension while seeking alternative future venues. Waikaraka Park has a secure lease arrangement in place until 2051.

    Waikaraka Park is the current home of the Auckland Stock and Saloon Car Club. This decision paves the way forward for speedway and stock and saloon cars to share the same venue.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-Evening Report: Maria Anna Mozart was a musical prodigy overshadowed by her brother. A new documentary tells her story

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Diane Charleson, Senior Lecturer in media School of Arts Australian Catholic University, Australian Catholic University

    Alina Gozin’a

    Award-winning director Madeleine Hetherton-Miau’s latest offering is an evocative and hard-hitting documentary with a strong message. Mozart’s Sister investigates the life of Maria Anna Mozart, the older sister of the more famous Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

    The film portrays a sensitive and well-researched investigation into Maria Anna’s life – illuminating how the draconian attitudes that prevailed during her time condemned her to a lesser life than her brother, even though she was similarly talented.

    It also reminds us of the importance of championing women musicians today, as “if we don’t encourage women now, it (discrimination) only repeats”.

    Who was Maria Anna Mozart?

    Maria Anna was the first-born child of Leopold Mozart. He himself was a musician and composer and had his daughter schooled in music from a very young age.

    Maria showed amazing talent – a child prodigy in playing and composing. When Wolfgang was born, he quickly became engrossed in playing and composing music with his sister.

    Mozart’s Sister features wonderfully poignant recreations of this childhood bond over music – emphasising the siblings’ playfulness and engagement with music in a noncompetitive way.

    Leopold recognised his children’s prodigious talents. He soon had them travelling and playing concerts all over Europe, where they were lauded by the highest aristocracy. Maria Anna and Wolfgang were inseparable during this time and composed many works together.

    Maria Anna and Wolfgang composed many works together.
    Madeleine Hetherton-Miau

    Women musicians in the 18th century

    But all of this came to an abrupt end with Maria Anna turned 15. As custom would dictate, it was considered unsuitable and unseemly for a girl of that age to perform in public, likening this form of public performance to that of a prostitute.

    The film portrays the unfortunate fate that befell many 18th-century women who wanted to pursue a career in music. Regardless of their aptitude, these women would have no real career prospects. They were even banned from playing musical instruments deemed unseemly, including the violin and cello.

    Composing and playing music was largely taken up by the nuns in monasteries. As Mozart’s Sister highlights, even though this was a time of enlightenment, this “enlightenment” was reserved for men – and white men at that. It definitely didn’t flow on to women.

    Maria Anna was forced to stay home while Wolfgang continued pursuing music uninterrupted – and the rest is history.

    Maria Anna’s musical talents weren’t encouraged the way her younger brother’s were.
    Shannon Ruddock

    The film ponders what it must have been like for her to be left at home, away from her brother (who was once her constant companion) and unable to play as she used to. Her life is poignantly illustrated through her diary entries, which are mainly filled with references to the weather, as though nothing else was happening for her.

    Maria Anna eventually married, but continued to practice music each day. Upon her husband’s death – now a woman of means and a baroness in her 50s – she returned to solo concert performances.

    A documentary on two levels

    Mozart’s Sister is a documentary that functions on many levels.

    On one level, it’s a biopic that portrays Maria Anna’s story through recreations of her childhood in Austria, with a voiceover narration and interviews highlighting her relationship with her brother. Much is shot on location in Austria and framed through the perspective of present-day museum curators and experts.

    On another level, the film is a broader statement on the underrepresentation of female composers. I thought the director did an excellent job in portraying this duality through the juxtaposition of Maria Anna’s with the young British composer Alma Deustger. Deustger displayed many of the characteristics we could imagine Maria Anna having.

    Like Maria Anna, Deustger is a brilliant modern-day composer with a deep appreciation for for composing and conducting. But unlike Maria, she has been able to pursue her passion and turn it into a career. I was particularly struck by the film’s closing, in which Deustger discusses writing her waltz based on the police sirens of New York.

    Mozart’s Sister follows in a recent literary trend of discussions of appropriation – and of the overlooking of talented women in history who have been overshadowed by their more famous male counterparts. Anna Funder’s Wifedom and Hernan Diaz’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book Trust are two other examples of this.

    It is an interesting and provocative film that will appeal to classical music lovers, as well as those interested more broadly in the issue of female underrepresentation in the arts.

    Mozart’s Sister is in cinemas from today.

    Diane Charleson 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. Maria Anna Mozart was a musical prodigy overshadowed by her brother. A new documentary tells her story – https://theconversation.com/maria-anna-mozart-was-a-musical-prodigy-overshadowed-by-her-brother-a-new-documentary-tells-her-story-241794

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: United States of America

    Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel

    • Reviewed: 7 June 2023, 08:45 NZST
    • Still current at: 31 October 2024

    Related news features

    If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

    Exercise increased caution in the United States due to the threat of terrorism (level 2 of 4).

    United States of America

    Terrorism
     The United States Department of Homeland Security regularly issues terrorism-related advice and updates. For current alerts, see the US National Terror Advisory System webpage.

    The United States remains a target of terrorist interest, both from international terror groups and from domestic-based individual’s adhering to various forms of violent extremist ideologies. Credible information assessed by US authorities indicates that individuals or groups have developed both the intent and capability to conduct terrorist attacks in the US. Attacks could be indiscriminate, targeting law enforcement officials, government buildings and areas frequented by foreigners including transport hubs and major events.

    New Zealanders in the United States are advised to keep themselves informed of potential risks to safety and security by monitoring the media and other local information sources. Follow any instructions issued by the local authorities and be aware of your surroundings in public places such as shopping malls, markets, monuments, places of worship, tourist destinations, demonstrations, large gatherings and on public transport.

    In the event of an attack, leave the area as soon as it is safe to do so. Avoid the area in case of secondary attacks.

    Crime
     Petty crime such as theft and pickpocketing can occur, particularly in urban centres, tourist locations and on public transport. New Zealanders should stay alert to their surroundings, stay vigilant on public transport and avoid leaving belongings unattended, including in rental vehicles.

    There is a higher incidence of violent crime and firearm possession than in New Zealand. In many states, it is legal for United States citizens to openly carry firearms in public. Violent crime has targeted individuals and groups from the LGBTQIA+ community and those with diverse ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds. However, crime rates vary considerably across cities and suburbs and while tourists are rarely targeted, there is always a risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. New Zealanders should take care when travelling in unfamiliar areas including on public transport. Research your destination before travelling and seek local advice if you are concerned about levels of criminal activity.

    Active shooter incidents occur in the United States. For advice on how to respond to an active shooter situation, please see the US Department of Homeland Security website.

    You should exercise caution if crossing the border by car into Mexico from Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas. There have been increased incidents of crime associated with drug trading and some foreign nationals have been targeted indiscriminately.

    Be aware of rental and financial scams via websites and social media. Credit card and ATM fraud including debit card cloning is also a risk to travellers.

    Civil Unrest and Political Tension
    Protests and demonstrations regularly occur. We advise New Zealanders to follow any advice issued by the local authorities, monitor local media for developments and avoid all demonstrations, protests and rallies as even those intended as peaceful have the potential to result in violence.

    Natural Disasters
     The US can experience severe weather events, such as hurricanes, especially in May or June to November regularly impacting the eastern seaboard, Gulf Coast, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.

    Tornados are most frequent and at their highest intensities across the Central Plains and parts of the Midwest. While tornadoes can form at any time of year, conditions are most favourable in the spring and summer months (March to September). 

    Severe snowstorms during winter can cause disruptions to critical infrastructure, including power cuts. Winter storms may also lead to widespread flight delays and cancellations.

    Many parts of the US are also prone to earthquakes including Alaska, California, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada, Northern Mariana Islands, Oklahoma, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington state and the US Virgin Islands.

    Contact your travel operator or airline for the latest departure information, and monitor local weather forecasts.  If there is a severe weather event, or natural disaster, follow the advice of the local authorities and keep your family and friends back in New Zealand informed of your safety and well-being.

    General Travel Advice
     The Transport Security Administration website provides guidance for airline passengers travelling to the United States.

    Travellers carrying electronic devices, such as laptops and mobile phones, should be aware that these devices may be subject to security checks by United States border authorities.

    Immigration regulations are strictly enforced. Overstaying can result in detention then deportation. See our United States travel tips.

    New Zealanders travelling or resident in the United States should have comprehensive travel and medical insurance policies in place. Medical costs in the United States are extremely high and the New Zealand government cannot assist with medical expenses. 

    New Zealanders in the United States are encouraged to register their travel with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

     

    Travel tips

    The New Zealand Embassy Washington DC, United States of America

    Street Address 37 Observatory Circle NW, Washington, DC 20008, United States of America Telephone +1 202 328 4800 Fax +1 202 667 5227 Email WSHinfo@mfat.govt.nz Web Site https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/americas/united-states-of-america/new-zealand-embassy-to-the-united-states-of-america/ Hours Mon – Fri 0830 – 1700 hrs

    The New Zealand Consulate-General Los Angeles, United States of America

    Street Address Suite 600E, 2425 Olympic Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90404, United States of America Telephone +1 310 566 6555 Fax +1 310 566 6556 Email nzcg.la@mfat.net Web Site https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/americas/united-states-of-america/new-zealand-consulate-general-los-angeles/ Hours Mon – Fri 0830 – 1300, 1330 – 1630 hrs

    New Zealand Consulate-General Honolulu, United States of America

    Street Address 733 Bishop Street, 2020, Honolulu, HI 96813 Telephone +1 808 675 5555 Fax +1 808 675 5561 Email HLUEnquiries@mfat.govt.nz

    New Zealand Consulate-General New York, United States of America

    Street Address 41st Floor, 295 Madison Ave, New York, 10017, United States of America Telephone +1 212 832 4038 Fax +1 212 832 7602 Hours Mon – Fri 0900 – 1230 hrs for consular calls

    New Zealand Consulate Atlanta, United States of America

    Street Address 47 Hawk Road, Newnan, Georgia 30263, United States of America Telephone +1 202 328 4800 Email newzealand@mindspring.com

    New Zealand Consulate Boston, United States of America

    Telephone +1 202 328 4800 Email nzconsulboston@gmail.com

    New Zealand Consulate Chicago, United States of America

    Street Address 1223 Oakwood Lane, Glenview, IL 60025 Postal Address 1223 Oakwood Lane, 6400 Shafer Ct 60025, Glenview, IL Telephone +1 202 328 4800 Email nzconsulatechicago@gmail.com

    New Zealand Consulate Houston, United States of America

    Street Address 4424 W. Sam Houston Pkwy North, Suite 100, Houston, TX 77041, United States of America Telephone +1 202 328 4800 Email connelly@nzhonoraryconsul.org

    New Zealand Consulate Oregon, United States of America

    Street Address 430 SW 13th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97205, United States of America Telephone +1 310 566 6555 Email cjs@theswindells.org

    New Zealand Consulate Sacramento, United States of America

    Street Address 44733 North El Macero Drive, El Macero, CA 95618 – 1066, United States of America Telephone +1 310 566 6555 Email starrned@msn.com

    New Zealand Consulate Salt Lake City, United States of America

    Street Address 1655 Linden Lane, Bountiful, UT 84010, United States of America Telephone +1 310 566 6555 Email Iain.mckay1@hotmail.com

    New Zealand Consulate San Francisco (Northern California), United States of America

    Postal Address PO Box 1276, Burlingame, CA 94010, United States of America Telephone +1 310 566 6555 Email NewZealandHCSF@gmail.com

    New Zealand Consulate Seattle, United States of America

    Street Address 4010 Lake Washington Blvd NE, Suite 300, Kirkland WA 98033, United States of America Telephone +1 310 566 6555 Email NZHonConSeattleWA@outlook.com

    See our regional advice for North America

    Top of page

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Delays following crash, Southwestern Motorway southbound, Waterview Tunnel

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Motorists using the southbound lanes of Waterview Tunnel are advised to expect delays while emergency services respond to a serious crash involving a motorcycle and a vehicle.

    One southbound lane is blocked and motorists are advised to use extra caution in the area and to expect delays for some time.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Press Conference – Cowes

    Source: Australia Government Ministerial Statements

    CATHERINE KING: Hi, I’m Catherine King. I’m the Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, and one of the great parts of my job is being able to invest in local communities. Today we’re announcing here in Cowes that the Albanese Labor Government is committing $8 million to upgrade the esplanade, to do the work that’s needed to ensure that this is a much more pedestrian-friendly area for the beautiful people that come to Phillip Island each year, who live on the island, and call this home. This investment alongside over $21 million worth of funding that we’re announcing as part of the regional Precincts and Partnerships Program, another project in Hamilton, a project in Mansfield, and a project in Cobram, are really important projects for local communities. What they enable and the reason we’ve been looking to invest alongside council in these projects is to create precincts that come to life. Where the infrastructure may be a bit tired, it’s not working, we’re really trying to make sure we’re bringing people back into the centres and regions, that we’re providing that opportunity for new businesses to flourish, but also really for places to be used because we know how important that is to local communities.

    So, really delighted to be here today to announce the latest round of regional Precincts and Partnerships funding and the $8 million to give to the Cowes community. I might hand over to the CEO – obviously the council is in caretaker at the moment – to say a few words and then I’ll be happy to take some questions.

    GREG BOX: Thank you, Minister. So, we’re really pleased to have you here and really pleased to have the Federal Government provide this funding. Ultimately, it’ll bring the money to 9.6 million from council’s contribution. This is an iconic part of Victoria. It’s an iconic street. And really, that investment is going to bring that right up as, the Minister said, and transform it into the sort of place that we want this to be. We’ve had an enormous amount of investment over the last ten years. The master planning for this was done out in 2015, and that master planning has culminated in nearly $300 million worth of investment around this site and around this place. So it’s incredible work and council’s really proud of it, but we’re actually really excited and looking forward to transforming this space right now.

    CATHERINE KING: Great. Happy to take some questions.

    QUESTION:  So traffic will be going one way in Cowes?

    CATHERINE KING: Yeah. Well I think if you’ve ever come down here at summer- it’s a little while since I’ve been down here on holidays. I used to come down here a lot as a kid. But it’s pretty busy and it’s really very congested and hard to get through. But it also makes it dangerous when you’ve got families with little kids who are trying to get access to the shops, trying to get their kids ice creams, or just come and do your shopping. It does make it really difficult over summer. And of course, anyone who’s been down here knows that it banks up, so that means you’ve just got a decent traffic flow. You really make sure you’re slowing cars down, you’re pedestrianising access. That makes it safer, but it also makes it a much better place for people. People want to come here, they want to actually come and shop, and that’s really good for the retailers as well.

    QUESTION:  Will there be any impacts to car parking?

    CATHERINE KING: Again, that’s really a matter for council. They’re delivering the project. The Federal Government is delivering the funding and partnership, so I’ll hand over to the CEO to make [indistinct].

    GREG BOX: Yeah, we’ll work through the detailed design of it. We’re not really talking about net losses and gains at the moment. There’s a whole lot of detail still to be done on that. But as the Minister said, really, what we’re trying to do is prioritise people in the space. We already experience an enormous amount of people in this space, and letting them be able to interact both with business and community is incredibly important. Providing shade, there’ll be curve extensions. This part of the world will be one of those places that you really do want to walk and sit and contemplate. It’s the only north facing beach in Victoria. It really is an iconic spot and we’re experiencing that today with the sun on us. It’s really a magnificent spot to actually stop and engage in local culture.

    QUESTION:  And so it will be one way up until Chapel Street, is that right?

    GREG BOX: Yes. Just until- just up until chapel. And it’ll be one way coming down this way, and then it’ll go one way both ways around. So again, as the Minister said, that will slow down traffic and will enable people to feel like the space is something that they can inhabit more safely.

    QUESTION:  And Minister, speaking about the other areas across the state receiving funding, were they announced- are you announcing them today or have they already been…

    CATHERINE KING: We’re announcing all of the Victorian regional Precincts and Partnerships Projects today. So, the work in Hamilton, Mansfield and Cobram. And over $21 million across the state of Victoria. What we’re really looking for are- these are place-based funding. It’s to really look at how do you improve the places where regional communities live, how do you get partnerships between council, Federal Government, commercial retailers, not-for-profit organisations to really make those places where people want to come and live.

    QUESTION:  Is there anything that stands out about [indistinct]? One-way traffic or anything.

    CATHERINE KING: So, yeah, really to me, what I’ve been looking for and I’ve got a panel of people who are really involved in urban planning and changing places. And so they do the assessments for me, and that comes to me. But what I’ve been looking for is have we got areas that are underutilised, have older buildings in them that really have been- have had huge uses throughout their life but are not really being used; spaces that are not being activated. So really, that’s what I’ve been looking for. What changes a place and makes a place more liveable for people in our communities. And that’s really what this program is about.

    QUESTION:  And why have these towns been specifically selected?

    CATHERINE KING: Again, because of the excellence of their projects. If you look at the projects here in Cowes, this is about changing places. It’s about changing the way that people who live in this community interact with the built environment and use it more effectively, and that’s really what these projects are about.

    MIL OSI News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Global MBBF 2024: Accelerating 5.5G and AI Convergence to Lead the Mobile AI Era Oct 30, 2024

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: Global MBBF 2024: Accelerating 5.5G and AI Convergence to Lead the Mobile AI Era
    Oct 30, 2024

    [Istanbul, Türkiye, October 30, 2024] The Global Mobile Broadband Forum 2024 (MBBF 2024) has kicked off in Istanbul, Türkiye with the theme “5.5G Leads Mobile AI Era”. More than 1,000 guests from mobile network carriers, ecosystem players, and leaders from vertical industries have gathered to discuss a wide range of topics, from business model innovation to industry development and key technological directions in the Mobile AI era.
    This forum was set up to further promote the convergence of 5.5G and intelligent applications to create greater value for the mobile industry. During the forum, Huawei and Türkiye network carriers have jointly provided diverse intelligent 5.5G field experiences. Also, various players in the Mobile AI ecosystem will be displaying their intelligent connectivity applications for people, homes, things, vehicles, and industries.
    MBBF 2024 began with the opening remarks from Ken Hu, Huawei’s Rotating Chairman. “In the future, AI will change everything. Everyone will be able to use it, anytime and anywhere. Mobile networks and devices will play an important role to make that happen, just like what we have done to enable telephones and mobile Internet as a universal service,” said Hu.
    Ken Hu, Huawei’s Rotating Chairman, delivering the opening remarks

    2024 has brought both the commercial launch of 5.5G and the unprecedented expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) into our everyday life and work. Globally, more than 3 million AI-capable applications have been developed, more than the total number of non-AI apps available in the app store. That early commercial 5.5G rollout coincides with the first year of AI adoption in various devices is tremendously significant — it heralds the dawn of the Mobile AI era.
    Li Peng, Huawei’s Senior Vice President and President of ICT Sales & Service delivered a keynote on how to maximize new growth opportunities in the mobile AI era. “The mobile AI era is here,” said Li. “We will see new forms of interaction with devices, new intelligent services, and structural changes in traffic models. This will bring huge new opportunities for the mobile industry.”
    Li Peng, Huawei’s Senior Vice President and President of ICT Sales & Service, speaking at Global MBB Forum 2024 in Istanbul

    Li then detailed how carriers can make the most of these new opportunities and drive new growth by reshaping services, network infrastructure, O&M, and business models. He shared how leading carriers around the world have already verified AI service capabilities on live 5.5G networks across a wide range of scenarios for individuals, homes, travel, and business.
    “Moving forward, there are two things we can do to capitalize on new opportunities in the mobile AI era,” said Li. “First, we should prepare our networks to support AI. That means boosting network capabilities, especially uplink, latency, and capacity. Second, we can use AI to support our networks. With more complex networks, we can use AI to help automate O&M, optimize network efficiency, and guarantee a solid user experience.”
    This forum features boutique exhibitions of new intelligent connectivity for people, homes, things, industries, and vehicles. Across the indoor booths and outdoor fields, multimodal AI devices and diverse Mobile AI applications are presented, including AI phones, AI glasses, intelligent cockpits, humanoid intelligence, AI-generated content (AIGC), digital human interaction, and AI-powered real-time call translation, thanks to the joint efforts of Huawei, operators, and industry players. Another highlight is the continuous 5.5G coverage across the indoor and outdoor areas of the venues, showcasing the multidimensional capabilities of 5.5G networks and the cutting-edge products and solutions that power them.
    The 15th Global Mobile Broadband Forum, with a tagline of ‘5.5G Leads Mobile AI Era’, runs from October 30 to 31 in Istanbul, Türkiye. It will be hosted by Huawei with support from our industry partners GSMA and GTI. Together with operators, vertical industry leaders, and ecosystem partners, we will share the industry’s latest advancements and explore new opportunities. Industry stakeholders will discuss how to achieve 5.5G business success in the Mobile AI era, and leverage the success of 5G to attain even greater achievements with 5.5G. For more information, please visit MBBF2024 at: https://www.huawei.com/en/events/mbbf2024.

    MIL OSI Economics –

    January 25, 2025
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