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Category: Vehicles

  • MIL-OSI: Dimensional Fund Advisors Ltd. : Form 8.3 – TRITAX BIG BOX REIT PLC – Ordinary Shares

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

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

    1. KEY INFORMATION  
       
    (a) Full name of discloser: Dimensional Fund Advisors Ltd. in its capacity as investment advisor and on behalf its affiliates who are also investment advisors (”Dimensional”). Dimensional expressly disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares described in this form 8.3.  
    (b) Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
    The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.    		    
    (c) Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
    Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree    		 TRITAX BIG BOX REIT PLC  
    (d) If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree:    
    (e) Date position held/dealing undertaken:
    For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure    		 25 June 2025  
    (f) In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
    If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”    		 YES
    Warehouse REIT plc    		  
       
    2. POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE  
    If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.  
    (a) Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)  
       
    Class of relevant security: 1 ordinary (GB00BG49KP99)  
      Interests Short Positions  
      Number % Number %  
    (1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 29,004,767 1.17 %      
    (2) Cash-settled derivatives:          
    (3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:          
      Total 29,004,767

    *

    		 1.17 %      
    * Dimensional Fund Advisors LP and/or its affiliates do not have discretion regarding voting decisions in respect of 83,742 shares that are included in the total above.  
       
    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

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

    		  
       
       
    (b) Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)  
       
    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:    
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:    
       
    3. DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE  
       
    Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

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

    		  
    (a) Purchases and sales  
       
    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit  
    1p ordinary (GB00BG49KP99) Sale 31,951 1.4678 GBP  
    1p ordinary (GB00BG49KP99) Sale 204,677 1.4725 GBP  

    There was a Transfer Out of -5,643 shares of 1p ordinary

    		  
    (b) Cash-settled derivative transactions  
       
    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. CFD Nature of dealing e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position Number of reference securities Price per unit  
               
       
    (c) Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)
     
    (i) Writing, selling, purchasing or varying
     
    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type e.g. American, European etc. Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
                   
       
    (ii) Exercise  
       
    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit  
               
       
    (d) Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)  
                 
    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing e.g. subscription, conversion Details Price per unit (if applicable)  
             
       
    4. OTHER INFORMATION  
       
    (a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements  
       
    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
    Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”    		  
    None  
       
    (b) Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives  
       
    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i) the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii) the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”    		  
    None  
       
    (c) Attachments  
       
    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO  
       
    Date of disclosure 26 June 2025  
    Contact name Thomas Hone  
    Telephone number +44 20 3033 3419  
       

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

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

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

    The MIL Network –

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Dimensional Fund Advisors Ltd. : Form 8.3 – TRITAX BIG BOX REIT PLC – Ordinary Shares

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

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

    1. KEY INFORMATION  
       
    (a) Full name of discloser: Dimensional Fund Advisors Ltd. in its capacity as investment advisor and on behalf its affiliates who are also investment advisors (”Dimensional”). Dimensional expressly disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares described in this form 8.3.  
    (b) Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
    The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.    		    
    (c) Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
    Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree    		 TRITAX BIG BOX REIT PLC  
    (d) If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree:    
    (e) Date position held/dealing undertaken:
    For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure    		 25 June 2025  
    (f) In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
    If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”    		 YES
    Warehouse REIT plc    		  
       
    2. POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE  
    If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.  
    (a) Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)  
       
    Class of relevant security: 1 ordinary (GB00BG49KP99)  
      Interests Short Positions  
      Number % Number %  
    (1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 29,004,767 1.17 %      
    (2) Cash-settled derivatives:          
    (3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:          
      Total 29,004,767

    *

    		 1.17 %      
    * Dimensional Fund Advisors LP and/or its affiliates do not have discretion regarding voting decisions in respect of 83,742 shares that are included in the total above.  
       
    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

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

    		  
       
       
    (b) Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)  
       
    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:    
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:    
       
    3. DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE  
       
    Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

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

    		  
    (a) Purchases and sales  
       
    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit  
    1p ordinary (GB00BG49KP99) Sale 31,951 1.4678 GBP  
    1p ordinary (GB00BG49KP99) Sale 204,677 1.4725 GBP  

    There was a Transfer Out of -5,643 shares of 1p ordinary

    		  
    (b) Cash-settled derivative transactions  
       
    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. CFD Nature of dealing e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position Number of reference securities Price per unit  
               
       
    (c) Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)
     
    (i) Writing, selling, purchasing or varying
     
    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type e.g. American, European etc. Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
                   
       
    (ii) Exercise  
       
    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit  
               
       
    (d) Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)  
                 
    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing e.g. subscription, conversion Details Price per unit (if applicable)  
             
       
    4. OTHER INFORMATION  
       
    (a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements  
       
    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
    Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”    		  
    None  
       
    (b) Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives  
       
    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i) the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii) the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”    		  
    None  
       
    (c) Attachments  
       
    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO  
       
    Date of disclosure 26 June 2025  
    Contact name Thomas Hone  
    Telephone number +44 20 3033 3419  
       

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

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

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

    The MIL Network –

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Music ends, consequences don’t: Campaign warns drivers post-festival 26 June 2025 Music ends, consequences don’t: Campaign warns drivers post-festival

    Source: Aisle of Wight

    With the Isle of Wight Festival now behind us and a summer full of events still ahead, a timely road safety campaign is reminding revellers that the party’s consequences can linger long after the music stops.

    In a joint effort with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Safer Roads Partnership, thousands of ferry passengers travelling by car were recently met with a clear message: Don’t risk driving under the influence the morning after drinking.

    The campaign, which featured eye-catching adverts and face-to-face engagement at key ferry terminals in Lymington, Portsmouth, and Southampton over the Isle of Wight Festival weekend, aimed to raise awareness about how alcohol can remain in your system well into the next day — potentially putting drivers unknowingly over the legal limit.

    At the heart of the initiative is the Morning After calculator, a free online tool that helps people estimate how long it takes for alcohol to leave their body. It’s not a green light to drink more, but a guide to help people make safer choices.

    Even with the festival period ending, summer has only just begun and the tool can be used at any time.

    Lewis Campbell, road safety officer for the Isle of Wight Council, praised the campaign’s reach: “A big thank you to all of our partners within the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Safer Roads Partnership for supporting this important campaign.

    “This has been another successful event at the mainland ports with more than 10,000 people engaged. We are very grateful for the support received by local ferry operators.”

    He added: “The campaign highlights the importance of planning your journeys and your alcohol consumption if you know you must drive the following day. The Morning After calculator can help you do that.

    “However, to be clear, there is no safe level of alcohol when it comes to driving.”

    The consequences of drink driving are serious. Offenders can face hefty fines, driving bans, and even prison. And it’s not just about being caught behind the wheel — simply being found in a stationary vehicle while intoxicated, with the keys in the ignition, could lead to a £2,500 fine, a three-month prison sentence, and a driving ban.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Can Zero Tariffs Drive Real Change? China’s New Trade Policy and Africa’s Energy-Led Future

    China’s zero-tariff policy for African goods has expanded rapidly in recent years, with 53 of the continent’s countries now eligible to export their taxable goods to the Chinese market duty-free. Promoted as a vehicle for deeper Sino-African cooperation and shared prosperity, the policy has gained attention for its potential to open access to one of the world’s largest consumer markets. But as the continent looks to secure long-term development and industrial transformation, a central question arises: will trade preferences like this serve as a catalyst for Africa’s economic evolution, or simply reinforce its role as a low-value commodity supplier?

    Eswatini – one of the few African countries that maintains diplomatic ties with Taiwan – was excluded from the tariff breaks, underscoring that access to China’s market remains conditional. The expanded duty-free and tax incentives also appear as a counter to the Trump-era tariffs, placing Africa in the throes of the China-U.S. trade war.

    As African Energy Week (AEW) 2025: Invest in African Energies prepares to convene in Cape Town from September 29 to October 3, the broader question for the continent is whether these expanding trade policies can deliver tangible, scalable benefits. Africa’s ability to meet its development and energy access goals will depend not only on increased trade, but on how effectively such policies translate into investment in infrastructure, energy, and industrial growth.

    The Promise and Limits of Zero-Tariff Access

    On paper, zero-tariff access is a welcome opportunity. For African countries seeking to diversify export destinations and boost agricultural, mineral and energy-based trade, the initiative offers a cost advantage that could help expand trade volumes. For oil and gas producers, there may be openings to increase exports of refined products, petrochemicals or fertilizers, if the necessary processing capacity exists.

    But therein lies the challenge. Most African countries lack the industrial and energy infrastructure to capitalize on such preferences. Many exports continue to be raw or semi-processed materials with limited value retention on the continent. Tariff-free access does little to change that if non-tariff barriers, unreliable power supply or inadequate transport logistics continue to undermine competitiveness.

    Energy sits at the core of that equation. Africa’s path to economic sovereignty depends on its ability to convert natural resources into industrial products – a process that begins with investment in upstream development and extends through midstream logistics and downstream transformation. Whether it’s building pipelines and LNG infrastructure, electrifying industrial corridors or developing fertilizer and plastics manufacturing hubs, Africa’s energy systems must evolve to support trade ambitions.

    Africa’s Path to Integrated Energy and Industrial Growth

    Several countries are already moving in that direction. Nigeria is pushing forward with its gas commercialization strategy; Mozambique is scaling up LNG; Senegal and Mauritania are emerging as cross-border gas hubs. These projects not only generate export revenue, but create the foundation for broader economic diversification, from petrochemical industries to power generation for local factories.

    Meanwhile, the African Continental Free Trade Area provides the framework to harmonize standards, reduce internal tariffs and build common infrastructure, such as pipelines, ports and refineries, thereby enabling economies of scale and intra-African trade. If combined with external access like China’s zero-tariff policy, this dual approach could allow African nations to integrate vertically and horizontally, moving from fragmented markets to unified production ecosystems.

    Still, risks remain. Trade with China remains heavily skewed toward raw materials, with manufactured imports often undercutting local industries. Without targeted support for African manufacturing, technology transfer and local content, tariff preferences risk entrenching the continent’s supplier status rather than overturning it. African governments must therefore ensure that policies – both trade- and energy-related – are designed to channel benefits inward, not just extract them outward.

    “That is the true promise of AEW 2025. As leaders, investors and institutions gather in Cape Town, the conference will not only facilitate deals and investment flows, but ask complex questions about how Africa can seize agency in its global partnerships. Energy security, industrialization and trade access must be viewed not in silos, but as interconnected levers for long-term prosperity,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber.

    AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

    MIL OSI Africa –

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Serious crash at Gawler South

    Source: New South Wales – News

    Police and emergency services are currently at the scene of serious crash where a pedestrian has been struck by a car on Thirteenth Street at Gawler South.

    Major Crash investigators and Barossa detectives are making their way to the scene.

    Thirteenth Street is closed to all traffic between Fourteenth Street and Sixteenth Street. Please avoid the area.

    MIL OSI News –

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Man Group PLC : Form 8.3 – Tritax Big Box REIT plc

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

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

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)   Full name of discloser: Man Group PLC
    (b)   Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
            The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.    		  
    (c)   Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
            Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree    		 Tritax Big Box REIT plc
    (d)   If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree:  
    (e)   Date position held/dealing undertaken:
            For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure    		 25/06/2024
    (f)   In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
            If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”    		 YES / NO / N/A
    OFFEREE: Warehouse REIT plc

    2.        POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

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

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

    Class of relevant security: 1p ordinary
      Interests Short positions
    Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 24,031,369 0.97    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives: 14,655,334 0.59    
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        

            TOTAL:

    		 38,686,703 1.56    

    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit

    (b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. CFD    		 Nature of dealing
    e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position    		 Number of reference securities Price per unit

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

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type
    e.g. American, European etc.    		 Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit

    (ii)        Exercise

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

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

    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing
    e.g. subscription, conversion    		 Details Price per unit (if applicable)

    4.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

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

    None

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

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

    None

    (c)        Attachments

    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO
    Date of disclosure: 26/06/2024
    Contact name: Matthew Irwin
    Telephone number: +442071447255

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

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

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

    The MIL Network –

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Motorists called to exercise caution amid adverse weather conditions

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Thursday, June 26, 2025

    The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has urged motorists to take extra caution due to the adverse weather conditions in the Eastern Cape, Western Cape and the Northern Cape.

    Earlier this week, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) warned a cold front would make landfall on Wednesday.

    “Wet and slippery roads may result in dangerous driving conditions. Motorists should exercise caution and adhere to safety measures. Heavy rainfall with a risk of localised flooding over the western parts of the Western Cape [is expected], especially in low-lying and poorly drained areas on Wednesday into Thursday (25 – 26 June 2025).

    “Cold to very cold conditions can be expected, along with possible snowfall over the western mountain ranges of the Western Cape, spreading into the south-western interior of the Northern Cape,” SAWS said earlier this week.

    Motorists have been advised to follow these road safety precautions when driving in wet and icy conditions: 

    • Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
    • Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
    • Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.
    • Keep your lights and windshield clean.
    • Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.
    • Don’t use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.
    • Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently travelled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.
    • Don’t pass snow ploughs and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and you’re likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.
    • Don’t assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads. – SAnews.gov.za

    Share this post:

    MIL OSI Africa –

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Climate change takes centre stage at G20 Sherpa meeting 

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    South Africa’s Group of 20 (G20) Presidency is placing climate resilience and the Just Energy Transition (JET) at the heart of its global agenda, highlighting the escalating environmental challenges facing developing nations.

    In an interview with the media, South Africa’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Mathu Joyini, empha
    sised the critical importance of disaster resilience, using recent national experiences as a stark illustration of global climate vulnerabilities. 

    “If you look at the flooding that happened in the Eastern Cape a few weeks ago, it exactly shows the relevance of the G20 discussions to our national situation. You can extrapolate it into a country, in the African continent, or the developing south, you do realise that there is no ready capacity or enough resources to deal with disaster resilience,“ he said. 

    “I mean, if you look at KwaZulu-Natal, for example, it’s almost like we are expecting a natural disaster, climate-related, weather-related disaster to come.” 

    According to recent reports, the death toll in the Mthatha, Eastern Cape floods, now stands at 101, as rescue operations are continuing. 

    While specific commitments were not detailed, he said the talks signalled a growing recognition that climate action requires a fundamental reimagining of global economic and environmental policies.

    The G20 Sherpa meeting, which kicked off yesterday, underscored a fundamental shift in approach, recognising that climate change is no longer a future threat but a present reality, particularly for developing countries. 

    The third Sherpa meeting of the G20 kicked off on Wednesday at the Sun City Resort, focusing on global collaboration, sustainable development, and addressing new international challenges.

    Joyini told journalists that South Africa’s Presidency is pushing for a comprehensive strategy that goes beyond traditional environmental discussions, integrating climate action with economic development.

    Meanwhile, the Ambassador stated that critical minerals have emerged as a key focal point, with the delegation advocating for a transformative approach to resource extraction. 

    “We want to stop the old model of exporting raw materials,” he said. 

    “Our goal is to ensure African countries can benefit from the minerals crucial to green energy transitions, particularly for electric vehicles and renewable technologies.”

    The attendees also highlighted the JET as a priority, reflecting a nuanced approach that balances environmental protection with economic development.

    This strategy, he said, aims to create sustainable pathways for countries in the Global South to address climate challenges while maintaining economic growth.

    The meeting also addressed the disproportionate impact of climate change on developing nations, with discussions focusing on how the G20 – representing 85% of global gross domestic product (GDP) – can provide meaningful support to the most vulnerable regions. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Rodney navigates the unknown by charting Tall Ships carbon footprint A student intern is making waves in the maritime sustainability sector by helping calculate the carbon footprint of the Tall Ships Races Aberdeen.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    It is believed that the project might mark the first ever carbon footprint report for a Tall Ships event, and the output by the team could even set the benchmark for future events.

    A student intern is making waves in the maritime sustainability sector by helping calculate the carbon footprint of the Tall Ships Races Aberdeen.
    MSc Sustainability Transitions student Rodney Ekow Keelson is part of a team tasked with figuring out the impact of the Tall Ships Races when the event sails into Aberdeen in July.
    Working with the Tall Ships team, the 23-year-old is currently assessing different methods of gathering data to determine which will deliver the greatest depth of results.
    “The challenge lies in determining the most effective way to gather a large volume of data during the event setup, throughout the four days of the Tall Ships event, and during the post-event breakdown.
    “We need to take a range of factors into account, including energy consumption, ship emissions, and the impact of quayside concerts. The most complex and potentially most significant area is understanding how people will travel to the event. We will also need to carefully assess which data we can feasibly collect within the limited time available.
    “Visitors will be making their way to Aberdeen from neighbouring towns, cities and further afield in cars, buses, trains, planes – and ships.
    “A lot of work will go into evaluating the best channels for us to get the information we need.”

    I’ve never been involved in anything like the Tall Ships or an event of this scale but carbon accounting is a really interesting field and this is great experience.” MSc Sustainability Transitions student Rodney Ekow Keelson

    Rodney is currently on the MSc Sustainability Transitions programme, designed to train the future generation of innovators and thinkers who have the passion and ambition to deliver on the UN Sustainable Development Goals and become true sustainability leaders which the world needs.
    It is believed that the project might mark the first ever carbon footprint report for a Tall Ships event, and the output by the team could even set the benchmark for future events.
    “Aberdeen has lots of pioneering green projects and the city’s port wants to become the UK’s first net zero port by 2040. This project really demonstrates the city’s commitment to sustainability and I’m excited to be part of it,” added Rodney, who studied Economics as an undergraduate.
    “I’ve never been involved in anything like the Tall Ships or an event of this scale but carbon accounting is a really interesting field and this is great experience.”
    Dr Piotr Niewiadomski, Senior Lecturer in Human Geography and MSc Sustainability Transitions Programme Director, said: “I’m truly delighted that one of our MSc Sustainability Transitions students has a chance to work with the Tall Ships team and make an important contribution to such a challenging task. Not only does it reflect Rodney’s individual ambitions and capabilities, but it also demonstrates the value of our MSc degree which trains future sustainability experts who will be in a position to lead the sustainability and net zero agenda in many different sectors.”
    The project will run until September 2025.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Beam Global and Platinum Group UAE Sign Joint Venture Agreement Creating Beam Middle East LLC

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Beam Global, (Nasdaq: BEEM), a leading provider of innovative and sustainable infrastructure solutions for the electrification of transportation and energy security, today announced that it has entered into a joint venture agreement with the Platinum Group LLC, based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Chaired by His Royal Highness, Sheikh Mohammed Sultan Bin Khalifa Al-Nahyan, the Platinum Group UAE is recognized for its well-established and trusted relationships across government and industry.

    Beam Global and the Platinum Group will form a new entity, Beam Middle East LLC, which will sell and manufacture Beam Global’s patented sustainable infrastructure solutions for transportation electrification, energy storage, energy security, and smart city development across the Middle East and African regions. This joint venture supports Beam Global’s strategy of geographic diversification by opening new markets and creating opportunities for revenue growth outside the United States. Beam Global, Beam Europe, and now Beam Middle East will each sell and manufacture the company’s full portfolio of patented sustainable technology solutions.

    “The Platinum Group is an organization of the highest reputation, influence and relationships in Abu Dhabi and the surrounding region. They are a perfect partner to accelerate Beam Global’s growth in the Middle East and Africa,” said Desmond Wheatley, CEO of Beam Global. “With planned spending on sustainable infrastructure in the region projected to reach $75.6 billion by 2030, we believe that Beam Global’s patented technology combined with Platinum’s unrivalled position should create a platform for growth which we are uniquely able to leverage. Platinum’s relationships with the best companies in the region and their government contacts, including at the highest level in the UAE and with entities like Masdar City, will allow Beam Middle East to secure direct audiences with top decision makers. Our technology is ideal for the region’s current and future plans, but this is a region where relationships matter just as much as products and solutions. That is why our joint venture with Platinum is so ideal – Beam’s tried and tested clean-technology solutions and Platinum’s influence and relationships form a combination that ticks all the boxes and is without rivals.”

    “The Platinum Group seeks out the highest quality, most timely and relevant companies in each of the industries we target. Beam Global’s unique and patented products are ideally suited to provide value to governments and businesses, as the Gulf region and beyond transitions to clean and sustainable technologies,” said Dr Ali Nasser Sultan Al Yahbouni Al Daheri, CEO of Platinum Group. “We are looking forward to ensuring that our new joint venture with Beam Global, forming Beam Middle East, is a highly successful enterprise with wins in the Middle East and increasingly in Africa. With abundant sunshine and fast-growing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), renewables, and energy storage, the region is perfect for Beam Global’s solutions. Energy security and Smart Cities solutions like those offered by Beam Middle East are at the forefront of government planning. Our timing is right, and our partnership is formed on mutual benefit from growth and success. We are delighted to have Beam Global as part of our growing family of businesses.”

    Middle East Market Overview Across Five Key Markets: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and Jordan

    • The number of EVs in the region is projected to grow from approximately 69.0 thousand in 2024 to approximately 1.5 million by 2030 (Table 1), representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 66.6%.
    • Assuming a 5.0% share of regional chargers using EV ARC™ units, the addressable revenue could reach $516.5 million by 2030.
    • If eBikes account for just 5.0% of total EV volume and follow the same growth trajectory (Table 2), BeamBike™ units could represent a $245.0 million revenue opportunity in the region by 2030.

    Middle East Market Overview: Abu Dhabi Case Study

    • The UAE eBike market is projected to reach $443.8 million by 2030. Assuming 15.0% of that spend goes toward charging infrastructure, and that Abu Dhabi accounts for 35.0% of the national market based on population, the addressable eBike charger market for BeamBike™ in Abu Dhabi is approximately $23.3 million.
    • A streetlight-to-population ratio based on New York City, applied to Abu Dhabi’s estimated 3.8 million residents (Table 3), suggests BeamSpot™ units could represent a potential revenue opportunity of approximately $322.1 million assuming a market penetration of 5.0%.
    • Using Abu Dhabi’s population and a comparable U.S. Police motorcycle fleet ratio (Table 4), the opportunity to electrify local law enforcement fleets with BeamPatrol™ units is estimated at approximately $2.4 million.
    • With over 5.8 million annual hotel guests, Abu Dhabi also offers a strong use case for BeamSkoot™ at resorts, both for logistics and recreational purposes. Assuming adoption rates of 10.0% (Table 5), the potential revenue opportunity for BeamSkoot™ units could reach approximately $10.0 million.

    The above scenarios are estimates only, based upon market data taken from internet resources. Beam Global believes these case studies can be replicated in other markets across the Middle East and Africa.

    Key Terms of the Agreement
    Beam Middle East LLC will be a 50/50 joint venture between Beam Global and Platinum Group UAE, incorporated in Abu Dhabi. Beam Global will license its proprietary technologies to the joint venture and support it with incoming opportunities, training, marketing materials, and procurement assistance. Platinum Group will leverage its existing relationships at the highest levels, coordinate local sales, provide experienced and influential business development professionals, and establish manufacturing capabilities efficiently and inexpensively. Both parties will collaborate on the development of a regional manufacturing facility for the products. Beam Middle East will be headquartered in Masdar City, a pioneering sustainable urban community and world-class business and technology hub, where Platinum Group has recently signed an agreement. Masdar City is located in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, strategically positioned at the center of the country’s drive toward a net-zero future by 2050.

    About Platinum Group UAE
    Platinum Group UAE is a diversified, multi-billion-dollar conglomerate operating in energy, real estate, finance and investing, healthcare, information technology, sports and entertainment, food services and legal services in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Chaired by His Royal Highness Sheikh Mohammed Sultan Bin Khalifa Al-Nahyan, son of the former ruler of Abu Dhabi, the Group is recognized for its well-established and trusted relationships across government and industry. Platinum Group UAE is headquartered in Abu Dhabi, with offices in Dubai and Sharjah. For more information visit, PlatinumGroupUAE.com.

    About Beam Global
    Beam Global is a clean technology innovator which develops and manufactures sustainable infrastructure products and technologies. We operate at the nexus of clean energy and transportation with a focus on sustainable energy infrastructure, rapidly deployed and scalable EV charging solutions, safe energy storage and vital energy security. With operations in the U.S. and Europe, Beam Global develops, patents, designs, engineers and manufactures unique and advanced clean technology solutions that power transportation, provide secure sources of electricity, save time and money and protect the environment. Beam Global is headquartered in San Diego, CA with facilities in Broadview, IL and Belgrade and Kraljevo, Serbia. Beam Global is listed on Nasdaq under the symbol BEEM. For more information visit, BeamForAll.com, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “intend,” “estimate,” “potential,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “may,” or similar expressions. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the expected benefits, market potential, and future operations of Beam Middle East LLC; anticipated revenue opportunities in the Middle East and African regions; projections regarding electric vehicle and infrastructure market growth; and strategic goals and international expansion plans of Beam Global.

    These forward-looking statements are based on current assumptions and expectations that are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the statements. Factors that may cause such differences include, among others, risks associated with entering new markets and joint ventures, including regulatory and operational challenges; risks relating to the adoption of EV technologies and infrastructure in foreign jurisdictions; the ability to develop and scale manufacturing capabilities in the region; the effectiveness of partnerships; and general economic, political, and business conditions in the Middle East and Africa. Additional risks and uncertainties are detailed in Beam Global’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.

    Beam Global disclaims any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

    Media Contact
    Andy Lovsted
    +1 858-327-9123
    Press@BeamForAll.com

    Investor Relations
    Luke Higgins
    +1 858-261-7646
    IR@BeamForAll.com

    Appendix 1 – Sources for Middle East Market Overview Sections

    Table 1 – Projected Growth of EV Adoption in the Middle East

      Number of EVs in 2024 Number of EVs in 2030
    Countries:    
    UAE 28,000 42,000
    Saudi Arabia 23,170 1,300,000
    Qatar 5,624 75,167
    Oman 2,200 13,500
    Jordan 10,000 45,000
         
    Total Number of EVs: 68,994 1,475,667

    Table 2 – Projected Growth of eBike Adoption in the Middle East Assuming 5% EV Market Share

      Number of eBikes in 2024 Number of eBikes in 2030
    Countries:    
    UAE 1,400 2,100
    Saudi Arabia 1,159 50,000
    Qatar 281 3,758
    Oman 110 675
    Jordan 500 2,250
         
    Total Number of eBikes: 3,450 58,783


    Table 3 – Estimated Number of Streetlights in Abu Dhabi Based on New York City’s Streetlight-to-Population Ratio

    Population of NYC 8,258,000
    Number of Street Lights 400,000
    Number of Street Lights per Person 21
    Population of Abu Dhabi 3,800,000
    Number of Street Lights approx. 180,952

    Table 4 – Estimated Size of Abu Dhabi Police Motorcycle Fleet Based on a Comparable U.S. Ratio

    Population of NYC 8,258,000
    Number of Police Motorcycles 115
    Number of People per Motorcycle 71,809
    Population of Abu Dhabi 3,800,000
    No. of Police Motorcycles approx. 53

    Table 5 – Estimated eScooter Demand in Abu Dhabi Based on Annual Number of Hotel Guests

    No. Hotel Guests in Abu Dhabi Annually: 5,811,000
       
    Scenario:  
    Number of Tourists Renting Annually (10%) 581,100
    Rentals per day 1,592
    Average Rentals per Scooter per Day 4
    eScooters Required 398

    The MIL Network –

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Beam Global and Platinum Group UAE Sign Joint Venture Agreement Creating Beam Middle East LLC

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Beam Global, (Nasdaq: BEEM), a leading provider of innovative and sustainable infrastructure solutions for the electrification of transportation and energy security, today announced that it has entered into a joint venture agreement with the Platinum Group LLC, based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Chaired by His Royal Highness, Sheikh Mohammed Sultan Bin Khalifa Al-Nahyan, the Platinum Group UAE is recognized for its well-established and trusted relationships across government and industry.

    Beam Global and the Platinum Group will form a new entity, Beam Middle East LLC, which will sell and manufacture Beam Global’s patented sustainable infrastructure solutions for transportation electrification, energy storage, energy security, and smart city development across the Middle East and African regions. This joint venture supports Beam Global’s strategy of geographic diversification by opening new markets and creating opportunities for revenue growth outside the United States. Beam Global, Beam Europe, and now Beam Middle East will each sell and manufacture the company’s full portfolio of patented sustainable technology solutions.

    “The Platinum Group is an organization of the highest reputation, influence and relationships in Abu Dhabi and the surrounding region. They are a perfect partner to accelerate Beam Global’s growth in the Middle East and Africa,” said Desmond Wheatley, CEO of Beam Global. “With planned spending on sustainable infrastructure in the region projected to reach $75.6 billion by 2030, we believe that Beam Global’s patented technology combined with Platinum’s unrivalled position should create a platform for growth which we are uniquely able to leverage. Platinum’s relationships with the best companies in the region and their government contacts, including at the highest level in the UAE and with entities like Masdar City, will allow Beam Middle East to secure direct audiences with top decision makers. Our technology is ideal for the region’s current and future plans, but this is a region where relationships matter just as much as products and solutions. That is why our joint venture with Platinum is so ideal – Beam’s tried and tested clean-technology solutions and Platinum’s influence and relationships form a combination that ticks all the boxes and is without rivals.”

    “The Platinum Group seeks out the highest quality, most timely and relevant companies in each of the industries we target. Beam Global’s unique and patented products are ideally suited to provide value to governments and businesses, as the Gulf region and beyond transitions to clean and sustainable technologies,” said Dr Ali Nasser Sultan Al Yahbouni Al Daheri, CEO of Platinum Group. “We are looking forward to ensuring that our new joint venture with Beam Global, forming Beam Middle East, is a highly successful enterprise with wins in the Middle East and increasingly in Africa. With abundant sunshine and fast-growing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), renewables, and energy storage, the region is perfect for Beam Global’s solutions. Energy security and Smart Cities solutions like those offered by Beam Middle East are at the forefront of government planning. Our timing is right, and our partnership is formed on mutual benefit from growth and success. We are delighted to have Beam Global as part of our growing family of businesses.”

    Middle East Market Overview Across Five Key Markets: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and Jordan

    • The number of EVs in the region is projected to grow from approximately 69.0 thousand in 2024 to approximately 1.5 million by 2030 (Table 1), representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 66.6%.
    • Assuming a 5.0% share of regional chargers using EV ARC™ units, the addressable revenue could reach $516.5 million by 2030.
    • If eBikes account for just 5.0% of total EV volume and follow the same growth trajectory (Table 2), BeamBike™ units could represent a $245.0 million revenue opportunity in the region by 2030.

    Middle East Market Overview: Abu Dhabi Case Study

    • The UAE eBike market is projected to reach $443.8 million by 2030. Assuming 15.0% of that spend goes toward charging infrastructure, and that Abu Dhabi accounts for 35.0% of the national market based on population, the addressable eBike charger market for BeamBike™ in Abu Dhabi is approximately $23.3 million.
    • A streetlight-to-population ratio based on New York City, applied to Abu Dhabi’s estimated 3.8 million residents (Table 3), suggests BeamSpot™ units could represent a potential revenue opportunity of approximately $322.1 million assuming a market penetration of 5.0%.
    • Using Abu Dhabi’s population and a comparable U.S. Police motorcycle fleet ratio (Table 4), the opportunity to electrify local law enforcement fleets with BeamPatrol™ units is estimated at approximately $2.4 million.
    • With over 5.8 million annual hotel guests, Abu Dhabi also offers a strong use case for BeamSkoot™ at resorts, both for logistics and recreational purposes. Assuming adoption rates of 10.0% (Table 5), the potential revenue opportunity for BeamSkoot™ units could reach approximately $10.0 million.

    The above scenarios are estimates only, based upon market data taken from internet resources. Beam Global believes these case studies can be replicated in other markets across the Middle East and Africa.

    Key Terms of the Agreement
    Beam Middle East LLC will be a 50/50 joint venture between Beam Global and Platinum Group UAE, incorporated in Abu Dhabi. Beam Global will license its proprietary technologies to the joint venture and support it with incoming opportunities, training, marketing materials, and procurement assistance. Platinum Group will leverage its existing relationships at the highest levels, coordinate local sales, provide experienced and influential business development professionals, and establish manufacturing capabilities efficiently and inexpensively. Both parties will collaborate on the development of a regional manufacturing facility for the products. Beam Middle East will be headquartered in Masdar City, a pioneering sustainable urban community and world-class business and technology hub, where Platinum Group has recently signed an agreement. Masdar City is located in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, strategically positioned at the center of the country’s drive toward a net-zero future by 2050.

    About Platinum Group UAE
    Platinum Group UAE is a diversified, multi-billion-dollar conglomerate operating in energy, real estate, finance and investing, healthcare, information technology, sports and entertainment, food services and legal services in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Chaired by His Royal Highness Sheikh Mohammed Sultan Bin Khalifa Al-Nahyan, son of the former ruler of Abu Dhabi, the Group is recognized for its well-established and trusted relationships across government and industry. Platinum Group UAE is headquartered in Abu Dhabi, with offices in Dubai and Sharjah. For more information visit, PlatinumGroupUAE.com.

    About Beam Global
    Beam Global is a clean technology innovator which develops and manufactures sustainable infrastructure products and technologies. We operate at the nexus of clean energy and transportation with a focus on sustainable energy infrastructure, rapidly deployed and scalable EV charging solutions, safe energy storage and vital energy security. With operations in the U.S. and Europe, Beam Global develops, patents, designs, engineers and manufactures unique and advanced clean technology solutions that power transportation, provide secure sources of electricity, save time and money and protect the environment. Beam Global is headquartered in San Diego, CA with facilities in Broadview, IL and Belgrade and Kraljevo, Serbia. Beam Global is listed on Nasdaq under the symbol BEEM. For more information visit, BeamForAll.com, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “intend,” “estimate,” “potential,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “may,” or similar expressions. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the expected benefits, market potential, and future operations of Beam Middle East LLC; anticipated revenue opportunities in the Middle East and African regions; projections regarding electric vehicle and infrastructure market growth; and strategic goals and international expansion plans of Beam Global.

    These forward-looking statements are based on current assumptions and expectations that are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the statements. Factors that may cause such differences include, among others, risks associated with entering new markets and joint ventures, including regulatory and operational challenges; risks relating to the adoption of EV technologies and infrastructure in foreign jurisdictions; the ability to develop and scale manufacturing capabilities in the region; the effectiveness of partnerships; and general economic, political, and business conditions in the Middle East and Africa. Additional risks and uncertainties are detailed in Beam Global’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.

    Beam Global disclaims any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

    Media Contact
    Andy Lovsted
    +1 858-327-9123
    Press@BeamForAll.com

    Investor Relations
    Luke Higgins
    +1 858-261-7646
    IR@BeamForAll.com

    Appendix 1 – Sources for Middle East Market Overview Sections

    Table 1 – Projected Growth of EV Adoption in the Middle East

      Number of EVs in 2024 Number of EVs in 2030
    Countries:    
    UAE 28,000 42,000
    Saudi Arabia 23,170 1,300,000
    Qatar 5,624 75,167
    Oman 2,200 13,500
    Jordan 10,000 45,000
         
    Total Number of EVs: 68,994 1,475,667

    Table 2 – Projected Growth of eBike Adoption in the Middle East Assuming 5% EV Market Share

      Number of eBikes in 2024 Number of eBikes in 2030
    Countries:    
    UAE 1,400 2,100
    Saudi Arabia 1,159 50,000
    Qatar 281 3,758
    Oman 110 675
    Jordan 500 2,250
         
    Total Number of eBikes: 3,450 58,783


    Table 3 – Estimated Number of Streetlights in Abu Dhabi Based on New York City’s Streetlight-to-Population Ratio

    Population of NYC 8,258,000
    Number of Street Lights 400,000
    Number of Street Lights per Person 21
    Population of Abu Dhabi 3,800,000
    Number of Street Lights approx. 180,952

    Table 4 – Estimated Size of Abu Dhabi Police Motorcycle Fleet Based on a Comparable U.S. Ratio

    Population of NYC 8,258,000
    Number of Police Motorcycles 115
    Number of People per Motorcycle 71,809
    Population of Abu Dhabi 3,800,000
    No. of Police Motorcycles approx. 53

    Table 5 – Estimated eScooter Demand in Abu Dhabi Based on Annual Number of Hotel Guests

    No. Hotel Guests in Abu Dhabi Annually: 5,811,000
       
    Scenario:  
    Number of Tourists Renting Annually (10%) 581,100
    Rentals per day 1,592
    Average Rentals per Scooter per Day 4
    eScooters Required 398

    The MIL Network –

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Form 8.3 – [ALPHA GROUP INTERNATIONAL PLC – 25 06 2025] – (CGAML)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

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

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)   Full name of discloser: CANACCORD GENUITY ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED (for Discretionary clients)
    (b)   Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
            The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.    		 N/A
    (c)   Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
            Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree    		 ALPHA GROUP INTERNATIONAL PLC
    (d)   If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: N/A
    (e)   Date position held/dealing undertaken:
            For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure    		 25 JUNE 2025
    (f)   In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
            If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”    		 N/A

    2.        POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

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

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

    Class of relevant security: 0.2p ORDINARY
      Interests Short positions
    Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 1,338,000 3.1628    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives:        
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        
    TOTAL: 1,338,000 3.1628    

    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit
    0.2p ORDINARY SALE 10,000 3145p

    (b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

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

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

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

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

    (ii)        Exercise

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

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

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

    4.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

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

    NONE

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

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

    NONE

    (c)        Attachments

    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO
    Date of disclosure: 26 JUNE 2025
    Contact name: MARK ELLIOTT
    Telephone number: 01253 376539

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

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

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

    The MIL Network –

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Where climate change and your energy bills meet

    Source: European Investment Bank

    In 2020, the European Investment Bank signed a €20 million loan to help the Polish city of Szczecin build and refurbish residential buildings for energy efficiency and comfort. This project is part of larger urban regeneration programme in the historic part of the city that limits vehicle traffic, encourages cycling and aims to attract more retailers.

    Grażyna Szotkowska, president of the board for one of two housing agencies in Szczecin that used some of the funding from this loan, says the city is a leader in cutting emissions in housing. That’s because many of its big residential buildings are connected to the city’s central heating, rather than having small boilers in every apartment.

    “We also are adding thick layers of insulation to many social housing buildings,” Szotkowska says. “Most importantly, they are getting triple-glazed windows, which are highly efficient in terms of energy loss but also block road noise. Better insulation and windows also mean lower energy consumption, which reduces the costs for the tenants.”

    Lower expenses for homeowners, tenants and building owners is a topic energy experts always mention.

    “Energy improvements are one of the main advantages of housing upgrades, as they help reduce energy bills for households while also cutting carbon emissions,” says Gladys Sevilla, an EIB loan officer who works on housing projects.

    In other words, governments may like energy efficiency because it cuts carbon emissions or because it reduces the need to build new homes to beat the housing crisis. Residents like energy efficiency because it saves them money and increases the value of their homes.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Shop a Tipper does it again! Another success for council’s fly tipping scheme

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    Following a report of dumped waste in Wednesfield and further information being provided by the witness, the council was able to bring the case to court.

    As a result, the resident received a £100 Enjoy Wolverhampton gift card for the details they reported through Shop a Tipper.

    Officers are now reminding offenders that they are being watched – and warning them not to ignore council investigations.

    In the latest prosecution, Paul Mansell, of Field Road in Dudley, pleaded guilty to one charge of fly tipping under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. He also admitted one of obstruction under section 110 of The Environment Act 1995 for failing to comply with investigating officers’ requests for assistance.

    During a hearing on 1 June, Dudley Magistrates Court fined Mansell £200, ordered him to pay costs of £1,000 and a victim surcharge of £80.

    The costs awarded to the council will be reinvested back into its environmental crime service.

    The court heard that at around 1.40pm on 30 August last year, a witness heard a van pull up outside a property in Hart Road, Wednesfield. A man got out of the van to pick up some scrap metal and put it in his van.

    He then pulled a large cardboard box out of the vehicle and placed it in the road. He picked up more scrap metal before driving off and leaving the box in the road.

    The box was full of wood, bubble wrap and other items. The witness dragged the box out of the road and onto the footpath and reported the incident to the council along with some images.

    Council officers investigated and issued a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) to the registered keeper of the vehicle. No response was made so a reminder letter was sent. When no response was received to that, the council issued a notice requiring him to attend an appointment at the council.

    When no contact was received and the appointment was missed, the council began the prosecution.

    Under Shop a Tipper, residents are encouraged to report any incidents of fly tipping. If the information provided leads to successful identification, and Fixed Penalty Notices are issued and paid or a prosecution takes place, residents receive a £100 Enjoy Wolverhampton gift card.

    Residents can contact 01902 552700 with information or report online at Fly-Tipping – Shop a Tipper.

    Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, cabinet member for resident services at City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “Shop a Tipper has done it again! And it’s many thanks to the resident who came forward to provide us with the vital information.

    “Fly tipping is a horrible and unhygienic crime, but Shop a Tipper allows residents to provide information and evidence which can help. This means our officers can investigate and bring people to justice.

    “We continue to work hard to deter fly tipping through a variety of methods including our Shop a Tipper scheme, CCTV cameras, a drone and the increase in our Fixed Penalty Notice to £1,000.

    “Suspected fly tippers should be aware that they are being watched – and they can’t ignore our investigations.”

    Residents are reminded that waste can be disposed of free of charge at the council’s Household Waste and Recycling Centres (tips) which are open 7 days a week from 8am to 4pm. Centres are at Anchor Lane, Bilston and Shaw Road, Wolverhampton.

    A bulky item collection service to dispose of big unwanted items is also available, find out more at Bulky item collection.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    June 26, 2025

  • EU leaders meet to decide on whether to back quick US trade deal or seek better terms

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    European Union leaders are to tell the European Commission on Thursday whether they want to reach a quick trade agreement with the United States on terms that favour Washington or keep fighting for a better deal.

    A quick deal seems to be the preferred option for most, officials and diplomats said, as the EU can then seek to address the unfavourable bias with some rebalancing measures of its own.

    “I support the Commission, I support the President of the European Commission in her endeavours to make progress on competitiveness. I also support the European Commission in all its endeavours to reach a trade agreement with the USA quickly,” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said.

    “I want us to get Mercosur off the ground and conclude further trade agreements. Europe is facing decisive weeks and months,” he said.

    The Commission, which negotiates trade agreements on behalf of the EU, will ask leaders of the EU’s 27 members meeting in Brussels how they want to respond to President Donald Trump’s July 9 deadline for a deal, now less than two weeks away.

    The bloc has said it is striving for a mutually beneficial agreement, but as Washington looks set to stick to its 10% across-the board tariffs on most EU goods and threatening higher rates with prolonged talks, EU diplomats said a growing number of EU countries were now favouring a quick resolution.

    “A trade war makes both sides of the Atlantic poorer and is just stupid. So I support the approach of the Commission president, who always kept calm and has negotiated for a result,” said Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever.

    “If that were to end in one-sided and unfair tariffs then we have to take proportionate and very targeted countermeasures.”

    The bloc is already facing U.S. import tariffs of 50% on its steel and aluminium, 25% for cars and car parts, along with a 10% tariff on most other EU goods, which Trump has threatened could rise to 50% without an agreement.

    The United States’ only completed trade deal to date is with Britain, with the broad 10% tariff still in place. U.S. officials say it will not go lower for any trading partner.

    Some 23 of the leaders will come to Brussels straight from the NATO summit in the Hague. Few will want to follow accord there with an economic war.

    “There is a group of EU countries that want to protect companies by seemingly accepting something they have gotten used to – a 10% baseline,” one EU diplomat said.

    REBALANCING MEASURES

    One question EU leaders face is whether it should respond with its own measures to such a baseline tariff.

    The European Union has agreed, but not imposed, tariffs on 21 billion euros of U.S. goods and is debating a further package of tariffs on up to 95 billion euros of U.S. imports. Some EU countries favour watering it down.

    Among the EU rebalancing options is a tax on digital advertising, which would hit U.S. giants like Alphabet Inc’s Google, Meta, Apple, X or Microsoft and eat into the trade surplus in services the U.S. has with the EU. The bloc has a trade surplus with the U.S. in goods.

    The Commission has proposed an EU-U.S. deal to cut respective tariffs on industrial goods to zero, along with potential further EU purchases of liquefied natural gas and soybeans.

    Washington has shown little obvious interest, preferring to highlight items it considers as barriers, such as EU value-added tax, environmental standards and rules on online platforms, on which the EU does not want to move.

    On the sidelines of the summit, EU leaders will also seek to allay the concerns of Slovakia and Hungary over ending their access to Russian gas as foreseen by the EU’s plan to phase out all Russian gas imports by the end of 2027.

    EU diplomats said EU leaders’ assurances over gas should allow the two countries to back the EU’s 18th package of sanctions against Russia, which they are now blocking.

    Before the start of the summit however, Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico said he would demand a delay in voting for the sanctions until Slovak concerns were addressed.

    (Reuters)

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-Evening Report: There’s gold trapped in your iPhone – and chemists have found a safe new way to extract it

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Justin M. Chalker, Professor of Chemistry, Flinders University

    A sample of refined gold recovered from mining and e-waste recycling trials. Justin Chalker

    In 2022, humans produced an estimated 62 million tonnes of electronic waste – enough to fill more than 1.5 million garbage trucks. This was up 82% from 2010 and is expected to rise to 82 million tonnes in 2030.

    This e-waste includes old laptops and phones, which contain precious materials such as gold. Less than one quarter of it is properly collected and recycled. But a new technique colleagues and I have developed to safely and sustainably extract gold from e-waste could help change that.

    Our new gold-extraction technique, which we describe in a new paper published today in Nature Sustainability, could also make small-scale gold mining less poisonous for people – and the planet.

    Soaring global demand

    Gold has long played a crucial role in human life. It has been a form of currency and a medium for art and fashion for centuries. Gold is also essential in modern industries including the electronics, chemical manufacture and aerospace sectors.

    But while global demand for this precious metal is soaring, mining it is harmful to the environment.

    Deforestation and use of toxic chemicals are two such problems. In formal, large-scale mining, highly toxic cyanide is widely used to extract gold from ore. While cyanide can be degraded, its use can cause harm to wildlife, and tailings dams which store the toxic byproducts of mining operations pose a risk to the wider environment.

    In small-scale and artisanal mining, mercury is used extensively to extract gold. In this practice, the gold reacts with mercury to form a dense amalgam that can be easily isolated. The gold is then recovered by heating the amalgam to vaporise the mercury.

    Small-scale and artisanal mining is the largest source of mercury pollution on Earth, and the mercury emissions are dangerous to the miners and pollute the environment. New methods are required to reduce the impacts of gold mining.

    In 2022, humans produced an estimated 62 million tonnes of electronic waste.
    DAMRONG RATTANAPONG/Shutterstock

    A safer alternative

    Our interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers has developed a new technique to extract gold from ore and e-waste. The aim was to provide a safer alternative to mercury and cyanide and reduce the health and environmental impacts of gold mining.

    Many techniques have previously been reported for extracting gold from ore or e-waste, including mercury- and cyanide-free methods. However, many of these methods are limited in rate, yield, scale and cost. Often these methods also consider only one step in the entire gold recovery process, and recycling and waste management is often neglected.

    In contrast, our approach considered sustainability throughout the whole process of gold extraction, recovery and refining. Our new leaching technology uses a chemical commonly used in water sanitation and pool chlorination: trichloroisocyanuric acid.

    When this widely available and low-cost chemical is activated with salt water, it can react with gold and convert it into a water-soluble form.

    To recover the gold from the solution, we invented a sulphur-rich polymer sorbent. Polymer sorbents isolate a certain substance from a liquid or gas, and ours is made by joining a key building block (a monomer) together through a chain reaction.

    Our polymer sorbent is interesting because it is derived from elemental sulphur: a low-cost and highly abundant feedstock. The petroleum sector generates more sulphur than it can use or sell, so our polymer synthesis is a new use for this underused resource.

    Our polymer could selectively bind and remove gold from the solution, even when many other types of metals were present in the mixture.

    The simple leaching and recovery methods were demonstrated on ore, circuit boards from obsolete computers and scientific waste. Importantly, we also developed methods to regenerate and recycle both the leaching chemical and the polymer sorbent. We also established methods to purify and recycle the water used in the process.

    In developing the recyclable polymer sorbent, we invented some exciting new chemistry to make the polymer using light, and then “un-make” the sorbent after it bound gold. This recycling method converted the polymer back to its original monomer building block and separated it from the gold.

    The recovered monomer could then be re-made into the gold-binding polymer: an important demonstration of how the process is aligned with a circular economy.

    A long and complex road ahead

    In future work, we plan to collaborate with industry, government and not-for-profit groups to test our method in small-scale mining operations. Our long-term aim is to provide a robust and safe method for extracting gold, eliminating the need for highly toxic chemicals such as cyanide and mercury.

    There will be many challenges to overcome including scaling up the production of the polymer sorbent and the chemical recycling processes. For uptake, we also need to ensure that the rate, yield and cost are competitive with more traditional methods of gold mining. Our preliminary results are encouraging. But there is still a long and complex road ahead before our new techniques replace cyanide and mercury.

    Our broader motivation is to support the livelihood of the millions of artisanal and small-scale miners that rely on mercury to recover gold.

    They typically operate in remote and rural regions with few other economic opportunities. Our goal is to support these miners economically while offering safer alternatives to mercury. Likewise, the rise of “urban mining” and e-waste recycling would benefit from safer and operationally simple methods for precious metal recovery.

    Success in recovering gold from e-waste will also reduce the need for primary mining and therefore lessen its environmental impact.

    Justin M. Chalker is an inventor on patents associated with the gold leaching and recovery technology. Both patents are wholly owned by Flinders University. This research was supported financially by the Australian Research Council and Flinders University. He has an ongoing collaboration with Mercury Free Mining and Adelaide Control Engineering: organisations that supported the developments and trials reported in this study.

    – ref. There’s gold trapped in your iPhone – and chemists have found a safe new way to extract it – https://theconversation.com/theres-gold-trapped-in-your-iphone-and-chemists-have-found-a-safe-new-way-to-extract-it-259817

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Former Msunduzi Municipality official sentenced to 10 years for corruption

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Thursday, June 26, 2025

    The Durban Specialised Commercial Crimes Court has sentenced a former Msunduzi Municipality official to 10 years’ direct imprisonment following his conviction on two counts of corruption.

    According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Nhlakanipho Wiseman Dlamini (45), who was employed as an acting Fleet Control Advisor at the municipality, was found guilty of soliciting bribes from a municipal service provider.

    “Dlamini was employed at Msunduzi Municipality…and a company named EWCop was contracted to supply and maintain vehicle tracking devices for the municipal vehicles. During 2018, EWCop’s contract with the municipality ended, and the contract was subsequently extended on a month-to-month basis pending the outcome of the award for a new tender.

    “Dlamini then approached EWCop and solicited their offer to secure the pending tender in favour of EWCop. Dlamini further solicited R100 000 from EWCop to ensure that the outstanding payments in respect of the month-to-month contract were paid to EWCop,” the NPA said in a statement.

    A trap was set up in accordance with section 252 A of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977, and Dlamini was arrested between November 2019 and January 2020, after receiving the ‘trap’ money.

    Dlamini was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment on each count of t corruption.  Six years of the second count run concurrently with the first, resulting in an effective 10-year sentence.

    “The NPA welcomes this successful prosecution. Together with our partners in the Justice Cluster, we will ensure that corrupt officials are brought to book. Rooting out corruption remains an organisational priority,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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    MIL OSI Africa –

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: World Solar Challenge 2025: Gebrüder Weiss and ETH Zurich students team up again

    Source: Gebrüder Weiss 

    Gebrüder Weiss is once again the a Centauri Solar Racing Team’s logistics partner / Branches in Zurich, Wolfurt, and Adelaide ensure seamless transport of the custom-built solar-powered racing car.

    Wolfurt, June 26, 2025. Logistics company Gebrüder Weiss is once again supporting the students of the a Centauri Solar Racing Team from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zurich as they travel to Australia for the World Solar Challenge 2025. At this year’s international solar vehicle race, the Swiss students are aiming to improve on their 12th place debut result from 2023, having developed a vehicle with improved aerodynamics and a larger solar surface area. To ensure that everything runs smoothly before the race begins in Darwin on August 24, the team has once again entrusted Gebrüder Weiss with the complex transport.

    “We are delighted to be accompanying the aCentauri team from ETH Zurich again this year. Such collaborations are in line with our understanding of partnership: long-term, trusting, and focused on a sustainable future for mobility,” explains Frank Haas, Head of Communications at Gebrüder Weiss. “The students already demonstrated in 2023 that solar mobility works, and we wish them every success in reaching the top ten.”

    The technical equipment was shipped to Australia by sea freight back in May. Now, the vehicle itself is embarking on its journey by air freight, after a live presentation at the Gebrüder Weiss location in Wolfurt. After completing a final test drive in front of press representatives, the vehicle was prepared for air transport at the IATA-certified terminal.

    Certification from the IATA (International Air Transport Association) means that the Air & Sea Terminal at Wolfurt is an officially recognized air freight terminal where shipments can be prepared for air transport in accordance with IATA standards – including special packaging, security checks, and all required inspection processes. The flight will then depart for Australia via Frankfurt Airport without any intermediate steps.

    Upon arrival in Australia, the logistics experts at the new Gebrüder Weiss location in Adelaide will take charge of the next stage of the process: They will coordinate the import formalities and transport to the University of Adelaide.

    The World Solar Challenge starts on August 24, 2025, and covers 3,000 kilometers across the Australian outback. First held in 1987, the race promotes innovation in the areas of sustainable mobility and renewable energies.

    As a company with a history spanning over 500 years, Gebrüder Weiss is eager to play an active role in shaping the future of mobility. Since 2021, the company has been involved in relevant projects, working closely with universities, research teams, and start-ups. In addition to logistics, Gebrüder Weiss promotes exchange between project partners and raises the profile of forward-thinking ideas. The aim is to implement new technologies at an early stage.

    Further background information on the projects can be found at: https://www.gw-world.com/company/sustainability/future-of-mobility, or via the logistics company’s social media channels.

    About Gebrüder Weiss

    Gebrüder Weiss Holding AG, based in Lauterach, Austria, is a globally operative full-service logistics provider with about 8,600 employees at 180 company-owned locations. The company generated revenues of 2.71 billion euros in 2024. Its portfolio encompasses transport and logistics solutions, digital services, and supply chain management. The twin strengths of digital and physical competence enable Gebrüder Weiss to respond swiftly and flexibly to customers’ needs. The family-run organization – with a history going back more than half a millennium – has implemented a wide variety of environmental, economic, and social initiatives. Today, it is also considered a pioneer in sustainable business practices. www.gw-world.com

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Beijing SOEs drive innovation with tech, green solutions

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

    Beijing’s state-owned enterprises (SOEs) are accelerating innovation and growth by embracing advanced technology, digital tools and green initiatives as part of efforts to boost high-quality development.

    At Beijing Jingcheng Machinery Electric Holding Co.’s (JCMEH) Smart Manufacturing Innovation Center in Yizhuang, advanced robots demonstrate high-precision skills, from juggling ping-pong balls thousands of times to maneuvering probes through tight spaces.

    Wang Kai, head of investment development at JCMEH, said robotics is a strategic growth industry for Beijing.

    The company’s Paitian Robot is gaining market influence across various industrial applications, and robotics is becoming a significant and growing part of the company’s revenue.

    Beijing’s East Sixth Ring Road Tunnel now uses a “smart brain” platform to instantly detect anomalies, alerting staff with live video and key details within seconds to enable rapid emergency responses.

    Liu Cheng, head of technology development for the platform, said the system uses more than 80,000 sensors to gather detailed, real-time data.

    Building on this success, parent company Beijing Capital Highway Development Group is expanding its digital push with its One Map system for expressway management and AI-powered toll collection.

    Green and intelligent manufacturing is on full display at BAIC BJEV’s super factory in Miyun Park, part of Zhongguancun Science Park. The plant, with an annual capacity of 120,000 vehicles, is largely automated, using more than 600 robots for stringent quality control.

    Wang Hui, general manager of the factory, said that key processes in stamping, body and painting workshops are fully automated. The facility also uses green technologies such as silane pre-treatment, achieving zero energy and heavy metal emissions in painting and recycling more than 80% of its air.

    This commitment to advanced, intelligent and green practices has made it the only auto factory in Beijing to meet strict water source protection standards, setting a new benchmark for manufacturing in the capital.

    MIL OSI China News –

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Beijing’s commercial space sector shoots for new heights

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

    Beijing’s Haidian district is rapidly emerging as a hub for China’s commercial space industry, boasting over 300 high-tech enterprises in the sector and the nation’s most comprehensive industry chain, officials said at a recent press event.

    GalaxySpace, based in Haidian district, is China’s first unicorn in commercial aerospace and satellite internet. The company has logged several milestones, including launching the country’s first flat-panel satellite powered by flexible solar panels and pioneering mass production of low-orbit broadband communication satellites. GalaxySpace also built China’s first low-orbit broadband test network and oversaw the first overseas deployment of China’s low-orbit satellite internet.

    The cost to launch a satellite has drastically fallen from over a billion yuan to the millions in recent years, thanks to continuous technological breakthroughs and innovation in manufacturing.

    GalaxySpace has built a manufacturing line that integrates human-machine collaboration, using assembly robots, intelligent equipment and digital manufacturing systems.

    The line supports the full production process for satellites weighing between 100 and 2,000 kilograms, with an annual capacity of 100 to 150 medium-sized satellites. The approach has shortened the development cycle by 80%, making true mass production possible.

    As a result, GalaxySpace’s supplier network has expanded from just over 100 partners in 2018 to more than 1,300 today, with more than half being private enterprises.

    Beijing’s commercial space industry now covers the entire value chain, from launch vehicles and satellite manufacturing to ground stations, terminal equipment and satellite application services, creating the most comprehensive ecosystem of its kind in China.

    Looking ahead, the city plans to accelerate technological innovation, with plans to achieve orbital recovery and reusable rocket flights by around 2026.

    MIL OSI China News –

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Urbanites embrace the charm of rural China

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

    This undated photo shows a view of Nangang Village, Mongolian Autonomous County of Dorbod in Daqing City, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province.(Xinhua)

    In the picturesque countryside of northeast China, rural tourism is breathing new life into villages that were once overlooked and forgotten.

    The Phoenix Bay Scenic Area in Nangang Village, Daqing City, Heilongjiang Province, is drawing an increasing number of visitors with its lakeside charm, mild climate and unique Mongolian culture, offering a genuine glimpse of idyllic rural life.

    The village’s transformation began in 2017, when a team from the provincial department of culture and tourism arrived to kickstart the revival.

    Recognizing Nangang’s vast potential for rural tourism thanks to its rich ecological assets, the team mapped out plans to transform farmland into scenic landscapes, village homes into lodgings, and local produce into distinctive souvenirs, gradually shaping the scenic area.

    After seven years of efforts, the scenic area’s annual visitor numbers have soared to 100,000, bringing in tourism revenue of over 20 million yuan (about 2.8 million U.S. dollars).

    Li Xiumei, who became Nangang’s first secretary in 2023, set out to spearhead innovative rural tourism development, transforming the scenic area into a year-round leisure destination.

    “Traditional offerings like agritainment resorts no longer satisfy modern expectations,” Li said. “Visitors are now drawn to high-quality accommodations, authentic cultural experiences, and a wider variety of attractions.”

    The scenic area now thrives all year round. In summer, it serves as a premier getaway where visitors cool off in clear lakes and enjoy exhilarating lake plane rides with breathtaking aerial views. In winter, it turns into a snowy playground, offering traditional ice fishing experiences.

    “This summer, we’ve introduced horseback riding, all-terrain vehicle (ATV) rides, and photo tours. Visitors can also stay in cozy log cabins or tents, making their experience even more memorable,” Li said.

    In recent years, China’s rural tourism has evolved from simple sightseeing to offering a variety of immersive experiences. Activities like hiking, fruit picking and engaging with folk culture are increasingly popular.

    According to the “No. 1 central document” for 2025, unveiled in late February, the country will advance the deep integration of rural culture and tourism and initiate pilot projects to empower rural revitalization through cultural industries.

    Rendong Village, in the city of Hailun, Heilongjiang Province, has pioneered personalized tourism by allowing visitors to adopt fruit trees and take part in the harvest. This year, 350 premium cherry trees have been planted for eco-friendly cultivation and off-season sales, supported by the innovative tree adoption program.

    “Residents who adopt the trees are guaranteed a minimum yield of 1 kilogram,” said Qu Weijun, Party secretary of the village. “Adopters can also have barbecues or pick wild vegetables in the orchard for free.”

    The village also provides customized vegetable plots for urban residents pursuing a healthy lifestyle. Participants in the initiative can choose to cultivate their plots themselves or leave the farming to local staff.

    “Watching her first cucumber bloom, my daughter danced with excitement,” said a woman surnamed Chen, who joined the farming initiative. “The countryside reveals nature’s healing power and teaches children valuable, hands-on lessons.”

    Data from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism shows that China’s rural tourism recorded 707 million visits in the first quarter of this year, up 8.9 percent year on year, generating a revenue of 412 billion yuan, reflecting growing urban appetite for pastoral lifestyles.

    “We’re selling lifestyles, not just landscapes. Our villages retain nostalgic charm where mountains meet waters,” Qu said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: AAIB Report: Piper PA-23-250, G-BKJW

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    AAIB Report: Piper PA-23-250, G-BKJW

    Fatal accident involving a Piper PA-23-250, G-BKJW, 1 nm south-west of Bagby Airfield, North Yorkshire, 6 July 2023

    Composite CCTV image of G-BKJW descent into terrain

    The pilot had departed Bagby airfield in the morning and flown to Deauville in France where he collected five passengers and delivered them to Abbeyshrule in Ireland. The accident occurred at the end of the return flight to Bagby, with the pilot the sole occupant of the aircraft. After the pilot made a normal radio call to Bagby to say that he was four miles from the airfield, the aircraft was seen on radar and CCTV to join right base for Runway 06. The CCTV video showed the aircraft’s descent angle start to steepen while it was on right base. There was then a slight reduction in descent angle before the descent angle steepened sharply and the aircraft struck trees and then the ground at an angle of about 35° to 40° nose-down, with no indication that the aircraft was starting to recover. The ground impact caused a fire, and the accident was not survivable.

    The post-impact fire destroyed a significant amount of physical evidence, but that which remained contained no identifiable defects that could have caused or contributed to the nose-dive. The one anomaly found was the position of the pitch trim drum which was 3 mm from the full nose-down position. Evidence from a flight trial on the same type of aircraft revealed that this was more nose-down than would be expected for any flap configuration in the speed range determined from the CCTV. However, the possibility of the trim having moved during the post-impact break-up could not be discounted, so other theories of what could have caused the final nose-dive were considered. Of all the causes reviewed, a pitch trim runaway was considered to be the most likely, but there was insufficient evidence to determine that it was the definitive cause of the accident.

    In conducting the investigation, it was apparent that although occurrences of pitch trim runaway are rare, when they do occur the results can easily be catastrophic, particularly if it occurs at low altitude where there is limited time to respond. Irrespective of whether a pitch trim runaway was the cause of the accident to G-BKJW, the investigation identified ways to reduce the risk of such an event. Consequently, the CAA plan eight safety actions which concern:

    1. Training for a pitch trim runaway.
    2. Deactivating inoperative autopilots.
    3. Making autopilot and electric trim circuit breakers more visible.
    4. Providing clearer information regarding differences training requirements.

    Read the report.

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    Published 26 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    June 26, 2025

  • Thai PM, former Cambodian leader visit disputed border as tensions simmer

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Thailand’s prime minister and Cambodia’s influential former premier are visiting different parts of their disputed land border on Thursday as tensions simmer between the two neighbours over a territorial dispute and the Thai government teeters on the brink of collapse.

    The deterioration of relations was sparked by brief armed clashes in a border area late last month that left one Cambodian soldier dead.

    What followed were a series of tit-for-tat measures by both countries including troop mobilisations, Cambodia’s suspension of all fuel and gas imports from its neighbour, and the partial closure of checkpoints by Thailand along the 817 km (508 miles) land border.

    The conflict has added fuel to a crisis facing Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who is battling to revive a faltering economy and scrambling to keep a fragile coalition together in the face of protests as well as a parliamentary no confidence vote.

    As she arrived on Thursday morning at the Thai bordertown of Aranyaprathet in Sa Kaeo province, opposite Cambodia’s Poipet, Paetongtarn was greeted by a crowd of supporters, with several of them holding a large sign saying “Love You Prime Minister Paetongtarn”.

    The Prime Minister said the purpose of her visit was to survey the ongoing crackdown on transnational crime and gauge the impact of border restrictions, which saw Thailand halting all vehicles, tourists and traders from all land border crossings into Cambodia.

    “We want to see the impact from this policy and what the government can do to help, this is our main goal for the visit today,” Paetongtarn said in a meeting with officials.

    The Thai Prime Minister earlier this week linked the proliferation of illegal online scam centres to Cambodia, but Cambodian authorities have denied involvement.

    Human rights group Amnesty International on Thursday accused Cambodia’s government of “deliberately ignoring” abuses by cybercrime gangs who have trafficked people from across the world, including children, into slavery at brutal scam compounds.

    Amnesty said in a report that it had identified 53 scam centres and dozens more suspected sites across the country, including in the capital Phnom Penh.

    A Cambodian government spokesman said the country rejected allegations of inaction.

    CONTROVERSIAL CALL

    At another part of the border, former Cambodian premier Hun Sen on Thursday morning visited troops and officials in Oddar Meanchey province, opposite the Thai province of Surin.

    Local media footage showed Hun Sen, in military fatigues, arriving by helicopter and meeting with officials in the area.

    Hun Sen, the president of the country’s senate and father of incumbent premier Hun Manet, still wields enormous clout in Cambodian politics.

    The veteran Cambodian politician and the Thai premier until recently enjoyed warm personal ties, helped by the close relationship between Hun Sen and Paetongtarn’s influential father, Thailand’s former premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

    But in a leaked phone conversation with Hun Sen, Paetongtarn was heard denigrating a Thai military commander – a red line in a country in which the military holds significant clout – piling political pressure on the Thai government.

    The prime minister has since apologised over the leaked call but the incident was used as a justification by the Bhumjaithai party to leave the government coalition last week.

    Bhumjaithai said earlier this week that it will seek a parliamentary no confidence vote against Prime Minister Paetongtarn and her cabinet over the leaked call.

    Paetongtarn is also facing judicial scrutiny after a group of senators gave the Constitutional Court and a national anti-graft body a wide remit to investigate her conduct. Decisions from either bodies could lead to her removal.

    Anti-government groups are also planning a street protest starting Saturday, demanding her resignation.

    (Reuters)

     

    June 26, 2025

  • Thai PM, former Cambodian leader visit disputed border as tensions simmer

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Thailand’s prime minister and Cambodia’s influential former premier are visiting different parts of their disputed land border on Thursday as tensions simmer between the two neighbours over a territorial dispute and the Thai government teeters on the brink of collapse.

    The deterioration of relations was sparked by brief armed clashes in a border area late last month that left one Cambodian soldier dead.

    What followed were a series of tit-for-tat measures by both countries including troop mobilisations, Cambodia’s suspension of all fuel and gas imports from its neighbour, and the partial closure of checkpoints by Thailand along the 817 km (508 miles) land border.

    The conflict has added fuel to a crisis facing Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who is battling to revive a faltering economy and scrambling to keep a fragile coalition together in the face of protests as well as a parliamentary no confidence vote.

    As she arrived on Thursday morning at the Thai bordertown of Aranyaprathet in Sa Kaeo province, opposite Cambodia’s Poipet, Paetongtarn was greeted by a crowd of supporters, with several of them holding a large sign saying “Love You Prime Minister Paetongtarn”.

    The Prime Minister said the purpose of her visit was to survey the ongoing crackdown on transnational crime and gauge the impact of border restrictions, which saw Thailand halting all vehicles, tourists and traders from all land border crossings into Cambodia.

    “We want to see the impact from this policy and what the government can do to help, this is our main goal for the visit today,” Paetongtarn said in a meeting with officials.

    The Thai Prime Minister earlier this week linked the proliferation of illegal online scam centres to Cambodia, but Cambodian authorities have denied involvement.

    Human rights group Amnesty International on Thursday accused Cambodia’s government of “deliberately ignoring” abuses by cybercrime gangs who have trafficked people from across the world, including children, into slavery at brutal scam compounds.

    Amnesty said in a report that it had identified 53 scam centres and dozens more suspected sites across the country, including in the capital Phnom Penh.

    A Cambodian government spokesman said the country rejected allegations of inaction.

    CONTROVERSIAL CALL

    At another part of the border, former Cambodian premier Hun Sen on Thursday morning visited troops and officials in Oddar Meanchey province, opposite the Thai province of Surin.

    Local media footage showed Hun Sen, in military fatigues, arriving by helicopter and meeting with officials in the area.

    Hun Sen, the president of the country’s senate and father of incumbent premier Hun Manet, still wields enormous clout in Cambodian politics.

    The veteran Cambodian politician and the Thai premier until recently enjoyed warm personal ties, helped by the close relationship between Hun Sen and Paetongtarn’s influential father, Thailand’s former premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

    But in a leaked phone conversation with Hun Sen, Paetongtarn was heard denigrating a Thai military commander – a red line in a country in which the military holds significant clout – piling political pressure on the Thai government.

    The prime minister has since apologised over the leaked call but the incident was used as a justification by the Bhumjaithai party to leave the government coalition last week.

    Bhumjaithai said earlier this week that it will seek a parliamentary no confidence vote against Prime Minister Paetongtarn and her cabinet over the leaked call.

    Paetongtarn is also facing judicial scrutiny after a group of senators gave the Constitutional Court and a national anti-graft body a wide remit to investigate her conduct. Decisions from either bodies could lead to her removal.

    Anti-government groups are also planning a street protest starting Saturday, demanding her resignation.

    (Reuters)

     

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: /China Focus/ 2025 Summer Davos Discusses Interaction of Sustainable Development and AI in Global Cooperation

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    TIANJIN, June 26 (Xinhua) — Summer Davos 2025, a leading barometer of global economic trends and industrial transformation, has attracted a record number of participants in recent years, with more than 1,700 representatives from around the world.

    Its popularity is a testament to both the influence of the forum, which runs from Tuesday to Thursday in the northern Chinese city of Tianjin, and the unprecedented appeal of China’s mega-market.

    The forum, also known as the 16th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) of emerging global leaders, is being held this year under the theme “Entrepreneurial Spirit for a New Era”.

    “This theme, which has been at the core of the meeting’s DNA since its inception, places particular emphasis on how innovation, entrepreneurship and technological advancement can unlock the potential for growth, competitiveness and productivity,” WEF Managing Director Mirek Dušek said at the forum’s opening press conference on Tuesday.

    This year’s event focuses on five key areas: interpreting the global economy, China’s prospects, industries in a changing world, investing in people and the planet, and new energy and materials.

    Unlike the WEF’s annual meeting in January in Davos, Switzerland, “Summer Davos” focuses more on the future of business and technological progress. This year’s forum not only showcases China’s achievements in high-quality economic development and its strong commitment to high-level opening up to the outside world, but also serves as a platform for actively sharing the opportunities and dividends of its development with the rest of the world.

    GREEN TRANSFORMATION

    On the roof of the Tianjin National Exhibition and Convention Center, where Summer Davos is being held for the first time, solar panels provide a continuous supply of clean energy to power the event site.

    According to State Grid Corporation of China, the forum achieved 100 percent green power supply for its facilities, using a total of 800,000 kWh of renewable electricity, equivalent to saving about 300 tons of standard fuel and reducing carbon emissions by about 600 tons.

    The event venue uses photovoltaic energy generation and sponge city technologies to replace traditional energy sources with renewable ones, reduce the carbon footprint of infrastructure and significantly improve the efficiency of energy, water and materials use.

    Sustainability is at the heart of WEF events, said Severin Podolak, Head of Event Management at WEF, adding that sofas and other furniture at venues are made from materials recycled in 2023, and some of the paint used in decoration comes from renewable resources such as fishing nets.

    In addition, a fleet of hundreds of electric vehicles from six leading car manufacturers, including Audi FAW, provides clean and low-carbon transportation for forum participants, contributing to the event’s carbon neutrality goals.

    The concept of green development was carefully and comprehensively integrated everywhere: from the design of the venues to the brochure with the forum agenda, where key topics such as Asian carbon markets and further steps in climate change adaptation became central points of discussions directly related to sustainable development.

    Green nitrogen fixation has been included in the WEF’s “Top 10 Breakthrough Technologies for 2025” list, alongside innovations such as participatory sensing and autonomous biosensing, further highlighting the trend towards sustainable development becoming a global priority.

    Today, China is the world leader in renewable energy investment and has pioneered transformative technologies in batteries and electric vehicles, creating millions of quality jobs in these promising sectors, said WEF Managing Director Jim Hui Neo.

    “I think there is huge potential in this area to learn from the Chinese experience, where constructive partnerships can be formed between China and other parts of the world to support the global energy transition,” she said, adding that “the climate emergency and the planetary crisis cannot be resolved unless everyone is united in this journey.”

    AI REVOLUTION

    The futuristic exhibition area has become a major attraction, where cutting-edge AI products such as humanoid robots, brain-computer interfaces, and fully autonomous drone inspection systems attract numerous visitors. These innovations vividly showcase the technological breakthroughs of Chinese enterprises and the pioneering application of AI.

    “China may have found the key to restarting global economic growth – its ‘AI Plus’ strategy,” said Liu Gang, chief economist at the China Institute of Next-Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Strategies.

    He explained that the integration of artificial intelligence with the real sector of the economy provides remarkable economic advantages. For example, his team’s research shows that the use of AI in the development of new materials can increase efficiency by 100-1000 times.

    Discussions on AI are unfolding with unusual intensity across the various sessions at Summer Davos 2025, mirroring the heated debates at other leading global forums. Notably, a special session on “Understanding China’s Approach to AI” will be convened, highlighting the growing international recognition of China’s key role in global AI development.

    “It will be like an industrial revolution,” former British Prime Minister Tony Blair said, speaking about new technologies at the forum. Countries that embrace it go up, and countries that don’t go down, he said.

    “I think understanding, harnessing and using the technological revolution is the greatest government challenge of the 21st century,” he said.

    GLOBAL SYNERGY

    Global growth forecasts are at their lowest in decades, according to the WEF. Reviving the spirit of cooperation will require unprecedented commitment and creativity.

    Nankai University Professor Tong Jiadong, who has long led the China Agenda Research Team for the Tianjin Summer Davos, noted that the event has evolved from a leading global summit of thought leaders into a dynamic platform for promoting international exchange and cooperation.

    Zhao Yan, Chairman and CEO of China’s Bloomage Biotech, is a regular participant in Summer Davos. Over the years, the company has built a global supply network in more than 70 countries and regions around the world.

    “Despite complex uncertainties, the enterprise has never resorted to isolationism, but instead strives to reformat the global rules of competition through open innovation,” Zhao Yan said.

    In the first five months of this year, China’s total import and export volume of goods grew by 2.5 percent year on year, and the consumption enthusiasm of foreign visitors to China increased significantly.

    “We value our cooperation with China very much. We are seeing increasing interest and engagement here,” said WEF President Borge Brende. “I am relatively optimistic about the Chinese economy in both the medium and long term,” he added. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: D. Trump Calls on Congress to ‘Do Away’ Voice of America Radio Station

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    WASHINGTON, June 26 (Xinhua) — U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday called on Congress to “end” the Voice of America radio station, marking his administration’s second attempt since returning to the White House.

    “Why would Republicans want the Voice of America, the Democrats’ mouthpiece, to continue to exist?” the US president wrote on the social network Truth Social. “It is a complete disaster for the left. No Republican should vote for its survival. End it!”

    Calling for the VOA shutdown back in February, Elon Musk, then head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), wrote on social media site X: “These are just left-wing crazy people talking to themselves while burning $1 billion a year in US taxpayer money.”

    The Trump administration issued a statement in March calling the station “the voice of radical America,” accusing it of spreading “radical propaganda” and promoting “anti-American” stories. The statement cited “anti-Trump content on social media” and instructed the station’s staff “not to refer to Hamas or its members as terrorists, except when quoting statements.”

    About 1,400 Voice of America employees have reportedly been laid off since March. On Friday, the latest round of layoffs occurred, with more than 600 employees receiving layoff notices, bringing the workforce down to fewer than 200.

    Echoing Trump’s close ally and senior adviser to the Agency for Global Media, Kari Lake, also called on Congress on Wednesday to shut down the station.

    At a congressional hearing, Lake called the Voice of America “outrageous,” “deeply corrupt,” “politically biased,” and “a grave threat to our national security.”

    The Voice of America, founded in 1942 to combat Nazi propaganda, has long been seen as an important vehicle for delivering “voices from America.” –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai meets Japan’s former Economic Security Minister Kobayashi Takayuki

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Details
    2025-06-16
    President Lai meets delegation led by Representative Bera, co-chair of US Congressional Taiwan Caucus
    On the morning of June 16, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Representative Ami Bera, co-chair of the US Congressional Taiwan Caucus. In remarks, President Lai thanked the representatives in Congress for actively voicing support for Taiwan and proposing numerous Taiwan-friendly initiatives to strengthen Taiwan-US ties, helping expand Taiwan’s international space and continuing to place focus on peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The president said that we will continue to strengthen bilateral investment and industrial cooperation and create a more comprehensive environment for economic and trade exchanges to jointly enhance economic and developmental resilience. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I am delighted to meet with the delegation and welcome Congressman Bera back to the Presidential Office. Last January, he visited after the presidential election, demonstrating the steadfast backing of the US Congress for democratic Taiwan. This time, as head of a delegation of new members of the House Armed Services Committee and the Foreign Affairs Committee, he is continuing to foster US congressional support for Taiwan. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend a sincere welcome to Congressman Bera and all our esteemed guests. Over the years, staunch bipartisan US congressional backing of Taiwan has been a key force for steadily advancing our bilateral relations. I thank the representatives in Congress for actively voicing support for Taiwan and proposing numerous Taiwan-friendly initiatives, thereby strengthening Taiwan-US ties, helping expand Taiwan’s international space, and continuing to place focus on peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. I want to emphasize that Taiwan has an unwavering determination to safeguard peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Over the past year, the government and private sector have been working together to enhance Taiwan’s whole-of-society defense resilience and accelerate reform of national defense. The government is also prioritizing special budget allocations to ensure that our defense budget exceeds three percent of GDP this year. I hope that Taiwan-US security cooperation will evolve beyond military procurement to a partnership that encompasses joint research and development and joint production, further strengthening cooperation and exchange in the defense industry. Regarding industrial exchanges, last month, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) and Minister of Economic Affairs Kuo Jyh-huei (郭智輝) each visited Texas to see firsthand Taiwan-US collaboration in AI and semiconductors. And the delegation led by Executive Yuan Secretary-General Kung Ming-hsin (龔明鑫) sent by Taiwan to this year’s SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington, DC, was again the largest of those attending. All of this demonstrates Taiwan’s commitment to working alongside the US to create mutual prosperity. In the future, we will continue to strengthen bilateral investment and industrial cooperation. And I hope that the legislation addressing the issue of Taiwan-US double taxation will become law this year. I want to thank Congressman Bera for co-leading a joint letter last November signed by over 100 members of Congress calling for such legislation. I believe that by creating a more comprehensive environment for economic and trade exchanges, Taiwan and the US can enhance economic and developmental resilience. In closing, I thank you all for making the long journey here to advance Taiwan-US relations. Let us continue working together to promote the prosperous development of this important partnership. Congressman Bera then delivered remarks, saying that on behalf of the delegation, it is an honor for him to be here once again, it being last January that he and Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart visited and congratulated President Lai on his election victory, noting that theirs was the first congressional delegation to do so. Congressman Bera said that this is an important time, not just for the US and Taiwan relationship, but for all relationships around the world. When we look at conflicts in Europe and in the Middle East, he said, it is incumbent upon democracies to hold the peace in Asia. He emphasized that is why it is important for them to bring a delegation of members of the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Armed Services Committee, adding that he believes for all of them it is their first trip to Taiwan.  Congressman Bera said that while this is a delegation of Democratic members of Congress, in a bipartisan way all of Congress continues to support the people of Taiwan. As such, in this visit he brings support from his co-chairs on the Taiwan caucus, Congressman Díaz-Balart and Congressman Andy Barr. He also took a moment to recognize the passing of Congressman Gerald Connolly, who was a longtime friend of Taiwan and one of their co-chairs on the caucus. Congressman Bera mentioned that there is always a special bond between himself and President Lai because they are both doctors, and as doctors, their profession is about healing, keeping the peace, and making sure everybody has a bright, prosperous future. In closing, he highlighted that it is in that spirit that their delegation visits with the president. The delegation also included members of the US Congress Gabe Amo, Wesley Bell, Julie Johnson, Sarah McBride, and Johnny Olszewski.

    Details
    2025-06-13
    President Lai meets delegation led by French National Assembly Taiwan Friendship Group Chair Marie-Noëlle Battistel
    On the morning of June 12, President Lai Ching-te met a delegation led by Marie-Noëlle Battistel, chair of the French National Assembly’s Taiwan Friendship Group. In remarks, President Lai thanked the National Assembly for its long-term support for Taiwan’s international participation and for upholding security in the Taiwan Strait, helping make France the first major country in the world to enact legislation to uphold freedom of navigation in the Taiwan Strait. The president also said that exchanges and cooperation between Taiwan and France are becoming more frequent, and that he hopes this visit by the Taiwan Friendship Group will inject new momentum into Taiwan-France relations and help build closer partnerships in the economy, trade, energy, and digital security.  A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: First, I would like to welcome Chair Battistel, who is once again leading a visiting delegation. Last year, Chair Battistel co-led a delegation to attend the inauguration ceremony for myself and Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao. This is her fourth visit, and first as chair of the Taiwan Friendship Group, which makes it especially meaningful. This delegation’s visit demonstrates strong support for Taiwan, and on behalf of the people of Taiwan, I want to express my sincerest welcome and thanks. France is a pioneer in promoting free and democratic values. These are values that Taiwan cherishes and is working hard to defend. I want to express gratitude to the French Parliament for their long-term support for Taiwan’s international participation, and for upholding security in the Taiwan Strait. The French Parliament’s two chambers have continued to strongly support Taiwan, with the passage of a resolution supporting Taiwan’s participation in international organizations in 2021, as well as the passage of the seven-year Military Programming Law in 2023. This has made France the first major country in the world to enact legislation to uphold freedom of navigation in the Taiwan Strait. Through it all, the Taiwan Friendship Group has played a key role, and I want to thank all of our distinguished guests for their efforts. Over the past few years, Taiwan and France have continued to deepen cooperation in areas including the economy, technology, culture, and sports. At the Choose France summit held in Paris last month, Taiwanese and French enterprises also announced they will launch cooperation in the semiconductor and satellite fields. The VivaTech startup exhibition, now being held in France, also has many Taiwanese vendors participating. Exchanges and cooperation between Taiwan and France, whether official or people-to-people, are becoming more and more frequent. I hope that this visit by the Taiwan Friendship Group will inject new momentum into Taiwan-France relations, building closer partnerships in the economy, trade, energy, and digital security.  To address current geopolitical and economic challenges, Taiwan will continue to join forces with France and other like-minded countries to jointly safeguard peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, and contribute our concerted efforts to global prosperity and development. Once again, I want to welcome our visitors to Taiwan. I hope to continue our joint efforts to create a more prosperous future for both Taiwan and France.   Chair Battistel then delivered remarks, thanking President Lai for extending this invitation. Last year on May 20, she said, she and her delegation attended the presidential inauguration ceremony, so she was delighted to visit Taiwan once again with the French National Assembly’s Taiwan Friendship Group and bear witness to their friendship with Taiwan. Chair Battistel noted that this visit has given them an opportunity to strengthen Taiwan-France relations in areas including the economy, culture, the humanities, and diplomacy, and conduct exchanges with numerous heads of government agencies and research institutes. It has also been an opportunity, she said, to witness the importance of exchanges and cooperation with Taiwan in areas including energy, semiconductors, youth, and culture, and the impact created by important issues of mutual concern, including AI and disinformation, on the security of many countries. Chair Battistel praised Taiwan for its youth development efforts, and said that under the Taiwan Global Pathfinders Initiative, 30 Taiwanese young people have embarked on a visit to France, with itineraries including the United Nations Ocean Conference and the VivaTech exhibition, as well as the city of Toulouse, which is strategically important for the aerospace industry. Members of the group are also conducting exchanges at the French National Assembly, she said.  Chair Battistel stated that the Taiwan-France partnership is growing closer, and that she hopes to continue to strengthen bilateral exchanges and cooperation, as supporting peace for Taiwan supports peace around the world.  The delegation also included Taiwan Friendship Group Vice Chair Éric Martineau, as well as National Assembly Committee on Foreign Affairs Vice Chair Laetitia Saint-Paul and Deputies Marie-José Allemand and Claudia Rouaux. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by French Office in Taipei Deputy Director Cléa Le Cardeur.

    Details
    2025-06-05
    President Lai hosts state banquet for President Bernardo Arévalo of Republic of Guatemala  
    At noon on June 5, President Lai Ching-te hosted a state banquet at the Presidential Office for President Bernardo Arévalo of the Republic of Guatemala and his wife. In his remarks, President Lai noted that Taiwan and Guatemala have both undergone an arduous democratization process, and therefore, in face of the continuous expansion of authoritarian influence, must join hands in brotherhood and come together in solidarity to safeguard our hard-earned freedom and democracy. President Lai also expressed hope that both countries will work together and continue to deepen various exchanges and cooperation, taking a friendship that has lasted over 90 years to new heights. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: Once again, I would like to offer a warm welcome to President Arévalo and First Lady Lucrecia Peinado, who are leading this delegation to Taiwan. President Arévalo’s previous visit to Taiwan was 31 years ago. Back then, Taiwan did not have direct presidential elections, and the nation was continuing to make progress toward democratization. Today, 31 years later, Taiwan has conducted direct presidential elections eight times, with three transfers of power between political parties. On this visit, I am sure that President Arévalo will gain a deep appreciation for Taiwan’s free and democratic atmosphere.  Taiwan and Guatemala have both undergone an arduous democratization process. A little over 200 years ago, the people of Guatemala took a stand against colonial oppression, seeking national dignity and the freedom of its people. Eighty-one years ago, President Arévalo’s father, Juan José Arévalo, became Guatemala’s first democratically elected president, establishing an important foundation for subsequent democratic development.  Our two peoples have democracy in their blood. Both know the value of freedom and democracy and are willing to take a stand for those values. Therefore, in face of the continuous expansion of authoritarian influence, our two countries must join hands in brotherhood to respond to threats and challenges, and come together in solidarity to safeguard our hard-earned freedom and democracy. I hope that both countries will work together to continue to deepen various exchanges and cooperation, taking a friendship that has lasted over 90 years to new heights. I hope that on this visit, in addition to gaining a deeper understanding of Taiwan’s political, economic, and social development, President Arévalo can also reacquaint himself with the democratic vitality and cultural diversity of Taiwan by sampling various gourmet delicacies and once again experiencing the beauty of our scenery and warmth of our people. Guatemala is a very beautiful country. In the future, I hope to have a chance to personally experience that beauty, explore Mayan civilization, and savor local Guatemalan coffee. In closing, I wish the visiting delegation a smooth and successful trip, and beautiful, unforgettable memories. May President Arévalo enjoy the best of health, and may the diplomatic friendship between our two countries endure. President Arévalo then delivered remarks, stating that at different times and by different means, the people of Taiwan and Guatemala have relentlessly sought to defend freedom and democracy. We share the same expectations, he said, and are walking the right path amid today’s complex international circumstances.  President Arévalo stated that Taiwan and Guatemala are true democratic nations, where the government’s goal is to serve all the people. He noted that this is far from easy under current circumstances, as many authoritarian regimes use their long-term hold on power to safeguard the interests of select groups and neglect the wellbeing of the population as a whole. President Arévalo said that last week Guatemala commemorated the 40th anniversary of its constitution, which was enacted in 1985 and is Guatemala’s ultimate guide, setting the foundation for democracy and clearly outlining the path ahead. He said that over the past 40 years, Guatemala has continued to follow the democratic blueprint established by the constitution and end the civil war so that the nation could make the transition to real democracy. Although more than a few ambitious people have attempted to destroy that process from within, he noted, the people of Guatemala have never given up the pursuit of democracy as an ideal. President Arévalo stated that our two sides’ coming together here is due to such shared values as freedom and democracy as well as the idea of serving all the people. He underlined that the governments of both countries will continue to work hard and provide mutual support to smooth out each other’s path of democracy, freedom, and justice. President Arévalo emphasized that the government of Guatemala will always be Taiwan’s ally, and that he firmly believes Taiwan is Guatemala’s most reliable partner on the path of democracy and economic prosperity and development. The president said he hopes this visit will be the first step towards setting a new course for the governments and peoples of both countries. Also in attendance at the banquet were Guatemala Minister of Foreign Affairs Carlos Ramiro Martínez, Minister of the Economy Gabriela García, and Guatemala Ambassador Luis Raúl Estévez López.  

    Details
    2025-06-05
    President Lai welcomes President Bernardo Arévalo of Republic of Guatemala with military honors  
    On the morning of June 5, President Lai Ching-te welcomed with full military honors President Bernardo Arévalo of the Republic of Guatemala and his wife, who are leading a delegation of cabinet members visiting Taiwan for the first time, demonstrating the deep and enduring alliance between our nations. In remarks, President Lai noted that over the past few years, bilateral cooperation between Taiwan and Guatemala has grown closer and more diverse, and said that moving forward, based on a foundation of mutual assistance for mutual benefit, we will continue to promote programs in line with international trends, spurring prosperity and development in both our nations. The military honors ceremony began at 10:30 a.m. in the Entrance Hall of the Presidential Office. After a 21-gun salute and the playing of the two countries’ national anthems, President Lai and President Arévalo each delivered remarks. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: Today, President Arévalo and First Lady Lucrecia Peinado are leading a delegation of cabinet members visiting Taiwan for the first time, demonstrating the deep and enduring alliance between our nations. On behalf of the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I want to extend my sincerest welcome. Last year, our two countries celebrated the 90th anniversary of diplomatic ties, providing mutual support all along the way. Especially over the past few years, bilateral cooperation has grown closer and more diverse. We have a long record of remarkable results, whether in terms of medicine and public health, education and culture, technological cooperation, or economic and trade exchanges. Moving forward, based on a foundation of mutual assistance for mutual benefit, Taiwan and Guatemala will continue to promote programs in line with international trends. We will continue to strengthen exchange and cooperation for young people, as well as scholarship programs, and actively cultivate high-tech and information and communications technology industry talent, spurring prosperity and development in both our nations. Although separated by a great distance, the peoples of both countries are closely connected by their ideals and values. I am confident that with President Arévalo’s support, bilateral exchanges and cooperation will become closer and more diverse, beginning a very promising new chapter. I wish the visiting delegation a smooth and successful trip. President Arévalo then delivered remarks, saying that on behalf of the government and people of Guatemala, he is honored to visit the Republic of China (Taiwan), this beautiful nation, and to receive full military honors, which reflects the mutual respect between our two nations as well as our solid friendship. Especially as this state visit comes as we celebrate 90 years of formal diplomatic ties, he said, he has brought the foreign minister, economics minister, private secretary to the president, and social communication secretary as members of his delegation, in the hope of our ties embarking on a new chapter. President Arévalo said that Guatemala-Taiwan ties have in recent years been growing steadily on a foundation of mutual understanding and cooperation, making significant progress, and that our peoples have also cultivated sincere friendships and cooperative relationships across many fields. Our nations are especially promoting public health, education, agricultural technology, and infrastructure, he said, key fields which are conducive to economic and social development. He expressed his hope that on such good foundations of the past, we can further strengthen our bilateral ties for the future. President Arévalo stated that through this state visit they not only want to reaffirm the good bilateral ties between our nations, but that they also hope to define a trajectory for the future of our cooperation in the direction of expanding economic cooperation, building economic and trade alliances, and facilitating investment to foster a Taiwan-Guatemala relationship that benefits both peoples. He then expressed gratitude to the people of Taiwan for helping Guatemala over the past 90 years and reaffirmed the unwavering support of Guatemala for the Republic of China (Taiwan). On the occasion of this visit, he said, he hopes to extend a friendly hand to the people of Taiwan, adding that he looks forward to our nations continuing to take major steps forward on the road of mutual assistance and prosperity. Also in attendance at the welcome ceremony were Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Ambassador Andrea Clare Bowman, and members of the foreign diplomatic corps in Taiwan.  

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

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

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Springfield Man Sentenced to 78 Months for Conspiracy to Traffic Firearms

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for using a straw purchaser to illegally acquire firearms.

    DeSean L. Franklin, 24, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips to 78 months in federal prison without parole, to be followed by three years of supervised release.

    On Nov. 25, 2024, Franklin pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to traffic firearms. Franklin admitted to conspiring to receive a firearm from another, knowing that he was prohibited from possessing one.

    Franklin is one of three defendants in this case who have all pleaded guilty to conspiracy to traffic firearms and is the third to be sentenced. Joseph M. Johnson pleaded guilty on May 20, 2024, and was sentenced to 5 years of probation. Raimaiya L. Tyson pleaded guilty on Dec. 17, 2024, and was sentenced to 19 months.

    Johnson admitted to purchasing a firearm that he then transferred to another person, Franklin, who was prohibited from possessing firearms. Franklin was a close associate of an area gang known as “ODB,” who have been linked to a number of violent and firearm offenses. Many of the members of ODB are unable to purchase firearms due to their youth, history of drug use, or other prohibited status and use straw purchasers to obtain them.

    Investigators with the ATF observed Tyson and Franklin at a gun show in Greene County, Mo., on Aug. 12, 2023. Franklin was prohibited from purchasing firearms because of pending felony criminal charges out of Caddo County, Ok. for unlawful possession of a controlled drug, and possession of a firearm during commission of a felony. Tyson attempted to purchase a Draco pistol but was denied due to pending felony criminal charges out of Henry County, Mo. Later that morning, Tyson and Franklin returned to the gun show with Johnson and Johnson purchased a Micro Draco 7.62 caliber semi-automatic pistol.

    On Aug. 31, 2023, deputies with the Greene County Sherriff’s Office searched Desean Franklin’s vehicle during a traffic stop and found the loaded Draco pistol which was then equipped with a high-capacity magazine, and three other firearms. Franklin admitted that the Draco pistol belonged to him, and claimed he had purchased it at a gun show.

    This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.

    Project Safe Neighborhoods

    This case is 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 communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    MIL Security OSI –

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Murder Charge Filed Against Teen Who Struck Another Person with a Car

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – Kyree Young, 17, of Washington, D.C., was arrested and charged with first degree murder while armed – felony murder, that occurred on the morning of May 7, 2025, in Northwest D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. 

                Young made his initial appearance before Superior Court Magistrate Judge Robert J. Hildum today, where Judge Hildum found probable cause that Young committed the offense of first-degree murder while armed – felony murder and ordered that Young be held without bond pending trial. The United States is still investigating Young’s accomplices. 

                According to court documents, Young followed the victim from an ATM and struck him with a vehicle, robbed him, and tried to access his financial accounts at the same ATM he had been using earlier. The victim died at the scene.  Police later recovered the vehicle and gathered other evidence that led to Young’s identification.

                This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Washington Field Division. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamie Carter.

                These charges are merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Murder Charge Filed Against Teen Who Struck Another Person with a Car

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – Kyree Young, 17, of Washington, D.C., was arrested and charged with first degree murder while armed – felony murder, that occurred on the morning of May 7, 2025, in Northwest D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. 

                Young made his initial appearance before Superior Court Magistrate Judge Robert J. Hildum today, where Judge Hildum found probable cause that Young committed the offense of first-degree murder while armed – felony murder and ordered that Young be held without bond pending trial. The United States is still investigating Young’s accomplices. 

                According to court documents, Young followed the victim from an ATM and struck him with a vehicle, robbed him, and tried to access his financial accounts at the same ATM he had been using earlier. The victim died at the scene.  Police later recovered the vehicle and gathered other evidence that led to Young’s identification.

                This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Washington Field Division. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamie Carter.

                These charges are merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

    June 26, 2025
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