Latest news with #modernisation
South China Morning Post
29-05-2025
- General
- South China Morning Post
Philippine navy adds new bases in Subic Bay, Mindanao amid South China Sea tensions
The Philippine Navy is set to open a series of naval bases as it bolsters its modernisation efforts, with one of the facilities near a former American military stronghold raising the potential of further sites added to those under an existing deal allowing US forces to train on Philippine soil. Advertisement Observers also note that the plan showcases Manila's willingness to expand the defence reach of its navy amid increasingly volatile territorial rows in the South China Sea , as well as reduce reliance on South Korean shipbuilders by developing local shipyards. President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr confirmed at the Navy's 127th anniversary ceremony on Tuesday that his government was 'investing in responsive and up-to-date assets and systems to ensure that our navy remains a formidable force in the region'. The move is seen as part of the Philippine Armed Forces' modernisation programme. It is currently in its Horizon 3 phase, which started last year and will last for another 10 years. Marcos said they would soon be breaking ground at Naval Station Nabasan, an existing wharf located near the mouth of Subic Bay. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr (centre) waves from a newly built warship at Subic naval base on May 20. Photo: Kyodo
Jordan Times
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Jordan Times
Jordan marks 79th Independence Day with reforms, political, economic resilience
AMMAN — Jordan celebrated the 78th anniversary of its independence with renewed confidence in its modernisation journey, marked by institutional reform, economic resilience, and a deepening national dialogue on sovereignty in an increasingly complex regional environment. Since its independence in 1946, the Hashemite Kingdom has charted a path of measured reform, balancing tradition with modernity and transformation. This year's Independence Day commemoration underscored the country's progress in political participation, youth empowerment, and economic self-reliance. Minister of Government Communication Mohammad Momani said, 'As we mark the 79th anniversary of the independence of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, we honour the sacrifices and determination of Jordanians who laid the foundation for a sovereign, modern state, one rooted in the values and principles of the Great Arab Revolt, unity, freedom, and a better life. Independence in 1946 marked a pivotal turning point, launching a new era of political and institutional modernisation under Hashemite leadership dedicated to building a strong, resilient, and cohesive Jordan. Momani, who is also the government spokesperson, added that Independence Day this year comes as Jordan moves forward with its comprehensive modernisation vision, political, economic, and administrative. This national path reflects the state's firm commitment to strengthening institutions, modernising the economy, and empowering Jordanians, especially the youth, to lead the next phase with confidence, competence, and a deep sense of national responsibility. On this national day, and in the face of ongoing challenges, Jordan's path of independence continues, driven by serious efforts to develop the state's institutions, the economy and attract strategic investment, with the aim of positioning Jordan as a regional hub for innovation, education, and high-quality services, he continued. True independence means moving forward with confidence, while remaining committed to the values and principles that come from the deep roots of our people and their strong sense of belonging to this nation.', he said. Political reform took centre stage in 2024 with the first parliamentary elections conducted under the new political party's law. The legislation reserved 41 of the 138 Lower House seats for political parties, increased the women's quota to 18 seats, and opened candidacy to citizens aged 25 and above. These changes boosted participation among youth and women, with party membership data showing youth under 35 now make up over 40 per cent, and women accounting for more than 34 per cent of total memberships. Observers lauded the elections as a milestone for democratic development, while decentralisation efforts expanded through stronger governorate councils and enhanced local governance frameworks Omar Raddad, the strategic security expert said that the evolving media landscape requires urgent adaptation to preserve the integrity of Jordan's narrative at home and abroad. 'Without a coherent and authentic national narrative, others will step in to fill that void,' he said. With the rise of AI driven platforms and the flood of information, modern media must be interactive and aligned with national priorities. It is critical that Jordanian media present a clear, credible narrative, particularly in foreign policy and the King's diplomatic efforts, that reflects the messages we see presented abroad', he said. Board Member of the Amman Chamber of Industry Musa Saket highlighted the integral link between sovereignty and economic independence said that 'Political independence cannot be deemed complete without economic independence, as the latter forms a vital foundation for national sovereignty. The less reliant a country is on aid and loans, the greater its ability to make decisions freely and independently. To achieve sustainable development, both public and private sectors must adopt comprehensive policies that stimulate local production, attract quality investment, and support high value-added industries. Youth empowerment, especially in innovation and entrepreneurship, is essential to drive the digital economy forward', he added. According to official data, The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) recorded a growth of 2.7 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared with the same period in 2023, exceeding the estimated rate of 2.5 per cent for the same quarter. The data showed that growth in the fourth quarter was driven by strong performance across key sectors of the economy, despite the challenges posed by regional instability and shifting geopolitical dynamics that affected various productive sectors. Jordan's national exports rose by 8.1 per cent by the end of February 2025, reaching JD1.309 billion compared with JD1.211 billion during the same period last year, according to the monthly report issued by the Department of Statistics. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows to the Kingdom increased during the third quarter of 2024, reaching $457.8 million, a 3.7 per cent rise compared with the same period in 2023, according to Central Bank of Jordan (CBJTourism revenue surged to $2.4 billion in the first third of 2025, marking a 15.3 per cent increase compared with the same period last year, according to preliminary data from the Central Bank of Jordan. The Economic Modernisation Vision (2022–2033) continues to guide development strategy, targeting job creation and diversification through innovation-led sectors including ICT, logistics, and renewable energy. Across the Kingdom, Independence Day was marked by patriotic ceremonies, military parades, and cultural events. As fireworks lit up the night skies in Amman and beyond, Jordanians reflected on the enduring values of sovereignty, resilience and unity.
BBC News
18-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Jousting 'still gives me goose bumps' Gloucestershire champ says
Emma Pearn, from Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, has been hooked on jousting since seeing her first tournament at the age of has now competed all over the world and spends hours in the gym keeping fit so she isn't hampered by her armour, which weighs 32kg, or 60% of her body after years in the saddle, she says jousting "still gives me goosebumps".Although it dates back to the m idle ages, Emma wants the sport to modernise, telling the BBC: "What we'd like to see is a standardised version of jousting, so you can have a jousting league." Video journalist: Maddie Simpson
South China Morning Post
16-05-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
China announces new military academies as part of PLA modernisation drive
China is reorganising its military education system and establishing academies for new service branches, as the People's Liberation Army (PLA) pushes hard for modernisation. According to the Ministry of Defence, the PLA Ground Force Service Academy will be based in Hefei, Anhui province; the PLA Information Support Force Engineering University in Wuhan, Hubei province; and the PLA Joint Logistics Support Force Engineering University in Chongqing. These academies will open recruitment for high school graduate applicants, with admission programmes and student enrolment to be announced in follow-up notices, ministry spokesman Jiang Bin said on Thursday. Jiang said that the initiative was taken to 'adapt to the needs of restructuring military services and the military talent training'. The new institutes will provide the PLA's new service branches, the Information Support Force (ISF) and Joint Logistics Support Force (JLSF), distinct channels to directly recruit high school graduates, strengthen their talent pool and train personnel to their needs. Since 2016, the PLA has been undergoing a structural overhaul, to reshape the Chinese military build-up and improve its proficiencies to fit modern and hi-tech warfare by 2027, as they work towards achieving a 'world-class' military by 2049.
South China Morning Post
07-05-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
6 ways China's modernisation offers a new path to prosperity
As the world undergoes profound changes, humanity once again stands at a historic crossroads facing pivotal choices. Amid global uncertainty, China's modernisation has created a new path for human progress and common prosperity Advertisement China's path to modernity has a socialist character. Led by the Communist Party of China, it follows the general principles of modernisation while being firmly rooted in China's history, culture and national conditions, giving it distinct characteristics . To understand these characteristics, it's important to identify them. First, China is modernising with a massive population. With over 1.4 billion people – more than the total population of the world's developed countries – China's modernisation is unprecedented in human history. This means China faces more complex issues and even more arduous challenges. However, it also means China can offer valuable experience to countries with large populations on how to modernise. Second, Chinese modernisation aims for common prosperity and pursues shared development outcomes for all. Instead of widening wealth gaps, common prosperity focuses on upholding social justice while narrowing regional and income-based wealth gaps. Today, China's middle-income group has expanded to include hundreds of millions of people. When China grows its economy, it strives to ensure that growth is inclusive and equitable. People shop at a supermarket in Zaozhuang in east China's Shandong province on March 9, 2025. Photo: Xinhua Third, Chinese modernisation balances material, cultural and ethical advancement. China prioritises socialist cultural development to nurture creativity, ethical standards and the well-rounded development of the individual.
