04/16/2014TIBET - CHINA A 32-year-old Tibetan dies in a blaze to protest Chinese occupation Thinley Namgyal, who died from his burns, is the 131st person to choose self-immolation as a form of protest. Associations of Tibetans in exile hold a vigil in his memory. Dharamsala
(AsiaNews) - Thinley Namgyal, a 32-year-old Tibetan man, set himself on fire
yesterday to demand an end to China's occupation of Tibet.
After he succumbed to his injuries, his body was taken to the Gangthel Monastery
and then returned to the family, this according to Tawu Lobsang Jinpa, a
Tibetan exile with contacts in the area.
Thinley, who lived
with...
04/15/2014CHINA Party and military setting up local offices to monitor and protect soldiers After two senior military leaders are arrested, central authorities set up special agencies to monitor military rights. Heads of political and law commissions at county, city and provincial levels will lead the groups.
04/14/2014CHINA Beijing: two more Zhou Yongkang cronies arrested For experts and analysts, the government is trying to rid itself of former powerful "national security czar." Zhao Miao and Yan Cunzhang, two of his associates, are the latest victims, both accused of corruption. For one observer, a "power struggle" is underway.
04/12/2014CHINA With benzene in water, residents in Gansu city storm supermarkets to buy bottled water Lanzhou officials ask residents not to drink tap water because it may cause death. Illegal spilling of toxic sewage by a chemical plant is thought to be at the root of the problem. As things get worse across the country, the central government appears to be powerless vis-à-vis the problem.
04/11/2014CHINA Beijing, Xu Zhiyong sentence confirmed on appeal The activist, founder of New Citizens Movement, has long called for the government to publicly disclose the leadership’s personal assets. An increasing number of anti-corruption activists end up in court. In Hong Kong, his autobiography published: "To Be a Citizen."
04/10/2014CHINA - ISRAEL After two centuries, Henan Jews prepare to celebrate Passover The first presence of Jews in Kaifeng, China's former imperial capital, dates back to the 10th century AD. The last recognised rabbi died in 1810, and since then the community has lived without knowing the faith of their ancestors. Increasingly, the historical void has been reduced in recent years. Now, a local young man prepares to return home as a rabbi after studying in Israel.
04/09/2014CHINA Beijing, trial begins of two more anti-corruption activists Ding Jiaxi and Li Wei are both members of the New Citizens Movement, which has asked government officials to disclose their assets. They are accused of "having summoned a mob to disturb public order". Lawyer: "They are innocent, but a nuisance to leaders".
04/08/2014KOREA Number of North Korean refugees in South Korea up this year Despite rising risks, statistics show that in the first quarter of this year show, 360 North Koreans fled Kim's regime seeking refuge in the southern part of the peninsula. However, it is impossible to know how many have decided to stay in China.
04/08/2014CHINA China, on the feast of the dead, authorities block the commemoration of Tiananmen victims Qingming is the "day of the ancestors" in which the tombs of the dead are swept clean in a sign of devotion and care. But the government blocks the relatives of the victims of June 4, those of dissidents and even those who want to commemorate the "controversial " heroes of the Communist Revolution .
04/08/2014PHILIPPINES-CHINA-US South China Sea, Bishop of Manila: U.S. attitude worsens situation Bishop Broderick Pabillo, auxiliary of the capital, intervenes in territorial disputes and attacks the United States for "meddling" in the dispute. The prelate calls for a frank and open dialogue between China and the Philippines, to reach an agreement that averts the use of violence. Meanwhile, Indonesia strengthens its military against Chinese maneuvers.
04/08/2014TAIWAN Taipei, students announce end of Parliament occupation Thanks to the mediation of the Speaker of Parliament, Wang Jin-pyng, the movement will leave parliament on April 10. Tension within the Kuomintang , two MPs apologize for having "caused many problems" and submit their resignation (later rejected).
04/08/2014VATICAN - JORDAN Pope: Holy Land visit in focus at meeting with the King of Jordan “Cordial and informal atmosphere” at Pope Francis’ second meeting with King Abdullah. The king "reaffirmed sentiments with which the people of Jordan are preparing to welcome the Pope and openness to greater collaboration in the commitment to peace and interfaith dialogue".
04/07/2014CHINA Wenzhou, Christians challenge government to prevent the demolition of their church For days, about 3 thousand faithful of the official Protestant Ou Bei community have held a sit-in in front of the newly rebuilt place of worship Sanjiang , which the authorities want to demolish for "security reasons". Government’s decision hides attempt to target congregation of thousands which meets every Sunday and their church which is considered "too high".
