Emanuele Scimia

Some 345 prisoners are under 21 years old. More than 10,000 people were arrested in connection with pro-democracy demonstrations. Almost 500 prisoners took part in "deradicalisation" programmes to help them “rebuild positive values”. This is the same re-education that Beijing reserves for Uyghurs and underground Catholics, which it plans to impose on the Taiwanese once Taiwan is reconquered.

Taiwanese Armed Forces invited to major Rimpac naval exercises in 2024. A $100 million per year fund created for ammunition for Taipei in the event of conflict. According to the Pentagon, Beijing could attack by 2024. However, the Ukraine war is delaying arms deliveries to the island.

Some pandemic restrictions have been lifted. Hitherto, the Chinese leader had steadfastly defended his policy. Grassroots pressure and a poor economy have led to a partial change of direction. The Wei Jingsheng Foundation awards prize to protesters and the "lone hero" who displayed anti-Xi banners in Beijing.

Part of the Spratlys, Taiping Island is claimed by both countries, as well as mainland China and the Philippines. Vietnam is irked by Taiwan’s live-fire drill in waters around the island. Vietnam usually clashes with mainland China over sovereign rights in the South China Sea.

Today's headlines: China lashes out at British MPs' visit to Taiwan; USA, South Korea and Japan impose new sanctions on Pyongyang; Unemployment in India rises to 8%; The Iranian president visits the Kurdish province; Possible NATO base in Moldova; Almost 200 shopping centres in Russia are on the brink of bankruptcy.

Slated to open today, the trial has been adjourned until 13 December. The local executive has asked the National People's Congress to prevent Lai from being defended by Timothy Owen. Former associates of the Catholic tycoon prepared to testify against him. The former British colony risks a further blow to its judicial independence.

Today's headlines: new lockdowns in Shanghai; South Korea: truckers' strike is costing $1.2 billion; Gujarat elections start: test for Modi; US opposes Turkish operation against Syrian Kurds; Ukrainian authorities control pro-Moscow Orthodox churches; New Green Party in Georgia.

Suffering from leukaemia, he was considered one of China's modernisers. His "Shanghai clique" is one of the last factions within the Communist Party to oppose Xi. Chinese protesting COVID-19 lockdowns may come to regret his passing. During his time in power, China’s GDP grew by an average of 9 per cent a year.

Today's headlines: Sri Lanka owes Chinese creditors almost 20% of its total foreign debt; In Thailand four Buddhist monks 'fired' for drug use; More than 2.5 million Syrians risk starvation; Taliban attack in Pakistani Belucistan; Russia says its open to Vatican mediation for war in Ukraine; Plan for military union between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

According to the 'father of democracy' in China, the current demonstrations are of spontaneous nature, without support within the Communist Party, unlike 33 years ago. The current movement is an expression of public opinion more so than 1989. Xi Jinping is afraid to deploy the army, he will use technology for targeted repression.

Today's headlines: US and Beijing vessels involved in incident on South China Seas; Request for release of jailed Vietnamese dissident Tran Huynh Duy Thuc rejected; Pakistani Taliban end ceasefire with government; Iranian general: 300 dead so far in anti-government protests; Russian soldiers kill evangelical deacon and his son in Ukraine.

Today's headlines: anti-lockdown protests in China hit the economy; Nationalists win local elections in Taiwan, but are still underdogs in the presidential poll; 36 policemen injured in clashes with protesters in India's Kerala; 'mobilised' Russian troops sent to Ukraine revolt.