Today's headlines: 152 major cities in China have adopted full lockdowns since March; Inflation in Japan at three-year high; India: Modi promises one million new government jobs; 19-year-old Palestinian killed in clashes with Israeli army; Russian outsiders fuel economic boom in Armenia.
The British authorities have opened an investigation. Consul General Zheng Xiyuan was also allegedly involved in the beating of the Hong Kong citizen. More and more nations in Europe are criticising the diplomacy of the Chinese 'wolf warriors'. European export industries, however, are calling for a pragmatic approach.
Today's headlines: In Hong Kong, Jimmy Lai may be defended by a British lawyer; Early elections in Malaysia to be held on 19 November; In India unseasonal rains and bad harvests are likely to keep inflation high; Between 2021 and 2022, the Afghan GDP will see a contraction of 30-35%; Ukraine's churches can choose whether to celebrate Christmas on 25 December or 7 January.
In his first policy speech, Hong Kong’s chief executive says that Xi Jinping’s draconian directives will be followed and national security will be tightened. Hong Kongers expect little from Lee. His housing plan drags down markets.
Today's headlines: Xi Jinping ally Wang Huning is expected to lead the National People's Congress; North Korea responds with artillery strikes to South's drills; Majority of Singaporis in favour of the death penalty; Iran sells new weapons to the Russians. In Russia, an anti-Lgbt law is about to be passed.
Singapore's premier reveals. The grand free trade agreement, boycotted by Trump, was meant to be anti-Chinese. Negotiations with Great Britain are ongoing. China's accession would exclude the US and Taiwan.
Today's headlines: Hong Kong chief executive wants British investigation into citizen manhandled by Chinese consulate staff in Manchester; Japan issues new sanctions against North Korea; Singapore and Australia sign agreement on green economy; In Indian Kashmir rebels kill two migrant workers; In Russia a professor is fired because he 'does not like Putin'; Tajikistan joins criticisim of the Kremlin.
The Chinese leader opened the 20th Chinese Communist Party Congress yesterday. Slowing economic growth, mounting debt, youth unemployment and demographic decline: Xi offers many slogans and few solutions. The card of nationalism (and Taiwan) played to find a new glue between the regime and Chinese society.
Today's headlines: Reporters Without Borders calls on China to free a radio broadcaster; Myanmar: 40 junta soldiers dead in last three days; Congress elects new president today; Ukrainian eparchy comes under the control of the Moscow Patriarchate.
The Chinese are not participating in multilateral talks on debt relief for the poorest nations. China also wants the World Bank and International Monetary Fund to agree to a cut. This year developing states have to repay foreign debts amounting to $35 billion, 40% of which is owed to Beijing.
The zero-COVID policy has strengthened the police state and social control, especially in Tibet and Xinjiang. Many human rights activists and lawyers remain in prison awaiting trial or sentencing. In China, Xi's "two cornerstones" are a must.
The unusual illustration shows officers in riot gear asking the principal of a school how the students behaved. For the police, the drawing damages their image. At least 14 schoolchildren suspended for missing flag-raising. Under the national security law, even minors are imprisoned. Meanwhile, cartoonists are leaving the city.
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