Emanuele Scimia

Today's headlines: Negotiations between Saudis and pro-Iran Houthi rebels underway in Yemen; Tiger population on the rise in India; Baptist pastor who opposed Myanmar junta jailed for 6 years; Japanese universities restrict use of ChatGPT; Moscow wants to strip Ukrainian citizenship from children deported from territories taken from Kiev.

The two leaders, who want to show a united EU vis-à-vis China, are expected to put pressure on the Chinese president to intervene to stop the Ukrainian conflict. France is interested in new contracts with China. The EU president has a tougher stance towards China.

The investiture comes with a letter from the Council of Chinese Bishops, a body not recognised by the Holy See and linked to the Communist Party. The dismay of the faithful. The new pastor promises to continue with the "sinicisation" of Catholicism in China. Analysts: The Holy See wanted the return of Msgr Joseph Xing Wenzhi.

The favourite is the current pastor of Haimen. He is head of the Council of Chinese Bishops, a body loyal to the Communist Party. The city diocese has in fact been vacant for 10 years, since the death of Msgr. Jin Luxian. His successor, Msgr Ma Daqin, has been under house arrest since 2012. The last episcopal installation in China took place on 8 September 2021.

Saudis enter as partners in the political-military forum led by Beijing and Moscow. Despite Chinese mediation, the regional rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran is set to remain. However, China brings an ally of Washington into its orbit. The Chinese have more difficulties in their own 'backyard'.

Taiwan’s current and former presidents are on highly political and symbolic visits. Beijing is threatening to act “resolutely” if Tsai meets with leaders in Washington. Ma praises the founder of the Republic of China, Sun Yat-sen, and promotes peace between the mainland and the island, but is censored by the Chinese.

They will then be listed individually on the stock exchange. The company, and its founder Jack Ma, have long been targeted by the government. The group aligns with anti-monopoly regulations wanted by Xi. Foreign investors still cautious about the future of their operations in China. They look to alternative markets such as India and Vietnam.

The local Religious Affairs Administration want whistle-blowers to provide "audio-visual materials that can prove the reported facts”. About 10 per cent of China’s Catholic community lives in Henan, home to a strong underground Church. All this is part of Xi Jinping’s “sinicisation” policy of religions.

Limits on the number of participants, pre-determined spaces, identification tags and control of banners. Public demonstrations blocked by the passing of the security law. Even with withdrawal of health protocols for the pandemic there is little room for public dissent. March by a group in defence of women's rights cancelled earlier this month.

Beijing's infrastructure investment under the "New Silk Roads" declines. Sub-Saharan Africa among the regions where there is the biggest reduction. U.S. and EU competition, Beijing's economic difficulties and fears over the debt situation of many partner countries weigh heavily.

He replaces Cui Maohu, who was recently removed after being placed under investigation for alleged corruption. Chen has also served as deputy director of the United Front Work Department of the Communist Party. Born in Shandong, he has government experience in Wuhan and Qinghai province.

Today's headlines: Kindergarten attendance drops in China; North Korea claims to have tested nuclear submarine drone: Russians fail to deliver promised weapons to India; In Laos fishing bans in tourist areas for Chinese Doctors fleeing Russia; Clashes in Georgian parliament.