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Koo Sze-yiu will have to spend nine months in prison for sedition: he had organised a protest against the Winter Olympics in the Chinese capital. A veteran of the pro-democracy camp, he has already had 14 convictions for his activism. He told the judge that prison is nothing compared to the contribution of dissidents in China.

His political positions, especially on Taiwan's defense, pitted the former premier against the Chinese. And while India loses an ally in building an anti-Chinese front, the Russians cannot be overly sorry either. For South East Asia, Abe was a promoter of regional multilateralism.

China's economy struggles to recover from recent Covid-19 lockdowns. Li announces more reforms and openness. However, the forecast for the national GDP is below expectations. A 74 billion euro domestic investment plan is ready. Meanwhile, the flight of foreign capital from the country continues.

China’s president is promoting allies from one of his political fiefdoms to the highest offices of the state. Wang Xiaohong is now national security czar and can control Xi's rivals. The Fujian faction also has a foothold in the Central Military Commission. Their rise is however threatened by Xi's protégés in Zhejiang and those of Premier Li Keqiang.

Xu Guang was detained by the police on the eve of 4 June, which is the anniversary of the Tiananmen massacre. He was imprisoned for demanding the return of his confiscated mobile phone. For years he has been calling for a review of the official verdict on the 1989 repression.

By the end of the year, developing nations must repay foreign debts amounting to $35 billion: 40% is owed to China. Dialogue between the Chinese, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund on debt cancellation or restructuring is difficult. Beijing risks losing face (or a crisis of its state-owned banks).

This is the conclusion reached by a United Nations investigation. If confirmed, this would breach Security Council Resolution 2231. However, the UN team could not determine whether the weapons were transferred directly from Iran.

Celebrations took place on 29 June, Solemnity of Sts Peter and Paul, two days before the Party’s official “birthday”. Catholics are urged to "listen to the word of the Party, feel the grace of the Party, and follow the Party”. Politics has entered the Chinese Church. The regime's control over Catholic clergy is getting tighter.

The other news of the day: Russia arrests scientist accused of spying for China. North Korea blames the South for the spread of COVID-19. New Philippine foreign minister signals a “more inclusive” approach. Inflation skyrockets in Sri Lanka. Putin was not met by local authorities upon his arrival in Turkmenistan. Belarus arrests people helping Ukrainian refugees.

The Chinese president is in the city for the 25th anniversary of the city's handover to China and the inauguration of its new chief executive. Entire neighbourhoods were closed off and strict restrictions were imposed on media coverage. Xi listed the goals the city’s new administration must achieve.

Today's headlines: Chinese Communist Party members reach record level of 96.7 million; Myanmar military planes encroach on Thai territory; Pakistan ready to block internet after series of power outages; Turkey awaits Taliban response to bid for Kabul airport operations; Russian censors target culture.

Imposed by the international community for Pyongyang's nuclear and missile activities. North Korean merchant ship bound for a Chinese port tracked. China obstructs monitoring operations carried out under UN auspices.