Emanuele Scimia

Today's headlines: industrial activity in China registers growth after three months; Samsung starts first ever mass production of three-nanometer chips; Indonesia approves creation of three new provinces in Papua; Outgoing PM Bennett will not run again; In Russia, sanctions hit 4G internet networks; Parliamentary purges in Armenia.

Both countries claim the islet, which is part of the Spratly Islands, but is manned by Taiwan Coast Guard personnel. Naval drills by Taiwan sparked the row. China is not alone in occupying disputed areas.

Today's headlines: US sanctions five Chinese companies, accused of supporting Russian military industry; North Korea lacks medicine to treat Covid; Sectarian violence in the Indian state of Rajasthan; More than 300,000 dead in Syria since conflict began; Russian lawyer opposed to war with Ukraine arrested; Crisis in Georgia after EU rejects application for candidate country status.

Renamed the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, it is expected to raise US$ 600 billion over five years. Money to be invested in "sustainable" infrastructure projects for developing countries. With pandemic crisis, inflation and war in Ukraine, it will be difficult to mobilize resources. Potential client states prefer to deal with Beijing, which imposes few conditions.

Today's headlines: Tensions between China and Tuvalu over the South Pacific nation's relationship with Taiwan; Covid-19: Chinese companies will have to pay $1,500 for each North Korean worker quarantined; Philippines: final appeals against President-elect Marcos Jr. dismissed; In Sri Lanka banned sale of fuel to "non-essential" vehicles; In Russian-controlled Mariupol, the population is forced to hunt pigeons for food; Azerbaijan begins demining in recaptured Karabakh.

Scholars are leaving the city for lack of academic freedom and the fear of being imprisoned for their research and teaching activities. In 2021, Hong Kong's population decreased by 23,600. The exodus is also affected by draconian rules to counter the spread of COVID-19.

Today's headlines: G7 outlines alternative plan to China's Belt and Road; At least 37 million Japanese will have to ration electricity use; 203 die in Hindu Char Dham yatra pilgrimage since May; Gay Pride blocked in Istanbul; Russia sends minors to fight in Ukraine.

Annual meeting of the group formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The unifying trait is the desire to increase trade cooperation and promote a multipolar world. The final communiqué makes no mention of Putin's proposals to weaken the role of the dollar. Sino-Indian disagreements hinder the strengthening of the partnership between the five countries.

Heat waves in the country's central and northern provinces have pushed electricity consumption to record levels. Efforts to combat climate change shelved. Leadership wants to avoid further damage to the economy. Floods in the south also threaten growth targets.

This is the first time that the Chinese have offered to play a direct role in conflict resolution. China’s huge investments require stability in a region marked by wars and coups. However, Beijing does not want to be seen as meddling in the region’s affairs, a charge it has levelled against the United States and Europe.

Choe Son-hui, an expert on the United States, replaced the Ri Son-gwon, a hardliner. With the country struggling with COVID-19 and an enduring economic crisis, Kim Jong-un might be seeking some opening. However, before moving on the nuclear programme, he wants Washington to ease sanctions and offer economic compensation.

A number of local and foreign media will not be able to cover the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s handover to China nor the inauguration of its new chief executive, ostensibly on health and safety grounds related to COVID-19. The former British colony’s ranking falls precipitously in terms of press freedom.