Emanuele Scimia

The human rights lawyer, who is accused of trying to subvert state power, faces life in prison, but his lawyers will plead not guilty. The manner in which he was arrested is disputed. He was detained after he called for Xi Jinping's resignation in the wake of the outbreak of the pandemic. Activists linked to him are in the same situation.

The Chinese president is expected to take part in the celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to Chinese sovereignty on 1 July, which is also the first day of office for its new chief executive. Local authorities want to create a “safety bubble” against COVID-19. People in different parts of the world mark the pro-democracy rallies that shook the city three years ago.

Chan-tha-ywa villages, in the centre of the country, victims of repeated attacks. Local nuns forced to flee to a camp for displaced people. Civilians tortured and killed daily by junts soldiers. Armed opposition rejects generals' demand to lay down their arms.

Reference to the president as 'lingxiu', a term until now used only for Mao, is growing in the Chinese media and in official CCP documents. In order to have a new term in power Xi is reportedly bargaining with Li Keqiang: A return to more "market" policies and space for the premier's faction in the new Politburo.

Today's headlines: WHO panel denounces China's omissions on pandemic origin investigation; Malaysia abolishes death penalty; Indian opposition seeks sole candidate for the country's presidency; Gaza once again has a clean, swimmable sea; Despite having fed to Israel, Moscow's chief rabbi is confirmed in his post.

Taiwan’s giant TSMC has no plans to open factories in Europe. The EU’s semiconductor dialogue with Taiwan risks undermining relations with China. Slovak parliamentarian feels his country and Taiwan might be interested in manufacturing chips in Slovakia. In Europe, more and more voices are calling for EU members to leave the China-led 16+1 forum.

Today's headlines: Thailand legalises cannabis; the Burmese military kills 11 civilians; India's government raises security levels due to risk of al-Qaeda attacks; Tensions between Atomic Energy Agency and Iran; Russia no longer recognises the European Court of Human Rights.

A challenge to Western sanctions on Russia over attack on Kiev. Russian crude oil purchases by China jumped 40% between January to May. The Chinese pay $35 less per barrel than Europeans. With the ongoing economic crisis, it is difficult to say whether Beijing will be able to compensate for the EU's lack of Russian oil purchases.

Today's headlines: Cambodia rejects report claims a Chinese naval base is being built on its territory; Series of arrests in Vietnam's Communist Party leadership; Washington warns North Koreans ready for new nuclear test; Turkish lira falls again; Demand for coffins in Russia grows.

Today's headlines: Southeast Asian countries will not reach target decarbonisation levels by 2030; Clash in India over insults to Mohammed by BJP members; Health sector crisis in Lebanon; Former President Ghani allegedly fled Afghanistan with millions of dollars Independent; Independent Russian TV channel reopens in Latvia; Turkmen government commandeers grain production.

Chinese trade with the region is three times that of Japan. The Japanese retain the lead in net foreign investment. Poll: For 77% of respondents, China is the most influential economic power in the region. Japan appreciated for promoting peace and international security.

Today's headlines: Syrian Kurds ready to coordinate with Bashar al-Assad's troops against possible Turkish attack; US and South Korea launch 8 ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan; China's services crisis continues; Laos on the ropes due to inflation; Constitutional referendum in Kazakhstan; Russian communist youth revolt over the invasion of Ukraine.