Emanuele Scimia

In her visit, Michelle Bachelet is to move within a security "bubble" and without journalists. The mission was to ascertain allegations that Beijing has imprisoned 1.8 million Uyghurs, Kazakhs and Kyrgyz. Per U.S. and humanitarian groups, the Chinese will use the trip to cover atrocities.

Tajik authorities describe their action as an “anti-terrorism” operation. Local residents slam police violence. The UN and Western countries express concern, calling on the parties to show moderation. Human Rights Watch urges the authorities to respect protesters’ rights and media freedom.

The latest survey suggests that some 61.4 per cent would fight. Voters for the Kuomintang, a pro-Beijing party, are the most recalcitrant. About 68.5 per cent of Taiwanese hope to improve relations with the Chinese. The US expects a Chinese attack against the island by 2030.

The other news of the day: After signing a security pact with the Solomons, China is negotiating more pacts with two other South Pacific nations. More than 200,000 new daily COVID-19 cases have been reported in North Korea. Activist is convicted in Vietnam for defending Montagnards. In India’s Assam state, some 500 families found refuge from flooding on railway tracks. Russia spends more on weapons than children. Uzbekistan tries to save on energy.

Police took the bishop of Xinxiang into custody on 21 May 2021, holding him without charges or trial at an unknown location in violation of Chinese law. Two family members saw him for a few minutes during Lunar New Year celebrations. Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s Card Zen risks being silenced.

Today’s headlines: Canada bans Chinese 5G systems; Indonesia lifts block on palm oil exports; 30 people indicted in India for 2018 environmental protests in Tamil Nadu; Debt dafault for Sri Lanka; Chinese hi-tech exports to Russia fall.

Today's headlines: Shanghai port 90% operational after lockdown eased; First disagreements between Marcos Jr. and Sara Duterte in the Philippines; Two parliamentarians arrested in Sri Lanka linked to deaths of 9 Rajapaksa protesters; Double the number of Saudi women in employment; Russian opponent Naval'nyj meets family in prison.

Lai will stand before the High Court on national security and sedition charges. Six staff members of his Apple Daily face the same charges. The tabloid closed last year. Reports that Cardinal Zen will appear in court on 24 May have been denied.

Today's headlines: Tibetan community in Qinghai evicted to make way for hydroelectric power plant; Russia becomes India's 4th largest oil supplier; Australia votes with Premier Morrison leading in the polls; 5,600 civilians have died in Myanmar since military coup; Crimeans fear Ukrainian military advance.

The Communist Party is banning the old guard from making "negative political speeches" before the 20th Congress next autumn. Former premier Zhu Rongji reportedly criticised Xi's third term in power. Lockdown for Covid: Beijing University students protest.

Today's headlines: Shanghai Covid contagions decrease but restrictions remain; North Korea's Covid emergency continues. Exodus of workers from Laos to Thailand; Saudi Arabia aims to produce 13 million barrels of oil; Turkey works on Central Asian NATO; Ukraine criticises Vatican position on war with Russia.

The archbishop of Yangon slams Chinese authorities, concerned about the lack of respect for human rights and threats to religious freedom in the former British colony. In a state governed by the rule of law, helping people on trial is legitimate. The prelate calls on the faithful to pray for Hong Kong and China on 24 May.