Canada and New Zealand have no intention of joining AUKUS, the military pact between the United States, Britain and Australia. However Ottawa says the arrangement is complementary to its interests in the Indo-Pacific. Wellington is ready to cooperate on cyber. The two countries do not want to formally take part in a military combination with a strong anti-China character.
Having a real picture of the country’s economy is necessary to ensure growth and social stability. About 278 officials have been punished while 787 companies were sanctioned. Local leaders manipulate data seeking promotions. The provinces’ “hidden” debt ranges between US$ 5.8 trillion and US$ 8.3 trillion. Li Keqiang is a critical of the situation.
Only 30.2 per cent of eligible voters cast their ballot. This was the first poll after pro-democracy groups were excluded under reformed election law. Pro-Beijing camp won 89 out of 90 seats with one lonely seat going to a centrist candidate. Catholic diocese expressed concerns over the region’s full democratisation. The central government claims that the election was “representative” and “inclusive”.
According to the International Energy Agency, the global figure is set to rise by 9% this year, threatening climate change targets. Delhi had promised to reduce harmful emissions by 2070; Beijing by 2060: insufficient commitments, which remain words on paper.
He has not been heard from since 10 December, World Human Rights Day. He was due to attend an event at the EU embassy. He has long been persecuted by the regime, which prevents him from reaching his sick daughter in Japan. Human rights lawyer Guo Feixiong is in a similar situation.
Today's headlines: A record low turnout expected in tomorrow's Hong Kong legislative elections. China's energy sector to reach peak emissions in 2025. New alert in Indoensia for Semeru volcano. Israeli settlers raid a Palestinian village. Armenia and Azerbaijan agree on a joint railway. Navy diserter flees Russia. India tests new nuclear missile.
The island warns Communist China not to interfere. Polls open tomorrow. The government has sided with the no vote on all four questions, but the polls do not favour it. The most important, especially for relations with the US, is the one on the reinstatement of the ban on ractopamine meat imports. The others concern energy policy and the conduct of future referendums.
Protesters demand a stop to large Chinese fishing boats wiping out small-scale fishing, the basis of the local economy. China is taking 91 per cent of port revenues. New Chinese investments are at risk. A solution to the crisis includes social and redistributive programmes.
A Japanese study predicted China to surpass the US by 2028 and 2029. But China’s current economic difficulties and US recovery are having an impact. New COVID-19 outbreaks is slowing domestic consumption, which is one of Xi Jinping’s key goals. Government action will only mitigate the slowdown.
Elections for Hong Kong’s Legislative Council (LegCo) are set for next Sunday. Regime media criticise pollsters who expect a low turnout. With most of their leaders in prison, on trial or in self-exile, pro-democracy groups are de facto excluded from the vote. Catholic media magnate Jimmy Lai Another gets another 13 months in prison.
In populous countries like India, the rate is 36%; in war-torn Yemen, it is 1.2%. In percentage terms, only in Africa is worse. The storage of vaccines at low temperatures and the shortcomings of local healthcare systems are biggest factors. The solution could be the use of an oral or nasal spray that does not require refrigeration or the assistance of health workers.
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