Emanuele Scimia

Taiwanese Defence Minister warns of "most serious" situation between two sides of straight in 40 years. In the last five days Chinese warplanes have carried out 150 air raids near the island. US expert: China's sorties are a ploy to mask a real attack in the future. Taipei unprepared for an invasion. Hypothesis of attack also immediately after the Beijing Olympics.

Washington outlines its trade strategy toward Beijing. U.S. Trade Representative: open dialogue for full implementation of the January 2020 agreement, largely disregarded by the Chinese. Planned re-booting of targeted exemptions for exports from China. Signs of thaw between the two sides continues: possible face-to-face between Biden and Xi Jinping.

It is the third pro-democracy group to close its doors in less than two weeks. Driven by political pressure from the authorities. Since its adoption, the security measure has led to the arrest of 154 people. 96 remanded for trial. A 24-year-old already sentenced to 9 years in prison. Organized opposition of democratic civil society now eliminated.

Sudden power outages threaten production and undermine the confidence of foreign investors. Europeans blame extreme measures adopted by provinces to meet the environmental targets set by the central government. Action plans requested from the authorities. Taipei: many companies active in China could see production move to the island nation.

Student hears charges being read in front of tearful mother. Seven members of the group Returning Valiant, including four minors, were denied bail. Accused of conspiring to incite subversion. The assets of the Alliance that organizes the annual Tiananmen vigil frozen.

According to AidData, China grants US$ 85 billion a year in aid and loans, charging higher interests than the West. The debt of 42 nations to Beijing is more than 10 per cent of their GDP. BRI partners are unlikely to look at the alternatives offered by the US and the EU.

Growth forecasts drop below 8 per cent. Power shortages have been affected 16 out of 31 provinces and 44 per cent of industrial capacity. Outages are causing more workplace accidents. Residents in north-east China are left without heating. Local authorities cut supplies to meet emission reduction targets. Government media, however, praise the regime as a model for other nations.

The pro-market wing is targeting the "common prosperity" advocated by the Chinese leader: it could turn into "common poverty". It is unlikely that Xi will save Evergrande, the real estate giant at risk of bankruptcy: links with the opposing faction of the Communist Youth. Sinologist Willy Lam: the president does not even have the unconditional support of the army.

The case of the well-known activist, detained for over 20 months without trial, has worsened. Despite his detention, he is reportedly in good health. A critic of Xi Jinping, he will not plead guilty. The same charge has been brought against Ding Jiaxi, another human rights lawyer linked to the New Citizens Movement founded by Xu.

After the attack against the Kabul airport, ISKP carried out more bomb attacks in Jalalabad. Taliban leaders are divided over the group’s dangerousness. The latter can field 2,000-3,000 fighters (against 100,000 for the Taliban). Meanwhile, the United States, China, Russia and Pakistan are putting pressure on Afghanistan’s new rulers.

The great free trade agreement, boycotted by Trump, is the heir to the TPP promoted by Obama in an anti-Chinese key. China asks member countries to reject the Taiwanese application for entry. Taipei: the Chinese are "arch-bullies", without the requirements to join the trade pact. Japan welcomes Taipei's request. Beijing will have difficulty being accepted.

Could be considered a "secessionist" act. Risk of life imprisonment for those who fly the Taiwanese flag. Security Secretary: To be assessed on a case-by-case basis based on "intent"; "dark forces" have yet to be fully eradicated. Tension between Beijing and Taiwan over entry into CPTPP trade bloc.