Emanuele Scimia

China’s envoy Wang Yi is in Europe. Scepticism surrounds Xi Jinping's announced "peace plan" to end the crisis in Ukraine. Beijing is ambiguous about the principle of territorial integrity. For China, unilateral sanctions are more counterproductive than armed invasions by one’s friends “without limits” in disputes between states.

Those in the "one-child" generation will not have enough money to care for aging parents in the future. The average monthly earnings of a recent graduate in his or her first job is 885 euros. Exorbitant housing costs weigh heavily. Youth unemployment almost at 17 percent in urban areas. The nation is in the grips of social upheaval.

In the event of a Chinese attack on Taipei, as stated by the corps commander, Patrick Berger. A new regiment will operate from Japan's southern islands by 2025. Possible use of killer drones to block Beijing's naval manoeuvres. British PM under pressure to consider China 'a threat'.

Protests broke out in Wuhan and Dalian. In Guangdong, provincial authorities withdrew cuts after public protests. Local authorities are trying to fill public coffers after spending billions of yuan on COVID-19 containment measures. The model of modernisation extolled by Xi is faltering.

Protested by British MPs and humanitarian groups. Erkin Tuniyaz accused of crimes against Turkish-speaking minorities. His trip to Paris and Brussels also cancelled. Beijing is on the offensive to try to mend fences with Europe.

Chinese companies are looking for lithium, cobalt and nickel, key for batteries for electric vehicles. As a result of restrictions imposed by the United States and its allies, China is looking for new markets; however, its investments are hampered by political instability in South America and Africa. Pope Francis warned against the exploitation of Africa.

Detained without grounds, there has been no news of him since spring 2021. The faithful of Xuanhua diocese miss their pastor. Government criticised for using coercive and inhuman means against sick clergymen. The authorities blindly adopt political and coercive pressure.

The US signs a Memorandum of Understanding with Micronesia offering economic assistance. This follows similar deals with the Marshall Islands and Palau. The Biden administration is strengthening ties with the region to counter Chinese activism.

COVID-19 infections seem to have peaked. Lunar New Year holidays boost tourism and catering. The car and real estate sectors are in difficulty. One of Guangdong’s oldest plants closes, leaving 1,700 people out of work.

Today's headlines: the death toll form the quake in Turkey and Syria exceeds 21,000; South Korea resumes issuing visas for those arriving from China; Japan and Philippines strengthen military entente; Pakistan reaches agreement with International Monetary Fund; Tensions between Moscow Patriarchate and Vatican.

The Chinese company pledges to follow a code of conduct adopted by the European Union. False information on the Ukraine war, often amplified by Chinese government media, is singled out. Twitter is the worst large social media platform in the fight against disinformation in Europe.

Todays headlines: over 15,000 dead from earthquake in Turkey and Syria; Pyongyang holds big military parade; Australian coal returns to China; Taiwanese hi-tech giant Foxconn invests in India; Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church changes liturgical calendar; Georgia: former president Saakashvili denied house arrest.