Emanuele Scimia

In China, factory activity and services are down because of new lockdowns and restrictions for the Lunar New Year. Xi Jinping's strategy is threatened. GDP growth slows down in the first quarter. Meanwhile, Taiwan enjoys eight consecutive months of economic expansion and the best manufacturing numbers in eight years.

The Court of Final Appeal has decided to reserve judgement before ruling on Lai’s bail application. Cardinal Zen lined up for the hearing. Prosecutors argue against bail on national security grounds. Lai’s defence team urges the court to uphold the presumption of innocence. Applications to move to the UK have started; 7,000 people have already fled because of the repression.

Two women who were seeking transparency on vaccination campaign have disappeared. Sentences for journalists and activists. Lawyers and human rights activists also targeted. WHO experts visit the Wuhan fish market, which some believe the epicentre of the virus.

In one year, the Chinese hi-tech giant goes from first to sixth place in the world market share. Biden Administration: Beijing companies threaten our national security. Apple and Samsung take advantage of Huawei's downfall. Sales of Xiaomi, also in Washington's sights, are growing.

For Vietnamese expert Nguyen Anh Tuan, common standards are needed to prevent abuse and protect privacy and workers. China uses artificial intelligence (AI) to control its population. AI raises concerns about its application to make more lethal weapons. The use of new technologies must be based on respect for democratic values.

China denies the "interference" of external forces and the "provocations" of Taiwanese separatists. Chinese military: " To contain China, mission impossible". Pentagon: Ready to cooperate with China, but we have obligations towards Taipei. The doubts of the Taiwanese.

The police want the camps on the outskirts of the capital to be cleared. Tension rises after the clashes on January 26th. The great demonstration of February 1st cancelled. President Kovind: the measure helps the farmers. Modi opposition supports the protests.

Investigators arrived two weeks ago. Ready to interview infected patients, nurses and laboratory technicians. Request to access the data on the city market where the virus is supposed to have first spread. The government silences citizens who want to speak to the team of experts. Beijing halts travel for the Lunar New Year.

A 16-year-old Protestant is now under arrest. The would-be terrorist was inspired by the attacks in Christchurch two years ago. Catholics call for action to protect religious harmony. Christian and Islamic leaders urge a crackdown on online indoctrination.

Food insecurity threatens 16 million inhabitants. It is the worst figure in Asia after Yemen and Afghanistan, two war zones. Economy devastated by international sanctions, pandemics and natural disasters. Kim Jong-un is betting on productive self-sufficiency to overcome the crisis.

One protester dies while 200 police agents are injured in clashes. Prosecutors open investigation against 37 union leaders. Two major trade unions break ranks and will no longer participate in protests. For experts, India’s agricultural reform needs modernisation.

Only a dozen positive cases identified after the sudden and temporary confinement of some districts of the city. The Jordan and Yau Mai Tei areas are under observation. The local executive defends the initiative. Fears of the use of restrictions as instruments of political and social control.