Emanuele Scimia

The new government scraps a policing agreement with China. During the election campaign, Rabuka had pledged to move Fiji away from China. The new government is turning to its traditional partners, Australia and New Zealand. The South Pacific is a key area in the geopolitical competition between China and the United States.

The other news of the day: Travel is booming in China for Lunar New Year. Tokyo joins Washington and bans microchip sales to China. Thailand’s general elections is getting underway. India’s Adani group sees market value plunge. In Russia, controversial former Orthodox priest gets more prison time.

Authorities destroy Buddhist religious sites in Tibetan autonomous areas, says Free Tibet. Operations reminiscent of the Maoist repressions of 1966-1976. Those protesting against the demolitions were arrested and tortured. Tibetans speak of 'cultural genocide'. Discrimination even in the health sector in the fight against Covid-19.

The Chinese have doubled their purchases from Russia, but the values are far from those in Europe. The EU and Britain have reduced imports of Russian hydrocarbons in response to Putin's war in Ukraine. The Kremlin has similar problems with oil sales.

Potential candidates visit the country's temples on the first day of the lunar new year. Vice President Lai Ching-te is the favourite in the ruling party. New Mayor Taipei Hou Yu-ih is leading in the Chinese nationalist Kuomintang with hi-tech giant Foxconn founder Terry Guo well positioned.

Study by International Campaign for Tibet reveals. Those over 60 the most vulnerable. Peak infection is expected in these festive days for the Lunar New Year. Estimate presented for Tibet is "conservative." Need more transparency from authorities. Discrimination in vaccine administration.

They are the founders of the giants Baidu, NetEase and Sogou. The body is called upon to formalise decisions already made by the Chinese Communist Party. Two anti-Covid-19 experts targeted by online criticism. Hu Chunhua, previously in the running for the premiership, could become one of the deputy heads of the conference.

In other news of the day: Covid-19 infection peaks for Chinese government. Premier and government in Taiwan resign. Ukrainian deminers trained by Cambodian colleagues. Clash over appointment of judges in India. Russia: mercenary leader Wagner attacks Putin's administration.

In Beijing some 40 protesters are still in prison. In late November, anti-lockdown rallies also took place in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Wuhan. In most cases, the place of detention is unknown. China's Generation Z is less "nationalistic" or "apathetic" than previously thought.

Today's headlines: two terror suspects arrested in Delhi; Race against time in China to produce anti-Covid drugs; In New Zealand, the iconic premier Jacinda Ardern resigns; Clashes between Rohingya militants on the Bangladesh-Myanmar border; In Russia new plans for military mobilisation.

According to Husain Haqqani, a former Pakistani ambassador to Washington, the two countries want to maintain stable relations. Despite its interests in both countries, it is hard for China to get involved in the dispute. India provides Afghanistan with development aid, but cannot be considered a partner of the Taliban.

Todays headlines: Pakistani premier proposes peace talks to India; Pacific island nations against Fukushima contaminated water release; In China millions travel for Lunar New Year; In Oman the first space launch base in the Middle East; Russian citizens accuse Putin of creating a Nazi state.