Emanuele Scimia

The police are tracking down the other terrorists, so far responsible for the deaths of four people and the wounding of another 17. Unarmed civilians in six areas of the capital. Austrian authorities: Well armed and trained commando. In recent days, Islamic extremists had targeted France.

Lawmaker Ted Hui was arrested today; yesterday, police arrested seven other pro-democracy activists, including four lawmakers. On 8 May, the opposition vigorously challenged the appointment of a member of the pro-China majority to chair the LegCo House Committee. Since no pro-Beijing politician was arrested, the crackdown represents “selective justice” according to supporters of democracy. For Hui, Hong Kong is now a “police state”.

It’s the most powerful to hit the country since 2013, when Haiyan killed more than 6,300 people. About 50,000 homes are without electricity. In recent days, the area had been lashed by cyclone Molave, which caused 22 deaths. Another new cyclone is on its way, the 19th of the season.

Some 25 people have died and more than 800 have been injured in the Turkish province of Izmir. Two people have died on the Greek island of Samos. The 7.0 magnitude earthquake was centred off the coast of Turkey. Rescuers continue to dig for survivors. Athens and Ankara put aside geopolitical tensions and pledge collaboration to deal with the emergency.

The US president is the preferred choice because of his hardline against China. Others argue that his anti-democratic positions tend to favour China. Only a few countries support Trump, but for a former US ambassador to China, Chinese leaders want Biden.

The guidelines set for the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) and those of a medium-term strategy renamed “Vision 2035”. Focus on technological self-sufficiency and growth of domestic consumption. Hong Kong remains central. Create an army equal in strength to that of the USA by 2027. Decoupling from Washington is considered unrealistic.

Shahidunnabi Jewel, with probable mental problems, had entered the local mosque saying that it housed a group of radical jihadists. A second person was wounded. Local authorities had tried to save the two victims from the attack. The police send reinforcements to calm the situation.

Zhu Fenglian, from the Taiwan Affairs Bureau, was slamming the new US arms sale in Taipei when she was asked an embarrassing question. Caught off guard, it took her several minutes to respond with “pre-packaged” answers. Taiwanese politician notes that Beijing has not yet considered the quasi war scenario, and its press officers cannot act independently.

Russia wants to integrate the Eurasian Economic Union with China’s Belt and Road initiative to create a large geopolitical block in opposition to the one led by the US. Trade "de-dollarisation" will help resist US sanctions. However, Sino-Russian rivalry makes integration efforts harder whilst Beijing's presence in Central Asia is a source of dissatisfaction.

The Senate, controlled by the premier's military allies, will be deprived of the power to elect the prime minister. However, democracy protesters want Prayuth's resignation and a review of the king's role. The former general ready to create a "reconciliation committee" to calm dissent.

Profits of major industries fell by 2.4 per cent between January and September. The negative data come on top poor employment, consumer spending and retail sales data. Discrepancies on the amount of fixed investments have been observed. For a China Beige Book expert, China’s economy is closer to 5 per cent decline rather than growth.

The figure is 53%, up five points compared to August. His harsh stance towards China appreciated. In the rest of the Asia-Pacific region, desire for a victory of his rival Joe Biden's prevails. US anti-espionage: The Chinese wish the incumbent president's defeat.