Emanuele Scimia

Authorities impose an emergency decree to stop anti-government protests. Several democratic leaders arrested. Gatherings of more than four people and the dissemination of news that threatens national security also prohibited. Demonstrators demand the resignation of the premier, the reduction of the king's powers and a new constitution.

Humanitarian organizations had called for its exclusion. Chinese accused of repressing ethnic minorities and democratic activists. Beijing defeated Saudi Arabia for the seat. Now the United Nations body is 60% composed of countries that do not respect the minimum standards of a democracy.

More than 100 scholars from local and foreign universities signed the appeal. China’s censorship threatens freedom of expression and academic freedom. The law raises concerns over the extraterritorial nature of its provisions. Signatories call on local authorities to act.

The UN body makes a complete U-turn after advising the adoption of Chinese-style restrictive measures. WHO expert Dr David Nabarro says that restrictions could double poverty and child malnutrition. A group of scientists warn that current coronavirus policies will cause irreparable damage.

After almost two months, new domestic cases of infection are recorded. Qingdao is the epicentre of the new outbreak: tests on 9 million residents. Exports and imports are growing; the worsening of the health emergency in the rest of the world threatens the economic future of the country.

The measure affects all those hired after the new security law came into effect. For local authorities, those who oppose it want to "subvert" the government and risk being sacked. So far 46 employees have been suspended for taking part in pro-democracy rallies. For pro-democracy advocates, the government wants "yes-men". The independence of Hong Kong’s public broadcaster RTHK is at risk.

It was unveiled during a parade marking the 75th anniversary of the Workers' Party along with a strategic weapon that can be launched from a submarine. The new intercontinental missile could mount multiple warheads and hit the US and Europe. Seoul: Fact check it’s not a fake model.

Appeal by the Indian Bishops' Conference for the liberation of the Jesuit, arrested for alleged links with the Maoist rebels. Fr. Swamy has worked for decades to defend the rights of tribals in Jharkhand. Concerns for his health. The Indian Catholic community has always contributed to the building of the nation.

Backed by the World Health Organisation, the scheme calls for the distribution of two billion doses by the end of 2021. China has been criticised for its handling of the pandemic. Critical of the WHO, the US has not joined the initiative. Vaccine effectiveness will be undermined without a high percentage of vaccination.

For Li Youwei, the government must protect private investments. The danger does not come from the West, but from the return to a planned economy controlled by the Chinese Communist Party. His position (and that of “liberals") could find room at the 5th plenary session of the Central Committee.

According to the Southern military, Pyongyang could unveil new strategic weapons. Seoul: demonstration of strength and national unity in a time of economic difficulty. A missile test possible to mark the celebrations. Analysts: The North wants to restart dialogue with the US on nuclear power.

The Chinese president has placed under investigation the right-hand man of Wang Qishan, his close ally in the fight against corruption. He first went after Ren Zhiqiang, a leader in his power base. Xi is using “his butcher knife” to destroy “his own political base”. The fates of Liu Shaoqi and Lin Biao during the Maoist era are cases in point. Power can only be controlled by a democratic system. The "father of democracy" in China, now in exile in the United States, gives his thoughts.