Washington calls on Beijing for explanations about the ‘Varyag’, the first aircraft carrier to fly the red flag of the People’s Republic. A Korean source tells AsiaNews the ship was refitted because the US “cut defence spending”. This is threat to everyone, “especially Taiwan.”
South Korean government sources tell AsiaNews that China wants to “control international waters” and “settle the Taiwan issue once and for all”. Military analysts say that the “Varyag can cause great damage”. However, for US sources, China’s is a “long way from having the military capabilities of the United States”.
A source living near the 38th parallel tells AsiaNews that “Seoul is extending its hand for the last time. Unless the regime in the North behaves, it could see all ties cut or face an open confrontation.” Humanitarian aid worth US$ 5 million is ready for shipment.
Food shipments are acceptable to the South Korean government following northern attacks against South Korean posts. Flour will go directly to residents who have nothing to eat.
Data on exiles from the north during the first 6 months of 2011 released today: more than 1400 people have left the regime for the South The number represents a considerable increase, which experts attribute to increased Chinese repression against those who seek asylum.
The conservative leader kneels during a Christian prayer meeting. As the footage of the event is broadcast across the nation, the scene is “unforgiveable” for Buddhists. Even conservative media are outraged.
Kim Jong-il’s regime is scared of the small protests that are starting to break out across the country. To defend itself, it is buying clubs and anti-riot gear. As they run out of everything, people are starting to rebel.
About 20,000 Catholics take part in Mass, celebrated near the Demilitarised Zone, for peace between the two Koreas. “It is a very grave moment,” Bishop Kim said. “We must go back to respecting one another and silence weapons.”
A great ceremony this morning launched the Sino-Korean complex in Hwanggeumpyeong. The population is hoping for better economic growth, but fear ending up forever under the thumb of Beijing.
In the message issued by the chairman of the Committee for Justice and Peace, Korean bishops warn that humans too arrogant, that they must go back to caring for the earth.
Despite a sea of propaganda, the meeting between Kim Jong-il and Hu Jintao ended with a revolutionary agreement: the creation of at least two areas of joint sovereignty open to the free market. Sources tell AsiaNews: "It's probably only a smoke screen, where China will fling its dissidents and North Korea will hide its weapons."
The “dear leader” leaves Beijing after meeting the Chinese president. During talks with the Chinese leader, he asked for economic aid to North Korea. Sources tell AsiaNews that Hu Jintao is “tired of Pyongyang’s attitude”, and that he warned North Korean rulers that they “either sink or open up” their economy like China did. Kim Jong-il also travelled to Yangzhou, home of former President Jiang Zemin.
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