Vincenzo Faccioli Pintozzi

Thanks to a law dating to British era, the executive of the former colony was able to ban the small group (HKNP) from political activity. United States, Great Britain and the EU express "concern", but Beijing replies in a peremptory way: "Do not intervene in our internal affairs under the guise of so-called freedom of speech and association".

A note from the Patriotic Association of Chinese Catholics and the Council of Bishops of the Church of China (bodies not recognized by the Holy See) comments on the "historic agreement" on episcopal appointments: "We remain on the path that leads to socialism". "Heartfelt" appreciation for the signature between the Vatican and Beijing.

The death of the 19 Catholics during the civil war of 1990s is a great testimony of faith and truth. The fidelity of the martyrs and the Lord, who never abandoned them, stands out.

The animist religion preceded Tibetan Buddhism by several centuries and is considered one of the oldest religions still practised in the world. Its 34th leader was chosen after almost a year of mystical practices.

The two powers vetoed new US-led sanctions against North Korea. A member of China’s Communist Party Politburo will visit to Moscow for strategic bilateral talks. The trade war between China and the US could boost Sino-Russian ties.

The first study of schoolchildren by the Chinese Ministry of Education draws an awful picture of fourth- and eighth- graders. Good at math and science, they have little analytical and creative skills.

The maneuver announced by the US enters into force on 23 August: the total value is 16 billion dollars and covers 279 products made in China. The Chinese State Council reacts with an identical countermeasure. The markets hold for now, but the fear is that in the long run global production will be affected.

The North and South leaders could meet in Indonesia, while the generals of both armies talk about how to demilitarize the areas currently under joint control. Families separated since the 1950 war will resume meetings. But peace displeases many powers, trying to undermine the constructive - but difficult - dialogue in progress.

The Coptic Orthodox Church has reported that Anba Epiphanios, abbot of Saint Macarius Monastery in Wadi Natrun, was found dead on Sunday morning with wounds to the head from a blunt object.

The arrival of about 500 asylum seekers on the South Korean island has split civil society. The local bishop, Msgr. Pietro Kang U-il, at the forefront to welcome and integrate them. The Nuncio Msgr. Xuereb visits the diocese and brings the solidarity of Francis to the bishop.

Mainland China gets airlines to stop referring to Taiwan as a separate country, convinces Asian Olympic Committee to cancel youth competition scheduled next year in the Taiwanese city of Taichung. The Taiwanese will not accept this, says spokesperson for Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry.

65 years after the armistice. Donald Trump thanks the North Korean Kim Jong-un via Twitter: "A great moment for many American families". South Korean President Moon: "Formal peace will come later this year". But some experts criticize the decision: "Before closing the deal, Pyongyang must really denuclearize the peninsula".