Red Lanterns

Slated to open today, the trial has been adjourned until 13 December. The local executive has asked the National People's Congress to prevent Lai from being defended by Timothy Owen. Former associates of the Catholic tycoon prepared to testify against him. The former British colony risks a further blow to its judicial independence.

Despite being shut out of the SWIFT international payments system, Russia did not turn to China’s (CIPS). Putin was betting on the yuan-centred system to replace the one based on the dollar after the attack on Ukraine. Refineries in China have stopped buying crude oil from Russia for December, waiting to see the effect of new Western sanctions on Russia’s oil sector.

For Xi Jinping, the new Pericles, China’s “consultative” democracy is the true one since it involves everyone. Yet, China’s regime forgot to consult everyone, like the people who continue to protest against anti-COVID lockdowns, or dissidents, be they religious or academic, who languish in prison or lose their job for not toeing the party line.

He was the chief aide to former Party General Secretary Zhao Ziyang. Both fell from grace for opposing the Tiananmen Square massacre in June 1989. After years in prison and under house arrest, he turned into a prolific pro-democracy advocate. For his daughter, Bao still harboured some hope for China.

Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Europe asked to adhere to restrictions on the export of semiconductor technology to China. With the 'Chip Alliance' Biden aims to create a supply chain that excludes Beijing. The example of Huawei's 5G ban.

The British authorities have opened an investigation. Consul General Zheng Xiyuan was also allegedly involved in the beating of the Hong Kong citizen. More and more nations in Europe are criticising the diplomacy of the Chinese 'wolf warriors'. European export industries, however, are calling for a pragmatic approach.

The zero-COVID policy has strengthened the police state and social control, especially in Tibet and Xinjiang. Many human rights activists and lawyers remain in prison awaiting trial or sentencing. In China, Xi's "two cornerstones" are a must.

105-year-old Song Ping calls for preserving the reform and greater liberalisation policy launched by Deng Xiaoping. Xi aims at a new centralisation of the economy. Most of the president's critics remain cautious. New purge among executors of Xi's anti-corruption campaign.

There are 1,121 political prisoners in the former British colony. Proceedings against the Catholic media tycoon will open on 1 December. Ongoing trial for Albert Ho and Lee Cheuk-yan. For jurist Benny Tai there is no precise date. Trail of Card. Joseph Zen postponed again.

The two leaders meet on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit. The Russian leader fully backs China's Taiwan policy, and appreciates Beijing’s “balanced" position on Ukraine. For his part, the Chinese president spreads his wings in Central Asia, the Kremlin’s traditional turf.

The premier wants the country to maintain the policy of "reforms and openness" that underpinned China's economic miracle. With his 'common prosperity', Xi aims to centralise power. National economy in trouble, with a rapidly ageing population. Choice of new prime minister central to future direction.

Chinese authorities offer condolences, but the former Soviet leader is held responsible for the end of a great empire. Many in China believe he made a huge mistake in trusting the West. Deng Xiaoping considered him an 'idiot'. Shortly after his visit to Beijing in May 1989, the regime ordered the Tiananmen massacre.