China

He denounced violence related to the one child law, with forced abortions and sterilizations in Shandong. In prison he was sick but denied treatment. In recent years, his wife has been under house arrest and isolation, telephone controlled and internet disconnected.

Halted because of US weapon sales to Taiwan and Obama’s meeting with the Dalai Lama, direct talks between Beijing and Washington are back on the agenda. The renminbi, Chinese imports and joint military exercises are main issues. President Hu will be in the United States in September.

Bishop Emeritus of Hong Kong comes out against the temptation towards total subservience to the religious policy of the Chinese government, marginalizing the experience of the suffering and underground Church. Risks of the papal letter to Chinese Catholics being manipulated.

The Chinese President proposes political reforms for the capital of China’s modernisation but with “Chinese characteristics”. Two weeks before, Prime Minister Wen Jiabao had pleaded for political reforms; otherwise, economic modernisation would fail. Pro-democracy activists examine the issue. For some, the Chinese regime is not willing to “acknowledge internationally accepted values”.

The province is the world’s largest steel producer with 620 million tonnes a year. However, pollution and excessive energy use have set off alarm bells in the central government, which switched off supplies.

The Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) River flows in the canyon. The vice president of the Tibet tourist company announces the project. However, breathtaking views hide dangers such avalanches and flash floods.

The head of the Burmese junta will remain in China from 7 to 11 September and will meet President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao. The leaders will discuss the problem of the ethnic rebel armies operating along the Burmese-Chinese border and the forthcoming general elections due in Myanmar on 7 November.

Hu exudes enthusiasm as the special economic zone marks its anniversary at a delicate time. Businesses are pulling out as the mayor is removed from office to stand trial for corruption. The small village is now a metropolis of some 14 million people.

Former managers, editors, employees have sacrificed their holidays to the Congress and to be of service to participants. Card. Cheong stresses the value of the Korean Church, a highly respected minority in the country. The cult of the martyrs and evangelization the characteristics of mission in the Third Millennium in Asia.

Benedict XVI is thanked for his support. Asian Catholics are a “small flock”, but they have an important mission because this continent “thirsts for the living water that only He can give.” All those who bear witness in persecution are thanked in the message for Catholic laity. The contribution of Christians is necessary to Asia at this time of great economic development. Prof Thomas Han, the driving force behind the congress, becomes the new ambassador of South Korea to the Holy See.

The final report by the president of the Pontifical Council for the Laity contains a summary of the activities of the congress as well as new vision of the laity’s mission. Asia is also facing post-ideological nihilism and relativism, which are watering down the announcement of the Good News. To proclaim Jesus Christ is not a contrary to dialogue. The importance of movements and cooperation with the bishops is reiterated. Gratitude is expressed for today’s martyrdom and the Korean Church.

A day dedicated to martyrdom and persecution of the Churches of Asia in present times. The vitality of the community is precisely a result of this testimony to the spilling of blood. Violations of religious freedom are an attempt to oppress not only faith, but society. An "overdevelopment" without God leads to a "moral underdevelopment," which is the enemy of true human development. The cases of China, India, Vietnam. Support for the persecuted communities.