China

A man, possibly an auxiliary police officer, struck a migrant and tried to flee the scene. Other migrants came and started beating him. The police sent more than 100 armed officers, who clashed with hundreds of migrants. Dozens of people were injured and arrested, and at least 6 police vehicles were destroyed.

Tibetan rights groups are planning to protest against China’s ongoing harsh repression by not celebrating New Year. Beijing is trying to show that everyone is happy; at the same time it is persecuting and arresting anyone in favour of the boycott. Here is an interview with a Tibetan official.

The group of 1200 faithful belong to the underground domestic churches. The State Administration of Religious Affairs has revoked the rental contract that allowed the community the use of a hall. One more step toward the "normalization" of the Protestant communities.

The British government has blocked the Dutch member of parliament from entering the country, because of his controversial opinions about Islam. For some, human rights are being set aside in the West in order to avoid displeasing Muslims; for others, silence is better than provocation. But the problem of the connection between Islam and violence remains a question that no one wants to address. A commentary by the Islamologist Fr. Samir Khalil Samir.

Wide areas are off-limits to tourists as the anniversaries of the 1959 and 2008 protests approach. Journalists expelled without warning from Tibet. The authorities are getting ready to crush any protests and do not want any witnesses.

Fresh milk from the company Mengniu, a leader in the industry, has been found to contain an additive that could cause tumors. Exasperation among consumers. Inspections being carried out on powdered milk from Danone.

In the report on the review of violations in China, Beijing stresses the advice of countries calling for greater control of dissidents and the internet. But human rights activists are claiming success simply for being able to discuss China's abuses at a UN meeting.

For years the Moscow Patriarchate has been trying to breathe new life into China’s Orthodox Church, relying on the influence of politicians like Putin and Sino-Russian economic relations.

After a year of tight police controls the local economy is in a slump and the population is exasperated. Many ethnic Han Chinese, drawn to the place by promises of good money, are talking about packing it in and leave a land where they are not wanted. The Dalai Lama warns Tibetans to stay calm to avoid further crackdowns.

He had been arrested for consacrating a church without the consent of the Patriotic Association. The authorities view him only as a priest, and do not allow him to preside at large-scale activities. Two priests and 20 faithful of the diocese of Xiwanzi are still in prison. In Hebei, two bishops are still "disappeared" after many years.

Former First Lady Wu Shuchen admits receiving US$ 2.2 million and taking them out of the country without her husband’s knowledge. She denies charges of corruption. Experts suggest that by admitting to lesser charges she is trying to regain some public sympathy and prevent her husband from being found guilty on more serious charges.

Exports dropped by 17.5% in January, more than the most downbeat projections. Imports are down by 43%: the markets of the Asia-Pacific region are in crisis. It is feared that growth will not exceed 6%. Now attention is on what the government will do, after focusing so far only on public investment and bank financing.