At the Oceania Island Leaders' Forum meeting currently underway in Palau, agreement was reached on a text that, while not specifically naming Beijing, criticizes the test conducted in July. The meeting was also marked by Chinese attacks over the invitation to Taiwan's Foreign Minister.
European companies are buying Sinopec's surpluses. Despite its quasi-ally status with Russia, China is helping the EU reduce its dependence on Russian gas. Surging prices, not politics, are behind this trend. Meanwhile, China-EU trade is up.
The design of the pocket text is reminiscent of those distributed during the Mao era. It is part of the propaganda ahead of the 20th Congress of the Chinese Communist Party, which will most likely grant Xi his third term in office. Authorities censor online debate on CCP history.
Imports have risen since 2018, when the US imposed sanctions on Chinese companies. Taiwan announced military exercises based on lessons learnt from the Russian-Ukrainian war. A US warship sails through the Taiwan Strait, the second time this year.
Sipri: China and India follow the U.S. in military spending. In 2021 the Chinese arrived at 293 billion dollars (+4.7%). Delhi's defense outlay touches 76.6 billion. Upward trend also for Japan and Australia. After four years, Iran's military budget has increased again. In Qatar, growth of 434% compared to 2010.
Xi was unanimously elected delegate for the Communist Party congress representing Guangxi. However, economic problems and the COVID-19 crisis risk weakening him. The Communist party is asking citizens to send comments on eight issues before the Congress; however, it is almost impossible for anyone to express themselves freely.
Japanese government backs Taiwanese request to attend WHO annual assembly. China boycotts Taiwan's presence in international forums. Former Japanese premier: increase military spending to respond to China's threats.
Economic growth at 4.8% in the first quarter; unemployment at 6% in March, the highest since 2018. In preparation for the 20th Communist Party Congress, the Chinese president's line doesn't change. Lockdowns spark citizen protests. Companies struggle to survive.
Exports from Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia and Vietnam are way down. Western sanctions against Russia weigh heavily. Conversely, imports from Russia are up, mainly because of higher gas, oil and grain prices. The same goes for China.
Putin relies on Chinese support to save Moscow's economy from Western sanctions against the invasion of Ukraine. China and Russia united by opposition to the US and the West. However, theirs remains a tactical partnership, not a strategic alliance.
Beijing wants no surprises in replacement for controversial Carrie Lam. The city's leader is to be chosen by a restricted election committee loyal to the central government. The reopening of the border with mainland China, closed due to Covid-19, is among Lee's priorities. The city leader in pectore invites the democratic camp to submitt suggestions "in writing".
The co-founder of Milan’s Catholic University of the Sacred Heart will be beatified on 30 April. She was very involved in evangelisation, especially in China, where she played a role in the founding of the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, an important female religious congregation that is still active.
New government measures will come into force on 1 June, placing the economy of religious sites into the hands of the United Front Work Department and the Ministry of Finance. The new rules, which also regulate donations and offerings, are meant to promote the “sinicisation” of religion.
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