China

Just one month after the launch of the new ‘made in China’ artificial intelligence prototype, municipalities and government officials are competing to adopt it in their offices. It is considered an important step forward in the realisation of so-called ‘smart cities’.

The gesture took place a few days ago during a visit to Shanghai by a delegation from the diocese of Hong Kong. Card. Chow said: ‘The shrine of Our Lady of Sheshan is of immense importance for the Church in China and it was significant to pray alongside Bishop Shen for the Holy Father’. The hope for closer pastoral collaboration between the ecclesial communities of the two cosmopolitan metropolises.

Despite the risk of persecution, Thailand deported 40 Uyghurs held for over a decade. Activists and NGOs say the group risks persecution in China. The Thai government confirmed the news after the fact, while for Beijing it is a case of “illegal migration”.

Despite reports of more people being freed, thousands remain at risk in compounds in Myanmar or even on the Thai border if their governments do not act. Analysts note that some Chinese citizens voluntarily work in online scams. Myanmar’s military and allied militias are out of sync with China because shutting down the centres would mean giving up an important source of income.

In June Beijing allocated over 5 million dollars in aid, equipment and assistance. India had previously invested billions of rupees in development projects. The accusation against Indian fishermen who use trawl nets: ‘If this practice continues, there will be no more fish left in our areas in the future’.

Despite the trade war between the US and China, Elon Musk's company has opened a new plant in Shanghai to make megapack batteries. The plant enjoys tax advantages and is facing increasing competition from China's BYD. In the meantime, China Labour Bulletin alleges widespread abuse of workers at Tesla China and its suppliers.

A report by the Environmental Justice Foundation denounces the extreme conditions inflicted on North Koreans working on Chinese ships. The research is based on interviews with workers of other nationalities, especially Indonesians and Filipinos. The boats involved are also accused of illegal fishing.

China announces that drilling reached a depth of 10,910 metres in the Tarim Basin, opening a new frontier for hydrocarbons and deep Earth research. The project epitomises the impressive growth of China’s oil industry in the traditional Uyghur homeland undergoing forced sinicisation.

The Global Times describes Trump’s attack on Zelensky as interference in internal affairs and his proposal to end the war a hasty solution that risks increasing tensions, further complicating geopolitical dynamics. China does not want to be left on the sidelines of the issue. Some analysts see a "Nixon in reverse" effect to break Xi-Putin axis.

The Catholic communities throughout Asia are close to the pontiff, hospitalised at the Gemelli Polyclinic. He has been diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia, which has required a change in treatment. In the Philippines, the Rappler website has invited readers to share their prayers for Francis in a chat room.

The Chinese president met today with the heads of leading digital companies. State TV showed Xi greeting Alibaba’s co-founder, the business giant forced to keep a low profile since 2020. The move comes as China’s economy struggles. “It is time for private enterprises and private entrepreneurs to show their talents,” Xi told his audience.

The authorities have imposed a 200,000 yuan fine on the prelate and threaten to demolish his "illegal” building for refusing to join official bodies and celebrating Mass with 200 worshippers. At Christmas he wrote to the faithful of the diocese inviting them to live the Jubilee of Hope in communion with the universal Church.