China

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.

Breaking all records at the Chinese box office, the animated film has enthused online communities, including the “Industrial Party”, which praises technological progress as a means to achieve China's cultural supremacy. With innovative special effects and a strong nod to tradition, the film is part of a new wave of entertainment products that seek to push China's creative industry on the international stage.

The story of Mei Li, who was contemplating suicide: ‘The thing that attracts me most about God is hope’. The story of the little girl who tells her parents tshe is going to the mall but instead takes part in activities in a church and chooses Joan of Arc as her baptismal name. The desire for unity with the whole world. In the Holy Year of the Chinese Catholic communities, the hope that offers a way out from the social, political and existential void that generates only infinite pressures.

While not renouncing tradition, Generation Z is making significant changes in the way they celebrate the holiday these days. From ‘reverse trips’ to invite their parents to the cities where they work to new digital consumption.