Due to the economic crisis, some of these establishments have become temporary shelters for the homeless and gig workers. In a small town in Guizhou, the owner has turned his café into a trendy place with live online broadcasts during which he raises funds to make up for the shortcomings of social services.
For the first time since 1998, the figure has fallen, while the capital outflow linked to the de-risking strategy adopted by Washington and Brussels continues. Business uncertainty persists, some international companies withdraw from the Chinese market. There is criticism of the China International Import Expo, which is regarded as a 'political showcase' and is declining in trade.
Today's news: more and more cases of Israeli soldiers documenting and posting abuses of Palestinian prisoners on social media; Taiwan accelerates 'hunt' for Beijing spies ahead of elections; In Australia, the Supreme Court declares the unlimited detention of migrants illegal; The government of Pakistan intends to deport undocumented Afghan migrants due to Kabul's non-cooperation in the fight against terrorism
The election is scheduled for 10 December and will cover all 18 district councils in the former British colony. Only pro-Beijing candidates will be present. For the democrats' president Lo Kin-hei, the new rules endorse an imbalance of power and strength. The Chief Executive calls the new rules fair and open.
Heavy snow caused the collapse of the roof of the Yuecheng Fitness Gymnasium, in Jiamusi. Seven people were inside at the time, including children. Two were hospitalised. In July, a similar incident occurred in another school in the same province, killing at least 11 people.
Today's news: regional elections have begun in some Indian states, the first test for Modi and Gandhi's Congress ahead of the 2024 general elections. One of the last English-language, independent newspapers in China, 'The China Project', is closing due to lack of funds. Tokyo, worried by North Korea's military escalation, started security tests for citizens in the capital. After France and the UK, bugs have also invaded major centres in South Korea
The surge in demand is driving the rise in occupancy and room rates. Mid-range and top-tier hotels, which are among the most profitable, are experiencing further growth. The situation of the budget hotels, which suffered the highest losses during COVID-19, is also improving.
The Archbishop of Beijing expected in a few days to return Chow's visit to the Chinese capital in April. Words to the diocese from the new cardinal after his journey to Rome for the Consistory and Synod: "Even in Hong Kong we are divided: let us take a few steps to reach out to those who are far from us, both in the physical and digital worlds."
Today's news: In Nepal, the most violent earthquake since 2015 causes hundreds of deaths, but the toll could rise as whole areas are unreachable; In China and Mongolia, the effects of climate change are being felt: from 30 degrees to 0 in a few days; Scam allowing Russian businessmen and officials to circumvent Western sanctions uncovered.
To boost the birth rate, the Chinese president and the Communist Party are looking to women. The reasons for the plummeting birth rate are attributable to the one-child policy, the economic crisis China is going through, and a cultural change among the younger generations.
Today's news: Overnight clashes in Gaza, the US Secretary of State in Israel to mediate a humanitarian concerns; Zhou Shuzhuang, one of the founders of the 'Tiananmen Mothers' died yesterday in Beijing without ever getting answers or justice for her son killed in the massacre; Rebel groups wrest a strategic border area in Shan State from the Burmese army; At least 27 dead in a fire at a rehabilitation centre for drug addicts in northern Iran; Elections in Pakistan postponed to 8 February; Abu Mazen's visit to Russia is 'on the agenda' but without a specific date; Pro-polygamy propaganda punished in Uzbekistan.
Young people celebrated this rare occurrence in China. Masks are an opportunity for satire and dissent, without crossing red lines. Security forces and police were deployed across the city, taking some young people into custody. Videos and photos showing people in disguise popped up all over social media, taking advantage of a rare opportunity to express discontent.
Today's news: Israel renews attacks on the Strip, the UN says it will not rule out Jabalia refugee camp attack being considered a 'war crime'; The Cambodian government establishes an authority for civil cases, separate from the ordinary courts; Beijing tightens regulations on bank capital to contain financial risks; Senior officials of an Indonesian pharmaceutical company convicted over a drug linked to the deaths of 200 children; Bhutan appoints an interim government ahead of parliamentary elections; Entire Russian settlements beyond the polar circle without heating,wood or coal as winter sets in.
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