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.
Today's headlines: China began polling 1.4 million people to find ways to encourage births. After the repatriation deadline expired, Pakistan began arresting Afghans illegally in the country. North Korea is set to close one quarter of its embassies around the world. A Vietnamese man is sentenced to three and a half years for live-streaming videos critical of the government on social media. The 2034 World Cup goes to Saudi Arabia. Gandhi accuses the Modi government of spying on opponents' phones. In Russia, more incidents of intolerance towards the Jewish community are reported.
Expressions of condolence in Hefei, Zhengzhou and Shanghai. Hundreds of people laid bouquets of flowers and messages, some of which have since disappeared from the Internet. Some people who had disguised themselves in a way that could be read as discontent with Xi Jinping were also arrested. In the obituary released by the authorities, the president's name appears five times, marking the centrality of the current leadership.
Today's news: clashes and arrests at funeral of 17-year-old Iranian girl who died over hijab, another Mahsa Amini; Exports in textiles to Vietnam down, losses $41 billion; Israeli army raids continue in Gaza: in Dagestan a plane from Tel Aviv attacked; At least 13 killed and dozens injured in a train accident in Andhra Pradesh; Discontent among Hong Kong Muslims over the presence of a Chinese flag at official events atop the most important mosque; Tenth meeting between the leaders of Singapore and Malaysia, first since the Covid-19 pandemic; Russian satellite production "no longer competitive."
More than half of the 220 hostages held in Gaza are foreign nationals from 25 different nations. At least a quarter are workers: 54 Thais, five Nepalis, two Filipinos, one Chinese, and one Sri Lankan. Thailand sends a team of negotiators to secure the hostages’ release. Fearing the war, many migrants are leaving Israel.
Premier until last spring, Li died of a heart attack at the age of 68, relatively young for Communist leaders. Conspiracy theories abound online, but above all regrets over his economic policy. He was close to former President Hu Jintao, who was removed in the last party congress. Meanwhile, in China's official media today, Li's death is less prominent than Xi's speeches.
Zeng Yuxuan, 23, was jailed for six months over a drawing of the "Pillar of Shame", a statue that honours the victims of the massacre. Repatriated in Shenzhen as an unwelcome person, she is now missing; her mother has suffered the same fate. This case is the latest in a long list of repressive acts against activists. The young woman’s supporters have set up a Facebook page open to anyone concerned about her fate.
In his second 'political' speech, the governor assures that a 'long overdue' law, expected since the return of the former British colony to China, will be enacted next year. More than 280 people have been arrested so far under the draconian law imposed by Beijing. Group of activists promote a protest. The 'Sinicisation' of Hong Kong also in schools and culture.
The Taiwanese electronics manufacturing giant is under investigation by Beijing for tax issues and land consumption. The real reason, however, would be the company founder Terry Gou's candidature for the presidential elections in Taipei in January next year.
From the Belt and Road Initiative Forum in Beijing, the Russian president does not seem to have brought home any new concrete agreements, only a reaffirmation of Eurasia's challenge to the West. Beijing has increased trade with Moscow by 30% but still does not recognise the annexation of Crimea and other territories. The current Ukrainian quagmire is the ideal situation for China.
In the debate on the uses of the new frontiers of technology, the military dimension is taking on more and more weight. The theft of personal data as a weapon to create a favorable context in the event of conflict. While the Chinese army is studying the possibility of wearable technologies to "guide" the decisions of its soldiers.
Today's news: Qatari mediates release of two women with US citizenship among 200 Gaza hostages; Chinese authorities ban book on the last emperor of the Ming dynasty over online comparisons with Xi Jinping; Kuwait promises Philippines to resolve clash over migrants; Nagorno Karabakh refugees protest in Yerevan.
In a long interview with the diocesan magazine, the bishop of Shanghai – at the centre of the "case" settled by Pope Francis in July – tells his story and outlines plans for his ministry. He emphasises renewal and mission in a modern and vibrant city. Sinicisation is a "red line". “We should confidently, openly and warmly welcome everyone to come and see the Diocese of Shanghai.”
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