A survey promoted by the Fondazione Intercultura found that 45 per cent of teenagers are interested in a period of study in China. It also gathered the impressions of those who have already done so, suggesting a positive view of relationships and culture, and excellent professional benefits. Yet, there is also a greater awareness of the country as it really is, beyond the myth of its technological prowess.
Three young monks were detained on 12 August; two more were taken 16 August. All were arrested in their monastery. Police action stems from their alleged involvement in recent self-immolation. The TCHRD reports a situation of extreme tensions.
Gu Kailai has confessed to the murder of businessman Heywood, with a motive: concern for her son's life. Perhaps to escape the death penalty. The party tries to save itself during trial: no one gives the name of Bo Xilai, the fallen chief of Chongqing. Meanwhile preparations for the 18th Congress of the Communist Party push ahead. Security in the capital ensured by over 27 thousand soldiers and the "iron fist" of the police.
In the seventh lunar month the spirits of the dead roam free. Children, young people and adults try to placate and guard against them with offerings of food, paper notes, prayers. An ancient tradition.
Five Chinese activists (from Taiwan, Hong Kong and the mainland) land on one of the island to plant their flags and banners. Nine more are arrested on an illegal boat. All of them will be deported to Hong Kong. Beijing and Tokyo exchange diplomatic protests. Demonstrations are held in front of Japan's embassy in Beijing and its consulates in Hong Kong and Taipei. Communist party newspapers publish threatening editorials. China and Japan use nationalism for political purposes.
At least 1,000 Tibetans demonstrated against the reopening of a mine in Markham. Police fired live ammunition. Chinese companies show no respect for the sanctity of the area and do not care about the ecological impact of mining. Tashi, a young 21 year old who set himself on fire two days ago in Ngaba has died.
Two young men, Lungtok and Tashi, set themselves on fire on the "path of the martyrs" in Ngaba, where there have been several suicides. The two young men were students at the Kirti monastery medical school. Tibetan demonstrators beaten by police with clubs and iron picks.
He is the third activist to die in a week. The 24-year-old carried out the action in a square in Meruma, a township some 20 kilometres from Ngaba (Sichuan). Police surrounded the area to avoid further incidents.
The 30th Olympiad is history. The official handover was made to Rio de Janeiro, host city of the 2016 Games. After its triumph in 2008, China takes second place, as Chinese media complain about unfair treatment. Amid competitions and records, faith (Bolt and Farah) wins over British relativism.
At the Angelus, Benedict XVI recalls the flood affected peoples of Asia, especially China and the Philippines where typhoons and torrential rain have left hundreds dead and millions displaced. The Pope asks for prayers and solidarity for Iran, struck yesterday by twin earthquakes near Tabriz, with at least 250 dead and more than 2 thousand wounded. Continued reflection on Jesus the Bread of Life. "To doubt the divinity of Jesus .. is to oppose God's work."
The news was broadcast by Chinese state media. Only press allowed access to Gu Kailai’s trial last August 9. The woman justified the murder of Neil Heywood with a mental breakdown due to the threats to her son. Suspicions about a deal between Bo and the leaders in Beijing to prevent further scandals. Experts maintain Chongqing leader’s wife is following a script drawn up by Chinese Communist Party.
Four officers are accused of helping Bo Xilai’s wife to conceal the murder of Heywood. Gu Kailai poisoned the British recruiter after making him drunk. The verdict is expected in these days. The woman, who did not contest the allegations and cooperated, will receive a soft sentence. In a few days the trial of Wang Lijun, Bo Xilai’s former right hand man, for "treason". Under no circumstances, is name of the former Party secretary of Chongqing mentioned. Leadership fears uncovering of the corrupt world of the "princes" and the Party, before the autumn Congress.
Exports grew in July by only 1 per cent (against June's 13 per cent), the lowest since 2009. Imports rose 4.7 (a month earlier it was 6.3). Industrial output declines. Inflation drops because of lower pork and poultry prices.
Subscribe to the newsletter to receive verified news, analysis and insights from Asian countries every week.
Subscribeto the newsletter
