The leader of the Early Rain Covenant Church is reportedly suffering from liver cancer. His family, who have long been denied prison visits, have received no official news. Despite summits between Trump and Xi, China is intensifying its crackdown on believers and prominent figures within Protestant communities.
From September 3 to 9, President Benigno Aquino is on an official visit to China. Discussions will focus on maritime boundaries and the control of the area around the Spratly and Paracel islands, the subject of a long dispute. Vietnamese Experts: China pursues the policy of bilateral agreements, to the detriment of an overall agreement.
The recent visit of U.S. Vice President Biden in Beijing (7-21 August) has done more harm than good. Yet, the White House called it a success. Biden made it clear that, in the States, the perception towards human rights in China is changing and this is a defeat for the world. But the Communist Party should not overdo it, because Americans are still able to give a lot of hard lessons. The analysis of the great Chinese dissident.
Until two days ago it was a typhoon that had killed 16 people on the island of Luzon. In Taiwan there is some minor damage, with thousands of people evacuated. In Fujian 44 thousand boats and 119 thousand fishermen recalled to port.
In March, monk Phuntsog set himself on fire to protest against Chinese persecution. His uncle Tsundue, also a monk, saved him from police who were beating him, and was convicted for this. Rights groups say China wants to snuff out all forms of protest in Tibet.
Plans to overhaul the criminal code would allow the authorities to hold “suspects” in secret places for six months without informing anyone, a practice already de facto in place. Experts warn that it would increase the risk of torture. On Sina’s weibo, anyone spreading “false” news will be blocked.
The Communist Party secretary in Lhasa was replaced by Chen Quanguo, considered a "man of dialogue". In the more than 5 years of control over the region Zhang has caused riots and sentenced hundreds of Tibetan dissidents and Buddhist leaders.
An increasing presence and conditioning. The fear that Beijing also wants to impose its own model of the Church separate from Rome. Many illegal migrants, without a work permit.
In its annual report, the US Defence Department says Beijing is modernising its military forces, in particular anti-satellite missiles, building an aircraft carrier, and boosting its cyberwarfare capabilities. This could change the balance of power in the region. Its J-20 stealth fighter aircraft programme is expected to be operational by 2018. Beijing is none too pleased about the report.
The priest is the diocesan administrator of the underground community. Relatives friends barred from visiting him during detention, but a Catholic source tells AsiaNews: "He was condemned for his firmness in refusing to subscribe to the Patriotic Association." The community asks the universal Church and the Holy See to pray for him and do everything for his release. Meanwhile, 30 believers from Tianshui released.
The arrest dates back to August 20. The hotel room where he stayed searched, computers and CDs seized. For the fourth time, he is under Chinese police fire, previously arrested in March 2008 after the revolt of the monks. Beijing steps up repression of Tibetan minority.
The mainland is still paying for Games that cost US$ 70 billion. Local government financing units borrowed heavily for new public works but now must pay back 10.7 trillion yuan, 80 per cent to banks. The grandiose facilities now lie underutilised, falling short of expected revenue.
The United Front wants to prevent the election of a bishop who from the underground community. Three underground apostolic administrators are under police control. The Church of Tianshui launches a campaign of prayer for the liberation of their priests and faithful.
Subscribe to the newsletter to receive verified news, analysis and insights from Asian countries every week.
Subscribeto the newsletter
