Increasingly, the focus of new possibilities opened up by melting ice, polar routes have become a place of geopolitical confrontation. Although Russian officials continue to project an image of equal cooperation with China, Russia actually finds itself in a vulnerable position.
Beijing and Tokyo continue to fuel tensions over disputed islands. Dozens of demonstrations take place in China, including terrorist-like acts against Japanese diplomatic missions. Both governments want to divert domestic attention from their main problems: political succession in China and economic crisis in Japan. Meanwhile, trade is getting worse.
The church - which can hold 100 people - had been rebuilt after its destruction under Mao. Suspicions point to construction companies who want to seize the village land. Local authorities indifferent to complaints.
A thousand Chinese fishing boats are preparing to sail to the disputed islands protected by six patrol boats. The operation will be a success, according to a military spokesperson. Chinese authorities continue to back tens of thousands of protesters attacking symbols of Japan. Leon Panetta visits Tokyo, urges the two countries to show restraint. China's People's Daily says Chinese sanctions could affect Japan's economy for up to 20 years.
After two weeks of absence from the political scene, the vice president - seen as the successor to Hu Jintao to lead the country and the Party – has re-appeared. But no one explains what happened in this period of absence, and rumors persist of liver cancer diagnosed in early September.
Dozens of schools join World Food Programme campaign to raise awareness about hunger and funds for the poor in Sudan and Hualian and Taidung. A documentary about domestic violence draws a fair number of spectators.
Many Muslim leaders and youth show appreciation for Benedict XVI's visit to Lebanon and his message for the peoples of the Middle East. Lebanese Sunnis and Shias defend the Christians presence in Lebanon, necessary for the nation's development.
In saying goodbye at the end of his visit, Benedict XVI thanked civil and religious authorities, with special thoughts for the Muslim community. The pope reiterated the importance of Muslim-Christian coexistence for the world.
Young people participated in defiance of the typhoons that hit the island this week. The initiative entitled: "camp to the discover life" is now in its second edition. Its aim is to develop young people's creativity and help them share their experiences of daily life with each other in the light of the teachings of the Gospel.
In the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation on the Middle East, signed yesterday in Beirut, Benedict XVI does not offer political solutions, but asks Christians to rekindle the gift of faith which gives rise to their creativity in society. The faithful must help free their societies of secularism and fundamentalism, and see that religious freedom is guaranteed to all. The Middle East as a laboratory of coexistence.
Authors of attack still unknown, some suggest the influence of Al Qaeda, others groups still loyal to Gaddafi. The arrested are questioned, but so far without result. In many Islamic countries demonstrations in front of the U.S. Embassy to criticize the blasphemous film. Today, Friday ', the day of prayer, a new wave of demonstrations expected. Yesterday in Egypt there were 224 injuries and 23 arrests. In Yemen four people were killed and 34 injured. In Afghanistan, Pakistan, Indonesia Youtube blocked. Muslim leaders condemn the film and the anti-US violence.
The vice president was quoted by a Communist newspaper, but this has failed to stop speculation about whereabouts. It is almost certain that he was hospitalized, and the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Hong Kong speak about first stage cancer.
The brave auxiliary bishop of Shanghai, forced to live in the seminary next to the Marian shrine of Sheshan after he publically resigned from the Patriotic Association, continues to communicate through his blog. An operetta to commemorate Paul Xu Guangqi, founder of the diocese of Shanghai, and many reflections on the greatness of God
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