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.
Syrian Deputy Prime Minister Qadri Jamil makes the announcement in Moscow where he is discussing possible new presidential elections. For the United States, there wasn't "anything terribly new" in his statement. Jamil refuses preconditions on talks. In the capital, 42 civilians die. Four foreign journalists have also died since the uprising began.
The Chinese shun number 4 (similar to the sound of the word "death") in hospitals, homes, phone numbers. They prefer the number 8 (prosperity), 5 (unlimited wealth), 9 (long lasting life). From now on, Beijing buildings will have to submit to the dictatorship of numerical progression. Yet the same government made the Olympics start on August 8 at 8:08 pm!
The visit by a top ranking North Korean official to the Chinese capital fails to produce any results. A source tells AsiaNews that he hoped to get money but "returned empty-handed." Instead, China gave "a lesson on the principles of the free market" and then sent him home, fed up with North Korean antics.
A Catholic group and municipal authorities work together to help children learn the language of their new country and that of their mothers'. Summer schools also take a burden off the shoulders of working parents. The project is available in Taipei, Kaohsiung, Taichung and Yilan.
Speedily convicted for sharing information about and photos of the self-immolation of a nun, Tenzin Wagmo, the monk spent eight months in jail during which he was tortured. Elsewhere, Chinese authorities issue rule banning suicide among Tibetans on pain of "detention."
The sentence was suspended for two years. Gu Kailai’s sentence could be commuted to life imprisonment and perhaps a release on medical grounds. Two million Chinese blog comments. Four heads of the Chongqing police department, sentenced to prison for withholding evidence of Gu’s crime. Great Britain is pleased that trial does does not apply death penalty.
In the last two days popular demonstrations have verged on hysteria over Japanese "abuses" on the disputed archipelago. In Shenzhen, more than 20 thousand people overturned Japanese cars and smashed shops and restaurants from the Land of Rising Sun under the eyes of police, who did not intervene. Experts agree: "It is convenient for Beijing to let people vent their frustrations. But if the demonstrations were to degenerate, they are ready with the repression. "
Talks centred on developing special economic zones along the Sino-North Korean border. Jiang Song-thaek has a reputation of being a moderniser in Pyongyang. Although the country is still suffering from mass hunger, the regime will not give up its nuclear programme.
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.
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