East Asia

Taxes on sales double to 10%. The Central Bank revises growth forecast downwards (2%). The economy is in crisis due to a reduction in exports to Europe and USA. The value of the yen rose by 17% in two years. The effort to detoxify Fukushima.

The incident occurred in Draggo, Sichuan province. Thousands of people marched on government offices, demanding religious freedom and the return of the Dalai Lama. Security forces fire on them.

The Church in China "today is a beautiful hope for the universal Church, and especially for the mission in Asia," but it is also "in danger of division and schism." Father Lazzarotto: constructive dialogue between the Vatican and Beijing should be sought on a practical level, but we "require a real miracle" to reach a valid and enduring agreement, for this Pope Benedict XVI has repeatedly called on Catholics worldwide to join in prayer their brothers and sisters of the Republic of China.

Geshi Tsultrim Gyatso, 51, dies after six months in detention in a Qinghai prison. Police does not deny occurrence but claims it is “not responsible” for his death outside of prison. Chinese repression in Tibet continues unabated.

The Columbus Lotus Tower will be 350 meters high and operate 50 television and radio frequencies. Beijing is the main donor for a total cost of 104.3 million dollars. The summit will house a super luxury hotel, restaurant, observation deck and a conference centre with a capacity of one thousand people.

Lunar New Year is being celebrated across continent, under the sign of the Dragon. Astrologers predict high birth rates and catastrophes. For Thailand, the holiday is an opportunity to enshrine 37 years of diplomatic relations between Bangkok and Beijing. In the capital and 10 provinces traditional performances scheduled.

In an interview with the Journal of International Affairs, the great dissident Wei Jingsheng talks about Chinese society and politics. In his view, only a major jolt can lead to changes at the top. The country’s leaders must grant democracy and human rights to its citizens if they want China to remain a major world power. He holds some hopes in a changed leadership but criticises those who want to work with the Communist Party. He discusses the change from Hu Jintao to Xi Jinping.

Celebrations marking the anniversary will focus on prayer, sharing, life and communion. In Tianjin, the Church suffered persecution and endured violence, but has also been marked by a movement for an indigenous clergy and hierarchy, led by Fr Vincent Lebbe. The diocese’s two bishops, who are not recognised by the government, are under arrest.

Pope invites large turn-out for Vespers of January 25 in the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls for the conclusion of the Week for Christian unity. Best wishes to the peoples of the Far East for the Lunar New Year.

51.3% of the population living in urban areas, amounting to 690.8 million individuals. An increase of 14%. in a decade, The data favoured by the economic boom and new employment opportunities. Emigration due to internal imbalances and environmental damage. Chinese scholars: protect the weaker sections of society.

The friendship between the PIME missionaries and prof. Mitsuhashi has lasted 60 years. Shinto sees reality as a sign of a Creator. Contemporary Japan is marked by this religious tradition in habits and care for nature, but modernity, work, scientific secularism leads to forgetfulness of its roots. The medicine of Christianity.

Andra Soraya Ramadani dies a few days after a relative died from H5N1. For health officials, it is unclear whether she was infected by the young man or by diseased birds raised near home. Avian flu also strikes in Vietnam, Cambodia and China.