At the meeting currently taking place in the city of St Francis, the High Priest of Tendai Buddhism, Sugitani Gijun, recalled how, following the example of the initiative launched by John Paul II 40 years ago, leaders of all faiths have also been gathering annually on Mount Hiei since 1987 to perform the same gesture. “Economic and political globalisation is losing momentum; we are continuing the globalisation of religions for peace.”
On December 29, 1922, the first apostolic delegate landed in the Chinese capital. The anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on the legacy bequeathed to Chinese Catholicism in terms of inculturation and promotion of a Church with an authentically Chinese face.
The group's subsidiary, which is set to boost production at its Ochang plant, is second only to China’s CATL in this fast-growing sector of the global economy. US subsidies to electric cars made in North America are one obstacle.
They join 12 other countries that have initiated checks. Tokyo has lodged a formal complaint with the Chinese government. According to Safeguard, there are 102 illegal facilities in 53 countries. Beijing retorts that everything is in order and that these offices perform bureaucratic tasks. The Netherlands has already closed two posts.
Since the authorities lifted tight restrictions following mass protests, only seven people have reportedly died from the virus; yet, hospitals are full, medicines are running low, and ventilators are in short supply. Chinese authorities appear to be minimising the mortality rate for political reasons. Xi Jinping’s mistake was to focus resources on quarantine rather than hospital care.
The Justice and Peace Commission calls on the government to drop its three new security documents, which would enable Japan to hit enemy bases in a counterattack. The bishops also oppose raising defence spending to 2 per cent, which effective declares “Japan's military superpower status”. They urge the government to seek “peace through diplomacy based on the Preamble and Article 9 of the Japanese constitution”.
The EU accuses China of "coercive" trade policies against Lithuania and violating the rights of European companies operating in its territory. In January, the EU will challenge China's veto in two special legal cases before the WTO. Relations between the two sides are increasingly difficult.
The victim, who suffered from schizophrenia and whose name is not known, was arrested late last month. Initial reports reveal he was handcuffed and put in an isolation cell without food or medical care. Spotlight on similar cases.
According to local sources, the prelate died in Shaanxi, aged 77. Secretly ordained in 2005 as coadjutor of Mgr Liang Xisheng, who passed away two years later, Bishop Gao was never recognised by Chinese authorities. The "official" see of the Archdiocese of Kaifeng (Henan) has been vacant since the death of its illegitimate bishop in 2001. Home to PIME missionaries until they were driven out by communist persecution, its history goes back a long way.
A study by Oxford University notes that only few Asian countries have met the 2020 targets. Thus, the continent will find it hard to meet the commitments made in Montreal. Chaired by China, the conference ended with an agreement to protect 30 per cent of land and restore 30 per cent of degraded areas by 2030. Clashing with African countries, China opposed setting up a special fund.
Wang Yu is known for her humanitarian work. Her QR code turned red twice even though she had tested negative. In one case, she was supposed to offer her counsel in a human rights case. In the other, she was in Beijing two months before the Communist Party congress. Ostensibly designed to monitor the pandemic, health apps are being used for social control.
Premier Bainimarama, behind more open relations with China, is in danger of losing power after 16 years. His antagonist Rabuka wants to distance himself from China. The needle in the balance is a Christian-inspired formation. Beijing seeks to expand its influence in the South Pacific, opposed by the USA, Australia and New Zealand.
The pontiff signed the decree recognising Ricci’s heroic virtues, the first stage in a process of beatification that has had a troubled history. Ricci brought the Gospel to China through the path of friendship. The communities he founded have preserved and passed on the faith, despite persecution and all sorts of hardships. Now it is possible to dream that he will become a Blessed together with his Chinese disciple and friend Xu Guangqi.
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