East Asia

For the local Communist Party chief, regional synergy will boost the strategic cooperation between Beijing and Moscow. Developing Russia’s Far East would also help the Kremlin ease the burden of Western sanctions over the invasion of Ukraine. However, Chinese nationalists view the region as part of China.

The short video is by Bishop Stephen Chow Sau Yan, who recently met the pope in the Vatican. The pontiff blesses the Church in China and Hong Kong tackling the pandemic.

The Ukrainian crisis must not divert attention from the atrocities committed by the Chinese regime, say the signatories of an appeal to Europe. Abuses against Uyghurs, Tibetans, the Hong Kong democracy movement and dissidents in China are in focus. The EU must demand the release of all political prisoners. Tensions are high between Europeans and Beijing.

A priest in the Diocese of Mindong posts on his blog comments about the Apostolic Constitution “Praedicare Evangelium”. The pope will head the new Dicastery for Evangelisation, which will help the Church in China. The priest is grateful to Benedict XVI whose humility made these changes possible.

China’s local governments are already in trouble due to debts. Infections are increasing with 37,000 cases in March. Xi Jinping downplays the impact on the economy of repeated lockdowns. Testing costs 24 to 48 yuan per person. In the most populated areas, the annual health budget per capita is 200 yuan. Fiscal stimulus will increase the debt burden of local and regional authorities.

Five people were charged with stalking and harassing Chinese residents in the United States under the instruction of Beijing's intelligence service. Washington bulls them as actions of "transnational repression" against those who are not aligned with the Communist regime.

Just under 5,000 deaths in three months, mostly elderly. Under citicisim from the population, businesses and experts, the city government is preparing new health regulations. Local leader Carrie Lam also attacked by members of her (pro-Beijing) camp. Central authorities fear the situation could create political and social instability.

It was scheduled for next autumn. Xi Jinping would need a "small victory" to secure a third term in power. Taipei cannot confirm the authenticity of the document, but it is credible, according to a well-known investigative journalist. After invasion of Ukraine, Taiwanese more ready to fight.

Fears of US reprisals in case of Chinese aid to Moscow has sparked a sell-off of shares in Chinese hi-tech companies. The US National Security advisor issues a warning. For Yang Jiechi, “the situation in Ukraine has reached a point that the Chinese side does not want to see.” The Chinese are in "damage control" mode.

After 30 years of stagnant wages, trade unions’ demands have the support of the Kishida government, which called for a “new capitalism” during last year’s election. Carmakers agree, but most increases have come as annual bonuses rather than higher basic salaries. About 36.7 of the labour force, which involves part-timers or contract workers, will not benefit.

Cases in China have reached record levels since the end of the Wuhan lockdown two years ago. Thousands of infections across the country. Many cities are in lockdown, including the megacity of Shenzhen. The situation in Hong Kong is out of control.

Camay Lam, gravely ill with cancer, made hundreds of greeting cards using Chinese characters for Chinese New Year. the proceeds from the sale were earmarked for a youth centre in Vientiane and other works in the Apostolic Vicariate of Pakse. “The most important thing now is to do my part and continue to do more evangelisation work,” she told the Sunday Examiner.