The practice of wearing a costume depicting a character from manga, video games or films is now widespread amongst young Chinese people. And it often happens that they find themselves in front of churches to take their photos. An AsiaNews source living in China describes the reactions of the Christian community.
Indebted and grappling with a severe financial crisis, Colombo tries to balance the interests of Beijing, Delhi and Washington. Affected by the pandemic, the island nation needs foreign currency to pay for its growing imports. China’s “debt trap” is an issue. Sri Lanka reaches oil deals with India.
The island is the world's largest producer of the precious components used for key civil and military technologies. Both China and the USA depend on Taiwanese production. A Chinese invasion would endanger the global tech supply chain. But experts warn "microchip policy" cannot exclude the outbreak of a conflict.
The bishop emeritus of Hong Kong, a voice known worldwide for his battles for human rights in China, turns 90 today.
She had been battling colon cancer for a long time. Instead of allowing the dissident to visit her, the authorities arrested him. He has been missing for almost a year. When he was a student, Guo participated in the Tiananmen protests. In detention, he was tortured several times.
Outbreak in Tianjin: danger of contagion from numerous commuters. Cases also in Guangdong, Shaanxi and Henan. With "zero Covid" strategy positive athletes will not be able to compete. Staff of the Olympic facilities and the Police isolated. Tourist resorts hosting ski competitions closed.
Official line: Csto troops, led by Moscow, intervened to protect government structures from attacks by foreign trained Islamists. In all likelihood, Moscow military used in the power struggle with the faction of former President Nazarbayev. So far the energy pipelines are safe, including those to China.
In his address to the diplomats representing 183 States accredited to the Holy See, Francis stressed the need to tackle issues such as vaccines for all and openness to those who are forced to leave their country, as well as the main crisis hotspots, from Syria and Afghanistan to the Ukraine and Myanmar.
The arrest of Protestant pastor An Yankui and one of his collaborators has been formalised in Shanxi. The two have been in prison for more than a month over a trip to Malaysia. The authorities ban their wives and lawyers from visiting them. Meanwhile, Taiwan inaugurates a Jewish cultural centre.
China is the main economic player in Central Asia, but Russia remains the dominant military power. However, over time Beijing may no longer be able to outsource its trade and energy security in the region to Moscow. Many Kazakhs see the Chinese as invaders and blast China for its repression in Xinjiang.
Other news of the day: North Korea will not participate in the Beijing Winter Olympics. Cambodian Premier Hun Sen criticised for trip to Myanmar. Unvaccinated Filippinos who violate quarantine face jail. First woman to lead Pakistan's Supreme Court. Eight Palestinians killed in a car accident in the Occupied Territories.
Francis' message for World Mission Day revolves around "three key phrases that synthesize the three foundations of the life and mission of every disciple: “You shall be my witnesses”, “to the ends of the earth” and “you shall receive the power of the Holy Spirit”. "In evangelization, then, the example of a Christian life and the proclamation of Christ are inseparable. One is at the service of the other. They are the two lungs with which any community must breathe, if it is to be missionary.."
"The journey of life and faith demands a deep desire and inner zeal. We need it as Church". "It is also one of the tasks of the Synod: to walk together in listening, so that the Spirit may suggest new ways, ways to bring the Gospel to the hearts of those who are indifferent, distant, of those who have lost hope but seek what the Magi found, 'a most great joy' (Mt 2:10)".
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