An initiative of the FABC, bishops and pastoral workers gather in Macao to reflect on how to rise to the challenge set out by Leo XIV in his encyclical “Magnifica Humanitas”. They examined the reality of a continent at the forefront of AI but also one that is more exposed to its contradictions. They also proposed some concrete actions for the Churches.
Struggling with the catastrophic effects of its one-child policy, the Chinese Communist Party plans changes to its three-child policy. Couples will be able to have four or more children without punishments. However, most people, especially in urban areas, see large families as unsustainable because of the cost of living.
Health experts deny a direct link with the Olympic Games, but the country reported 20,000 new cases yesterday alone. In mid-July, the number stood at 2,000 per day. Olympic staff brought variants to Japan. Emergency measures have been extended. The Japanese F1 Grand Prix has been cancelled, but the Paralympics will open next week without spectators.
A controversial statement about an attack that took place a month ago against a police officer is the basis for their arrest. If found guilty, they face up to 10 years in prison. Thanks to Hong Kong’s controversial security law, the crackdown on activists and opponents continues. Those who can, especially young people and couples, try to escape.
Notwithstanding the competition between the two great powers, the seizure of Afghanistan by the Taliban imposes united front to curb radical groups in Central Asia. Already in recent days joint Russian-Chinese military maneuvers. Meanwhile, Lukashenko also risks economic repercussions from the new course in Kabul.
Beijing backed newspaper says the fall of Afghanistan is a "lesson" for Taipei. From Saigon to Syria, it is the practice for Americans to "abandon allies". The island's leadership must "wake up from dreams" of independence. Chinese military exercises off the coast of Taiwan.
Judges hold Chen Mei and Cai Wei as guilty of creating "disorder". Having already served their sentences, they could be released tomorrow. They had published an interview with Ai Fen, the doctor who had raised the alarm about the coronavirus.
Islamic fundamentalists now control half of the Afghan provincial capitals. Arsenal bought on Pakistan’s black markets. Former deputy minister of Kabul: The Taliban have complex relations with countries in the region. Their growing contacts with China could alarm Russia.
The United States, Japan, Australia and India met to discuss shared interests. Joe Biden is reviving the strategic dialogue aimed at China. For Beijing, Taiwan is the "most important and delicate" issue in its relationship with Washington. Quad countries plan joint naval exercises off the coast of Guam.
The Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress will discuss the measure next week. Hong Kong authorities would prefer not to have it imposed like the national security law. Local banks could be caught between Western sanctions and Chinese countersanctions. Singapore and Tokyo might benefit. For pro-Beijing groups, the law is a deterrent.
For the Patriarch, “sport is not always separated from politics; we saw this as the Games went on”. Before the Olympics, Russia was penalised for violating anti-doping rules. Sport is a means to hold together the Orthodox sphere in the former Soviet Union. Orthodox faith is exalted as "spiritual energy" to compete in the Olympics.
China announced US$ 6 million in funding for development projects. Western governments only provide humanitarian aid. The crackdown by Myanmar’s military against the resistance continues. The former Burma is the country where Chinese companies commit the highest number of human rights violations.
For the pontiff, “the law is the ‘pedagogue’ toward Christ. [. . .] Those who seek life need to look to the promise and to its fulfillment in Christ.” Francis saddened by the murder of Fr Olivier Maire in France.
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