East Asia

Reflection on the Gospel of the 2nd Sunday of Advent B (Mark 1: 1-8).

The document of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity was presented, which " first of all a challenge to Catholics ". The Vademecum serves, Pope Francis said, as "encouragement and guide" to the exercise of the bishop’s responsibilities for Christian unity.

The pandemic is exacerbating the inequalities already present in our societies, said Francis, who received the ambassadors of Jordan, Kazakhstan, Zambia, Mauritania, Uzbekistan, Madagascar, Estonia, Rwanda, Denmark and India, for the presentation of the Letters of Credence.

The screenwriter and novelist Xu Jinchuan recalls academics, publishers, activists, lawyers who have disappeared in the hands of the Chinese regime: the fruits of an ideological "cold winter". But the profession of a thinker is to seek the truth and reveal it, whatever the consequences. An essay published in "China Heritage", by the sinologist Geremie R. Barmé.

The head of US intelligence chief slams the Chinese regime as a danger to global democracy and the free world. Chinese accused of stealing industrial secrets from US companies. About 1,000 Chinese scientists fled the United States after an investigation into China’s intelligence activities was launched. Beijing: Washington distorting the facts.

Since November 30, the former democratic parliamentarian has been in Denmark to attend a climate conference. Ted Hui’s self-imposed exile will lead to a fewer possibilities of bail for democracy activists held on charges related to the security law.

Francis released a message for International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Society and the Church must promote "active" participation, not just assistance. Parishes too must remove obstacles and encourage training so that the disabled too can teach catechism.

Founded in 1980 by the then bishop of Hong Kong, Msgr. Giovanni Battista Wu Cheng-Chung, the Centre has nurtured relations with China, collected information, carried out studies, given subsidies and fostered friendship with the Church and Chinese society. The future prospects of a more academic focus.

Exams were subject to strict anti-coronavirus measures. Meanwhile, the country is experiencing an upsurge in coronavirus cases. Students were divided according to their state of health. Parents prayed for their children’s success. The number of classrooms was increased to reduce the risk of infection. Plastic dividers kept candidates apart.

A confirmation of expectations. So far, the Chinese have imported only 56% of the products they committed to purchasing under "phase one" of the trade agreement. The elected president will oppose China's "abusive practices". Trade decision only after consultation with allies. Pressures from Congress.

The Apple Daily entrepreneur and publisher will remain in jail until April 16. He is accused of fraud and faces 14 years in prison. But the prosecutor is investigating possible violations of the security law, for which he faces life imprisonment. The judge who denied him bail, Victor So, is one of the judges chosen by the chief executive to oversee trials related to the security law.

New negotiations are set for next week, but major disagreements remain. For German Ambassador, without open markets to European companies, the deal will not be signed. The EU also wants progress on human rights and pandemic. Biden is another factor.