East Asia

Malaita, a province with close ties to Taiwan, announced a referendum on separation. Last year, the Solomons broke off diplomatic relations with Taiwan and recognised China. Internal political issues are behind the push for Malaita independence. Taiwan and the United States are playing a role in the regional power game.

No casualties have been reported, but this is first time since 1975 that live ammunition has been used along the disputed border. The two sides have been concentrating troops in Ladakh and Tibet since May. Both oppose road construction on the other’s side of the border. India has accused China of abducting five young Indians from Arunachal Pradesh. Delhi could play the "Tibet card" in talks. For an Indian expert, the ongoing actions are just a symbolic show of force.

The new set of rules for foreign teachers aims above all to curb the evangelization of Protestants who, engaged in language or literature courses, or culture, spark the interest of young Chinese in religion. In Hainan, public security pays a "bounty" of 100,000 yuan (about 12,387 euros) for anyone who reveals or gives indications that lead to the arrest of foreigners "engaged in religious activities without permission". Chinese youth are very interested in Christianity.

Chinese dam construction, which is damaging the river, is an “ideological choice” typical of a totalitarian regime that is stifling a neighbour. A Chinese company got control over a state-owned Laotian electrical company (and its revenues). Beijing is lying about the exploitation of water resources.

Chinese police wanted to question Bill Birtles and Michael Smith in Cheng Lei case, the Australian presenter arrested on August 14. Canberra had advised the two reporters to leave China. The tensions between the two countries behind the flight. Beijing’s clamp down on journalists from hostile countries.

Exports grew by 9.5 per cent in August, but the drop in imports signals a contraction in domestic consumption. Xi's strategy to favour domestic demand over foreign exports is at risk. About 600 million Chinese earn US$ 146 a month. The country cannot absorb everything it produces.

The aid program for poor families was born in India on the initiative of Claretian Fr. George Kannanthanam, last July 16. To date there are 1000 families supporting as many destitute families. Particular attention to disabled, the terminally ill, widows and elderly, who have no means of support, especially in this period marked by Covid-19.

For IOC VP John Coates, these will be the Games that conquered the coronavirus pandemic with “light at the end of the tunnel". Doubts persist though. The number of spectators is expected to be “limited”. In the past, the Games were cancelled due to war, but never postponed.

The cyclone is lashing the east coast of South Korea. Two million people evacuated on Japanese territory. The North Korean regime deploys thousands of workers' party members to tackle emergency.

More than 2,000 police in riot gear blocked journalists, dispersed demonstrators, attacked groups, fired bullets and pepper spray. Three members of the League of Social Democrats were also arrested: Leung Kwok-hung, Raphael Wong and Figo Chan. The government is accused of using the pandemic as a pretext to keep people from voting and avoiding a defeat. Solidarity with Thai and Belarusian youth.

Sunday Gospel: relativism and love (video)

During the Angelus, Pope Francis warned Christians against “gossip”. He notes that “The chatterbox is the devil because he is the liar who tries to divide the Church". Fraternal correction according to Jesus addresses two concerns, a communal one, “safeguarding communion, that is Church unity, and a personal one, which requires attention and respect for every individual conscience.”