The Japanese MMX mission is designed to bring samples from one of Mars’ moons back to Earth by 2031, the same year that materials collected on the moon by China’s Tianwen-3 mission are also expected to return. India and South Korea are investing in new technologies, infrastructure, and satellites. The commercial importance of space is growing.
1 October marked the anniversary of the canonisation desired by John Paul II which gave rise to the most conflictual moment in relations between Beijing and the Holy See. In the context of today's dialogue with the Beijing authorities, marking the feast may be cause for embarassment for some but the Chinese Catholic community has the right to remember and honour its martyrs, just like other churches around the world.
The former interior minister, known for her tough stance on China and her nationalist policies, won the Liberal Democratic Party primaries and is set to lead the government as its leader. However, without a majority in parliament, she will have to seek new alliances. The crux of the matter is her relationship with the far right of Sanseito.
Thailand’s National Security Council laid down the principles to manage the border crisis with Cambodia. Concerns remain over Chinese military support for Phnom Penh, even though Beijing downplays the issue. The murderer of Lim Kimya, a former Cambodian lawmaker who opposed Hun Sen, has been sentenced to life in prison. The reasons for the act are still unknown.
The Taiwanese government was quick to deny that trade negotiations with the United States include moving to the US half of its microprocessor production for the US market. The opposition Kuomintang and the Taiwan People's Party attack the government, warning that an agreement would “hollow out” the country’s tech sector. TMSC’s investments in new 1.4-nanometer chips are also at stake.
Leo XIV met the congregation today, gathered for the 12th General Chapter. Sister Mari Lucia Kim, 60, a former provincial superior in South Korea, will lead the Pauline Sisters until 2031. She brings the vitality of their presence in the Far East to the institute founded by Blessed Giacomo Alberione for the apostolate through the media. Pope Leo calls on the Sisters “to look up and immerse yourselves.”
China marks the founding of the People's Republic in the disputed waters of the South China Sea, promising to “stand guard” over the atoll. The Philippines has long claimed that China’s presence is illegal. Chinese authorities recently announced plans to turn the area into a nature reserve.
In a speech at an ad hoc session of the Chinese Communist Party Politburo, the president called for ‘doctrines, rules, management systems, rituals and customs, norms of behaviour’ to embody ‘Chinese characteristics’ and adapt ‘to the needs of the times’. He recommended ‘strict enforcement’ of regulations and the strengthening of policy directives.
A court in Wenzhou has convicted 39 members of the Ming family, originally from Shan State in northern Myanmar, for fraud and drug trafficking, among others, activities that generated estimated proceeds of over 10 billion yuan. Among those sentenced to death are the son and granddaughter of the family patriarch, Ming Xuechang, who died under controversial circumstances during his arrest. This is part of Beijing’s broader crackdown on crime syndicates operating in Myanmar.
In 2023, 39.8 per cent of people over 65 were living below the country’s median income. About 57.6 per cent of seniors want to continue working out of economic necessity; two in three are unhappy with their standard of living. Retirees currently account for 20.3 per cent of the total population, but will reach 40 per cent by 2050. Divorces among seniors are also on the rise.
In the Noto Peninsula, the Diocese of Nagoya witnessed the joy of the consecration of a new church in Wajima 20 months after a devastating earthquake razed the old one. As a sign of things to come, the new place of worship welcomed some 20 Filipinos who discovered a home amid the tragedy and show of solidarity for this small community.
In his annual address, Chief Executive John Lee announced special legislation to speed up a futuristic project for a new metropolis in the New Territories, the area closest to mainland China. The goal is to bring 2.5 million new residents, centred around a major tech hub. This is also part of a political plan to turn a page in a major Asian crossroads where growth has stalled since the events of 2020.
In 2024, South Korea recorded its highest number of suicides in 13 years, with a total of 14,872, a 6.3 per cent increase over the previous year. The causes lie in the intense social pressure imposed from childhood to excel in studies and careers. Seeking psychological support continues to be seen as a failure, preventing young people from getting proper help.
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