East Asia

Denuclearization and economic concessions the issues that will be addressed by the two leaders. Pyongyang invokes patriotism: "Let us try to show the world the dignity and stature of our nation". In Seoul, President Moon meets religious leaders: "Peace for prosperity that benefits everyone".

At the Angelus, Pope Francis urges us not to fall prey to the "master of illusion" who "promise quick success, great profits, magical solutions to every problem". It is easy to slip into idolatry: "replacing God with an idol". A prayer for the meeting at the Vatican with the presidents of Episcopal Conferences from across the globe on the protection of minors.

The Jewish community is not recognized among the official religions and its activities are considered "illegal". The persecution increases after the launch of the new regulations on religious activities. The Jewish community of Kaifeng dates to the 10th century and is made up of about 1000 members. The project to rebuild the synagogue has been blocked by the government

The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith co him guilty of "solicitation in the Sacrament of Confession, and sins against the Sixth Commandment with minors and with adults, with the aggravating factor of the abuse of power".

The number of accidents caused by drivers over the age of 65 increased from 17,590 in 2013 to 26,713 in 2017; the number of victims from 737 to 848. The government introduces measures to encourage older people to stop driving. In several provinces, money and incentives for those who hand in their license.

Francis celebrated the opening Mass of the ‘Liberi dalla paura’ meeting, which is promoted by Catholic associations dedicated to welcoming and integrating migrants. For the pontiff, “fear is legitimate" vis-à-vis people different from us.” But far too often, we “refuse to encounter the other and raise barriers to defend ourselves.” Instead, we are called to overcome fears to open ourselves to encountering others because “Forsaking encountering [others] is not human.”

After decades of discrimination, racism against the ethnic minority is banned. Tourism will be promoted in Hokkaido, home to the remaining 12,300 Ainu.

In Kaesong a summit to organize the joint event to commemorate the March 1 Movement. Japan ruled the Korean peninsula from 1910 to 1945. In 1919, patriots publicly read the Unilateral Declaration of Independence. Tokyo carried out a ferocious repression: over 7 thousand dead, and 10 thousand injured.

The death of a couple sheds light on the terrible working conditions some 30 million truck drivers put up with. Over 14 million trucks transport 76 per cent of all Chinese freight, travelling an average of 100,000 kilometres per year. Hauling goods by road in China is cheaper, faster and more flexible than rail transport. A working day can last up to 20 hours and individual runs can last a whole month.

Francis spoke today at the opening ceremony of the 42nd session of the Board of Governors of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The eradication of poverty, the fight against hunger and the promotion of food sovereignty will not be possible "without achieving rural development, a development that has been talked about for a long time but that has not come to fruition".

Officially, the withdrawal is due to "technical reasons encountered post production". The government has increased control and censorship on all media. The Department of Propaganda forbids any criticism of the history of the Party.

In Japan, same-sex couples are accepted by society but completely ignored in politics. For the first time, 13 couples will file a lawsuit on Valentine's Day to demand protection. However, Shinzo Abe’s government has already made it clear that this will never happen as long as the Liberal Democrats are in power.