East Asia

A team of international lawyers has filed a complaint with the UN in connection with the trial of the Apple Daily publisher. The prosecution wants Andy Li – a pro-democracy activist arrested trying to reach Taiwan on a boat – to testify against the former media mogul. Convicted in mainland China for illegal expatriation, Li has been held in a psychiatric hospital since he was returned to Hong Kong. He is expected to testify against Lai before going on trial himself under the National Security Law.

Chinese authorities have banned the admission of new monks to Khyungbum Lura Monastery, which resisted the People's Liberation Army in the 1950s. While native Tibetans have expressed concern, China has boosted its repression in Tibet, adopting population data collection strategies as in Xinjiang.

An academic study recorded one homicide every eight days, often accompanied by suicide by the spouse or child who provided home care for the elderly person. The isolation from Covid led to the explosion of the problem. There is a shortage of qualified personnel to provide support.

Security forces took the prelate into custody last night, telling him to bring clothes for every season. Ordained coadjutor bishop with papal mandate in 2011, he is not recognised by the authorities for refusing to join the Patriotic Association. Since the death of his predecessor in 2016, he has been prevented from carrying out his ministry in one of China’s oldest and foremost Catholic communities. Now “the faithful are praying for him” and his release, a source told AsiaNews.

The South Korean opposition leader hit yesterday morning remains in intensive care after delicate surgery to reconstruct his jugular. Meanwhile, South Korea is once again questioning the violence against political leaders, less than 100 days before parliamentary elections.

The death toll has risen to 48, and 90 per cent of buildings in the city of Suzu are said to be severely damaged. The Japanese Catholic Church is close to the dioceses of Nagoya and Niigata, which are in the quake zone. Archbishop Kikuchi of Tokyo offered his “prayers for the victims. We will do our best to support those affected.”

China has updated its regulations against illegal organ transplants. However, members of the political and financial elite still manage to circumvent them in military hospitals that now perform half of the country's transplants.

Today's news: provisional death toll in Japan earthquake rises to 30, people are still digging under the rubble; Israel's Supreme Court rejects Netanyahu's justice reform; The 'banker of the poor' Yunus convicted of labour exploitation in Bangladesh; Kazakhstan no longer considers the Afghan Taliban a terrorist movement.

Residence permit for up to two years for those who choose to make South Korea the base for smart working. But to obtain it they will need to prove they can count on an annual income of 60,000 euro. A measure in line with the objective of attracting a desirable slice of consumers by counting on its technological infrastructure.

Today's news: High Court allows party members to visit Imran Khan ahead of February 8 elections; Iran executes four people linked to Mossad, Israel's missiles continue to kill civilians in Gaza; Beijing revives deal with Myanmar for Kyaukphyu port; Activist Tony Chung seeks political asylum in Britain after 43 months in prison

Today's news: Muslim prisoners in Siberian jails went on hunger strike against religious discrimination. In Seoul over 1,000 military personnel carried out a series of defence drills, simulating an attack by North Korea. The Philippines will open four new medical departments in universities in as many provinces of the country.

China’s top communist leaders paid tribute to Mao. Celebrations included a large gathering in the Great Helmsman’s birthplace. An editorial in a magazine centred on reforms and openness is removed. Chinese authorities continue to be wary of Mao’s cult of the personality, which could lead to criticism of current leaders.