East Asia

The Foundation, which assigns the Magsaysay Award, the most famous of the continent, has announced the 2014 winners: a Chinese journalist who challenges abuse of power, an environmental activist and a group of industrialists who promote women’s education in Pakistan. An Indonesian anthropologist, the director of the National Museum of Afghanistan and a Filipino teacher who works with the tribals also awarded.

Announced by a group of parliamentarians who visited the forensic laboratory for the autopsy and identification of the body (found in June) and recognized (in July) as belonging to Yoo Byung-eun. Doubts about fingerprints and the stature of the body. Experts: "Science cannot explain everything, but of course the authorities have handled the case badly." 57% of Koreans "do not trust" the government.

Despite pressure from Beijing, the Nepali government allows the funeral to take place, granting the deceased his last wishes. Kathmandu's initial refusal was due to fear of possible anti-China protests from the Tibetan community in exile, which however did not occur.

The clash took place in Shache county, but the details are unclear. According to the government, a group of "terrorists" attacked local government offices and police station; another reported to have attacked the inhabitants of Huangdi. Authorities respond immediatly: dozens of dead, wounded and arrested.

The investigation is in the hands of the Party Disciplinary Committee. For the first time since the days of Mao a member of the Politburo is being charged. Aids, secretaries and Zhou family members also under investigation. When he was minister of security, he strengthened police powers and fast-tracked arrests of dissidents, religious personalities, farmers, workers. If Xi Jinping’s fight against corruption aims to establish "rule of law", he should release those who been denouncing corruption for years and deliver justice to those who have been victims of Zhou’s violence and corruption.

After Abe government raised sales tax from 5 to 8 per cent, factory output dropped by 3.3 per cent between May and June. Although "pent-up demand ahead of the sales tax hike was bigger than expected," consumers will come back, analyst expects.

Hearing opens in Ansan to gather the testimonies of those who have managed to escape after the disaster, which killed more than 300 people. Heavy accusations against those in charge, who fled instead of helping passengers. The Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace: "Now we need a special law to shed light on the incident."

The faithful of the Longgang Huai En church try to bar police and to save their cross, but are put aside. Some protest with banners: "Anti-graft, anti-corruption, protect religion". Instead the fire that destroyed the interior of Jiangbei cathedral, one of the oldest Catholic churches in all of China is judged accidental.

A survey by researchers from the University of Hong Kong's China Media Project shows that in his first 18 months of his rule, the Chinese president was mentioned in the People's Daily more than any of his predecessor, except for Mao who was involved in the Cultural Revolution. Outside official media, the pope is more popular than the premier, and the Bible is mentioned more than the Red Book.

For Shia Muslims, the festival of Eid begins tomorrow. Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, Tunisia, Egypt, Lebanon (Sunnis) announce the end of Ramadan, which commemorates the period during which the Koran was revealed to Muhammad.

The film, in preparation for years, tells the story of a Portuguese Jesuit missionary who became an apostate and collaborated in the persecution of Christians. Lay and religious experts involved, especially the Jesuits. The impact on the Japanese Church. Actors include Liam Neeson, Ken Watanabe, Adam Driver, Andrew Garfield ("Spiderman").

The project was started in 2005 because of the growing cultural gap between the two sides of the border. The South has adopted international terms which never arrived in the North, and the difference of the– pre-existing - dialects has become more radical. The goal, says Seoul, is "to preserve the cultural heritage Korean language and overcome distances”.