At the Oceania Island Leaders' Forum meeting currently underway in Palau, agreement was reached on a text that, while not specifically naming Beijing, criticizes the test conducted in July. The meeting was also marked by Chinese attacks over the invitation to Taiwan's Foreign Minister.
To boost the birth rate, the Chinese president and the Communist Party are looking to women. The reasons for the plummeting birth rate are attributable to the one-child policy, the economic crisis China is going through, and a cultural change among the younger generations.
Today's news: Overnight clashes in Gaza, the US Secretary of State in Israel to mediate a humanitarian concerns; Zhou Shuzhuang, one of the founders of the 'Tiananmen Mothers' died yesterday in Beijing without ever getting answers or justice for her son killed in the massacre; Rebel groups wrest a strategic border area in Shan State from the Burmese army; At least 27 dead in a fire at a rehabilitation centre for drug addicts in northern Iran; Elections in Pakistan postponed to 8 February; Abu Mazen's visit to Russia is 'on the agenda' but without a specific date; Pro-polygamy propaganda punished in Uzbekistan.
Young people celebrated this rare occurrence in China. Masks are an opportunity for satire and dissent, without crossing red lines. Security forces and police were deployed across the city, taking some young people into custody. Videos and photos showing people in disguise popped up all over social media, taking advantage of a rare opportunity to express discontent.
Today's news: Israel renews attacks on the Strip, the UN says it will not rule out Jabalia refugee camp attack being considered a 'war crime'; The Cambodian government establishes an authority for civil cases, separate from the ordinary courts; Beijing tightens regulations on bank capital to contain financial risks; Senior officials of an Indonesian pharmaceutical company convicted over a drug linked to the deaths of 200 children; Bhutan appoints an interim government ahead of parliamentary elections; Entire Russian settlements beyond the polar circle without heating,wood or coal as winter sets in.
Today's headlines: China began polling 1.4 million people to find ways to encourage births. After the repatriation deadline expired, Pakistan began arresting Afghans illegally in the country. North Korea is set to close one quarter of its embassies around the world. A Vietnamese man is sentenced to three and a half years for live-streaming videos critical of the government on social media. The 2034 World Cup goes to Saudi Arabia. Gandhi accuses the Modi government of spying on opponents' phones. In Russia, more incidents of intolerance towards the Jewish community are reported.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-Chiu announced a number of incentives, including cash bonuses and housing benefits. But for young people in the former British colony, nothing can counteract the lack of confidence in the future.
Today's news: Ongoing ground battle in Gaza. Bangkok cancels visas for tourists from India and Taiwan; South Korean discount store recalls 53 thousand plastic slippers for toxic chemical substances; Two-year jail terms for four former student leaders at Hong Kong University; Nepal's mountains have lost a third of their glaciers in 30 years; On the Turkish side of Mount Ararat traces of seawater over 5,000 years old, possible evidence of the biblical universal flood; Naval'nyj and political prisoners on hunger strike yesterday on Prisoners of Conscience Day.
On 29 October 2022, more than 150 people, mostly young, were crushed to death during the festival. This year, security measures have been beefed up, while victims' families are seeking an independent inquiry.
Expressions of condolence in Hefei, Zhengzhou and Shanghai. Hundreds of people laid bouquets of flowers and messages, some of which have since disappeared from the Internet. Some people who had disguised themselves in a way that could be read as discontent with Xi Jinping were also arrested. In the obituary released by the authorities, the president's name appears five times, marking the centrality of the current leadership.
Today's news: clashes and arrests at funeral of 17-year-old Iranian girl who died over hijab, another Mahsa Amini; Exports in textiles to Vietnam down, losses $41 billion; Israeli army raids continue in Gaza: in Dagestan a plane from Tel Aviv attacked; At least 13 killed and dozens injured in a train accident in Andhra Pradesh; Discontent among Hong Kong Muslims over the presence of a Chinese flag at official events atop the most important mosque; Tenth meeting between the leaders of Singapore and Malaysia, first since the Covid-19 pandemic; Russian satellite production "no longer competitive."
More than half of the 220 hostages held in Gaza are foreign nationals from 25 different nations. At least a quarter are workers: 54 Thais, five Nepalis, two Filipinos, one Chinese, and one Sri Lankan. Thailand sends a team of negotiators to secure the hostages’ release. Fearing the war, many migrants are leaving Israel.
Premier until last spring, Li died of a heart attack at the age of 68, relatively young for Communist leaders. Conspiracy theories abound online, but above all regrets over his economic policy. He was close to former President Hu Jintao, who was removed in the last party congress. Meanwhile, in China's official media today, Li's death is less prominent than Xi's speeches.
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