Anthropic has documented the use of Claude to track Catholic and Tibetan Buddhist leaders, Christians in Taiwan, and the Falun Gong. A religious affairs intelligence unit that once employed many teams has been reduced to a single office, yet this is enough to produce thousands of investigations per month.
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.
A ruling by South Korea's highest court settles the case involving a sacred image claimed by a temple in Seosan, which says it was stolen by Japanese pirates centuries ago. The court ruled that it must be returned. The dispute feeds into the stormy relationship between the two countries, despite recent attempts at political rapprochement.
Zeng Yuxuan, 23, was jailed for six months over a drawing of the "Pillar of Shame", a statue that honours the victims of the massacre. Repatriated in Shenzhen as an unwelcome person, she is now missing; her mother has suffered the same fate. This case is the latest in a long list of repressive acts against activists. The young woman’s supporters have set up a Facebook page open to anyone concerned about her fate.
In his second 'political' speech, the governor assures that a 'long overdue' law, expected since the return of the former British colony to China, will be enacted next year. More than 280 people have been arrested so far under the draconian law imposed by Beijing. Group of activists promote a protest. The 'Sinicisation' of Hong Kong also in schools and culture.
The Taiwanese electronics manufacturing giant is under investigation by Beijing for tax issues and land consumption. The real reason, however, would be the company founder Terry Gou's candidature for the presidential elections in Taipei in January next year.
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