South East Asia

by Stefano Vecchia | PHILIPPINES

The former president of the Senate, now legal counsel to Marcos Jr, wants the ban on nuclear weapons removed; it was included in the constitution drafted in 1986 under Cory Aquino. Some sectors of public opinion have questioned the ban given China's unilateral moves in the region’s seas.


In January, the arrest of the director of the national agency in charge of vehicle registration created a ripple effect. Half of the registration centers in Ho Chi Min City are now operational, with workers forced to work longer hours and drivers standing in line for days before they can legally drive.

| 18/03/2023
| VIETNAM

For Philippine authorities, the ICC lacks jurisdiction and its work would violate its sovereignty. Human Rights Watch warns that any investigation is fraught with difficulties. The current president, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, is against any foreign role in the matter.

| 17/03/2023
| PHILIPPINES

Today's headlines: Indonesia admits difficulties in Myanmar conflict; Indian students returned to Ukraine to finish their studies; Azerbaijan reassures Germany on gas supply; Meeting between Russia, Iran, Syria and Turkey to normalise relations between Ankara and Damascus.

| 17/03/2023
| ASIA TODAY

While Michelle Yeoh is celebrated as the first Asian woman to win an Oscar, Khairi Anwar found violent messages next to his vandalised car. His 2021 film tells the story of a teenage girl who seeks the meaning of life even in non-Islamic religions. Malaysia’s Communications minister urged people not to take the law in their own hands, but earlier this month he had distanced himself from the director.

 

| 16/03/2023
| MALAYSIA
by Steve Suwannarat

Thailand’s prime minister, a former general, has joined a new party, leaving the ruling Palang Pracharat party in crisis. Two other parties, Pheu Thai and the Phak Kao Klai, are leading the opposition; both are heirs to parties dissolved by Thailand’s Constitutional Court.

 

| 15/03/2023
| THAILAND
by Mathias Hariyadi

The tragedy occurred after six days of heavy rains that disrupted communications. This explains why it was reported after a week late. Thousands are yet to be evacuated. The local Church has sent its first aid shipment, but the area where the disaster occurred is very remote.

| 14/03/2023
| INDONESIA
Editor's choices
 
by Sumon Corraya
Today is World Day for the fight against a disease that still causes 100 deaths a day in Bangladesh. The testimony of a Missionary of the Immaculate, a doctor, active for 12 years in Khulna on this frontier: "Many still do not know TB and arrive when ...
| 24/03/2023
| BANGLADESH
 
Back in 2015, more than 75 per cent of Asia lacked was water insecure. Water insecurity affects mainly China, South Asia and the urban areas of Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, Asia represents about half of the global bottled water market, a factor that discourages ...
| 22/03/2023
| ASIA-PACIFIC
 
by mons. Michel Sabbah *
In Nazareth, the Latin Patriarchate celebrated the pastor emeritus, whom John Paul II chose as the first Arab leader of this community. His message: 'I ask God for new eyes that see God and man, see lost peace and know that security exists only ...
| 20/03/2023
| HOLY LAND
 
This is the government's likely response to the effects of the rapidly aging population on the welfare system. Survey: 74% of respondents want retirement under 55; only 6% accept it over 61. Reform to raise the retirement age to 65 under consideration: ...
| 18/03/2023
| CHINA
 
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak wants to send all asylum seekers crossing the English Channel to Rwanda. At least 250 girls from a Kabul school have moved to Kigali via Doha after the Taliban came back to power in August 2021. Rwanda’s government ...
| 15/03/2023
| AFGHANISTAN - RWANDA
 
by Giorgio Bernardelli
The text was officially made public today. It contains the reflections of Asian Bishops' Conferences brought to the assembly held last October in the Thai capital. Nine emerging challenges have been identified in Asian societies, from the role of ...
| 15/03/2023
| ASIA
 
by Dario Salvi
The Vicar of Anatolia recounts a situation "still in full emergency" and with a strong psychological impact. The earth continues to tremble and the toll - between Syria and Turkey - has exceeded 55,000 dead. The work of Caritas in cooperation with the ...
| 15/03/2023
| TURKEY
 
From Korea to Kazakhstan, from the victims of Typhoon Yolanda to the Rohingya, from Mother Teresa to Matteo Ricci, Pope Francis has paid constant attention to Asia over the past ten years. On the tenth anniversary of his election we present ten excerpts ...
| 12/03/2023
| ECCLESIA IN ASIA
“L’Asia: ecco il nostro comune compito per il terzo millennio!” - Giovanni Paolo II, da “Alzatevi, andiamo”