by Stefano Caprio | RUSSIAN WORLD

Russian political scientist and ultra-Putinist Gleb Kuznetsov published an article in the magazine Gosudarstvo (The State) where he explicitly states that “the separation of powers, competitive elections, and freedom of speech prevent the state from functioning effectively.” He points to the example of Shenzhen, “one of the most controlled cities in the world” as a model.


The examination of the Positio of the Italian Jesuit missionary who lived among tribal people in the 17th century has been completed in Rome. The Diocese of Dipolog received a formal communication from the Vatican yesterday, the anniversary of his martyrdom. Bishop Severo Caermare led a Mass to commemorate the day.

 

| 30/01/2026
| PHILIPPINES

The president of Taiwan wrote to the pontiff in response to the latter’s call for a "disarmed and disarming peace” in his message of 1 January. A century ago, Chiang Wei-shui promoted nonviolence in Taiwan. The island, the world's largest semiconductor producer, shares the pontiff’s concern for growing use of artificial intelligence in armed conflicts.

| 30/01/2026
| TAIWAN – VATICAN

During this period of global instability, the precious metal has broken all records. But this surge is particularly pronounced in India, where women hold the largest share of this safe asset as a guarantee of financial security in marriage. Together, they hold an estimated 11 per cent of the world's gold. Rising jewellery prices, however, are also changing market habits.

| 30/01/2026
| INDIAN MANDALA

An investigation has been launched into a warehouse accused of producing powder mixed with soybeans in Lam Dong province. The product is destined for the domestic market. Vietnam is a leader in exports of the Robusta variety, which is experiencing a boom in sales on international markets: in the first 15 days of 2026 alone, there was an increase of over 20% in sales volumes.

| 30/01/2026
| VIETNAM
by Dario Salvi

In the latest instalment of AsiaNews' reportage from the Vicariate of Northern Arabia, the testimony of the priest from Goa, a friendly face and memory of the local Christian community. He records every celebration and his intentions in a diary: to date, he has administered almost 8,200 baptisms and 750 marriages. Faith stronger than difficulties and critical factors. His desire? ‘A holy life and to continue in prayer.’

| 30/01/2026
| KUWAIT - GULF
by Vladimir Rozanskij

A 12-year-old Kyrgyz girl who immigrated with her family seven years ago has been elected in Sommières to the body that promotes youth participation in public life. Her parents are proud: "In Central Asia, there is no freedom of expression, even for adults. I hope that one day my daughter will be able to make a significant contribution to life in Kyrgyzstan."

| 30/01/2026
| KYRGYSTAN
Editor's choices
 
by Dario Salvi
In the latest instalment of AsiaNews' reportage from the Vicariate of Northern Arabia, the testimony of the priest from Goa, a friendly face and memory of the local Christian community. He records every celebration and his intentions in a diary: ...
| 30/01/2026
| KUWAIT - GULF
 
by Sumon Corraya
Since August 2024, over 300 companies have closed in a heavily industrialised area of Bangladesh, leaving tens of thousands of people out of work. ‘My wife and I used to earn a good salary. Now I drive a rickshaw and we've cut back on meals.’ ...
| 29/01/2026
| BANGLADESH
 
The decision to join UNCLOS comes after 40 years of delays, opening a new front with Thailand over the disputed oil fields off Koh Kood Island. In 2001, then Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra signed an agreement with his Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen, for joint ...
| 27/01/2026
| CAMBODIA – THAILAND – CHINA
 
by Nirmala Carvalho
One of India's highest honours was bestowed upon the Mumbai neonatologist who drastically cut infant mortality. Founder of India's first milk bank, she also put her work in the service of women in the city slums. Many times, “I have felt ...
| 26/01/2026
| INDIA
 
by Father Will Conquer*
From Sihanoukville, a missionary talks about the many ambiguities behind the high-profile operations and arrests targeting the local scam farm system. With so much hypocrisy, he sees “silent complicity” and “utter abdication of responsibility.” ...
| 20/01/2026
| CAMBODIA
 
From 19 January, the 14th Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam will decide the country's leadership until 2031. General Secretary To Lam arrives at the event on the back of strong economic results achieved in 2025, so further centralisation ...
| 16/01/2026
| VIETNAM
 
From Indonesia and Saudi Arabia to Sudan and Libya, Pakistan has expanded defence deals in recent months with JF-17 fighter sales, jointly produced with China that proved ITS versatility during the conflict with India last May. This affordable aircraft ...
| 14/01/2026
| PAKISTAN
 
The 'Yesterday’ project, which reports from abroad on protests in China, selected the 10 most significant collective initiatives of the past year, offering a snapshot of activism in China. It features “unsung heroes” who together ...
| 08/01/2026
| RED LANTERNS
“L’Asia: ecco il nostro comune compito per il terzo millennio!” - Giovanni Paolo II, da “Alzatevi, andiamo”