Beijing to foreign embassies: Remove Ukraine flag

Today's headlines: Malaysia government drops appeal on use of the word "Allah" for non-Muslims sparking ire of Islamic extremist movements; World Bank warning, Jordan increasingly at risk of poverty; Pakistani court released on bail Christian widow accused of blasphemy; Sugar prices continue to rise due to Delhi's export cuts; New Taipei mayor (likely) opposition presidential candidate.

CHINA
China has sent a notification to foreign embassies in Beijing, warning them not to display objects or symbols that can be likened to 'politicised propaganda'. The reference, diplomatic sources explain, is to the flag of Ukraine displayed on the facades of some buildings since the beginning of the Russian invasion. However, some representations have already rejected the request.

MALAYSIA
The decision of the government led by Anwar Ibrahim to renounce the call for the use of the word "Allah" even by non-Muslims, in the context of a decade-long legal battle involving Christians, has aroused the ire of radical Islamic movements. These include the two most important local Muslim parties. At stake are the delicate inter-ethnic balances within the executive. 

JORDAN
The World Bank raises the alarm for Jordan, which is at risk of poverty. The data show an increasing rate compared to the period before the Covid-19 pandemic. In the 2023 report, experts point to limited employment opportunities, divisions in the labour market, low productivity and structural weakness. Unemployment is at 22.9 per cent; in 2019 it was 19 per cent. 

PAKISTAN
A Pakistani court released on bail Mussarat Bibi, an illiterate Christian widow, and Muhammad Sarmad, a Muslim gardener, both arrested on blasphemy charges for burning sheets of paper containing verses from the Koran. Activists applauded the decision, speaking of 'fresh air' for the victims of false accusations, while Islamic extremist groups called for death. 

INDIA
Global sugar prices (already at decade highs) are likely to rise further due to a drop in production in India, the world leader in the sector, and government-imposed export restrictions. Compared to initial forecasts of around 38.5 million tonnes in 2022-23, there is a downward estimate of 36.8 million tonnes. 

TAIWAN
The main opposition party in Taiwan is reportedly ready to nominate New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-ih as a candidate for next year's presidential election, a crucial vote for relations with Washington and Beijing. The Kuomintang (Kmt) is expected to make the formal announcement soon. For the vice-presidency there is talk of Lai Ching-te of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

RUSSIA
The Orthodox Church Court in Moscow has removed the priest Ioann Koval, of St Andrew's Church in Ljublin, Moscow suburb, from teh clerical state. In the 'prayer for Holy Rus', to be read in all churches, he had replaced the word 'victory' with 'peace', thereby committing a 'sacrilegious oath' against the patriarch's instructions.

ARMENIA - AZERBAIJAN
On Resurgence Square in Stepanakert, the Armenian capital of Nagorno Karabakh, a rally was held in favour of Sambel Babayan, president of the 'One Fatherland' party. He is considered the only one who will 'in 100 days secure independence', forming what he called the 'Artsakh Salvation Front'.

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