Former government spokesman Bilal Karimi arrives in Beijing. For China’s Foreign Ministry, further steps are needed for full diplomatic relations. The move comes just weeks after Afghanistan took part in the Belt and Road Initiative Forum.
From Canada the words of the Catholic activist - already imprisoned for the 2019 protests - recounting her suffering from continued police pressure even after her release from prison in 2021. She only regained her passport to attend a master's programme in Toronto after a 'patriotic education' trip to Shenzhen and 'letters of repentance'. The troubled choice of exile. "For such a powerful country to send people who fight for democracy to prison is not proof of vulnerability?".
The troubles of a Henan couple have been trending on Chinese social media. After paying a hefty down payment for an unfinished apartment, they were roughed up when they complained while their social media videos were censored. They eventually decided to return to their hometown. The “most diligent, law-abiding, and optimistic citizens do not deserve the Chinese dream” reads one, bitter online comment, echoing a political slogan proposed by Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
The agreement between the Kuomintang and the new party of former mayor Ko Wen-je announced just a few days ago has evaporated. This outcome will favour current vice-president Lai Ching-te in the crucial 13 January vote. Foxconn tycoon Terry Gou, trailing in the polls and targeted by Beijing that wanted a united opposition front, dropped out of the race.
Argentina’s upcoming administration is already questioning whether to join the forum of emerging economies on 1 January, backed by Xi Jinping. During the election campaign, Milei had highlighted the gap with China. Beijing's reaction has been cautious so far, which may affect bilateral relations. Last year 92 per cent of Argentina’s soya beans and 57 per cent of its meat went the way of China.
A few hours before the deadline to register candidates for the January election, the pro-China Kuomintang and the party of former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je reached an agreement that appeared highly unlikely for a long time that could have a major impact on the election. During the ongoing campaign, Vice President Lai Ching-te has been in the lead for the pro-autonomy Democratic Progressive Party. Both Beijing and Washington are following the election with apprehension.
Renewed military-to-military talks was the main outcome of the summit between the US and Chinese presidents in San Francisco. Both want to avoid conflict by resuming communications. No joint statement was made after their four-hour meeting. Xi's supporters and people protesting for human rights in China clashed in the California city.
For poet Aziz Isa Elkun - an exile in London - 'it is important to talk about Xinjiang, and the problem is not the Muslim faith, it is human rights'. The Uyghurs want to live as free as their Kazakh or Uzbek 'cousins', and do not recognise China's right to ownership of their soul and identity.
Tomorrow's summit in San Francisco could result in China banning the export of the chemical components of the opioid that has caused tens of thousands of overdose deaths in the United States. The price for this is the lifting of sanctions on the Chinese Institution of Forensic Medicine, accused of covering up human rights violations in Xinjiang.
Card Chow received an image of Matteo Ricci as a gift. Bishop Li will stay for five days, like the new cardinal did in April in the Chinese capital. The meetings will include a visit to the seminary. The bishop of Hong Kong hopes to see a deeper understanding and closer human ties between the two dioceses.
For the first time since 1998, the figure has fallen, while the capital outflow linked to the de-risking strategy adopted by Washington and Brussels continues. Business uncertainty persists, some international companies withdraw from the Chinese market. There is criticism of the China International Import Expo, which is regarded as a 'political showcase' and is declining in trade.
The election is scheduled for 10 December and will cover all 18 district councils in the former British colony. Only pro-Beijing candidates will be present. For the democrats' president Lo Kin-hei, the new rules endorse an imbalance of power and strength. The Chief Executive calls the new rules fair and open.
Heavy snow caused the collapse of the roof of the Yuecheng Fitness Gymnasium, in Jiamusi. Seven people were inside at the time, including children. Two were hospitalised. In July, a similar incident occurred in another school in the same province, killing at least 11 people.
The surge in demand is driving the rise in occupancy and room rates. Mid-range and top-tier hotels, which are among the most profitable, are experiencing further growth. The situation of the budget hotels, which suffered the highest losses during COVID-19, is also improving.
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.
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.
In the debate on the uses of the new frontiers of technology, the military dimension is taking on more and more weight. The theft of personal data as a weapon to create a favorable context in the event of conflict. While the Chinese army is studying the possibility of wearable technologies to "guide" the decisions of its soldiers.
In a long interview with the diocesan magazine, the bishop of Shanghai – at the centre of the "case" settled by Pope Francis in July – tells his story and outlines plans for his ministry. He emphasises renewal and mission in a modern and vibrant city. Sinicisation is a "red line". “We should confidently, openly and warmly welcome everyone to come and see the Diocese of Shanghai.”
At the Beijing Forum, the governor magnified Hong Kong's potential as a financial and logistical hub for countries involved in Xi Jinping's "new thirst road". An attempt to gather "results" to counter the decline that the harsh repression of the 2019 protests and the Covid season have brought with them.
Hunan Television, a popular TV channel, broadcasts a prime time show in which variety meets Communist Party ideology. The aim of the programme is to show that Marxism is compatible with traditional Chinese culture. A new last-ditch effort by the leadership to reinforce the ideology among the youth; but on the web there is also mockery of the initiative.
China’s president spoke at a forum attended by 130 countries, marking the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative. His eight-point plan involves less investment in large infrastructure projects. In addition to Putin, the Taliban's Minister of Commerce was present. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that China will push for the creation of a UN body to regulate artificial intelligence.
A series of preliminary agreements have been signed with the China Exim Bank. An intervention with a double value: to recover as much as possible, given that China is Sri Lanka's main creditor, and to increase ties with the country in an anti-India perspective
The man had climbed onto the capital's Sitong Bridge and put up banners demanding the resignation of President Xi Jinping and an end to the 'zero covid' policy. Several student protests had subsequently broken out, reminiscent of the Tiananmen protests of 1989. While it is not known where the protester has been confined, his family members are in police custody, activists and volunteers abroad report.
The attack by a "foreigner" took place in Beijing’s embassy district. While China offers its services as a mediator in the conflict, Israel views this coldly after Beijing failed to explicitly condemn the massacres of seven days ago. China is also taking a low profile vis-à-vis its own citizens killed or held by Hamas in Gaza.
In the translation of a speech by Foreign Minister Wang Yi at an international forum, Tibet is renamed 'Xizang'. A choice adopted with increasing frequency by the official Chinese media. For scholars at official academic institutes, the new translation will strengthen 'power' over speeches about Tibet. Independent observers speak of a purely 'political' move.
One of the hostages taken by Hamas at the rave party in the Negev desert was born in Beijing. The Organisation for Assistance to Chinese Businesses in Israel reports more Chinese nationals are missing. Israel is putting pressure on China to condemn Hamas. On Chinese social media, there is little solidarity for the young woman, while influencers close to the Communist Party support Palestine.
Other countries will also be able to take part in the Chang'e 8 mission that will lay the foundations for the Chinese lunar station in 2026. Meanwhile, Beijing's space station modules will be doubled from three to six. Moves that aim to build alliances to have more say on the hot topic of international regulations on activities in space.
Lawyer Lu Siwei - detained in July in Vientiane while trying to flee the People's Republic - is in a detention centre in Sichuan despite warnings from UN Human Rights Council officials. The same place where Beijing seeks re-election for a new three-year term on 10 October.
The Caritas Institute of Higher Education meets the criteria to become a private university. Now it’s up to the Hong Kong government to approve the new establishment, to be called Saint Francis University. Hong Kong’s Card Stephen Chow has pushed hard for this project. Writing in the diocesan weekly, he reflects upon Francis’s thoughts about China, urging the faithful to “be patient, sincere, and consistent, and keep up our hope in the unfailing love of God.”
