Chinese Internet users slam the German multinational’s CEO for meddling in China's internal affairs. Shareholders and politicians are putting greater pressures on European firms to avoid human rights violations. For Prof Cui Hongjian, trust between the European Union and China is quickly fading.
In his meeting with journalists from a Belgian Christian weekly, Francis said that “the presence of Christian media specialised in quality information on the life of the Church in the world, capable of contributing to the formation of consciences, is very important.” Christian journalists can “nurture hope in the pandemic situation the world is [now] going through.”
The 46-year-old priest returned home yesterday at 6.30pm. Msgr.Julius Jia Zhiguo was taken from his residence last August 15.
The episcopal ordination took place yesterday in Solin (Split, Croatia) led by Card Pietro Parolin. The ordination was postponed twice because of an accident and the pandemic. Mgr Jozić was appointed nuncio to Belarus a few months ago.
The underground priest was kidnapped by members of the Religious Affairs Bureau. This isn't the first time he's been arrested. His father, 86, and his mother, 70, are in need of his assistance. At least 20 priests of the diocese are under pressure to sign up for membership of the "independent Church".
The new prime minister replaces Shinzo Abe, who led the country since 2012. The former prime minister resigned due to health problems. Most members of the old cabinet have been reappointed. A new stimulus package might be implemented to revive the economy hit by the pandemic. Possible changes to the country's pacifist constitution remain an issue.
“I think of the indigenous peoples in a special way, to whom we all owe a debt of gratitude. And also of penance, for all the harm we have done to them”. The glaciers of Antarctica, which are melting: "It will be terrible, because the sea level will rise and this will bring so many difficulties and so much harm. And why? Global warming, by not caring for the environment, not caring for the common home ".
The situation of the Church in China has become increasingly worse since the signing of the agreement. The concordat with Nazi Germany in 1933 gave the Church freedom for a few months. Then crucifixes were removed from the schools; Catholic associations were brought back under the Nazi party; everyone was obliged to study Nazism. Fritz Stern: The concordat with the Holy See boosted Hitler's respectability in Germany and abroad.
According to a panel of three judges, Washington has failed to prove that Chinese misconduct justified tariffs imposed in 2018. The Trump administration has imposed tariffs of € 350 billion. Beijing asks them to respect the verdict. The White House responds the WTO is inadequate to deal with Chinese violations. Experts: the verdict will have no practical effect.
At the end of last year, thousands of residents of the north-western city of Lanzhou were stricken with brucellosis, a highly contagious disease caused by contaminants from a state-owned biopharmaceutical factory. Although local officials said the disease would heal itself over time, many residents are still suffering from it.
For Fr. Francis Hu, a priest from central China, the "experts" celebrating the agreement have no idea of the real situation in China and the Church. Since the agreement was signed, the sale of Christian material on the internet has been blocked; churches and crosses continue to be destroyed; minors are prohibited from entering church or receiving religious formation. The agreement risks being just a political gesture, which has no relevance for Catholics in China.
For Prof Sumanasiri Liyanage, China’s growing presence in the region will increase tensions with India. Delhi and Washington are pressing smaller countries in the area, including Sri Lanka, to distance themselves from China. There are doubts about the benefits of the BRI for the poorest strata of the population.
The meeting to resolve issues in investment agreement between China and the European Union. EU: We want an agreement, but only if it's worth it. The Union presses on respect for human rights. Chinese President: We don't accept lessons from Europeans.
Videos with his homilies in Spanish get an average of 100,000 visits per week. The prelate takes to heart the Gospel's call to preach to everyone, because Christ "changes the life of those who receive him in their hearts". He is a bridge between Asian and Latin American cultures. He is close to Pope Francis. For him, "With the pandemic we are returning to the basics, i.e. life.”
Reinhard Bütikofer, co-chairperson of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, says that the European Union must take a firm stance in today's summit with Xi Jinping. For him, “Europe cannot allow Beijing leaders to bully any of our member states or our partners”. China's peaceful rise has turned hegemonic. China has breached the Sino-Vatican agreement.
