Trade unionist Lee Cheuk-yan, lawyer Chow Hang-tung, and former Legislative Council member Albert Ho, who have been in prison for more than four years, appeared in court this morning for the first hearing of one of the trials symbolizing the battle for democracy in Hong Kong. Accused of subversion, they face up to 10 years in prison. The prosecution: “There are no legitimate means to demand an end to the Communist Party's leadership in China.”
Seven people were killed in an attack claimed by the Islamic State of Khorasan Province (ISKP) in the commercial district of Shahr-e-Naw. The attack, which is part of a broader anti-Chinese jihadist campaign, reignites fears for the security of investments in Afghanistan. Beijing continues to maintain a diplomatic and economic presence, while internal divisions within the Taliban leadership complicate the political and security situation.
A complex system of corruption disguised as educational trips and remedial courses that never took place has come to light after complaints from the families of some students at the Technology and Business College. Faced with the nationwide outcry over the case, local authorities are shifting the blame. There are currently around 800 private universities operating in the country, with popularity levels now on a par with public universities.
Established by Pope Gregory XIII on 23 January 1576, it was the first in East Asia in the modern era and played a key role in the region’s evangelisation. St. Joseph's Seminary Church has been designated as a place of pilgrimage due to a special indulgence granted by the pope for this occasion. “Let the memory of the past become a compass for” today’s mission, writes Bishop Stephen Lee Bun-sang.
Three issues dominated online discussions in China at the end of last year, as do discussions about the crises in Venezuela and Iran today, reflecting an awakening in Chinese public opinion and a renewed thirst for the truth, beyond government propaganda about phoney prosperity.
The agreement, the result of lengthy negotiations with the Trump administration, has been announced. Taiwan will receive the same treatment as Japan, South Korea and the European Union, but its companies are committed to building plants in the United States: TSMC is expected to open at least five factories. Beijing: ‘Taipei is like a turtle in a jar to us.’
