This is the Chinese president’s second trip to Vietnam in less than 18 months to reboot strategic cooperation with the communist country to deal with US tariffs. The visit is part of a regional tour that includes Malaysia and Cambodia. Meanwhile, Cambodia sent Taiwanese citizens to China accused of working in online scam centres.
Despite criticism from several international organisations, Pakistan launched the second phase of its forced repatriation plan for Afghan refugees, which began in 2023. The lives of Afghan human rights activists and members of the former pro-Western regime are at risk. For Pakistani authorities, expulsions are a way to pressure the Taliban, accused of supporting terrorist groups operating in Pakistan.
Sri Lankan authorities have announced plans to improve early treatment for autistic children, who number at least 9,000 according to the latest data. Plans include setting up model kindergartens, creating teacher training programmes, and implementing a single preschool education policy. For Minister Paulraj, active monitoring can provide autistic children with equal opportunities “toward a healthy developmental path”.
The police denied permission for the Palm Sunday initiative that had been held for years, gathering thousands of faithful, for reasons of ‘public order’. The Catholic association protests in the metropolis where BJP nationalists have recently returned to government: ‘Other communities and political groups are allowed processions and gatherings: the authorities must guarantee respect for religious freedom and equality’.
After the new raid on the Anglican hospital, the parish priest talks about the celebrations in a church perceived as a ‘safe place, even if no place is’ in the Strip. The pain of the death of a child due to the bombings. ‘There is no sign of détente’. The request for prayers and gratitude for the closeness of Pope Francis who ‘continues to call us’.
Today's news: Criminal trial of former president Yoon for martial law opens in Seoul; Dhaka reintroduces the phrase ‘except Israel’ on passports; Myanmar celebrates the Water Festival among earthquake ruins; Osaka World Exhibition opens with 160 countries and regions present; Delhi deploys troops in West Bengal to stem the bloody protests over approval of the Waqf law.
