The middle class grows, but inequality increases. Galloping corruption, total party control over the people, an ambiguous relationship with China. Bamboo diplomacy. Vietnam’s first impression is of spectacular economic development: modern districts of high-rise residential buildings, vast shopping malls, heavy urban traffic where cars now compete with myriads of motorcycles and where the bicycles of…
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The succession of the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism involves the search for his reincarnation. The current Dalai Lama was indicated in 1937. Beijing wants to have its say on the next leader, but the religious authorities (in exile) are not on board. The possible geopolitical implications. Amdo region, in north-eastern Tibet. It is 1937,…
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Taiwan produces nearly two-thirds of the world’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) servers and plans to continue its investments and partnerships to remain at the forefront of AI research and innovation applicable to many industries. In full bloom, artificial intelligence promises exponential developments in the semiconductor industry that Taiwan cannot ignore, indeed. This is demonstrated by the…
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Among the ethnic groups of the Indian state of West Bengal, the missionaries accompany a Christian community that is very poor but proud of its roots. A single asphalt road winds through the brilliant green of tea shrubs. Arriving in the evening, along the way you come across motorbike headlights or cell phone flashlights. Groups…
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Four religious people have chosen to live in a hermitage community in the southeast of the Philippines, to live in silence and solitude, and to awaken people’s interest in preserving nature and making it more productive. The Mary Mediatrix Hermitage in the landlocked province of North Cotabato sets an example on how to preserve nature,…
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Grasping the fresh, light green shoots in her hand, she separates them from the plants and tosses them into the cloth bag tied with a band around her forehead. A gesture that the women of Darjeeling will repeat thousands of times. A life made of sacrifices and suffering. But the Salesian schools try to give…
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Former Burma has become an open-air prison since the military junta took power three years ago. Little news manages to arrive from a country where communications are precarious. Kayah State is one of the worst affected. The testimony of the bishop of Loikaw and the story of the missionaries in the refugee camps on the…
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Non-Christians venerate Mary in Asia. Mary stands as an interreligious bridge that belongs to everyone. She is the most universal religious figure on the continent. Professor Michael Chamboni, coordinator of the Asian Catholic Studies Initiative, explains why. At Novena church, the most famous church in Singapore, it is not uncommon to see Muslim and Hindu…
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China is investing more and more in Central Asia, especially because of Russia’s weakened position, as the region’s historic economic partner. Beijing is realizing commercial projects in various strategic sectors, primarily in the energy sector with investments in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. In recent years, China has increasingly deepened trade relations with Central Asia, carrying out…
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Central Asia plays a crucial role in the geopolitical agenda of many countries, including those of the European Union. The region is rich in mineral resources and fossil fuels, as well as being a crossroads for trade routes with the rest of Asia. Central Asia includes a group of five states, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan…
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In a historic step, the Hanoi government has invited Pope Francis to visit the country. We talk with Mons. Nguyen Anh Tuan, bishop of Ha Tinh “New climate, trusting us more.” The Catholic community in Vietnam makes up one of the most vibrant Churches in Asia today, with 7 million faithful in a country of…
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Under the Pol Pot regime, the Church lost everything: bishops, priests, men and women religious and catechists. Since the 90s it has emerged from the catacombs and is slowly growing in numbers as well as in social commitment. Monday, April 14, 1975, was an overcast afternoon. From his window, Father Joseph Chhmar Salas watched as…
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The river is sacred to the Kukama people, who believe that their ancestors reside on the river floor. They are ready to protect the Marañón…
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Like the other farmers, Taro also grew rice, wheat, and vegetables, living in peace and contentment. However, things never remain the same. One time, there was no rainfall,…
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From 24 to 27 July, hundreds of young people from the Comboni youth movements across Europe will gather in Milan, Verona, and Florence, Italy, in preparation…
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