Our editors will be looking ahead today to these developing stories ...
Catholics march for religious freedom
The Hong Kong Catholic Diocese's Justice and Peace Commission protests against oppression of religious freedom on the mainland with a march to the central government's liaison office in Western. The rally follows reports that two priests in Harbin were taken away by officials on July 5 without any reasons given. It was also reported that the new auxiliary bishop of Shanghai, Thaddeus Ma Daqin (left), has been banned from carrying out his duties after announcing at the weekend that he was quitting the government-sanctioned Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association.
Envoy's visit may herald Korean activist's release
South Korean media will be watching closely to see whether a visit to Seoul by Beijing's public security minister brings any good news for an activist held in China for allegedly helping North Korean defectors. Meng Jianzhu starts his three-day visit to Seoul tomorrow and is expected to meet South Korean Foreign Minister Kim Sung-hwan and justice ministry officials. Citing diplomatic sources, the Yonhap news agency said Kim Yong-hwan, a senior researcher for a Seoul-based civic group arrested in March in Dalian, is likely to be released at the time of Meng's visit.
Australian treasurer attends HK forum on yuan
Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer Wayne Swan (left) and Financial Secretary John Tsang Chun-wah give the keynote addresses at a forum at the government offices in Admiralty, on China's efforts to promote international use of the yuan for trade and investment. The forum is presented by the Australian government, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau.