内容摘要：“This is clearly a case of the Chinese Communist Party fabricating a pretext to stir up trouble. When it comes to infiltration, cyberattacks, cognitive warfare and gray-zone threats, the CCP is by far the most serious perpetrator,” said Michael Chen, the DPP’s acting director of International Affairs. Gray-zone warfare refers to offensive tactics short of open combat.

“This is clearly a case of the Chinese Communist Party fabricating a pretext to stir up trouble. When it comes to infiltration, cyberattacks, cognitive warfare and gray-zone threats, the CCP is by far the most serious perpetrator,” said Michael Chen, the DPP’s acting director of International Affairs. Gray-zone warfare refers to offensive tactics short of open combat.

That changed after the shoguns began to see Christianity as a threat. The crackdown that followed in the early 17th century was fierce, with thousands killed and the remaining believers chased underground.As Japan opened up to foreign influence, a dozen Hidden Christians clad in kimono cautiously declared their faith, and their remarkable perseverance, to a French Catholic priest in March 1865 in Nagasaki city.

Many became Catholics after Japan formally lifted the ban on Christianity in 1873.But others chose to stay Kakure Kirishitan (Hidden Christians), continuing to practice what their ancestors preserved during their days underground.In interviews with The Associated Press, Hidden Christians spoke of a deep communal bond stemming from a time when a lapse could doom a practitioner or their neighbors.

Hidden Christians were forced to hide all visible signs of their religion after the 1614 ban on Christianity and the expulsion of foreign missionaries. Households took turns hiding precious ritual objects and hosting the secret services that celebrated both faith and persistence.Masatsugu Tanimoto, from left, Yoshitaka Oishi and Yoshinori Yamamoto chant Orasho, recitation of Latin chants, in the Ikitsuki Island Museum “Shima no Yakata” at Ikitsuki Island in Hirado, southern Japan, Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)

Masatsugu Tanimoto, from left, Yoshitaka Oishi and Yoshinori Yamamoto chant Orasho, recitation of Latin chants, in the Ikitsuki Island Museum “Shima no Yakata” at Ikitsuki Island in Hirado, southern Japan, Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)

This still happens today, with the observance of rituals unchanged since the 16th century.ISLAMABAD (AP) — Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to

that is required once in a lifetime of every Muslim who can afford it and is physically able to do it.It is a spiritual highlight for those fortunate enough to go, but it is also grueling and stressful.

Pilgrims conduct their rituals outdoors, among huge crowds, walking up to 25 kilometers (15 miles) a day. There is often no privacy or personal space. Languages, routines and surroundings can feel unfamiliar, and the emotional impact of doing the Hajj can also take its toll.Here are some ways to be well at the Hajj.