Stories about East Asia
How tech companies enable censorship in Vietnam
"Our findings show a concerning situation where these companies almost always comply with an increasing number of content moderation requests from the Vietnamese government."
Indonesia’s new government pushes transmigration plan, stirring protests in Papua
"Transmigration has produced structural discrimination in education, land rights, and employment. There is high level of income and wealth inequality between Papuans and Indonesians, while migrants dominate the labour market."
Forty-five Hong Kong pro-democracy activists jailed up to 10 years in landmark national security case
The U.S government said the 45 were punished for peaceful participation in political activities under the protection of Basic Law while the HK government insisted on the severity of the crime.
Reflections on youth-led movements against state repression in Bangladesh and Indonesia
Grassroots approaches not only ensure the continuity of the movement but could also strengthen solidarity and trust among protesters, deepening the connection to local communities, which is vital for sustained resistance.
The second scramble for Africa: The EU’s Global Gateway Strategy
The EU is looking to offer an alternative to China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). But will it's Global Gateway Strategy be a boon for the continent or perpetuate colonial patterns?
China's impact on the Rogun Dam Project in Tajikistan
Tajikistan's Rogun Dam Project is one of the most ambitious hydroelectric projects in the world. Do the ballooning costs, environmental concerns, and human rights abuses outweigh the potential benefits?
Mass killings leave dozens dead, rattling Chinese society
After a spate of mass attacks in China where the perpetrators were supposedly ‘taking revenge on society’, some are calling for reform and greater social support.
China's investment in agriculture in Tajikistan: A focus on growth and pesticide use
Beginning in 2012, Tajikistan leased around 18,000 hectares of arable land to China for agricultural cultivation. Over ten years later, how has this turned out for the Tajik economy and its farmers?
Influx of student bike riders from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng overwhelm Chinese authorities
While the state initially encouraged student "night riders" who were biking from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng for steamed buns, overcrowding and politically sensitive messaging led the government to clamp down on the bikers.
Impunity continues to threaten the work of journalists across Southeast Asia
"While there is inherent risk in journalism and media work, attacks against journalists cannot be normalized."
What will a second Trump presidency in the US mean for Taiwan?
While some believe that there won't be fundamental disruption to US policy under the Trump administration, others worry about possibility of Trump trading off Taiwan to China.
Hong Kong filmmaker Johnnie To slammed after saying city had ‘no soul’ in BBC interview
"I have always insisted on filming in Hong Kong. In fact, Hong Kong is very important to me. I think there is no soul now..."
Activists sound alarm over rising forced disappearance cases in the Philippines
"No marker…no name carved in stone yet we remember those who have disappeared. They will forever live in our defiance."
Hong Kong education experts weigh options for addressing student suicide problem
As suicides are on the rise among young people in Hong Kong, some suggest that adopting traditional Chinese values and cultural practices can solve the student suicide problem.
Uncertain fate for Thailand’s amnesty bill amid royal defamation controversy
According to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, since the 2006 coup, at least 5,027 people have been prosecuted for exercising their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
Chinese police ban ‘weird’ costumes and round up partygoers ahead of Halloween
Shanghai police were deployed in full force over the weekend to crack down on Halloween activities amid concerns that revelers might appear in politically sensitive costumes. They continued celebrating regardless.
A eulogy for Myanmar’s immortals
"They died truly great deaths, because they gave their lives: for the people, for the country, and for future generations, to rebuild their battered country."
The 2024 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences triggers debates on China’s economic growth
A few critical voices are using three Nobel laureates' research to argue for institutional reform in China. Critics say change is essential to address the country's economic woes.
Papuan news outlet Jubi attacked with Molotov bomb
"If press freedom continues to be intimidated, what's at stake is not only the right of journalists, but also the public's right to obtain information that is truthful, and balanced."
What is behind China’s latest military drills around Taiwan?
As pointed out by many China observers, the unprovoked drills aim at manifesting China’s ability to strangle or choke, if not takedown, Taiwan in a swift manner.
Taiwan’s presence in Somaliland: Interview with Ambassador Allen Lou
Taiwan and Somaliland, two unrecognized states, form a unique diplomatic partnership based on democratic values, countering China's influence in Africa through sustainable development initiatives and mutual recognition of sovereignty.
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