Stories about East Asia from March, 2023
Micronesia’s president accuses China of bribery and ‘political warfare’
"What else do you call it when an elected official is given an envelope filled with money after a meal at the PRC Embassy or after an inauguration?"
Photos stolen, compensation denied: The plight of Rohingya Photographers
The works of Rohingya photographers were used by international non-profits and media houses without consent or paying for them. Global Voices interviewed journalist and filmmaker Shafiur Rahman to learn more.
Ahead of elections, Thai political parties commit to upholding digital rights
"Ahead of the upcoming elections in Thailand, political parties committed to recognising and incorporating the protection of digital rights in their agenda."
When a coup chases you into a corner: The lives of Burmese refugees in Thailand
"If I can, I would like to ask the Thai government to accept us and set up a centre for war refugees. The people who come here aren’t evil people."
‘Winnie the Pooh’ horror film pulled in Hong Kong
HK's censor approved the film, but it was later axed without explanation. Mainland Chinese censors regularly ban images of the cartoon bear as many compare it to Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Taiwanese ex-president Ma Ying-jeou’s visit to China sparks speculation
It's clear that the KMT is eager to reestablish relations with China without upsetting Taiwan’s autonomy, yet Ma’s visit will be politically difficult as few are likely to embrace him.
Has China lost its edge in Venezuela?
China developed a new regional approach in Latin America after Venezuela's financial crises.
Sino-Brazilian relations in 2023: Will Brazil join the Belt and Road Initiative?
On March 28, Brazil’s president, Lula, will visit China. Experts do not expect that the Belt and Road Intiative might be a topic between the two leaders.
LIVE on March 23: China's Belt & Road initiative—New cycle, or fundamental shift?
Join us on YouTube Live on March 23 for a discussion of how recent world events have shaped the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in China and in the Global South.
How Vietnam’s state trolls are undermining free speech and democracy
"We urge Meta to cross check systematically all reporting on human rights NGOs pages such as Viet Tan to avoid falling in trolls’ trap."
Malaysian police probe women’s march organizers for pro-LGBTQ+ posters
"In the last 3 years, there has been a resounding lack of movement by our government to protect and preserve the rights of women and other marginalised genders."
Kenya-China relations strained as new government grapples with a debt crisis
A dispute over a Chinese store is now at the heart of a simmering strained relationship as Kenya struggles to restructure its Chinese debt.
Turkey–China partnership: Is Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative not delivering enough?
Beijing and Ankara position themselves as partners and global players in an Asia-Middle East-Europe corridor. Yet despite China's grand statements about its investment in Turkey, little has materialized so far.
How did Chinese politics play out in the Oscars 2023?
The Oscars are always political. But this year, the 95th Annual Academy Awards has also been entangled with Chinese politics and controversies.
Veteran Hong Kong labor rights activist arrested on suspicion of foreign collusion
The 65-year-old labour rights activist Elizabeth Tang was arrested outside Stanley prison on suspicion of foreign collusion after visiting her husband Lee Chuek Yan who is charged with "inciting subversion."
Filipino drivers hold jeepney strike against the government’s phaseout plan
"The fight of drivers and operators also belongs to the people. Drivers will have no jeepneys to use. Millions will have to endure the lack of access to affordable transportation.
Behind the scenes: Chinese influence in North Macedonia
While investments from Chinese companies amounted to only two percent of the total Foreign Direct Investment in North Macedonia in 2021, China maintains influence in numerous sectors and industries.
Hong Kong: Women's workers rally cancelled amid arrest threats
A women’s rights group had planned a rally on March 5, ahead of International Women’s Day. But the rally was abruptly canceled after waves of political pressure emerged.
Chinese ‘white-hair’ protestors denounce medical insurance reform
Despite huge efforts made by official media outlets to highlight the positive side of the medical insurance reform, public distrust continues spreading.
Pacific voices call for urgent global climate action
Several initiatives highlight stories, narratives, and art performances that articulate the appeal of Pacific Island nations for a more decisive global action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Zero benefits for Albania from China's Belt and Road Initiative
The prime minister, during a recent official visit in Japan, stated he saw no economic benefits from what is left of China's "17+1" economic cooperation bloc with Eastern European nations
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