Stories about East Asia from May, 2015
These Maps Show Where Cambodian Journalists Have Been Killed and Harassed
The Cambodian Center for Human Rights has launched a portal documenting the human rights violations experienced by Cambodian journalists. Cambodia's constitution guarantees freedom of speech but journalists are still harassed...
What Does Japanese Prime Minister Abe's Ignorance of the Potsdam Declaration Actually Mean?
Has Prime Minister Abe really never read the Potsdam Declaration? Or is his professed ignorance a signal he rejects Japan's postwar pacifism?
Women Entrepreneurs Are Blossoming Amid China's E-Commerce Boom. But Can They Peg Back Patriarchy?
"What I see is Ma’s fear as a male leader of increasing female power, having already made so much money from women."
Despite Attacks by Guards and Thugs, These Factory Workers in the Philippines Remain on Strike
About 90 percent of the workforce in the factory are contractuals or temporary workers. The striking workers were violently dispersed by goons reportedly hired by the company.
Chinese Authorities Leap to Discredit Detained Citizens’ Rights Activist
"Now wicked people have taken control and good people are in jail."
An Online Joke Captures China's Censorship Practices
Letscorp, a site devoted to bridging information across Chinese speaking communities, reposted an online joke on Twitter that vividly captures mainland Chinese censorship practices. 老大：官员好不好，百姓说了算。宣传部：我补充一句，大多数百姓不明真相。团中央：没事，我们有一千万网评员保证舆论。公安：还有漏网的我们就抓。央视：再让他们嫖娼。环球：就说他们收了美国人的钱。外交部发言人：依据相关法律和政策，我国有充分言论自由。人民日报：你瞧，这是人民的选择嘛 — 墙外楼 (@letscorp) May 28,...
Political Memes, Welcome to Myanmar
The era of Internet memes has arrived in Myanmar, where the online phenomenon has become a popular way to discuss various social and political topics, particularly upcoming elections.
Why a Meme Compares China's Flood of Retail Investors to a Pig at Slaughter
After months of touting for rising prices, the Communist Party newspaper People's Daily posted a cautionary note this month, warning that stock trading is “high risk.”
Robot Commenters Accidentally Expose Themselves on China's Weibo Platform
Patrick Wong contributed to this post. Chinese netizens are having a good laugh over the mechanized missteps of government-controlled robot commenters, who have been criticizing messages sent by their own...
Philippines’ Deadliest Ever Factory Fire Linked to Lax Labor Standards
An initial probe reveals that the factory violated several occupational health and safety standards, despite the government's assurances to the contrary.
Singapore Bans Music Video for Its Pro-LGBT Content
"How ironic is it that on the same day Singapore bans a song with gay marriage content, Ireland votes in favor of it?"
Leaked Emails Reveal Details of China's Online ‘Youth Civilization Volunteers’
'Speak out in a timely way and positively guide mistaken opinions and thoughts in order to grow mainstream thought and sentiment on the Internet.'
Southeast Asia Migration Routes and Statistics
The International Organization for Migration has released a map showing the routes taken by boat refugees from Bangladesh and Myanmar when they sought shelter in several Southeast Asian countries. As...
Thailand Police Detains Student Protesters During Coup Anniversary
"We cannot build a democratic society if we lack freedom, liberty, rights, justice, and reconciliation."
What Should Singapore's Response to the Rohingya Refugee Crisis Be?
Singapore has remained aloof during the migrant crisis in Southeast Asia, saying that the island cannot accept refugees. But should the city-state do more?
Human Rights Lawyer's Indictment Marks the Beginning of a ‘Weibo Inquisition’ in China
Pu Zhiqiang was indicted on charges of "inciting ethnic hatred" and "picking quarrels and provoking a disturbance." The case against him is based on about 30 online postings he wrote.
Police Shoot a Man Dead. Justified Force or China's ‘Stability Maintenance’ at Work?
A man was shot after fighting with an officer inside a train station. To many, it was violence typical of government efforts to maintain stability at all costs.
Japan's ‘Employment Ice Age’ Is Over for New Grads
The April 2015 employment rate of 96.7 percent for new post-secondary graduates has surpassed the 2008 employment rate, just prior to the start of the long global economic downturn.
Amateur Cartoonist Lands Radioactive Drone on Japanese Prime Minister's House
Yasuo Yamamoto's drone carried a small amount of radioactive soil from Fukushima. Japanese netizens quickly discovered that he maintained a blog and published original manga of an unsettling nature.
Thailand’s Section 44 Could Be Worse Than Martial Law
Thailand is no longer under martial law, but a new security law gave the army broad and 'unlimited' powers in the civilian government.
Despite Protests, Malaysia Still Plans to Build a Mega Dam That Could Displace 20,000 Indigenous People
"It is built for the benefit of others rather than those who live in Baram and for the long term good of the Baram."
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