Stories about East Asia from June, 2022
Why gender dissent and queer sci-fi can challenge surveillance: An interview with artist Shu Lea Cheang
Cyberpunk artist Shu Lea Cheang explores the issues of surveillance through the prism of queer activism, sexual dissident history and data art installation to challenge the public's acceptance of control.
What the world needs now: A new deal in a reformed global economic system
"The prosperous East Asian nations (Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore and Hong Kong, and China at the lower income margins) have been the greatest assets for growth of the world system for some time now."
Hong Kong paints the city red for the 25th anniversary of its handover to China
The city has been adorned with China’s national flags and Hong Kong’s regional flags, creating a sea of red. Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to attend the grand celebrations
Filming for the rights of the Papuan people and land
"I cried when I saw the nature around me being destroyed. I felt called to make films about the environment that motivated me to join the Papuan Voices film community."
Malaysian lawyers behind ‘walk for judicial independence’ facing police probe
"The actions of the police have set a bad example for the citizenry, as it conveys the message that citizens are not free to exercise their constitutional rights ..."
Memes, mourning and metaphors as Hong Kong's iconic Jumbo Floating Restaurant sinks in South China Sea
Hongkongers have been sharing memes and metaphors, as well as conspiracy theories in reaction to the sinking of the city's iconic floating restaurant in the South China Sea.
Decoding Chinese online lexicon: How Jade came to represent the Chinese President Xi Jinping
Overseas Chinese dissidents have successfully reinterpreted the term “Fei Cui” (jade) to mean “negating Xi” and “Xi dies.”
The battle of crypto dreams in Myanmar
Myanmar’s crypto revolution is at the beginning of the tug of war between repression and resistance, and will play a critical role in Myanmar’s political revolution.
Women refugee claimants are disenfranchised by gender-blind screening in Hong Kong
Refugees in Hong Kong face discrimination, a biased claimant process, and social pressure — particularly among women and vulnerable populations.
Pacific groups celebrate Ocean Week by opposing deep sea mining
Various Pacific groups celebrated Ocean Week and Ocean Day on June 8 by calling on officials to reject deep-sea mining (DSM) in the region.
Meet the team behind the Bangkok Pride Parade
After a hiatus of nearly two decades, the Pride Parade returned to Bangkok, Thailand, on June 5, drawing crowds of LGBTQ+ community members, sex workers, feminists, political dissidents, and corporate advocates.
China's wavering position on Russia's invasion of Ukraine threatens its legacy at home and abroad
As Beijing struggles on policy in Eastern Europe, its ambiguous support of the Russian invasion is threatening peace advocates in Ukraine and China.
An ice cream treat exposes the paradoxical nature of June 4th censorship in China
The censorship of Li Jiaqi has indicated a paradox: If one wants to stay away from politically sensitive topics, he has to learn all the forbidden topics.
How Artificial Intelligence could influence Zimbabwe’s 2023 elections
When technologies are adopted in the absence of a solid legal framework and strict safeguards, they pose significant threats to privacy and personal security.
Please don't call the Myanmar military ‘Tatmadaw’
"I humbly ask international readers to make an effort to understand the current situation. And the first step in doing that is to use the correct terms for the military."
Timor-Leste journalists challenge restrictions and assert their right to question China’s foreign minister
"The youngest independent nation and the most fledgling press in the Asia-Pacific, has finally shown how it’s done. Tackle the Chinese media gatekeepers and creeping authoritarianism. . . "
Kenya's controversial Expressway speeds past budget while displacing thousands
In a city where walking is the default means of transport for many who cannot afford public transport, the majority of Kenyans can’t afford to use the new road.
Tiananmen Massacre vigils are banned in Hong Kong, though memorials persist across the world
Hongkongers were warned not to test the law and the authorities’ determination in enforcing the law.
Decolonizing data to tackle digital authoritarianism
Data colonialism is similar to traditional colonialism in terms of its appropriation of human life. States thus use their ownership of data to regulate the behaviors and cultural and religious practices of minorities.
The Economist draws fire after criticizing independent media in Myanmar
The Economist published a piece calling out local Myanmar media for “painting an overly optimistic picture of the war.” Local journalists fired back, accusing the Economist of promoting military-backed misinformation.
Chinese nationalists scapegoat feminists and LGBTQ+ people for the declining birth rate
"This government is so consistent in treating women's body as a tool for its economic development goals, and in violating women's reproductive choice and bodily autonomy."
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