Stories about East Asia from May, 2024
Azerbaijan's President Aliyev cozies up to authoritarian leaders
In all of these cases, Azerbaijani government and its leadership got away with its dubious financial transactions and deals all the while, building new friendships and cracking down on freedoms.
Africans remain largely invisible in Taiwan
In Taiwan, Africa remains largely invisible, so when Africa Day is marked annually on May 25, it offers a rare occasion for African cultures to be celebrated, albeit for just one day.
Hong Kong's first domestic security arrest targets Tiananmen activist Chow Hang-tung and her supporters
Ahead of the 35th anniversary of June 4, HK police said the Facebook posts made use of an “upcoming sensitive date” to incite hatred against the central and Hong Kong governments.
Bubble tea: A Taiwanese sip that evolved into a global sensation
"Its highly customizable nature not only lends itself to creativity but allows room for adaptation to meet the tastes of its audience worldwide."
Taiwan’s Lai Ching-te welcomed by supporters, as new leader faces domestic strife and Beijing sabre-rattling
Lai stressed his government would “neither yield, nor provoke,” but “maintain the status quo.”
Taiwan International Documentary Festival honors Myanmar filmmakers
Taipei hosted in May the 14th edition of the Taiwan Independent Documentary Festival showcasing over 200 movies with a focus on Myanmar, Ukraine, and Taiwan’s own history of documentary filmmaking.
Activists call for the shutdown of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office after three alleged spies were arrested in London
One of the three arrested is an employee of HKETO. The suspects were allegedly involved in the spying of Hong Kong activists in the U.K.
Taiwan balances complex identity tensions at presidential inauguration
May 20th marked the inauguration of the 8th President of the Republic of China in Taiwan, Lai Ching-te in a ceremony showcasing how Taiwan has reshaped its national narrative.
Can childbirth subsidies solve South Korea’s low birth rate?
As Korean women have become more independent, more are hesitant to bear the social cost of child rearing. Paradoxically, the anti-feminist males also hate marriage in public discourse.
Thai youth activist charged with royal defamation dies in custody
"This is a shocking reminder that Thai authorities are harshly denying pro-democracy activists their freedom in an apparent bid to silence the peaceful expression of dissent."
Google blocks access to pro-democracy protest song in Hong Kong after court ruling
In addition to the blocking of 32 YouTube videos, links to the videos on Google Search will no longer visible to users in Hong Kong
Southeast Asian media groups cite need for press freedom in dealing with extreme weather events
Southeast Asian media groups organized panels, protests, and pointed reports about the state of media freedoms in the region.
Government bid to ban ‘Glory to Hong Kong’ protest song approved by appeals court
The judges said that internet platforms are ready to accede to the government’s request if there is a court order.
Heatwave highlights climate vulnerabilities in Southeast Asia
South and Southeast Asia roasted in a record-setting heatwave that killed hundreds, forced some governments to close schools, and led to an uptick in health issues.
Forging bonds: People-to-People diplomacy between Taiwan and Somaliland
As traditional diplomatic norms face challenges, Taiwan and Somaliland, two states not recognized by the UN and a majority of countries, are pioneering a unique approach toward international relations.
Translating Taiwanese queer sci-fi literature into Spanish: Interview with Alberto Poza Poyatos
Taiwanese literature is finally getting international recognition after being often presented as a branch of Chinese literature in global events. Today Global voices interviews a Spanish translator of this literature.
Hong Kong ranks low on global press freedom index as watchdog cites ‘unprecedented’ setbacks
Hong Kong placed 135 out of 180 countries and territories in the Reporters Without Borders' 2024 press freedom ranking. While the city's ranking is +5, its score actually has fallen -1.8 points.
Reporters Without Borders releases 10 facts about media repression in Hong Kong
To commemorate World Press Freedom Day, let’s look into Reporters Without Borders' 10 facts about Hong Kong’s repressive media environment, with added local context.
String music performer Tsendsuren Enkhtur bridges Mongolian and Chinese repertoires
One less known trace of Mongolian–Chinese cultural hybridity can be found in music as both nations have a tradition of performing on bowed string instruments.
Cat lovers boost tourism in Taiwan village as feline residents revive once-flourishing mining town
A once-thriving coal mining town in Taiwan has reinvented itself as a tourist attraction and home to over 100 feline residents.
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