Stories about East Asia from October, 2024
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.
#FreeMechDara: Journalist who reported on cyber scams arrested in Cambodia
“The arrest of Mech Dara is a clear attempt to intimidate and silence him and other journalists in a country where press freedoms are routinely curtailed.”
Lone candidate Sam Hou Fai is now Macau’s designated Chief Executive
Sam Hou Fai was is the Casino hub's first executive leader to be born in Mainland China. The former judge has vowed to regulate the development of Macau’s gaming industry
Where are the leaders of Hong Kong’s 2014 Umbrella Movement now?
HKFP updates the whereabouts of Twelve leaders of 2014 Umbrellas Movement. They are Joshua Wong, Nathan Law, Benny Tai, Chan Kin-Man, Chu Yiu-ming, Alex Chow, Tanya Chan and more...
A Chinese mining company relocated a whole Peruvian town. Now, they are struggling to survive
In 2013, a Chinese mining company forcibly relocated a community of 5,000+ people in Peru. Ten years later, the community is living in poverty and the company has failed to honor its promises.
French museums participate in Beijing’s erasure of Tibetan identity
Two Paris museums have stopped using the word “Tibet” to describe collections of Tibetan cultural artifacts, thereby bowing to Beijing’s political and diplomatic pressure.
Indonesia lifts sea sand export ban, angering activists and coastal communities
After a 20-year ban, Indonesia is allowing companies to extract sea sand from its coastal waters. Activists say this will have devastating environmental consequences and could negatively impact coastal communities.
Hong Kong police told a US tech firm to take down diaspora media site on national security grounds
Flow HK's editor said police suspected the media outlet of committing offences including secession, subversion, and collusion under the Beijing-imposed security law, as well as sedition under Article 23.
Proposed mandatory halal certification for restaurants leads to criticism and a police probe in Malaysia
"The government must create a safe space for diverse perspectives to be voiced and debated without fear of retaliation. Investigating legislators for raising valid concerns undermines governance and public participation."
X overtakes WeChat in spreading Chinese disinformation about the 2024 US presidential elections
Many mainland Chinese influencers have migrated away from WeChat thanks to China’s censorship policies and resettled on X in recent years. They're turning their attention to the 2024 US Presidential Elections.
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