Featured stories about East Asia
Stories about East Asia
From Belarus to Thailand, Hong Kong’s spirit of resistance is nurturing grassroots protests elsewhere
While Hong Kong protests have influenced organisational and protest tactics in anti-authoritarian movements abroad, the current wave of grassroots uprisings, in turn, prompts Hongkongers to develop a transnational solidarity.
Myanmar 2020 election: ‘A critical moment in the consolidation of democratic transition’
"Transparency and frequent consultation with political parties, candidates and other stakeholders are crucial to the acceptance of the results."
Failing to portray protesters as violent, Thai government lifts severe state of emergency
The government failed to portray the protesters as aggressive and violent, causing a political backfire and pressuring authorities to step back.
Thailand's democracy protests reflect rising dissatisfaction over the monarchy
Criticizing the monarchy is a crime in Thailand yet protesters, especially young activists, continue to organize rallies calling for monarchy reforms.
Undaunted by the October 16 crackdown, protestors once again take to Bangkok’s streets
"There is no more staying neutral, either you side with democracy or side with dictatorship that uses power unfairly."
K-Pop band BTS targeted by Chinese netizens over Korean War comments
BTS leader Kim Nan-joon paid tribute to the U.S. and South Korea in the 70th anniversary of the war. Chinese netizens say he should have acknowledged Chinese deaths too.
Hong Kong civil servants forced to choose between freedom of expression and their jobs
Following the enactment of the national security law, Hong Kong authorities included a "loyalty clause" in civil servants' employment contracts.
Vietnamese activist and journalist Pham Doan Trang arrested for ‘anti-state propaganda’
"I don’t need freedom just for myself, that would be too easy. I want something much greater: freedom and democracy for all of Vietnam."
New literary magazine makes contemporary Japanese fiction accessible to English readers
The literary journal's debut issue translates a plethora of Japanese literature both old and new, and facilitates discussion about the translation itself.
New evidence indicates Hong Kong police helped China arrest 12 activists fleeing for Taiwan
On August 23, the activists fled Hong Kong by speedboat for Taiwan, where would seek asylum, but were intercepted by the Chinese coast guard and are now detained in Shenzen.
Thai ‘Bad Students’ protest against abuse in schools, call for Education Minister to resign
The protest highlighted the abuses inflicted on students in several Bangkok schools
On China's National Day, scripted interview with ‘patriotic’ Hong Kong citizen draws online mockery
Beijing attempted to present a pro-China protester as a grassroots Hong Kong citizen.
Ignored by the Pope, Hong Kong cardinal leaves Rome vowing to protest appointment of Beijing-blessed bishop
As the Holy See normalizes relationships with Beijing, a battle over the appointment of a new Hong Kong bishop ensues.
Trinh Ba Phuong: A video portrait of a Vietnamese land rights activist
"I’m essentially a farmer. I really don’t think of myself as an activist, because I don’t think I have enough ability or knowledge yet."
News website faces police probe in Singapore for boosting Facebook posts during elections
"We condemn the abuse of the law to harass independent media and critics. We denounce the lack of independence of the Singapore Elections Department."
Fearing the national security law, Hongkongers say farewell to their home city
"In Hong Kong, it is a crime to be young. My daughter, after a few years, would be in high school. I don’t want to see her getting arrested."
Chinese state-run TV distorts WHO scientist's remarks in viral video
The word "if" of Dr. Swaminathan's speech was removed from the video, and an originally subjunctive clause appeared to be indicative.
Thai activists share hopes and wishes during a night camp protest
“Meeting the kids in this generation again, I don’t want them to be 74 and still having to come and sit like this again. I want it to end already.”
A media adversary's long battle with Japan's new Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide
In the days leading up Suga's to ascension as prime minister of Japan, one longtime media adversary wondered what his leadership might mean for journalism in Japan.
The untold plight of imprisoned women in Africa, the Americas, and Asia under the pandemic
"Not only are women at risk of contracting COVID-19, they are also exposed to an increased threat of sexual violence during the pandemic."
About our East Asia coverage
Oiwan Lam is the North East Asia editor. Email her story ideas or volunteer to write.
Nevin Thompson is the Japan editor. Email him story ideas or volunteer to write.
