Featured stories about East Asia
Stories about East Asia
25 May 2020
Foreign Correspondent's Club of Japan accused of censorship after taking down Tokyo Olympics parody
The April issue of the club's magazine featured the Tokyo Olympics' emblem depicted in the shape of a coronavirus, which reportedly prompted copyright complaints from the Olympic Organising Committee.
22 May 2020
Labour, migrant rights under spotlight as Thailand wrestles with COVID-19 impact
Fearing instability, the Thai government is failing to protect the labor rights of both Thai nationals and migrant workers.
20 May 2020
Following COVID-19 closure, Ghibli Museum posts mini-tours online
One of Japan's most beloved tourist attractions is offering short virtual tours on YouTube.
18 May 2020
A glimpse at Thailand's digital ID through the biometric profiling of Malay Muslims
"The discriminatory nature of these measures could amount to racial profiling, which subjects Malay Muslims to disproportionate and unnecessary surveillance based on ethnic prejudice rather than objective signs of suspicion."
16 May 2020
Hong Kong reveals the city's agenda to construct an Orwellian ‘truth’
The release of a report on the police's use of force in protests seems to be "part of a wider set of coordinated announcements designed to deliver the new ‘truth’".
Photo contest asks Rohingya community to document their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic
A photography competition for Rohingya people is being held from April 23 – August 23, 2020, featuring two broad categories – “Rohingya life” and “Response to Coronavirus” and entries can...
12 May 2020
COVID-19 diaries from Wuhan: ‘People cannot grieve freely for their relatives. How repressive!’
"After the storm, we will need to rebuild our lives like those blown-down buildings."
China to its anxious youth: ‘Believe us, things are better in your day!’
"We have to struggle for our rights, not sit and wait. Youth in China should yell out -- we want freedom of press!"
11 May 2020
COVID-19 diaries from Wuhan: ‘A person can survive the pandemic but not bullying, fear, and hatred’
People are asked to report their status to the grid controller and health code system everyday in exchange of mobility after the lifting of lockdown.
9 May 2020
Thailand's homeless particularly at risk amid COVID-19 pandemic
"Since I didn’t have enough money to go home, I decided to become a homeless person and stay here."
As tourism declines in Cambodia, tuk-tuk drivers are down and out in Phnom Penh
"Today, I have not provided one service, and tomorrow, I’m not sure whether one will come or not. Probably finding a construction job is better."
7 May 2020
Taiwan refuses to deport caregiver who ‘insulted’ Philippine president on Facebook
"I felt that they listened to what I was trying to say, and it shows that they do value democracy here in Taiwan."
Hong Kong protesters make online game their new home during pandemic
Hong Kong's protesters are aching to take to the streets again. In the meantime, they are taking to their screens.
6 May 2020
Are Japanese ‘murder hornets’ invading North America?
It's unlikely they will murder you, but they pose a serious threat to apiaries.
COVID-19 diaries from Wuhan: What future after the pandemic?
"It is natural for us to feel lucky that we stayed alive. However, what about our society? Will it have more respect for human life and rights?"
4 May 2020
Netizens from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand brew ‘Milk Tea Alliance’ against Chinese speech police
Stars who depend on China's lucrative market have to watch what they say. Ordinary netizens? Not so much.
China and Australia brawl over call for independent investigation of COVID-19 origins
'Australia is “gum stuck to the bottom of China’s shoe”, huh? Ok, well, it’s time for Australia to rethink trade and other agreements with China if they don’t like criticism'
2 May 2020
COVID-19 diaries from Wuhan: Surrounded by walls of glass
"Even if you are courageous you are surrounded by walls made of glass. You try smashing through them, but they are always there."
30 April 2020
A feeling of hopelessness: Interview with a Uyghur refugee in Turkey
The Chinese government policy of racial and religious profiling has forced young Uyghurs to leave China and remain in exile.
COVID-19 diaries from Wuhan: Chinese netizens’ tribute to whistleblower Dr. Ai Fen
There are still people who are brave enough to speak up, and we value these people and try our best to spread their messages.
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.
