Stories about East Asia from February, 2020
What kind of rumours were circulating during the 2020 Taiwan presidential election?
"...a majority of the rumors were aimed at dividing the Taiwanese society. They provoke people’s emotions and split the community into two political camps."
Migrant workers in Thailand organize against exploitation by the country's fishing industry
Off the shores of Thailand, a seafood industry flourishes. Here, debt-bondage and slavery are standard workplace practices. But workers are organizing unions to fight back against exploitation.
Verifying the 2020 presidential elections: An interview with the Taiwan Fact Check Center
For the first time, the Taiwan Fact Check Center fact-checked the live, televised 2020 presidential debates on December 29, 2019.
Can the anti-infiltration law successfully block pro-Beijing media in Taiwan?
Pro-Beijing media outlet announced it would leave the Taiwanese market in protest over the anti-infiltration law in Taiwan.
Political beliefs divide generations and strain family ties in Taiwan
While the outcome of the Taiwan 2020 presidential election is settled, generational conflicts continue.
Indonesian superhero cartoon fights for the environment and the Balinese language
"The inspiration for the creation of the superhero character of Luh Ayu Manik Mas is the strong, tough and resilient Balinese women who themselves are like superheroes."
Hong Kong's labor laws aid and abet the abuse of foreign domestic workers
Hong Kong immigration rules such as the one that requires foreign domestic workers to live with their employers are putting women's safety at risk, activists say.
Is the coronavirus epidemic China's ‘Chernobyl moment'?
"It is a system that turns every natural disaster into an even greater man-made catastrophe."
#OustDuterte trends as Filipinos criticize government's response to the coronavirus
"How to prevent Corona Virus? 1. Proper hygiene 2. Stay indoors as much as possible 3. Use face masks daily 4. #OustDuterte"
Semi-quarantined: Living with the coronavirus outbreak in Hong Kong
"The park is half-empty, but we have decided to let our daughter enjoy a few hours of daily sunshine. We are determined not to let ourselves be overwhelmed by fear."
Public outcry over Wuhan coronavirus leads to blame game in China
Despite Beijing's claims, the central government bears significant responsibility for the mismanagement of crucial information in the early stages of the coronavirus outbreak.
Controversy in Malaysia: Do Facebook posts about the coronavirus amount to ‘circulating rumors’?
"...while I agree some restrictions are necessary in times of crisis, dragging someone under the Penal Code is unjustified. Restrictions need not be through punitive measures in this case."
Coronavirus death of whistleblower Li Wenliang sets Chinese social media on fire
The manipulation around his death became obvious. Li Wenliang became an icon as people have come to see his life and death as a reflection of their own fate.
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