Stories about East Asia from 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.
Japanese superfood can't combat COVID-19, but may prolong your life
In mid-March, a consumer research company in Japan found that nearly 40 percent of Japanese people they surveyed incorporated special foods into their diet in order to "boost their immune systems."
To fight COVID-19 in Myanmar, a call to end the war and internet shutdown in Arakan region
"During the global pandemic, we need to stop the war and internet shutdown to fight COVID-19 in Rakhine."
COVID-19 diaries from Wuhan: A fake performance
They yelled out from their windows “fake, fake, it is all formalist performance”. This is not the first time the people in Wuhan express their resentment.
‘Clean city-state’ image of Singapore shows double-standards in its treatment of migrants in times of COVID-19
"....even if you do most things right, if you're not considering or proactively looking out for the most vulnerable and marginalised in society, you're not going to effectively fight #COVID19."
COVID-19 diaries from Wuhan: Feelings of insecurity
I want to go to the park to take a stroll after the lockdown is lifted...
Top Japanese pop stars upload music to YouTube to boost spirits during lockdown
With their spring and summer stadium tours canceled, a variety of Japanese pop superstars decided to help lift the spirits of fans who were now largely confined to home.
Beijing stages crackdowns on Hong Kong’s opposition amid COVID-19 pandemic
Over a span of just five days, the city saw its legislature, judiciary, legal system and civil society come under threat.
COVID-19 diaries from Wuhan: Volunteers collect help messages during the pandemic
Domestic violence is emerging in the pandemic and volunteers are keeping records of their stories.
Fighting the COVID-19 ‘Infodemic’ in the Asia-Pacific
EngageMedia lists some of the media initiatives addressing the COVID-19 "Infodemic' across the Asia-Pacific region
Malaysia orders ‘stern action’ against media misreporting government statements on COVID-19
"Resorting to censorship, especially in its extreme form, in a time of crisis reflects the insecurity of the government of the day."
From Brazil to Kosovo to the Philippines, confined citizens protest from their windows
People all over the world have been banging pots and pans to attract the attention of politicians and decision-makers in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ghost cities in a COVID-19 world
Videos of empty cities from around the world curated by Global Voices' contributors.
Africans in China targeted by xenophobia amid fear of second-wave COVID-19 outbreak
China has seen a surge in the number of imported COVID-19 cases and the African community has become an easy target for "virus control" and xenophobic sentiments.
COVID-19 diaries from Wuhan: Waiting for the lifting of the lockdown
"There are more than 30,000 confirmed cases in Wuhan, and we will wait for a long time before the lockdown is lifted."
While industry booms, China's ‘mask diplomacy’ stumbles on quality concerns
As the desperate need for face masks and other medical products grows around the world, Chinese factories are transforming their assembly lines to meet the demand.
Philippine police dismantle anti-mining barricade amid COVID-19 lockdown
"My heart bleeds for our brave men and women of Didipio who had to suffer and be arrested for expressing their resistance against mining, a great menace to Mother Earth."
Online journalist detained for quoting Cambodian prime minister’s advice on COVID-19
"The Covid-19 crisis must not be used as pretext for getting rid of journalists who do not blindly toe the government line."
COVID-19 diaries from Wuhan: ‘Our action has brought us hope’
Despite being locked down, volunteers are working hard to help others in need.
Blocked websites, internet shutdown, and media arrests undermine free speech in Myanmar
Activist and human rights groups are worried that free speech is being undermined in the name of fighting the COVID-19 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.
