Stories about East Asia from March, 2022
Protests across Cambodia demand land rights
"The authorities should find a solution for the people, especially in this chronic land dispute that has not been solved."
Shanghai’s experiment on middle-way COVID-19 control model ends with citywide lockdown
Many believe that the decision for a large-scale lockdown signifies the failure of the Shanghai model, a middle path between the zero-COVID-19 and living with COVID-19 strategies.
Thai protesters march against new non-profit organization bill
"The law is being used to silence us and stop us from gathering together. But we still come together in protest and are prepared for whatever charges that follow."
Japan's complicated response to the invasion of Ukraine
The Russian invasion has also reinforced Japan as a country unwelcoming to refugees, and has shattered the nation's rejection of nuclear weapons.
Indonesian ground reports from Ukraine under Russian invasion
The Indonesian government has no immediate plan to cease its embassy's activities in Kyiv.
Threatened with deportation in Thailand, a Lao activist seeks asylum in Canada
Khoukham is among the founders of Free Laos, a network of Lao workers in Thailand pushing for human rights in their home country. Thai authorities were seeking to deport him.
Taiwan: The happiest nation in East Asia, according to the 2022 World Happiness Report
"...the lesson of the World Happiness Report over the years is that social support, generosity to one another, and honesty in government are crucial for well-being."
The Chinese great translation movement: Exposing Chinese propaganda or spreading hate?
Some are concerned that translating hate speech on Chinese social media would fuel anti-Chinese sentiment among western societies, but others believe it can counteract Chinese propaganda.
The country to end all countries: Russia vs. Ukraine
No sooner had the Winter Olympics closing ceremonies ended than the invasion of Ukraine began.
Podcast: How the global south considers Russia's invasion of Ukraine
What do people in these regions think about Russia's invasion of Ukraine? Do they expect their governments to do something or not? What are the long-term impacts?
Philippines’s SIM Card Registration Act undermines privacy, online expression
The law puts vulnerable groups “at risk of tracking and targeting, increasing the chances of their private information being misused."
Bringing diversity to Chinese narratives on Ukraine: A Chinese blogger in Odessa
A Chinese businessman based in Odessa in Ukraine has turned into a blogger with his own anti-Russian invasion views, only to be censored and attacked on Chinese social media
Chinese netizens blame Hong Kong for Omicron outbreaks in China
As more and more Chinese cities impose zero-COVID lockdown measures, some netizens are pointing fingers at Hong Kong, accusing the global city of spreading the virus to China.
Bangkok or Krung Thep Maha Nakhon: What's the correct name of Thailand’s capital?
"The authorities need to understand that the capital is more than words and spelling...If the authorities decide to change it, they should consult people first and ask before making decisions."
How the ‘two Myanmars’ view the Russian invasion of Ukraine
"The two very different approaches were a reflection of Myanmar’s split political and diplomatic status."
Why Uyghurs are envious of Ukrainians
What Uyghurs would like to say to Ukrainians: "Don’t abandon arms, otherwise you’ll all be facing death, like us."
Chinese netizens demand women be ‘unchained’ on International Women’s Day
"In a place where women are still chained and caged, the women’s day celebration is meaningless."
Why have attempts to debunk Russian war propaganda on Weibo failed?
China relies on Russian propaganda as the main source of information on the Ukraine crisis. Censorship instruction forbids Sino-Russian antagonism and anti-war declaration. Love triangle analogy has gone viral.
Japan confronts the problem of ‘mega solar’
Some residents who live nearby say these "mega solar farms" destroy the environment and bring few benefits to surrounding communities.
Pandemic rules used to disperse strike of women workers in Cambodia
"Women strikers have been repeatedly and disproportionately targeted by government efforts to disperse the peaceful strike."
How Taiwanese social media users responded to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
In Taiwan, Russia's war in Ukraine has become a new fault line, dividing those who call for more distance with China, and those who call for closer relations with China.
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.
