Stories about East Asia from April, 2022
Japan officially rebukes Ukraine for comparing wartime emperor with Hitler, Mussolini
"You can love Japan, and be proud to be Japanese, without defending this history of fascism."
How Myanmar's military supporters are using Facebook to justify violence
Mainstream media outside Myanmar have failed to report on pro-Junta narratives.
Hong Kong’s Foreign Correspondents’ Club cancels Human Rights Awards for fear of legal risks
Launched in 1995, the Awards is one of the most important platforms to celebrate and honour human rights journalism from around Asia.
The censorship of Shanghai citizens in lockdown sparks an uproar on Chinese social media
A six-minute video on the lockdown in Shanghai had gone viral and sparked large-scale online protests after the Chinese censor handed down a comprehensive content removal order on April 22, 2022.
On Timor-Leste's 20th independence anniversary, former president Ramos-Horta makes a comeback
Ramos-Horta, a leader in the independence process, received 62 percent of the votes, securing a victory over current president Francisco "Lu-Olo" Guterres, who received 38 percent in the second round of elections on April 19.
Myanmar activists launch ‘Blue Shirt’ campaign to show solidarity with political prisoners
"These activists bravely stood up against the military coup, but the world seems to have forgotten about them."
Abuse, arrests, and harassment: How environmental activists fare in Vietnam
"Harassment, intimidation, and imprisonment are just some of the tactics Vietnam uses to silence environmental activists."
Japanese fast food exec fired after talk of “hooking young women on meth”
The former Yoshinoya executive's remarks are just one example of the deeper problem of misogyny that plagues Japanese society.
Who is John Lee? A look into the incoming Hong Kong chief executive's political positions
John Lee is on track to be elected the next chief executive by the 1,462 Election Committee members.
Technology: a problem or a solution in Myanmar’s revolution?
Myanmar has faced surveillance and censorship in its digital spaces since it opened the internet to the public in the early 2000s.
Unverified claims that a popular herbal medication prevents COVID-19 triggers online backlash in China
While Shanghai residents are struggling with food shortages, they have an abundant supply of “Lianhua Qingwen”.
Philippine independent bookshops become targets of red-tagging
The red-tagging of Popular Bookstore and Solidaridad is the latest in a long history of state repression of dissent and critical thinking in the Philippines.
Podcast: Pakistan's government, COVID-19 in Shanghai, and introducing Green Voices
This week we hear from Shanghai and Lahore, and find out about Green Voices.
Tropical storm Megi causes deadly landslides and floods on Leyte Island in the Philippines
Aside from the landslide in Leyte, the tropical storm also caused floods in other parts of the Visayas Islands in the central Philippines.
Indonesia is caught between Russia and the West ahead of the November G20 conference
This year’s G20 is being chaired by Indonesian President Joko Widodo who is facing pressure to ban Russian representatives because of Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Hong Kong remains isolated despite lifting region-based air travel ban
Despite the Hong Kong government's attempt to loosen the air travel ban on April 1, airlines continue to avoid flying to and through the city.
Jokowi shuts down chatter about a potential third term as President of Indonesia
Some politicians have cited the pandemic and the war in Ukraine as reasons Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) should run for a third term, which goes against the nation's constitution.
Shanghai continues citywide lockdown despite public outcry, food shortages and chaos
The city is in chaos as many residents under lockdown are running out of food, being denied standard health care, and struggling to access basic everyday goods.
Satellite mapping project tracks damage to Ukrainian communities
Satellite Images Map of Ukraine incorporates satellite images, drone footage, and 3D visualization to track, organize, and verify damage done to Ukraine.
Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam will not run for a second term
Carrie Lam said her work is done and it was time for her to go home.
Malaysians worry over reported plan to sell contact tracing app to a private firm
"Everyone was so worried about contact tracing when we should have been worried about CONTRACT tracing."
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.
