Stories about East Asia from August, 2022
China’s COVID tests carry on despite heatwaves, droughts, power cuts and wildfires
China has been hit with the most severe heatwave and drought in its history. However, the natural disasters have not deterred the country from conducting widespread COVID-19 tests.
Families speak out after Myanmar executes four anti-coup activists
"My son was not a thief or a thug. I am proud of him for giving his life for the country. I’m really proud of my son."
Peruvian trans activist and Harvard student dies in police custody in Indonesia
"I just want to remind you that violating the law doesn't mean that that person deserves to die in detention: extorted, isolated from loved ones, getting transphobic treatments..."
Chinese police detains a woman wearing Japanese Kimono, sparking outrage on social media
A police officer from Suzhou city in Jiangsu province, China, arrested a woman for wearing a traditional Japanese Kimono while taking photos on Huaihai street, a Japanese cuisine district.
The ‘war on drugs’ probe faces a setback as the Philippines refuses to rejoin the ICC
"Marcos' premise is incorrect - there is no genuine investigation in the Philippines into the government policy or pattern of activities that has led to crimes against humanity."
Myanmar detains Japanese journalist who covered protest
"We call for freedom of expression and the protection of journalists in Myanmar and abroad."
After US House Speaker Pelosi’s visit, fake news flooded Taiwan's social media
The fake news circulated in Taiwan days surrounding Pelosi's visit mainly aimed at insulting Pelosi, showing off China's military power in the drills, belittling Taiwan's status.
Taiwan withdraws from hosting WorldPride 2025 over naming controversy
The WorldPride 2025 Taiwan Preparation Committee withdrew from hosting the global LGBTQ+ event as the organizer, InterPride, insisted on changing the title of the event from WorldPride Taiwan 2025” to “WorldPride Kaohsiung 2025."
Activists and artists in Thailand commemorate Myanmar's 8888 uprising
"They claim our silence to kill others, so I’m just not going to let them use my silence as an excuse to kill other people."
Marcos-Duterte critic arrested for cyber libel in the Philippines
"What a wonderful display of unity in defense of our common values! With solidarity like this, how can we possibly lose?"
Macau: The world’s gambling hub tumbles over China’s anti-corruption campaign and zero-COVID policy
China has tightened supervision over Macau's gaming sector to curb cash outflow and money laundering.
Is China attempting to normalize military drills around Taiwan?
China may attempt to normalize its military drills in the Taiwan Strait. What does this mean for the future of Taiwan and regional relations?
Nepali activists protest Myanmar executions
On July 26, Nepali rights activists took to the streets of Kathmandu against the execution of four democratic activists by Myanmar’s ruling army junta.
As peace and prosperity unravel, Central Asia braces for a surge of forced labor and sexual slavery
Economic crises, cuts in public spending and subsequent unemployment are commonly regarded as the factors that aggravate the risks for vulnerable groups of population to fall prey to human trafficking
China: surveillance tech is extending from the classroom to kids’ summer holidays
China is now deploying surveillance technology to the education sector. Now students are required to do their summer homework with a "smart pen" that monitors and records them.
How are the Taiwanese reacting to China's military threats following US House speaker's visit?
While most Taiwanese have anticipated Beijing's retaliation, they reacted to the crisis by living a normal life.
Can ‘Bongbonomics’ revive the Philippine economy?
"Bongbonomics: More pro-market, business friendly state supporting private profits; improved anti-poverty rhetoric; removal of remaining restrictions to self-serving economic liberalization."
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.
