Stories about East Asia from May, 2023
‘Support does not necessarily mean understanding': Interview with founder of Taiwan-based ‘Ukrainian Voices’ Oleksandr Shyn
As Taiwan and Ukraine face threats — and Kyiv a real invasion — from their large and immediate neighbours — China and Russia — is the popular comparison between Taiwan and Ukraine valid?
Taiwan and Central Europe are increasingly aligned politically and economically: Interview with Polish analyst Marcin Jerzewski
Taiwan and Central Europe did not prioritize mutual relations until the COVID-19 pandemic during which they developed intensive ties that have evolved today to a much more robust relationship.
The future of the Thai music industry after COVID-19
Thai musicians and those working in the music industry are still suffering economic and professional consequences from the COVID-19 pandemic and are largely left without any state or institutional support.
Taiwan denied access to the World Health Assembly: Interview with Taiwan representative Chen Hsin-Hsin
As the World Health Organization holds its annual World Health Assembly, Taiwan continues to be refused entry to key discussions about global public health in an post-pandemic world.
WHO claims to serve all but repeatedly excludes 23 million Taiwanese
The WHO meets in Geneva, claiming to focus on public health at a global level, yet it denies the right of over 23 million Taiwanese to be included and protected
A Sinophone podcast finds a loyal audience both in China and among the Chinese diaspora
One Sinophone podcast focusing on global as well as hyper-local issues is connecting China and its large overseas population thanks to a well-balanced selection of topics and guests.
Unfreedom Monitor Report: Philippines
Advox research into digital authoritarianism in the Philippines is now in a report. Read an excerpt and download the full pdf.
Cambodia’s main opposition party disqualified from July election
"The Cambodian government is clearly fishing for any excuse to block opposition parties from competing."
Time for reflection on lock-ins, lockdowns, and shutdowns at the Digital Rights Asia-Pacific Assembly
EngageMedia Executive Director Phet Sayo invites allies to join in the collaborative sense-making process and reflect on the lessons and challenges ahead in navigating the digital rights landscape.
With the death of Pema Tseden, Tibetan cinema just lost its most iconic director
Contemporary Tibetan cinema just lost its most famous and avant-garde film director, Pema Tseden, who specialized in portraying the clash of Chinese modernity and traditional Tibetan society.
The stories of Koreans in Kyrgyzstan who converted to Islam
Their conversion is partly the result of the re-Islamization of Kyrgyzstan, which started in 1991, after Kyrgyzstan gained independence.
In the Philippines, cyber censorship is a new form of authoritarianism
Qurium’s investigation revealed that the cyber attacks were coming from the Philippine military, using the government infrastructure of the Department of Science and Technology.
Taiwanese documentary showcases forgotten story of a Vietnamese refugee camp from the 1970s
Even though Taiwan lacks an Asylum Law, it has not always been lukewarm to refugees. In the 1970s and 1980s, it accepted refugees from Vietnam, as one new documentary showcases.
Thailand swings toward democracy after landslide election victory
In Thailand's general election, the former opposition parties defeated the military-backed parties that have ruled the country since the 2014 coup and demonstrated their readiness to form a new government.
Hong Kong purges public libraries of politically sensitive books
The Audit Commission released a report demanding the public library operator step up its efforts in removing books that were “manifestly contrary” to the interests of national security.
China is tackling its food crisis by turning forests into farmland
Although China’s total grain output — 686.53 million tons in 2022 — could fully feed its 1.3 billion population, it is still looking to convert massive swaths of forest and green space to farmland.
Understanding Thailand's upcoming election through political cartoons
Global Voices features several political cartoons that depict the major issues in Thailand's ongoing election campaign.
Is Telegram profiting from Myanmar's nightmare?
There are problematic channels growing around the Myanmar Telegram market but the company ignores the issues.
Election blunders continue during early voting in Thailand
Missing names, wrong ballot labels, and missing candidate profiles are among the problems voters and election watchdogs encountered during the early voting period in Thailand
Lao political, environmental activist survives gun attack
A activist in Laos was the victim of an attempted extrajudicial murder. As he recovers in the hospital, human rights watchdogs are calling on the government to investigate the crime.
As Hong Kong's democracy deteriorates, its citizens are less welcome to settle in Taiwan
As democracy and freedom continue deteriorating in Hong Kong, Taiwan sets to increase barriers to issuing permanent residency visas to Hongkongers.
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.
