Stories about East Asia from October, 2023
Nepal and Thailand mourn nationals killed in Israel
The bodies of 30 Thai farm workers killed by Hamas have started arriving in Bangkok.
Why are Taiwanese politics and society still male dominated? Interview with scholar Jhang JhuCin
As Taiwan is gearing for major elections in January 2024, Global Voices talked to scholar Jhang JhuCin about gender relations in Taiwan in politics and society at large.
When Chinese martial arts and theater meet
Tai Chi is a Chinese martial art also used by performers of different arts, including theater. Global Voices interviewed two experts at the crossroad of those two artistic traditions.
In Taiwan, Asia's largest Gay Pride event celebrates gender and sexual diversity
Here is a photo-essay showcasing Taiwan's 21st Gay Pride event in Taipei, also known as Asia's largest visibility event for the LGBTQ+ community, with about 170,000 participants this year.
Decoding Chinese views on Palestine-Israel: Interview with independent journalist Vivian Wu
Global Voices interviewed US-based Chinese journalist Vivian Wu to explore how Israel's war on Gaza conflict is perceived in the Sinophone world.
A deep dive into Taiwan's drag scene ahead of Pride 2023
As Taiwan is holding East Asia's largest LGBTQ+ Pride event in late October, local drag shows are experiencing something of a come-back in the island's art scene.
Google denies Hong Kong police request to remove ‘seditious’ film about media tycoon Jimmy Lai from YouTube
This is the second time Google denied taking down political content. Its earlier refusal to alter protest song, 'Glory to Hong Kong,' has ended up in an injunction trial.
New policy requires Chinese influencers to display their personal information on Weibo
Popular mainland Chinese Weibo users must display their real identities, including names, gender, IP locations, and professional and educational background, on their account page starting at the end of October.
Malaysian editor of banned book faces police probe for sedition
"Kean Wong’s arrest demonstrates the State’s concerted effort to suppress the public’s ability to both inform and to speak out without fear of censorship."
Malaysia’s Orang Asli women gain acceptance through filmmaking and grassroots activism
Apa Kata Wanita Orang Asli is a young feminist-activist collective using film to document the lived realities of the First Peoples (Orang Asli) of Malaysia.
Malaysia and Indonesia throw support behind Palestinian cause
Thousands of people in Indonesia and Malaysia rallied over the weekend to show their support for Palestinians amid Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza.
‘I can see the entirety of the sky now’: Australian journalist Cheng Lei is now free
"Tight hugs, teary screams, holding my kids in the spring sunshine. Trees shimmy from the breeze. I can see the entirety of the sky now! Thank you Aussies."
‘New Bloom': A rare leftist media voice in Taiwan
As Taiwan prepares for presidential and legislative elections, Global Voices spoke to one of the few leftist media operating outside of the Kuomintang/Democratic Progressive Party dichotomy that dominates local media.
Confessions from a Chinese censorship worker
A Chinese censorship worker discusses her workday, colleagues, and hatred for the Chinese censorship system.
Despite change in government, another Thai activist is jailed for royal defamation
"Thailand appears to be on a path toward regression, undoing the progress hoped for by millions."
European Union invites Myanmar junta representatives in human rights dialogue
“We reject in the strongest possible terms any effort that may be perceived as legitimizing the junta.”
Finding the space to speak: Journalism professor Francis Lee on Hong Kong’s changing media landscape
"What we can see is an ongoing negotiation through which journalists try to reconcile the pressure to self-censor with their sense of professionalism."
Will Chinese President Xi Jinping skip APEC if Hong Kong’s Chief Executive is uninvited?
"The U.S. decision is logical. Hong Kong is part of China, why does it need an independent invitation?"
A queer artist’s quest for sexual liberation in Thailand
Patthakarn Sadubtham "tries to use art as a medium to alleviate the hardships that many gay individuals, some still compelled to remain in the closet, have had to endure."
Singapore climate rally calls for inclusivity and more protection for vulnerable communities
"We believe that collective action is just as important — protests and rallies all around the world like this one have helped to push governments to enact stronger climate policies."
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