Stories about East Asia from January, 2024
The true cost of Japan’s Linear bullet train
Rising environmental and human costs for Japan's planned "maglev," a super-fast, super-conducted bullet train set to link Tokyo to Osaka by 2045, are drawing the ire of many residents.
Hong Kong kickstarts local national security law legislation with explaining and rebuttal teams
Chief Executive John Lee: Hostile forces would engage in propaganda work, especially online, to smear and distort the legislation.
Can Indonesia's President Jokowi remain neutral while his son runs for vice president?
"We have the moral obligation to remind him to stay neutral in the election and that history will not judge him kindly for interfering with the democratic process."
Why did Taiwan impose a five-year visa ban on an influential mainland Chinese dissent journalist?
Wang Zhian, a Tokyo-based mainland Chinese journalist, mocked the Taiwanese election campaigns on a comedy talk show, sparking online backlash. He was then banned from entering Taiwan for five years.
From silence to symbols: How Thais are employing language in new ways towards freedom of expression
"Thai netizens have turned to unique linguistic alternatives to continue freely expressing themselves online."
Indonesian candidates urged to address human rights concerns
"Indonesia continues to fail to guarantee people’s rights to express their opinions peacefully amidst a shrinking civic space."
‘The will of the Chinese people’: Beijing's narrative of invading Taiwan
A longitudinal survey by Taiwan’s Academia Sinica shows that nearly two-thirds of Taiwanese respondents would develop a more positive impression of China if it ceased its military actions against Taiwan.
‘I am Taiwanese now’: Hongkongers who have moved to the democratic island cherish their right to vote
A Hongkonger who migrated to Taiwan after the 2019 anti-China extradition protest said: "I am Taiwanese now, and I hope Taiwan will improve — although I haven't abandoned my Hongkonger identity."
Taiwan election 2024: Ruling DPP fails to retain legislative majority after winning presidential race
Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has failed to retain a majority in the Legislative Yuan after winning the presidential election. Opposition parties may form a coalition and take control of the chamber.
Indonesian court acquits two activists over charges of defaming government minister
"The government must also end reprisals against human rights defenders and allow human rights defenders and civil society organisations to operate freely and safely."
Man jailed for three months for wearing ‘seditious’ shirt with protest slogan at Hong Kong airport
A Hong Kong man was arrested near a boarding gate at the HK International Airport last November after he was seen wearing a t-shirt with a protest slogan printed on it.
Ko Wen-je, a third-party presidential candidate, may permanently change Taiwan’s two-party system
Ko has little chance of winning the presidency, his popularity and middle-way politics may place the TPP as a pivotal force in the Legislative Yuan, Taiwan's parliament and future elections.
Advocate for migrant rights persists despite threats from Thai and Cambodian officials
"I said, you can block my passport if you think what I am doing is really wrong. I’m not afraid."
Taiwan election 2024: The three presidential candidates’ views about relations with China
Taiwan’s presidential election on January 13 will shape the future of the self-ruled democratic island, from relations with China and the US to domestic issues that affect 23 million people.
Beijing dismisses election interference allegations amid aircraft and balloon intrusion
Ahead of the Taiwan's presidential and legislative elections, many reports have emerged alleging Beijing is attempting to swing the voters' choice.
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