Stories about East Asia
7 June 2017
Myanmar Journalists Unite Against Online Defamation Law
"Many people believe that the previous government, run by ex-generals, created such a legal mechanism to be able to sue those who stood against their administration."
5 June 2017
Small Farmers in Madagascar Say Chinese Investors Forced Them to Sell Their Land for Dirt Cheap
"Is there anything that regular people like us can do to protect our land? We air complaints to...the media or on social media, but no one dares to stand up."
An Exiled Tycoon Rattles China's Politics With His Corruption Exposés
"Chinese people have become so numb to politics that they will just be onlookers unless their own interests are involved."
3 June 2017
A Hashtag in Support of Victims Takes Off on Japanese Twitter After a High-Profile Journalist Is Accused of Sexual Assault
In Japan, as in other countries, many sexual assaults go unreported, but one victim has decided to go public in the hope of getting justice.
2 June 2017
Facebook Bans Racist Word ‘Kalar’ in Myanmar, Triggers Collateral Censorship
"I made a post telling my friends [that] the word is banned. Ironically, my post was removed and I was banned from liking, posting, and sharing content for 24 hours."
1 June 2017
The Fake News Photos Justifying the Return of Martial Law to the Philippines
Wrong photos. Wrong countries. Some officials of the Philippines defended the martial law declaration in Mindanao by posting photos of the Vietnam War, Thailand's 2014 coup, and the Honduran police.
‘Bodies Die, Countries Don't': Are You Listening? Podcast
In this episode, we take you to Venezuela, Indian-administered Kashmir, Thailand, Nigeria, and Brazil.
30 May 2017
PHOTOS: More Than 70,000 Displaced by Clashes Between Philippine Troops and Suspected ISIS-Backed Group
Thousands of families have fled their homes in Marawi City to avoid getting caught in the crossfire.
Facebook ‘Mistakenly’ Censored Tiananmen Massacre Tribute
Facebook said the image “belittles, threatens or attacks a particular person, legal entity, nationality or group.” Following an uproar among Hong Kongers, the company apologised and approved the image.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Rebukes Student for Exalting Free Speech in Graduation Remarks
Foreign ministry officials are using Yang's speech to prove a recycled conspiracy about overseas Chinese students being contaminated by Western ideology.
27 May 2017
On the 45th Anniversary of Okinawa's Return to Japan, People Protest US Presence
It's been 45 years since the United States returned Okinawa to Japan. But American bases still dominate the landscape, and the politics of the prefecture.
25 May 2017
‘We Can Finally Get Married!': Taiwan to Become First Asian Country to Recognise Gay Marriage
Taiwan's constitutional court ordered the legislature to either amend the Civil Code or introduce new provisions to recognise same-sex marriage within two years.
Is the Belt and Road Project the Answer to China's Economic Woes? Some Aren't So Sure.
"...the risk for bad debt is huge. While other countries can easily back down from the initiative, as the leader of the initiative, China will be the last to quit."
24 May 2017
When a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Wrong Words
The story of how a photo of a horrific accident in the Democratic Republic of Congo seven years ago took on a life of its own. WARNING: Contains violent images.
A Russian University Wanted to Award Duterte an Honorary Doctorate, but He Flew Home Too Soon
One of Russia’s most prestigious universities planned to award controversial Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte an honorary doctorate, but he left the country before the ceremony could take place, Russian media...
22 May 2017
In Japan, Plastic Food Models Aren't Just for Restaurants Anymore
"Is there anyone out there who is going to say, "Wow, cool, I can customize my smartphone case with salmon roe?" I think I'll be the only one."
Malaysian Editors Face Cybercrime Charges for Posting a Video that Criticized Attorney General
In the video, which was taken during a press briefing, a former member of the ruling party called for the resignation of the attorney general.
Panic Over Russian Online Suicide Game Sparks ‘Whale Hunt’ in China
Pro-government groups are waging a campaign against the game, and internet censors have predictably gone into overdrive.
21 May 2017
Viral Video Triggers Debate Over Patriotic Education in China, Again
"My kids do not need to follow so-called 'heroes' who killed their fellow countrymen. They should learn how to love the environment, recycle used items, act in a civilized manner."
20 May 2017
Japanese Committee Clears Path for Vague and Controversial Anti-Conspiracy Bill
The legislation will cover nearly 300 crimes if it passes. Critics have argued personal liberties are at stake.
About our East Asia coverage
Oiwan Lam is the North East Asia editor. Email her story ideas or volunteer to write.
