Stories about East Asia
Technology: a problem or a solution in Myanmar’s revolution?
Myanmar has faced surveillance and censorship in its digital spaces since it opened the internet to the public in the early 2000s.
Unverified claims that a popular herbal medication prevents COVID-19 triggers online backlash in China
While Shanghai residents are struggling with food shortages, they have an abundant supply of “Lianhua Qingwen”.
Philippine independent bookshops become targets of red-tagging
The red-tagging of Popular Bookstore and Solidaridad is the latest in a long history of state repression of dissent and critical thinking in the Philippines.
Podcast: Pakistan's government, COVID-19 in Shanghai, and introducing Green Voices
This week we hear from Shanghai and Lahore, and find out about Green Voices.
Tropical storm Megi causes deadly landslides and floods on Leyte Island in the Philippines
Aside from the landslide in Leyte, the tropical storm also caused floods in other parts of the Visayas Islands in the central Philippines.
Indonesia is caught between Russia and the West ahead of the November G20 conference
This year’s G20 is being chaired by Indonesian President Joko Widodo who is facing pressure to ban Russian representatives because of Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Hong Kong remains isolated despite lifting region-based air travel ban
Despite the Hong Kong government's attempt to loosen the air travel ban on April 1, airlines continue to avoid flying to and through the city.
Jokowi shuts down chatter about a potential third term as President of Indonesia
Some politicians have cited the pandemic and the war in Ukraine as reasons Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) should run for a third term, which goes against the nation's constitution.
Shanghai continues citywide lockdown despite public outcry, food shortages and chaos
The city is in chaos as many residents under lockdown are running out of food, being denied standard health care, and struggling to access basic everyday goods.
Satellite mapping project tracks damage to Ukrainian communities
Satellite Images Map of Ukraine incorporates satellite images, drone footage, and 3D visualization to track, organize, and verify damage done to Ukraine.
Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam will not run for a second term
Carrie Lam said her work is done and it was time for her to go home.
Malaysians worry over reported plan to sell contact tracing app to a private firm
"Everyone was so worried about contact tracing when we should have been worried about CONTRACT tracing."
Protests across Cambodia demand land rights
"The authorities should find a solution for the people, especially in this chronic land dispute that has not been solved."
Shanghai’s experiment on middle-way COVID-19 control model ends with citywide lockdown
Many believe that the decision for a large-scale lockdown signifies the failure of the Shanghai model, a middle path between the zero-COVID-19 and living with COVID-19 strategies.
Thai protesters march against new non-profit organization bill
"The law is being used to silence us and stop us from gathering together. But we still come together in protest and are prepared for whatever charges that follow."
Japan's complicated response to the invasion of Ukraine
The Russian invasion has also reinforced Japan as a country unwelcoming to refugees, and has shattered the nation's rejection of nuclear weapons.
Indonesian ground reports from Ukraine under Russian invasion
The Indonesian government has no immediate plan to cease its embassy's activities in Kyiv.
Threatened with deportation in Thailand, a Lao activist seeks asylum in Canada
Khoukham is among the founders of Free Laos, a network of Lao workers in Thailand pushing for human rights in their home country. Thai authorities were seeking to deport him.
Taiwan: The happiest nation in East Asia, according to the 2022 World Happiness Report
"...the lesson of the World Happiness Report over the years is that social support, generosity to one another, and honesty in government are crucial for well-being."
The Chinese great translation movement: Exposing Chinese propaganda or spreading hate?
Some are concerned that translating hate speech on Chinese social media would fuel anti-Chinese sentiment among western societies, but others believe it can counteract Chinese propaganda.
The country to end all countries: Russia vs. Ukraine
No sooner had the Winter Olympics closing ceremonies ended than the invasion of Ukraine began.
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.
