Stories about East Asia from May, 2012
Singapore: Birth Control and Low Crime Rate
Furry Brown Dog tries to determine if Singapore's birth control policies in the 1970s are also responsible for the country's low crime rates.
Singapore: Population, Migration, and Women
Syahidah Ismail provides an overview of various issues faced by Singapore women in the past half century. The author discussed some of the controversial population and migration policies adopted by the government in the past decades.
Singapore: Remembering the 1987 ‘Marxist Conspiracy’
Several Singaporean groups will commemorate the 25th anniversary of a government crackdown of suspected destabilizers in Singapore. They are accused of being part of a ‘Marxist Conspiracy.’ Human rights groups claim that more than 2,500 people have suffered detention without trial since the ruling party came to power in 1959.
South Korea: Continuing Mad Cow Controversy Over US Beef Imports
Since last week, South Korea has seen continuing protests against importing beef from the United States after mad cow disease broke out in California. Korean government dispatched its inspection team to the US to quell the public anger incited by the government's unkept promise to halt the beef import immediately when the disease was detected. However, the inspection team's lack of control over the investigation process and the biased member selection process further deepened South Korean's distrust of the government.
Indonesia: Soldier Loses His Temper in the Street
Early this month, a two-minute video clip of an armed soldier angrily confronting a civilian in Indonesia circulated on YouTube and became a trending topic on Twitter. Netizens continue to react
Thailand: Grandfather Serving Lese Majeste Sentence Dies in Prison
Akong, a 61-year-old grandfather in Thailand sentenced to 20 years in prison for sending text messages deemed offensive to the Royal Family died in prison a few days ago. Human rights groups criticized the government for refusing to grant bail to Akong who was diagnosed with cancer.
China: In Bo Xilai Saga, Did Social Media Challenge Government?
Political struggle, murder, corruption, espionage and diplomatic conflict - the downfall of Bo Xilai from the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) elite ranks has turned out to be a multi-faceted story. It is also a good example of the disruptive role that social media plays in today’s China.
Taiwan: Indigenous Tao People's 30 Year Nuclear ‘Nightmare’
After Japan's Fukushima nuclear accident last year, more and more Taiwanese have started to become aware of the problems caused by nuclear power plants. One of the most serious issues is nuclear waste on Orchid Island, where the Tao people have lived for generations.
China, Philippines: Scarborough Shoal Sovereignty Tension Rises
Tension between China and the Philippines over the disputed waters of the Scarborough Shoal or Huangyan Island has been elevated, with the state-controlled Chinese media reporting that China can no longer tolerate the presence of Philippines naval ships in the South China Sea.
China: Political Space of the Weibo Blogging Platform
Chicago University Sociology Professor Zhao Dingxin recently delivered a speech entitled "Weibo, Political Space and Chinese Development", which has triggered off some debate and reflections amongst Chinese netizens. Oiwan Lam reports.
South Korea: Broadcasters’ Strike Marks 100th Day of Protest
South Korea's major broadcasting station, MBC marked 100th day of protest on May 9, 2012. Its union workers uploaded another Youtube video [ko] blaming its president of embezzlement and filtering news criticizing the current government and its anchors tweeted photos of their protest/fundraising event today.
China: Al Jazeera's Beijing Correspondent Expelled
For the first time since 1998, an accredited foreign journalist has been expelled by the Chinese government. Highly respected by her peers, Melissa Chan's expulsion has provoked reactions all the way down to the microblogs.
Cambodia Gay Pride Week 2012
Cambodia Gay Pride Week 2012 will take place on May 11 until May 20. Some of the activities include film screenings, parties, Buddhist blessings, and the first Cambodia Pride Amazing Tuk-Tuk Race.
Thailand: Grandfather Jailed for Lese Majeste Dies
Amphon Tangnoppakul, the 62-year-old Thai jailed for Lese Majeste (royal insult), died in prison today. His 20-year jail sentence was criticized by human rights advocates who are also demanding an amendment of the controversial law.
South Korea Seized Infant Flesh Capsules Made in China
South Korean authorities had confiscated tons of dried flesh of dead infants that was being capsuled and smuggled out of China. Whilst almost every blog and media responded to this horrendous news with pure disgust and accusation against Chinese high abortion rate, one PR and communications agency defined this case ‘a sad story...
India, Pakistan Missile Launches: Game Changers or Mere Posturing?
Back-to-back missile tests by India and Pakistan in April have received widespread coverage and comment, both in the mainstream media as well as on social media. Aparna Ray reports.
May Day Videos: Marches, Demonstrations and Protests Around The World
Through cities around the globe, people took to the streets to march and commemorate the International Workers' Day. Videos by The Real News take us on a tour of how the day was observed throughout the world.
China: Rural Left-behind Children
Acopy.net introduces a Chinese documentary, the Road, directed by independent documentary worker Jiang Nengjie on “left-behind children” in rural China.
China: Middle-class Discontent
China Bubble Watch looks into the economic and political role of middle class in China. The blogger is not optimistic about the influence of middle class on policy decision in China because of the polarized power structure.
Laos: Luang Prabang Airport
Sao Darly posts photos and a video clip of the new airport of Luang Prabang in Laos
East Timor: Government Results Portal
East Timor Government Results Portal is a website that aims to publish outcomes information for the most important government targets, projects and programs. It is part of the government's transparency campaign.
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