Stories about Asia
China’s top nationalist influencer Hu Xijin silenced for over a month, but very few miss him
Hu Xijin, the former chief editor of the Chinese-state-funded Global Times and a prominent nationalist commentator, has been quiet on social media for over one month, since he critiqued party policy.
Georgian Dream Party vows to ban opposition if they win parliamentary majority
Speaking at the opening of the new head quarters of the ruling party, it's founder, Bidzina Ivanishvili threatened legal sanctions against opposition figures following the vote.
Pacific leaders’ statement removes Taiwan reference after China complaint
China intervened in the annual Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), insisting Pacific leaders remove any mention of Taiwan from their communique on the forum.
Mongolia’s new minister is determined to reform its education sector
Since becoming a minister in July, he has already introduced dozens of changes covering everything from pre-school to higher education.
Cairns fair showcases northern Queensland Indigenous art with style
The Cairns Indigenous Art Fair featured paintings, works on paper such as etchings and linocuts, fashion, photography, sculpture, ceramics, 3D creations using a wide variety of materials, and more.
The election dance in Azerbaijan: Carousel voting and ballot stuffing
Independent election observers and journalists documented voter violations throughout the day, proving that Azerbaijan's most recent elections were staged just like elections in the past.
Despite promises, Azerbaijani people continue to face water shortages
Meanwhile, as experts voice concerns over the state’s failure to address the country’s water shortage problem, it is the local population and village residents who are paying a heavy price.
Hong Kong NGOs for sexual minorities suffer government funding cuts and pressure
Apart from government cut of funding, LGBTQ+ groups face huge pressure for organizing public activities and they have refrained from applying foreign funding to prevent political risk.
Bangladeshis help out in flood-affected communities
Bangladesh is experiencing another round of severe floods. Volunteers from across the country are rushing to the affected areas in trucks, carrying boats, speedboats, and relief supplies.
Azerbaijan clears out critics ahead of COP29
Azerbaijan has had one of the lowest international rankings on citizens’ rights and freedoms. Even so, Azerbaijani President Aliyev has insisted persecutions against civil society are justified.
Two Hong Kong journalists found guilty of sedition after a 2-year trial
Two former chief editors of the now-defunct Stand News were found guilty of sedition, marking the first such conviction of journalists since the former British colony returned to China in 1997.
Top officials in Kazakhstan dodge independent journalists
Their attitude toward the media shows their attitude not only towards journalism, but also towards the citizens of the country.
Central Asians display unprecedented regional solidarity at the Paris Olympics
This level of solidarity showcased that Central Asians have developed a common regional identity and view each other as more than just adjacent nations.
From Myanmar to Thailand: Displaced journalists tell their stories
"I still have concerns that police will raid our office and arrest us because we have no permit to operate a news agency."
Lives on the line in the Himalayan mountains
Glacial lake outbursts and debris flows will be more destructive and frequent in Nepal in the near future, highlighting the amplified risks of mountain living due to climate change.
Citizens place blame on India as flash floods ravage Bangladesh
Bangladesh is grappling with one of its worst floods in recent times, caused by heavy rainfall and influx of water from India's Tripura state rivers.
Hong Kong’s neon glow dims, symbolising the end of an era
Amid the whirlwind of sociopolitical changes that transformed Hong Kong from a liberal to an authoritarian city, people's desire to preserve and understand pieces of Hong Kong’s heritage has intensified.
Coastal villages struggle to recover after oil spill disaster near Philippine capital
"Toxic oil spills in our oceans are like fires in our forests, leaving a path of destruction that brings decades of negative impacts."
What are the controversies over Hong Kong’s latest cybersecurity bill?
“The proposals give authorities overly broad powers that could threaten the integrity of service providers and rock confidence in the city’s digital economy.”
‘Buddha is with us!’ How the war in Ukraine has changed Russian Buddhism
While some Buddhists are making anti-war statements and emigrating abroad, others are going to the front lines, despite Buddhist values.
Expectations ahead of parliamentary election in Azerbaijan are grim: Interview with an independent candidate
The last parliamentary election took place in 2020, with reports of irregularities and electoral violations. It is hard to say this election will be any different.
