Blog
Asia Life
Sports, culture and the arts are a passion for billions in the Asia-Pacific, and offer unique insights into what makes countries here tick. From the latest cricket match to prize-winning novels and the latest art exhibitions, The Diplomat's bloggers cover it all, giving you a fresh perspective on the region.
China’s Art Market Is Booming – But Not for Foreigners
By Deborah M. Lehr
As China's auction houses expand abroad, foreign firms are tightly restricted from entering the booming Chinese market.
India’s ‘Brand Ambassador’ Purchased by Peugeot
By Krzysztof Iwanek
The Ambassador car was more than a car. It was a symbol of old India.
Impeachment Scandal's Overlooked Victim: Korea's Higher Education
By Justin Fendos
Debates over how to brace South Korea's universities for changing demographics have been put on hold.
Pity China's 'Bare Branches'
By Xuan Li
China's unmarried men are stuck between tradition and capitalism.
Chinese Sci-Fi Ascendant: Can Films Match the Magic of Literature?
By Tyler Roney
China struggles to turn sci-fi barnburners into cinema blockbusters.
Aung San Suu Kyi's Czech Connection
By Jiří Šitler
Aung San Suu Kyi and Václav Havel never met, but bonded over their respective struggles for democracy.
Growing Up in Rising China
By Tyler Roney
The Diplomat talks with the author of Wish Lanterns: Young Lives in New China
Farewell to Vo Quy, Vietnam's Hero of the Environment
By Helen Clark
Professor Vo Quy was a legendary environmental activist in Vietnam.
Kabul: A City With 2 Faces
By Muhammad Idrees
Kabul is a city of both hope and fear.
‘Azja Express’: Asia’s Life Unexpressed
By Krzysztof Iwanek
The TV show’s formula reinforces European stereotypes about Asia.
Peering Into Hong Kong’s Dark Side
By Jonathan DeHart
The Diplomat speaks with street photographer Jonathan van Smit, whose stark images reveal life on Hong Kong’s fringe.
Japan's Asahi Spends $7.8 Billion, Moving into Eastern European Beer Market
By Catherine Putz
AB InBev and SABMiller have sold a host of brands to make way for their merging, and Japan's Asahi seeks to profit.