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.
Entering China: Where the Mekong Ends
By Luc Forsyth and Gareth Bright
In Jinghong, the gateway to southwestern China, the Mekong ends and the Lancang river begins.
India's Growing Sports Industry
By Sooraj Aurora
Can investment in sports be the next big thing for India's economy?
Major League Baseball: Meet Japan's All-Time "Hit King"
By Robert Farley
Ichiro Suzuki fully deserves his place in the firmament of baseball stars.
China Joins Russia's Hockey League
By Matt Lerner
Red Star Kunlun joins the KHL, but is China ready to embrace ice hockey?
After New Doping Report, Russia Faces Possible Full Rio Ban
By Catherine Putz
New report details massive State-run scheme to pass dirty athletes off as clean.
The Social Media ‘War’ Over the South China Sea
By Linh Tong and Linh Tong
Vietnamese, Chinese, and Filipinos spar online after the recent tribunal ruling on the South China Sea.
Pass the Herbs: A Vietnamese Street Food Primer
By Jonathan DeHart
From Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, eating on the street in Vietnam is a treat.
Air Astana Introduces New Almaty-Tehran Route
By Catherine Putz
Kazakhstan looks to expand tourism ties to Iran.
Cambodia to Enforce Stricter Angkor Wat Dress Code
By Prashanth Parameswaran
New code of conduct will be enforced starting August 4.
The Vegetarian: A Delicate Song of Blood
By Krzysztof Iwanek
The Vegetarian is the first Korean novel to claim the Man Booker International Prize.
India’s First Hijra Music Group Roars to Victory in Cannes
By Jonathan DeHart
6 Pack Band has put the stigmatized transgender community on the global creative map. But there’s a long way to go.
Selling Thailand: Gender, Tourism, and Female Objectification
By Jasmine Chia
A closer look at the gendered identity of state-created “Thainess.”