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.
Adopt a Heritage: Who Will Save the Everest Estate in India?
By Krzysztof Iwanek
George Everest’s mansion is decrepit and New Delhi wants a private company to adopt it.
Boozing in Beijing
By Layne Vandenberg
Exploring hybrid concepts in the Beijing food and beverage space.
Bridging Cultures Through Music: K-pop, China, and the US
By Layne Vandenberg
Kevin Shin trained to be a K-pop star. He’s now making hip hop hits in China.
Taiwan’s Direct Democracy Experiment Stumbles at the Polls
By Nick Aspinwall
In 2017, the ruling DPP reformed the Referendum Act. The first referendum votes under the new act did not go smoothly.
Finding Love in China’s Marriage Markets
By Layne Vandenberg
One man’s experience explaining the search for love in China.
The Sentinels of the Sentinelese
By Krzysztof Iwanek
India was right to deny access to one of the world’s last unresearched tribes.
The Geopolitics of Language in the Himalayas
By Gerald Roche and Lauren Gawne
The Himalayas are a global center for linguistic diversity. But that diversity is at risk.
A Risky Choice: Rakhimov Elected President of Amateur Boxing Federation
By Catherine Putz
The IOC, responding to Rakhimov’s election, expressed “grave” concern over judging scandals, anti-doping, and governance.
Is Taiwan’s Drive to Legalize Gay Marriage Descending Into Chaos?
By Nick Aspinwall
With contradictory referendums set to hit November ballots, LGBTQ advocates are critical of President Tsai for not acting sooner.
Aasia Bibi and the Plight of Pakistan’s Untouchables
By Krzysztof Iwanek
An altercation between a Christian woman and Muslim women was based on a Hindu custom.
2 Central Asians and the Future of Olympic Boxing
By Catherine Putz
A Kazakh boxing legend and an Uzbek businessman face off for leadership of the scandal-ridden International Boxing Association.
Is This the Start of an Illegal Fishing Crackdown in Taiwan?
By James X. Morris
Taiwan authorities halt Fuh Sheng No. 11 for labor violations. Are Taiwan’s fishing practices finally changing?