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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.
Poland’s Biggest Charity Comes to China
By Krzysztof Iwanek
This year, the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity played in Shanghai and Beijing.
Attempt to Criminalize Extra-Marital Sex in Indonesia Fails
By Jack Britton
In a split decision, the Constitutional Court declined to criminalize extra-marital and gay sex.
#MeToo Reaches China, But the Chinese Authorities Don’t Like It
By Charlotte Gao
Hundreds of Chinese college students sign petitions calling for universities to take action on sexual assault.
Surviving the Future: Looking Back at the Toynbee-Wakaizumi Dialogue of 1970
By Francis P. Sempa
A British historian and a Japanese professor discussed life, technology, and the future of mankind.
Is India’s Bāhubali: The Conclusion a New Beginning?
By Krzysztof Iwanek
It may not be a global watershed for Indian films, but the movie broke regional divides.
Has the #MeToo Moment Finally Reached China?
By Charlotte Gao
A Beijing professor accused of sexual harassment draws national attention.
China’s Education Boom
By Dmitriy Frolovskiy
China's universities are experiencing astonishing growth, and the government hopes for even more.
The Real History of Hindu-Muslim Relations Under Akbar
By Abhishek Mehrotra
Contrary to the dominant narrative, Hindus and Muslims in India have not always been at each other’s throats.
Why English is Not Enough to Understand India
By Krzysztof Iwanek
Precise text, low context: English-Hindi translations are usually fine, but sometimes the nuance is dropped.
India’s Saraswati: The Quest for the Invisible River
By Krzysztof Iwanek
While some are trying to locate or recreate the Saraswati River, in fact, it can be easily found.
The Distortion of a Distortion: India’s Padmavati Movie Controversy
By Krzysztof Iwanek
Radicals are protecting a queen they have never seen and attacking a movie they have not yet seen.
No, Fashion in India Has Not Become a ‘Nationalist Cause’
By Krzysztof Iwanek
Is Modi’s sense of style part of a newfangled nationalistic agenda? Not necessarily.