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.
Crazy Medicine: Interview with Producer and Noir Novelist James Newman
By Tyler Roney
A new short film gains acclaim, peeling back the veil on Bangkok's darker side.
The Hides Can’t Hide from Pakistani Politics
By Krzysztof Iwanek
The collection of animal hides is a political issue in Karachi.
Saving China’s Snow Leopards with Locals
By Tyler Roney
By enlisting the help of the local community, conservationists hope to help the bashful big cats survive.
The Shadow of Doubt: India, Pakistan, and Vulgar Cartoons in 1947
By Ritu Gairola Khanduri
A look back at political cartoons on the eve of the 70th anniversary of the independence of India and Pakistan.
Statue Politics: India’s Quest to Outbuild China, and Itself
By Krzysztof Iwanek
India is planning to have not only the tallest statue in the world, but two of them.
Have You Tried the World's Most Popular Liquor?
By Joshua Bateman
Baijiu, China's go-to alcohol, is virtually unknown in the rest of the world.
She Used to Be a Child Sex Worker. Now She Cares for Sex Workers' Children.
By Shakil Bin Mushtaq
One woman's long journey from sex worker to 'mother' for at-risk children in Bangladesh.
Using Sports to Fight Naxalism in India
By Kavita Tatwadi and Sumit Kumar
Evidence suggests that sports-based interventions can discourage youth from violence, and also aid social development.
In Cuba, a Chinatown With No Chinese
By Yesenia Vargas
Havana’s barrio chino isn’t what it used to be, but presents an opportunity nonetheless.
Bollywood Conquers China? Not Quite
By Aswin Mannepalli
Did the Bollywood hit Dangal really take China by storm?
China’s Women’s National Lacrosse Team: The Future of Chinese Sports
By Maguire Padley
Without state backing or public attention, the team has made its first-ever World Cup.
China’s Lianyungang: A Hub Waiting to be Born
By Krzysztof Iwanek
One Belt, One Road and many hopes for China’s regions and cities.