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.
How Nepal Is Protecting Its Wildlife
By Kamal Dev Bhattarai
Nepal makes progress in wildlife conservation but it risks becoming a transit hub.
Teens Love the Video App TikTok. Do They Love It Too Much?
By Associated Press
The Chinese-owned online video service is immensely popular, but some have serious security concerns about the platform.
Sultans on Wings: The Symbolism of Weapon Names in India and Pakistan
By Krzysztof Iwanek
Religion and history are central to how both sides name some of their key platforms and equipment.
Calls for Amnesty as Undocumented Worker in Taiwan Contracts the Coronavirus
By Nick Aspinwall
A civic group called for Taiwan to grant amnesty to an estimated 50,000 undocumented workers in the country, citing their fear of reporting COVID-19 symptoms and a workforce shortage.
The Fight for LGBT Rights in Vietnam Still Has a Long Way To Go
By Thoi Nguyen
Prejudice, discrimination, and stigma against the LGBT community in Vietnam still loom large. Change will take concerted efforts.
Cross-border South Korean Drama Overcomes Political Risks
By Juwon Park
The team behind the drama had to tread carefully in order to avoid glorifying or misrepresenting the state.
Assessing Asia’s Think Tanks: Ideas and Impact
By Mercy A. Kuo
Insights from Erin Zimmerman.
The Ordeal of the Diamond Princess Crew
By Sribala Subramanian and Sribala Subramanian
The controversial two-week quarantine was even more difficult for the cruise ship’s crew members, most of whom hail from the Philippines, India, or Indonesia.
Bong Happy ‘Parasite’ Succeeded Despite Disparity It Showed
By Associated Press
"Parasite" won best picture at this month's 92nd Academy Awards, among other accolades.
Why Asia Needs to Move Beyond Plastic Bag Bans
By Kris Hartley
Seriously addressing the region’s plastic apocalypse will require moving beyond blunt moves such as plastic bag bans.
Cruise Ship Coronavirus Ordeal Ends with Cambodia Welcome
By Associated Press
Stranded passengers disembarked and were welcomed to Cambodia by the nation's authoritarian leader who handed them flowers.
Radical Islamists Hold Filmmaking Hostage in Pakistan
By Kunwar Khuldune Shahid
Stopping the released of an award-winning film to appease an Islamist group sets a troubling precedent.