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.
Hong Kong’s Domestic Workers: When ‘Stay at Home’ Means ‘Live at Work’
By Alexandra Chan
Amid the coronavirus outbreak, Hong Kong’s “live-in rule” poses a dilemma for migrant domestic workers.
Animal Crossing Pulled From Chinese E-commerce Platforms
By Layne Vandenberg
China has unofficially banned the popular video game to continue to suppress online forms of protest amid COVID-19 isolation.
Tokyo Olympic Flame Taken Off Display; Next Stop Unclear
By Associated Press
Too keep people from gathering, Japan has taken the flame to an undisclosed location.
Afghanistan’s Women Are the Key to a Lasting Peace
By Sohrab Azad
To guarantee a peace process that will materialize and come to fruition, women need to be substantively involved at every level, from pre-negotiation to talks.
A Splendid Lack of Isolation: Indian Writers in the Global Mainstream
By Krzysztof Iwanek
While the circle of English-writing authors still behaves as an exclusivist club, some Indian authors have managed to join it.
How Can China Fulfill Its Rising Meat Demand?
By Layne Vandenberg
Cultivated meat could be a possible solution to satisfy China’s heightened demand.
Taiwan Will Donate 10 Million Masks in Bid to Aid Global Coronavirus Response
By Nick Aspinwall
The masks will go to the U.S. and EU countries, along with Taiwan’s 15 diplomatic allies. Future mask donations will target South and Southeast Asian nations.
Rohingya Refugees Brace for Potential Coronavirus Outbreak
By Associated Press
Containing the disease in one of the world's largest refugee camps in Bangladesh could be a daunting task.
Hong Kong’s Refugees in the Time of Coronavirus
By Jason Hung
Hong Kong’s most marginalized – including refugees – are at particular risk. Time for the government and society to take action.
South Korean Cobbler Hopes Donation Gives ‘Strength and Courage’
By Associated Press
A Korean man aims to donate land, worth up to $570,000, to the local government to help support those suffering economic difficulties because of the pandemic.
Delivery People Are Risking Their Lives to Keep Asia Running. Here’s What People Are Doing to Say Thank You.
By Jason Hung
Asia’s army of gig workers is especially vulnerable -- and especially vital -- amid the pandemic.
Globalizing the Korean Concert Industry
By Layne Vandenberg
The Korean music industry has evolved from an afterthought to a staple destination for Western artists.