Topic
Society
The State of Press Freedom in Southeast Asia
By Sebastian Strangio
Most nations in the region have risen in the latest RSF World Press Freedom Index, but conditions on the ground range from restrictive to openly repressive.
More Taiwanese Nationals Arrested on Political Charges in China
By Brian Hioe
Li Yanhe, also known as Fucha, is the latest in a string of Taiwanese nationals to disappear in China, only to be confirmed as arrested months later.
Japan Toughens Refugee Deportation Protocol
By Thisanka Siripala
Despite growing calls to improve human rights in Japanese detention facilities, the latest bill falls short of fundamental reform.
A Closer Look at the Growing Chinese Presence in Uzbekistan
By Mukhammadsodik Donaev
Both Chinese expats and Uzbek locals have nuanced views of China’s growing involvement in Uzbekistan.
Following Yet Another Execution, Singapore Shows It Is Out of Touch On Capital Punishment
By Aisyah Llewellyn
As its Southeast Asian neighbors take steps away from capital punishment, the Lion City is doubling down on a discredited anti-drug policy.
USCIRF Again Highlights Violations of Religious Freedoms in Central Asia
By Catherine Putz
In its latest annual report, USCIRF recommends designating Tajikistan and Turkmenistan as "countries of particular concern" and asks for Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to be included on the special watch list for religious freedom violators.
Chinese Citizen Journalist Who Reported on COVID-19 to Be Released After 3 Years
By Kanis Leung and Huizhong Wu
Fang Bin posted details about the pandemic situation in Wuhan in early 2020. He spent three years in jail for his efforts.
An Australian Who Worked to Restore Cambodian Culture Dies at 76
By Luke Hunt
The passing of Darryl Collins is seen as "a great loss” for Cambodia.
The SEA Games Contain the Seeds of Their Own Irrelevance
By Pattharapong Rattanasevee
The biennial Southeast Asian sporting competition privileges national interests over fairness and sporting spirit.
AI Can Be a Gamechanger for Education in India
By Mufsin Puthan Purayil
ChatGPT and similar technologies provide a once in a lifetime opportunity to revamp India’s age-old teaching practices.
2 College Students in China Were Disciplined for Giving Out Pride Flags. Can the Law Help Them?
By Ding Yuan and Darius Longarino
The case illustrates the intersection of a tightening grip on LGBTQ expression, especially on college campuses, and the determination of some young Chinese to fight for more space.
China Is Blazing a Trail in Regulating Generative AI – on the CCP’s Terms
By Rebecca Arcesati and Wendy Chang
Although the U.S. leads in developing generative artificial intelligence technology, China is in the forefront of enacting regulations – for better and for worse.