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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.

2023 Was a Wild Ride for Investment in Southeast Asia

2023 Was a Wild Ride for Investment in Southeast Asia

By James Guild
The region is still feeling the economic reverberations of the U.S. Federal Reserve's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Restoring Ties by Restoring Monuments: Indian Diplomacy in Southeast Asia

Restoring Ties by Restoring Monuments: Indian Diplomacy in Southeast Asia

By Krzysztof Iwanek
Conservation of sacred sites is an important aspect of India’s diplomacy toward Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos.
Contemporary Interpretations of Traditional Asian Crafts at Collect 2021

Contemporary Interpretations of Traditional Asian Crafts at Collect 2021

By Layne Vandenberg
This year’s online edition of Collect art fair showcases how modern artists are interpreting Asian craft art forms into traditional and contemporary pieces.

Indian Journalist Acquitted of Defamation in #MeToo Case

Indian Journalist Acquitted of Defamation in #MeToo Case

By Associated Press
Priya Ramani was the first of more than 20 women to come forward an allege sexual harassment by M.J. Akbar.

Myanmar’s Protest Movement Finds Friends in the Milk Tea Alliance

Myanmar’s Protest Movement Finds Friends in the Milk Tea Alliance

By Jessie Lau
Transnational solidarity – including shared protest tactics and strategies – between Hong Kong, Thailand, and Taiwan now stretches to include Myanmar’s anti-coup movement.

Korean American K-pop Stars Promote Mental Health Awareness

Korean American K-pop Stars Promote Mental Health Awareness

By Associated Press
Many recording artists struggle to cope with the trappings of fame, made more difficult by the perception of mental health as taboo topic.

Nepal, the Beacon of LGBTQ+ Rights in Asia? Not Quite.

Nepal, the Beacon of LGBTQ+ Rights in Asia? Not Quite.

By Sanju Gurung
Despite constitutional guarantees, the country’s laws are yet to fully support gender and sexual minorities.
Taiwan Will Restrict Lunar New Year Activities Due to COVID-19 Threat

Taiwan Will Restrict Lunar New Year Activities Due to COVID-19 Threat

By Nick Aspinwall
The country could also receive its first vaccine doses in February, although it must work around its exclusion from the World Health Organization.

An Indian Diplomat-Poet on Writing Amid Catastrophe

An Indian Diplomat-Poet on Writing Amid Catastrophe

By Arun Budhathoki
“Poetry is an intrinsic need of our species,” says Ambassador Abhay Kumar.

Post-Politics or the Politics of Posting: Indian Politics on the Web

Post-Politics or the Politics of Posting: Indian Politics on the Web

By Krzysztof Iwanek
What does India’s ruling party’s guidebook tell us about the era of social media we live in?

The Art of Asian Crafts

The Art of Asian Crafts

By Layne Vandenberg
Traditional Asian craft art forms -- ceramics, porcelain, lacquer, and jewelry -- are being upheld and interpreted by contemporary artists.
How Have Women Leaders Shaped South Asia’s Politics?

How Have Women Leaders Shaped South Asia’s Politics?

By Allia Bukhari
South Asia has elected its share of prominent women politicians. But what has that meant for gender equality and women's rights on the ground?

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