Joe at Winds of Change kindly cross-posted the last edition and in return I'm pinching his formatting idea. Let that be a lesson to you.

And now on with the show of Asia's blogging's best:

Hong Kong, Taiwan and China

• Phil Sen looks at who would win a war between Taiwan and China based on his experience with Jane's. Gut Rumbles has a short post on the upcoming military exercises by the USA and China while Mad Minerva says Taiwan is conducting training too. Jodi also has a look at the issue, as does Joseph. UPDATE: Donald Sensing also has a summary of the issues at play here, although he perpetuates the 7 aircraft carriers myth for Operation Summer Pulse 04.

• Joseph also talks about the release of Dr. Jiang Yinyong, the doctor who blew the whistle on SARS and then challenged the CCP's view of the events of June 1989. He also points to a NY Times article on the matter and what the release signifies about the CCP leadership.

• In a really disturbing piece of news, Shanghai Eye is closing down. I dearly hope it reappears at some point.

• Tom has a review of a book on China's issues and challenges. I'll be adding it to my (rapidly growing) China book pile.

• Via Richard and CDN comes this Asia Times article on the ongoing powerplay between Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao at the top of the CCP, this time in cyberspace. While on the Asia Times, via Marmot comes this piece on Chinese bloggers.

• Gut Rumbles has the scoop on a slightly modified version of Bill Clinton's book. The Ruck has more.

• Richard also notes an article from the Heritage Foundation saying the EU should continue to refrain from selling arms to China. Richard agreeing with the Heritage Foundation - who would have thought?

• China now has 87 million internet users, reports Fons.

• Chris has a follow-up on the recent resignations over the handling of SARS in HK.

• China Letter comments on a journalist's return to Beijing and her impressions of the place, including the idea (oft-repeated on this blog) that Beijing's leadership does not really govern China.

• Conrad talks about the "improvements" proposed in Hong Kong's accountability system.

• Danwei follows China's war on porn and how the official Xinhua is leading by example.

• Tom follows the Asia Cup currently underway in China, including the controversy over a few misjudged comments by AFC Chairman Peter Velappen.

• ESWN re-analyses a recent Hong Kong opinion poll and comes up with different conclusions to the accepted wisdom. He also has the results from another poll on what Hong Kong voters expect of their politicians. His conclusion is partially right: those running for election need more on their platform than "will push for democracy in Hong Kong". However I don't think civic conditions are as bad as he makes out - all cities have problems but Hong Kong's are not particularly bad by world standards.

• ALN, which is mentioned later as well, talks about the number killed in industrial accidents in China and looks at the numbers killed in mining accidents so far this year. Frightening stuff.

Korea and Japan

• The Korean blog blocking continues, with Kevin continuing to lead efforts to publicise the issue. Adam brings up an interesting point in contrasting the Korean blocking with China's. Via Scott Summers comes the latest news on the Korean situation.

• Via Kimchee GI comes an interesting piece on anti-Americanism in Korea.

• Cathartidae follows Korea's Keystone Cops and their attempts to catch a serial killer. Marmot has plenty on the killer. Oranckay says a large and growing number think the law just gets in the way anyway.

• FY has more on the accommodation being reached between Japan and the USA over deserter Robert Jenkins. He also says the "No" means "Roh".

• Jodi from Asia Pages has a fascinating lunch with Mr. C, an expert on fiscal policy in Korea.

• Marmot says the US's attempt to force North Korea to do a Libya on nuclear weapons won't work for the simple reason it's North Korea you're dealing with.

SE Asia

• The fallout from the Philippines pull-out in Iraq continues. The Sassy Lawyer points to some examples where America has "given in" to terrorists, although she has some questions on the largess being lavished on the victim this time. She also muses on the changing relationship between the USA and the Philippines. Michelle Malkin looks at the reports of a potential ransom being paid by the Philippines to secure the hostage's release and is not amused. Neither is Wretchard who now sees the taking of more hostages as a natural consequence of the Philippines actions. Among others commenting on the ransom story are Cranial Cavity, John Hawkins, Donald Sensing, Stephen Green and Michele at ASV. On the other side Jardine Davies has a series of posts on the topic as well from a domestic point of view: he has posts here, here on the ransom and here on the differences between Washington and Manila.

• HELP: Even after the Philippines pull-out there are still many Filipino workers in Iraq. So via the essential ALN comes this plea: Hi. I'm a daughter of a Filipino generator mechanic in Camp Anaconda. I just want to know if it is possible for Filipino relatives here in the Philippines to view the present situation of Filipino workers in Camp Anaconda and other parts of Iraq? This is because of the limited access to communication with our relatives. I really am worried about the situation in Iraq and I want to know how my father as well as his fellow Filipinos are. Thanks a lot. Hope to hear from you. God bless. Cory Cruz If you are able to help please visit ALN and leave a comment in response. At ALN you can also read about the extreme conditions household workers have to endure in Malaysia.

• The Swanker says it looks like some Indonesian politicians may be reverting to the bad old days of aligning with military elements.

• Jodi says Singapore is dragging itself into the China/Taiwan/US circus.

Miscellany

• Via Serial Deviant comes a delightful set of graphics illustrating each of Singapore's public holidays. Someone's had too much time with Clipart.

• Jodi looks at Asia's plastic people.