Asia by Blog is a twice weekly feature, posted on Monday and Thursday, providing links to Asian blogs and their views on the news in this fascinating region. Previous editions can be found here.

This edition contains Chinese Playboy, Superman, Alexander the Great, yellow submarines, hungry wedding guests, worried Hawaiians, and plenty more...

Hong Kong, China and Taiwan

• Fresh from turning Clark County Republican, The Guardian has an in-depth look at China this week. Chris picks some of the better articles. And for a first hand account of one journalist's travels through the heart of China, check out Dan Washburn. Dan has an unforgettable bus ride. He's posted a new batch of photos from his journey across China.
• Hong Kong's Alexander the Great.
• China's labour shortage has forced 5 cities to team up and a Government paper on improving working conditions for migrant workers. The labour shortage is forcing better conditions and pay for these workers. My God, it's the market in action! Also there are 100 million peasants who have not joined trade unions in China and there are 4 major ways their rights are violated.
• In the old days it was paper and pen. Now there's a new way to pass exams.
• China's economic numbers just don't add up.
• Judging by the numbers China's newspaper industry is booming. But from the inside the view is not as rosy. China has also made reporting easier - it's listed 8 central and 24 local media websites as the officially approved ones. Being a Chinese reporter isn't easy. Amongst other injustices they don't even get Reporters' Day off.
• A look at China's Africa strategy. Most of China's foreign policy is being driven by one thing at the moment: oil. Also a look at dissent within China.
• Stephen notes another ethnic riot, this time over kebabs.
• Superman would feel at home in Shanghai.
• Several experts have looked at the prospects for Sino-US relations and potential changes in America's Taiwan policy.
• Is the end in sight for the one-child policy?
• China's clamping down hard on Tibet (via Enzo and RFC)
• China may be getting its own version of Playboy.
• A quick primer on Chinese geography.
• Taking the time to enjoy living in China, rather than just criticising it. Similar to what I was getting at here.

Korea and Japan

• A Chinese nuclear (yellow) submarine may have entered Japanese waters. Jodi wonders if China is really the threat?
• America has drawn up its red lines for North Korea.
• The people of North Korea aren't as passive and compliant as commonly believed.
• Old Korean culture meets the new. And now all things Korea are big in Japan.
• South Korea's social revolution and what next for US-South Korean relations.
• There is a justification for student homicide in Korea.
• Fly Korean Airlines, get a jolt.
• Kirk has an interesting discussion with a Japanese bureaucrat about dynasties and North Korea.
• South Korea's sports coaches have been learning some disturbing tricks from their Northern friends.

SE and Other Asia

• Pol Pot's cremation site is now a tourist attraction.
• In Singapore lecturers don't need to worry about cameras in the classroom. It's their contracts they need to worry about.
• A dubious report linking Malaysia's PAS and Thailand's southern Muslims is dealt with by Myrick.
• Thailand's PM Thaskin is carrying on an Asia taxpayer tradition.
• In Nepal, the media are being intimidated by the Maoists.
• Philippines tax avoidance scheme: religion.
• SBY spells out his plans for Indonesia and Macam-Macam takes a look at the answers.
• No food at Pakistan weddings.

Miscellany

• From World War 2, the dismal choice the Hawaii's residents faced in light of Japanese thoughts of invading the islands.
• America's visa restrictions are costing it billions each year.
• Not only is it the International Year of Rice, it's almost over!
• A gap in cultural understanding.
• For all you RSS freaks, now you can get the cute version. A Hello Kitty version can't be far off.
• After all those links, something a little easier on the eyes.
• Happy Deepavali.