June 17, 2005
Asia by Blog and admin note

I'll be travelling to a potentially coup-ridden South East Asian archipelago on Monday. Civil strife permitting posting should resume on Tuesday afternoon.

The weekly summary of my most popular links...

1. Sarong Party Girl. Not surprising given the fuss. Like in days of old, I only read her site for the posts...and she's a damn good writer.

2. Sarong Party Frens. Lesson - having 'Sarong' and 'Party' in your blog name works.

3. Xiaxue. Singapore's top blogger with her top on.

4. Flying Chair. Related to the Kissel case coverage, I suspect.

5. ESWN's Kissel case coverage.

6. Pundita. You can keep following the fascinating China and Bush Doctrine discussion, summarised and linked via Pundita does China. The latest instalment, Clairol joins with the barbarian hordes plotting China's overthrow, has an interesting perspective on the relationship between China's peasantry and government. If you want to understand Bush administration thinking on China and the world, read it.

7. SPG takes her gear off. Once again proving sex sells.

8. The excellent Jamestown Foundation's China Brief.

9. Wife swapping in Guangdong.

10. Beer and women.

I'm starting to detect a pattern here...



show comments right here »

[boomerang] Posted by Simon at 19:43
Permalink | Speak Up (0) | TrackBack (0)





June 03, 2005
Asia by Blog

The 10 most clicked links from the past week:

1. Dell is facing a PR disaster
2. Pimps and Ho's in China
3. I thought we already knew who Deep Throat was.
4. Examining the China myths.
5. I've always had a thing about women in uniform.
6. Desperate celibate housewives.
7. Daniel Hong: An angry Asian male.
8. ESWN's look at an undercover drug bust.
9. ESWN's look at the Nancy Kissel case.
10. China is copying Japan and America in the copying game.



show comments right here »

[boomerang] Posted by Simon at 16:39
Permalink | Speak Up (0) | TrackBack (0)





May 27, 2005
Asia by Blog

The Daily Linklets have superceded the previous Asia by Blog roundups. I've decided to turn Asia by Blog into a weekly summary of the most popular links of the previous week. I judge this using mybloglog and taking the 10 top links that you clicked on. It's not perfect but it should provide an interesting summary of what interested most people during the week that was.

This week's top 10:

1. Muninn's report on the Japan survey on China.
2. Spirit Finger's exclusive coverage of Chinese actress Bai Lai's deleted scenes from Star Wars.
3. ESWN on China's virgin prostitutes.
4. Robert Kagan's The Illusion of 'Managing' China.
5. Sean's satellite picture of North Korea than doesn't quite add up.
6. Danwei on Bai Lai (she's popular given she wasn't even in the movie).
7. Public Enemy 1's post asking if China can become rich and powerful without democracy?
8 (=). Danwei on unclothed nonviolent resistance.
8 (=). Danwei on babe socialism (am I detecting a pattern here, people?)
10. Brad Setser on 5 myths about China's currency.



show comments right here »

[boomerang] Posted by Simon at 12:51
Permalink | Speak Up (0)




May 16, 2005
Blogging Weekend Wrap-Up

Getting closer to moving day... It's weird to know this is probably the last Sunday night I will be in this town, ever.

China
Actress Bai Ling had to chose: Star Wars or Playboy? She chose the latter.

Maybe she was distraught over proposed American limitations of Chinese underwear. Or American plans to manage China's Peaceful Rise. Or more Chinese censorship.

Have Tibetans given up on independence?

Korea
Andrew Lankov predicts the Sunshine Policy will cause the swift collapse of North Korea. But is Beijing playing along? So much for Casino Connectivity.

The 'Stans
Allegations of a ficticious kidnapping in Pakistani. (The Japanese girl on a leash story doesn't add up, either.)

Newsweek claimed Americans desecrated the Koran at Gitmo. Afghans rioted. Newsweek lied, Muslims died. (OK, technically, Newsweek printed incorrect assertions due to faulty fact checking, but that doesn't rhyme!)

Maybe a marathon will make them happier.

Never ending trouble in Uzbekistan.

In the 1990s, the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan tried to kill local dictator/thug Islam Karimov with five suicide car bombings in one day. The fifth was at the same place at the first, as the terrorists figured he would try to comfort the wounded (he did, and almost died). If a day like that doesn't make your local Soviet President-for-Life psycho-tough, nothing will.

South West Asia
Liberals Against Terrorism links to Brooding Persian on Iranian Nukes. And AIPAC's view, too.

Now that Operation Matador is over, what happened on the Iraq-Syria border?

Blast from the Past
From 1990: Map of the former Soviet Union. From ten days ago: America's Buddy Vietnam.

Geek Notes
Software Patents are bad. So is WITI. Remember my idea to fight online poker comment spam? Like it? Goodroi sure doesn't.

show comments right here »

[boomerang] Posted by Dan tdaxp at 13:31
Permalink | Speak Up (2)




May 15, 2005
Abridged Asian Blogging

Sorry for the short post today. Today and Wednesday are big transition days for me, as I am moving from Iowa for South Dakota (in preperation for moving to Nebraska. Busy!). I'll try to make it worth your while tomorrow. In the meantime...

Abbreviated Asian Geopolitics by Blog

Coming Anarchy notes
Canada opposes Indian democracy, while Communist China supports it At least they don't have mad cow like Japan.

Dawn's Early Light notes:
Aa robot plane killed a terrorist while America ponders selling Patriot Missles to India.

Marmot's Hole notes:
To some peope, saying "intra-Korean Vice-Ministerial talks are on!" is big news. Not me. Also, Hollywood is remaking JSA. I never heard of the first JSA.

Miscellaneous blog notes:
Mark at ZenPundit examines anti-Putin agitators. The self-promoting tdaxp wonders if liberal bias made World Book miss the lessons of Vietnam. The New York Times calls anti-Iraqi terrorists 'losers'.

show comments right here »

[boomerang] Posted by Dan tdaxp at 11:51
Permalink | Speak Up (2)




May 14, 2005
Asian Geopolitics by Blog

East Asia
Liberals Against Terrorism alerts us to One China, Two Shores. Josh at OFK publishes an interview with North Korans, including their views on John Bolton. Meanwhile, the Nieman Foundation is not so keen on freedom

Maybe Nieman would be comfortable in Japan, which will rename Green Day “Showa Day,” in honor of Emperor Hirohito. Hirohito is best known around the world for his affection for gardening. Howie Day and the other Green Day are unavailable for comment.

China launches a "people's war" on drugs. Mao invented real People's War: fourth generation warfare of flat ideological networks. Is Beijing actually threatening 4GW terrorist attacks against drug lords? Or just government nonsense?

On the subject of government nonsense: China's official newspaper continues Babe Socialism.

West Asia
Collounsbury notes the rise and fall of pan-Arab satellite television and prospects for Arab cable TV.

Omar has Iraqi power plant blogging.

Central Asia
Violence In Uzbekistan. As in dozens of gunmen seizing prisons violence. The insurgents are demanding fair trials and economic liberties. An end to political repression might be a good idea too.

Registan is following the breaking news.

Are Afghans rioting over abuse of the Korean idolaters?

Hero
Updates on a Japanese Soldier, being held hostage in Iraq

show comments right here »

[boomerang] Posted by Dan tdaxp at 05:58
Permalink | Speak Up (0)




March 24, 2005
Asia by Blog

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

**Note: The Daily Linklets posts will also contain links to interesting China, Asia and other news and views./Note**

China, Taiwan and Hong Kong

Korea and Japan

SE and Other Asia

Miscellany

show comments right here »

[boomerang] Posted by Simon at 16:09
Permalink | Speak Up (1)




March 16, 2005
Asia by Blog

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

**Notes:
1. The new Daily Linklets posts will also contain links to interesting China, Asia and other news and views.

2. Today I've put the entire post on the main page, rather than pushing the body into the extended entry. Any feedback on preferred formats or any other feedback or comments (such as what style of links/stories/information you find most useful or interesting) is greatly appreciated. /Note**

This edition contains China's anti-secession law, South Korea/Japan tensions, gays and AIDS in Singapore, the Dictator and the SecState, re-emerging China, pandas making a comeback, the Dalai Lama and Tibet, the realities of China's net censorship, the South Indian Diet plus much more...

The round-up has four key areas of focus:

China, Taiwan and Hong Kong

Korea and Japan

SE and Other Asia

Miscellany

show comments right here »

[boomerang] Posted by Simon at 19:20
Permalink | Speak Up (6)




March 08, 2005
Asia by Blog

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

**Notes:
1. The new Daily Linklets posts will also contain links to interesting China, Asia and other news and views. Some of the below links come from the Daily Linklets series.

2. Today I've put the entire post on the main page, rather than pushing the body into the extended entry. Any feedback on preferred formats or any other feedback or comments (such as what style of links/stories/information you find most useful or interesting) is greatly appreciated. /Note**

This edition contains America's rising standing in Indonesia, the LA Times as North Korea's newest mouthpiece, Hong Kong's change of leadership, loggerheads between Malaysia and Indonesia, anti lip-syncing laws, North Korea versus Boing Boing plus much more...

The round-up has four key areas of focus:

China, Taiwan and Hong Kong

Korea and Japan

SE and Other Asia

Miscellany

show comments right here »

[boomerang] Posted by Simon at 19:48
Permalink | Speak Up (3)




March 03, 2005
Asia by Blog

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

This edition contains Hong Kong's changing of the guard, China's internet crackdown, bird flu, Koera's independence day, North Korean nukes, Malacca Straits pirates, Japan in space plus much more...

The round-up has four key areas of focus:

China, Taiwan and Hong Kong

Korea and Japan

SE and Other Asia

Miscellany



show comments right here »

[boomerang] Posted by Simon at 19:24
Permalink | Speak Up (1)




February 25, 2005
Asia by Blog

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

This edition contains a funny Singaporean morning show, repopulating Hong Kong, reverse offshoring, non-performing pandas, China's censorship, North Korean flip-floppery, Maoists reviewing video games plus much more...

The round-up has four key areas of focus:

China, Taiwan and Hong Kong

Korea and Japan

SE and Other Asia

  • An interview with newly released Vietnamese Buddhust monk Thich Thien Mink (via Dean).
  • Another blog from Nepal. What are India's intentions as its army applies the squueze on their Nepalese counterparts.
  • Muslim terrorists in SE Asia and their goals, with additional comment from Huichieh. Also America's efforts at counter-terrorism in SE Asia and the domestic political sensitivities they face.
  • Mr Brown looks for alternatives now the Straits Times online has become fee-based. It's a surprisingly popular move...it's one less Government sponsored source. It reflects Singapore's "free" media.
  • A morning show from Singapore with a twist. A small taste:
    Richard Lui: Welcome everyone to a brand new morning show on Channelnewsasia.
    Suzanne Jung: That’s right Richard. After months of contemplating and then revamping, we are proud to launch this new morning program aptly named “Wake Up your Fucking Ideas Singapore”. A name that’s sure to ring some resonance among our viewers.
    Richard: In this revamped morning show, we’ll be discussing all the hot and controversial issues gripping the nation. We’ll also be inviting viewers to call in and share their views.
    Suzanne: Talking about hot and controversial issue, the announcement by the government to consider setting up a casino is already polarizing the country into 2 distinct camps, each with their own arguments and views to be heard.
    Richard: Yes, it is indeed refreshing to see a fierce debate happening right here in sterile Singapore. So what’s your own opinion on this issue Suzanne?
    Suzanne: Who cares. I’m a Korean.
    Both laugh heartily.
  • Snail fever's return was easily preventable.
  • Thomas Barnett says there is no point in choosing between India and China...it's India and China.
  • Java Jive is a great photoblog from, well, Java.
  • Some Vietnam mythbusters.
  • In Singapore, Redrown asks what cost economic success?
  • Afghan stand-up comics.

Miscellany



show comments right here »

[boomerang] Posted by Simon at 18:55
Permalink | Speak Up (4)




February 22, 2005
Asia by Blog

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

This edition contains Singaporean conscription, the North Korea nuclear talks, China and the Japan/America alliance, China's developing economy, Sadaam in Shanghai, blogging from Nepal, Japanders plus much more...

The round-up has four key areas of focus:

China, Taiwan and Hong Kong

Korea and Japan

SE and Other Asia

Miscellany



show comments right here »

[boomerang] Posted by Simon at 17:03
Permalink | Speak Up (1)




February 17, 2005
Asia by Blog

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

This edition contains a new blog from restricted Nepal, the aftermath of NK's nuke announcement, the Chinese Last Supper, the EU arms embargo on China, a Hello Kitty stress meter, the new Communi$t Party plus much more...

The round-up has four key areas of focus:

China, Taiwan and Hong Kong

Korea and Japan

SE and Other Asia

  • Radio Free Nepal - a new blog with this intro:King Gyandendra of Nepal has issued a ban on independent news broadcasts and has threatened to punish newspapers for reports that run counter to the official monarchist line. Given that any person in Nepal publishing reports critical of "the spirit of the royal proclamation" is subject to punishment and/or imprisonment, contributors to this blog will publish their reports from Nepal anonymously. (via Joel, Rconversations and Buzz Machine)
  • Monogolia has adopted a second official language: English.
  • The Wall St Journal is wrong on Pakistan's President.
  • Cowboy Caleb has an amusing interview with Mr. Brown.
  • Salman Rushdie - democracy is not a tea party.
  • Bali's land politics.

Miscellany



show comments right here »

[boomerang] Posted by Simon at 17:52
Permalink | Speak Up (0)




February 15, 2005
Asia by Blog - Monthly review

This has been cross-posted at Winds of Change.

This is a digest of highlights from the Asia by Blog series. Asia by Blog is a twice weekly feature providing links to Asian blogs and their views on the news in this fascinating region.

The round-up has four key areas of focus:

China, Taiwan and Hong Kong

Politics

Economy and Lifestyle

History, Sport and Culture

Information

Korea and Japan

SE and Other Asia

Miscellany



show comments right here »

[boomerang] Posted by Simon at 10:17
Permalink | Speak Up (0)




February 08, 2005
Asia by Blog

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

This edition contains collusive corporations, fake tsunamis, phoenix Shinto shrines, North Koreas denied entry to the US, a spat over Team America, Nepal's coup, Singaporeans speaking out, married gay Commies, Chinese bullfighting plus much more...

The round-up has four key areas of focus:

Wishing you all a happy and prosperous Year of the Rooster.

China, Taiwan and Hong Kong

Korea and Japan

SE and Other Asia

Miscellany



show comments right here »

[boomerang] Posted by Simon at 16:29
Permalink | Speak Up (0)




February 04, 2005
Asia by Blog

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

This edition contains partially trusted lawyers, Korean-Japan football, gold-plated Chinese newspapers, Chinese funded Russian oil, history repeating, the blogging of the tsunami, blogger interviews and a Hello Kitty toaster, plus much more...

The round-up has four key areas of focus:

China, Taiwan and Hong Kong

Korea and Japan

SE and Other Asia

Miscellany



show comments right here »

[boomerang] Posted by Simon at 18:18
Permalink | Speak Up (0)




February 01, 2005
Asia by Blog

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

This edition contains parallels between modern Iraq and 1912 China, parallels between kamikaze and suicide bombers, the world's not quite free-est economy, Zhao Ziyang's funeral, Korea's troops in Iraq, Bill Gates and Reds, a WEF cover for a Sino-EU arms deal, North Korea falling apart, Gmail being censored, an almost smoke-free Bhutan, Chinese journalism students discussing Zhao Yan and the perfect Valentine gifts, plus much more...

The round-up has four key areas of focus:

China, Taiwan and Hong Kong

Korea and Japan

SE and Other Asia

Miscellany



show comments right here »

[boomerang] Posted by Simon at 17:04
Permalink | Speak Up (1)




January 28, 2005
Asia by Blog

Asia by Blog is a twice weekly feature, usually 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 a Korean drinking guide, the controversy over "Tsunami Song", HK's pliant press, Zhao Ziyang's funeral, North Korean's Pakistani purchases and plenty more...

The round-up has four key areas of focus:

China, Taiwan and Hong Kong

Korea and Japan

  • Joi Ito has a case of a South Korean national being banned from taking a managerial promotion civil service exam in Japan due to her nationality. He's not impressed. Sean looks into the same issue in greater detail.
  • There are reports NK bought a nuke from Pakistan. I've always wondered how that happens. Does someone from NK ring up the Pakistan Government and request a transfer to the "Nuclear Arms for Sale" Department?
  • China's clampdown on official gambling is hurting North Korea.
  • Japan's largest trading partner is now China.
  • Did Japanese PM father a child with a Korean?
  • Jodi talks about Koreans adopted and raised abroad who have returned to Korea, including herself.
  • The North Koreans have responded to Japanese experts who determined the bones handed over were not those of Megumi Yokota.
  • In case you need it, a guide to drinking in Korea, with a follow-up.

SE and Other Asia

Miscellany



show comments right here »

[boomerang] Posted by Simon at 19:17
Permalink | Speak Up (1)




January 25, 2005
Asia by Blog

Asia by Blog is a twice weekly feature, usually 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.

The round-up has four key areas of focus:

China, Taiwan and Hong Kong

Korea and Japan

SE and Other Asia

Miscellany



show comments right here »

[boomerang] Posted by Simon at 14:14
Permalink | Speak Up (3)




January 13, 2005
Asia by Blog

Asia by Blog is a twice weekly feature, usually 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.

For tsunami relief information, please see the Tsunami Help blog.

This edition contains first hand reports on the tsunami recovery efforts, exams, tax and tipping in China, Mao's grandkids, train riding Smurfs, bulls in Japan, curbing malaria without DDT plus plenty more...

The official results are up for the 2004 Asia Blog Awards.

The round-up has four five key areas of focus:

Asian Earthquake and Tsunami

China, Taiwan and Hong Kong

Korea and Japan

SE and Other Asia

Miscellany



show comments right here »

[boomerang] Posted by Simon at 16:12
Permalink | Speak Up (3)




January 10, 2005
Asia by Blog

Asia by Blog is a twice weekly feature, usually 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.

For tsunami relief information, please see the Tsunami Help blog.

This edition contains earthquake and tsunami links, the new Communists, leaked war plans, unwanted refugees, casinos in strange places, the end of the Boom Boom Room, skimpy models plus plenty more...

The official results are up for the 2004 Asia Blog Awards.

The round-up has four five key areas of focus:

Asian Earthquake and Tsunami

Many of the links in this section are to blogs, not posts. Just scroll through each blog as they all have plenty on the Tsunami and the relief efforts.

  • Agam's Gecko has plenty of on-the-ground reports on and about the disaster and especially Aceh.
  • The Diplomad, by some members of the US Foreign Service, has a critical look at the efforts of the UN compared to others in providing relief.
  • Prince Roy, a US diplomat in India, has been dealing first-hand with the aftermath and relief efforts.
  • Ran makes it into the newspaper (full article here) - not for his photos, but for his harrowing first-hand experience in the tsunami.
  • From Indonesia Jakartass has plenty of links and posts and points to the Indonesia Help blog.
  • Fred in Sri Lanka has plenty of photos and reports.
  • Macam-macam has several posts focussing especially on Aceh, including background and history, as well as a look at the Australian aid package.
  • Friskodude has a plethora of photos from various areas.
  • India Uncut has plenty of thoughtful articles on the tsunami and its aftermath.
  • Jeff Ooi, amongst other posts, has extensive coverage.

China, Taiwan and Hong Kong

Korea and Japan

SE and Other Asia

Miscellany



show comments right here »

[boomerang] Posted by Simon at 11:17
Permalink | Speak Up (1)




December 16, 2004
Asia by Blog

Asia by Blog is a twice weekly feature, usually 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 will be the final edition for 2004. New editions will commence in the first week of January.

This edition contains Taiwan's elections, an unwanted Chinese export, Japan's new defense guidelines, sex and Korean tourism, Chinese page 3 girls, China slipping grip on the net, the regular North Korean histrionics, Indonesian pirates, differences in understanding of culture, Singapore's party poopers, a fake beauty contest, the Global Voices conference plus plenty more...

The 2004 Asia Blog Awards are now in the voting stage. Also check out the IndiBloggies...
The round-up has four key areas of focus:

China, Taiwan and Hong Kong

Korea and Japan

SE and Other Asia

Miscellany



show comments right here »

[boomerang] Posted by Simon at 19:54
Permalink | Speak Up (3)




December 10, 2004
Asia by Blog

Asia by Blog is a twice weekly feature, usually 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 China-Japan tensions, the flipside of globalisation, Tron in Japan, a ban on Nike, political and legal changes in North Korea, Indonesia's most wanted, Santa for big boys, and a blogger you should know, plus plenty more...

The 2004 Asia Blog Awards have begun. There are plenty great Asian blogs so go and check some out. Also the voting has begun in the World Blog Awards, including the Asia section. You can vote once a day and I have been nominated amongst some elite company. So go nominate and vote; then check out the links below...

The round-up has four key areas of focus:

China, Taiwan and Hong Kong

Korea and Japan

SE and Other Asia

Miscellany



show comments right here »

[boomerang] Posted by Simon at 16:06
Permalink | Speak Up (0)




December 07, 2004
Asia by Blog

Asia by Blog is a twice weekly feature, usually 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 MS spaces censored, Uyghurs and Islam, North Korean beauties, a bird drop in Thailand, dead Singaporean gamblers, the new Chinese IBM, the real meaning of 'Made in China', Christmas in China plus plenty more...

The 2004 Asia Blog Awards nominations have begun. There are plenty great Asian blogs, so get busy and get nominating. Also the voting has begun in the World Blog Awards, including the Asia section. You can vote once a day and I have been nominated amongst some elite company. So go nominate and vote; then check out the links below...

The round-up has four key areas of focus:

China, Taiwan and Hong Kong

Korea and Japan

SE and Other Asia

Miscellany



show comments right here »

[boomerang] Posted by Simon at 17:35
Permalink | Speak Up (1)




December 03, 2004
Asia by Blog

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 China's emerging blogosphere, the ASEAN-China free trade area, Japanese urban legends, the wisdom of cabbies, being gay in Japan and AIDS in China, subs in India, Korea's Sharon Stone moment plus plenty more...

The 2004 Asia Blog Awards nominations have begun. And the voting has begun in the World Blog Awards, including the Asia section. You can vote once a day and I have been nominated amongst some elite company. So go nominate and vote; then check out the links below...

The round-up has four key areas of focus:

China, Taiwan and Hong Kong

Korea and Japan

SE and Other Asia

Miscellany



show comments right here »

[boomerang] Posted by Simon at 14:54
Permalink | Speak Up (1)




November 30, 2004
Asia by Blog - Month in Review

Asia by Blog is a twice weekly feature at my blog, posted on Mondays and Thursdays (the latest edition is here and the full archive here).

The following is a digest of highlights from the past month's Asia by Blog series. This has been cross-posted at Winds of Change.

The round-up has four key areas of focus:

* China, Taiwan & Hong Kong: Politics, Economy & lifestyle, History sport & culture, Information
* Korea & Japan
* South-East Asia
* Asian Miscellany

China, Taiwan and Hong Kong

Politics

* She defected to China in the 1940s, now American nuclear physicist Joan Hinton is finally getting her green card in China.
* Former WaPo Beijing bureau chief John Pomfret's thoughts on China. John Quiggin wonders is China on its last legs, just as Suharto's was at the end? Check the comments for some thoughtful rebuttals. Personally I think not.
* There has been several ethnic based riots in China in the last few months. There were riots in Henan and in Inner Mongolia, although the band involved in the latter is "ugliest collections of musicians ever assembled since the Traveling Wilburys. Perhaps even the Moody Blues." Fabian has more. More trouble in China's regions: this time a huge troop deployment to control protests over a new dam project. Stephen notes another ethnic riot, this time over kebabs. The CCP is worried about protests and wary of following the Soviet Union. Yet more riots in Guangdong, though this time not ethnic based. The increase in unrest may be due to improved communications.
* A kinder, gentler kind of authoritarian.
* Hemlock (on Monday) picks apart the pleading of HK's pampered public servants.
* Over 3 million people go to Beijing in September to petition for their cause: a look at the system, its vagaries and its inefficiencies. China is going to reform its petitioning system.
* If re-unification issues don't start a war between Taiwan and China, maybe Taiwanification of increasingly rare Chinese brides will.
* Taiwan's opposition leader is certifiably mad.
* China's worries about energy see it prepared to trade away integrity for supplies. Is China's energy diplomacy working? And what about water security? Thomas Barnett worries that while China rapidly secures energy sources and strategic alliances, America is being left behind.
* As part of its energy security and economic push China's role in Central Asia is building.
* Several experts have looked at the prospects for Sino-US relations and potential changes in America's Taiwan policy.
* An interesting contrast in attitudes to wealth and police power in Hong Kong and China.
* A change in the history curriculum for schools in Taiwan reflects Chen's growing push towards independence through the creation of a more distinct Taiwanese culture. From the other side of the Strait, a concise view of Chinese mainstream thinking on Taiwan.
* Colin Powell's parting thoughts on China.
* The US Congressional Executive Commission on China has a Political Prisoner Database. That it exists at all, let alone being so comprehensive, is a reminder of the evil that still lurks in China.
* China may have missed out on World Cup football, but they've found a new one to play with against their old friends Taiwan.
* Andres has a great post covering likely political parties and systems if China had free elections.

Economy and Lifestyle

* A good look at China's economic and foreign exchange policy. There's far more for China to consider and worry about in floating its currency than the US trade deficit. Is China getting ready to shift its exchange rate regime?
* Jeff looks at industrial safety and lack thereof in China.
* Hong Kong's Disneyland is costing more than you think.
* China's emerging middle "stratum".
* China's economic numbers just don't add up.
* Wal-Mart has given in and allowed Chinese trade unions to operate in its stores. Another world first for China.
* 5 Chinese workers protested about not being paid their wages. They went to jail for their troubles. And 24 peasants were beaten up by their boss for asknig for their wages.
* China raised its interest rates for the first time in 9 years.
* China is clamping down on its leaky capital account.
* As part of China's adjustment to a market economy, it is also getting its first corporate lawyers, with all the entails. To think China went 5,000 years without them. But there's proof China's economic boom will soon end. And a market tip on China's currency and rates.
* Hostage negotiation Chinese style.
* Despite their protestations to the contrary, China's economy is still very much a planned one, not a market one. But at least in small ways the rule of law is starting to take hold.
* Ellen looks at sophisticated Chinese counterfeiting schemes - so advanced the counterfeiters are claiming patents themselves! Fakes are a notorious problem in China, the latest being fake Government bonds. But hats off to this guy, who passed himself off as the long dead founder of modern China, Sun Yat-Sen! You can't even trust if the coffee is real anymore.
* New York's port is coming back...thanks (partly) to China.
* Are China's economic policies even more orthodox than America's?

History, Sport and Culture

* A must read: the death of Chinese humour.
* Look through this fascinating list of changing terms used in Chinese papers over the past 50 years. It tells you a lot about the changes the country has gone through in that time.
* While China's soccer is a mess, it's really becoming a modern nation now it is getting its own football hooligan law...but the law isn't just about football.
* The Great Wall of Silence about suicide.
* Why use English signs in China?
* Brilliant title: Bonfire of the bourgeois vanities...Running Dog takes an excellent look at the madness of the Cultural Revolution. In Beijing it's the hottest book at the moment, because it's expected to be banned: Zen Insight. On the same topic comes this excerpt of a similar book on what life was like in those crazy times. Fabian looks at Mao's Little Red Book and its value.
* A creative writing assignment results in some keen insights and differences between Western and Chinese thinking. Matthew also has an interesting clash in the classroom and finds it says a lot about how much China has and hasn't changed in the past twenty years.
* John neatly demonstrates a fundamental difference between Chinese and Western concepts of truth, with the help of some eggs and introduces false modesty as another explanation of the differences.
* Unique Chinese names have forced authorities to limit the number of characters that can be used to a mere 12,000.
* For a first hand account of one journalist's travels through the heart of China, check out Dan Washburn.
* Hong Kong's Alexander the Great.
* Taking the time to enjoy living in China, rather than just criticising it. Similar to what I was getting at here.
* The author of The Rape of Nanking, Iris Chang, committed suicide. Via Kirk comes this detailed and moving look at her life. There were two very different reactions to her passing in Japan.
* Tom (another who's not happy with US Immigration. America's stringent visa policy is costing ever-more: half of the Chinese delegates to the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas were refused visas and many of their compatriots and firms withdrew in solidarity.

Information

* We Observe the World is a project by Chinese journalism students, bringing to the world first hand opinions by China's next generation. Joe Bosco is behind the project.
* Via Fons, the Globe and Mail looks at the impact of the internet of China's youth. Could the USA be doing more to help the net in China?
* First it was the free lunch, now the (almost) free ride is about to go in Hong Kong, as are disgusting newspaper photos.
* Mixing politics and profits can be tricky, as the China Youth Daily is discovering. The crackdown on Guangzhou's press continues.
* Andrea has some thoughts on how the Western media reports on China. Also a look at the "frames" and narratives through which many journalists look at China.
* Playing cat and mouse with China's media censors.
* China's war against online porn continues while the old-fashioned kind is out on display.
* Having trouble getting people to see your movie? Not in Shenzhen.
* 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. The path to riches is not through newspaper reporting.
* Andres reports on a talk by noted blogger Dan Gilmour and others in Shanghai on the effects of technology on media. Also a look at three factors hampering development of Chinese cyberspace. Slowly and quietly China's bloggers are emerging, says Dan Gilmour. Another example of the emerging digerati in China is the Niu Niu incident, or maybe a blogger's eyewitness murder report. Yet more on the boom in Chinese blogging.
* The Economist keeps it simple and quotes Confucius...or do they?

Korea and Japan

* A mystery Chinese submarine was in Japanese waters, perhaps searching for natural gas, but was, after a fashion, chased away. China urged calm while Japan went mad with questions without answers. More proof of the seriousness China is taking its energy security. Winston Marshall has a good and detailed look at the incident and the broader Sino-Japan dynamic. Between China and Japan sorry can be the hardest word. With the APEC meeting in Chile the two countries' leaders are getting ready for a summit. A duet of "Yellow Submarine"? Matthew has Mao's thoughts on the starting point.
* The China/Japan rivalry is the real threat to Asian security, according to Fabian. While the two are clearly rivals, they also depend upon each other far more (especially economically) than the antagonists in the previous Cold War. Also a look at US troops in Japan and their affect on China and the region.
* Condi Rice's thoughts on North Korea. Adamu reports some interestingly different views on the North, its future and how it is not a threat.
* South Korea is no longer the sex utopia for US troops it once was.
* The always fascinating Far Outliers has an excerpt looking at the Greater East Asia War and the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere, which was to include Hawaii.
* Jodi looks at a shocking form of discrimination against HIV positive non-Koreans.
* Seoul will remain Korea's capital (forcing some to drink) and Infidel uses the decision to look at the regional rivalries and disparities within the two Koreas. Oranckay looks at the same thing from a political view. Infidel also looks at the economic and political preparations for Korean unification.
* Japan is contemplating allowing Empresses.
* Korea has the fourth highest suicide rate after Hungary, Japan and Finland. Marmot's found a common factor between all four countries.
* Japan's aging population may not be all bad news.
* When he's not busy ruling with an iron fist, Kim Jong-Il likes to blog. It may not last long: South Korea is moving to block many pro-North websites.
* Japan's forces in Iraq will extend their tour of duty.
* Terrorists took a Japanese hostage in Iraq, but Koizumi will not withdraw troops. Joi Ito has an interesting slant on the Japanese reaction.
* If you thought being North Korean was hard, try being a gay North Korean.
* Japan, famous for its low crime rate, finds its prisons are over-crowded. Although with only 61,500 odd prisoners out of a population of 127.3 million, the reputation is intact.
* South Korea's Government is trying to work out what to call North Korean escapees. NKZone has a look about why these "economic migrants" are desperately trying to escape. The recent court-martial of Robert Jenkins also provides an insight into living in NK.
* Japan's working girls work on getting a-head.
* Japan's Iraqi hostage was found dead after Japan steadfastedly refused to remove troops from Iraq. Japan's people are behind PM Koizumi in staying firm on its Iraq policy.
* Even North Korea's fast food sucks.
* An excellent look at how Japan's culture holds it back.
* The Norks are ready to test a missile which can reach the United States, while the people prepare for famine.
* "Korea without kimchi is still Korea".
* Meet Charisma Man...more examples here. Maybe he should start with this line.
* The people of North Korea aren't as passive and compliant as commonly believed.
* America has drawn up its red lines for North Korea. Kirk has an interesting discussion with a Japanese bureaucrat about dynasties and North Korea.
* A Chinese nuclear (yellow) submarine may have entered Japanese waters. Jodi wonders if China is really the threat?
* Thomas P. Barnett (via NK Zone) asks why does Pyongyang and Taipei run America's relationship with China?
* Did (newly unionised) Wal-Mart help bring down those Kim Jong-il pictures? More seriously Bradley K. Martin asks if the move is a brand protection strategy. Kimchi GI points out the top NK general wouldn't be in Cuba if something was going on.

SE and Other Asia

* Indian Hindu nationalism as dangerous as Islamic fundamentalism.
* Thai monks know how to party.
* Like that other rising Asian power, India's military needs to modernise.
* Thailand's PM is facing a tough choice in dealing with the southern violence. A dubious report linking Malaysia's PAS and Thailand's southern Muslims is dealt with by Myrick.
* India is following China's lead in worrying about energy security.
* Anwar returns to Malaysia.
* SBY spells out his plans for Indonesia and Macam-Macam takes a look at the answers.
* Singapore is the only developed nation at the bottom of the world press freedom rankings. They're not happy about the company they keep. An insider's view on Singapore's press, by the Straits Times former global-affairs columnist, covering everything from Singapore's racism to its censorship.
* Steven notes the similarities between the Ukraine elections and a certain SE Asia island nation.
* Philippines tax avoidance scheme: religion.
* Singapore's getting "safer", and Hicky rightly worries about cameras in the classroom. And Singapore's opposition leader has lost his appeal against a defamation case.
* India's Government is trying to ban detailed maps of the country.
* Mahathir interfering in the internal affairs of another country? It might be against "Asian values" but it didn't stop him.
* India sees China as a strategic threat and containment strategies will not work in the longer term.
* Pol Pot's cremation site is now a tourist attraction.
* Asian reactions to Arafat's death.
* Indonesia comes clean on its spying of Australia during the East Timor crisis. It was also the 13th anniversary of the Dili massacre.
* Outsourcing has even hit India's idol business.

Miscellany

* A look at the rise of Asian film-making.
* The Far Eastern Economic Review is to close, which isn't a surprise. There have been other media lay-offs this week, and ex-editor Philip Bowring has an "obit" for the FEER.
* At last, proof of the long-held theory.
* Quentin Tarantino's going local. He could get these guys to write the script.
* Fabian has the first installment of his weekly round-up of Maoist insurgents around the world, plus he lists former Maoists or Marxist-Leninists and where they are now. And meet the Revolutionary Communist Party, USA, a (you guessed it) Maoist party based in, of all places, France.
* The mouthless cat turned 30. She turns up in interesting places and of course she's got a blog.
* Another reason why Coke is it.
* America's visa restrictions are costing it billions each year.
* Rory gives us a lesson in what not to cook: a fried kimchi and ham sandwich. It has to be seen to be believed. The Mohamed Ali of eating is a scrawny Japanese man.
* Everything you want to know about Hello Kitty, and some things you don't as well.
* I am so glad I did not go to university in Hong Kong.



show comments right here »

[boomerang] Posted by Simon at 13:33
Permalink | Speak Up (0)




November 25, 2004
Asia by Blog

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 HK's ripoff Disneyland, potential Chinese political parties, fake coffee, Wal-Mart giving in to China and bringing down Kim Jong-il, a neat summary of the Taiwan problem, The Economist getting Confucius wrong, a 6 point plan for NK, a letter from a former Straits Times writer, everything you wanted to know about Maoists today plus plenty more...

Hong Kong, China and Taiwan

Korea and Japan

SE and Other Asia

Miscellany

show comments right here »

[boomerang] Posted by Simon at 16:45
Permalink | Speak Up (0)




November 23, 2004
FAQ: Asia by Blog

A guide for the Asia by Blog series.

If you have additional questions please leave them in the comments and I will answer them in this post.

Q: How often does Asia by Blog appear?
A: Typically every Monday and Thursday.

Q: Why did it not appear this week?
A: I am doing this on my own and in my spare time. If I am on holidays, sick or too busy it may not appear. Instead try surfing the blogs in the "Featured Asian", "Hong Kong" or "Asian" blogrolls and having a look at what they are saying.

Q: Can you notify me of new editions?
A: Please send an email to simon-at-simonworld-dot-mu-dot-nu and I will add you to the email notification group.

Q: How do you compile it?
A: Without giving away too many secrets, I read the blogs off my Hong Kong, Featured Asian and Asian rolls and add links to those entries I find interesting.

Q: How can I submit an entry or my blog?
A: You cannot. What you can do is send me an email and I will look at the post and/or your blog. If you are posting about the current events in Asia then there is a good chance I will add a link in an upcoming edition. If you are posting about what you had for lunch last week, a link is unlikely. You can get a feel for the kind of entries that get linked by reading past editions here. Alternatively follow some of the links and blogs that are on the various rolls and start linking to them. Often I find entries by following links at other blogs and posts.

Q: How can I repay you for your efforts?
A: Great question. There are several ways. Firstly help promote the Asia by Blog series, either by linking it on your own blog or mentioning it to others who are interested in Asia (this is also a good way for me to notice your blog and start linking to it). Secondly I have an Amazon wishlist with plenty of items for you to choose from. Thirdly I take all major credit cards.



show comments right here »

[boomerang] Posted by Simon at 13:30
Permalink | Speak Up (1)




November 22, 2004
Asia by Blog

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 vs Western truth, troubles with US immigration policies, a new football game, Chinese bloggers, what you can really see from space, dead conmen, the death of US troops' sex utopia and a new indoor Thai tourist spot plus plenty more...

Hong Kong, China and Taiwan

Korea and Japan

SE and Other Asia

Miscellany

show comments right here »

[boomerang] Posted by Simon at 16:47
Permalink | Speak Up (1)




November 18, 2004
Asia by Blog

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 corporate lawyers, the death of Chinese humour, Colin Powell's thoughts on China and Condi Rice's on North Korea, China's water woes, Taiwan's history changes, the factors hampering the development of China's cyberspace, a new member of the axis of evil, Martha in Vietnam plus plenty more...

Hong Kong, China and Taiwan

Korea and Japan

SE and Other Asia

Miscellany

show comments right here »

[boomerang] Posted by Simon at 17:22
Permalink | Speak Up (2)




November 15, 2004
Asia by Blog

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 condoms, sexless Singaporeans, the death of an author, Japan's aging population, Chinese subs in Japan, North Korean study, a WaPo bureau chief's thoughts on China, progress on the Kurils and plenty more...

Hong Kong, China and Taiwan

Korea and Japan

SE and Other Asia

Miscellany

show comments right here »

[boomerang] Posted by Simon at 16:25
Permalink | Speak Up (0)




November 11, 2004
Asia by Blog

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

Korea and Japan

SE and Other Asia

Miscellany

show comments right here »

[boomerang] Posted by Simon at 15:39
Permalink | Speak Up (1)




November 08, 2004
Asia by Blog

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. Please send me an email if you would like to be notified of new editions. Previous editions can be found here.

This edition contains China's petitions system, simulated nukes for North Korea, energy security for the Middle Kingdom, the many seasons of China, Japan's bursting prisons, Japan's working girls, Singapore's new security efforts and a sandwich you need to see to believe, plus plenty more...

Hong Kong, China and Taiwan

Korea and Japan

  • The China/Japan rivalry is the real threat to Asian security, according to Fabian. While the two are clearly rivals, they also depend upon each other far more (especially economically) than the antagonists in the previous Cold War. Also a look at US troops in Japan and their affect on China and the region.
  • Infidel looks at the debate over South Korea's National Security Law.
  • When he's not busy ruling with an iron fist, Kim Jong-Il likes to blog. It may not last long: South Korea is moving to block many pro-North websites.
  • South Korea has found a new place to search for minerals: the North.
  • Japan, famous for its low crime rate, finds its prisons are over-crowded. Although with only 61,500 odd prisoners out of a population of 127.3 million, the reputation is intact.
  • America has simulated dropping 30 nukes on the North. By my estimates, that would leave exactly nothing to actually invade, while nicely wiping out the millions of impoverished North Koreans. Mutually Assured Destruction.
  • South Korea's Government is trying to work out what to call North Korean escapees. NKZone has a look about why these "economic migrants" are desperately trying to escape. The recent court-martial of Robert Jenkins also provides an insight into living in NK.
  • Japan's working girls work on getting a-head.
  • Japan's people are behind PM Koizumi in staying firm on its Iraq policy.
  • Those popular gluttony contests don't always end with just a full stomach.

SE and Other Asia

Miscellany

show comments right here »

[boomerang] Posted by Simon at 17:03
Permalink | Speak Up (1)




November 04, 2004
Asia by Blog

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. Please send me an email if you would like to be notified of new editions. Previous editions can be found here.

This edition contains riots in China, kimchi, Chinese women's attitudes to sex, tourism in the wrong places, a pre-emptive strike on Australia, Quentin Tarantino's scriptwriter and another use for Coke, plus plenty more.

Hong Kong, China and Taiwan

Korea and Japan

SE and Other Asia

Miscellany

show comments right here »

[boomerang] Posted by Simon at 15:04
Permalink | Speak Up (1)




November 01, 2004
Asia by Blog

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. Please send me an email if you would like to be notified of new editions. Previous editions can be found here.

This edition contains the consequences of unpaid wages in China, an American nuclear scientist who defected to China, profits and politics don't mix, being gay and fast food in North Korea, Singapore's unfree press and more...

Hong Kong, China and Taiwan

  • John Kerry's responded to a newspaper's series of questions on China and Hong Kong.
  • First it was the free lunch, now the (almost) free ride is about to go in Hong Kong, as are disgusting newspaper photos.
  • An independent Chinese trade unionist tells Europe China is not just a market.
  • In Beijing it's the hottest book at the moment, because it's expected to be banned: Zen Insight. On the same topic comes this excerpt of a similar book on what life was like in those crazy times. Fabian looks at Mao's Little Red Book and its value.
  • There was a major clash in Henan between Han Chinese and Muslim Huis. Just the beginning?
  • 5 Chinese workers protested about not being paid their wages. They went to jail for their troubles. And 24 peasants were beaten up by their boss for asknig for their wages.
  • China raised its interest rates for the first time in 9 years.
  • She defected to China in the 1940s, now American nuclear physicist Joan Hinton is finally getting her green card in China.
  • A creative writing assignment results in some keen insights and differences between Western and Chinese thinking.
  • Mixing politics and profits can be tricky, as the China Youth Daily is discovering. The crackdown on Guangzhou's press continues.
  • Chinese tourists are having a global impact.

    Korea and Japan

  • If you thought being North Korean was hard, try being a gay North Korean.
  • Japan's Iraqi hostage was found dead after Japan steadfastedly refused to remove troops from Iraq.
  • A victory for lovers of golf in Korea. Tony looks at Korean women in sport.
  • Japan is reconsidering its place in the world.
  • Korean isn't a good place to be a cop, especially compared to the USA.
  • Even North Korea's fast food sucks.
  • An excellent look at how Japan's culture holds it back.

    SE and Other Asia

  • Thailand's PM is facing a tough choice in dealing with the southern violence.
  • Anwar returns to Malaysia.
  • Hicky notes Singapore is the only developed nation at the bottom of the world press freedom rankings.
  • India's Parliament could double as a prison.

    Miscellany

  • The Far Eastern Economic Review is to close, which isn't a surprise. There have been other media lay-offs this week, and ex-editor Philip Bowring has an "obit" for the FEER.
  • At last, proof of the long-held theory.

    show comments right here »

    [boomerang] Posted by Simon at 17:10
    Permalink | Speak Up (3)




    October 28, 2004
    Asia by Blog

    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. Please send me an email if you would like to be notified of new editions. Previous editions can be found here.

    This edition contains changing Chinese newspaper terms, football, New York Times lies, killer tomatoes, Koreans defecting both ways, death in Singapore, the curious case of the dictator's son and Maria Sharapova's underpants, plus plenty more...

    Hong Kong, China and Taiwan

  • Look through this fascinating list of changing terms used in Chinese papers over the past 50 years. It tells you a lot about the changes the country has gone through in that time.
  • Joe asks questions in dealing with China's nationalist movement. My response is here.

  • A good look at China's economic and foreign exchange policy.
  • While China's soccer is a mess, it's really becoming a modern nation now it is getting its own football hooligan law...but the law isn't just about football.
  • Andres has two excerpts from Red Dust. The first on the campaign against spiritual pollution and the next on the River of Ghosts.
  • Attack of the killer Chinese Tomatoes, in Italian.
  • We Observe the World is a project by Chinese journalism students, bringing to the world first hand opinions by China's next generation. Joe Bosco is behind the project.
  • China is a partner in Europe's Galileo satellite network, a rival to America's GPS. ACB looks at the issues.
  • Chinese workers are striking in larger numbers.
  • China's emerging middle "stratum".
  • Another piece of NYT misinformation unearthed by Jeremy.
  • China rounded up 65 potential North Korean defectors, attacked them with cattle prods and asked Western embassies to please stop helping them.
  • Via Fons, the Globe and Mail looks at the impact of the internet of China's youth. Could the USA be doing more to help the net in China? Matthew draws attention to the entire excellent Globe and Mail series, with a truckload of varied and intelligent articles.
  • Why use English signs in China?
  • Brilliant title: Bonfire of the bourgeois vanities...Running Dog takes an excellent look at the madness of the Cultural Revolution.

    Korea and Japan

  • This could be huge: North Korean leader Kim Jong Il's son, who may or may not have been living outside of the North since 2001, may have deliberately left a memo attacking the North Korean regime. Perhaps the start of a struggle for succession?
  • Jodi looks at a shocking form of discrimination against HIV positive non-Koreans.
  • It makes a change when there are South Koreans defecting to the North through a hole in the fence.
  • Seoul will remain Korea's capital (forcing some to drink) and Infidel uses the decision to look at the regional rivalries and disparities within the two Koreas. Oranckay looks at the same thing from a political view. Infidel also looks at the economic and political preparations for Korean unification.
  • Korea has the fourth highest suicide rate after Hungary, Japan and Finland. Marmot's found a common factor between all four countries.
  • Terrorists took a Japanese hostage in Iraq, but Koizumi will not withdraw troops. Joi Ito has an interesting slant on the Japanese reaction.
    Kirk has a Korean blogging round-up.

    SE and Other Asia

  • Indian Hindu nationalism as dangerous as Islamic fundamentalism.
  • Thailand had 79 people die in police custody. Terrorists plot revenge and get their justifications ready...along with their Wahhabi connections.
  • The original hobbits were Indonesian. Look out New Zealand. Someone's not surprised at the find.
  • Thai monks know how to party.
  • Jeff Ooi says the US Secret Service outdoes the Gestapo and the Red Army. Rajan deals with this stupidity.
  • Frisk Dude's SE Asia roundup is up to edition 34.
  • An Australian faces the death penalty in Singapore. Hicky has the case against the death penalty, Australia and Amnesty's pleas to Singapore, an SMH editorial "The Death Penalty as Society's Loss" and Singapore as Disneyland with a death penalty. The death penalty never works, anywhere.
  • Like that other rising Asian power, India's military needs to modernise.

    Miscellany

  • A look at the rise of Asian film-making. The Economist this week also sang the praises of South Korean cinema (sub req'd).
  • The real reason attendance was so high at a Japanese tennis tournament? Undies.

    show comments right here »

    [boomerang] Posted by Simon at 15:41
    Permalink | Speak Up (25)




    October 27, 2004
    Asia by Blog - Month in Review

    This is cross-posted at Winds of Change.

    Asia by Blog is a twice weekly feature, posted on Mondays and Thursdays (the latest edition is here). You can be notified by email when it is updated, just drop me an email at simon-[at]-simonworld-[dot]-mu-[dot]-nu. Previous editions can be found here.

    This edition contains a summary of the previous month's editions of Asia by Blog...

    China, Taiwan and Hong Kong

    Politics

  • There may be more to the case of arrested NYT researcher Zhao Yan than just the breaking of the Jiang resignation story. The IHT is saying China should release NYT researcher Zhao Yan as a sign of Hu Jintao's new reign. However Hu's rule will not be a massive shift from the old regime, but rather an extremely "subtle" change.

  • Meet John Kamm, someone you should know about.

  • Phil looks at the Taiwan/China arms race and predicts a winner.

  • China's navy is making inroads into South Asia. And elsewhere China takes its first steps in international peacekeeping and humanitarian operations.

  • Taiwan's Foreign Minister slags off plus the response from Mr Brown and Satay look at the lost in translation stakes. Itsnot fair.

  • The authors of the now banned Study of Chinese Peasants have won a major European prize.

  • America is send a naval battle group to patrol the Sea of Japan - close to both Taiwan and North Korea.

  • Hong Kongers are both smarter and more patriotic than TV gives them credit for. ESWN looks at the issue of anthems and sums up: If this national anthem thing bothers you, you just hold it against them and don't let them get the satisfaction. Just remember who these people are and make sure they don't get what they want. Ever.

  • Kevin pointed me to this little known incident in Beijing recently, with international implications. Read it...very funny.

  • Beijing is sending peacekeepers to Haiti, in America's backyard. The world's changed.

  • China and Russia sorted out where their border is, but don't want people to know.

  • Matthew comprehensively looks at China's foreign policy.

  • The Dalai Lama offered, and China said no.

  • Is Osama bin Laden hiding in China?
  • Economy and Lifestyle

  • Amongst others, Disney, McDonalds and Coke are staking their business models on China.

  • Tom discusses the possibility that China might start dumping their US dollar investments, with the inevitable "blame Bush" angle. Problem is where else will they go? The yuan is pegged only against the US dollar - it would be taking a hell of a gamble to start investing in Euros or even (perish the thought) Yen instead. China and Japan are hostages of their large US dollar holdings. Dumping them only hurts themselves.

  • Property is all the rage in Hong Kong again. ESWN explains why those in 40 square foot units are living in relative luxury. I looked at the growing demand but lack of supply of bigger units in HK and why property in HK is forming a new bubble.

  • Driving on China's roads can be murder. And even worse the WHO says Beijing is underestimating the numbers by more than 100,000 deaths a year. Phil looks at solutions.

  • Chris looks at the huge value of Hong Kong's helper army.

  • To get a credit card in China don't worry about your financial history.

  • China's mining disaster is unfortunately nothing new. Liberalisation and reform may be the answer, although Infidel worries about nuclear power in China.

  • The latest form of Western cultural imperialism has breached China's defenses...and they seem happy about it. Conrad, however, has a problem with the advertising.
  • History, Sport and Culture

  • Not all Ferrari drivers were winners at the Shanghai Grand Prix.

  • The Qing dynasty also had an Idol show.

  • Jodi points out China celebrated National Day by speeding up its death machine.

  • China is taking concrete steps in its fight against AIDS, on the subways and in the pubs.

  • The Chinese are actually Jewish.

  • China's children are going crazy and Jodi's worried.

  • All is not well in Chinese football with more developments and what this means for broader China here.

  • China takes their lion statues seriously. Very seriously.

  • John comments on a repulsive TV ad on Chinese TV for an abortion clinic. On the other hand Jeremy has ads we'd like to see.

  • The CIA have released a set of documents analysing China's leadership and the CCP back in the days of Mao. They're generating a lot of interest.
  • Information

  • Google responds to the China news censorship story, although many, including Fons and Andres, are unconvinced. Adam has an open letter to Google. Would you rather not have Google News in China at all? (Jeremy agrees, as does the WSJ.)
  • Korea and Japan

  • A memo to North Koreans: if you're going to invade an embassy, don't make it a Canadian one.

  • In order for Japan to get its permanent seat on the UN Security Council, China has helpfully laid out the barriers it sees, which Chinese Suburbia has helpfully scored.

  • Even ex-Kamikaze pilots don't like being compared to suicide bombers. Gordon has no sympathy for them.

  • Joe looks at the new Japanese Cabinet.

  • They've got some odd houses and neighbours in Japan.

  • Sean looks at the massive task of reforming Japan's Postal Service (even if it doesn't interest voters much), which is actually the world's largest financial institution amongst other things. As he points out, the Government should heed the lessons of California's energy crisis and learn the difference between privatisation and deregulation.

  • The wrong people have remembered South Korea.

  • For an interesting contrary view on living in North Korea, try Part 1 and Part 2. Plus more on why North Korea's rulers have popular support of North Koreans, although perhaps it is because the populace don't know much about the wider world.

  • One Japanese export made good in America.

  • The future is here for school kids in Japan. It sounds scary until you realise that mobile phones are extremely effective personal locators as well.

  • A Japanese cartoonist came under fire for portraying the Rape of Nanjing, and eventually was forced to withdraw the cartoon.

  • South Korea has laid claim to a chunk of Chinese territory but didn't want anyone to know, so they buried it in a Parliamentary report, which a newspaper then exposed. Oops. On the same topic Tom Plate says China should waive its territorial claims in the Koguryo controversy for its own sake and that it is not yet time to lift the arms embargo..

  • Japan was hit by a massive and deadly typhoon, then an earthquake (more here) and now Japan's bullet train had its first derailment in 40 years. Also look at the scale Japan uses to measure these things.

  • Japan's to restore an 8th Century historical ruin: a flushing toilet.

  • If I were in South Korea, I'd be getting mad now: Team America won't play there. I'm so keen on this movie I might actually pay to see it rather than wait for the Shenzhen copies. It's getting rave reviews. Tony isn't impressed with Korean movie quotas, either.

  • There is an excellent discussion on the potential for China to annex a collapsing North Korea over at Marmot's.

  • There is plenty more at Robert's monthly Korea briefing at Winds of Change.
  • SE and Other Asia

  • Brad DeLong eloquently fisks a stupid article pleading for a boycott of products made by Indian labour; as Richard points out you could easily substitute China for India.

  • India can teach the US a thing or two about voting.

  • It's not strictly Asia, but Jodi has the details and thoughts on the rape trials starting on Pitcairn Island.

  • Single men, you might consider Kemukus mountain for your next holiday.

  • Brunei is imitating Hong Kong: votes that mean nothing. Macam-Macam has a no-holds-barred look at this land of his birth.

  • Is Pakistan preparing for the famed October surprise? They'd better hurry up if they are.

  • In Malaysia the fallout from the Jeff Ooi incident continues. His blog has come under investigation for a comment by "Anwar", who has now apologised. It is now getting more attention, including at Slashdot and Reporters sans Frontieres. All the fuss seems to have done is boosted Jeff's traffic. "Anwar" has been identified and is likely to be charged.

  • Piracy in the Straits of Malacca is getting worse.

  • Indonesia officially got a new President and a sore loser. Megawati's sulking. Not impressed. More importantly is what will SBY do now? Pieter wants him to tackle the economy and corruption first, not terror. Winston has a very thorough look at the task ahead and Jakartass has a poll of what the public want him to do. Agam was on the ground during the inauguration. Macam looks at SBY's cabinet.

  • Conrad has excerpts from the five part Asia Times series on the Philippines. And he has a plan.

  • Singapore's Temasek Holdings, the Government company that controls most of Singapore's major businesses, has opened its books.

  • Cambodia has a new king.

  • Burma's Prime Minister was fired for being "moderate". You've got to use scare quotes when it comes to Burma (not Myanmar).

  • Jihadis crossed the final line when they took and killed Chinese hostages in Pakistan.
  • Miscellany

  • Just like elsewhere, oil is a big factor in East Asian foreign policy. Also what Asian issues feature in the US election?

  • Unsurprisingly Asia has done poorly in the Corruption Perceptions Index. Bangladesh "won".

  • As Joel points out, only in Asia can "Nazi fashion" be ever considered a good idea.

  • Rajan asks that age old question that puzzles so many in Asia.

  • Did the USSR collapse because of Western powers or because senior officials lost faith in socialism?

  • Spirit Fingers is doing the police's job for them. Some people are taking the 'Asian tiger' thing too seriously.

  • They're good enough to die, but not good enough to be British.

  • Lost Nomad discovers why Asians are better at maths.

  • Turning the tables on Engrish comes Hanzi Smatter, a site dedicated to the misuse of Chinese characters (via John). Funny stuff in whatever language.

  • Japanese men are taking things sitting down.

  • Love often is the victim of tortured analogies. But this could be a first for cabbage. While on love, looking for a Hong Kong wife? Mr B is here to help. Otherwise you can try this way instead.


  • show comments right here »

    [boomerang] Posted by Simon at 09:12
    Permalink | Speak Up (1)




    October 25, 2004
    Asia by Blog

    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. Please send me an email if you would like to be notified of new editions. Previous editions can be found here.

    This edition contains Korea's worst season, China's mines, Hooters, which US Presidential candidate is best for China, Japan's earthquake system, could China annex North Korea, pissed off Pakistanis and plenty more...

    Hong Kong, China and Taiwan

  • China's mining disaster is unfortunately nothing new. Liberalisation and reform may be the answer, although Infidel worries about nuclear power in China.

  • Sharpies, business in Wenzhou and shoes in Spain - all in one.

  • The latest form of Western cultural imperialism has breached China's defenses...and they seem happy about it. Conrad, however, has a problem with the advertising.

  • It ain't easy being a croc.

  • HK Democrats are working towards a referendum on voting in Hong Kong: Tom has the details.

  • Phil says "People's" in a country name means anything but.

  • ACB continues to look at China and the US and their competing interests.

  • Fumier has a first person look at the Chung Yeung festival. And while on dead people, everything you wanted to know about Mao's embalming.

  • China is looking to learn from one Hong Kong model: its property market.

  • Xinhua needs poopreaders proofreaders.

  • A complete set of links to the Globe and Mail's China survey, including migrant workers, the environment, spiritual vacuum, sex and drugs plus more.

  • Matthew looks at which US Presidential candidate would be better for China's economic and political relations.
  • Korea and Japan

  • There is an excellent discussion on the potential for China to annex a collapsing North Korea over at Marmot's.

  • The gold is finally decided in Olympic gymnastics.

  • Eating out in Japan is becoming an expensive business.

  • Seoul is going to stay as Korea's capital.

  • Someone needs to tell North Korean defectors that international schools aren't consulates.

  • Joel's been "researching" Koreans' love of plastic surgery.

  • Why do China and Korea dislike Japan? Matthew's keeping watch on China's anti-Japan rhetoric ban.

  • First typhoons, then earthquakes (more here) and now Japan's bullet train had its first derailment in 40 years.

  • While on Japan's earthquake, a look at the scale Japan uses to measure these things.

  • A look at Korea's economic woes.

  • Korea's entering its worst season of the year: the suicide season.

  • Unsurprisingly, North Korea has the worst "freedom of press" in the world.

  • Colin Powell's in Tokyo to discuss the restructuring of US forces in Japan.
  • SE and Other Asia

  • Jihadis crossed the final line when they took and killed Chinese hostages in Pakistan.

  • The Commonwealth has just made becoming a certified democracy much easier: coup, rewrite constitution, ban opposition, rig elections and you're done.

  • Bush makes odd bedfellows.

  • What works in Estonia may not work in the Philippines.
  • Miscellany

  • If Vietnamese food is your dish, check out Noodle Pie.

  • When you've finished here, trying going around the world by blog instead.
  • show comments right here »

    [boomerang] Posted by Simon at 14:09
    Permalink | Speak Up (2)




    October 21, 2004
    Asia by Blog

    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. Please send me an email if you would like to be notified of new editions. Previous editions can be found here.

    This edition contains Afghan's President at 30, questions over control North Korea if it collapses, China's lack of progress in fighting poverty, is OBL in China and plenty on Indonesia's new President, just for starters...

    Hong Kong, China and Taiwan

  • Breaking Hong Kong news: 1997 never happened.

  • ESWN wants the real culprits behind the Taiwan bus crash that killed 5 Hong Kong tourists: the tour operator.

  • China takes their lion statues seriously. Very seriously.

  • One night in Hong Kong: The Eagles, thirsty gweilos and one running dog. Funny stuff.

  • John comments on a repulsive TV ad on Chinese TV for an abortion clinic. On the other hand Jeremy has ads we'd like to see.

  • Come get exploited by evil Western movie producers and star in a film to boot.

  • The Lama offered, and China said no.

  • Being a journo in China is easy.
  • Chinese football is in dire straits.

  • One Chinese newspaper says China has no reason to be proud in its war on poverty.

  • The CIA have released a set of documents analysing China's leadership and the CCP back in the days of Mao. They're generating a lot of interest.

  • Matthew comprehensively looks at China's foreign policy.

  • China's financial regulator says half of the country's brokerages are risky or very risky.

  • Is Osama bin Laden hiding in China?
  • Korea and Japan

  • If North Korea fell apart, who would take it over? South Korea or China? More on this question at NKZone and from Infidel.

  • Duophony is not impressed by the North Korean Human Rights Act. And some are saying Kerry would be harder on North Korea than Bush.

  • Spielberg wanted a Korean actress to play a Japanese geisha. She declined, and Jodi and others are questioning her decision.

  • It's OK to spy for North Korea now. Which is just as well, because Marmot has pics of the very latest in North Korean military technology. Juicy stuff.

  • South Korea's first astronauts are going to be a housewife and a missionary. Please start jokes on positions now.

  • Japan's been hit by a massive and deadly typhoon.

  • Japan's to restore an 8th Century historical ruin: a flushing toilet.

  • If I were in South Korea, I'd be getting mad now: Team America won't play there. I'm so keen on this movie I might actually pay to see it rather than wait for the Shenzhen copies. It's getting rave reviews. Tony isn't impressed with Korean movie quotas, either.

  • Lee always comes up with the crazy stuff that makes you shake your head about the Japanese. The latest is the "SushiDisk".
  • SE and Other Asia

  • Megawati's sulking. Not impressed. More importantly is what will SBY do now? Pieter wants him to tackle the economy and corruption first, not terror. Winston has a very thorough look at the task ahead and Jakartass has a poll of what the public want him to do. Agam was on the ground during the inauguration. Macam looks at SBY's cabinet.

  • Burma's Prime Minister was fired for being "moderate". You've got to use scare quotes when it comes to Burma (not Myanmar).

  • India's most wanted has been killed: take a squiz at the reactions.

  • Afghanistan's likely President Hamid Karzai, at age 30.

  • Hicky looks at Singapore's twisted application of the death penalty.
  • Miscellany

  • Just like elsewhere, oil is a big factor in East Asian foreign policy. Also what Asian issues feature in the US election?

  • Unsurprisingly Asia has done poorly in the Corruption Perceptions Index. Bangladesh "won".

  • Looking for a Hong Kong wife? Mr B is here to help. Otherwise you can try this way instead.
  • show comments right here »

    [boomerang] Posted by Simon at 16:37
    Permalink | Speak Up (4)




    October 18, 2004
    Asia by Blog

    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. Please send me an email if you would like to be notified of new editions. Previous editions can be found here.

    This edition contains Asian "tigers", an unreported incident in Beijing, teaching China about Michael Moore, map games, the "Anwar" thing and plenty more.

    Hong Kong, China and Taiwan

  • Blood, oil, money, the UN...and it's not Iraq.

  • Hong Kong's fun parks, public subsidies and toxic waste.

  • See Gweilos in their natural habitat.

  • ESWN has the story of a suicide bomber in Sichuan.

  • China: where the name game's @

  • ACB has an interesting look at student suicide in China. Joe looks at suicide in Japan as well.

  • Keep watching the sky.

  • China's brainwashing gulag for Falun Gong members.

  • Tibet's government in exile is p!ssed off...because of a beauty contest.

  • Kevin (when are you going to add me to that blogroll?) pointed me to this little known incident in Beijing recently, with international implications. Read it...very funny.

  • To get a credit card in China don't worry about your financial history.

  • All is not well in Chinese football.

  • After my own guide on HK taxis, Batgung helpfully provides a guide to mini-busses.

  • Nathan says "Communist" China is outdoing America.

  • Infidel has thoughts on battling China's internet firewall and points to another posting on the subject. Both he and Andres have a request for all bloggers (mine's now set at 999 words, which is the maximum MT allows).

  • Beijing is sending peacekeepers to Haiti, in America's backyard. The world's changed.

  • Educating Chinese about Michael Moore, one person at a time.

  • China and Russia sorted out where their border is, but don't want people to know.
  • Korea and Japan

  • A critical look at both candidates' comments on Korea in the US Presidential election.

  • Marmot keeps track of Korea's favourite game: map-changing. And China's getting in on the act too, this time with Japan.

  • In Japan, reading magazines in stores can be deadly.

  • ,li>South Korea has given up catching North Korean spies.
  • If North Korea is such a paradise, why are groups of people scaling barbed wire to seek asylum? Rebecca wants to know what's happened to the unlucky group that were turned over to the Chinese by the Shanghai American School.

  • Japan celebrates the horse that can't.

  • Japan's on the UN Security Council for 2 years, but looking to make it longer.
  • SE and Other Asia

  • The "Anwar" from the infamous Jeff Ooi blog comment incident in Malaysia, has been identified and is likely to be charged.
  • Jodi looks at the issues facing Singapore as it modernises at the cost of its history.

  • Cambodia has a new king.

  • What Ramadan in Indonesia really means.
  • Macam-macam notes the challenges of the festival in non-Muslim countries. Niraj notes capitalism reaching its claws into this holy month.
  • Have a look at what the Indian blogosphere is saying. And look at the two approaches by Korean and Japanese firms in India.

  • Rezwan has a look at the complex relationship between Bangladesh and India.
  • Miscellany

  • Hello Kitty is being exploited for charity. Where will it end?

  • Some people are taking the 'Asian tiger' thing too seriously.
  • show comments right here »

    [boomerang] Posted by Simon at 16:38
    Permalink | Speak Up (3)




    October 14, 2004
    Asia by Blog

    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. Please send me an email if you would like to be notified of new editions. Previous editions can be found here.

    Hong Kong, China and Taiwan

  • Hong Kongers are both smarter and more patriotic than TV gives them credit for. ESWN looks at the issue of anthems and sums up: If this national anthem thing bothers you, you just hold it against them and don't let them get the satisfaction. Just remember who these people are and make sure they don't get what they want. Ever.

  • Is Chen Shui-bien Taiwan's Nixon?

  • The Chinese are actually Jewish.

  • Dan Washburn's latest installment of his excellent travel series is online. When will he get the book deal he so clearly deserves?

  • The Chinese Peasants Study has really made it now: it's being used in a computer virus.

  • The always-thoughtful Andres has set-off an interesting debate in the comments to Adam's post on a book by Ethan Gutmann about the American expat community in China. Gutmann responds to Adam's thoughts in the comments as well. But back to Andres' question: do China bloggers suffer from a sort of schizophrenia? After the first few comments the thread falls foul of an ongoing unrelated dispute between two other bloggers. The new thread has begun here Dave has some interesting thoughts worth reading through on the topic as well. This is a good discussion China bloggers need to have.

  • China's adding pounds.

  • First Reuters announces it is targeting Chinese consumers; next day the head of Reuters is visiting Xinhua. Fons is on to Xinhua.

  • China's children are going crazy and Jodi's worried.
  • Korea and Japan

  • South Korea has laid claim to a chunk of Chinese territory but didn't want anyone to know, so they buried it in a Parliamentary report, which a newspaper then exposed. Oops. On the same topic Tom Plate says China should waive its territorial claims in the Koguryo controversy for its own sake and that it is not yet time to lift the arms embargo..

  • Counting years and history making Geishas.

  • Read what Korea can learn from Japan's mistakes in Iraq, by someone who's been there. And with Korean troops in Iraq, a look at Islamic Koreans.

  • Defector Jenkins is back at work, in uniform, claiming his pay and with his North Korean raised family living on a US army base.

  • North Korea's Kim Il-sung missed a great potential sideline: health tips.

  • Oprah, you wouldn't like Koreans when they're angry.

  • There a major trade dispute brewing between Korea and Japan...

  • Even Stalinists don't like North Korea.

  • Joshua says diplomacy isn't working and its time for another approach for dealing with North Korea.
  • SE and Other Asia

  • The Bali was two years ago: Rajan points to this Mark Steyn piece and has his own thoughts; The Swanker also reflects on what happened and what it means: There can be no dialogue with terrorists. Unconditional surrender should be the only peace terms we seek.

  • India has new angle on tourism: the medical kind.

  • Conrad has excerpts from the five part Asia Times series on the Philippines. And he has a plan.

  • It is not a happy time for the glitterati in Singapore. Some of them could be hanging around...

  • Singapore's Temasek Holdings, the Government company that controls most of Singapore's major businesses, has opened its books.

  • FriskoDude's SE Asia round-up includes foreplay, the Cambodian abdication, drugs, prostitutes and a yeti. Go read.

  • The Argus covers the Afghan elections in both words and pictures.
  • Miscellany

  • Did the USSR collapse because of Western powers or because senior officials lost faith in socialism?

  • Andy's getting married.

  • Did you know that Kim Jong-il blogs?
  • show comments right here »

    [boomerang] Posted by Simon at 18:42
    Permalink | Speak Up (0)




    October 11, 2004
    Asia by Blog

    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. Please send me an email if you would like to be notified of new editions. Previous editions can be found here.

    Hong Kong, China and Taiwan

  • Driving on China's roads can be murder. And even worse the WHO says Beijing is underestimating the numbers by more than 100,000 deaths a year. Phil looks at solutions.

  • Chris looks at the huge value of Hong Kong's helper army.

  • China is taking concrete steps in its fight against AIDS, on the subways and in the pubs.

  • Hemlock notes (Monday, Oct 11 entry) the dubious qualifications of HK's famous finger waver and the gweilo population of Hong Kong will be gone, by 2193.

  • First spam, now Cialis in contraband medicine. Maybe they should try fish instead?

  • Jodi explains why the arms embargo against China should remain in place. She also thinks China has been remarkably tolerant with Taiwan.

  • A fascinating piece of Hong Kong's history: the events of October 10th 1953 left some with a disdainful view of Anglo-American ideas of "freedom" and of the Republic of China.
  • Korea and Japan

  • Forget about the war on terror. Marmot has everything you need to know about that other war: the war on prostitution. Those affected are protesting vigorously.

  • There's a price on the head of Korean soldiers in Iraq

  • Why hasn't North Korea collapsed? The original article by Nicholas Eberstadt has plenty of food for thought. Andy takes issue with some of the points raised, particularly on the political side while the Infidel says the main question is not how the North persists but why it should? Also take a look at a thorough analysis of the USA's North Korean Human Rights Act and policy on North Korea. Clearly China's worried about an influx of more North Korean refugees.

  • A Japanese cartoonist is coming under fire for portraying the Rape of Nanjing.

  • North Korea's position on the US elections: they don't care who wins.

  • Joi Ito wonders if Japan was ready for a super-typhoon.

  • Japan's trying to stop another kind of invasion.
  • SE and Other Asia

  • The Acorn looks at the Afghan poll and Rajan takes issues with the idea the poll was too early.

  • The Swanker thinks more Aussies should learn Asian languages and that it might help in Australia's war on terror. Rajan thinks it would be a waste of money.
  • Miscellany

  • Arthur goes around the world in 31 blogs.

  • The perfect gift for your Korean friends this Christmas.

  • Rajan takes issue with the Nobel Peace Prize. Niraj has a good suggestion for a winner for the Economics Prize.

  • Love often is the victim of tortured analogies. But this could be a first for cabbage.

  • Where being ostentatious has no bounds.

  • Do they all really look the same? Play the game and test yourself. And then wonder about the reverse: to many Asians, all caucasians look the same.

  • Even the humble accordion is being digitised.
  • show comments right here »

    [boomerang] Posted by Simon at 15:01
    Permalink | Speak Up (0)




    October 07, 2004
    Asia by Blog

    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. Please send me an email if you would like to be notified of new editions. Previous editions can be found here.

    Hong Kong, China and Taiwan

  • Property is all the rage in Hong Kong again. ESWN explains why those in 40 square foot units are living in relative luxury. I looked at the growing demand but lack of supply of bigger units in HK and why property in HK is forming a new bubble.

  • Follow Dan Washburn's journey through China. Great site and great writing.

  • For once, everyone stayed home in HK on a Saturday night.

  • There's an interesting set of connections between a WaPo story on Chinese land seizures, the arrest of NYT researcher Zhao Yan and outspoken Fuzhou city party boss Huang Jingao.

  • There's a worse scourge than gambling hitting the youth of Hong Kong.

  • Adam's found an effective way to get around China's Great Firewall.

  • America is send a naval battle group to patrol the Sea of Japan - close to both Taiwan and North Korea.

  • Phil has a comprehensive list of feedback and thoughts on Living in China and where it can go. Go and leave your comments too.

  • Even in this holiday week there's no getting away from China's traffic jams.
  • Korea and Japan

  • Marmot comprehensively covers reports that China would send up to 400,000 troops to support North Korea in a war, including the US plan that called for almost 700,000 American troops within 90 days in the event of a conflict. America has agreed to delay its troop withdrawal by 3 years, to give Seoul more time to prepare. Perhaps because the latest reports are that Seoul would fall to North Korea within 15 days without US troops. Ironically at the same time there is a report on a secret South Korean plan for dealing with the collapse of North Korea, including accommodating 200,000 defectors.

  • Also, find out what really pisses Marmot off and his follow-up as well: ...while it might give one a warm, fuzzy feeling to see Old Glory being waived around at a mass demonstration (beats the hell out of seeing it burnt), a look at the figures and groups involved might make one think twice about whether seeing the symbols of the U.S. invoked at an occasion like Monday’s is such a great thing.

  • Tokyo's Governor is a colourful character, with statements like If Japanese hadn't fought the white people, we would still be slaves of the white people. It would be colonization. We changed that. Read Jodi's take.

  • North Korea has found employment for 500 of its pimply teenagers. They've even discovered a new twist on the "open source" idea.

  • The Infidel is back, with his wife (via Budaechigae).

  • More on why North Korea's rulers have popular support of North Koreans, although perhaps it is because the populace don't know much about the wider world.

  • Andy has more on why the 6 party talks with North Korea are the only game in town.

  • GI Korea has a detailed look at prostitution and human trafficking in Korea.

  • Don't eat cheap sushi (via Joi Ito).
  • SE and Other Asia

  • In Malaysia the fallout from the Jeff Ooi incident continues. His blog has come under investigation for a comment by "Anwar", who has now apologised. It is now getting more attention, including at Slashdot and Reporters sans Frontieres. All the fuss seems to have done is boosted Jeff's traffic.

  • The case of abused maid Nirmala Bonat continues, but meet the real person behind the headlines.

  • Piracy in the Straits of Malacca is getting worse.

  • Will the Khmer Rogue finally be brought to trial?

  • The latest Subcontinent Survey is up at Winds of Change (by Nitin and Robi).

  • Hamas killed a Thai in Gaza, so far without condemnation by the Thai Government.

  • Macam-Macam has a no-holds-barred look at the land of his birth: Brunei.

  • Indonesia officially got a new President and a sore loser.
  • Miscellany

  • Turning the tables on Engrish comes Hanzi Smatter, a site dedicated to the misuse of Chinese characters (via John). Funny stuff in whatever language.

  • Japanese men are taking things sitting down.

  • What are you doing in there?

  • A museum to take JC to.

  • Rent-a-relation in Korea.
  • show comments right here »

    [boomerang] Posted by Simon at 17:20
    Permalink | Speak Up (1)




    October 04, 2004
    Asia by Blog

    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. Please send me an email if you would like to be notified of new editions. Previous editions can be found here.

    Reminding you there's more to the world than two old white guys debating...

    Hong Kong, China and Taiwan

  • Tom discusses the possibility that China might start dumping their US dollar investments, with the inevitable "blame Bush" angle. Problem is where else will they go? The yuan is pegged only against the US dollar - it would be taking a hell of a gamble to start investing in Euros or even (perish the thought) Yen instead. China and Japan are hostages of their large US dollar holdings. Dumping them only hurts themselves.

  • The Qing dynasty also had an Idol show.

  • Could being anti-triad mean being anti-democracy? And what does Marx have to say about the Tiger of Jordan?

  • Adam has an open letter to Google. Would you rather not have Google News in China at all? (Jeremy agrees, as does the WSJ.)

  • The oil price is so high they're even singing about it.

  • Taiwan's looking at getting offensive weapons but Winston Marshall doesn't think it will change the strategic balance.

  • Jodi points out China celebrated National Day by speeding up its death machine.

  • There were riots in Spain last week over Chinese shoes.

  • Expect a new flurry of old stories about China.

  • Get an inside look at what China's NPC delegates are talking about.

  • The authors of the now banned Study of Chinese Peasants have just won a major European prize.
  • Korea and Japan

  • The Canadians haven't stuffed up the North Korean hostage situation, yet. ACB has plenty more on the situation.

  • The wrong people have remembered South Korea.

  • Marmot has more reactions on the passing of the North Korean Human Rights Act in the US. And Matthew Stinsons' Hollywood analogy of North Korea exposes the futility of the South's Sunshine Policy. For an interesting contrary view on living in North Korea, try Part 1 and Part 2 at Dog Stew.

  • John Kerry hasn't ruled out pre-emptive North Korean strikes; he's kept the same position on the subject: the wrong one. Andy says the 6 party talks are the only game worth playing. Kevin also questions if President Kerry would be up to the task now Bush has sent the US Navy to patrol the Sea of Japan? Joshua explains clearly why there is bipartisan hatred of Kim Jong-Il in America to the misguided people at OhMyNews. Shape of Days wonders how China would react to the Kerry plan?

  • Following up on his earlier post on what to do about North Korea, Power Politics addresses some other proposals.

  • The Bank of Japan has quietly bought out the private sector banks' share portfolios. So now the BoJ are punting shares, rather than the banks. Doesn't really solve the problem, does it? Also Joe has a wrap-up of stories from Japan over the weekend.

  • One Japanese export made good in America.

  • The future is here for school kids in Japan. It sounds scary until you realise that mobile phones are extremely effective personal locators as well.

  • Japan's cops can't cope. Thank God their crime rate is so low or they'd be in real trouble.
  • SE and Other Asia

  • Brunei is imitating Hong Kong: votes that mean nothing.

  • John Berthelsen argues that Philippines foreign worker remittances makes the Philippine Government lazy.

  • There's gold I tells ya, gold!

  • Jeff Ooi is fighting back against a front page attack.

  • Mr Brown gets involved in the pi-sai debacle. And via Mr Brown, I discovered the egg is near for Singapore.

  • Is Pakistan preparing for the famed October surprise?
  • Miscellany

  • When you've finished here, go have a look at what the rest of the world is blogging about.

  • Rajan asks that age old question that puzzles so many in Asia.

  • Spirit Fingers is doing the police's job for them.

  • They're good enough to die, but not good enough to be British.

  • Heartbreak for Adam.

  • Lost Nomad discovers why Asians are better at maths.
  • show comments right here »

    [boomerang] Posted by Simon at 16:40
    Permalink | Speak Up (6)




    September 30, 2004
    Asia by Blog

    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. Please send me an email if you would like to be notified of new editions. Previous editions can be found here.

    Now on with the show...

    Hong Kong, China and Taiwan

  • Google responds to the China news censorship story, although many, including Fons and Andres, are unconvinced.

  • There may be more to the case of arrested NYT researcher Zhao Yan than just the breaking of the Jiang resignation story. The IHT is saying China should release NYT researcher Zhao Yan as a sign of Hu Jintao's new reign. However Hu's rule will not be a massive shift from the old regime, but rather an extremely "subtle" change.

  • Meet John Kamm, someone you should know about.

  • Not all Ferrari drivers were winners at the Shanghai Grand Prix.

  • Phil looks at the Taiwan/China arms race and predicts a winner.

  • China's displacing Mexico.

  • Tung Che-hwa works on his Three Stooges act.

  • The idea of beggar-free zones has been rightly junked.

  • Even paint can be a victim of sensitive Chinese/Japanese relations.

  • China's navy is making inroads into South Asia. And elsewhere China takes its first steps in international peacekeeping and humanitarian operations.

  • Adam continues to lead the discussion on the Living in China e-zine and new ideas for China blogging.

  • Amongst others, Disney, McDonalds and Coke are staking their business models on China.

  • Taiwan's Foreign Minister slags off plus the response from Mr Brown and Satay look at the lost in translation stakes. Itsnot fair.

  • All of China is about to take a week off from tomorrow for the National Day holidays. But all is not as it seems.

  • China is re-opening the Koguryo controversy.
  • Korea and Japan

  • The US Senate passed the North Korea Human Rights Act this week, although there has been very little coverage of it in the mainstream press. The full text of the act is available via here. Marmot looks at the responses in Korea.

  • GI Korea has an interesting trip down history lane recounting the American campaign of 1871 in Korea. Or for the Japan history buffs try the Battle of Mikatagahara.

  • North Korea officially declares they have nukes. As a deterrent, of course. Also should the South call the North's bluff? (via Kirk).

  • A memo to North Koreans: if you're going to invade an embassy, don't make it a Canadian one.

  • In order for Japan to get its permanent seat on the UN Security Council, China has helpfully laid out the barriers it sees, which Chinese Suburbia has helpfully scored.

  • Even ex-Kamikaze pilots don't like being compared to suicide bombers. Gordon has no sympathy for them.

  • At least one tourist got out of North Korea to visit Beijing.

  • Joe looks at the new Japanese Cabinet.

  • They've got some odd houses and neighbours in Japan.

  • Sean looks at the massive task of reforming Japan's Postal Service (even if it doesn't interest voters much), which is actually the world's largest financial institution amongst other things. As he points out, the Government should heed the lessons of California's energy crisis and learn the difference between privatisation and deregulation.
  • SE & other Asia

  • Brad DeLong eloquently fisks a stupid article pleading for a boycott of products made by Indian labour; as Richard points out you could easily substitute China for India.

  • Conrad reports on the trial in Malaysia of alleged maid-beater Yim Pek Ha and her reverse insanity defence. More reports on the case at ALN.

  • India can teach the US a thing or two about voting.

  • A look at minorities in Laos.

  • It's not strictly Asia, but Jodi has the details and thoughts on the rape trials starting on Pitcairn Island.

  • Macam-macam concludes his look at the evens of 30th September, 1965, in Indonesia.

  • Mr Brown takes us through Singapore National Education part 101 - he's learning a lot about the place.
  • Miscellany

  • Glow in the dark condoms, where the condom isn't the only thing that provides protection.

  • Singles men, you might consider Kemukus mountain for your next holiday.

  • As Joel points out, only in Asia can "Nazi fashion" be ever considered a good idea.

  • Now here is a real resource for ESL teachers in Asia.

  • Starbucks strikes again, but this time as a force for good.

  • We're edging closer to the time to panic about bird flu..but funnily enough there doesn't seem to be much, yet.
  • Linked to OTB.

    show comments right here »

    [boomerang] Posted by Simon at 15:46
    Permalink | Speak Up (0)




    September 28, 2004
    Asia by Blog - Month in Review

    This is cross-posted at Winds of Change.

    Asia by Blog is a twice weekly feature, posted on Mondays and Thursdays (the latest edition is here). You can be notified by email when it is updated, just drop me an email at simon-[at]-simonworld-[dot]-mu-[dot]-nu. Now without futher ado it is time to look at the highs and lows of China and Asia over the past month:

    China, Taiwan and Hong Kong

    Politics

  • Jiang Zemin has bowed to the inevitable. Now Hu Jiantao have no more excuses on delivering reform. With the peaceful rise of Hu Jintao, Richard has a good look on what it all means, although CDN contends Hu has sold his soul. At the same time some things haven't changed (the article in question can be found via here). Adam also notes the frustrating lack of coverage for such an important event.

  • Asia Media covers the trial of the 2 authors of a book on China's peasantry and the difficulties they face. Metanoiac has more on this.

  • Tom Plate covers the thoughts of a retiring US naval commander on the Asia-Pacific region.

  • Will AIDS lead China to democracy?

  • The home of the "laissez-faire" economy is becoming more monopolistic by the day, says Tom. He also covers HK's pathetic response to the challenge issued by Singapore's elder patriarch, Lee Kuan Yew. Perhaps because LKY is right. There's more on the whole thing at CSR Asia.

  • China's soft power is growing and Peking Dork says it signals the end of any chance of Taiwan independence. Dan Drezner looks at China's growing influence as a regional power; thinking about one small aspect of the US's current approach to China it seems the US isn't sure whether to treat China as a threat or opportunity.

  • Stephen looks at China's warning to its Uighur population. With China getting ready for the 2008 Olympics, Stephen also looks at the likely losers in the run up to the event. Ironically for the IOC their attempt to force improvement China's human rights record looks likely to backfire.

  • Is China destined to be superpower or collapse? Check the comments for more discussion.

  • Why is it Communists like Photoshop so much?

  • Minerva plays the Taiwan name game.

  • HK's elections are done: full results at ESWN. Looking at the results are Pieter who sees this campaign's dirty tricks as a sign of maturing democracy; Phil who looks at the disappointing Democrat Party results (much as he predicted) and the ballot box stuff-up and says if its a choice between conspiracy and stupidity, well you know which wins. Chris has some interesting ideas on the apathy concerning this election and that the current system is of London's design, not Beijing's. Andrea says China will clamp down on HK regardless of the result. Tom looks more deeply into the winners and losers. ESWN explains and defends HK's functional constituencies by saying "experts" are needed to defend each interest group and commonly elected politicians are unable to grasp the issues. Which is complete baloney. Countries such as the UK, USA and Australia seem to manage just fine without special interest groups directly electing members of Parliament. ESWN's example of the financial services candidate (an "colourful" fellow elected with 275 votes, whereas it took over 60,000 votes to get a directly elected seat. In other words one stockbroker's vote is worth 218 "ordinary" votes) fighting for minimum conditions is the perfect example against these seats. The investing public loses out to the stockbrokers who create their own self-determined minimum commissions. If the small stockbrokers are worried about "collusion" in the long term, collusion in the short term isn't the answer. Proper anti-trust and competition laws are. Special interest seats perverse democracy by making those lawmakers answerable only to that sector, to the exclusion of the broader society they should actually serve.

  • A detailed look at the difference between the existing and proposed (but shelved) Article 23 laws in Hong Kong.

  • China's quietly taking advantage of America's distractions in the Middle East and asserting control in Central Asia.
  • Economy and Lifestyle

  • Did you know China's stockmarket has crashed?
  • China's now bailing out the private sector as well as the public, says Fons. He also looks at China's massive unpaid wages bill. What's causing China's migrant labour shortage and a look at the history of the problem. China's labour shortage is particularly acute with skilled workers.

  • ACB measures the damage of China's recent massive flooding.

  • The Ruck wonders why the US is now announcing China's economic policies for it?

  • What price China's desperation for oil?

  • Ellen laughs at China's hypocrisy over pirating.

  • Urban health is getting worse in China, for the obvious reason: living in Chinese cities with the worst air pollution does more damage to an average Chinese person's lungs than smoking two packs of cigarettes a day No wonder so many Chinese smoke.

  • China is running out of water to support its economic growth, as is Asia.
  • History and Culture

  • Andres presents an incredible must-read on the life of China's prostitutes.

  • The Black China Hand says the Qing dynasty was China's best.

  • Matthew says Chinese might actually be easier to learn to read than English and fewer native Chinese speakers suffer dyslexia compared to alphabet based languages.

  • Who's looking after China's cultural heritage?

  • Shanghai is restoring its Jewish area.

  • Cultural Imperialism in China, Dutch version. And Western cultural imperialism is helping China earn more. I'm just not sure that this is a "cost of globalisation". The march of evil Western imperialist capitalist hamburger-pushers continues in China, although China's fighting back against the Americans.

  • Running Dog looks at village family planning blackboards and spoilt oinks in China's great social engineering experiment with its population. The end of the one-child policy approaches.

  • Mao's cheer-squad is alive and well but on the other hand there's always reality.

  • Sex in China is the West's fault. Apparently it didn't happen in the world's most populous country before the West got involved.

  • Same name, different food.

  • Andrew looks at the Chinese diaspora in Africa.

  • Ancient martial arts and the world's oldest profession meet on the streets of modern HK.

  • ESWN says its no wonder most Chinese tourists avoid the USA.

  • In the misplaced vitriol department, China is calling for Westerners' blood. And forget about the West interfering in Asia; look at China's interference in the West.

  • Jodi sees the upside in China's gender imbalance.

  • Supernaut has an article on the "truth" of the Cultural Revolution.
  • Information

  • Is Google helping China censor the Net? Extensive discussion here (both links via Richard) and Adam's thoughts here. Of course we looked at this a while back and Tom explains why it is a fallacy. Tom has further analysis which is sceptical of many of the claims made. Fons also has a realistic look at the issue while Andrea takes issue with Google. Fons also says the Chinese filters are leading to capacity problems and slowing the net in China.
  • China's Slashdot has been shut down.

  • Andrea from T-Salon has posted on the story on the Free Culture Chinese translation project. It's an amazing story of collaborative effort by Chinese bloggers and could be the first of many such projects to come. She hopes more people in the world can understand the kind of positive changes that the Chinese are trying to bring in China. So do I. And lest you think the CCP aren't taking blogging seriously, read this.

  • Cracking down on pirated copyright has lead to an example being made of a US citizen, says Fons, and it is the price of crossing a sometimes murky line.

  • Life at the China Daily by an Aussie insider.

  • ESWN has the details of another article attacking China's Central Propaganda Department.

  • Joi Ito meets the China blog block. But a P2P solution may be at hand.

  • Hong Kong's media may be engaging in self-censorship, or perhaps they've decided they are finally interesting in decent programming? It's effectively Government owned TV anyway.

  • China has been clamping down on sex sites, with one important exception.

  • ESWN and CDN have a helpful guide to what keywords are banned in China. Fons says the list shows the futility of China's censorship efforts.

  • Korea and Japan

  • The Koguryo dispute between Korea and China was resolved. Adam thinks this could be a significant breakthrough for China. Andrew, guest blogging at Asia Pages, has an interesting analysis of the situation.

  • Life is about to change for South Korea's sex workers but at least the US military are doing their bit. Meanwhile in Japan there are moves to outlaw sex for teenagers. Jodi looks at the issue and the state of sex education in Japan. Nichi Nichi also has more. Marmot has all things sex and p0rn in Korea covered, so to speak, including the battle royale of Japanese p0rn queens.

  • John Kerry's got at least one foreign leader's support.

  • Just how prepared is South Korea to take on the North on its own?

  • Outsourcing hits Japan. More broadly is outsourcing coming to an end or even reversing course?

  • Via Budaechigae comes this review of an article on Kim Jong Il's leadership traits. Also via the Kimchee GI is this unflattering look at South Korea's National Security Law.

  • Dear Kim Jong Il, the city of Pueblo would like their boat back.

  • In Japan they have pandas online.

  • Scott Sommers on Japan's English.

  • North Korea's tallest (windowless) hotel is also its emptiest (via Conrad and Country Store). Friskodude also has more.

  • Now you can enjoy the finest of North Korea in the comfort of your American home.

  • Japan is potentially using the threat of China as a stalking horse for other changes; Joe Jones (thanks for the links) has more on potential changes in Japan's defence policy and Jodi believes it is unnecessary provocation.

  • Joe Jones on immigration and Japan.

  • At last, portable karaoke.

  • SE Asia

  • I've covered the Jakarta bombings "The War", "Responses and Reactions" and finally "More on Jakarta". I strongly recommend you read the comments and follow the trackbacks to those posts for more. ESWN has photos. Myrick says even Indonesia's intelligence chief thinks its laws are too weak. Jodi and The Swanker look at the question of why - both are must reads.

  • In the wash-up from SBY's Indonesian election win, Myrick sees a rapid disintegration in the opposition forces and the collapse of Golkar and Jakartass sees business as usual. As you'd expect the Swanker has more on the results and this: You can add the name Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to the pantheon of misfits, megalomaniacs and kleptocrats that have taken residence in Merdeka Palace as President of the Unitary Republic of Indonesia.

  • Myrick looks at the overturning of the convictions of the Bali bombers. While the Bali bombers aren't in prison; they're in Starbucks. Or maybe window-shopping.

  • Indonesia isn't taking the threat of terror in the Straits of Malacca seriously.

  • Singapore's censorship policies are doing there job. Under threat of libel the Economist caves in and Myrick reflects on this and his own self-imposed censorship. Singabloodypore rejoices in the "new" Singapore and has an open letter to the new PM.

  • Via Mr Brown comes two views on Singapore's newest back-to-the-past monopoly, this time in the media. Hicky has a great take on the whole debacle. Indonesia takes a backward step in imitating Singapore.

  • Andi meets Islam in Malaysia and enjoys the experience. And via Rezwan comes this detailed look at Islam and Democracy in Malaysia. Catallaxy on Malaysia and the modernisation of Islam (via Foreign Dispatches). Also Rezwan looks at Madrassa education in Bangladesh, asking if it is an anachronism or a victim of exploitation.

  • Islamic terrorists deliberately target countries like Indonesia. And Singapore is holding on to a group of JI terrorists in what Myrick thinks is a good use of Singapore's ISA.

  • Hicky on Singapore's underclass.

  • Jodi takes on Gloria Arroyo.

  • In Singapore the Government is in the business of creating love to help create people. Get people to shag without condoms or you'll lose your job. At least they're talking about real people, rather than cyber-creations.

  • Conrad has the solution for what ails the Philippines. None of that pesky democracy nonsense either. Meanwhile the pork barrel is well stocked.

  • You've been in Singapore too long when you read lists saying "you know you've been in Singapore too long...". Unless of course you look at the Hong Kong one instead...or the 88 ways to know you're Chinese.

  • Dan Drezner looks at Filippinos who want to go back to Iraq.

  • East Timor gets lucky.

  • Rajan looks at Malaysian PM Abdullah's speech on Independence Day and wonders about Malaysian patriotism. He also has comprehensive coverage of the release of Anwar and its aftermath. He says justice was done, but that doesn't mean that the Malaysian judiciary is now independent nor that Anwar is a saint. He's got a few years to cool his heels, which isn't that surprising.

  • Judging of the judges of Singapore Idol.

  • Another example of Singapore using courts to do political dirty work and the Nelson Mandela angle. Mr. Brown reflects on the difference between Singapore's new leadership's words and deeds.

  • Xiaxue's amusing rant about Singapore's small pool of models, although perhaps it's because Singapore's a city-state of only 4 million.
  • Miscellany

  • Amongst others, both India and Japan are pushing for UN Security Council permanent membership. The Acorn has a look at the massive politics involved. Arthur Chrenkoff also has a detailed look, including an innovative solution. Niraj looks at Pakistan's efforts to block India.

  • Africa is the next Asia.

  • Wayne talks about another kind of inflation in Taiwan.

  • Apparently Ghengis Khan wasn't quite the barbarian you thought he was.

  • RP gives a brief history of the Ghurkhas of Nepal.

  • The dos and don'ts of corporate speaking in Asia.

  • Onboard lovin', Thai style.

  • All that glitters is not Kitty, and Kitty is not to be trifled with.

  • Thanks Kevin for an indispensable list.


  • show comments right here »

    [boomerang] Posted by Simon at 17:56
    Permalink | Speak Up (0)




    September 27, 2004
    Asia by blog

    Asia's finest links for your browsing pleasure...

    Hong Kong, China and Taiwan

  • Richard and Adam have some constructive criticisms of the Living in China e-zine & aggregator; read both sets of comments too. Update: Phil responds.

  • Dan and Pieter have thoughts on China joining the G7.

  • There's been much made of Google's "censorship" in China. Tom has looked at this previously, and he now has further analysis which is sceptical of many of the claims made. Fons also has a realistic look at the issue while Andrea takes issue with Google. Fons also says the Chinese filters are leading to capacity problems and slowing the net in China.

  • One hell of a dinner party in Hong Kong.

  • There are times not to act like a tourist in Taiwan.

  • Buddhist or mouth-piece? Or perhaps a different kind of reincarnation?

  • Adam looks at China's environment czar and reformist hope, Pan Yue.

  • This ain't your song.

  • ESWN on the Great Leap Forward, sinking rice fields and lying statistics.

  • China's history starts far earlier than you thought.

  • It's Mid-Autumn festival and that means mooncakes - good, bad and ugly.

  • A look and plea on Japan-China relations and Andrea at the lingering emotions in China towards Japan.

  • Glimmers of hope in Ya'an?

  • Jeremy looks at the heavyweight blogging battle of China.

  • Generational changes are in store for many of China's companies.
  • Korea and Japan

  • The Marmot identifies one of North Korea's potential weapon suppliers.

  • Opening up and acceptance are a two way street for South Korea.

  • Jodi wonders about North Korea's amazing ability to generate gymnastics.

  • One in 20 Japanese girls have had forced sex. And if you're going to be a pervert, it helps not to publicise it on the net.

  • Interesting look at 6 possible alternative futures for North Korea and thoughts on North Korea's threat and leadership.

  • South Korea's troops are fully deployed in Iraq, and some other Koreans are there too; but the deployment is turning Koreans into vampires...

  • A good look at what's holding Japan back and what can be done about it. Also a look at the shifting balance in Japan-US relations.

  • Joe invokes Japan's 11th Commandment.

  • Kevin says Koreans are the anti-Scots.

  • Arnie's due to visit Japan again and Lee wonders if he'll have time for moonlighting?
  • SE Asia

  • Macam-Macam's series on the events of September 30, 1965 in Indonesia continues.

  • Conrad reports on Indonesia's efforts to drive away foreign investment.

  • A little too late, Mega comes good, even despite the business as usual conditions. Jarkartass sizes up the fallout from the election.

  • Sleeping with the enemy can get you fired in the Philippines.

  • Cambodian ethnicity and its Cham minority.

  • Miscellany

  • When you've finished touring Asia, try touring the world by blogs.

  • Michael Schumacher's a pussy.

  • There is such a thing as a free lunch, for wannabe bloggers at least. Make hay out of Adri's passing.

  • "It's not everyday you get the chance to encounter somebody who is both literally and figuratively fashion roadkill.

  • Jeff has an important product for men's hygiene.
  • NOTE: I'm toying with the idea of setting up an email notification list for when AbB is updated. Please let me know if you'd be interested in such notifications.

    show comments right here »

    [boomerang] Posted by Simon at 17:38
    Permalink | Speak Up (6)




    September 23, 2004
    Asia by Blog

    All the news that's fit to post...

    Hong Kong, Taiwan and China

  • With the peaceful rise of Hu Jintao, Richard has a good look on what it all means, although CDN contends Hu has sold his soul. At the same time some things haven't changed (the article in question can be found via here). Adam also notes the frustrating lack of coverage for such an important event.

  • Urban health is getting worse in China, for the obvious reason: living in Chinese cities with the worst air pollution does more damage to an average Chinese person's lungs than smoking two packs of cigarettes a day No wonder so many Chinese smoke.

  • Hong Kong is safe from fake Belgians.

  • Is Google helping China censor the Net? Extensive discussion here (both links via Richard) and Adam's thoughts here. Of course we looked at this a while back and Tom explains why it is a fallacy.

  • A final look back at the HK Legco elections and results. And Tom says newcomer Albert Cheng takes a stick to the HK Democratic Party.

  • The clock is ticking, but will Beijing be ready for the Super Troopers?

  • Chris rubbishes some rubbish about rubbish.

  • Sometimes one person can really make a difference.

  • Speed bumps are born in Beijing (via TPD).

  • China is running out of water to support its economic growth.

  • China's currency peg saves the US economy. And China has overtaken the US as the main FDI destination.

  • China to join the G7?

  • The march of evil Western imperialist capitalist hamburger-pushers continues in China, although China's fighting back against the Americans.

  • Hong Kongers are overworked and underpaid, waiting until the boss goes, not enough holidays, bad health and all want to quit. The world's most competitive economy ranks third of five Asian nations in corporate governance.

  • Taiwan's asking its citizens to cut back on milk tea to help pay for its weapons program.
  • Korea and Japan

  • Life is about to change for South Korea's sex workers but at least the US military are doing their bit. Meanwhile in Japan there are moves to outlaw sex for teenagers. Jodi looks at the issue and the state of sex education in Japan. Nichi Nichi also has more.

  • GI Korea explains why Japan has a much better image in the US compared to Korea. Tony explains Koreagate 2.0.

  • Yet another imperialist exploiting a poor country for oil, although do oil and nukes mix?

  • Only training or flexing muscles? Looking like the latter.

  • For a more thorough round-up of Korean news, check out Seeing Eye (via Budaechigae).

  • Getting ready for the desertion trial of the century.

  • Via Lost Nomad comes this look at problem of North Korean refugees.

  • Antti talks about social status and university admittance in Korea.

  • World famous Jeff marks 16 years in Korea with a stand-up mug and a great put-down.

  • At last, portable karaoke.
  • SE Asia

  • In the wash-up from SBY's Indonesian election win, Myrick sees a rapid disintegration in the opposition forces and the collapse of Golkar and Jakartass sees business as usual. As you'd expect the Swanker has more on the results and this: You can add the name Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to the pantheon of misfits, megalomaniacs and kleptocrats that have taken residence in Merdeka Palace as President of the Unitary Republic of Indonesia.

  • Catallaxy on Malaysia and the modernisation of Islam (via Foreign Dispatches). Also Rezwan looks at Madrassa education in Bangladesh, asking if it is an anachronism or a victim of exploitation.

  • Mr Brown points to this post looking at Newspeak in Singapore.

  • Hicky's on fire. Firstly on Signapore's new media monopoly; next on the Straits Times and blogs; and best of all reprinting an open letter to Singapore's new PM.
  • Miscellany

  • Amongst others, both India and Japan are pushing for UN Security Council permanent membership. The Acorn has a look at the massive politics involved. Arthur Chrenkoff also has a detailed look, including an innovative solution. Niraj looks at Pakistan's efforts to block India.

  • Anyone want to study in university in Shanghai? Plus all the Britney you could ever want courtesy the anti-p0rn Chinese media.

  • Is outsourcing coming to an end or even reversing course?

  • Feng shui and terror haircuts.

  • Why is it that in Asia people can sleep anywhere?
  • show comments right here »

    [boomerang] Posted by Simon at 15:52
    Permalink | Speak Up (0)




    September 20, 2004
    Asia by Blog

    A CBS/Rather free zone...

    Hong Kong, Taiwan and China

  • Jiang Zemin has bowed to the inevitable. Now Hu Jiantao have no more excuses on delivering reform.

  • Five articles and seven poems equals 15 years.

  • ESWN says its no wonder most Chinese tourists avoid the USA.

  • War between Filipinas and Indonesians in Hong Kong.

  • A detailed look at the difference between the existing and proposed (but shelved) Article 23 laws in Hong Kong.

  • Have a look at Fons's project: Connecting China.

  • China's labour shortage is particularly acute with skilled workers.

  • A look at the influence on the internet in Hong Kong's politics.

  • China's Slashdot has been shut down.

  • Ellen laughs at China's hypocrisy over pirating.

  • More on the end of Spike, including an appropriate ode.

  • Women do their fair share of capitalism in China.

  • China's latest export will take your breath away.

  • Hong Kong: the world city that can't even recycle.

  • Beijing's good, bad and ugly. And getting around Beijing is about to get easier.

  • China's quietly taking advantage of America's distractions in the Middle East and asserting control in Central Asia.

  • Fast moving crime.
  • Korea and Japan

  • More interesting than who made a fuss over North Korea's mountain moving (or was it?) last week was who didn't.

  • One of the most common cross-Asian cultural traits is racism. Particularly in Japan, although an appeal has a chance.

  • Visit North Korea for the mushroom and blowfish and do a little business on the side.

  • FY looks at inter-racial marriage in Korea and "Korean-ness".

  • Catch up on the latest Sumo results.

  • RiK sings the Ricky Martin Blues.
  • SE Asia

  • Indonesia takes a backward step in imitating Singapore.

  • Get down and funky with Malaysia's PAS.

  • Via Mr Brown comes two views on Singapore's newest back-to-the-past monopoly, this time in the media.

  • Enjoy a look at the other side of piracy.

  • As some prepare to deal with the lack of choice, meet Indonesia's (likely) next President.

  • Andi meets Islam in Malaysia and enjoys the experience. And via Rezwan comes this detailed look at Islam and Democracy in Malaysia.

  • FriskoDude's SE Asia News roundup continues.
  • Miscellany

  • Africa is the next Asia.

  • Go have a look at what the rest of the blogging world is saying.

  • For the man with everything. Or perhaps this? Not to mention something for the kids.

  • Mooncake season approaches.

  • The excellent "Fashion Roadkill" series continues. I dare you not to laugh. And have a look at the original Mary-Kate and Ashley.

  • For all those suffering various internet blockages, here's a comprehensive guide for getting around it (via Hicky).
  • NOTE: I've added to the left sidebar a section for the Asia by Blog series. There is a link to the latest edition and a link to the archive of all previous editions.

    UPDATE: Welcome Instapundit readers. This update is posted twice weekly, on Monday and Thursday, and a monthly summary is posted here and at Winds of Change. While you're here, feel free to have a look around the rest of the site.

    show comments right here »

    [boomerang] Posted by Simon at 16:42
    Permalink | Speak Up (1)




    September 16, 2004
    Asia by Blog

    As seen on Instapundit...

    Hong Kong, Taiwan and China

  • There's a fundraiser next Tuesday in HK for Beslan victims.

  • Will AIDS lead China to democracy?

  • Tom looks more deeply into the winners and losers in HK's recent election.

  • There's now a HK politician with a blog, says Andrea.

  • ESWN explains and defends HK's functional constituencies by saying "experts" are needed to defend each interest group and commonly elected politicians are unable to grasp the issues. Which is complete baloney. Countries such as the UK, USA and Australia seem to manage just fine without special interest groups directly electing members of Parliament. ESWN's example of the financial services candidate (an "colourful" fellow elected with 275 votes, whereas it took over 60,000 votes to get a directly elected seat. In other words one stockbroker's vote is worth 218 "ordinary" votes) fighting for minimum conditions is the perfect example against these seats. The investing public loses out to the stockbrokers who create their own self-determined minimum commissions. If the small stockbrokers are worried about "collusion" in the long term, collusion in the short term isn't the answer. Proper anti-trust and competition laws are. Special interest seats perverse democracy by making those lawmakers answerable only to that sector, to the exclusion of the broader society they should actually serve.

  • ESWN also looks at the US House of Reps resolution on HK.

  • Could there be trouble at the upcoming NPC Plenum?

  • Lost in translation.

  • Spike spiked.

  • Google News arrives in Chinese, but for how long?

  • China has been clamping down on sex sites, with one important exception.

  • ACB measures the damage of China's recent massive flooding.

  • Joi Ito on how China's music industry doesn't work.

  • The Ruck wonders why the US is now announcing China's economic policies for it?

  • Andres is back. Following on from his massive article on China's sex trade, have a look at this one as well.

  • China is rapidly overtaking Canada.

  • Real estate is coming off the boil.

  • An argument for maintaining the status quo in Taiwan and how it relates to China's leadership battle.

  • What price China's desperation for oil?

  • A novel use for mobile phones.
  • Korea and Japan

  • Marmot was comprehensively over the North Korean mountain moving efforts (as opposed to the natural kind) although he is sceptical of North Korea's explanation. Budaeuchigae explains why it took NK several days to telling its side of the story and finds they were planned, not accidents. Oranckay uses this as a chance to look at NK's provincial make-up and Marmot looks at the surprisingly simple NK geographical naming policy.

  • Will trade change North Korea? A second view.

  • Joi Ito on being a rubber stamp in Japan.

  • Taste test Japan's soft drinks.

  • The option of last resort on North Korea's nuclear ambitions (via Budaechigae). Well worth a read on the choices facing America in dealing with NK.

  • Scott Sommers on Japan's English.

  • Japan is potentially using the threat of China as a stalking horse for other changes; Joe Jones (thanks for the links) has more on potential changes in Japan's defence policy and Jodi believes it is unnecessary provocation.

  • Gord talks about kids, the lack of protective services and cultural differences in Korea.

  • Joe Jones on immigration and Japan.

  • Tony says South Korea's President is a good joke-teller, especially in a country that does this. It makes the blog block seem positively mild.
  • SE Asia

  • Islamic terrorists deliberately target countries like Indonesia. And Singapore is holding on to a group of JI terrorists in what Myrick thinks is a good use of Singapore's ISA.

  • Conrad details the plight of the Hmong people and follows up with Laos's attempt to establish normal trade relations with the US.

  • Anwar's got a few years to cool his heels, which isn't that surprising.

  • In Thailand, they don't get mad, they publish a book.

  • Public servants in the Philippines are not as badly paid as they make out.
  • Miscellany

  • Big D explains what's wrong with this picture.

  • How to turn right in Beijing.

  • China's hottest new sport.

  • Forget about the American Express Card, here's what you really need to pack when you travel.
  • show comments right here »

    [boomerang] Posted by Simon at 16:01
    Permalink | Speak Up (0)




    September 13, 2004
    Asia by blog

    The posts that matter by Asian blogs...

    Hong Kong, Taiwan and China

  • HK's elections are done: full results at ESWN. Looking at the results are Pieter who sees this campaign's dirty tricks as a sign of maturing democracy; Phil who looks at the disappointing Democrat Party results (much as he predicted) and the ballot box stuff-up and says if its a choice between conspiracy and stupidity, well you know which wins. Chris has some interesting ideas on the apathy concerning this election and that the current system is of London's design, not Beijing's. Andrea says China will clamp down on HK regardless of the result.

  • ESWN also discusses the subtexts that outsiders might have missed.

  • Pollution is killing China and its people.

  • What's causing China's migrant labour shortage and a look at the history of the problem.

  • Who's looking after China's cultural heritage?

  • My Mum should never complain again.

  • Adam's keeping score in the leadup to China's biggest every heavyweight bout, although Jiang's not out yet.

  • Danwei fact-checks China Reconstructs Today.

  • Joseph is also questioning misplaced priorities in news (in a similar vein see the end of this post).

  • Joi Ito meets the China blog block. But a P2P solution may be at hand.

  • Who wants a foreign teacher?

  • The world's biggest city is coming to the Pearl River Delta...

  • Dan Washburn's now in Inner Mongolia and his amazing journey (and journal) continues.

  • Big changes are coming to the world of industry and especially textiles; Single Planet is arguing against the end of tariffs, although I completely disagree. Judge for yourself.
  • Korea and Japan

  • What the hell blew up in North Korea last week? Marmot has an extensive post with plenty of links and details; it wasn't nuclear, says James. Jodi's got more as does FY and RiK. Kimchee GI asks why the US is withholding data from South Korea on this? Kevin suggests: China wanted Hong Kong pretty badly, maybe we can talk them into annexing North Korea - by force.

  • FY talks about the North Korean 100,000 strong special operations force.

  • Charles Jenkins goes into custody.
  • SE Asia

  • I've covered the Jakarta bombings "The War", "Responses and Reactions" and finally "More on Jakarta". I strongly recommend you read the comments and follow the trackbacks to those posts for more. ESWN has photos. Myrick says even Indonesia's intelligence chief thinks its laws are too weak. Jodi and The Swanker look at the question of why - both are must reads.

  • Jodi takes on Gloria Arroyo.

  • Slowly freedom is coming to one of Singapore's most oppressed groups: home brewers.

  • September 11 is a doubly unfortunate anniversary for the Philippines.
  • Miscellany

  • Malaysia could have had the world's number one golfer.
  • UPDATE: Welcome Insta-readers. Please feel free to have a look around...who knows, you might even come back one day!

    show comments right here »

    [boomerang] Posted by Simon at 14:11
    Permalink | Speak Up (7)




    September 09, 2004
    Asia by Blog

    The very latest from the very finest of Asian blogging...

    Hong Kong, Taiwan and China

  • Andres presents an incredible must-read on the life of China's prostitutes. It is a real shame he doesn't write more often.

  • The power play between Jiang Zemin and Hu Jiantao looks like it is reaching a conclusion...with the help of Photoshop. Hemlock (on Wednesday) thinks HK's finest prefer the devil they know while Adam looks at what's at stake.

  • Minerva plays the Taiwan name game.

  • Phil ponders the questions of Chinese and Western culture.

  • Mao's cheer-squad is alive and well but on the other hand there's always reality.

  • Tom looks at the other kind of green involved in HK's elections.

  • ESWN shows you the quickest way to get arrested in China, even if it's not in the right language.

  • In the misplaced vitriol department, China is calling for Westerners' blood.

  • Adam looks at the mess the Beijing Olympics organisers are making but misses the subtly of the "Olympics in Hong Kong" push - it's another part of China's charm offensive for HK prior to this weekend's elections. By Monday the idea will be dead and buried.

  • Forget about the West interfering in Asia; look at China's interference in the West.

  • China's police returns serve in Legco candidate's Alex Ho hooker case and ESWN says the Democrats made all the mistakes.

  • Someone for all Chinese bloggers to be wary of.

  • With China getting ready for the 2008 Olympics, Stephen looks at the likely losers in the run up to the event. Ironically for the IOC their attempt to force improvement China's human rights record looks likely to backfire.

  • Everything you need to know about snake hotpot.

  • Matthew says Chinese might actually be easier to learn to read than English and fewer native Chinese speakers suffer dyslexia compared to alphabet based languages.

  • Running Dog looks at village family planning blackboards and spoilt oinks in China's great social engineering experiment with its population. The end of the one-child policy approaches.

  • Korea and Japan

  • In Japan they have pandas online.

  • There are reports an ethnic Korean was involved in the Beslan massacre.

  • North Korea's tallest (windowless) hotel is also its emptiest (via Conrad and Country Store). Friskodude also has more.

  • They need volunteers?

  • Jodi remains at odds with South Korea's appeasement policy to the North.

  • Believe it or not, Korea actually imports kimchee.

  • Gord's doing his bit for Korean noise pollution.

  • Just what North Korea needs: lawyers.

  • Now you can enjoy the finest of North Korea in the comfort of your American home.

  • George Bush did not mention Korea in his list of countries supporting the US in Korea. FY suggests perhaps Korea didn't want to be mentioned and at the realities of Korean and Asia's security.

  • GI Korea wonders why South Korea keeps getting surprised by the obvious.

  • It's not cheap getting married anywhere, but especially Korea.

  • "How long will Korea remain China's bitch."
  • SE Asia

  • Myrick has another example of Singapore using courts to do political dirty work and Hicky looks at the Nelson Mandela angle. Mr. Brown reflects on the difference between Singapore's new leadership's words and deeds.

  • More on the Anwar release. Rajan says justice was done, but that doesn't mean that the Malaysian judiciary is now independent nor that Anwar is a saint.

  • Via Mr Brown comes Xiaxue's amusing rant about Singapore's small pool of models, although perhaps it's because Singapore's a city-state of only 4 million.
  • Miscellany

  • All that glitters is not Kitty, and Kitty is not to be trifled with.
  • Onboard lovin', Thai style.

  • Men from Mars, women from Venus, and now tomatoes from Uranus.

  • Somehow cocktail doesn't seem appropriate.

  • Thanks Kevin for an indispensable list.
  • NOTE: Remember to link back to this post and I'll add you to the next one. Details on how to Trackback are here. If you're still stuck or confused, leave a comment instead.

    show comments right here »

    [boomerang] Posted by Simon at 16:40
    Permalink | Speak Up (2)




    September 06, 2004
    Asia by Blog

    Today's edition of Asian blogging's best:

    Hong Kong, Taiwan and China

  • Myrick says here today, gone tomorrow, or why is it Communists like Photoshop so much?

  • Western cultural imperialism is helping China earn more. I'm just not sure that this is a "cost of globalisation".

  • Chalk up a win for the Hu camp at the top of the CCP, says Adam. Is the balance of power shifting towards Hu and away from Jiang Zemin?

  • Tom has more on China's other Great Wall, although mentioning it inevitably causes trouble.

  • Ancient martial arts and the world's oldest profession meet on the streets of modern HK.

  • "Stepping stones get stepped a lot": Phil on HK's pathetic and unnecessary coat-tailing.

  • A trip to the toilet that ended up taking 2 weeks, via Jodi.

  • The always excellent ALN has a comprehensive summary of all labour-related news from China in August.

  • Did you know China's stockmarket has crashed? Seems like it might be time to buy again.

  • The latest in SARS protection.

  • Jodi talks about table tennis's potential influence on this weekend's HK elections.

  • ACB takes a detailed look at Sino-US relations over the past year.

  • Stephen looks at China's warning to its Uighur population.

  • Tequila is for wimps; China has alcohol with real bite.

  • The dos and don'ts of corporate speaking in Asia.
  • Korea and Japan

  • Korea caught processing uranium...except it's the South, not the North.

  • For some North Koreans, gaining asylum is the easy part. They can't even call home.

  • Gord says in Korea even foreign drug users are discriminated against, but in this case it's hard to feel sympathy for them.

  • South Korean lawmakers are now claiming Chinese territory, even though there's the small matter of North Korea (with its traditions in prostitution), history, a treaty and the PLA in the way.

  • Kevin has the latest Korean trends.

  • George Bush's acceptance speech had one major omission and a pretty flimsy excuse. Oranckay suspects the invitation to Crawford is in the mail.
  • SE Asia

  • Rajan has comprehensive coverage of the release of Anwar and its aftermath.

  • It's good to be the President.

  • Singapore's censorship policies are doing there job. Under threat of libel the Economist caves in and Myrick reflects on this and his own self-imposed censorship. Singabloodypore rejoices in the "new" Singapore.

  • "Too slow. Too smart. Too stupid. Too sexy. Too smelly."

  • FriskoDude is not a fan of Thailand's The Nation website. His regular SE Asian roundup is a must.

  • Miscellany

  • Jodi sees the upside in China's gender imbalance.

  • The fashion roadkill series continues with commentary by the victim.

  • Mr Brown looks at the judging of the judges of Singapore Idol.
  • NOTE: Remember to link back to this post and I'll add you to the next one. Details on how to Trackback are here. If you're still stuck or confused, leave a comment instead.

    show comments right here »

    [boomerang] Posted by Simon at 13:36
    Permalink | Speak Up (7)




    September 02, 2004
    Asia by Blog

    I'm going to make an offer. If you send a trackback ping to this Asia by Blog series, I will look to include a relevant post of yours in the following edition. I'm also going to cut back on the number of links in each edition to prevent this from getting too big; there is so much good blogging going on that it becomes a matter of quality rather than quantity.

    So now looking around the far reaches of Asian blogging...

    Hong Kong, Taiwan and China

  • A look at the struggle at the top of the CCP, via Richard. Adam has another article on the rivals at the top and information on China's internet blocking policies. Richard also points out some observations by Matt Yglesias on meeting some Falun Gong protesters in New York. Perhaps co-incidentally there's also the pointer from Richard to the Two Americas China's.

  • ESWN and CDN have a helpful guide to what keywords are banned in China. Fons says the list shows the futility of China's censorship efforts.

  • I'd like to thank God the CCP for this gold medal...although it's a shame the reporting hasn't caught up.

  • Sometimes discrimination isn't discrimination.

  • Shares or coal-mining?

  • Tom caught some preparations for the Hungry Ghosts Festival.

  • ESWN looks at the striking differences and omissions in one HK LegCo candidate's material. He also looks at the farce in Shanghai.

  • Is China destined to be superpower or collapse? Check the comments for more discussion.

  • Cultural Imperialism in China, Dutch version.

  • Shanghai still has a lot to learn from HK, says Phil.

  • Sex in China is the West's fault. Apparently it didn't happen in the world's most populous country before the West got involved.

  • Mothers and babies are all well.

  • To be rich might be glorious but it's also stressful.

  • Same name, different food.

  • China invented the PDA.
  • Korea and Japan

  • Just when you think North Korea cannot get any stranger, they go and prove you wrong. They are changing from the DPRK to Hempland.

  • Via Oranckay comes this interview with Charles Jenkins.
  • Golf madness gone mad in Korea.

  • Antti hits the press.

  • Via Budaechigae comes this review of an article on Kim Jong Il's leadership traits. Also via the Kimchee GI is this unflattering look at South Korea's National Security Law.

  • Dear Kim Jong Il, the city of Pueblo would like their boat back.

  • Andrew looks at the Chinese diaspora in Africa.

  • Pirates in China. Not the eye-patch kind, either.
  • SE Asia

  • Bali bombers aren't in prison; they're in Starbucks. Or maybe window-shopping.

  • Via Myrick I found Singabloodypore and his take on an article about Singapore's underclass.

  • A new bureaucrat won't help Singapore's population problem. Or better yet: Get people to shag without condoms or you'll lose your job.

  • Mr Brown and Phil talk about the price of blogging fame and "the William Hung of Blogging."

  • In the Philippines, they don't adopt kids, they adopt grandparents.

  • Friskodude's SE Asia News roundup continues.

  • Jakartass writes on the defence of orangutans.

  • Rajan looks at Malaysian PM Abdullah's speech on Independence Day and wonders about Malaysian patriotism.
  • Miscellany

  • It ain't easy being a chimp.

  • Spider-Man's going global and local.

  • Not all Singaporeans are square.

  • Ralph Jennings has the Guide for Mock Suicides.

  • One more time, repeat after me: offshoring is not evil.

  • In the very best tradition of numbered lists, 88 ways to know you're Chinese.
  • UPDATE: Giles has asked how about trackbacks. I refer you to point 6. But to explain - a trackback is a way of telling someone you've linked to their post in your own post. In this case, you might post something saying "Simon's newest Asia by Blog is up" with a link to this post. If you are using MT or Wordpress the software works out how to send the trackback itself. If you are on Blogger, you can use the manual trackback pinger. Where it asks for the Trackback URL, you can find that by clicking on the Permalink on my original post and going to the bottom section titled "Trackbacks:" or alternatively click on the "Trackback" part next to the Permalink and Speak Up buttons on the original post. Cut and paste the TrackBack URL and make sure you include the permalink to your post as well, plus an excerpt and title of your post. If you've done it properly when you come back here you'll see a little line at the bottom of this post saying "XYZ linked with Blah Blah Blah." I've now added the manual trackback pinger to the Trackback section of the posted by line and to the Trackbacks section of the Permalink.

    Stay tuned next week for what that on/off key does.

    show comments right here »

    [boomerang] Posted by Simon at 16:11
    Permalink | Speak Up (7)




    August 30, 2004
    Asia by Blog

    All the very best from right around Asia...

    Hong Kong, Taiwan and China

  • Andrea from T-Salon has posted on the story on the Free Culture Chinese translation project. It's an amazing story of collaborative effort by Chinese bloggers and could be the first of many such projects to come. She hopes more people in the world can understand the kind of positive changes that the Chinese are trying to bring in China. So do I. And lest you think the CCP aren't taking blogging seriously, read this.

  • Ju Hingtao will not go home, says the Ruck.

  • Life at the China Daily by an Aussie insider.

  • "Super size" me: the law moves slowly when it comes to Hong Kong's favourite thing.

  • BWG notes the canny marketing of moon-cakes and supply creating its own demand.

  • Phil fisks Tung. It's like shooting a fish in a barrel.

  • ESWN has the details of the second article attacking China's Central Propaganda Department.

  • Richard asks if China can help save a piece of American culture?

  • Hong Kong's media may be engaging in self-censorship, or perhaps they've decided they are finally interesting in decent programming? It's effectively Government owned TV anyway.

  • Even top members of China's Government cannot agree on the quantum of unpaid farmer-workers' wages.

  • Some people can make a killing in China.

  • China's soft power is growing and Peking Dork says it signals the end of any chance of Taiwan independence. Dan Drezner looks at China's growing influence as a regional power; thinking about one small aspect of the US's current approach to China it seems the US isn't sure whether to treat China as a threat or opportunity.

  • Cracking down on pirated copyright has lead to an example being made of a US citizen, says Fons, and it is the price of crossing a sometimes murky line.

  • With the end of the Athens Olympics, the focus switches to Beijing and it is already having an impact.

  • China's found a hot new foreign investment prospect.
  • Korea and Japan

  • Japanese consumers are talking to China.

  • North Korea is going green.

  • Just how prepared is South Korea to take on the North on its own?

  • Japan's workers are getting sicker.

  • Marmot finds a case where China's censorship of net sites can be considered a blessing.

  • FY says sometimes you need to think carefully about your honeymoon destination.

  • Korea is slowly introducing jury trials.
  • SE Asia

  • Myrick says Indonesia isn't taking the threat of terror in the Straits of Malacca seriously.

  • In the Philippines, the pork barrel is well stocked.

  • Even Indonesia suffers from outsourcing.

  • East Timor gets lucky.

  • Friskodude's latest SE Asia roundup is up. He also questions Singapore's new-found freedom of speech.

  • Macam-Macam says it is reformists vs status quo in Indonesia. Rajan also looks at the newest alliance.

  • Dan Drezner looks at Filippinos who want to go back to Iraq.
  • Miscellany

  • RP gives a brief history of the Ghurkhas of Nepal.

  • Nike is under attack by Al-jazeera.

  • Asia is running out of water.

  • Spirit Fingers sees the white.
  • show comments right here »

    [boomerang] Posted by Simon at 15:42
    Permalink | Speak Up (4)




    August 26, 2004
    Asia by Blog

    Time again to check out the best that Asian blogging has to offer...

    Hong Kong, Taiwan and China

  • Hong Kong will get universal suffrage, says the CCP. It just has to pick the right candidates first. While on HK elections, ESWN follows the latest efforts by the Democratic Party to shoot itself in the foot. He also looks at the aftermath of the politician and the hooker and notes the irony that international pressure triumphed over the rule of law. Helpfully Hemlock has produced a leaflet for the hapless Democrats to use (see Wednesday, Aug 25th, or the pink thing in the middle).

  • Asia Media covers the trial of the 2 authors of a book on China's peasantry and the difficulties they face. Metanoiac has more on this.

  • Minerva says in Taiwan even the rain and voodoo are part of politics.

  • Adam on Chinese corruption, past and present. There was also an article in the SMH on power struggle at top of CCP.

  • Phil has already reviewed the HK Olympic homecoming. He also has the riots in Hong Kong, the city where beer beats dead Commies every time.

  • Tom Plate covers the thoughts of a retiring US naval commander on the Asia-Pacific region.

  • China may be dragged into the US Presidential campaign, this time in the murky area of donations. Conrad's also on the case. It seems the dirty tricks machine is working overtime at the moment.

  • China is currently celebrating Deng Xiapong's 100th anniversary of birth. Richard links to an IHT article questioning his legacy and Giles compares the efforts of Britain and China.

  • Fumier reports on the decline and fall of a once great HK institution.

  • China's economy is feeling the heat, literally. Also making a mistake at work can end up costing you more than you thought.

  • Supernaut has an article on the "truth" of the Cultural Revolution.

  • The home of the "laissez-faire" economy is becoming more monopolistic by the day, says Tom. He also covers HK's pathetic response to the challenge issued by Singapore's elder patriarch, Lee Kuan Yew. Perhaps because LKY is right. There's more on the whole thing at CSR Asia.

  • China's now bailing out the private sector as well as the public, says Fons. He also looks at China's massive unpaid wages bill.

  • In the irony department, even suicide isn't easy in China.

  • The Black China Hand says the Qing dynasty was actually China's best.

  • Shanghai is restoring its Jewish area.

  • Hitting Chinese polluters where it hurts the most.

  • ESWN has more great photos from all over China. Wayne has pictures from the typhoon that hit Taiwan.

  • You've seen the movie, now apply for one in China.

  • China leads the world, again, especially against those prudish Americans.
  • Korea and Japan

  • The Koguryo dispute between Korea and China appears to be over. Adam thinks this could be a significant breakthrough for China. Andrew, guest blogging at Asia Pages, has an interesting analysis of the situation.

  • John Kerry's got at least one foreign leader's support.

  • Joel isn't sure about kids. I'm not surprised.

  • Kimchee GI covers the effects of the US troop realignment on Korea and the contrasting views of Bush and Kerry on the matter. GI Korea explains the attitude of US troops actually in Korea (via FY).

  • I've tried to keep this an Olympics free zone. But Korea has got its collective knickers in a twist over the controversy on Korea's Gymnastic medals: start here and over at Cathrtidae too, then move along to here, the next instalment here, and if you're still with us finish off here. Marmot thinks the Korean was screwed by the bad judging. The Olympics and poor judging: who would have thought?

  • Jodi notes some very different interpretations between American and Korean papers of the same event.

  • Marmot has all things sex and p0rn in Korea covered, so to speak, including the battle royale of Japanese p0rn queens.
  • SE Asia

  • Myrick looks at the overturning of the convictions of the Bali bombers.

  • In Singapore the Government is in the business of creating love to help create people. At least they're talking about real people, rather than cyber-creations.

  • Singapore's new Emperor PM is slowly opening the door to political expression. Slowly. The new PM has also decided to plunge into the China/Taiwan dispute following his visit to Taiwan last month.

  • You've been in Singapore too long when you read lists saying "you know you've been in Singapore too long...". Unless of course you look at the Hong Kong one instead...

  • Conrad has the solution for what ails the Philippines. None of that pesky democracy nonsense either.

  • Slavery is making a comeback in Nepal.

  • If Singapore's ever invaded at least they know they've got the fastest draw in the East.
  • Miscellany

  • Being a Hong Konger means never having to be lonely again, especially in the city where nothing is real.

  • This is just wrong.

  • Wayne talks about another kind of inflation in Taiwan.

  • AIDS will cost Asia dearly in the years to come.

  • Apparently Ghengis Khan wasn't quite the barbarian you thought he was.

  • Jeremy says China's banks are categories for all ends of the market.

  • Lastly, this is just LOL funny.
  • Imitation and all that

  • I'm pleased to say Friskodude has spawned something of a similar idea to this series (for example here). It links to blogs and newspaper reports around the region. Check it out.

    show comments right here »

    [boomerang] Posted by Simon at 16:50
    Permalink | Speak Up (0)




    August 19, 2004
    Asia by Blog

    Linking you with the best of Asian linkage...

    Hong Kong, Taiwan and China

  • Hong Kong was titillated with when a LegCo candidate was arrested for soliciting a prostitute in China. ESWN notes significant differences between the English and Chinese language versions of events. He also notes the rapid retreat by HK's Democrats in claiming political persecution.

  • In China, some things can be illegal but not a crime.

  • Phil says HK Disneyland's menu will have authentic cooking, although the workers at the site have to put up with different fare.

  • Slowly but surely Putonghua (Mandarin) is asserting itself as China's national language, but at what cost? Jodi takes a look at the same issue.

  • Shaky says either inflation or discrimination is taking hold in Hong Kong and China.

  • China's got itself into another border dispute.

  • Richard says Hu Jintao is in fact the Pope.

  • It's not easy being a reporter in China, and foreigners are still not welcome in China's media.

  • Tianjin is bringing policing to the people, literally.

  • CDN says the mouthpiece of the Communist Youth League is about the meet Rupert Murdoch and capitalism.

  • After all the fuss over Hong Kong's ICAC raids on newspapers, it turns out all they had to do was ask.

  • Google never cut a deal with China's censors, according to one of its founders.

  • China has both a new rock star and a hairy beast.

  • Beijing may be on track for the 2008 Olympics in terms of infrastructure, but its tourism friendliness could do with work.

  • When in Hong Kong, eat like the experts. The gents from Batgung have recommendations on dimsum and curry.

  • Adam says people debating violence in the media need to have a look at China's official press first. ALN says even advertising can be harmful. That said Jeremy says there are still some redeeming features.

  • China is running out of workers.

  • Fons says China's efforts at clamping down on online p0rn has been primitive and largely unsuccessful.

  • Danwei has a list of China's top Google searches for July. Jeremy also points out an entirely NSFW Asian Sex Gazette. It's not what you think.

  • Dan Washburn's in Xi'an: home of the terracotta warriors, recooked food, early beer drinking, bragging about beer and other drinking, anti-social non-smoking, dirt, shirtless eating and crossing China's national fat line. Read it all.

  • John at LiC talks about China's latest fashion craze.

  • Derrick separates fact and fiction about Sichuan.

  • Myrick disagrees with Lee Kwan Yew about what Beijing did in Tiananmen Square in 1989.

  • Laosan talks about China's stunning early success at the Olympics. The Ruck talks about China's outshooting the gun-loving USA.
  • Korea and Japan

  • Gord says Korea is more similar to America than many Koreas can admit. Andi has more. And Tony finds another example of the same phenomena.

  • Far Outliers talks about the lesser-known tour of Japan by the Philadelphia Bobbies baseball team in 1925.

  • South Korean President Roh doesn't want North Korean refugees. Marmot has more on those pesky defectors. Meanwhile Jodi looks at that little known group: defectors to North Korea.

  • Andy has found a boomerang in Korean politics, although Oranckay suspects there may be more to this than meets the eye. He also sees the potential for a new era of Korean style McCarthyism. Jeff also sees a double standard in action.

  • Ders has found Korea's vet for foreigners.

  • Marmot has Koguryo controversy part 3059.
  • SE Asia

  • Thailand is upset about China imitating it, according to CSR Asia.

  • Even Thailand's crooks are winners from the Olympics.

  • Via Tom comes this detailed report on the Hoa Binh (Peace) Village for Agent Orange victims in Vietnam.

  • In Indonesia, "Crooks Endorse Fool"

  • While on Indonesia, libel is a criminal offence, says Asia Media.

  • The Sassy Lawyer has good news for Filipinos: SMS messages won't be taxed. The bad news is helicopters will.

  • The Swanker says some prisoners are celebrating Indonesia's Independence Day; there may even be a family reunion in the offing. Myrick finds the celebrations include mass murderers. Jakartass talks about some who didn't get to celebrate the big day and excerpts an editorial that hopes the day will be a reason to look forward as well as back.

  • Mr. Brown says political freedom may be coming to Singapore, via the mobile phone.

  • Singapore is not a U.S. ally, says Myrick. He also looks at Singapore's economic future.

  • Andrea says there's potential trouble coming to Singapore.

  • Jodi follows Bobby Fischer's Japanese chess game.
  • Miscellany

  • The noise is getting to Shaky.

  • The alternative Big Mac index continues compiling the numbers.
  • UPDATE: There hasn't been a huge amount of comment on the impact in Asia of the new US troop re-alignment. But via Instapundit comes this look at the reaction in Europe.

    show comments right here »

    [boomerang] Posted by Simon at 16:28
    Permalink | Speak Up (6)




    August 16, 2004
    Asia by Blog

    Asia is an interesting place...

    Hong Kong, Taiwan and China

  • Tom follows-up on the fate of Chinese dissident law professor Yuan Hongbing. He also has a further follow-up on Li Dan, a well-known Chinese AIDS activist, and reports on Roger Moore's visit to China and his scolding of hotels that refused to put up AIDS orphans in Beijing recently. As he points out, there is no funding to help AIDS orphans in China and when people like Li Dan try to help they are punished for their efforts.

  • ESWN talks about sales training in China, the begging way. He also highlights two very different approaches to reporting the same event. There's additional commentary on this from ALN and CSR Asia.

  • Chris has a look at Hong Kong's alleged paper of record: the South China Morning Post.

  • Stephen says when the US releases Uygurs from Guatanamo Bay, they won't be going back to China. There are good reasons why.

  • Wayne has found a fake Chinese document with interesting contents.

  • Another interesting case of Chinese corruption and someone doing the complaining via the press. ESWN translates a letter about corruption in Fujian Which is just as well, because the next day the Central Propaganda Department banned it from websites and had the Fujian authorities rebuttal instead. However there are 3 things you can never get back: the spent arrow, a missed opportunity and the spoken (or in this case written) word. ESWN rightly summarises this as now a case of one word against another. What it highlights, though, is how difficult it can be to fight corruption in China.

  • ACB looks at Taiwan's likely futile attempt to get a seat in the UN. ACB also says Hong Kong is to get a TV series that won't impress.

  • Via Mad Minerva comes this Cox and Forkum cartoon on China and Taiwan's relative efforts at the Olympics.

  • Which would you rather: working in rice paddies or rubbing feet?

  • Glutter talks about one people, two systems, three countries.

  • Adam returns to China (congrats, by the way) but isn't quite sure where he is.

  • Fons is starting a project, Connecting China. He describes it as telling the world about China's internet users and how the net is helping to change their lives. He's already had some feedback but is looking for more. He also talks about spammers banning spammers.

  • Via LiC I came across this survey of differences in attitudes between Chinese and American students on a range of issues. Also via LiC is this article by Shelley Timmins on the differences between Chinese people and Chinese tourists. And while on Chinese tourism there's a report on Jiuzhaigou National Park, China's most expensive and beautiful tourist attraction (his words, not mine). Meanwhile Dan Washburn's travels continue, this time in Hubei. He even meets the ticket Nazi on the way to the Three Gorges Dam.

  • Interestingly Joseph Bosco is going to start teaching a course on journalism at Beijing Foreign Studies University. The topic: American (read free) journalism. Fingers crossed it is the start of something grand, although I fear that like much that is taught in university, in the real (working) world the theory will not match the practice.

  • I had a post on Hong Kong's newly-sober barristers.
  • Korea and Japan

  • Kevin says the Korean blog block continues in part, as does FY.

  • Marmot has more on the ongoing Koguryo flap between Korea and China (although from what I can see it getting next to no attention in China).

  • Coinciding with Liberation Day in Korea (FY has the historical details) Kimchee GI translates an article that says South Korea's economy is being dragged down by left wing values.

  • Oranckay tells us a little too much about Korean women.

  • The Marmot wants people to stop eating people. And he says Korea is becoming like Quebec.

  • BTM says Japan is edging towards the Apocalypse the sexless way.
  • SE Asia

  • The Sassy Lawyer says prostitutes are not always victims and looks at the Philippine law that assumes they are. That said ALN details a case in Singapore where clearly there is a victim.

  • Nicholas looks at the Singaporean blogging of its National Day and isn't impressed; instead he gives a dose of realism instead. Without being patronising, he's a wise head on young shoulders and he writes damn well. While on Singapore, Mr. Brown asks is Singapore a country or a child-care centre? (also at Andrea)

  • The Swanker says another crook in Indonesia's military got away with it. Jodi also takes an insightful look at the mess.
  • Miscellany

  • ALN looks at the results of the ILO report on youth unemployment, with an emphasis on the results in Asia.

  • Spirit Fingers has the results of HK's beauty pageant. There's also the new series of lesser-known brands to shop for and the "fashion road-kill" series continues.

  • Far Outliers reports on the Asian variations of baseball. Some may even be true.
  • show comments right here »

    [boomerang] Posted by Simon at 16:44
    Permalink | Speak Up (0)




    August 12, 2004
    Asia by blog

    Linking you with the links that matter in Asia:

    Hong Kong, Taiwan and China

    • ALN reports that doing good deeds in China sometimes has a price.
    • Chris looks at the problems with Hong Kong's list system of voting.
    • Giles and Chris both have plenty to say about Hong Kong TV. I fully agree with what Chris said.
    • Stephen summarises the recent history and current suppression of China's Uygur population.
    • Jeremy says China's papers are celebrating Deng Xiaoping's 100th birthday (being dead doesn't matter) and Beijing now has a 3 colour alert of its own. But it's not about terrorism. Jeremy also has a new slogan for Newsweek: Be the last to know.
    • At LiC Edward Hugh says the China economic slowdown has begun; the question is how will it end?
    • Madame Shutterfly has some of the photos of China taken by Henri Cartier-Bresson, who passed away last week.

    Korea and Japan

    • Antti says the conference in North Korean that was going to happen actually did happen. It turns out only certain invitees were cancelled.
    • Jodi, who runs one hell of an interesting blog, talks about some forgotten survivors of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings. She also explains why it's not good to be a dog when it gets hot.

    SE Asia

    • Following North Korea's example, Richard looks at the newest dynasty handover in Asia: Singapore.
    • Giles has found an alternative to the traditional wedding cake in the Philippines. Conrad finds a Pinoy girl who refuses his advances because she's got better things to do.
    • Jodi follows the aftermath of Malaysia's PM remarks on religious tolerance and how it took less than a week for tolerance to give way to warring again.
    • Macam-Macam says Megawati is enjoying what may be the last few weeks of her Presidency in style.

    Miscellany

    • Tony conducts an interesting experiment in racism.

    show comments right here »

    [boomerang] Posted by Simon at 14:59
    Permalink | Speak Up (1)




    August 09, 2004
    Asia by blog

    Another look at Asian blogging...

    Hong Kong, Taiwan and China

    • Tom reports that my homeland is caving in to pressure from China on a refugee application. You can imagine the reception waiting for her when she gets back to China.
    • China is facing a shortage of migrant labour for the first time in 20 years. ALN has plenty more, as does China Herald. ALN also says China is not just attracting investment, it is starting to become a big investor itself.
    • Tom takes issue with a translation by ESWN. ESWN also translates the introduction to a book by Jiao Guobiao, the professor who wrote the polemic against the CCP's Propaganda Department.
    • ACB says there may be an answer to China's growing power problems: the sun.
    • ESWN follows the ongoing flap over Taiwanese singer Chang A-Mei and her concert in Beijing.
    • Phil finds Tex-Mex in the middle of China. He also talks about the ups and downs of trains in China.
    • ACB was looking at the build-up to this weekend's soccer final. Fumier congratulates Japan on their weekend soccer win but says China has won too. ESWN wraps-up the stories and photos of the weekend's Asia Cup soccer final between Japan and China. FY looks at the whole mess from Korea, saying it proves China's not ready for an Olympics. Jodi also has more. The Ruck has photos and also has some strongly worded thoughts on the hooliganism of China's fans. What is it about soccer that brings out the worst in people? Interestingly ACB has found a case where China ignored a chance at anti-Japanese rhetoric. The catch? It was attacking US nuclear ambitions instead.
    • While we're on sport, Peking Dork notes that Taiwanese fans at the Olympics have been asked to not fly their own flag, but rather an "approved" version. PD also notes the double standards between Chinese fans burning Japanese flags (deemed acceptable) and the ban on Taiwan's flag. How will China deal with the Taiwanese at the Beijing Olympics?
    • Fumier's (via Hemlock) got a secret he doesn't want you to pass on. He's also got the shocking news that some lawyers in China can't be trusted.
    • Fons reports on another trade fair in China: the adult toy expo. It includes this interesting bit: "In Australia we sell three million vibrators per year, mostly made in China," said Michael Rutner, of 'Next to nothing'. That means on average one vibrator for every sexual active woman." Now you know why Aussie women smile so much.
    • Dan Washburn, now in Hunan, talks about the ongoing Chinese fascination with Mao and visits the late Chairman's home town.

    Korea and Japan

    • I didn't realise but South Korea is trying to ban reporting on its deployment of troops to Iraq. South Korea's obviously not as democratic as it pretends, although Gord reports the blog blockage seems over.
    • Oranckay says the UN has appointed someone to look at human rights in North Korea. The question remains: will he get out of the airport?
    • Marmot and Cathartidae are covering the ongoing tussle between Korea and China over that most delicate of topics: history. Marmot goes through the background of this tiff here: it seems it all started when China deleted any references to Korean history before 1948 to solve the problem of dropping references to the kingdom of Koguryo in the 1st Century AD. So they're only missing about 5,000 years. Oranckay has more and thinks the spat will serve to cure those in Korea fixated with China. What all this (and the soccer debacle above too) is the wounds of wars are not healed in Asia, because there has not been acceptance and apologies. While Europe screwed the process up after WW1, it seemed to get it right after WW2 (perhaps because the start of the Cold War) and now Germany is accepted (mostly) at face value. While the rest of Europe may have reservations, Germany re-unified and has continued to be Europe's biggest economy without raising ire or causing political problems. In Asia this hasn't happened, mostly because of Japan's refusal to confront its past. Until it does these kind of problems are going to continue and sensitivities will remain fragile. And it will be to Japan's detriment.
    • IA says goodbye to Korea, emphatically.

    SE Asia

    • The Sassy Lawyer talks about the plague of child prostitution in Philippines and across Asia.

    Miscellany

    • Now I never need to worry about being called hairy again.

    Finally thanks to both Shaky and Gutrumbles for the links.

    show comments right here »

    [boomerang] Posted by Simon at 17:04
    Permalink | Speak Up (0)




    August 05, 2004
    Asia by blog

    Who's saying what in Asian blogging? Find out below...

    Hong Kong, Taiwan and China

    • Via Richard comes an interesting article on how a cousin of Pu Yi, China's Last Emperor, got through the Cultural Revolution and was ironically working in the Summer Palace.
    • Tom reviews China's New Rulers: The Secret Files. He recommends it with the caveat it should not be treated as gospel truth. He also says HK's Government is now just following Beijing's script in responding to questions on interpretation of the Basic Law. What a surprise.
    • ESWN continues his translation of the controversial study of China's peasantry that's been banned on the Mainland. He also says Hong Kong is getting its very own flip-flopper in the shape of Albert Cheng. He's getting plenty of media coverage, which tells you how little there is for media to cover here. And it's not just me.
    • Time has an article on the carnage on Asia's roads. ACB says China's authorities are taking steps to protect car owners against defective models.
    • In an article asking Chinese about American Chinese food Wayne finds some great lines.
    • ESWN reports on a massive police crackdown on peasants on a village in Henan Province. The reason for the riots? After trying to get central attention to the expropriation of their land and embezzlement by their local leader, the response was 600 riot police. Funny how it hasn't been reported in China. Fons has pictures.
    • Conrad fears The Standard is trying to match the SCMP in a race to the bottom. While on media Jeremy links to a review of San Francisco's six Chinese language newspapers. Even Hong Kong doesn't have that many Chinese language papers!
    • Brendan from Bokane is leaving China and has a great farewell post.
    • Following the publication of a letter by Lu Yuegang on the realities of media in China, ESWN has a commentary on it by a fellow Chinese reporter. Jeremy reprints a WaPo article on the Southern Metropolis Daily, which has discovered the limits of independent Chinese media the hard way.
    • Ralph Jennings talks about the case of Zhao Yan, the Chinese citizen bashed by a US border guard, and how it is being used as a pawn in a propaganda campaign. It also points out some stark differences in how the case is being handled to how it would be handled in China.

    Korea and Japan

    • Kevin says the Korean blogging block may be lifting on typepad and Munu blogs (or is it?). Here's hoping. However it seems the Korean Government's obsession with news control is a bigger problem than I imagined. FY has more info on the troops headed for Iraq.
    • FY has pictures and an article (from Aljazeera!) on hypocritical Korean "peace" protesters.
    • Just in case readers in America thought North Korea was nothing to worry about, maybe you should think again. And IA says there's an interesting middleman involved. The same middleman whom he now links to the Bushes as well; as he says, you may as well back both horses in a 2 horse race. Tony talks about the joke that is inter-Korean relations; the same North Korea that makes large amounts of foreign exchange through drugs.
    • Marmot says Korean and Chinese journalists are at war.
    • Andrea, posting at LiC, wonders if China is actually worried by a possible reunification of Korea?
    • Spirit Fingers reports on a disturbing Japanese beauty contest. While on Japan Antti finds a Japanese imperial family impostor at work in Korea.

    SE Asia

    • The Sassy Lawyer says while some Singaporean students are using tablet PCs, others in the Philippines need to share textbooks. Bring back the quill and ink.
    • CC asks where are the Philippine press in reporting on the revelations of Gracia Burnham. Wretchard talks about the whole mess in the Southern Philippines and wonders how much (if at all) the US should help. Also CC wonders about the Philippine response to the new sectarian violence in Iraq against Christians; he wonders about Malaysian PM Abdullah as well.
    • Jodi, who's got one darn interesting and always readable blog, says it ain't easy being a husband in Thailand.

    Miscellany

    • The other Big Mac index continues: numbers are in for Taiwan. Word is spreading (for example via Tim and David). Stephen is still looking for more data so help him out and eat a Big Mac.
    • In the history section, Joel looks at some of the last holdouts from WW2.
    • Tom talks about Japan's latest efforts to capture Olympic gold, and they are extreme.

    show comments right here »

    [boomerang] Posted by Simon at 16:42
    Permalink | Speak Up (3)




    August 02, 2004
    Asia by Blog

    Another edition of the highs of Asian blogging:

    Hong Kong, Taiwan and China

    • Richard points to the first in a series by the New York Times on the huge gap between China's urban (relatively) rich and rural poor. Richard highlights one particularly unfortunate but not uncommon story.
    • ACB says China has celebrated the end of the US's Operation Summer Pulse 04 with a blast. They've also compiled a summary of China's assessments of various naval powers. Mad Minerva says the Chinese are taking all the fun out of the "guess the reaction" game.
    • ALN has a comprehensive summary of Chinese labour related news for July. Stephen also has a post by an Indonesian migrant worker in Hong Kong on what life is like for such people. And via ALN I came to Dan Washburn's Shanghai Diaries and this report on his trip to a village in Jiangxi. Well written and interesting stuff.
    • China's war on sex has gone too far, says Fons. He also points to Wang Jianshuo who says the war on these sites is causing collateral damage.
    • Chris has a thorough look at two books on Chinese history. I just finished the Cambridge Illustrated History of China myself and can recommend it as a good overview (albeit necessarily brief) of Chinese history and culture. It has a great selection of photographs but a word of warning: it weighs a tonne and is bulky making it very uncomfortable to read while in bed, as several bruises on my arms will attest.
    • Peking Dork says ESWN took too much at face value on a recent corruption case.

    Korea and Japan

    • Conrad asks what has South Korea done to deserve such wrath from their cousins in the North? Especially when the North produces such useful products. FY has a more on the defectors and Asia Times covers the route defectors have to take. Jodi points out the difficulties facing the new arrivals in South Korea and the Marmot expands on the same topic.
    • Marmot says South Korea has returned serve in the latest round of cyber-tennis.

    SE Asia

    • Conrad asks why foreigners would bother investing in Indonesia.
    • Marc takes the Philippine Government to task over its spin efforts on the testimony of a former hostage of Abu Sayyaf. Jodi says Arroyo has got to stop nannying her citizens and stop shooting themselves in the foot when it comes to Iraq.

    Miscellany

    • Spirit Fingers has what every Hong Konger needs.
    • While everybody is going to see I, Robot, Tom says the future is already here.
    • Paul has HK's six (yes, only six) deadly sins. Guess which one is missing?

    show comments right here »

    [boomerang] Posted by Simon at 16:27
    Permalink | Speak Up (5)




    July 29, 2004
    Asia by Blog

    Swinging our way across Asia blogging again:

    Hong Kong, Taiwan and China

    • Tom at DTL finds more proof that Hong Kong's autonomy has been diminished by the central Government. He also says criticism of Google, Yahoo, Nortel and Cisco in "bowing to Chinese censorship demands" is utter cr@p. Glutter has a report on the same issue from a very different perspective.
    • Richard notes a further ratcheting up in tensions between China and Taiwan. Joseph, Jodi (who has a poll up on the issue) and Phil both have more and Peking Dork notes a poll on Taiwanese attitudes to China and the US.
    • Richard also points to a BBC article on the growing strains on China's petition system, where people can try and appeal decisions of local cadres. ESWN also addresses the issue (and that of wages owed but not paid) in translating a letter to Premier Wen and asking if anything is being achieved? The answer, ESWN says, is it impossible to know due to the nature of China's political system, but time will tell.
    • ESWN translates and comments on a book talking about Hong Kongers and their command of languages. He also asks the following question: Is it possible to be convicted of having engaged in two acts of sexual intercourse within twenty minutes in exchange for the promise of money while still being certifiably a virgin afterwards?
    • Conrad looks at the ICAC raids on newspapers and arrest of several people in Hong Kong.
    • Fons says China is approaching 1/2 million bloggers. Who knew so many could write so much and mean so little? He also says there is another debate over the legitimacy of The Tiananmen Papers.
    • ESWN has comprehensive coverage of Taiwan's biggest shoot-out between gang members and police.
    • Danwei interviews a novelist, essayist, frequent traveller to India and the editor of Taiwan's Playboy: Lolita Hu.

    Korea and Japan

    • Korea has now gone too far in its blogging block: it's blocking Munu. Newsweek has a small write-up on the problem: it seems like slowly more attention is getting paid to this issue. That a liberal democracy can ban sites on such a flimsy basis is a real disgrace. The article mentions Marmot and Kevin, who points to this excellent response to calls from some who want even greater surveillance of the Internet.
    • North Korea is again dragging the chain over the 6 party talks on its nukes, blaming "US aggression", says ACB and Jodi says North Korea are worrying about a pre-emptive attack by the USA. FY says North Korea leader Kim Jong Il has more to worry about that nukes.
    • Marmot reports on the arrival in South Korea of more than 400 defectors from North Korea, by way of Vietnam. He also says Koreans are planning a cyber-attack on China. Good luck.

    SE Asia

    • Conrad compares the Philippines' response to Australian criticism of its hostage drama with its blather to the Islamic kidnappers themselves. The Sassy Lawyer disagrees with the Australian Foreign Minister. Conrad also says Arroyo scored an own goal, while Marc says appeasement is inflationary. Marc also sees the door opening on the Spratley's dispute. Dean looks at Arroyo's State of the Nation speech and doesn't like it.
    • Macam-Macam says Abu Bakar Ba'asyir will get away with not being charged over the Bali bombings.

    Miscellany

    • Arthur Chrenkoff rounds up all the good news coming out of Afghanistan.
    • Prince Roy is making history from his new diplomatic posting in India. It seems to have some nice fringe benefits.
    • Adam says there's a new book coming out written in SMS texting. No word yet if it will be translated into languages those over 30 can understand.

    show comments right here »

    [boomerang] Posted by Simon at 13:56
    Permalink | Speak Up (2)




    July 26, 2004
    Asia by Blog

    Let's plunge straight into today's Asia linkfest:

    Hong Kong, Taiwan and China

    • More on the Taiwan-China potential for conflict. Firstly Richard points to a story of some Taiwanese people perpetually in the wrong place at the wrong time. Joseph Bosco follows up on Phil Sen's analysis of the military situation. Richard has another link to an op-ed in the Taipei Times that says George W. Bush's policy on Taiwan is contradictory. Wayne wonders what the point is of Taiwan's recent military exercises. Adam thinks there's a far more interesting battle going on that is much more important. Finally Phil Sen finds an aircraft carrier.
    • Richard also says Beijing is not as expensive as cities such as Tokyo for expats.
    • Several have commented on a Chinese journalist standing up to his editors and the cr@p they publish. Richard links to a FT story on the matter, ESWN has a translation of the original letter that is worth a read and CDN has more too.
    • HK Reporter tells the story of a Chinese woman in the very wrong place at the very wrong time. The Ruck also follows the story. Note to self: avoid Niagara Falls for a while.
    • ESWN says Britain is hypocritical in criticising China on democracy in Hong Kong. He has a point, up to a point. Yes the UK did not bring democracy to HK until towards the end of their colonial reign. However they did attempt to introduce it, albeit when the handover to China was in sight and when it was too late. Historically Britain did many things wrong; the more important point is to look at the UK today for a more relevant look at their attempts to bring democracy to various places across the globe - not just Iraq. You can't live in the past forever.
    • Asia Times has an article looking again at the differences between urban and rural populations, this time in relation to development along the Yangtze River.
    • Mad Minerva says Taiwan's Presidential election is finally over.
    • DTL notes another numbers game with crowds, although this time on a smaller scale. Tom also has a historical footnote from 1963 China that again repeats the mantra that China's countryside needs containment ("stability" in the jargon) before reform. ESWN continues with the state of China's peasants with another article stating a local government's attempt to pull one over some workers despite orders from the Central Government.
    • ESWN notes that what Hong Kong's English newspapers write can be very different to what local rags have, and he has a recent example to prove it. And he says Hong Kong's upcoming election is bringing out the worst in petty reporting.
    • Chris isn't optimistic about Asia's budget airlines, even if it is an underhanded business.
    • Are China's cities becoming cheaper or more expensive. Fons says AFP cannot make up its mind.

    Korea and Japan

    • The ongoing Korean blogging block is still, well, ongoing. Kevin points to a summary of everything here. Andi has a piece on the issue, comparing with another form of suppression and The Korea Herald has an article on the situation. IA, who is already pessimistic about Koreans and their attitudes, talks about his approach to the censorship row and why he doesn't care. Blinger is constantly updating on the issue.
    • Kimchee GI says US troops are finally moving out of Seoul.
    • Jodi thinks John Bolton was out of line with his comments on North Korea and has some more thoughts on taking the situation forward. She also looks at Japan's disturbingly high suicide rates.
    • Marmot points to an article saying markets could be a better form of attack on North Korea than any military effort. Events in the past two decades say that's probably right. He also notes that some in Korea cannot understand what parody means and the North Korea Human Rights Act is making progress in the US.
    • Conrad takes offence at those who say North Korea produces nothing of value, via Beautiful Atrocities which has more examples.
    • ACB notes some hypocrisy in China's coverage of Japan's efforts to renew whaling.

    SE Asia

    • Cranial Cavity sees some Malaysian hypocrisy (something of a theme today) in their denials of being involved in any Philippine ransom payment for the Iraqi hostage. CC also notes the Philippine Government's internet efforts aren't going so well.
    • The Swanker talks about the Indonesian court ruling overturning its anti-terror laws and its impact on the Bali bombers.
    • Good news: the follow-up to the request for information on a Filipino working in Iraq is posted at ALN. Score one for the blogosphere.

    Miscellany

    • Richard points out the soccer started in China.
    • Antti says lotteries can destroy families.
    • It is worth again mentioning ALN's attempt to construct an alternative Big Mac Index; there's more background here. Do something good and go have a Big Mac.
    • "Honey, I've got to go to a conference in Shanghai next month."

    show comments right here »

    [boomerang] Posted by Simon at 15:40
    Permalink | Speak Up (1)




    July 22, 2004
    Asia by Blog

    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.
    • 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.
    • 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.
    • 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.
    • 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.

    show comments right here »

    [boomerang] Posted by Simon at 15:18
    Permalink | Speak Up (6)




    July 19, 2004
    Asia by blog

    Doing the rounds for the Asian blogging round-up:

    Hong Kong, Taiwan and China

    Slowly minds are being turned on the idea that China might actually invade Taiwan. Richard notes that, as is often the case, the media sometimes has hidden agendas on this issue too. Tom weighs in on the issue including a quote stating this could be the cause of World War 3 and ACB notes the US Congress again backed the Taiwan Relations Act. I used to think this was alarmist but I'm more realistic now - the depth of feeling on this issue is difficult to fathom for those outside. On a similar note, ESWN looks at the "Summer Pulse 04" story and the various options for "war" against China and how a bit of simple fact-checking would make the LA Times a better paper. Adam also has links on Summer Pulse.

    ESWN looks at some opinion polls for HK's LegCo elections in September and notes the high undecided vote up for grabs and the lack of platforms for the campaigning parties. He also translates a From 7 student's views on the recent HK march and the crowd estimates.

    Danwei on spin in China. ESWN also notes the perverse effects of Hong Kong's libel laws on reporting stories. ACB notes China is now redubbing stories to prevent news leaking out to English or Japanese speakers.

    Marmot has an article from Foreign Affairs on the rise of Asia and its influence in the shifting sands of international relations. Marmot says the lessons of history need to be heeded on both sides in dealing with this new reality. It's a forward-looking analysis of emerging geo-politics which doesn't get as much airplay as it should because of the focus on the Middle East.

    ESWN translates a chapter of a report on Chinese peasantry and notes that often China's political leadership need to work hard to get around their bureaucrats and effect change. I don't agree with the conclusions reached (at the bottom of the translation) that China needs to solve its problems its own way. A democratic leader is just as likely to visit many of the country's counties as an imposed one - a democratic leader needs votes; the imposed one needs legitimacy.

    Gut Rumbles notes China's "softening up" of Singapore's next PM.

    Chinese Suburbia points to an interesting site called China Elections. The conclusions are obvious: democracy involves far more than just elections. Rule of law, non-arbitrary detention, private property rights and many more elements are needed for a viable democracy. Nothing new there, but important points nonetheless.

    Fumier looks at HK driving and how not to teach it. He also points to the invaluable 30th anniversary Hello Kitty quiz, a must for Hemlock.

    Chris talks about the madness of crowds when a typhoon approaches. Wanbro has an imaginatively-titled post that agrees it was much ado about nothing.

    TR talks about the latest Chinese war on the internet: this time against p0rn.

    The Tapei Kid says fakes are everywhere these days.

    Via Fons comes this summary of a "crisis" in China blogging. Sounds like a case of beal to me. As to Fons' description that blogs should maintain strict focus, I completely disagree. Blogs are at the discretion of their author: if they want success then perhaps strict focus is one way to attain it. However there are plenty of different blog styles, just like there are plenty of TV channels or newspapers. It is these differences that make things interesting. Anyway Fons and John both point to this article on a fictitious China expat blogger. It is harsh and not entirely fair and seemingly devoid of a point. Some blogs are written by (mainly) American ESL teachers in China. However much you don't agree with them, they all have interesting insights into life in China from their point of view. And like everything on the internet, if you don't like it or you're not interested you don't have to read it. In all it seems a patronising article towards these bloggers. If the author had a blog himself he might be in a better place to pass judgement.

    Phil Sen (who's blog just turned 1) notes that China is getting quicker at putting up walls.

    Korea and Japan

    Korea's ongoing censorship of blogs continues. Kevin has more here, an exchange with Marmot on the issue here, an analysis of the blocking and more here, and finally an interesting post leading on from the whole issue onto the idea of moral equivalence. He's also got a flattering write-up on a Korean news site (via Kimchee GI). FY thought the ban might be over, but it turns out someone was just asleep at the wheel. Blinger has ongoing coverage of the whole fracas.

    Kimchee GI says the North Koreans are no longer pretending about nukes.

    RiK laments the poor state of reporting in Korea's media with a thorough example of how bad (and racist) it can be.

    Adam and Marmot report on a cyber-attack on South Korean networks out of China.

    Marmot has the links on the capture of what looks like South Korea's worst serial killer. He also talks about the importance of names and the history they reflect.

    Jodi points out a double standard in Japan's handling of Bobby Fischer and Robert Jenkins. She also thinks Robert Jenkins at least owes the US military an explanation.


    SE Asia

    Following up on the pullout of the Philippines from Iraq: Michelle Malkin responds to some mail and has some more links on the issue. The Sassy Lawyer succinctly responds to Jay Leno's quips and the reactions to it. She also summarises the deeper reasons behind the moves. I disagree with her: despite the history of the Philippine/US relationship, a long and complex one, the political reality is this pullout makes Iraq more dangerous for others still there and it is a slap in the face for the US after it's support in helping the Philippines deal with its Muslim insurgents. The other side is nicely presented by Dean Jorge Bocobo who has more here and here. Jodi agrees with Dean.

    Who knew? Andres says Israel helped set up Singapore's armed forces.

    The Swanker points to an Asia Times article on the shifting political sands in Indonesia.

    Miscellany

    Jodi talks about culture shock when Western pop culture hits SE Asia.

    show comments right here »

    [boomerang] Posted by Simon at 15:20
    Permalink | Speak Up (2)




    July 15, 2004
    Asia by blog

    Another edition of the various links in Asian blogging:

    Hong Kong, Taiwan and China

    Dan McCarthy posted an article on Living in China stating China would not attack Taiwan, ever. Joseph had an extensive (and to my mind accurate) response, including the telling aspect that it is the Chinese public that would demand the attack. Chris is on Joe's side on this one and adds some good points. Adam is on Dan's side, saying China would not attack. He also links to this Jamestown Foundation article on the matter which is well worth a read. However it now seems Joe and Adam are sliding into unnecessary sniping. I agree with Adam that airing our differences is a big part of what LiC and blogging is about. However more importantly I agree with Joe's idea that civilised debate, where people actually listen rather than talk past each other, is a rapidly disappearing aspect of modern politics. We're all the poorer for it. It's far better just to agree to disagree and move on. Anyway Wayne has an aspect of the Taiwan/China dispute that is already hurting.

    Andres (welcome back) and ESWN have separate looks at the issue of censorship in China (this was originally covered in the previous Asia by Blog on the debate between Richard and Adam).

    Wanbro has the skinny on skinny.

    Richard has an article on "family values" preventing AIDS in China and another on how China's actions on AIDS are very different to their words.

    Tom reports on Singapore's Deputy PM's visit to Taiwan and China's reaction. He also says Tung Che-hwa has admitted he is simply Beijing's messenger boy and that China has just insulted the people of Hong Kong in a massive way.

    Single Planet has a picture of a jam session.

    Peking Dork has found all the Chinese Classics online.

    Finally ESWN has the second of a photo montage of China.

    Korea

    The Korean censorship of blogs is still going on. Kevin has more on it all here, here on getting media attention, here answering the 'this isn't censorship idea' and here on the disturbing idea that South Korea might ban online petitions. He also points to more interesting stuff here and here. Oranckay also points to Woojay, who wrote an article on this (unfortunately it's in Korean - translations welcomed). Jodi has a post that says this is following a long tradition. Marmot is trying to organise a face-to-face meeting with the Korean Government on the censorship issue.

    Kimchee GI says the North Koreans are establishing a new website for the world to have fun with. Add it to your bookmarks now. While you're there, NKZone is also moving to get around the China and Korea blocks.

    Marmot notes an amusing anecdote with a simple moral: grass is good for you.

    Tony gives an appropriate fisking to an article on North Korea.

    SE Asia

    Clearly the Philippines hostage issue has been the big one this week. Michelle Malkin is extremely disappointed at her country's response, as is Marc. Marc also has more on the fallout and implications of the decision by the Philippines Government to give in to the terrorists. Ranting Profs thinks there may be more to the story. Stephen lines it up with Spain's earlier similar decision. Others with more include the Captain's Quaters, Belmont's Wretchard with Manila Folder, Michelle again, Philippine Commentary who has an interesting juxta-position here (although they should be careful what they get themselves into, according to ALN), TMV, Jay has a new flag and Conrad. The final word, however, goes to Giles. Lost in much of this was the strong public opinion pushing the Government. However sometimes Governments need to do unpopular things because they are right: in this case all the Philippine Government has done is opened itself up to more potential kidnappings to force more changes in its policy. That's the problem with appeasement: it just encourages more bad behaviour. On the other side of the debate is the Sassy Lawyer, who says many of the views are superficial and the withdrawal was the right thing to do.

    Jodi notes the impending release of a Vietnamese cyber-dissident.

    Miscellany

    Joel points to a survey of Asian bloggers looking for respondents. They've got their own blog following their survey. Help them out and help spread the word.

    show comments right here »

    [boomerang] Posted by Simon at 15:25
    Permalink | Speak Up (1)




    July 12, 2004
    Asia by blog

    Before I begin today's edition a simple request: if you come across an entry (or you've got an entry on your blog) that you think should appear here, please send it to me. Also if you have any feedback on the current format or other likes and dislikes please let me know.

    And now for the links of what's going on in Asia blogging:

    Hong Kong, Taiwan and China

    Tom at DTL follows up on allegations of push-polling in Hong Kong in the lead-up to September's LegCo elections.

    ALN compares China's reported coal mine accidents with his running tally and finds some interesting results. Also, via Fons, Stephen reports on China's job losses in manufacturing. George W. Bush should be thankful he doesn't have problems like this! So much for the "China's stealing our jobs" line you hear in the USA.

    ESWN shows Hong Kong's boys in blue are sharper than they appear.

    Shanghai Eye says there is one kind of protest that's permissible in China.

    Chris reports the HK Jockey Club's profits are up even though turnover is down, thanks to the mug punters who ply their hard-earned cash into the monolithic "charity".

    Conrad has an alternative suggestion on HK's accountability system.

    Richard has received a great piece of publicity in the China Daily (even if it doesn't make sense), in response to his berating of a clearly anti-Western China Daily piece. Typically the article attacks Richard's blog name without actually addressing any of the issues he brought up.

    Richard notes the banning of an important report on the state of China's peasants. Adam has a strong response on the banning of the book. He argues that in reality the censors are too slow to be effective in China.

    Richard also has a post on a book talking about advertising to kids in China.

    Danwei notes the very same Government that is clamping down on China's "spiritual pollution" is also the owner of Xinhua, which publishes stuff like this.

    Who knew? Ellen finds a couple of Chinese farmers who get caught with their mouths' full.

    Mad Minerva covers Condi Rice's visit to Beijing.

    Gut Rumbles has something to say about people in glass houses...

    Korea

    Blinger has started a forum covering the Korean censorship issue. As always Kevin has lots on this: here, here, here where the Government blames it on Blogger and Typepad, here on the legal basis and worrying extent Korea can censor the net, and here on more of the various efforts to fight the ban. Joel has thoughts on the name issue and the general apathy over the censorship issue. Unfortunately the Korean bloggers are fast discovering what has been a fact of life for Chinese bloggers. The hope is the South Korean Government may be more responsive to pressure and lobbying than the CCP.

    Oranckay notes a newspaper article about foreigners blogging in Korea. Marmot notes a rare form of positive discrimination for foreigners in Korea. It's just the venue isn't the best.

    FY comments on the visit to Seoul of Condoleezza Rice and thinks South Korea is moving towards a more equal relationship with the US.

    Marmot talks about the re-union of a North Korean family and why he couldn't care less.

    SE Asia

    The Sassy Lawyer's Philippines according to Blogs site is going strong.

    Cranial Cavity follows the ongoing debacle with the Philippine Government handling of the Iraq hostage.

    The Swanker has more analysis on the aftermath of the first round of Indonesia's Presidential election.

    Jodi is covering the Global AIDS conference in Bangkok.

    Miscellany

    Paul finds a motto to live by...and with that, I'm hungry. Pizza, anyone?

    show comments right here »

    [boomerang] Posted by Simon at 16:54
    Permalink | Speak Up (0)




    July 08, 2004
    Asia by Blog

    The regular link-fest returns with news and views from blogs across Asia:

    Hong Kong, Taiwan and China

    ALN reminds you why your job will never be worse than a coal miner's in China.

    In Hong Kong Health Secretary Yeoh's (yes, Michelle's cousin) resignation has met with varying responses. Fumier believes he gave into media hype. Chris sees him as a scapegoat, although he recognises the political inevitability of the resignation. My own thoughts, on the contrary, are here.

    Richard notes Amnesty's report on China using the war on terror as a cover for persecution of Uygers.

    Mad Minerva says China is now hunting down Falun Dafa as far as South Africa, according to an allegation made by, well, the Taiwanese branch of Falun Dafa.

    Tom reports on CCP corruption 101 with an example in his very