Showing 1 - 5 of 5
Slapped into Silence
Asia focus, Published on 20/07/2020
» Freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly are fundamental human rights. They are crucial in any country that truly values public participation in development and decision-making.
Asia's century, China's year
Asia focus, Asia Focus team, Published on 30/12/2019
» Way back when 1999 was winding down, pundits were telling us that the Asian Century was about to dawn. That prediction has not yet been fully realised, but few would disagree that 2019 belonged to China. Over the past 12 months, the top headlines have been about the bruising trade war with America, defiant protests in Hong Kong against Beijing's tightening grip, and the rise of a surveillance state that is herding hundreds of thousands into "re-education" camps on its western fringes. Below, the Asia Focus team looks back on a busy and sometimes troubling 2019.
Friend or Foe?
Asia focus, Phanawat Ayanaputra, Published on 15/07/2019
» When Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in April in Beijing for talks on how to approach disputes in the South China Sea, they came out smiling. "Both sides," declared Mr Xi, "should renew their trust in keeping promises … [and] maintain peace and stability" in the contested waters.
Duterte ponders his legacy
Asia focus, Eunice Barbara C Novio, Published on 25/02/2019
» On May 13, Filipinos will head to the polls for midterm elections that many see as a referendum on the performance of President Rodrigo Duterte.
'Fake news' and political bullies
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 22/01/2018
» Press freedom in Southeast Asia is taking it on the chin again. In Myanmar, Reuters journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe face up to 14 years in jail for reporting on the genocide in Rakhine state, which apparently is an "official secret". In the Philippines, President Rodrigo Duterte is itching to shut down a news website that has been critical of his government.