Taipei

In Taiwan, even men they have dual nationality, they have to serve in the military. And if they don't, they risk jail time. Dean Huang knew he would never see his family again if he didn't go back home to serve.

There's some opposition, including from a Massachusetts anti-gay organization. But supporters in Taiwan say they have the endorsement of a bipartisan group of almost half of parliament. And marriage equality has the backing of President Tsai Ing-wen, who campaigned on the issue.

People are wearing parkas inside to deal with frigid temps after a cold snap hit Taiwan. Dozens have died. It's a once in a generation cold front passing through the island.

Whoever leads Taiwan presides over a simmering feud that, if ignited, would suck the US into a very nasty conflict. Enter the newly elected Tsai Ing-wen.

Male university students in Taiwan have supported transgender colleagues in one of the most simple — and striking — ways imaginable.

In Japan, the cat café capital, the cats are considered "laborers." At Meow Parlour in New York, the cats are "in business for themselves."

If Taiwan ever reunites with mainland China, it will likely be under a "one country, two systems" policy like the one that governs Hong Kong. But as protests in Hong Kong have expanded and turned violent, demonstrators in Taipei say it's a warning sign for their island.

Throw a dart at the map these days, and there's a pretty good chance it will land near a pro-democracy protest. Ukraine. Venezuela. Turkey. And now Taiwan, where well-organized students are trying to stop a rushed trade agreement with China.

Now that Taiwan has re-elected its president, there are signs that China is ready to step up the pressure on Taiwan to come closer into its orbit.