Southeast Asia
The return of Chinese tourists restores hope in the Philippines' tourism industry
When the Chinese government made the decision to relax its pandemic restrictions and allow for travel abroad again, tourism professionals in the Philippines welcomed the news, but concerns linger about the expected increase in mass tourism.
US 'walks fine line' at Southeast Asia summit to strengthen ties
Southeast Asia allies express concern over US commitment amid Afghanistan crisis
Filipinos hesitant about getting COVID jab after dengue fever vaccine debacle
Vaccine hesitancy: A nationwide challenge in the Philippines
Pangolin smuggling: The next coronavirus time bomb?
For years, the plight of the pangolin has been a niche concern, mostly worrying conservationists. But the COVID-19 pandemic has pulled pangolins into the spotlight.
Myanmar prepares for a remarkable but messy election
On Sunday, Nov. 8, Myanmar will hold its second major election since the end of totalitarian rule. Thant Myint-U, a Burmese author and historian, speaks to The World's Southeast Asia correspondent, Patrick Winn, about its implications.
Opening the door to Chinese investment comes with risks for Southeast Asian nations
Southeast Asian countries have long managed a complex relationship with China, the region’s biggest trading partner and their most powerful neighbor. China's new Silk Road promises opportunities for economic growth, but at what cost?
Misusing culture in international politics: Part I
Neoconservative intellectuals have long turned perceptions of East Asian culture into ammunition for a global political agenda, according to historian Jennifer Miller. Critical State takes a deep dive into Miller's new article that charts these patterns.
A massive Asian drug bust has stirred a fentanyl mystery
A recent bust on the Myanmar-China border was too massive to fit inside any room. The police had to spread out their haul in a pasture.
Workers' movements advocate for rights on May Day; Saudi activists allege man killed over megacity plans; Doctors wait hours as Venezuela faces fuel shortages
As May Day celebrations and rallies have been curtailed, workers around the world are pushing for their rights. Fuel shortages are making life harder for Venezuelans, especially essential workers. And even as Lebanon teeters on the edge of economic collapse, some Americans are choosing to ride out the pandemic there. Meanwhile, Sweden's gardeners have become real party poopers.
COVID-19 brings new scrutiny to illegal wildlife trafficking
The COVID-19 pandemic is once again calling attention once to the illegal trade of endangered species and its consequences for human health.
Rare mouse-deer spotted in Vietnam for the first time in 30 years
The forests of coastal Vietnam are among the most biodiverse on Earth. But in the face of rampant poaching, many species are vanishing. Recently a species of mouse-deer was spotted for the first time in nearly 30 years, handing a much-needed bit of hope to conservationists.
They were CIA-backed Chinese rebels. Now you’re invited to their once-secret hideaway.
Former CIA-backed guerrillas — rivals of Chairman Mao Zedong — are now embracing the tourism industry, years after setting up the arteries and networks that sustain the Golden Triangle drug trade to this day.
Thailand is betting big on cannabis. Visit its first legal lab.
Thailand once issued severe penalties for marijuana users. But the perception of cannabis is rapidly changing, with talk of churning out “world-class cannabis” from Thailand's lush farmlands. A few months ago, scientists started the first-ever cannabis laboratory — one of the few legal facilities of its kind in Asia.