标签： Asia

In a sweeping effort to foster a more positive online environment, the Chinese government has launched a two-month campaign targeting social media posts that amplify negative and pessimistic sentiments. Spearheaded by the Cyberspace Administration of China, the initiative aims to curb narratives such as ‘studying is useless’ and ‘hard work is useless,’ which have gained traction amid economic slowdowns, high youth unemployment, and intense competition for education and jobs. This campaign reflects Beijing’s growing concern over the disillusionment among its younger generation, who increasingly question their future prospects. The government’s anxiety has manifested in a series of sanctions against influencers and platforms. Notably, content creator Hu Chenfeng saw his social media accounts wiped clean after a viral comment that many interpreted as reinforcing social divides. Similarly, Zhang Xuefeng, a prominent online tutor, faced restrictions on his accounts following controversial remarks about Taiwan and his blunt advice on social mobility. The campaign also extends to social media platforms like Xiaohongshu, Kuaishou, and Weibo, which have been warned to curb ‘negative’ content. While the government frames this as a move to create a ‘civilised and rational online environment,’ critics argue that such top-down efforts may fail to address the root causes of societal pessimism. Experts like Dr. Simon Sihang Luo of Nanyang Technological University caution that suppressing expressions of frustration could exacerbate mental health issues. Despite the crackdown, the underlying pressures driving China’s youth to ‘lie flat’ and retreat from the rat race persist, highlighting the challenges of addressing systemic issues through censorship alone.

In a landmark decision, South Korea has officially legalized tattoo artistry by non-medical professionals, marking the end of a three-decade-long prohibition. The Tattooist Act, passed by the General Assembly on Thursday, grants licenses to non-medical practitioners, who constitute the majority of the industry. This historic move follows years of advocacy by tattoo artists seeking to practice their craft without fear of prosecution or harassment. Since 1992, offering tattoos had been restricted to medical professionals under a Supreme Court ruling, with violators facing up to five years in prison or hefty fines. Lim Bo-ran, president of the Korea Tattoo Federation, expressed overwhelming gratitude, describing the law’s passage as ‘a dream come true.’ Despite the widespread popularity of tattoos in South Korea, the industry has operated in a legal gray area, with artists often subjected to threats or legal action from disgruntled clients. Recent court acquittals of tattoo artists signaled a shift in societal attitudes, paving the way for this legislative change. However, the new law has faced opposition from the medical community, which argues that tattooing poses health risks and should remain a medical procedure. The law will take effect in two years, requiring artists to pass a national exam, complete safety training, and maintain detailed records. While the change is celebrated by many, it may not immediately erase the stigma surrounding tattoos, as recent polls indicate that a majority of South Koreans still view them negatively. The journey toward full societal acceptance of tattoos in South Korea is likely to be gradual and complex.

Indonesia’s ambitious free school lunch program, a flagship initiative of President Prabowo Subianto, has come under intense scrutiny following a series of mass food poisoning incidents affecting thousands of children. Since its launch in January, the program, which aims to provide nutritious meals to 80 million students, has been marred by health and safety concerns, sparking calls for its suspension. Authorities reported over 1,000 cases of food poisoning this week alone, adding to a growing tally that has seen more than 6,400 children fall ill since the program’s inception. Symptoms among victims include stomach aches, dizziness, nausea, and even shortness of breath, raising alarms about the quality and preparation of the meals. The National Nutrition Agency attributed a recent outbreak in Cipongkor to a technical error by the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit, which has since been suspended. Critics, including non-governmental organizations, have urged the government to halt the program temporarily for a thorough evaluation, with some proposing alternative solutions such as direct funding to parents. Despite the backlash, the government has reaffirmed its commitment to the initiative, citing its potential to combat malnutrition and stunting among children. However, experts warn that the program’s massive $28 billion budget could also make it a target for corruption, further complicating its implementation. As Indonesia grapples with these challenges, the future of its free school lunch program remains uncertain.

Super Typhoon Ragasa has left a trail of destruction in Taiwan, particularly in the eastern county of Hualien, where a catastrophic flood caused by the breach of a barrier lake has claimed lives and devastated communities. The barrier lake, formed after landslides triggered by an earlier typhoon in July, held an immense volume of water—approximately 91 million tonnes. When it burst its banks on Tuesday, it unleashed a torrent comparable to a tsunami, killing at least 14 people, injuring 32, and leaving 46 unaccounted for. The floodwaters, reaching depths of up to the second floor of buildings in some areas, swept away bridges, uprooted trees, and submerged vehicles, leaving residents in shock and despair. Awa, a 42-year-old bookstore owner in Guangfu Township, described the scene as “like a river outside, with cars floating and everything drifting.” She and her husband sought refuge on the second floor of their shop, attempting to salvage their books. Survivors reported receiving no immediate warning before the disaster struck, despite prior monitoring of the lake’s water levels by universities and authorities. Emergency evacuations were not mandatory, and many elderly residents, particularly those without access to smartphones, were left vulnerable. The disaster has highlighted the challenges of managing natural hazards in Taiwan, where barrier lakes are a recurring phenomenon. Experts noted that the lake’s composition and the lack of accessible roads hindered preventive measures. The tragedy has further strained Hualien’s tourism industry, already reeling from recent earthquakes. As communities grapple with loss and recovery, questions remain about the adequacy of disaster preparedness and response.