Why a decades-old Japanese graphic novel has sparked travel fears in Asia (May 24, 2025, Story Board 18)
In an unusual convergence of pop culture, pseudoscience and public anxiety, tourism bookings to Japan from several Asian markets have plunged in recent weeks, spurred by a viral prediction of an impending earthquake, first foretold in a manga published more than two decades ago.
Turkmenistan’s deepening water crisis could have far-reaching regional consequences (June 9, 2025, Atlantic Council)
Exacerbated by a changing climate, almost a century of unsustainable practices, and new regional developments, this crisis is not just an environmental problem—it’s an unfolding human tragedy that could have significant economic and political ramifications well beyond its borders.
North Korea defectors in SK public sector at record high (May 16, 2025, BBC)
Seoul has been widening its support for North Korean defectors who struggle with unemployment and social isolation as they adjust to their new lives in the South.
Bridging the gap: Addressing the doctor shortage in Asia (May 2, 2025, Wolterskluwer)
Doctor shortages in Asia – especially in rural and primary care – are driving up healthcare costs and overwhelming hospitals. However, the solution is not as simple as just “more doctors”. This piece explores how digital tools, clinical decision support, and smarter workforce strategies can empower frontline care and relieve system strain.
Oman Case Study | Climate Refugees (January 13, 2025, Othering & Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley)
Oman has experienced significant climatic events such as tropical cyclones, periodic droughts, and summer winds which often generate large sand and dust storms throughout the region.
From terror to tourism: How Georgia's Pankisi Valley rewrote its story (June 9, 2025, BBC)
Long overshadowed by headlines of extremism, Georgia's Pankisi Valley is now welcoming travellers with Sufi rituals, mountain trails and home-cooked Kist food.
Indonesia trapped in the global organ harvesting network (June 5, 2025, East Asia Forum)
Organ trafficking thrives on a global shortage of legal donors, exploiting the poor through deception. Asia serves as a hub for these illicit and sophisticated operations. Despite existing laws, enforcement remains weak amid corruption and medical complicity.
Hong Kong rights group shuts down after years of advocating for workers (June 13, 2025, Arab News)
A Hong Kong group that advocated for workers rights for decades announced its shutdown abruptly on Thursday, citing financial difficulties and debt issues. Founded in 1994, the organization maintained a database tracking workers’ strikes, protests, workplace accidents and other labor rights incidents in China.
‘Alarming’ rise in regional internet censorship in China, study finds (May 24, 2025, The Guardian)
China’s authorities appear to have implemented an enhanced version of the country’s internet censorship regime in the central province of Henan, subjecting tens of millions of residents to even stricter controls on access to information than people in the rest of the country.
Hong Kong’s skyline isn’t the only thing that’s towering—youth mental health challenges are reaching new heights in 2025 (March 14, 2025, The Process Hong Kong)
Between the neon lights of late-night studying, the fast-paced race for AI-driven careers, and family WhatsApp chats full of wedding and baby emojis, young people in Hong Kong are juggling pressures that can shape their futures in surprising ways.
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Joann Pittman
Joann Pittman is Vice President of Partnership and China Engagement and editor of ZGBriefs. Prior to joining ChinaSource, Joann spent 28 years working in China, as an English teacher, language student, program director, and cross-cultural trainer for organizations and businesses engaged in China. She has also taught Chinese at the University …View Full Bio
Blessing Asia
In October-2022 more than 500 Christian leaders from across Asia gathered in Thailand for the Asia 2022 Congress, sponsored by the Lausanne Movement and various partnering organizations. I had the opportunity to participate in the Congress virtually and was mightily blessed. From Bible exposition to K-pop worship, and through seminars and workshops, the participants were encouraged by the stories of what God is doing in countries all over Asia. Clearly, God is on the move.
A beautiful vision was portrayed in a video of the popular worship song The Blessing, featuring singers from all over Asia. Here it is:
Many of the sessions have already been posted on their website and to their YouTube channel.
One that I found particularly helpful considering all that is going on in China was a presentation titled Church and State Relationship in Asia Today. You can see the video here.
I encourage you to spend some time on their website; there are fantastic resources for understanding God’s work in Asia today.
Original link: https://www.chinasource.org/resource-library/blog-entries/blessing-asia/
Image credit: Andrea Brucker, via Unsplash
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