Across the past two years, different communities, societies and groups across the world have taken radically different steps to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the virus ravaging many countries, not…
A sip of boba and its history
The sudden rise of bubble tea’s popularity in the United States has been surprising to many. In a country dominated by coffee and tea, boba—hailing from Taiwan—made splashes as it…
Taiwan 2020: Implications and Results
The Portland State Institute For Asian Studies hosted Kharis Templeman of Stanford University on Jan. 16 to speak to PSU students and community members on the current state of Taiwan…
Hong Kong protests extradition bill
Protests have erupted in Hong Kong after the Chinese territory’s Chief Executive Carrie Lam proposed a new extradition bill that would allegedly assist in the closing of a year-old murder…
Taiwan first country in Asia to legalize gay marriage
Taiwan became the first country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage on May 17, which went into effect on May 24. Taiwan’s Constitutional Court ruled that same-sex couples had the…
This Week Around the World – May 12-19:
May 13–17 United States; China: President Donald Trump followed through with his decision to increase tariffs on Chinese imports last week. Reuters reported China officially announced its decision to increase…
This week around the world: Feb. 5–Feb. 11
Feb. 5 Israel: African migrants face deportation The Israeli government gave 20,000 male African migrants notice to leave the country within two months or risk jail time. The migrants, who…
This week around the world: May 20–26
May 20 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia An arms deal between Saudi Arabia and the U.S. worth $110 billion was signed during President Trump’s first trip abroad since being elected. Previous accusations…
Can Chinese consumerism save the world? A talk by Karl Gerth
Is a middle class Chinese woman’s decision on whether or not to buy a Barbie doll more important than who is the president of the United States? Such a question…