Author: John Chapman

Tibet has witnessed an enduring struggle for freedom and human dignity, with the self-immolation of 27 Tibetans standing as an anguished yet powerful cry for justice. Each of these self-immolations, often carried out by monks, nuns, and laypeople, has not just been a protest against oppression, but a desperate plea for the preservation of Tibet’s culture, religion, and identity. In the face of Chinese government policies that continue to suppress Tibet’s autonomy, these brave souls chose to make the ultimate sacrifice, leaving behind a trail of heart-wrenching final messages—their last wills. In these final words, what emerges is not only…

Hong Kong – As the June 4th anniversary approaches, the city’s younger generation finds itself caught in a profound moment of reflection and resistance, reminiscent of the fateful 1989 Tiananmen Square protests. For many in Hong Kong today, this year’s commemoration feels different—more urgent, more poignant, and increasingly out of reach. The echoes of June 4th reverberate across time and space, impacting those who were not born when the brutal crackdown took place. Yet for Hong Kong’s youth, this generation’s struggle has begun to feel like their own version of June 4th. The Tiananmen Square massacre, which saw pro-democracy protesters…

Hong Kong – As one of Asia’s most vibrant financial hubs, Hong Kong continues to capture the world’s attention with its significant role in global finance, real estate, and the tech sector. Often regarded as a bridge between China and the global market, this bustling metropolis, known for its impressive skyline and rapid pace of life, is also home to a thriving capital life—a sector that is both resilient and dynamic amidst growing challenges. Hong Kong’s Big Capital Life isn’t just about towering skyscrapers or high-powered finance; it is also a testament to the city’s ever-evolving economic landscape, marked by…

Tibet, long known for its rich cultural heritage and spiritual significance, has faced immense struggles since its incorporation into the People’s Republic of China. Issue 35 of Sunshine Weekly delves deeply into the ongoing challenges Tibet faces, from cultural suppression to human rights violations. The title, “Painful Tibet,” encapsulates the sorrow and hardship endured by Tibetans, both in Tibet and in the global diaspora. Despite the efforts of Tibetans to resist, their voices are continuously silenced by political and social forces. But the pain they experience is not one of submission; it is a constant fight for freedom, dignity, and…

Drepung Lachi, Mundgod, Karnataka, India — January 20, 2013 At the foot of the majestic hills of Mundgod, where ancient Tibetan traditions are preserved with reverence, a unique gathering unfolded within the sacred walls of Drepung Lachi Monastery. For several days, monastics, scholars, and scientists from around the world have come together to explore the intersection of science and Buddhist philosophy. Presiding over these sessions with thoughtful attention has been His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who has taken part in every discussion with his characteristic curiosity and warmth. Today’s topic: the nature of consciousness—a subject that continues to challenge scientists…

As we mark another year since the events of June 4, 1989, we find ourselves not only honoring the courage of those who stood in Tiananmen Square, but also turning our attention to a generation shaped not by direct memory, but by inheritance, absence, and rediscovery. This is the second generation of the June Fourth movement—young people born in the aftermath of the crackdown, who are now confronting its legacy in profoundly personal and political ways. Their transformation into keepers of memory, interpreters of trauma, and creators of new narratives is one of the most significant developments in the post-Tiananmen…

Taiwan has long been praised as a beacon of democracy in Asia—a place where freedom of speech, open academic discussion, and the vibrant clash of ideas are not only protected but celebrated. For students around the world, especially from authoritarian regimes, Taiwan represents more than just a study destination—it is a breath of fresh air. But for exchange students from mainland China, that freedom is shadowed by invisible bars. The island’s liberal atmosphere comes with unexpected restrictions, a paradox that continues to raise eyebrows in both academia and human rights circles. Welcome, But Not Quite Free On the surface, mainland…

After years of contributing to the South China Morning Post, I’ve decided to step away. Ironically, it was a petty dispute that pushed me to make the final call. But in truth, this decision should’ve been made back in February—for reasons far more serious. That was when the Post chose to play a disturbing role in what was clearly a state-orchestrated attempt to discredit Gui Minhai, the bookseller who was kidnapped and imprisoned for selling material in Hong Kong that embarrassed China’s leadership. What unfolded was no ordinary interview. It was the third of Gui’s staged “confessions”—the kind you’d expect…

The strongest lockdown in history: one country at a time—it sounds like a global countdown. In reality, it was a chain reaction. City after city, nation after nation, shutters came down. Airplanes grounded. Borders closed. Humanity slowed to a crawl. But lockdowns weren’t uniform. Each country imposed its own version—some carefully measured, others aggressively enforced. Some protected public health; others triggered crises of their own. As the pandemic spread, governments chose control over comfort, often at extraordinary costs to daily life and civil liberties. This is the story of how lockdowns unfolded—not all at once, but one country at a…

Science fiction youth in Mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong: imaginations not worn down by reality—this phrase captures a quiet but powerful shift unfolding across Chinese-speaking societies. As the world edges deeper into a digital future, the youth in these regions are not simply watching—they’re imagining, creating, and reshaping the narrative through science fiction. Amid political tensions, academic pressure, and societal expectations, you might expect young minds to turn inward or give in to cynicism. But instead, they’re turning outward—toward distant galaxies, alternate timelines, and AI civilizations. They are writing, illustrating, coding, and building new futures not just for escape,…