Asia: Cost of the lost girls

A preference for sons is destabilizing a continent, writes Gareth Price

The World Today
3 minute READ

Increased authoritarianism and expressions of more assertive nationalism have become evident across Asia over the past few years. While for many countries the impact of these trends is primarily domestic, a more bellicose China has ramped up tension with its neighbours, including Taiwan and Vietnam, and engaged in low-level conflict with India.

Explanations for these trends have been many and varied. Social media has provided a platform for illiberal voices. Insularity of the United States under Donald Trump provided China with space to propagate its global world view. 

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