Asia
Global stock markets fall after 7 percent collapse in Japan’s Nikkei index
By Alex Lantier, 24 May 2013
The one-day 7.3 percent drop in Japan’s Nikkei stock index came amid signs of a growing global slump and demands for attacks on the working class in Japan.
Bangladeshi police attack garment workers’ protest
By K. Ratnayake, 21 May 2013
Police fired rubber bullets at tens of thousands of workers demanding higher wages and protesting the April 24 garment factory collapse that killed 1,127 workers.
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
18 May 2013
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Philippine coast guard kills Taiwanese fisherman in disputed waters
By Joseph Santolan, 14 May 2013
Relations between Taiwan and the Philippines soured dramatically over the weekend after Philippine forces shot and killed an unarmed Taiwanese fisherman.
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
4 May 2013
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Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
27 April 2013
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
20 April 2013
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
13 April 2013
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
US inflames North Korean missile scare
By Joseph Santolan, 11 April 2013
Washington has set in motion a regional game of geopolitical brinkmanship in which the stakes are the possibility of nuclear war.
South Korea prepares for war amid US-China stand-off
By Ben McGrath, 9 April 2013
As the US escalates tensions on the Korean peninsula, the South Korean bourgeoisie has moved to aggressively implement its own militaristic agenda.
US deployment of stealth bombers escalates military standoff in Korea
By Alex Lantier, 30 March 2013
On Thursday, US officials announced that B-2 stealth bombers had flown from Whiteman Air Force Base in the United States to South Korea.
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
16 February 2013
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Asia Pacific briefs
9 February 2013
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Asia in 2013
By Peter Symonds, 18 January 2013
The fault lines of a new world war are nowhere more apparent than in Asia, as Obama’s “pivot” fuels tensions and rivalry.
Air incident escalates Japan/China tensions over disputed islands
By Peter Symonds, 15 December 2012
Both countries have exploited the issue to stir up nationalism to divert attention from a worsening economic and social crisis at home.
South Korean “progressives” line-up behind the Democrats
By Ben McGrath, 15 December 2012
The parties connected with the Korean Co-federation of Trade Unions are promoting the fraud that the Democrat candidate in the South Korean presidential election represents “a lesser evil.”
Indian establishment mourns founder-leader of fascist Shiv Sena
By Nanda Wickremasinghe, 15 December 2012
The fawning send-off the Indian ruling class accorded Bal Thackeray, the founder-leader of the fascist Shiv Sena (SS), following his death last month at the age of 86 constitutes both a lesson and warning to the working class.
India: Thousands join convention and protest to defend victimised Maruti Suzuki workers
By Arun Kumar, 15 December 2012
The convention and march underscores growing militancy among auto workers in India who want to fight the slave labour conditions they are subjected to.
Sri Lanka: Security forces continue arresting Tamil youth
By our correspondent, 14 December 2012
Jaffna University students have been targeted because they have opposed the suppression of democratic rights and the privatisation of university education.
Philippine government calls for the rearming of Japan
By Joseph Santolan, 14 December 2012
Amid tensions with China, the Philippine foreign secretary said the government supported Japanese remilitarization as “a balancing factor”.
Global tensions overshadow Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit
By John Chan, 14 December 2012
The push by China and Russia for greater Eurasian economic integration is coming into direct conflict with US interests.
After winning FDI vote, Indian government vows to push ahead with pro-investor measures
By Deepal Jayasekera, 13 December 2012
Last week’s debate and vote on opening India to Walmart and other giant retailers has underscored the support of all sections of India’s political establishment for big business’ economic agenda.
Chinese leadership tries to revamp its corrupt image
By John Chan, 12 December 2012
The campaign seeks to dampen widespread public hostility to the regime’s endemic corruption and prepare the ground for a pro-market offensive.
Sri Lanka: Parliamentary panel backs impeachment of chief justice
By K. Ratnayake, 11 December 2012
The rift between the government and the judiciary reflects a hostility among sections of the capitalist elite to the concentration of power in the hands of President Rajapakse.
Death toll from Philippine typhoon exceeds 600
By Joseph Santolan, 10 December 2012
At least 100 of the deaths were the result of collapsed or buried evacuation centers.
As American commanders target Afghan children
Karzai offers immunity for continued US occupation
By Bill Van Auken, 10 December 2012
Afghan President Hamid Karzai said he is willing to offer US troops immunity from prosecution after 2014, amid fresh reports of war crimes.
Japanese election mired in nationalism and militarism
By Peter Symonds, 8 December 2012
The rightward shift in Japanese politics is a warning of the dangers facing the working class as a consequence of the worsening breakdown of global capitalism.
Global retail giants and the Bangladesh factory fire
By Peter Symonds, 7 December 2012
Corporations are desperate to deny responsibility in order to protect their public relations image and profits, and avoid potential legal action.
Defend auto workers victimised by Maruti Suzuki and Indian authorities
By World Socialist Web Site, 6 December 2012
Workers across India and internationally must defend the workers at Maruti Suzuki’s Manesar assembly plant who are the target of a joint vendetta by India’s largest automaker and the Congress Party-led Haryana government.
Sri Lankan unions prepare political trap for plantation workers
By W.A. Sunil, 6 December 2012
The TUFPW is being formed not to fight for the interests of plantation workers, but to block an independent movement against the companies and government.
South China Sea disputes flare up
By Peter Symonds, 5 December 2012
The Philippines and Vietnam have condemned new Chinese regulations to permit the boarding of foreign ships in what Beijing regards as its territorial waters.
Scores dead as typhoon hits the Philippines
By Joseph Santolan, 5 December 2012
The deaths so far reported have resulted from landslides, flash floods and falling trees and power lines. But the underlying cause is poverty.
Behind the UAW’s “support” for the Maruti Suzuki workers
By Jerry White, 5 December 2012
The United Auto Workers union in the United States has issued a letter of protest against the firing and arrests of workers at a Maruti Suzuki India plant.
Japan: At least nine dead in tunnel collapse
By Oliver Campbell, 4 December 2012
Questions have been raised about the tunnel operator’s safety inspections.
Sri Lanka: Jaffna University students arrested
By our correspondents, 4 December 2012
The latest detentions follow a series of police and military provocations against Jaffna students.
South Korean “independent” pulls out of presidential election
By Ben McGrath, 3 December 2012
Ahn Cheol-soo, a wealthy businessman, has thrown his support behind the Democrat in what is now largely a two-person race.
Burmese military cracks down on copper mine protest
By John Roberts, 3 December 2012
Opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has played a key role in supporting the government by defusing anger over the project.
Thai anti-government protesters clash with security forces
By John Roberts, 1 December 2012
The rally confirms that none of the bitter divisions within the Thai ruling elite have been resolved.
Police attack Bangladesh garment workers
By Wasantha Rupasinghe, 1 December 2012
Workers were demanding justice for the victims, compensation for their families and improved safety standards.
New Japanese party formed to capitalise on anti-nuclear sentiment
By Peter Symonds, 30 November 2012
The establishment of the Japan Future Party is another sign of deepening political crisis in the lead up to the December 16 election.
Report highlights UN “failure” in Sri Lanka
By Sujeewa Amaranath, 29 November 2012
The lessons drawn from the report are aimed at fashioning the UN into a more effective tool of imperialist intervention.
Chinese journalist arrested for reporting homeless children’s deaths
By Oliver Campbell, 28 November 2012
Li Yuanlong’s arrest is a warning that the new Communist Party leadership will be ruthless in suppressing political dissent.
The brutal face of global capitalism
By Peter Symonds, 28 November 2012
The conditions at the Tazreen Fashions factory where 112 workers died were not the exception, but the rule.
China’s leadership announces new anti-corruption campaign
By John Chan, 27 November 2012
The regime is not only fearful that corruption will fuel a working class rebellion, but is exploiting the issue to push through its pro-market agenda.
Garment workers protest after Bangladeshi fire
By Peter Symonds, 27 November 2012
The protesters demanded the punishment of those responsible for the Tazreen Fashions factory fire that claimed at least 112 lives on Saturday night.
Twenty years since Deng Xiaoping’s “Southern tour”—Part 2
By John Chan, 27 November 2012
On his 1992 tour, Deng made no secret of his embrace of capitalism.
Twenty years since Deng Xiaoping’s “Southern tour”—Part 1
By John Chan, 26 November 2012
The tour became a key turning point in the process of capitalist restoration in China.
Worst factory fire in Bangladeshi history
By Peter Symonds, 26 November 2012
A blaze that gutted the Tazreen Fashions building near the capital of Dhaka on Saturday night killed at least 112 workers and injured another 150.
China: Homeless children found dead in rubbish bin
By Oliver Campbell, 24 November 2012
The gulf between circumstances of the children and the lavish surroundings of the recent Communist Party congress highlights the deep social divide in China.
Japan’s election dominated by right-wing nationalism
By Peter Symonds, 24 November 2012
The election campaign is rapidly becoming a contest with each of the parties seeking to outbid each other as proponents of nationalism and militarism.
Sri Lankan SEP public meeting on Historical and International Foundations document
By our correspondents, 24 November 2012
Workers and students discussed the main perspective resolution adopted at the SEP’s founding congress in 2011.
A significant report on the global economy
By Nick Beams, 23 November 2012
China and India will not be able to provide the basis for a new period of global growth
Push for pro-market reform after Chinese Communist Party congress
By John Chan, 23 November 2012
International and local business elites are pressing for a new round of economic restructuring in China, especially targeting state enterprises.
Clinton outlines global US economic offensive
By Peter Symonds, 22 November 2012
Obama’s pivot to Asia is part of a comprehensive campaign to maintain US dominance in Asia on every front—diplomatic, economic and strategic.
Former leading member of Tamil nationalist LTTE assassinated in Paris
By K. Nesan, 22 November 2012
On November 8 a leader of the pro-LTTE Tamil Coordinating Committee was assassinated in Paris.
LTTE officials work with Sri Lankan government after civil war
By K. Nesan, 22 November 2012
LTTE cadre Selvarasa Pathmanathan’s career exemplifies how the Sri Lankan government works with Tamil nationalists to police the working class after the end of the Sri Lankan civil war.
Tensions at ASEAN summit over South China Sea
By Peter Symonds, 21 November 2012
The Obama administration has exploited the maritime disputes to drive a wedge between China and its neighbours and justify a US military build-up.
China’s new leaders: Profiles of oligarchs
By John Chan, 21 November 2012
The seven Politburo members represent the new property-owning elite created by the regime’s program of restoring capitalism over the past 30 years.
Sri Lankan president presents austerity budget
By Saman Gunadasa, 21 November 2012
The budget is in line with IMF demands for higher taxes, lower social spending and concessions to big business.
Obama’s trip intensifies US push into South East Asia
By Peter Symonds, 20 November 2012
The US focus on the region is part of a broader diplomatic offensive aimed at undermining China’s position throughout Asia.
Philippine mayor calls for extrajudicial killing
By Dante Pastrana, 20 November 2012
The rise to power of Rodrigo Duterte as Davao City mayor implicates major political figures in the Philippines.
China’s new leadership—a regime of crisis
By John Chan, 19 November 2012
The economy is markedly slowing and the US is waging an offensive to block China’s rise as a potential rival.
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
17 November 2012
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
Chinese Communist Party unveils new leadership
By John Chan, 16 November 2012
All factions have agreed that the regime is heading for a confrontation with the working class.
Japanese prime minister calls snap election
By Peter Symonds, 16 November 2012
The ruling DPJ appears to be headed for defeat just three years after coming to power.
Deepening economic crisis in Japan
By Nick Beams, 15 November 2012
Japan faces the prospect of entering its fifth recession in the past 15 years.
Sri Lankan government unveils charges against chief justice
By K. Ratnayake, 15 November 2012
The real trigger for the impeachment was a Supreme Court ruling that a major government bill was unconstitutional.
Army pre-trial hearing into March 2012 Afghan massacre concludes
By Naomi Spencer, 15 November 2012
Staff Sergeant Robert Bales, accused of killing 16 Afghan villagers, could face the death penalty if the Army recommends a court-martial.
Survivors describe bloodbath in Afghan atrocity
By Naomi Spencer, 15 November 2012
In testimony from Afghanistan, witnesses to the March 11 massacre described scenes of terror and grief.
Beijing’s phony campaign for social equality
By John Chan, 14 November 2012
The Chinese leadership is gearing up for a new round of privatisation and pro-market restructuring.
The political lessons of the Sri Lankan university teachers’ strike
By Socialist Equality Party (Sri Lanka), 14 November 2012
From the outset, the teachers were confronted with the necessity of a political fight against the government, but the union was bitterly opposed to this perspective.
India: Thousands protest victimization of Maruti Suzuki workers
By Arun Kumar, 14 November 2012
Victimized workers from Maruti-Suzuki’s Manesar car assembly plant staged a series of protests last week to demand their reinstatement and to fight for the release of 149 workers who have been beaten and tortured while in police custody.
Philippine “left” quarrels over election
By Joseph Santolan, 13 November 2012
The dispute reveals the depth of the opportunism and charlatanry of both Akbayan and Anakbayan, as well as other CPP-front organizations.
Philippine “left” quarrels over election
By Joseph Santolan, 13 November 2012
The dispute reveals the depth of the opportunism and charlatanry of both Akbayan and Anakbayan, as well as other CPP-front organizations.
US criticises Sri Lanka at UN Human Rights Council
By Sujeewa Amaranath, 13 November 2012
The US and India want Colombo to distance itself from Beijing in order to advance their strategic and economic interests in South Asia.
“Many could have been tortured to death,” charges lawyer for jailed Maruti Suzuki India workers
By Arun Kumar, 13 November 2012
In an interview with the World Socialist Web Site, one of the lawyers who represents the 149 jailed Maruti Suzuki India workers described how many of them have been brutally tortured by police.
Sri Lankan security forces kill dozens of prison inmates
By Sampath Perera, 12 November 2012
Friday’s attack inside the country’s biggest jail underscores the government’s reliance on police-state measures.
US Army hearing begins into March 2012 Afghan atrocity
By Naomi Spencer, 10 November 2012
Staff Sergeant Robert Bales, accused of carrying out a massacre of Afghan civilians, faces 16 counts of murder.
Chinese president’s speech points to uncertainty and crises ahead
By John Chan, 9 November 2012
Despite the show of unity at the CCP congress, deep divisions remain over domestic and foreign policy.
Asia Europe Meeting in Laos marked by economic and strategic tensions
By Joseph Santolan, 9 November 2012
The ASEM gathering was dominated by the worsening economic crisis in Europe and the growing US confrontation with China.
Chinese Communist Party congress: An oligarchic gathering
By John Chan, 8 November 2012
The wealth of the top CCP leaders is a carefully guarded secret, because of the mounting popular hostility toward these self-proclaimed “people’s servants.”
Chinese Communist Party congress preceded by expulsions
By John Chan, 7 November 2012
Despite the eventual agreement to expel Bo Xilai in order to allow the congress to proceed, enormous tensions remain within the leadership.
Philippine anti-mining activist arrested for Facebook posting
By Dante Pastrana, 6 November 2012
The Aquino government has extended the criminalization of libel onto the internet and other forms of electronic media.
Sri Lankan government moves to impeach chief justice
By K. Ratnayake, 6 November 2012
The conflict with the judiciary reflects concerns within the country’s ruling elite over the political and economic impact of the president’s autocratic methods of rule.
China’s leadership change
By John Chan, 5 November 2012
Whoever prevails in the Chinese Communist Party congress, their mandate is to carry out an onslaught on the living standards of the working class.
Philippine government implements two-tier wages
By Dante Pastrana, 5 November 2012
Along with the expansion of contractualization and underemployment, the new wage system is a major assault on the living standards of Filipino workers.
Lecture on Sri Lankan SEP’s historical and international foundations
5 November 2012
The lecture will launch the SEP’s new publication—The Historical and International Foundations of the Socialist Equality Party-Sri Lanka.
New ethnic violence in Burma’s Rakhine state
By John Roberts, 3 November 2012
At least 88 people have been killed, 4,600 homes burnt down and 22,000 people left homeless, the vast majority being Muslims.
Protests in Chinese city halt multi-billion chemical project
By John Chan, 2 November 2012
Local residents are deeply concerned that pollution from the Ningbo Chemical Industrial Zone has led to rising rates of cancer and other diseases.
UK High Court hears Pakistan drone killing case
By Robert Stevens, 2 November 2012
Noor Khan, whose father was killed by a drone missile strike, is calling on the High Court to look into whether UK intelligence officials provided assistance and if they are liable for prosecution.
Corruption allegations hit Chinese premier on eve of Communist Party congress
By John Chan, 1 November 2012
Allegations like those that brought down disgraced official Bo Xilai have surfaced against Premier Wen Jiabao.
Sri Lanka: Tamil party to resume talks with government
By W.A. Sunil, 29 October 2012
The TNA has clearly come under pressure from India regards the failure to resolve the Tamil question as an obstacle to New Delhi’s ambitions in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lankan defence secretary initiates communal campaign over 13th amendment
By K. Ratnayake, 26 October 2012
The call for constitutional change is aimed at stirring up anti-Tamil sentiment to divide working people amid widespread discontent over the government’s austerity policies.
Four Afghan children killed in US raid
By Bill Van Auken, 24 October 2012
The killing of Afghan children in a US raid and the disappearance and murder of civilians at the hands of occupation troops have provoked growing anger and protests.
Island dispute between Japan and China grows more tense
By Peter Symonds, 24 October 2012
By encouraging Japan to aggressively assert its interests, the Obama administration is responsible for the current tensions with China.
Report highlights poverty in rural Pakistan
By Sampath Perera, 23 October 2012
More than half of the 116 million rural population lived in extreme poverty in the last decade.
Afghan schools and clinics built by British military to be closed down
By Harvey Thompson, 23 October 2012
A recently leaked report reveals that schools and health clinics built by the British military across Helmand province are to be closed down by 2014.
India: Jailed Maruti Suzuki workers subjected to torture
By Arun Kumar and Kranti Kumara, 23 October 2012
Indian authorities have tortured militant Maruti Suzuki workers who were jailed as part of a corporate-government conspiracy to convict them on murder charges.
On the spot report
Sri Lankan military forcibly “resettles” Tamil detainees
By our reporters, 22 October 2012
The remaining 1,200 people detained by the army after the LTTE’s defeat have been dumped in a rough clearing in thick jungle.
Sri Lanka: SEP holds Piyaseeli Wijegunasingha memorial lecture
By Sujeewa Amaranath, 20 October 2012
The lecture, “Counterculture or Scientific Socialism,” explained and defended Piyaseeli’s struggle for Marxism, particularly in the field of art.
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