Asia
Indian prime minister visits Sri Lanka to strengthen ties
By Pradeep Ramanayake, 19 May 2017
Modi arrived after India and the US expressed concerns about the Colombo government’s economic ties with Beijing.
North Korea accused of cyber attacks in mounting demonisation campaign
By James Cogan, 18 May 2017
A propaganda campaign is underway in the US and international media that is ominously reminiscent of the 2002-2003 hysteria over Iraq and “weapons of mass destruction.”
The frame-up of the Maruti Suzuki workers—Part 5: Judge Goyal mangles the law to sustain the legal vendetta
By Eric London and Keith Jones, 18 May 2017
Far from constituting a blow for justice, the court’s exoneration of 117 of the accused workers was a maneuver aimed at sustaining the legal vendetta against the principal accused—the leaders of the Maruti Suzuki Workers Union.
Sri Lanka: IMF orders government to speed up austerity measures
By Saman Gunadasa, 17 May 2017
The IMF has delayed a scheduled loan payment until the Sirisena-Wickremesinghe government fully implements the bank’s austerity demands.
China hosts international launch of One Belt, One Road initiative
By Nick Beams, 16 May 2017
In launching the initiative, Chinese president Xi Jinping emphasised the need for “win-win co-operation,” but there are significant tensions surrounding the project.
India intensifies repression in Kashmir
By Kranti Kumara and Wasantha Rupasinghe, 16 May 2017
India’s former National Security Advisor has warned that the ruling elite has lost control of the situation in Kashmir, with unarmed youth repeatedly risking their lives to impede security operations.
US, South Korea emphasise alliance after North Korean missile test
By Ben McGrath, 15 May 2017
Concerns persist in Washington that the new Moon administration in Seoul could undermine attempts to pressure Pyongyang.
Burmese government rejects international inquiry into anti-Rohingya pogrom
By John Roberts, 15 May 2017
Suu Kyi’s rejection of any scrutiny of the treatment of the Rohingya minority points to the geopolitical interests that govern relations between Burma and the West.
India: ICFI supporters hold May Day meeting in Bangalore
By our correspondents, 12 May 2017
The event was part of the Trotskyist movement’s commemoration of the centenary of the October 1917 Revolution.
Sri Lankan prime minister strengthens ties with US allies
By Vijith Samarasinghe, 11 May 2017
Despite seeking Chinese investment, the government remains committed to the provocative US-led military build-up in the region.
Democrat Moon Jae-in wins South Korean presidential election
By Ben McGrath, 10 May 2017
Backed by sections of the ruling class, Moon’s election is aimed at defusing widespread concern over social inequality and war, and blocking any movement against the profit system.
SEP (Sri Lanka) calls for workers’ inquiry into Meethotamulla garbage dump disaster
By the Socialist Equality Party, 9 May 2017
The Socialist Equality Party will initiate an independent working class investigation into the April 14 catastrophe that killed 32 people and displaced over 150 families.
South Korean presidential frontrunner stresses agreement with Trump
By Ben McGrath, 8 May 2017
On the eve of South Korea’s election, DPK candidate Moon Jae-in is attempting to placate fears in Washington that he will cut across war plans in the region.
Japanese PM plans to remove constitutional shackles on the military by 2020
By Peter Symonds, 8 May 2017
Abe is seeking to modify Article 9 of Japan’s constitution, which nominally renounces war as a means of settling international disputes and vows never to maintain military forces.
US show of force intensifies pressure on North Korea and China
By Mike Head, 5 May 2017
Two military displays in two days have escalated the tensions on the Korean Peninsula produced by the Trump administration’s threats of military action.
“There is an air of worker rebellion in India and China”
A conversation with Professor Immanuel Ness on the Maruti Suzuki workers
By Jerry White, 4 May 2017
Brooklyn College Professor Immanuel Ness, who has written extensively on the class struggle in India, was part of a team that investigated the persecution of the Maruti Suzuki workers.
SEP Sri Lankan May Day meeting discusses threat of world war and lessons of Russian Revolution
By our correspondents, 4 May 2017
The central theme of the Colombo meeting was the struggle to mobilise the working class on the basis of socialist internationalism against the drive to war.
US sends B-1 strategic bombers over South Korea
By Peter Symonds, 3 May 2017
The US military build-up has raised tensions on the Korean Peninsula to fever pitch, threatening to trigger a devastating conflict.
May Day 2017
Defend the 13 framed-up Indian Maruti Suzuki workers
By Keith Jones, 3 May 2017
The Maruti Suzuki workers have been framed-up and sentenced to life imprisonment through a conspiracy between the company, the police, the courts and India’s main parties.
Trump suggests talks while preparing for war with North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 2 May 2017
Trump’s offer to meet Kim Jong-un is effectively an ultimatum: accept US terms for negotiations or confront the prospect of war.
South Korean election candidates back US war preparations
By Ben McGrath, 2 May 2017
Widespread opposition to the THAAD antiballistic missile battery and the drive to war can find no expression in the presidential contest.
Trump invites Philippine President Duterte to the White House
By Joseph Santolan, 2 May 2017
As part of the advanced preparations for war with North Korea, Trump has called the Philippine president with an invitation for a state visit to Washington.
May Day 2017
The fight for international socialism in South Asia
By Wije Dias, 2 May 2017
The region is caught up in the whirlpool of geo-political tensions produced by the drive towards another imperialist war, amid rising class struggle.
Sri Lanka: Jaffna picket demands release of framed-up Maruti Suzuki workers
By our correspondents, 1 May 2017
Jaffna workers, youth, fishermen and housewives joined an SEP/IYSSE picket and public meeting to protest the witch-hunt and jailing of Indian autoworkers.
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
29 April 2017
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
Trump threatens “major conflict” with North Korea
By Mike Head, 28 April 2017
The US president invoked the danger of war, while claiming to be seeking a diplomatic solution to the Korean crisis.
Sri Lanka SEP holds picket in Jaffna to free Maruti Suzuki workers
By our correspondents, 28 April 2017
Despite the anti-democratic intervention of student union leaders, most Jaffna University students supported the campaign.
White House briefing signals escalating war preparations against North Korea
By Mike Head, 27 April 2017
Comments by senators after the briefing ranged from support for military action against North Korea to pushing for a harder line against China.
Tamil workers in northern Sri Lanka support Maruti Suzuki workers
By our correspondents, 27 April 2017
Residents in the small town of Chavakachcheri, near Jaffna, said social conditions for Tamil workers were like those confronting the persecuted autoworkers in India.
US tests missile in Pacific as it escalates threats to North Korea
By Mike Head, 26 April 2017
The provocatively-timed US test again underscores where the real risk of nuclear war resides—in Washington.
South Korean presidential candidates move further to the right on North Korea
By Ben McGrath, 26 April 2017
Moon Jae-in of the DPK has sought to prove his pro-US credentials by calling for an additional military buildup.
The frame-up of the Maruti Suzuki workers—Part 4: The police and company conspire against the workers
By Eric London and Keith Jones, 26 April 2017
Police colluded with Maruti Suzuki, fabricated evidence, and systematically failed to carry out basic forensic tests as part of a bogus investigation aimed at framing up militant workers who challenged sweatshop conditions.
US naval “armada” menaces North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 25 April 2017
The nuclear-powered submarine, the USS Michigan, is due to arrive in South Korea today where it will be joined by the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson and its strike group.
Sri Lankan government seeks to suppress garbage disaster protests
By Wasantha Rupasinghe, 25 April 2017
The move to outlaw protests against garbage dumps has broader implications for all basic democratic rights.
Modi’s “Make in India” campaign and the battle of the Maruti Suzuki workers
By Pradeep Ramanayake, 25 April 2017
In arguing for the hanging of the framed-up Maruti Suzuki workers, the prosecution denounced the workers for imperiling the Modi government’s efforts to woo profit-hungry investors.
Pence’s Asian tour reinforces US threats to North Korea
By Mike Head, 24 April 2017
Without any public consultation, the US and its allies are placing millions of people at risk of a devastating nuclear war.
Tense standoff continues on Korean peninsula
By Peter Symonds, 22 April 2017
The media is fueling tensions with speculation that North Korea could conduct a nuclear or missile test to mark its Military Foundation Day next Tuesday.
Sri Lanka: Jaffna residents demand release of Maruti Suzuki workers
By our correspondents, 22 April 2017
A picket and meeting in Jaffna next week will demand the release of the imprisoned Indian autoworkers.
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
22 April 2017
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
ICFI supporters in India call meeting on “World War and the Russian Revolution”
22 April 2017
Speakers will explain that the only way to prevent another world war is the mobilisation of Indian workers as a part of an international anti-war movement.
US government and media ratchet up threats to North Korea
By Mike Head, 21 April 2017
The Trump administration’s ultimatums are intensifying the risk that miscalculations could trigger a conflict that would endanger the lives of millions of people.
Indian elite hails US bombings in Syria and Afghanistan
By Deepal Jayasekera, 21 April 2017
Leaders of the ruling Bharatiya Janatha Party and the opposition Congress Party support the US military attacks.
US vice president warns North Korea “the sword is ready”
By Peter Symonds, 20 April 2017
Pence threatened “an overwhelming and effective American response” to any North Korean use of conventional or nuclear weapons.
Incumbent Jakarta governor defeated in bitter electoral contest
By John Roberts, 20 April 2017
A virulent chauvinist campaign against Governor Basuki was a means of diverting the rising unrest generated by the pro-business program that he shares with President Widodo.
US continues dangerous brinkmanship with North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 19 April 2017
By keeping the world guessing as to what he will do, Trump has added a great deal of uncertainty into an already precarious situation and heightened the danger of conflict.
Indian bus workers strike against privatisation
By Arun Kumar, 19 April 2017
The Haryana bus stoppage underscored the intensifying class tensions across the state and India as a whole.
India strengthens defence ties with Bangladesh
By Sarath Kumara, 18 April 2017
The Indian government, in line with US geo-strategic manoeuvres, is attempting to reduce Bangladesh’s military and economic reliance on China.
Sri Lankan government sponsors a sham celebration of the Russian Revolution
By Vijith Samarasinghe, 15 April 2017
The event was a congregation of right-wing politicians, pseudo-lefts and anti-Marxist representatives of academia who are deeply hostile to the heritage of the Russian Revolution.
US media reports Trump preparing “preemptive strike” on North Korea
By James Cogan, 14 April 2017
The pretext for a US attack would be to prevent Pyongyang from carrying out another nuclear weapons’ test.
The Coming War on China: A pacifist appeal
By Richard Phillips, 14 April 2017
Pilger’s documentary exposes something of Washington’s escalating war plans against China but suggests that protests can prevent a nuclear conflagration.
Australian prime minister visits India to boost strategic ties
By Mike Head, 13 April 2017
The outcomes were in line with the ongoing push by Washington for US allies throughout the region to strengthen their military relations with each other.
Sri Lankan artists express solidarity with the framed-up Maruti Suzuki workers
By our reporters, 13 April 2017
A number of Sri Lankan artists have sent statements to the World Socialist Web Site calling for the release of jailed Maruti Suzuki workers in India.
“It is a frame-up and war on the working class”
Support grows for Maruti Suzuki workers
By our reporters, 13 April 2017
It has been nearly a month since an Indian judge condemned 13 autoworkers to life imprisonment.
Australia’s role in US plans for war on North Korea
By James Cogan, 12 April 2017
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has publicly endorsed Washington’s bellicose rhetoric against the Pyongyang regime.
Trump threatens North Korea, issues ultimatum to China
By Peter Symonds, 12 April 2017
Trump is preparing to attack North Korea if China fails to heed his dictates and Pyongyang conducts another nuclear or missile test.
South Korean presidential candidates line up behind US war drive
By Ben McGrath, 12 April 2017
As tensions with North Korea rise, the leading “democratic” contenders, Moon Jae-in and Ahn Cheol-soo, have taken a pro-militarist and pro-US stance.
Indian ICFI supporters to picket for release of Maruti Suzuki workers
12 April 2017
Workers in Sriperumbudur, Oragadam and other Special Economic Zones should join the April 17 protest and fight for the immediate freeing of the framed-up autoworkers.
China fears US military attack on North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 11 April 2017
The state-owned Global Times warned that “a military strike on the North will very likely evolve into large-scale bloody war on the Peninsula.”
Indian railway and transport workers denounce Maruti Suzuki frame-up
By our correspondents, 11 April 2017
Workers in Chennai spoke out in defence of the jailed auto workers.
US aircraft carrier deployed in direct threat to North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 10 April 2017
Following its attacks on Syria, the US, in a “show of force,” dispatched the Carl Vinson strike group to waters near the Korean peninsula.
Rohingya killings expose fraud of Burmese “democracy”
By John Roberts, 7 April 2017
The response of Suu Kyi and her government to a limited UN inquiry into the military’s atrocities reveal their complicity and involvement.
The frame-up of the Maruti Suzuki workers—Part 2: The factory fire and the death of Avineesh Dev
By Eric London and Keith Jones, 7 April 2017
The fire was the pivot of the prosecution’s case, but it provided not a shred of credible evidence tying any of the workers to the blaze.
Trump official warns “the clock has run out” on North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 5 April 2017
Unless China forces North Korea to bow to Washington’s demands, the US will use every means, including its huge military forces, to crush the Pyongyang regime.
The frame-up of the Maruti Suzuki workers—Part 1: A travesty of justice
By Eric London and Keith Jones, 5 April 2017
Careful examination and systematic refutation of the state’s legal case has always been a critical part of international defense campaigns.
Trump threatens China with war on North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 4 April 2017
The Trump administration has threatened to launch a war that will not only be catastrophic for the people of the Korean peninsula but could drag in other major powers, including China, Russia and Japan.
After Park’s ouster, South Korean pseudo-left orients to pro-US opposition
By Ben McGrath, 4 April 2017
The state-capitalist Workers’ Solidarity group is backing the campaign to install a new president favorable to the US war drive against China.
Maldives opposition intensifies campaign to destabilise government
By Rohantha De Silva, 4 April 2017
Infighting between the Maldives opposition and President Yameen is bound up with geo-political manoeuvres by the US and India against China.
In the background of the Maruti Suzuki frame-up
Portrait of the Suzuki corporation, a ruthless transnational employer
By Shannon Jones and Saman Gunadasa, 4 April 2017
Suzuki is typical of the transnational auto corporations that scour the world in search of the cheapest labor and lowest production costs.
Former South Korean president arrested
By Ben McGrath, 3 April 2017
In the wake of Park’s impeachment and arrest, political parties are jockeying for the May 9 presidential election.
Sri Lankan university students condemn Maruti Suzuki frame-up
By our correspondents, 3 April 2017
Students and workers in Colombo, Kandy and Jaffna denounced the heavy sentences imposed on framed-up Maruti Suzuki workers in India.
Tensions erupt between the Philippines and China over disputed island
By Joseph Santolan, 30 March 2017
Sharp divisions emerged in the Duterte administration after a Chinese official announced plans for an environmental monitoring station on the Scarborough Shoal.
Indian auto workers demand release of Maruti Suzuki workers
By Moses Rajkumar and Yuvan Darwin, 30 March 2017
Indian auto workers voice their support for the ICFI campaign and demand release of the Maruti Suzuki workers.
Sri Lankan SEP/IYSSE to picket and hold public meeting for release of Maruti Suzuki workers
30 March 2017
The campaign to overturn the frame-up of the Maruti Suzuki workers requires the independent mobilisation of the working class in India, throughout South Asia and internationally.
Growing debate in Beijing over North Korea
By Ben McGrath, 28 March 2017
Sections of the Chinese ruling elite are growing increasingly frustrated with Pyongyang and the danger it represents to China’s security interests.
Sri Lankan workers support campaign to free framed-up Maruti Suzuki workers
By our correspondents, 28 March 2017
Socialist Equality Party campaigners distributed the ICFI statement “Free the framed-up Maruti Suzuki workers” in Sinhalese and Tamil.
Scandal exposes Japanese government’s ultra-right ties
By Peter Symonds, 27 March 2017
The affair has drawn in other political figures close to Prime Minister Abe, providing a glimpse of the network of extreme nationalist organisations connected to his government.
Sri Lankan government moves to privatise major state corporations
By Saman Gunadasa, 27 March 2017
State-owned enterprises will be turned into “self-sustained” commercial ventures.
“The 13 workers are political prisoners”
South Asian filmmakers Rahul Roy and Prasanna Vithanage back campaign to free Maruti Suzuki workers
By our reporters, 27 March 2017
Raul Roy, the director of The Factory, the 2015 documentary on the Maruti Suzuki workers, and the Sri Lankan filmmaker Prasanna Vithanage have demanded the freedom of the 13 framed-up autoworkers.
China warns US strategic bomber in East China Sea
By Peter Symonds, 25 March 2017
The war plane was one of two B-1Bs deployed from Guam to join massive war games underway in South Korea amid high tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
Join the fight to free the framed-up Maruti Suzuki workers!
By the Socialist Equality Party (Sri Lanka), 25 March 2017
Workers in Sri Lanka, India and around the world must unite to defeat the imprisonment of these victimised workers
Sham character of Maruti Suzuki workers’ trial further exposed
By Keith Jones, 23 March 2017
The presiding judge had to admit police colluded with Maruti Suzuki and fabricated evidence, but even as he did so, he downplayed the significance of these crimes.
US threatens more sanctions, military build-up against North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 22 March 2017
As the US secretary of state declared last week, all options, including military action against Pyongyang, are under consideration.
Support grows for framed-up Maruti Suzuki workers in India
By Jerry White, 21 March 2017
Opposition to the brutal life sentences meted out to 13 Maruti Suzuki workers is growing in India and around the world.
Thirteen sentenced to life imprisonment in India
Free the framed-up Maruti Suzuki workers!
By International Committee of the Fourth International, 20 March 2017
Thirteen Maruti Suzuki workers have been condemned to life in prison as the result of a monstrous frame-up mounted by the automaker, the police and judicial authorities, with the full complicity of India’s principal political parties.
Indian court to hear sentencing arguments against framed-up Maruti Suzuki workers
By Shannon Jones, 17 March 2017
Thirteen autoworkers could face the death penalty in a case that has seen blatant collusion between company management, police and Indian state officials
US secretary of state ramps up pressure on China over North Korea
By Mike Head, 17 March 2017
Rex Tillerson’s trip highlights the Trump administration’s focus on using North Korean missile and nuclear programs as a pretext for targeting China.
IMF demands “decisive action” on Sri Lankan austerity cuts
By Saman Gunadasa, 16 March 2017
The global institution has ramped up its pressure on the government to further slash social spending and speed up the privatisation of state-owned enterprises.
Nationalist groups in Tamil diaspora seek deal with Trump at UN
By Athiyan Silva, 16 March 2017
While the US has abandoned its call for investigation of Sri Lankan civil war atrocities, the Tamil nationalists continue to promote Washington as an ally of the Tamil people and aid its anti-China war drive.
BJP gains in Indian state elections leave opposition Congress reeling
By Deepal Jayasekera, 15 March 2017
The BJP exploited popular anger with the Congress and various caste-ist and regional parties that have implemented pro-investor “reforms” and presided over mass joblessness.
On the Communist Party of the Philippines’ support for fascistic President Duterte
By Joseph Santolan, 15 March 2017
Joma Sison and the Maoist CPP have played a politically criminal role in promoting the fascistic Duterte administration and defusing opposition to it.
US sends drones, assassination squad to South Korea
By Peter Symonds, 14 March 2017
The military build-up by the Trump administration takes place as the White House considers launching strikes on North Korean nuclear and military sites.
Is the US preparing for war against North Korea?
By Peter Symonds, 13 March 2017
Amid a shrill media campaign inflating the threat posed by North Korea, the Trump administration is considering “all options” against Pyongyang.
ICFI supporters in India hold public meeting on “World War and the Russian Revolution”
By our correspondents, 13 March 2017
The Chennai meeting was part of the ICFI’s commemoration of the centenary of the October 1917 Revolution and promoted its online lecture series.
US rejects talks over North Korea, declaring “all options on table”
By Peter Symonds, 9 March 2017
China’s foreign minister warned that the US and North Korea are like “accelerating trains” on a collision course “with neither side willing to give way.”
As US deploys anti-missile system, China warns of nuclear arms race
By Peter Symonds, 8 March 2017
Using North Korean missile tests as a pretext, the US has begun deploying its THAAD anti-ballistic missile system in South Korea.
India: BJP-backed student union unleashes violence at Delhi University
By Pradeep Ramanayake, 8 March 2017
The ABVP’s attack on left-wing students at Delhi University is part of a concerted, government-supported campaign to stamp out political dissent at India’s universities.
Sri Lanka asks UN to delay human rights inquiry
By W.A. Sunil, 8 March 2017
The appeal to the UN Human Rights Council is another attempt to manipulate or suppress any investigation of war crimes in Sri Lanka.
North Korea tests missiles amid huge US-South Korean war games
By Peter Symonds, 7 March 2017
The Trump administration is considering all options, including military ones, to prevent North Korea from building a nuclear-tipped ICBM able to reach the US mainland.
China lowers economic growth target
By Nick Beams, 6 March 2017
The Chinese government has cut its target in an attempt to address growing problems in the country’s financial system.
Court hears final arguments in South Korean president’s trial
By Ben McGrath, 6 March 2017
Park’s impeachment is a sign of the struggle within the political establishment over how to balance between the US and China amid sharpening tensions between the two powers.
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