Asia
Indian state government sacks 500 striking health workers, South Australian cash delivery guards locked out
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
16 December 2017
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
Trump administration scotches suggestion of talks with North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 14 December 2017
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson’s offer of talks without pre-condition was quickly followed by a White House official declaring that “now is not the time.”
BJP and Congress Party stoke reaction in Gujarat state election
By Arun Kumar and Kranti Kumara, 14 December 2017
While the Congress Party is benefiting from popular anger over mass joblessness, it has mounted a foul campaign, competing with the BJP to prove its Hindu bonafides and making reactionary casteist appeals.
Sri Lankan unions betray railway workers’ strike
By W.A. Sunil, 14 December 2017
Rail unions axed the strike because it represented a direct challenge to the government’s austerity policies and threatened to draw in other sections of workers.
Gruesome murder case in Japan reflects social alienation and despair
By Gary Alvernia, 12 December 2017
The media has been quick to sensationalise every detail of the murders, while completely ignoring any broader examination of their social causes.
Sri Lankan railway workers defy government ban on strike
By W.A. Sunil, 12 December 2017
The government’s intervention against the stoppage is part of a broader crackdown on social and political opposition.
Mass eviction of rural migrant workers from Chinese capital
By Robert Campion, 11 December 2017
With some given as little as 15 minutes notice, migrant workers are being expelled from Beijing in droves and their homes demolished behind them.
Is the United States on the brink of nuclear war?
By Andre Damon, 11 December 2017
In the 13 days since North Korea tested an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching large portions of North America, the US has further escalated its war threats.
Further signs of looming US war with North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 9 December 2017
Out of the blue, Trump officials have suggested that US athletes might not compete in the Winter Olympics in South Korea due to security concerns.
Thai junta uses arms find to justify political repression
By our reporter, 9 December 2017
Without a shred of evidence, the Thai military has immediately linked the arms cache to its political opponents.
Health workers strike in India, Cambodian garment workers walkout over wages
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
9 December 2017
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
Canada to co-host meeting with US to prepare for war with North Korea
By Roger Jordan, 2 December 2017
References to a negotiated settlement are for public consumption alone, with the Trudeau government well aware that a conflict on the Korean peninsula is deeply unpopular.
Hyundai auto workers end strike, Sri Lankan bankworkers begin national protests
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
2 December 2017
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
Free the Maruti Suzuki autoworkers
Indian ICFI supporters to hold a public meeting in Sriperumbudur
27 November 2017
The meeting will discuss the internationalist foundations of the struggle to release the framed-up Maruti Suzuki workers. The speeches will be given in Tamil and English and streamed live via Facebook on December 10 at 10am.
Sri Lanka: IMF-dictated budget deepens austerity and privatisation
By Saman Gunadasa, 25 November 2017
Colombo’s socially regressive budget, which will heavily impact on the working masses, is to repay debt and interest to global finance capital.
Indian Stalinists split over whether to openly ally with big-business Congress Party
By Wasantha Rupasingha, 24 November 2017
The rival CPM factions have no fundamental or principled differences, but merely disagree over which rightwing course the party should pursue.
US sanctions against North Korea target China
By Peter Symonds, 23 November 2017
Washington is determined to exploit the confrontation with Pyongyang to undermine China economically and strategically.
Sri Lankan students and workers oppose Google censorship of the WSWS
By our correspondents, 22 November 2017
“It’s very important to organise the working class on an international basis.”
Trump designates North Korea as state sponsor of terrorism
By Peter Symonds, 21 November 2017
Trump’s decision is another step towards a catastrophic war that would not only kill millions on the Korean Peninsula but could potentially draw in major powers such as China and Russia.
Sri Lanka: Racialist attack on Muslims in Gintota
By Ratnasiri Malalagama and Nandana Nanneththi, 21 November 2017
Extreme-right Sinhala-Buddhist groups are operating under the patronage of the Sri Lankan government.
Sri Lankan government bans Lanka e-News web site
By Vijith Samarasinghe, 20 November 2017
The ban on LeN is a direct attack on basic democratic rights and a warning to all sections of the media that the Sri Lankan ruling elite cannot tolerate any criticism.
US-backed Saudi war and blockade puts millions of lives at risk in Yemen
By Niles Niemuth, 18 November 2017
Nearly the entire population of Yemen, 20 million out of 28 million, are in need of some form of humanitarian assistance.
Successful public meeting in Colombo marks the Russian Revolution centenary
By our correspondents, 18 November 2017
About 150 workers, students, youth, professionals and housewives attended the event and around 300 watched it live via the Internet.
Trump’s Asia visit: Growing US economic isolation to fuel military push
By Nick Beams, 13 November 2017
Trump’s tour has underscored the mounting problems US imperialism confronts globally.
French president travels to Saudi Arabia amid danger of war with Iran
By Francis Dubois, 11 November 2017
In a surprise visit to Riyadh, Emmanuel Macron argued against a regional escalation of the Middle East wars flowing from the NATO countries’ imperialist interventions.
India strengthens its relations with Bangladesh
By Rohantha De Silva, 11 November 2017
India is pursuing its geo-political interests, while also acting on behalf of Washington.
“Time is quickly running out”
Trump threatens China over North Korea and trade
By James Cogan, 10 November 2017
Three aircraft carrier battlegroups are positioned off the coast of the Korean Peninsula and will rehearse for war this weekend.
Over 100 killed after typhoon batters Vietnam
By Kayla Costa, 10 November 2017
Typhoon Damrey, the biggest storm to have hit Vietnam in two decades, led to widespread suffering and the destruction of infrastructure.
In wake of US threats against North Korea, China heaps honors on Trump
By James Cogan, 9 November 2017
The strategic orientation of the Chinese regime is to avoid an open clash with Washington for as long as possible.
In Seoul, Trump delivers war ultimatum to North Korea
By James Cogan, 8 November 2017
The casualties and horrors of a second Korean War, in 2017, could make those of nearly 70 years ago pale in comparison.
Indian power plant explosion kills at least 35 workers
By Wasantha Rupasinghe, 8 November 2017
The blast was a product of sub-standard safety conditions that are endemic in Indian factories and power plants.
Trump encourages Japanese militarism against North Korea and China
By James Cogan, 7 November 2017
Trump displayed complete indifference to anti-war sentiment in Japan, as he strutted alongside right-wing nationalist prime minister Shinzo Abe.
Trump in Asia: On the eve of war
By James Cogan, 6 November 2017
Trump personifies the decay of American imperialism and the calculation of its strategists that it can arrest its decline by military means.
India’s 1-percent grabs nearly a quarter of all income
By Saman Gunadasa and Kranti Kumara, 6 November 2017
The poorest 50 percent of Indians must make do with an income share of just 15 percent, eking out their existence on an average annual income of just US $705.
European Union intervenes in Maldives
By Rohantha De Silva, 6 November 2017
The EU visit had nothing to do with defending “human rights” but to ensure the domination of western powers over the strategically located Indian Ocean archipelago.
Trump begins 12-day visit to Asia to build war coalition against North Korea
By James Cogan, 4 November 2017
The visit symbolically began with a visit by the president to the Pearl Habor naval base, where war between the US and Japan for dominance over Asia began in December 1941.
Tillerson touts US-India partnership on South Asian tour
By Deepal Jayasekera, 2 November 2017
The US secretary of state made clear that New Delhi is central to Washington’s aggressive strategy against China.
President Xi presides over brittle Chinese regime
By Peter Symonds, 1 November 2017
Xi has emerged as a Bonapartist figure, who, confronted with huge challenges at home and abroad, serves to maintain party unity and ward off an internal crisis.
Indonesia: At least 47 dead in Jakarta factory fire
By John Roberts, 1 November 2017
The deadly blaze at a fireworks plant in Tangerang was the product of sweat shop conditions imposed by the company and Indonesian authorities.
Burmese government continues persecution of Rohingya minority
By Kayla Costa, 31 October 2017
The US is backing the Burmese regime, as it commits “killings, torture, rape and arson” against the Rohingya ethnic minority.
Nepali Stalinist parties form a new alliance
By W.A.Sunil, 31 October 2017
The alliance is a political trap for working people under conditions of growing popular opposition to the government and the political establishment as a whole.
US masses ships and aircraft outside North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 30 October 2017
The Trump administration is threatening a war not just with conventional weapons, but with nuclear bombs—directed against North Korea and any other power that joins the conflict.
US, India push anti-China campaign at Sri Lankan maritime conference
By Naveen Devage and K. Ratnayake, 30 October 2017
Senior military figures from Washington and New Delhi warned against any threat to the US-dominated “rules-based order” in the Indo-Pacific.
Cambodian government expels opposition party from parliament
By John Roberts, 30 October 2017
The measures will effectively wipe out the results of two elections and give the Cambodian People’s Party unchallengeable control of every level of government.
Tillerson delivers stern warning to Pakistan
By Sampath Perera, 28 October 2017
In a visit of just four hours, Tillerson spelled out Washington’s demand Pakistan join the US in dramatically escalating Afghan war violence or brace itself for reprisals.
The Sri Lankan garbage disaster: A crime of capitalism
By Vilani Peiris—convenor of the Committee of the Independent Workers Inquiry, 28 October 2017
The Meethotamulla disaster was the result of criminal negligence by successive Colombo governments and finds its parallels in similar catastrophes around the world.
Sri Lankan SEP/IYSSE calls public meetings to mark the centenary of the Russian Revolution
27 October 2017
The Colombo meeting will discuss the political and theoretical lessons of the October Revolution for workers, students and young people being propelled into social and political struggles today.
Australian troops sent to the Philippines despite end of Marawi siege
By Mike Head, 27 October 2017
Another far-reaching military commitment has been made without any parliamentary debate, let alone any approval by the Australian population.
Trump: US “totally prepared” for war with North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 26 October 2017
The US military preparations take place amid bitter infighting in Washington fuelled, in part, by fears an American attack on North Korea could be imminent.
Xi Jinping consolidates grip over Chinese Communist Party apparatus
By Peter Symonds, 25 October 2017
The elevation of Xi to supreme leader is a sign of crisis of the CCP regime, which is beset with irresolvable internal and external problems.
Documents show US participation in 1965-66 massacres in Indonesia
By Mike Head, 25 October 2017
Up to one million workers, peasants and supporters of the Indonesian Communist Party were murdered, in one of the greatest imperialist crimes of the 20th century.
China faces growing debt problems, says central bank governor
By Nick Beams, 24 October 2017
The use of the term “Minsky moment” could be an indication of how serious the bank chief regards the situation.
Tillerson calls for “dramatic deepening” of Indo-US alliance
By Deepal Jayasekera, 24 October 2017
An enhanced Indo-US alliance, Tillerson told the Center for Strategic and International Studies, is vital to counter a rising China that refuses to heel to the US-led world order.
Sri Lanka: Phony moves toward democratic constitutional change
By K. Ratnayake, 24 October 2017
For all its claims to be establishing a democratic constitution, the government is taking repressive measures against workers and preparing dictatorial rule.
Ruling LDP maintains two-thirds majority in Japanese election
By Ben McGrath, 23 October 2017
While the media is declaring Abe’s victory a mandate for his policies, the low turnout points to widespread alienation from the political establishment.
Japan’s Stalinists seek to head off anti-war movement ahead of election
By Ben McGrath, 21 October 2017
By blaming Pyongyang for the current crisis, the JCP is effectively lining up behind Japan’s ruling elite and the US in their confrontation with North Korea and China.
Chinese leader calls for “strong nation” and “strong military”
By Peter Symonds, 21 October 2017
Confrontation is inevitable as US imperialism regards China as the chief challenge to its global hegemony, and Chinese capitalism strains against the restrictions of the current world order.
“Google is censoring websites to block dissident views critical of the US establishment”
India: Students and workers in Kolkata oppose Google censorship
By Ritwik Mitter and Arun Kumar, 19 October 2017
ICFI/WSWS supporters spoke to students about Google censorship, the Indian government’s attacks on democratic rights and the US war drive against China.
US admiral must “imagine the unimagined:” All-out war with North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 18 October 2017
The comment from Admiral Harry Harris, who is centrally responsible for preparing US forces for conflict with North Korea, is the latest threat against Pyongyang.
Chinese Communist Party congress meets amid gathering crises
By Peter Symonds, 17 October 2017
Xi is being elevated to the status of supreme leader as the regime confronts a slowing economy, rising social tensions and the growing US threat of trade war and war.
US open to diplomacy with North Korea “until the first bomb drops”
By Peter Symonds, 16 October 2017
Far from offering any reassurance of a peaceful solution, Tillerson’s remarks underscore the advanced state of US preparations for a war with North Korea.
China’s billionaires rapidly expand their fortunes
By Mike Head, 16 October 2017
President Xi’s five-year reign, due to be extended next week, has accelerated a vast accumulation of corporate wealth.
The US on the brink of war with North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 12 October 2017
As Trump faces a mounting political crisis at home, the US president may see a war with North Korea as a means of shoring up his administration and crushing domestic political opposition.
Burma: Pogroms continue against Rohingya Muslims
By John Roberts, 12 October 2017
The real aim of the military, with the full collaboration of Aung San Suu Kyi and her government, is to drive the Rohingya out of Burma.
Australia deploys for war with North Korea and confrontation with China
By James Cogan, 11 October 2017
A flotilla of six Australian warships is making its way toward the Korean Peninsula and an Australian attack submarine is already in the area exercising with US and Japanese subs.
Indian economy in a downward spiral
By Kranti Kumara, 11 October 2017
The Indian economy, touted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a high-growth haven, is increasingly mired in crisis.
Students oppose Indian government’s new university entrance exam
By Yuvan Darwin and Arun Kumar, 11 October 2017
The suicide of a Tamil Nadu student over the NEET entrance test has triggered demonstrations throughout the southern Indian state.
US defence secretary calls on military to be ready for war against North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 10 October 2017
President Trump has repeatedly dismissed efforts to start talks with North Korea and to end the dangerous confrontation on the Korean Peninsula.
UK draws up plans to back US military attack on North Korea
By Robert Stevens, 10 October 2017
At the Conservative Party’s annual conference, Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said his government was prepared to use nuclear weapons against North Korea or another adversary.
Japan’s new Party of Hope releases right-wing populist election platform
By Ben McGrath, 9 October 2017
The new party backs remilitarization along with constitutional changes to remove any restraints on military action in order to advance the interests of Japanese imperialism.
Surrounded by generals, Trump remarks on “the calm before the storm”
By Peter Symonds, 7 October 2017
Trump’s menacing comment—almost certainly directed against North Korea—is another warning that the US is on the brink of launching a catastrophic war.
Thailand’s junta leader welcomed at the White House
By our reporter, 7 October 2017
In pushing for stronger military and economic ties with Thailand, President Trump made no mention of the military regime’s suppression of opposition and dissent.
Sri Lankan academics oppose Google censorship
By our correspondent, 7 October 2017
Google’s actions are “a gross abuse of monopolistic power” and related to its close links to the US state apparatus and the Pentagon.
Burma’s anti-Rohingya pogrom fuels regional tensions
By John Roberts, 6 October 2017
Malaysia publicly dissociated itself from an ASEAN statement on the situation in Rakhine state that failed to mention the violence against Rohingya.
Japan’s Democrats found new party to posture as opponents of remilitarization
By Ben McGrath, 6 October 2017
The CDP is a regrouping of many of the same Democrats who imposed austerity measures and aligned with the US war drive against China while in office from 2009 to 2012.
Trump administration crisis worsens amid war drive against North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 5 October 2017
Notwithstanding concerted efforts to downplay any breach, Tillerson has been publicly at odds with Trump—most sharply over the US confrontation with North Korea.
US pushes for closer Sri Lankan involvement into war drive against China
By Nanda Wickremasinghe, 3 October 2017
The US is planning to slash foreign aid to Sri Lanka this year apparently to underscore its displeasure about the Colombo government’s recent investment deals with China.
Indian workers and students in Chennai support campaign against Google censorship
By our correspondents, 3 October 2017
“Blocking information is a dictatorial measure; governments and big companies are trying to prevent us from finding critical information,” said one worker.
Trump rules out negotiations with North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 2 October 2017
Trump’s crude tweet branded Tillerson’s efforts as “a waste of time” while also targeting Chinese leaders, with whom the US secretary of state had just held talks.
Modi government blocks Rohingya refugees entering India
By K. Ratnayake, 30 September 2017
Modi’s backing for the Burmese repression of the Rohingya is driven by anti-Muslim communalism and his strategic aim of undermining China throughout the region.
Japan’s main opposition party dissolves itself ahead of general election
By Ben McGrath, 30 September 2017
The dissolution of the Democratic Party is the end product of the party's continuous shift to the right over two decades.
Sri Lankan president presents rosy picture at UN General Assembly
By Saman Gunadasa, 29 September 2017
Behind hypocritical statements on democracy, reconciliation and poverty-alleviation, Sirisena’s government is preparing a dictatorial regime.
Sri Lankan unions betray power workers’ strike
By W.A Sunil, 28 September 2017
The JTUA leadership surrendered to the government’s threats, pledging not to take future industrial action over outstanding demands.
North Korea warns that Trump’s threats are a declaration of war
By Peter Symonds, 26 September 2017
Washington’s constant drumbeat of threats and military provocations is aimed at forcing Pyongyang to unconditionally capitulate or goad it into action that can be seized on as the casus belli for a war of annihilation.
South Korea backs Trump’s threats to “totally destroy” North Korea
By Ben McGrath, 26 September 2017
The Moon Jae-in administration in Seoul is deepening its military cooperation with the US while continuing to posture as an advocate of peace on the Korean Peninsula.
As Trump threatens North Korea, most Americans oppose war
By Peter Symonds, 25 September 2017
An opinion poll revealed the majority of Americans oppose a US attack on North Korea, fear it will lead to a wider war and do not trust Trump as commander-in-chief.
Sri Lanka: JVP leader assures business that it defends capitalism
By K. Ratnayake, 25 September 2017
The JVP played a key role in the regime-change campaign to remove Rajapakse as president and promote Sirisena’s so-called “good governance movement.”
Trump provokes North Korean counter-threats and heightens war danger
By Peter Symonds, 23 September 2017
North Korea has clearly concluded that the US is intent on destroying its government and is developing its nuclear arsenal in a desperate bid to counter the US threat.
Legal appeals of framed-up Maruti Suzuki workers expose travesty of justice
By Saman Gunadasa, 23 September 2017
“The (legal) doubt,” declares one of the appeals, “is not only overwhelming, but in fact, there is hardly any aspect on which the prosecution’s case is at all believable.”
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
23 September 2017
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
Trump announces aggressive sanctions against trade with North Korea
By Mike Head, 22 September 2017
Trump’s executive order is clearly aimed primarily at China, but can also threaten other countries.
Cambodian government arrests opposition leader on treason charges
By John Roberts, 22 September 2017
Cambodian leader Hun Sen is seeking to cripple the opposition before the national elections next year.
Sri Lankan government passes IMF-backed tax bill
By Kapila Fernando, 22 September 2017
The tax act is part of a series of social assaults by the government on the directives of the International Monetary Fund.
Burma’s “democracy icon” Aung San Suu Kyi defends ethnic cleansing of Rohingya
By Kayla Costa, 21 September 2017
Suu Kyi offered a thoroughly duplicitous explanation of the violence in Rakhine state, where the army has forced thousands of Rohingya to flee Burma.
Sri Lankan free trade zone and harbour workers denounce Google censorship
By our correspondents, 21 September 2017
“We oppose exploitation and inequality. We oppose world war and Google censorship of the WSWS.”
Japanese PM backs US “military option” against North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 20 September 2017
Abe’s conclusion that “dialogue will not work with North Korea” amounts to a menacing threat to deal with Pyongyang either through regime change or war.
Top Canadian general stokes fears over North Korea to justify joining US ballistic-missile defence
By Roger Jordan, 20 September 2017
Canada’s top general in the North American Aerospace Defence command has made the sensationalist claim that the US would not defend Canada from a ballistic missile strike.
Sri Lankan power workers on strike
By W.A. Sunil, 19 September 2017
The ongoing stoppage is against the government’s austerity measures being imposed at the behest of the International Monetary Fund.
South Korea assassination squad to target Pyongyang leadership
By Ben McGrath, 18 September 2017
This “decapitation squad” is part of a broader plan for preemptive war against North Korea that would have devastating consequences for the region.
Trump threatens North Korea with “effective and overwhelming” military force
By Peter Symonds, 16 September 2017
Senior Trump officials insisted that the US had a “military option” and warned that time was running out for any diplomatic solution to the Korean crisis.
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