Asia
Many dead or missing after landslides in Sri Lanka
By Oscar Grenfell, 19 May 2016
Successive governments have done nothing to mitigate the death and destruction caused by annual monsoonal rains.
UN officials say torture is “common practice” in Sri Lanka
By Minusha Fernando, 18 May 2016
The revelations constitute a damning exposure of the Sirisena-Wickremesinghe government’s claims to defend democratic rights.
Duterte offers cabinet posts to Maoist Communist Party of the Philippines
By Joseph Santolan, 17 May 2016
The president-elect has vowed to restore hangings and not to back down on the country’s territorial claims in the South China Sea.
US refuses to finance F-16 fighter jets for Pakistan
By Sampath Perera, 16 May 2016
As tensions with Washington escalate, Pakistan has indicated it is looking for alternative jets from China and Russia.
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
14 May 2016
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
Sri Lankan SEP holds successful May Day meeting in Colombo
By our reporters, 12 May 2016
More than 200 people joined the meeting, which was followed by the International May Day online rally.
War danger grows following new US provocation in South China Sea
By James Cogan, 11 May 2016
US imperialism continues to stoke up long-standing, competing claims over territory in the South China Sea to militarily encircle and destabilise the Chinese regime.
Sri Lankan police arrest scores of Tamil youth
By Subash Somachandran and S. Jayanth, 11 May 2016
The repression of Tamil youth is another attempt to divide Sri Lankan workers along communal lines and follows Colombo’s agreement to impose more IMF cuts.
Fascistic candidate Rodrigo Duterte wins Philippine presidential election
By Joseph Santolan, 10 May 2016
Responsibility for the successful political career of Duterte rests with the anti-working class and nationalist Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).
Sri Lankan government begins implementing IMF austerity demands
By Saman Gunadasa, 5 May 2016
The IMF bailout agreement is based on immediate steps to slash the budget deficit at the expense of social spending and working class conditions.
Maoist-backed, fascistic candidate leads Philippine presidential race
By Dante Pastrana, 4 May 2016
Duterte has pledged to summarily execute alleged criminals, kill union activists and block any political opposition by shutting down Congress and the courts.
May Day 2016: Oppose the drive to war in the Asia-Pacific
By James Cogan, 4 May 2016
James Cogan, national secretary of the Socialist Equality Party (Australia), delivered the following speech to the International Online May Day Rally.
LInk to audio
Malaysian investment fund default intensifies political instability
By John Roberts, 3 May 2016
The latest development in the 1MDB scandal is a further blow to Prime Minister Najib Razak’s hold on power.
May Day 2016: The political tasks facing the workers and toilers of the Indian sub-continent
By Wije Dias, 3 May 2016
Wije Dias, general secretary of the Socialist Equality Party (Sri Lanka), delivered the following speech to the International Online May Day Rally.
US senators demand escalation of military confrontation with China
By James Cogan, 2 May 2016
The rhetoric reflects the fact that major figures in the US political establishment are more than prepared to trigger a war.
Sri Lankan prime minister seeks financial help in China
By Vilani Peiris, 29 April 2016
Wickremesinghe’s visit to China underscores the magnitude of Sri Lanka’s economic crisis and the geo-political tensions engulfing the region.
Under Chinese pressure, India cancels visa to Uyghur separatist Dolkun Isa
By Kumaran Ira, 28 April 2016
India canceled a visa for US-backed Uyghur separatist Dolkun Isa to attend a conference in Dharamsala.
India bullies Maldives into enhanced “defence cooperation” pact
By Wasantha Rupasinghe, 28 April 2016
By cajoling the Maldives into a new defence pact, India provided the US with a demonstration of its potential as a “frontline” ally in confronting China.
US warplanes sent near disputed South China Sea reef
By Peter Symonds, 27 April 2016
The use of American ground attack aircraft and special forces helicopters near a Chinese-claimed islet was designed to send a menacing message to Beijing.
China debt levels reach record high
By Nick Beams, 26 April 2016
China’s debt levels have risen rapidly since the onset of the global financial crisis in 2008, with some analysts warning that the country may experience a “Lehman” disaster.
Indian air chief calls growing Chinese influence a strategic threat
By Kanda Gabriel, 22 April 2016
India’s alignment with Washington’s anti-China “pivot” is inflaming explosive military and national-ethnic tensions across South Asia.
US threatens harsh sanctions if North Korea conducts nuclear test
By Peter Symonds, 21 April 2016
The intensifying US pressure is not primarily directed at Pyongyang, but against Beijing, as part of the Obama administration’s “pivot to Asia.”
Earthquakes in Japan kill 42 people, injure 1,000
By Peter Symonds, 18 April 2016
The response of the Japanese government has been a military one—despatching some 20,000 troops as part of rescue and relief operations.
South Korea’s Democrats narrowly defeat ruling conservatives in national election
By Ben McGrath, 15 April 2016
The Minjoo Party of Korea’s victory is not an endorsement of their policies but a sign of frustration with deteriorating economic conditions.
The US to further expand its military presence in the Philippines
By Peter Symonds, 14 April 2016
As US-China tensions mount, Defence Secretary Carter signalled Washington’s intention to seek access to more Philippine military bases.
US defence secretary’s trip to Asia sets stage for new provocations against China
By Peter Symonds, 13 April 2016
Carter arrives in the Philippines to send a message to Beijing that the South China Sea is “a core American strategic interest.”
Australia’s prime minister to make state visit to China
By James Cogan, 13 April 2016
Despite the hype about exciting economic opportunities in China, Turnbull faces fraught issues on trade and Australia’s involvement in the US military buildup in Asia.
New civilian government installed in Burma
By John Roberts and Peter Symonds, 12 April 2016
Far from representing the dawning of democracy in Burma, the government is the outcome of a sordid power-sharing deal between Suu Kyi and the military.
Nepal tries to balance between India and China
By W.A. Sunil, 12 April 2016
New Delhi, backed by Washington, is seeking to ensure its dominant position in Nepal, as part of US efforts to undermine China in every corner of Asia.
Lockheed Martin offers to site F-16 fighter jet production in India
By Wasantha Rupasinghe, 11 April 2016
This offer, which could only be made at Washington’s urging, is part of the US drive to make India a “frontline state” in its military-strategic offensive against China.
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
9 April 2016
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
US seeks to develop close military ties with Sri Lanka
By Vijith Samarasinghe, 8 April 2016
The US Seventh Fleet flagship’s visit to Colombo indicates moves by the Sri Lankan government to tie the country into US war plans.
Panama Papers highlight nexus between wealth and power in China
By Peter Symonds, 7 April 2016
Family members of current and former Chinese leaders, including President Xi Jinping, have set up offshore companies in tax havens such as the British Virgin Islands.
Oppose Indian government’s witch-hunt of JNU students
By the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (Sri Lanka), 7 April 2016
The BJP government’s witch-hunt of the JNU students is part of a turn to authoritarian methods of rule.
Sri Lankan government imprisons Frontline Socialist Party leader
By Wasantha Rupasinghe, 5 April 2016
Gunaratnam’s jailing is another warning of the anti-democratic methods that the government will use against political opponents and more broadly against working people.
US navy prepares third provocation in South China Sea
By Peter Symonds, 5 April 2016
Amid large US-Philippine war games, the Pentagon is preparing a new “freedom of navigation” operation to challenge China’s maritime claims.
Sri Lankan government presents phony “Right to Information” bill
By Rohantha De Silva, 4 April 2016
The legislation provides limited access to state information, while entrenching broad areas that will remain off-limits, including national security, diplomacy and economic activities.
Government-company negligence responsible for Indian flyover disaster
By Arun Kumar and Palash Roy, 2 April 2016
India’s political elite has turned a blind-eye to dangerous cost-cutting methods rampant throughout the construction industry.
Pakistan’s military expands its power in wake of Lahore terror attack
By Sampath Perera, 1 April 2016
Pakistan’s military has seized on last Sunday’s terrorist atrocity to implement plans for an “antiterrorism” offensive and to strengthen its authority over the civilian government.
Fresh corruption allegations undermine Malaysian prime minister
By John Roberts, 1 April 2016
The corruption scandal swirling around Prime Minister Najib Razak points to deep rifts in ruling circles produced by a deteriorating economy and rising geo-political tensions.
Japan’s security laws: Another milestone in the drive to world war
By Peter Symonds, 29 March 2016
The implementation of the military legislation is a major step in the revival of Japanese militarism, encouraged by Washington as part of its war preparations against China.
Japanese economy continues to show signs of faltering
By Ben McGrath, 29 March 2016
A negative interest rate introduced in January by the Bank of Japan has done nothing to promote economic growth.
Arrests follow call for Chinese President Xi’s resignation
By Peter Symonds, 26 March 2016
An open letter by “loyal Communist Party members” called on President Xi to resign all positions and blamed him for China’s “unprecedented problems and crises.”
Chinese government’s phony anti-poverty plan
By John Ward, 25 March 2016
The announcement at the National People’s Congress of a 43 percent increase in poverty alleviation funds is to deflect attention from growing social inequality.
Indonesia accuses China of encroaching on its territory
By John Roberts and Peter Symonds, 23 March 2016
Last weekend’s incident involving Chinese and Indonesian vessels is a sign of the acute tensions being generated by Washington’s intervention in South China Sea disputes.
India: Tata workers end strike after being isolated by the unions
By Arun Kumar, 23 March 2016
The trade unions, mainly those led by Stalinists, played a key role in pushing Tata auto workers to end the strike.
Sri Lankan parliament to draft new constitution to shore up capitalist rule
By Rohantha De Silva, 21 March 2016
Under the guise of “democracy,” the government is seeking to strengthen its hand to impose austerity and deepen its integration into the US “pivot to Asia” against China.
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
19 March 2016
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
New Burmese president installed amid tensions with the military
By John Roberts, 17 March 2016
Despite Suu Kyi’s efforts to appease the generals, no deal was reached to allow her to assume the country’s presidency.
South Korea imposes extra sanctions on North Korea
By Ben McGrath, 15 March 2016
The South Korean sanctions go further than the recent UN resolution in strangling the North Korean economy and exacerbating Pyongyang’s political crisis.
Sri Lankan government refuses to release Tamil political prisoners
By Subash Somachandran and S. Jayanth, 15 March 2016
The ongoing detention of hundreds of Tamil political prisoners is part of a broader government attack on democratic rights.
China: Thousands of coal miners protest over unpaid wages
By Peter Symonds, 14 March 2016
The protests are a sign of the acute social tensions building up as the economy slows and the government prepares to axe millions of jobs.
Sri Lankan SEP to hold Jaffna public meeting on imperialist war and Tamil nationalism
14 March 2016
The meeting will expose the pro-imperialist stance of the Tamil nationalist parties and elaborate a socialist perspective to halt the growing danger of world war.
Sri Lankan government announces tax hikes before IMF loan talks
By Saman Gunadasa, 12 March 2016
The IMF-required austerity measures implemented by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will have a heavy impact on the living standards of workers and the poor.
Sri Lankan government to convert Western province into investment hub
By Minusha Fernando, 11 March 2016
The government’s “megapolis” project will see thousands of workers and low-income residents ejected from their homes.
As Chinese exports plunge
IMF issues new warning on global economy
By Nick Beams, 10 March 2016
The sharp fall in Chinese exports reflects a decline in global trade that has been expressed as well in US trade data.
Five years after Japan’s nuclear disaster, TEPCO executives charged
By Ben McGrath, 10 March 2016
As it seeks to reopen the country’s nuclear plants, the government is opposing even the limited charges of negligence in connection with the Fukushima nuclear catastrophe.
US-South Korean militaries rehearse pre-emptive strikes on North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 8 March 2016
This year’s joint war games are based on a new operational plan that includes pre-emptive attacks on North Korean missile and nuclear sites and “decapitation” raids to kill its leaders.
Sri Lankan government prepares to sign economic pact with India
By W. A. Sunil, 4 March 2016
To divert rising social discontent, nationalist groups have stepped up a virulent anti-Indian campaign that serves to divide workers in the two countries.
Chinese government prepares to sack millions of workers
By John Ward and Peter Symonds, 3 March 2016
The emergence of huge overcapacities in China’s basic industries is intimately bound up with the continuing worldwide economic slump.
US, China agree to new UN sanctions on North Korea
By Ben McGrath, 1 March 2016
The draft resolution contains measures reportedly the strictest in 20 years and will further heighten tensions on the Korean Peninsula and throughout the region.
India: Tata Nano auto workers strike over suspensions
By Arun Kumar and Deepal Jayasekera, 25 February 2016
The Nano workers’ strike is a sign of the growing social unrest created by the deteriorating living and working conditions of workers throughout India.
South Korea whips up fears over North Korea’s nuclear program
By Ben McGrath, 25 February 2016
Seoul’s denunciations of Pyongyang come before massive war games with the US, designed to simulate a takeover of the entire Korean Peninsula.
India: Mounting death toll as army deployed to end caste-based job agitation
By Sarath Kumara and Keith Jones, 23 February 2016
For decades the Indian bourgeoisie and its political hirelings have manipulated and incited caste and communal divisions, the better to divide the working class.
US blocked talks with North Korea before nuclear test
By Peter Symonds, 23 February 2016
For seven years, the Obama administration has stymied any resumption of the six-party negotiations to resolve the nuclear standoff with North Korea.
Sri Lankan Maoist party advocates “progressive Tamil nationalism”
By Subash Somachandran and S. Jayanth, 22 February 2016
There is nothing progressive about Tamil nationalism, or indeed about nationalism in general, which only divides workers and blocks a unified struggle against war and austerity.
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
20 February 2016
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
US condemns Chinese missiles in the South China Sea
By Peter Symonds, 18 February 2016
Much of the US and international media coverage of the Chinese missile revelations is exaggerated and deliberately misleading.
US push on South China Sea falls short at ASEAN summit
By Peter Symonds, 17 February 2016
Obama’s failure to secure a tough statement against Beijing will not stop the provocative US freedom of navigation operations challenging Chinese maritime claims.
Economic problems mount in Japan and China
By Nick Beams, 17 February 2016
The latest statistics from the world’s second and third largest economies underscore the worsening world downturn.
A reply to Tamil nationalist slanders against the World Socialist Web Site
An Open Letter to TamilNet
By K. Nesan and V. Gnana, 17 February 2016
TamilNet’s claim that the WSWS is working with imperialism to facilitate genocide by the Sri Lankan state is a grotesque fabrication.
US military boosts anti-missile systems in South Korea
By Peter Symonds, 16 February 2016
Far from being a defensive move, the restructuring of US forces in South Korea is bound up with more aggressive war plans, agreed last year between Washington and Seoul.
Is the Indian Stalinist CPM heading for a split?
By Arun Kumar and Deepal Jayasekera, 16 February 2016
India’s principal Stalinist party is bitterly divided over whether to ally with the Indian bourgeoisie’s traditional party of government, the Congress, to contest elections in West Bengal.
Japanese PM pushes to remove constitutional constraints on military
By Ben McGrath, 15 February 2016
Far from backtracking from last year’s unconstitutional military laws, Abe is pressing forward with long-held plans for wholesale constitutional revision.
US prepares harsh new sanctions on North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 12 February 2016
Washington and its allies are escalating a dangerous confrontation with Pyongyang following its recent nuclear test and rocket launch.
International investigations fuel Malaysian corruption scandal
By John Roberts, 11 February 2016
The government’s attempt to bury the protracted 1MDB scandal last month has floundered amid damaging new revelations.
Japanese bond rate goes negative as bank shares tumble
By Nick Beams, 10 February 2016
All eyes in global financial markets will be on Fed chairwoman Janet Yellen as she delivers testimony to the US Congress Wednesday.
Earthquake in Taiwan leaves over 100 killed and missing
By Ben McGrath, 10 February 2016
The lack of earthquake safety measures contributed to the collapse of an apartment complex and the subsequent deaths.
Sordid horse-trading over next Burmese president
By John Roberts and Peter Symonds, 9 February 2016
“Democracy icon” Suu Kyi is in closed-door talks with the military to secure the presidency in return for handing more political posts to the generals.
Unions preparing to shut down Pakistan airline workers strike
By Sampath Perera, 9 February 2016
As the militant strike of 14,000 Pakistan International Airlines workers enters its second week, the unions are maneuvering to shut it down.
Bangladesh tea estate workers oppose government’s land seizures
By Wimal Perera, 9 February 2016
The government wants the land in order to expand the number of cheap labour Economic Zones.
Top US general confirms Pentagon plans for permanent combat role in Afghanistan
By Thomas Gaist, 8 February 2016
Statements from the commander in Afghanistan are the latest in a series of acknowledgements by US officials that the American military is planning a permanent occupation of the country.
North Korean satellite launch heightens US-China tensions
By Peter Symonds, 8 February 2016
Washington immediately seized on the launch to intensify pressure on Beijing for tougher sanctions on Pyongyang and accelerate the US military build-up in Asia.
Sri Lanka: Plantation unions suppress struggle for wage rise
By M. Thevarajah and W. A. Sunil, 6 February 2016
The trade unions are promoting the illusion that the government will force the companies to grant a 2,500-rupee ($17) increase in the monthly wage.
The Ezubao scam: A sign of deeper problems in China’s financial system
By Peter Symonds, 5 February 2016
Ezubao was part of the largely unregulated peer-to-peer online finance industry that has drawn in millions of small investors with the offer of high returns.
India steps up pressure on Nepal
By W. A. Sunil, 5 February 2016
The conflicting signals over whether Nepal’s prime minister will first visit India or China reveals a political crisis exacerbated by India’s US-backed intervention.
Open leadership row at Vietnam’s ruling party congress
By John Roberts and Peter Symonds, 3 February 2016
While General Secretary Trong may be more cautious than his rival about embracing US imperialism, Vietnam’s leadership will continue the tilt to Washington.
Maldives government releases former president
By Wasantha Rupasinghe, 2 February 2016
The strategically-located island archipelago has increasingly become a focal point of Washington’s “pivot” to the Indo-Pacific region to confront China.
US navy carries out provocative operation in South China Sea
By Peter Symonds, 1 February 2016
Washington’s actions are deliberately confrontational and reckless, raising the danger of a military clash with China.
South Korea joins US-Japan intelligence link
By Ben McGrath, 1 February 2016
Seoul’s decision will further integrate South Korea into Washington’s plans for an anti-ballistic missile system aimed against China.
China announcing 400,000 steelworker job cuts
By Samuel Davidson, 1 February 2016
The steelworkers will lose their jobs, in line with plans to slash crude steel production capacity by between 100 million and 150 million tons.
US secretary of state demands China act against North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 28 January 2016
Kerry threatened to expand the US military presence in Asia unless Beijing took tough measures in response to Pyongyang’s latest nuclear test.
US planning to keep military forces in Afghanistan for “decades”
By Thomas Gaist, 27 January 2016
The US military is planning on using Afghanistan as a launching pad for military operations throughout South and Central Asia, senior US military officials told the Washington Post.
Indonesian authorities seize on Jakarta attack to strengthen detention powers
By John Roberts, 26 January 2016
Beneath the cloak of combatting terrorism, Suharto-era measures are being revived in response to developing social tensions.
US think tank outlines master plan for war with China
By Peter Symonds, 26 January 2016
The CSIS report represents the voice of the vast American military establishment, which regards China as the chief threat to untrammelled US strategic dominance in Asia.
CSIS report: A blueprint for US war with China
By Peter Symonds, 25 January 2016
The study is a master plan for an accelerating arms race in Asia in preparation for a conflict that would draw in the entire region and the world.
Indian Stalinist leaders divided over alliance with big business Congress Party
By Arun Kumar and K. Ratnayake, 23 January 2016
For weeks, leaders of the Stalinist Communist Party of India (Marxist) have been signalling their readiness to form an electoral alliance with the Congress Party for the West Bengal state elections.
Sri Lankan government tries to woo foreign investors
By Saman Gunadasa, 20 January 2016
The government’s “Sri Lanka Economic Forum” highlighted the country’s vulnerability in the deepening global economic downturn.
South Korea’s opposition splits ahead of general election
By Ben McGrath, 14 January 2016
The departure of Kim Han-gil and the creation of new opposition parties constitute attempts to head off discontent among South Korean workers.
Philippine Supreme Court declares US basing deal constitutional
By Joseph Santolan, 13 January 2016
The decision gives the legal green light for the deployment of US military forces to the Philippines, in direct confrontation with China.
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