Asia
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.
US Congress members visit Sri Lanka to boost US interests
By Saman Gunadasa, 3 March 2017
Visits by delegations of senior officials from the US, India and China indicate intensifying strategic tensions.
South Korea demonises North Korea over Malaysian murder
By Peter Symonds, 1 March 2017
The South Korean government is exploiting the killing of Kim Jong-nam to demand North Korea’s suspension from the UN and criminal charges against its leadership.
Did VX kill Kim Jong-nam?
By our reporter, 1 March 2017
The claim by Malaysian authorities that Kim Jong-nam was killed by the potent nerve agent VX raises many unanswered questions.
Leading opposition senator arrested in the Philippines
By Joseph Santolan, 1 March 2017
Senator de Lima’s arrest is an expression of the advanced political crisis in the country which is rooted in the dispute within the ruling class over Manila’s geopolitical orientation.
South Asian nuclear arms race accelerates amid India-Pakistan standoff
By Sampath Perera, 28 February 2017
India and Pakistan are rapidly expanding their nuclear arsenals and proclaiming adherence to aggressive military strategies that increase the prospect of nuclear war.
Lurid claims that North Korea used VX poison to kill Kim Jong-nam
By Peter Symonds, 25 February 2017
The murder of the North Korean leader’s half-brother is being exploited in the US to ramp up the demonisation of Pyongyang in preparation for further punitive measures.
US officials accuse China of building missile bases in South China Sea
By Mike Head, 23 February 2017
Media reports have declared the latest claims to be “an early test of US President Donald Trump.”
Jakarta election points to social unrest in Indonesia
By John Roberts, 22 February 2017
A chauvinist Islamist campaign against the incumbent governor is seeking to capitalise on the mass discontent of some of the poorest sections of the population.
Sri Lankan elite discusses “frightening economic situation”
By Saman Gunadasa, 22 February 2017
The country has been severely hit by the continuing global downturn and a prolonged drought that has destroyed key crops and driven up the prices of staple foods.
US conducts show of force in South China Sea
By Mike Head, 20 February 2017
The USS Carl Vinson’s operation is being mounted amid a sharp escalation in US trade war and military threats against China since the inauguration of Trump.
US-backed UN statement condemns North Korean missile test
By Peter Symonds, 16 February 2017
The UN warned of “further significant steps” if Pyongyang did not halt its testing and called on UN members “to redouble their efforts” to implement existing sanctions.
Trump administration to expand India-US military-strategic alliance
By Deepal Jayasekera and Keith Jones, 15 February 2017
The Trump administration is intent on using India as a frontline state in a drive to thwart China through economic and military pressure and, if need be, all-out war.
Sri Lankan president insists on retaining emergency powers
By Vijith Samarasinghe, 14 February 2017
The government’s decision underscores its readiness to use draconian measures against political opponents, workers and the poor.
US drumbeat for action against North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 14 February 2017
North Korea’s missile test took place amid mounting tensions between the US and China, North Korea’s ally, over trade, monetary policy, Taiwan and territorial disputes in the South China and East China seas.
Japanese and US leaders condemn North Korean missile test
By Peter Symonds, 13 February 2017
Trump’s flat-footed performance at the press conference only heightens the danger that he will embark on a reckless course of action against North Korea.
Duterte militarises the “war on drugs” in the Philippines
By Dante Pastrana, 13 February 2017
Making the military responsible for continuing the state-sanctioned killings is a marked development in Duterte’s drive toward dictatorial power and military rule.
Trump’s lavish welcome for Japan’s prime minister
By Peter Symonds, 11 February 2017
Despite Trump’s gushing praise for Abe, a question mark remains over the US-Japan alliance and the threat of punitive US trade measures continues.
Sri Lankan foreign minister raises concerns over Trump’s economic policies
By Minusha Fernando, 11 February 2017
Harsha de Silva told a Colombo meeting of business chiefs that the US president’s trade policies would drastically impact on the Sri Lankan economy.
Former diplomat admits India’s role in Sri Lankan communal war
By Vijith Samarasinghe, 10 February 2017
Shivashankar Menon’s account confirms the political and military support given by India to the Colombo government to crush the LTTE with large-scale civilian casualties.
Chinese foreign minister warns against war with the US
By Peter Symonds, 9 February 2017
Trump’s top adviser Steve Bannon declared last March there was “no doubt” that the US would go to war with China over the South China Sea in “five to ten years.”
Sri Lanka: Tamil parties launch communal campaign to divert social tensions
By Subash Somachandran and S. Jayanth, 9 February 2017
The political aim of the Batticaloa protest is to divide Tamil workers and the poor from their class brothers and sisters in Sri Lanka’s south.
Philippine President Duterte declares “all-out war” against Maoist party
By Joseph Santolan, 8 February 2017
The party has strongly supported Duterte but the peace talks were undermined by the military and by a section of the leadership of the CPP’s armed wing.
Sri Lankan riot police attack Colombo port workers
By our reporters, 7 February 2017
The police set up barricades and used tear gas and water cannon to disperse a protest of port workers against privatisation.
US defence secretary backs Japan, threatens war against China over disputed islets
By Peter Symonds, 6 February 2017
Mattis’s remarks were precisely what Tokyo wanted to hear: a US commitment to wage war against China in the event of a conflict over the Senkakus.
Indian budget tabled amid demonetisation shock, mounting economic uncertainty
By Kranti Kumara, 3 February 2017
Ignoring mass joblessness and plunging exports and business investment, Finance Minister Jaitley claimed India is the “bright spot on the world economic landscape.”
Former Sri Lanka president intensifies efforts to resume power
By K. Ratnayake, 3 February 2017
The escalating conflict reflects deepening political instability within the ruling elite.
India: Tamil Nadu police brutally attack Jallikattu protesters
By Arun Kumar and Yuvan Darwin, 1 February 2017
Indian authorities were taken aback by the mass character of the protests, which had erupted outside the traditional political parties.
Sri Lanka: Pseudo-left NSSP celebrates alliances with capitalist parties
By Pani Wijesiriwardane, 1 February 2017
The NSSP has intensified its campaign to defend the current government as the government implements the IMF’s austerity demands and faces growing opposition from workers.
Senior Chinese military official warns of rising danger of war
By Peter Symonds, 31 January 2017
The remarks reflect growing concerns in the Chinese regime over the bellicose remarks of Trump and his advisers toward Beijing.
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
28 January 2017
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
Central Bank governor says Sri Lankan economy “hospitalised”
By Saman Gunadasa, 27 January 2017
The bank chief, whose remarks exposed the depth of the country’s economic crisis, urged the government to step up IMF austerity measures.
Trump threats on South China Sea heighten risk of nuclear war
By Peter Symonds, 25 January 2017
The only means of barring China from access to its islets in the South China Sea is a naval and air blockade, an act of war.
Philippine President Duterte threatens martial law
By Joseph Santolan, 25 January 2017
Duterte warned that he would impose military rule to “complete the slaughter” in his war on drugs.
Former US ambassador advocates American military bases on Taiwan
By Peter Symonds, 19 January 2017
Bolton is among those militarist layers who regard conflict with China as inevitable.
Nepal-China military exercises: Another sign of rising geo-political rivalry
By W.A. Sunil, 18 January 2017
India considers increased military cooperation between China and Nepal will further undermine its influence in Kathmandu and a threat to its strategic ambitions.
Japan and Australia strengthen ties ahead of Trump’s inauguration
By Peter Symonds, 17 January 2017
In pursuing aggressive “America First” trade measures, Trump threatens the economic interests not only of China but also of close allies such as Australia and Japan.
Trump again threatens to tear up One China policy
By Peter Symonds, 16 January 2017
China rejected Trump’s remarks declaring that the “One China” principle was the political foundation of China-US relations and was “non-negotiable.”
Former Australian prime minister denounces Trump over China
By James Cogan, 16 January 2017
Paul Keating stated that a Trump administration threatened to “involve Australia in war with China.”
China and Russia to counter US anti-missile systems in Asia
By Peter Symonds, 14 January 2017
While nominally directed against North Korea, the THAAD deployment in South Korea is part of the US military buildup in Asia for war against China and Russia.
Government and employers attack striking apparel workers in Bangladesh
By Wimal Perera, 13 January 2017
The repression is aimed at preventing a broader eruption by workers against their appalling living and working conditions.
Taiwanese president meets senior Republicans, fuelling US-China tensions
By Peter Symonds, 12 January 2017
To underline Beijing’s concerns about closer US ties with Taiwan, the Chinese navy sailed its aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, through the Taiwan Strait.
Public anger in China as smog crisis continues
By Oscar Grenfell, 12 January 2017
The government fears that the air pollution disaster will become a focal point for broader discontent.
US defence secretary threatens to shoot down any North Korean missile
By Peter Symonds, 11 January 2017
Trump’s propensity for recklessness and militarism will only heighten the danger of conflict on the Korean Peninsula, one of the world’s most dangerous flash points.
Former Sri Lankan president threatens to topple government
By Pradeep Ramanayake, 10 January 2017
Rajapakse hopes to return to power in 2017 by exploiting the growing political and economic crisis facing the government.
Trial of Jakarta governor signals wider political turmoil in Indonesia
By John Roberts and Peter Symonds, 9 January 2017
The campaign against Basuki is a sign of sharpening rivalry among Indonesia’s political elites, amid growing economic uncertainty and a widening social gulf between rich and poor.
Trump’s coming confrontation with China
By Peter Symonds, 7 January 2017
No longer having the economic muscle to lay down the international trade rules, the US has begun a dramatic military build-up in Asia to assert its dominance, even if that leads to war with China.
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
7 January 2017
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
Indonesian military suspends “cooperation” with Australia
By James Cogan, 6 January 2017
The incident sheds light on the deep concerns in the Indonesian military over the prospect of the country becoming embroiled in a confrontation between China and the US.
Impeachment trial of South Korean president begins
By Ben McGrath, 5 January 2017
Key witnesses in the proceedings have been called to testify Thursday and next Tuesday, with a decision likely this or next month.
Trump’s provocative tweets over North Korean missile threat
By Peter Symonds, 5 January 2017
Trump’s tweets are a further indication that he intends to put North Korea high on his foreign policy agenda as another means of exerting pressure on China.
At least 23 dead, 17 missing in Indonesian ferry disaster
By Oscar Grenfell, 4 January 2017
The tragic toll from the accident appears to have been caused by overcrowding, a lack of life jackets and other lax safety practices.
Russia proposes joint military exercises with the Philippines in the South China Sea
By Joseph Santolan, 4 January 2017
The proposal was made as two Russian warships visited the Philippines in the first official navy-to-navy contact between the two countries.
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
31 December 2016
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
To target China, US further enhances military-strategic alliance with India
By Keith Jones, 15 December 2016
The last days of the Obama administration have seen a concerted, bi-partisan drive of the American political elite and the Pentagon to further cement the Indo-US “global strategic partnership.”
Sri Lankan SEP and Deeside Workers Action Committee call meeting to defend plantation workers
15 December 2016
The meeting will discuss a program to defend plantation workers’ jobs, wages and social rights.
Sri Lankan unions agree to impose share-cropper system on plantation workers
By W.A. Sunil, 15 December 2016
The new collective agreement is a prelude to a productivity-based payment regime proposed by the plantation companies.
Sri Lankan port minister threatens to sack striking workers
By our reporters, 14 December 2016
The government’s repression of the Magampura Port workers is a warning to the whole working class.
China reproaches Trump over Taiwan stance
By Peter Symonds, 13 December 2016
A Chinese foreign ministry spokesman warned that US-China cooperation was “out of the question” if Trump interfered with the One China policy.
Trump endorses Duterte’s murderous drug war in the Philippines
By Joseph Santolan, 13 December 2016
Trump’s call to Duterte was not just to shore up damaged relations with an ally against China, it expressed Trump’s enthusiasm for police state measures within the US.
Human toll rises after Indonesian earthquake
By John Braddock, 13 December 2016
A hundred people are dead and nearly 84,000 displaced in the worst disaster to hit Aceh since the 2004 tsunami.
Trump threatens to overturn One China policy
By Peter Symonds, 12 December 2016
By placing a question mark over US-China relations, Trump is recklessly compounding rising uncertainty in Asia and around the world, as well as the threat of war.
Sri Lankan government sends navy to suppress striking port workers
By our reporters, 12 December 2016
The Sirisena-Wickremesinghe government has sent a message to the entire working class that it will use police-military methods to suppress their struggles.
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
10 December 2016
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
India rebuffs Pakistan’s “peace” overtures
By Keith Jones, 6 December 2016
India has demonstrably rebuffed Pakistan’s attempts to initiate a dialogue aimed at defusing the almost three-month-long war crisis between South Asia’s rival nuclear-armed states.
SEP meeting in Colombo discusses Trump’s election
By our correspondents, 6 December 2016
Speakers explained the far-reaching and reactionary implications of Trump’s victory for workers and young people globally.
South Korean opposition sets presidential impeachment vote for Friday
By Ben McGrath, 5 December 2016
The largest protests in South Korean history took place over the weekend after a scheduled vote to impeach President Park Geun-hye was delayed.
Trump’s talk with Taiwanese president heightens US tensions with China
By Peter Symonds, 5 December 2016
The phone conversation—the first between US and Taiwanese leaders since 1979—undermines decades of protocols based on Washington’s acceptance of the “One China” policy.
A new round of UN and US sanctions on North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 3 December 2016
The punitive sanctions will not only raise tensions with North Korea, but also with China, which is its strategic ally and largest trading partner.
US Pacific commander visits Sri Lanka, praising new regime
By K. Ratnayake, 3 December 2016
PACOM chief Harris’s visit was part US efforts to boost military ties with Sri Lanka after President Maithripala Sirisena became president in early 2015.
Suu Kyi defends military crackdown on Burma's Rohingya Muslims
By John Roberts, 2 December 2016
Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy is mired in anti-Rohingya chauvinism and opposed to the granting of citizenship rights to the Muslim minority.
South Korean president offers to resign
By Ben McGrath, 1 December 2016
President Park has lost support from nearly all sections of the political establishment, with even close supporters in her own party calling on her to step down.
US officials press Trump to tackle North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 30 November 2016
Former military chief Admiral Mike Mullen warned that the Korean peninsula was “more likely than anyplace else in the world to potentially create an explosive outcome.”
Deepening social crisis underpins South Korean protests
By Ben McGrath, 29 November 2016
The hostility to Park is being fuelled not only by allegations of corruption but more broadly by her government's attack on working and living conditions.
Sri Lankan workers and students discuss Trump’s election
By our correspondents, 29 November 2016
Many people were keen to discuss with SEP and IYSSE campaigners the shift in world politics reflected in Trump’s victory.
Nearly two million people demand South Korean president’s removal
By Ben McGrath, 28 November 2016
With a vote on President Park’s impeachment looming, last weekend’s protests are a sign of growing social and political discontent.
Chinese fears about Trump and the South China Sea
By Peter Symonds, 28 November 2016
A Chinese think tank director warned that “strategic rivalry between China and the US is likely to continue over the South China Sea.”
Sri Lankan SEP holds meeting in Jaffna on the socialist alternative to nationalism and war
By our correspondents, 28 November 2016
Speakers explained the dangerous political agenda of the incoming Trump administration in the US and the necessity for workers and youth to mobilise on a revolutionary program.
US and Philippine militaries maintain “robust” ties
By Peter Symonds, 26 November 2016
US Admiral Harry Harris, head of Pacific Command, dismissed any suggestion that Philippine President Duterte’s anti-American remarks would derail the US-Philippine alliance.
Japanese quakes highlight danger of new catastrophe
By Mike Head, 26 November 2016
The tremors point to the lack of remedial, planning and precautionary measures taken by successive Japanese governments since the Fukushima disaster in 2011.
Election of Donald Trump foreshadows trade war in Asia
By Peter Symonds, 25 November 2016
Trump has not only sunk the Trans Pacific Partnership but called into question the entire basis of the post-World War II order in the Asia Pacific.
South Korean opposition parties call for President Park’s impeachment
By Ben McGrath, 23 November 2016
Another mass protest in Seoul on Saturday involving hundreds of thousands of people has continued to put pressure on Park to resign.
Sri Lankan president orders arrest of “inciters of racism”
By W.A. Sunil, 23 November 2016
Under the pretext of “curbing racism,” the government is preparing for a broader crackdown not only on opposition parties but against the working class.
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