Asia
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.
India: Unions suspend Tamil Nadu government workers’ strike
By our correspondents, 16 September 2017
The walkout indicates workers’ determination to push back the escalating social assaults by India’s Modi government and the state governments.
North Korea tests missile in response to sanctions
By James Cogan, 15 September 2017
Washington is pushing the besieged regime in North Korea into a corner from which it could escape only by a complete capitulation to US demands.
Burma’s Aung San Suu Kyi and the fraud of human rights imperialism
By Peter Symonds, 14 September 2017
The desperate plight of Rohingya Muslims demonstrates that the US never had the slightest interest in promoting democratic rights in Burma, but cynically exploited the issue to advance its own economic and strategic aims.
South Asian floods: Death toll climbs to 1,300
By Arun Kumar, 13 September 2017
Despite countless warnings, India’s government and state administrations were totally unprepared for the floods.
UN Security Council imposes severe sanctions on North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 12 September 2017
Far from easing tensions in North East Asia, the UN resolution sets the stage for further US provocations and heightens the danger of military conflict.
India, China attempt to reset relations after border crisis
By Wasantha Rupasinghe, 12 September 2017
India and China sought to use last week’s BRICS heads of government summit to “reset” their relations after almost coming to blows during a 73-day border standoff.
More Australian troops to be sent to the Philippines
By Mike Head, 12 September 2017
Australia’s involvement in the bogus “war against terrorism” in the Philippines is part of its commitment to Washington’s aggressive military build-up and actions in Asia.
Sri Lankan president desperately tries to rally support
By W.A. Sunil, 12 September 2017
Factional conflicts deepen within the ruling class amid an explosion of popular opposition to government attacks on living conditions and democratic rights.
As US threatens North Korea, NATO chief warns of “more dangerous world”
By Peter Symonds, 11 September 2017
The danger of catastrophic war in Asia is provoking deep fears in Europe and exacerbating divisions with Washington.
Thai Supreme Court protects key figures in 2010 military crackdown
By our reporter, 11 September 2017
The court ruling reflects the military junta’s attempt to consolidate its rule in the face of popular opposition.
Sri Lankan SEP Jaffna meeting discusses political bankruptcy of Tamil parties
By our reporters, 11 September 2017
The speakers explained the necessity for Tamil and Sinhalese workers to build a revolutionary party based on an internationalist socialist perspective.
As US threatens war against North Korea, China appeals to European powers
By Alex Lantier, 9 September 2017
China has called on Germany and France to coordinate sanctions against North Korea over its nuclear test and prevent US escalation on the Korean Peninsula from leading to war.
Journalist who exposed Hindu right assassinated in Bangalore
By Kranti Kumara, 9 September 2017
Gauri Lankesh is the fourth prominent critic of Hindu supremacism and fundamentalism to be assassinated in as many years.
US completes anti-missile deployment in South Korea amid heightened war danger
By Ben McGrath, 8 September 2017
Under pressure from Washington, South Korean President Moon has moved away from his previous calls for dialogue with North Korea and toward increasingly hawkish positions.
US and India use Indian Ocean Conference to reinforce their strategic interests
By Pradeep Ramanayake and K. Ratnayake, 8 September 2017
The geo-strategic conference gave another indication of US and Indian preparations for war against China.
UN head warns Korean crisis could spiral into world war
By James Cogan, 7 September 2017
Sharp divisions exist between the US, China and Russia over Washington’s demands that the UN impose a total trade embargo on North Korea.
Burmese military steps up ethnic cleansing of Rohingya Muslims
By John Roberts, 7 September 2017
Aung San Suu Kyi, promoted by the US and its allies as a “democracy icon,” has backed the military’s pogrom at every step.
The US faces off against China and Russia over North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 5 September 2017
In a provocative speech in the UN, US ambassador Nikki Haley not only targeted North Korea over its nuclear test, but also threatened China and Russia.
Sri Lankan university workers defeat union attempts to victimise SEP member
By Pani Wijesiriwardena, 5 September 2017
SEP member Dehin Wasantha has a three-decade record of fighting for the rights of Sri Lankan workers, students and the poor on the basis of socialist internationalism.
Trump, North Korea and the danger of world war
By Peter Symonds, 4 September 2017
While North Korea’s nuclear test certainly compounds the risk of conflict, the prime responsibility for pushing the world to the brink of nuclear war rests with US imperialism.
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
2 September 2017
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
Another war threat: Trump rules out talking to North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 31 August 2017
If negotiations are not an option, the only conclusion that can be drawn is that the US is preparing to attack North Korea militarily.
Indian ICFI supporters hold meeting against US-led war drive
By our correspondents, 31 August 2017
Despite police efforts to block the meeting, participants discussed how Washington’s war plans and India’s partnership with the US are intensifying geopolitical tensions in the region.
Trump threatens North Korea with war
By Peter Symonds, 30 August 2017
By declaring “all options are on the table,” Trump effectively ruled out strong hints last week that a peaceful solution to the standoff could be found.
Australian government offers to send troops to the Philippines
By Mike Head, 30 August 2017
Confronting a deepening political crisis at home, Malcolm Turnbull is seeking to don the mantle of a wartime prime minister.
Sri Lanka’s port deal with China increases concerns in US and India
By Vijith Samarasinghe, 30 August 2017
The US has been pursuing a military and strategic buildup against China and wants Sri Lanka kept in its orbit.
Amid high tensions, North Korea fires intermediate-range missile over Japan
By Peter Symonds, 29 August 2017
US and South Korean military commanders reportedly agreed to an early, tough response, including “military measures,” to demonstrate “the alliance’s strong will.”
India, China pull back from clash over Himalayan ridge
By Keith Jones, 29 August 2017
The principal factor in the deterioration of Indo-Chinese relations is India’s integration into Washington’s military-strategic offensive against China.
Former Thai PM flees as junta intensifies crackdown
By John Roberts and Peter Symonds, 29 August 2017
The US has effectively given the green light to the military regime’s repressive methods by inviting the 2014 coup leader and current prime minister to Washington to meet Trump.
Muted US response to North Korean short-range missile launches
By Peter Symonds, 28 August 2017
While US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has suggested that talks might be possible, he has continued to stress that the US still has a military option to deal with North Korea.
Growing concerns in Bangladesh over India-China tensions
By Rohantha De Silva, 28 August 2017
The rivalry between these two nuclear armed countries could develop into a war has far-reaching implications for South Asia and internationally.
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
26 August 2017
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
Sri Lankan president sacks justice minister
By K.Ratnayake, 25 August 2017
Wijedasa Rajapakse’s dismissal is a calculated move by the government to posture as opponents of corruption and undermine political opponents.
US hits China, Russia with punitive sanctions over North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 23 August 2017
The targeting of Chinese companies makes clear that Washington is exploiting the tense standoff with North Korea as part of its wider confrontation with Beijing.
Sri Lankan government establishes phony Office on Missing Persons
By Vijith Samarasinghe, 21 August 2017
None of the UNHRC’s resolutions on war crimes in Sri Lanka have had anything to do with concern for the human rights of the victims.
US pushes ahead with provocative war games in South Korea
By Peter Symonds, 21 August 2017
By proceeding with the Ulchi-Freedom Guardian exercises, the US is once again deliberately inflaming its confrontation with North Korea.
IMF sharpens its warning on “dangerous” Chinese debt growth
By Nick Beams, 18 August 2017
According to the IMF, the increased Chinese debt, resulting from government efforts to stimulate the economy, could lead to a financial crisis.
China accelerates privatisation of state-owned enterprises
By Gary Alvernia, 18 August 2017
The conversion of SOEs to joint-stock companies is a form of back-door privatisation that will intensify the attacks on Chinese workers’ jobs and conditions.
Earthquake in China kills 25
By Robert Campion, 18 August 2017
Since the devastating quake in Sichuan Province in 2008, little has been done to address the quality of building materials in the countryside.
A temporary step back in US-North Korean tensions
By Peter Symonds, 17 August 2017
The confrontation on the Korean Peninsula remains on a hair trigger and a mistake or miscalculation could plunge the world into war.
At least 21 children die in an Indian hospital as oxygen supplies run out
By Wasantha Rupasinghe, 17 August 2017
In a desperate attempt to save the lives of their dying children, parents used pumps to force air into their lungs.
Sri Lankan foreign minister resigns amid intensifying government crisis
By W.A. Sunil, 16 August 2017
The resignation was a desperate political manoeuvre to avoid a political rift in the government under conditions of growing social unrest.
Tamil nationalists back stepped-up police-state repression in Sri Lanka
By K. Nesan, 16 August 2017
Over the last three weeks, police and Special Task Force units have arrested about 100 people in Sri Lanka’s Tamil-majority Jaffna peninsula.
Seventy years since the communal Partition of South Asia
By Keith Jones, 16 August 2017
The Partition was one of the great crimes of the 20th century—a crime that has shaped, or more precisely deformed, the entire subsequent history of South Asia.
New Zealand government would “consider” joining US war against North Korea
By Tom Peters, 15 August 2017
For the government and opposition parties alike, the threat of war has been the great unmentionable in their campaigns for the September 23 election.
As Trump initiates hostile trade inquiry against China
US defence secretary threatens war with North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 15 August 2017
Mattis’s remarks came in the aftermath of bellicose threats by President Trump last week to engulf North Korea in “fire and fury like the world has never seen.”
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
12 August 2017
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
Danger of India-China border war grows
By K. Ratnayake, 10 August 2017
The standoff between Indian and Chinese troops on the Doklam Plateau is continuing, amid growing warnings of an impending military clash.
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
5 August 2017
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
China rejects Trump’s accusations over North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 2 August 2017
Beijing’s determination not to be bullied into tougher action against North Korea sets the stage for an escalating US confrontation not only with Pyongyang, but also China.
Indonesian government bans Hizbut Tahrir
By John Roberts, 1 August 2017
The Widodo government fears that growing political instability will generate a social movement from below and is adopting draconian anti-democratic measures.
Sri Lankan free trade workers express solidarity with framed-up Maruti Suzuki workers in India
By our reporters, 1 August 2017
Workers responded enthusiastically to the international defense campaign and related their own experiences of sweatshop conditions and fighting state repression.
Trump slams China over North Korean missile
By Peter Symonds, 31 July 2017
Trump’s tweets are another sign that the White House is actively considering far more aggressive methods, including military strikes against North Korea.
Pakistan plunges deeper into crisis as prime minister ousted on corruption charges
By Sampath Perera, 31 July 2017
The immediate beneficiary of Sharif’s ouster and the weakening of the PML (N) government is Pakistan’s politically powerful military.
Maldives president mobilises military and police against opposition MPs
By Wasantha Rupasinghe, 31 July 2017
Intense political infighting in Maldives is driven by US-India geo-political manoeuvres against China.
Japan’s defense minister resigns in wake of scandal
By Ben McGrath, 29 July 2017
Inada’s resignation is an attempt to reverse the drastically falling support for the Abe government.
US generals discuss “military options” after North Korean missile test
By Peter Symonds, 29 July 2017
Yesterday’s launch of a long-range missile will only heighten the clamour in Washington for action, including military strikes and regime-change operations.
Indian Stalinists support Modi government in military standoff with China
By Wasantha Rupasinghe and Keith Jones, 29 July 2017
India’s Stalinists have pledged their support for the BJP government in the India-China border crisis, even as they concede that the crisis has been provoked by India’s emergence as a “subordinate ally of US imperialism.”
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
29 July 2017
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
US military declares “time is running out” before war with North Korea
By James Cogan, 28 July 2017
The situation is rendered even more volatile and dangerous by the besieged character of the Trump presidency.
Aisin Automotive workers in India’s Haryana state face a new company-government witchhunt
By Jai Sharma, 28 July 2017
The workers are being subjected to a joint company-government vendetta for fighting slave labor conditions in an attack similar to that faced by Maruti Suzuki workers.
Sri Lankan government deploys army to break oil workers’ strike
By Shree Haran and W. A. Sunil, 27 July 2017
The government’s turn to military repression is aimed at intimidating the entire working class.
US accuses China of unsafe mid-air encounter
By Peter Symonds, 26 July 2017
The incident involving a US spy plane and Chinese fighters highlights the acute tensions generated by Washington’s repeated threats to attack North Korea.
Independent Inquiry Committee holds meeting on Sri Lankan garbage dump collapse
By our correspondent, 26 July 2017
The Independent Workers’ Inquiry called by the SEP will expose the class roots of the Meethotamulla disaster and the culpability of successive governments.
In landslide vote, Philippine legislature extends martial law
By Joseph Santolan, 25 July 2017
The wholesale embrace of martial law by the Filipino ruling elites is a sharp expression of the crisis of class rule around the globe amid intensifying class tensions.
India: Stalinist-backed “common opposition” candidate crashes out in presidential election
By Deepal Jayasekera, 25 July 2017
The Stalinists parties have responded to the Indian ruling elite’s embrace of social reaction by redoubling their efforts to subordinate workers to the political establishment.
Rampant dengue epidemic in Sri Lanka
By Pani Wijesiriwardena, 25 July 2017
Public health service cuts have resulted in poor sanitation and preventive measures, creating breeding grounds for dengue fever and other diseases.
South Korea extends deadline for talks with the North
By Ben McGrath, 24 July 2017
Seoul has reassured Washington that its proposal is not meant to undermine the larger demand for the complete denuclearization of North Korea.
Top leadership contender in China abruptly ousted
By Peter Symonds, 20 July 2017
Sun Zhengcai was removed as party boss of Chongqing and replaced by a trusted protégé of President Xi Jinping.
Three months after the Meethotamulla disaster in Sri Lanka
By Vijith Samarasinghe, 19 July 2017
The government’s callous disregard for the plight of thousands of victims of the Meethotamulla garbage dump collapse is a sharp warning to the working class as a whole.
Indian-US-Japanese naval exercises in Indian Ocean target China
By Wasantha Rupasinghe, 18 July 2017
India’s hosting of the Malabar exercises is part of its integration into the US military-strategic offensive against China.
South Korea proposes military talks with North Korea
By Ben McGrath, 18 July 2017
Seoul’s offer is likely to aggravate differences with Washington, which were largely papered over during the summit between the leaders of the two countries last month.
China establishes military base in Djibouti
By Peter Symonds, 17 July 2017
China’s military involvement in Africa takes place amid rising geo-political rivalries that threaten its considerable investment in, and trade with, Africa.
Police kill young worker in northern Sri Lanka
By our correspondents, 14 July 2017
The shooting is not an accident but another manifestation of the ongoing police and military repression of Tamil residents in the war-torn northern region.
US threatens China over North Korean sanctions
By Peter Symonds, 13 July 2017
The Trump administration is preparing secondary sanctions against Chinese companies and individuals even as it demands Beijing’s support for far tougher UN bans on North Korea.
Modi visit consolidates Indo-Israeli military-strategic partnership
By Deepal Jayasekera, 13 July 2017
Modi’s visit, the first by an Indian prime minister to Israel, was capped by an agreement to expand military-security cooperation.
Sri Lankan government appeases Buddhist hierarchy
By K. Ratnayake, 11 July 2017
The government is resorting to Sinhala Buddhist supremacism amid a deepening political crisis stemming from widespread opposition to its austerity measures.
US strategic bombers conduct provocative drill near North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 10 July 2017
The military exercise involving US B1-B bombers just before the G20 summit, was aimed at pressuring all countries, especially China, to take tough action against North Korea.
Japan’s ruling party trounced in Tokyo regional election
By Ben McGrath, 7 July 2017
The election is regarded as a barometer of national political sentiment, showing falling support for the Abe government.
Ahead of G20 summit
US exploits North Korean missile test to threaten war and isolate China
By James Cogan, 6 July 2017
The Trump administration is returning to the bellicose anti-China stance that characterised his campaign in the presidential election.
North Korean missile launch intensifies war danger
By Peter Symonds, 5 July 2017
Washington, not Pyongyang, is primarily responsible for creating the explosive situation on the Korean Peninsula.
Japanese PM plans to submit constitutional revisions this year
By Ben McGrath, 5 July 2017
Prime Minister Abe’s plan has upset some within his party who feel the changes do not go far enough in removing restrictions on the military.
Socialist Equality Party holds public meeting on Sri Lankan floods disaster
By our correspondents, 5 July 2017
The meeting discussed the recent catastrophe, which killed at least 300 people, and the other social disasters created by the capitalist class.
India and China trade war threats amid border stand-off
By Wasantha Rupasinghe, 4 July 2017
India and China have rushed troops to a remote border region, in what is widely being described as the worst stand-off between the two countries since they fought a war in 1962.
Trump’s frosty phone call with Chinese President Xi
By Peter Symonds, 4 July 2017
Trump is adopting a more confrontational stance toward China in an effort to pressure Beijing to force North Korea to bow to US demands.
US warship intrudes into Chinese-claimed waters in South China Sea
By Peter Symonds, 3 July 2017
The US naval provocation, following the approval of a large arms deal with Taiwan and US sanctions on Chinese companies, heightens the risk of war with China.
South Korean president aligns with US war plans against North Korea
By Ben McGrath, 3 July 2017
With his election out of the way, President Moon sought to reassure Washington that he remained committed to the military alliance.
Photo Essay—Sri Lanka: The housing crisis and Colombo’s poor
By Shantan Kumarasamy and Panini Wijesiriwardane, 3 July 2017
A photo essay on the conditions of life for the many thousands living in makeshift housing around Colombo.
US threatens war with North as South Korean president arrives in Washington
By James Cogan, 30 June 2017
Moon Jae-in, far from seeking to curb Washington’s threats, has fallen into line with the steady build-up toward confrontation with North Korea.
Trump and Modi trumpet Indo-US “strategic convergence”
By Deepal Jayasekera, 28 June 2017
India is increasingly serving as a frontline state in US imperialism’s strategic confrontation with China.
Over 150 people die in oil tanker explosion in Pakistan
By Wasantha Rupasinghe, 27 June 2017
In an exercise in political damage control, the prime minister expressed his “sympathy” for the victims and announced compensation for the families of the dead and injured.
Lawyer for framed up Maruti Suzuki workers: The court “committed violence” to the “principles” of law
By our correspondents, 27 June 2017
Rebecca John, who represented the Maruti Suzuki workers in the final stages of their four-and-a-half-year-long court case, spoke with the WSWS last month as she completed work on an appeal.
Ex-CIA chief calls for “firm” Australian action against China
By Mike Head, 26 June 2017
David Petraeus’ appearance at the Liberal Party dinner was the latest intervention into Australian politics by visiting senior figures within the US military-intelligence complex.
Floods devastate Bangladesh and parts of India, killing more than 185
By Rohantha De Silva, 26 June 2017
Those most affected are the rural poor, low-wage workers and rickshaw pullers living in flood- and landslide-prone areas, where living costs are relatively low.
Sri Lankan free trade zone workers call for release of Maruti Suzuki workers
By our correspondents, 23 June 2017
Workers at Sri Lanka’s oldest and largest free trade zone condemn the frameup and jailing of Indian autoworkers and call for a united international campaign.
Follow the WSWS