Asia

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.

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.