Asia
India: Victims of police attack on Tuticorin protests speak out
By Sasi Kumar and Moses Rajkumar, 5 July 2018
WSWS reporters interviewed survivors of the police assault on demonstrators demanding the closure of the Sterlite copper smelter.
Former Malaysian prime minister arrested and charged
By Peter Symonds, 5 July 2018
The 1MDB corruption affair is bound up with tensions fuelled by global economic instability and geo-political conflicts, especially between the US and China.
More support from Sri Lanka for WikiLeaks editor
By our correspondents, 4 July 2018
“WikiLeaks editor Julian Assange courageously exposes the criminality of the US, its machinations, lies and cover-ups.”
After a protracted delay, full Malaysian ministry sworn in
By Peter Symonds, 3 July 2018
The fact that it has taken nearly two months to assemble a full ministry is a sign of the deep, underlying divisions within the five-party ruling coalition.
Tensions deepen between Beijing and Taipei
By Robert Campion, 3 July 2018
The growing conflict over Taiwan is the result of a US campaign to step up direct economic and military pressure on Beijing.
Trump under pressure from US intelligence agencies over North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 2 July 2018
The Washington Post, citing unnamed US intelligence officials and undisclosed “evidence,” claimed that North Korea was planning to deceive the US over its pledge to denuclearise.
Thousands of West Bengal textile workers locked out; New Zealand nurses union cancels planned strike
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
30 June 2018
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Tensions continue as US defence secretary visits China
By Peter Symonds, 28 June 2018
While both sides sought to put a positive spin on the trip, relations have deteriorated as a result of Washington’s confrontational stance toward Beijing.
Sri Lankan unions betray national postal strike
By W.A. Sunil, 28 June 2018
The unions called off the indefinite walkout after accepting vague promises from government authorities.
SEP anniversary meeting in Sri Lanka denounces anti-immigrant attacks
By the Socialist Equality Party (Sri Lanka), 27 June 2018
The following resolution was unanimously endorsed at the Sri Lankan Socialist Equality Party’s 50th anniversary meeting, held in Colombo this month.
SEP in Sri Lanka holds powerful 50th anniversary meeting
By our correspondents, 27 June 2018
The meeting began by paying tribute to the party’s founding general secretary Keerthi Balasuriya, Wilfred Pereira and all those who gave their lives to the fight for Trotskyism in Sri Lanka and South Asia.
Greetings from David North to the 50th anniversary meeting of the Sri Lankan SEP
By David North, 27 June 2018
For a half century, the party that was founded in 1968 by an extraordinary group of young revolutionaries has upheld the banner of the International Committee of the Fourth International.
Sri Lanka: Striking postal workers criticise the trade unions
By our correspondents, 26 June 2018
While postal workers are determine to continue their fight, the trade unions are seeking ways to sabotage the campaign.
Sri Lankan artists, translators and workers endorse international campaign to defend Julian Assange
By our correspondents, 25 June 2018
More Sri Lankan academics, writers and workers have spoken out in support of the International Committee of the Fourth International’s campaign in defence of the WikiLeaks editor.
Bangladesh government intensifies “anti-drug” crackdown
By Wimal Perera, 25 June 2018
The crackdown is being used to target political opponents and suppress the mounting popular opposition to Hasina’s big business policies.
Over 193 feared dead in another Indonesian ferry disaster
By John Harris, 23 June 2018
The wooden ferry was reportedly carrying over five times its legal capacity of 43 passengers and there were only 45 life jackets on-board.
US cancels military drills, but maintains sanctions on North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 21 June 2018
The tentative moves toward ending the confrontation on the Korean Peninsula could rapidly fall apart if North Korea fails to meet all the US demands.
Nine million truck drivers across India strike over increasing fuel prices
By Wasantha Rupasinghe, 19 June 2018
Although fuel price hikes are affecting working people as a whole, the union bureaucrats are blocking any united struggle against this and other government austerity measures.
Indian workers and students demand freedom for Julian Assange
By our reporters, 15 June 2018
Indian Trotskyists campaigned last week in Kolkata and Sriperumbudur as part of the international struggle to defend the WikiLeaks editor.
Socialist Equality Party (Sri Lanka) to hold lectures to mark its 50th anniversary
By our reporters, 14 June 2018
The SEP lecture series will discuss the significance of the party’s half-century struggle for Trotskyism.
Trump and Kim prepare for Tuesday’s unpredictable summit
By Ben McGrath, 11 June 2018
No matter the results of the meeting, it will only exacerbate the underlying US conflict with China.
Japan’s ruling party calls for a doubling of military expenditure
By Kurt Brown, 9 June 2018
Tokyo’s agenda increases the danger of war and the suppression of democratic rights at home.
Free Julian Assange rallies called in Sri Lanka and India
7 June 2018
The SEP and supporters of the ICFI will demonstrate in Colombo, the Sri Lankan capital, and Sriperumbudur, in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
Sri Lankan workers and students defend Julian Assange
By our correspondents, 7 June 2018
Many of those who spoke to the WSWS compared the attacks on WikiLeaks to the Sri Lankan government’s measures against journalists.
Sri Lanka SEP files fundamental rights case against Colombo Municipal Council
By our correspondent, 6 June 2018
The legal action against the May Day meeting ban seeks to further expose the government’s anti-democratic attacks on working people.
US ramps up threats to China and North Korea
By Mike Head, 4 June 2018
Whatever the outcome of a Trump-Kim summit, the US confrontation with China will escalate.
Indian garment workers demand higher pay, teachers demonstrate in China
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
2 June 2018
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Remembrance Day in Sri Lanka exposes dead end of Tamil nationalism
By K. Nesan, 1 June 2018
Tamil National Alliance officials were thrown out of the memorial of the May 18 massacre that ended of the Sri Lankan Civil War, as mass anger rises against the TNA.
Rohingya refugees face catastrophe in Bangladesh
By Rohantha De Silva, 31 May 2018
Despite hypocritical statements of concern by the major world powers, Rohingya are at risk from landslides, floods and epidemics this monsoon season.
New Malaysian government formed amid internal and global tensions
By John Roberts, 30 May 2018
Mahathir’s cabinet highlights the potential for conflict in the new coalition government.
Ex-Sri Lankan defence secretary calls for brutal big business regime
By Pani Wijesiriwardane, 29 May 2018
Gotabhaya Rajapakse is appealing to the ruling elite in preparation for the establishment of an even more authoritarian government.
War danger remains despite North and South Korean leaders holding second summit
By Ben McGrath, 28 May 2018
Trump’s cancellation of his summit with Kim was designed to wring further concessions from Pyongyang, while sending a warning to China.
Indian port workers to walk out, 30,000 municipal workers remain on strike in Haryana state
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
26 May 2018
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Trump calls off summit with North Korea
By James Cogan, 25 May 2018
Even as it threatens nuclear war, the Trump administration has not given up on trying to draw North Korea into a rapprochement.
Fearful of widening mass anger over police shootings
Indian authorities shut down polluting copper plant in Tuticorin
By Deepal Jayasekera, 25 May 2018
Sections of the ruling elite fear the police attacks in Tuticorin will fuel already volatile social tensions across India.
Trump offers North Korea “incremental” denuclearisation ahead of planned summit
By James Cogan, 23 May 2018
Trump and the South Korean president both exuded optimism that talks would ultimately proceed on US terms, even if not on June 12.
Sri Lankan filmmaker Lester James Peries dies at 99
By Pani Wijesiriwardane and Gamini Karunatileka, 23 May 2018
Peries’s best films, like the great dramas directed by India’s Satyajit Ray and Japan’s Akira Kurosawa, have left their mark on Asian and world cinema.
Bangladesh students demonstrate over job quota system
By Wimal Perera, 19 May 2018
Protesting students face government repression, severe unemployment and lack of facilities.
US blames China for renewed tensions with North Korea
By James Cogan, 18 May 2018
Citing the “Libyan model,” Trump implied that North Korea would face “total decimation” if no agreement is reached.
India: Varanasi flyover bridge collapse kills 18
By Wasantha Rupasinghe, 18 May 2018
The tragedy is a further indication that government authorities and construction companies are endangering the safety of workers and the public as a whole.
Japan maneuvering to prevent being left out on North Korean negotiations
By Ben McGrath, 17 May 2018
Japan is trying to justify ongoing military pressure on North Korea, and ultimately China, in the event of an agreement between Pyongyang and Washington.
Sri Lankan government imposes IMF-dictated increases on essential items
By Saman Gunadasa, 17 May 2018
The deeply-divided government has become a virtual prisoner of the IMF and its social austerity demands.
Thousands of Sri Lankan fishermen protest over fuel price rises
By our correspondents, 17 May 2018
Boycotts and strike action by fishermen are another expression of a growing anti-government movement of Sri Lankan workers and the poor.
North Korea denounces US “provocation” and threatens to cancel talks with Trump
By James Cogan, 16 May 2018
The Trump administration has, to a great extent, boxed both itself and North Korea into a corner.
Union sellout facilitates South Korean General Motors restructuring plans
By Ben McGrath, 16 May 2018
The KMWU isolated workers and forced through the approval of an agreement enabling a pro-business restructuring by the auto corporation.
India’s BJP government creates new category of workers who can be fired at will
By Kranti Kumara, 16 May 2018
Even the appellation “fixed-term employment” is a misnomer, since an employer can terminate a worker’s contract at any time and without providing a rupee in severance pay.
Machines: An unflinching look at an Indian textile mill
By Wasantha Rupasinghe, 15 May 2018
Rahul Jain’s austere but effective documentary focuses on one of the hundreds of textile plants in Gujarat state on India’s west coast.
The JVP’s empty posturing over Sri Lanka’s executive presidency
By Vijith Samarasinghe, 14 May 2018
The campaign is a ploy to divert the growing social opposition of workers, rural poor and youth to the government and the capitalist system.
Delivery drivers strike in China, Korean Airline pilots and workers demand dismissal of company chairman
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
12 May 2018
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Japan, China and South Korea hold talks on North Korea and trade
By Ben McGrath, 11 May 2018
While North Korea dominated the summit, concerns over US protectionist measures may result in improved relations between the three Asian neighbors.
Malaysian election: A political shock in South East Asia
By John Roberts, 11 May 2018
The ousting of the 61-year UMNO-led government will have ramifications beyond Malaysia.
Sri Lankan president makes anxious calls for political unity
By K. Ratnayake, 9 May 2018
Sirisena’s speech was a response to deep divisions within his unstable government and deepening working class opposition to its social austerity measures.
Oppose Sri Lanka’s National Defence University Act! No privatisation of education!
By the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (Sri Lanka), 8 May 2018
The legislation is a further move toward the privatisation of higher education and increased militarisation of the country.
The Maruti Suzuki workers and the re-emergence of class struggle across South Asia
By Wije Dias, 7 May 2018
Wije Dias, general secretary of the Sri Lankan section of the ICFI, and a veteran Trotskyist of more than 50 years standing, spoke from Colombo to the ICFI’s International Online May Day Rally.
Chinese construction workers and crane operators protest on May Day
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
5 May 2018
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Despite government ban, Sri Lankan SEP and IYSSE hold successful May Day meeting
By our correspondents, 3 May 2018
Workers, youths, professionals and housewives, as well as Tamil-speaking residents from Jaffna and plantation workers from the central hills, attended the meeting.
International Monetary Fund demands Sri Lankan government cut fuel subsidies
By Saman Gunadasa, 2 May 2018
Despite rising discontent, the IMF has threatened to stop a scheduled loan payment.
Income inequality worsening in Bangladesh
By Sujeewa Amaranath, 1 May 2018
Official statistics contradict World Bank and the Bangladeshi government claims of “remarkable progress in poverty reduction.”
Trump to meet North Korean leader in “three or four weeks”
By James Cogan, 30 April 2018
Any talks could entirely break down over the definition of “denuclearisation” and a “nuclear-free Korean Peninsula.”
Indian Stalinist congress opts for alliance with big business Congress Party
By Deepal Jayasekera and Keith Jones, 30 April 2018
The corporate media has almost universally welcomed the CPM’s overture to the Congress, calculating that it will strengthen the ruling elite against the working class.
SEP and IYSSE demonstrate against Sri Lankan government’s May Day ban
By our correspondents, 30 April 2018
Almost one hundred SEP and IYSSE members and supporters participated in Friday’s picket, denouncing the government ban and other anti-democratic attacks.
Trump lauds “declaration for peace” on Korean Peninsula
By James Cogan, 28 April 2018
The political shift in barely two months—from ominous threats of war to the Korean leaders hugging each other—is a measure of the volatility produced by growing US-China tensions.
North and South Korea hold “peace” summit
By James Cogan, 27 April 2018
Any concrete development toward a rapprochement on the Korean Peninsula on US-dictated terms will be viewed with immense concern in Beijing.
Seychelles opposition alliance rejects India’s plans for military base
By Rohantha De Silva, 25 April 2018
India’s move to establish a military base in Seychelles is part of its drive for strategic dominance of the Indian Ocean.
Oppose the Sri Lankan government’s ban on May Day celebrations
By the Socialist Equality Party (Sri Lanka), 25 April 2018
The SEP calls on all workers, oppressed people, youth, students and intellectuals to join it in protesting against this blatant attack on the democratic rights of the working class.
India’s BJP government imposes death penalty for child rape
By Wasantha Rupasinghe, 24 April 2018
The BJP ordinance is an attempt to divert attention from the role its leaders in Jammu and Kashmir have played in shielding those who raped and murdered an eight-year-old Muslim girl.
Australian and Chinese navy ships reportedly face off in the South China Sea
By Gary Alvernia, 24 April 2018
International media outlets gave the incident prominent coverage, depicting it as a “Chinese challenge” to Australian warships.
BJP leaders’ cover-up of rape and murder of Kashmiri Muslim girl provokes outrage across India
By Wasantha Rupasinghe, 20 April 2018
Asifa Bano was repeatedly raped, then killed in what police now concede was a conspiracy aimed at terrorizing and forcing the semi-nomadic Bakkarwal from Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua District.
Trump’s secret diplomacy with North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 19 April 2018
The Trump administration senses the possibility of advancing US imperialism’s interests in Asia against its chief rivals, Russia and China, and potential competitors such as Japan.
SEP (Sri Lanka) calls May Day meeting in Colombo
By the Socialist Equality Party, 19 April 2018
In holding its public meeting on May 1, the SEP is opposing the government’s efforts to sabotage May Day celebrations.
Trump and Abe meet amid war and domestic crisis
By Peter Symonds, 18 April 2018
The two longstanding military allies—the US and Japan—are united in their determination to contain and confront China, but are increasingly at odds over the means for doing so.
Indian Stalinists at loggerheads over what right-wing course to follow
By Deepal Jayasekera and Keith Jones, 18 April 2018
At issue in the factional struggle is how to align with the Congress Party, until recently the Indian bourgeoisie’s preferred party of government.
Indian Trotskyists hold public meeting in Chennai against Internet censorship
By our correspondents, 16 April 2018
Speakers explained the connection between the attack on free speech, the drive to war and the rising struggles of the working class.
US and North Korean officials discuss Trump-Kim summit
By Peter Symonds, 14 April 2018
The cynical character of Trump’s decision to meet with Kim Jong-un is underscored by the fact that two militarists—Pompeo and Bolton—are in charge of preparing the summit.
Thousands of oil tanker drivers in Odisha, India to strike next week for higher pay
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
14 April 2018
The Odisha tanker drivers are employed by contractors for the state-owned oil corporations and are only paid about $US115 per month.
Malaysian parliament dissolved for snap general election
By John Roberts, 11 April 2018
The government is using every means at its disposal to undermine the opposition and reverse its poor results at the 2013 elections.
Japan activates first Marine brigade since World War II
By Peter Symonds, 10 April 2018
The new Marine brigade is not simply defensive in character but could be used during a Japanese war of aggression far from its shores.
Trump administration officials try to calm trade war fears
By Nick Beams, 9 April 2018
White House National Trade Council director Peter Navarro underscored the crucial importance of hi-tech development, both for US economic and military supremacy.
India: Modi government accelerates anti-worker privatization drive
By Kranti Kumara, 9 April 2018
A key aim of the privatization drive is to cut jobs, impose speed-ups, and further erode wages and working conditions, making India more attractive to investors.
Bangladesh garment workers jailed on bogus attempted murder charges
By Wimal Perera, 9 April 2018
The charges follow a series of provocations against workers at the Ashiana Garments plant, south of Dhaka.
Sri Lankan prime minister narrowly survives no-confidence resolution
By K. Ratnayake, 6 April 2018
The principal concern of the ruling elite is a growing financial crisis and the mounting working-class opposition to austerity measures.
Russia-Japan dispute over Kurils reflects mounting tensions in North East Asia
By Gary Alvernia, 5 April 2018
Russia is placing warplanes in the Kuril Islands in response to the Japanese government’s remilitarisation and US threats of war against North Korea.
April 8, public meeting in Chennai, India
Oppose Internet censorship! Defend freedom of speech!
By the supporters group of the ICFI in India, 3 April 2018
The supporters group of the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI) in India will hold a public meeting in Chennai on April 8 against Internet censorship.
Hundreds of Korean shipyard workers strike against wage and job cuts
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
31 March 2018
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North Korean leader holds unannounced talks in China
By Peter Symonds, 28 March 2018
Facing mounting threats from the Trump administration, China and North Korea are under pressure to mend an increasingly frosty relationship.
Sri Lanka records lowest economic growth in 16 years
By Saman Gunadasa, 28 March 2018
The IMF is insisting on an austerity program to further slash social and living conditions.
Scandal surrounding Japanese prime minister deepens
By Ben McGrath, 26 March 2018
The affair highlights the intimate connections between the government and far-right extremist groups like Nippon Kaigi.
Chinese president expounds on his nationalist “dream”
By Peter Symonds, 22 March 2018
Xi’s consolidation as China’s political strongman takes place amid growing US threats of trade war and war, as well as intense social tensions at home.
Maruti Suzuki workers hold protest demanding release of 13 framed-up colleagues
By Saman Gunadasa, 21 March 2018
The demonstration marked one year since Maruti Suzuki workers’ leaders were sentenced to life in prison on politically-motivated charges.
Seventy thousand Rohingya have fled Burma since “repatriation” agreement signed
By John Roberts, 21 March 2018
Last November’s agreement between Burma and Bangladesh was a ploy to deflect attention from the Burmese military’s ongoing pogrom against Muslim Rohingya.
Facebook and Sri Lankan government collaborate on social media censorship
By Pradeep Ramanayake, 20 March 2018
The Sri Lankan government is working with the giant social media corporation to establish greater political control of the Internet.
Australia-ASEAN summit held amid US-China tensions
By James Cogan, 19 March 2018
Australian Prime Minister Turnbull sought to draw more ASEAN members toward the anti-China orientation of the more openly US-aligned states.
Trump signs Taiwan Travel Act in new provocation against China
By Peter Symonds, 19 March 2018
The legislation upends decades of diplomatic protocol in which the US maintained only low-level contact with Taiwan.
A travesty of justice that must not stand!
One year since India’s courts condemned framed-up Maruti Suzuki workers to jail for life
By Keith Jones, 17 March 2018
The thirteen’s only “crime” is to have rebelled against the sweatshop conditions that prevail in India’s new, globally connected auto industry.
Sri Lankan workers’ inquiry meeting to announce findings on garbage disaster
By the Independent Workers Inquiry Committee, 17 March 2018
The meeting will discuss the political reasons for last April’s tragedy that killed more than 30 residents from Meethotamulla, a poor neighbourhood on the outskirts of Colombo.
Sri Lankan government continues to use draconian terror laws
By Minusha Fernando, 17 March 2018
A Human Rights Watch report reveals that torture and other brutal methods are still in use in Sri Lanka under President Maithripala Sirisena.
Forty thousand Indian railway workers march on parliament
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
17 March 2018
The workers were protesting against the introduction of a mandatory employee-contribution pension scheme.
Striking non-academic workers picket Sri Lankan universities
By Pani Wijesiriwardena, 15 March 2018
While the strikers have shown their determination to expand their industrial action, the University Trade Unions Joint Committee is limiting the strike.
China’s NPC formally approves Xi’s indefinite rule
By Peter Symonds, 14 March 2018
The constitutional change removing the term limits on China’s president establishes a Bonapartist leader presiding over a regime confronting crises at home and abroad.
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
10 March 2018
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
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