Asia
The political significance of India’s two-day general strike
By Keith Jones, 12 January 2019
This week’s general strike in India, one of the largest strikes in history, is part of a growing upsurge of the world working class.
Indian fireworks workers protest over layoffs, Pakistan water treatment workers walkout; New Caledonia nickel miners extend strike
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
12 January 2019
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999 Witch-hunts against workers in India
12 January 2019
Sri Lankan president issues bogus promise to fulfil election pledges
By K. Ratnayake, 11 January 2019
Sirisena is attempting to cement an alliance with former President Mahinda Rajapakse against the United National Party-led government.
Mounting social anger seen in two-day strike against Indian government
By our correspondents, 10 January 2019
While the capitalist media tried to black out the strike, it was supported by broad sections of the working class.
Worker killed as Bangladesh police attack striking garment workers
By Wimal Perera, 10 January 2019
The re-elected Hasina government is mobilising heavily-armed police to suppress protests by garment workers over wages.
India’s “rise” and the savage exploitation of the working class
By Kranti Kumara, 10 January 2019
India’s rapidly expanding working class is condemned to poverty wages, Dickensian working conditions and precarious employment, and this in a country in which public services, if they exist at all, are dilapidated.
US-China trade talks extended, amid continuing obstacles
By Peter Symonds, 9 January 2019
Washington’s aggressive stance was underscored by the provocative dispatch of a US destroyer to challenge Chinese claims in the South China Sea on day one of the trade talks.
Sri Lankan plantation workers oppose company-union attempts to impose sell-out
By our reporters, 8 January 2019
There is widespread hostility to the plans for a new collective agreement that would reject workers’ demand for a 100 percent wage rise.
Indian Trotskyists in Kolkata to celebrate 80 years of the Fourth International
7 January 2019
The Kolkata meeting will review the essential political lessons of the protracted struggle of the Fourth International and their relevance to the fight for socialist internationalism today.
India’s unions to hold two-day “general strike” next week
By Deepal Jayasekera, 5 January 2019
While millions of workers will join the protest strike to oppose Modi and his class-war policies, the Stalinists and their union allies are intent on channelling social opposition behind the Congress and other rightwing parties.
Fifteen Indian coal miners trapped, likely killed, in mine disaster
By W. A. Sunil, 5 January 2019
Rescue efforts after the “rat-hole” mine flooded have been hampered by inadequate equipment and the indifference of the government authorities.
US-China tensions to rise over Taiwan
By Peter Symonds, 4 January 2019
New US legislation calls for regular arms sales to Taiwan and urges top US officials to engage in exchanges with their Taiwanese counterparts.
Sri Lankan JVP postures as a saviour of “democracy”
By Sakuna Jayawardana and K. Ratnayake, 4 January 2019
The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna’s response to the country’s political crisis is to promote illusions in parliamentary democracy.
Slowdown in China’s manufacturing growth sets tone for New Year
By Nick Beams, 3 January 2019
A key Chinese economic index has indicated lower growth as talks on US-China trade tensions are set to begin.
Sri Lankan plantation union discussing sellout deal with companies
By Pani Wijesiriwardena, 3 January 2019
The back-room negotiations between the unions and employers are part of a broader attack on the living conditions of all workers.
India: Stalinist unions suppress Tamil Nadu auto strikes, promise “industrial peace”
By Arun Kumar and Yuan Darwin, 31 December 2018
The strikes’ outcome is further proof that the Stalinist-led CITU serves as an industrial police force for big business, containing and suppressing working-class opposition.
Amid widespread violence, Bangladesh’s ruling party re-elected
By Vimal Perera, 31 December 2018
The opposition parties have condemned the election as “farcical” and demanded a “fresh election under non-partisan administration.”
University authorities suppress student protest in China
By Peter Symonds, 29 December 2018
The CCP regime, which has all but abandoned its previous socialistic phrase-mongering, is terrified at the prospect of students politicizing the struggles of workers.
Japan plans for massive military build-up aimed at China
By Ben McGrath, 29 December 2018
In clear violation of Japan’s constitution, the Abe administration is proceeding with a pro-war agenda which will only further exacerbate tensions in the Asia-Pacific.
One million Indian bank workers strike; tens of thousands of Korean taxi drivers protest
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
29 December 2018
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The 50th anniversary of the founding of the SEP (Sri Lanka)
The RCL/SEP’s political struggle against the LSSP’s betrayal
By W.A. Sunil and Deepal Jayasekera, 27 December 2018
The RCL waged a consistent struggle, under difficult conditions, against the second coalition government, particularly against the LSSP, which continued to dishonestly trade on its previous Trotskyist record.
New postings in Urdu on capitalist breakdown and war, France’s Yellow Vest protests
27 December 2018
Four recent WSWS Perspectives are now available in Urdu, Pakistan’s national language.
Malaysia files charges against Goldman Sachs over 1MDB scandal
By Peter Symonds, 22 December 2018
The 1MDB scandal was a significant factor in ousting the long-reigning UMNO government and reorienting Malaysian foreign policy away from China.
Factional acrimony continues as Sri Lankan president appoints new cabinet
By Pani Wijesiriwardena, 22 December 2018
Sirisena’s delay in appointing the new cabinet makes clear that bitter factional infighting is continuing within Colombo’s political elite.
Land record officers strike in Indian state of Punjab; Bangladesh garment workers strike continues; Australian ferry drivers walkout again in Brisbane.
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
22 December 2018
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Sri Lanka: Abbotsleigh tea plantation workers speak out against harsh living and working conditions
By our reporters, 21 December 2018
Sri Lankan plantation workers, like their international counterparts, are being ruthlessly exploited by the giant corporations that control the industry.
The New York Times targets McKinsey for doing business with China and Russia
By Peter Symonds, 20 December 2018
The article’s overriding purpose is not to expose the collusion of American companies with autocrats, but rather to ensure that they march in lockstep with the US war drive against China and Russia.
The US hails Wickremesinghe’s reinstatement as Sri Lankan prime minister
By Wasantha Rupasinghe, 20 December 2018
The US was concerned that the ousting of Wickremesinghe would jeopardise the close military relations developed with Colombo under his government.
Canada’s media foments anti-China campaign after Meng arrest
By Roger Jordan, 19 December 2018
The Globe and Mail and National Post have welcomed the increased tensions with China that the arrest of the Huawei CFO has provoked.
Bangladesh to relocate Rohingya refugees on remote island
By Rohantha De Silva, 19 December 2018
Nervous about criticism of its plans, the government is attempting to hide information about the new detention facilities and has placed the island under naval control.
Sri Lanka: Action committee of Abbotsleigh Estate workers holds inaugural meeting
By our correspondents, 18 December 2018
The meeting passed resolutions calling for independent action committees to fight for decent wages and conditions, and pledged support to “yellow vest” protesters in France, US auto workers and jailed Maruti Suzuki workers in India.
Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court refuses to hear SEP’s legal action against May Day meeting ban
By our correspondent, 18 December 2018
The government’s intention was to sabotage May Day demonstrations and rallies, a tradition established by workers before the end of British colonial rule in 1948.
The international significance of the Sri Lankan plantation workers’ strike
By Deepal Jayasekera, 17 December 2018
In the midst of the strike, workers at the Abbotsleigh Estate turned towards revolutionary politics and forms of organisation, establishing an action committee independent of the unions, under the political guidance of the Socialist Equality Party.
Sri Lankan plantation workers end strike action under protest
By Saman Gunadasa, 15 December 2018
Sri Lanka plantation workers denounced the unions and returned to work on December 14, after a nine-day strike for a doubling of their daily wage.
China’s economic slowdown: The political issues confronting the working class
By Nick Beams, 15 December 2018
The China slowdown is part of a global process, exposing the fraudulent claim that the global economy had finally “turned the corner” after the deep recession produced by the financial crisis a decade ago.
“Five Eyes” intelligence agencies behind drive against Chinese telecom giant Huawei
By Nick Beams, 14 December 2018
An Australian Financial Review report details an “unprecedented campaign” by the members of the network to prevent Huawei supplying equipment for their next-generation wireless networks.
Sri Lankan Supreme Court rules against President Sirisena’s decision to dissolve parliament
By Deepal Jayasekera, 14 December 2018
The court’s decision will further intensify the infighting within the ruling elite.
Indian state elections show mounting social anger against ruling Hindu-supremacist BJP
By Wasantha Rupasinghe and Keith Jones, 14 December 2018
The BJP lost power to the Congress Party in three states that are part of the “Hindi heartland,” its traditional power-base—Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh.
Hyundai, Kia workers strike in South Korea in opposition to attacks on wages
By Ben McGrath, 12 December 2018
The imposition of a new tier of low-paid workers in Gwangju is just the precursor to broader attacks on workers’ conditions.
Sri Lankan plantation companies reject workers’ wage demand
By W.A. Sunil, 11 December 2018
Despite an indefinite strike, the employers are insisting that profits must be defended by subjecting workers to super-exploitation.
Japanese government rams through new immigration law
By Gary Alvernia, 11 December 2018
While portrayed as a “liberalisation” of existing policy, the law reflects concerns within ruling circles over the economic impact of Japan’s declining workforce.
China summons American ambassador over detention of Huawei executive
By Peter Symonds, 10 December 2018
The highly provocative actions of the US are part of the Trump administration’s wider campaign to prevent Chinese corporate giants from challenging American technological supremacy.
Canada-China relations sour after Ottawa kidnaps Huawei executive
By Roger Jordan, 10 December 2018
At the express instructions of the federal Attorney-General, the Crown is arguing Meng Wanzhuo must remain in captivity pending the adjudication of her extradition to the US.
Indian workers face slave-like conditions in Sri Lanka
By R. Shreeharan and Ivan Weerasinghe, 10 December 2018
Young men recruited from a Jharkhand village to work on a high-voltage power-line in Sri Lanka have not been paid for three months.
The kidnapping of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou
By Andre Damon, 8 December 2018
Meng’s arrest and confinement—without bail and on tendentious and opaque charges potentially carrying a sentence of 60 years—amount to little more than a kidnapping.
Sri Lankan plantation strike: Abbotsleigh workers march to demand action committees and socialist policies
By our reporters, 8 December 2018
Yesterday’s march was organised by an action committee of Abbotsleigh Estate workers, following political interventions by the Socialist Equality Party.
Pakistan municipal workers protest for outstanding wages; Sri Lankan housing workers fight layoffs; New Zealand teachers reject new pay offer
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
8 December 2018
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At Washington’s behest
Canada arrests top Chinese executive for “sanctions busting”
By Keith Jones and Roger Jordan, 7 December 2018
The arrest and impending extradition to the US of Meng Wanzhou is a diplomatic and geopolitical provocation that has effectively blown up the US-China trade-war “truce” after less than a week.
Sri Lankan president uses executive powers to run government
By W.A. Sunil, 7 December 2018
Sirisena’s autocratic actions are another dangerous sign that dictatorial forms of rule are being prepared in Sri Lanka.
Japanese police detain Zengakuren activists for nearly three weeks
By Ben McGrath, 7 December 2018
The police measures used against this student group are part of a broader attack on basic democratic rights.
Jaffna (Sri Lanka) meeting celebrates 80th anniversary of the Fourth International
By R. Shreeharan, 6 December 2018
People from all over the Jaffna district heard Socialist Equality Party leaders explain the contemporary relevance of the Trotskyist movement’s historic struggle.
The Maldives: Pro-US President Solih sworn in
By Rohantha De Silva, 5 December 2018
Tolih’s administration will bring the Maldives into line with Washington’s military preparations for war against China and reorient the island-nation towards India.
Sri Lankan court blocks functioning of Rajapakse cabinet
By K. Ratnayake, 4 December 2018
An appeals court temporarily ordered that Rajapakse and his ministers cease exercising their powers—intensifying Sri Lanka’s political crisis.
While Modi touts India’s growth rate,
Four jobless youths commit suicide
By Kranti Kumara, 4 December 2018
There are more than 10 million annual entrants into India’s labor market. Yet a recent study found that less than a million new jobs were created in the first three years of the Modi-led BJP government.
Sri Lanka: Factional deadlock remains in lead up to Supreme Court ruling
By Pani Wijesiriwardena, 3 December 2018
President Sirisena has failed in his attempts to secure a parliamentary deal with the opposition UNP and TNA aimed at ending the country’s continuing political crisis.
India: Contract health workers remain on strike in Bihar; South Australian teachers strike over pay and conditions
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
1 December 2018
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Taiwan elections reveal widespread hostility to the ruling DPP
By Robert Campion, 30 November 2018
The results reflect discontent over deteriorating living standards and fears about the rising tensions between the US and China.
Colombo court detains Sri Lankan defence chief over civil war crimes
By Rohantha De Silva, 30 November 2018
The court magistrate said the military chief had to be denied bail because he could influence witnesses or disrupt ongoing investigations into the abduction of Tamil youth.
Around 100,000 Sri Lankan plantation workers walk out again for pay rise
By our correspondents, 30 November 2018
The plantation unions are determined to prevent industrial action by estate workers that could trigger mass action by other sections of the working class.
Rajapakse-aligned MPs boycott Sri Lankan parliament
By W.A. Sunil, 28 November 2018
The ongoing crisis has shattered the carefully cultivated image of parliament as an august and democratic assembly, engaging in serious discussion on issues of public interest.
US-South Korean tensions over stance towards North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 28 November 2018
US ultimatums to Pyongyang to denuclearise are threatening South Korean efforts to reduce tensions and engage with North Korea.
Amid Sri Lanka’s political crisis, the USP sets “left” trap for the working class
By Vilani Peiris and K. Ratnayake, 27 November 2018
The pseudo-left United Socialist Party’s call for a left alliance is aimed at promoting the illusion that one or other ruling faction can be pressured to defend the rights of working people.
Political turmoil in Sri Lanka intensifies as opposition takes control of parliament
By Pani Wijesiriwardena, 24 November 2018
The UNP-led opposition has submitted a motion to suspend funds to Rajapakse’s office of prime minister.
Ten thousand taxi drivers end protests in India; 1,600 rubber plantation workers strike in Bangladesh; New Zealand secondary teachers vote to strike
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
24 November 2018
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
Chinese president visits the Philippines
By Joseph Santolan, 22 November 2018
Xi Jinping visited Manila in the midst of Washington’s escalation of economic warfare against Beijing and advanced preparations for direct military conflict.
SEP (Sri Lanka) holds successful public meeting on political crisis
By our correspondents, 22 November 2018
The speakers stressed the necessity for the working class to adopt a socialist and internationalist program, in opposition to all factions of the ruling elite.
Sri Lankan political crisis exposes bankruptcy of Tamil nationalist parties
By K. Nesan and V. Gnana, 22 November 2018
After four years of a US-backed “Good Governance” government that collapsed last month, not a single issue facing the Tamil workers and poor has been resolved.
Sri Lanka: UNP demands Facebook protect identity of party supporters
By Wasantha Rupasinghe, 21 November 2018
UNP allegations that state authorities could be collaborating with Facebook to target its supporters came amid escalating infighting within the Sri Lankan political elite.
At APEC, PM puts Australia on frontline of US confrontation with China
By Peter Symonds, 21 November 2018
Australian Prime Minister Morrison lined up with US Vice President Pence at the recent APEC meeting, as China’s policies were denounced across the board.
Pakistan prime minister visits Beijing amid heightened US-China tensions
By Pradeep Ramanayaka, 21 November 2018
If Khan was hoping for an immediate financial bailout from China, he was disappointed as Beijing offered no specific aid and signed no significant agreements.
SEP (Sri Lanka) to hold lecture on “Lessons of History and the Fight for Socialism Today”
By the Socialist Equality Party (Sri Lanka), 21 November 2018
The lecture in Jaffna will focus on the political lessons of key strategic experiences of the 20th century for the working class and their contemporary relevance.
US vice president beats war drums in Asia
By Peter Symonds, 20 November 2018
Mike Pence in effect issued an ultimatum to China: either accept a subservient, semi-colonial status, or confront the full force of US diplomatic, economic and ultimately military weight.
Sri Lankan parliament adjourned amid ongoing political crisis
By K. Ratnayake, 20 November 2018
While claiming to be champions of “democracy,” the rival factions of the ruling class are both committed to implementing the IMF’s austerity demands and suppressing any opposition from working people.
Sri Lankan president’s “all party conference” fails to overcome political crisis
By Rohantha De Silva, 19 November 2018
Sirisena’s meeting followed three consecutive days of bitter and violent fighting in the parliament between the Rajapakse and Wickremesinghe factions.
Sri Lanka: Second no-confidence motion passed as violent clashes erupt in parliament
By W.A. Sunil, 17 November 2018
While the UNP and Sri Lanka’s parliamentary speaker claim victory for another no confidence vote, nothing is resolved.
Trump manoeuvres ahead of US-China trade talks
By Nick Beams, 17 November 2018
The central demand of the Trump administration is that Beijing scrap its “Made in China” program and adopt a subservient economic position in relation to the US.
Indian chrome miners strike over safety; Western Australian mine workers walkout over “wage theft”
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
17 November 2018
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
The political crisis in Sri Lanka: Its lessons for the international working class
By Keith Jones and K. Ratnayake, 16 November 2018
Only the Socialist Equality Party (Sri Lanka) fights for the working class to assert its own class interests, independently of and in opposition to both rival bourgeois camps.
Sri Lankan parliament rejects Rajapakse as prime minister
By Wasantha Rupasinghe, 15 November 2018
The major global powers are monitoring the developing political and constitutional crisis and firing off warning signals.
Sri Lanka crisis escalates as Supreme Court overturns Sirisena’s dissolution of parliament
By K. Ratnayake, 14 November 2018
The Supreme Court made its ruling after hearing 12 fundamental rights petitions challenging Sirisena’s dissolution of parliament on November 9.
Chinese regime cracks down on student labour activists
By Robert Campion, 14 November 2018
The repression is another sign of growing unrest in the working class and fear in the CCP regime that the involvement of students will politicise the strikes and protests.
Sri Lankan political crisis deepens: Prime minister splits from president
By W.A. Sunil, 13 November 2018
None of the factions of the ruling class will defend the basic rights of working people, but will ruthlessly impose the austerity dictates of the IMF and big business.
Fire at workers’ apartment in South Korea leaves seven dead
By Ben McGrath, 12 November 2018
Public safety continues to be ignored under the South Korean administration no less than under previous conservative governments.
Imelda Marcos convicted on seven counts of graft in the Philippines
By Joseph Santolan, 12 November 2018
The ruling handed down against Marcos after three decades of delays is an expression of the sharp crisis of political rule under President Duterte.
US-China talks signal worsening confrontation
By Peter Symonds, 12 November 2018
For years, first under Obama, then under Trump, the US has been engaged in an aggressive effort to undermine China economically, and encircle it militarily in preparation for war.
In another anti-democratic act, Sri Lankan president dissolves parliament
By K. Ratnayake, 10 November 2018
Sirisena’s dissolution of parliament exposes the degenerated state of parliamentary democracy and the Sri Lanka ruling elite’s moves towards dictatorial forms of rule.
Tamil nationalists support US-backed factions in Sri Lankan political crisis
By K. Nesan, 10 November 2018
The TNA is pursuing the same pro-imperialist course that led it to back the US-led regime change operation, that brought President Sirisena to power in 2015.
The kiss of death: Stalinists seek to tie Tamil Nadu auto strikes to right-wing parties
By Arun Kumar, 10 November 2018
Opposing all attempts to broaden the struggle, the Stalinists convened an “all party” meeting, where they touted the leaders of opposition parties and their affiliated unions as the strikers’ allies.
US, Japan conclude massive war games targeting China
By Ben McGrath, 10 November 2018
The Keen Sword exercises have placed additional pressure on China while further militarizing the western Pacific.
Thousands of Indian contract workers remain on strike; 29,000 New Zealand primary school teachers to take national strike action
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
10 November 2018
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
Safety questions emerge after 189 people die in Indonesian plane crash
By Oscar Grenfell, 9 November 2018
Indonesian authorities said the plane had suffered mechanical issues on the four flights before it crashed in the Java Sea.
Sri Lankan political coup: Rajapakse makes bogus promises to ease social crisis
By Saman Gunadasa, 8 November 2018
In a bid to deflect the opposition of working people, the newly installed prime minister announced token measures to assist workers, peasants and the poor.
Plantation unions move to shut down wage struggle amid Sri Lankan political crisis
By W. A. Sunil, 7 November 2018
The long-running plantation workers’ pay dispute has won powerful support from young people and other sections of the Sri Lankan working class.
Sri Lankan crisis: SLFP holds rally to defend political coup
By K. Ratnayake, 6 November 2018
Sirisena and Rajapakse appeared on the same platform, praising each other to the hilt, as major global powers press for the reconvening of parliament.
Indian Trotskyists to hold meeting on 80 years of the Fourth International
6 November 2018
The meeting in Chennai, which will also mark 50 years of Sri Lanka’s SEP, will outline the lessons of the protracted struggle for Trotskyism in South Asia and internationally.
Wigneswaran’s Tamil People’s Alliance: A trap for Sri Lankan workers
By K. Nesan and V. Gnana, 6 November 2018
Amid an international radicalization of the working class, the TPA aims to divide workers along ethnic lines and block the growth of the Socialist Equality Party.
Sri Lankan political crisis: Pseudo-left NSSP promotes UNP campaign
By K. Ratnayake, 5 November 2018
NSSP leader Karunaratne is desperately attempting to tie workers to the pro-US UNP and prevent the development of an independent movement of the working class.
Anwar Ibrahim wins seat and returns to Malaysian parliament
By John Roberts, 5 November 2018
Anwar’s re-entry into parliament will only heighten tensions in the unstable ruling coalition currently headed by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.
Trump manoeuvres in lead-up to talks with Chinese President Xi
By Nick Beams, 3 November 2018
The aim is either to extract major concessions from China or, failing that, create the best conditions for pressing ahead with trade war measures.
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