Asia
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
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Social media giants work with Indian government to censor Internet
By Pradeep Ramanayake, 8 March 2018
The Modi government’s measures are part of escalating efforts by governments around the world to silence political dissent.
North Korea offers to enter talks to denuclearise
By Peter Symonds, 7 March 2018
Trump reacted positively to the announcement of possible talks with North Korea, but maintained Washington’s threats against the Pyongyang regime.
China’s National People’s Congress to install Xi as political strongman
By Peter Symonds, 6 March 2018
The CCP rules through a police-state regime that is handing extraordinary powers to Xi, driven by fears it will confront mounting social unrest and the danger of war.
Sri Lanka university workers maintain indefinite strike as union backtracks
By Saman Gunadasa, 6 March 2018
The trade unions were compelled to call the industrial action as workers’ unrest grew.
US media airs pretexts for preemptive attack on North Korea
By James Cogan, 3 March 2018
Newspaper articles indicate that a war crime of historic dimensions is being prepared.
EU threats add to pressure on Maldives government
By Rohantha De Silva, 3 March 2018
The EU, US and India are intensifying efforts to undermine Chinese influence on the strategically located Indian Ocean island nation.
India’s highest court upholds life sentences for framed-up Pricol workers
By Kranti Kumara, 28 February 2018
There are striking parallels between the company-state frame-up of the Pricol workers and the victimization of Maruti Suzuki workers—13 of whom have been jailed for life.
Amid continuing crisis, Sri Lankan government leaders continue fragile coalition
By K. Ratnayake, 27 February 2018
The ruling coalition was on the point of breaking up before the US and India intervened to demand that the national unity government continue.
South Korean president holds talks with top North Korean officials
By Ben McGrath, 26 February 2018
North Korea has offered to hold talks with the US, but the Trump administration is insisting that Pyongyang must first demonstrate its willingness to denuclearise.
Trump uses Australian PM’s visit to threaten North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 24 February 2018
Trump warned that if sanctions on North Korea did not work he would move to “phase two,” which could be “a very rough thing.”
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
24 February 2018
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Amid growing great power rivalry
Maldives political crisis deepens
By Rohantha De Silva, 23 February 2018
A strategically-located Indian Ocean archipelago, the Maldives has become a focal point of the increasingly explosive geopolitical competition between India and the US on one side, and China on the other.
Bangladesh opposition leader jailed for five years on corruption charges
By Rohantha De Silva, 22 February 2018
Prime Minister Sheik Hasina’s Awami League government is trying to bar Khaleda Zia from contesting the December elections.
The US signals tougher stance against Burma on Rohingya crisis
By John Roberts, 19 February 2018
Washington’s attitude to the humanitarian disaster is not determined by concern for the suffering of the Rohingya, but by its efforts to isolate China in the Indo-Pacific region.
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
17 February 2018
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Thousands to be sacked at GM factory in South Korea
By Ben McGrath, 15 February 2018
General Motors is demanding additional cuts to auto workers’ wages and conditions as it threatens to pull out of South Korea entirely.
China boosts censorship of social media
By Robert Campion, 15 February 2018
The Chinese regime justifies censoring the Internet in terms that are indistinguishable from those of the US government and corporate giants such as Google and Facebook.
Top US intelligence official declares “decision time” on North Korea coming closer
By Peter Symonds, 14 February 2018
Amid speculation about talks between North and South Korea, the US Director of National Intelligence was skeptical that Pyongyang would negotiate away its nuclear weapons.
Japan’s ruling party pushing to end constraints on military
By Ben McGrath, 14 February 2018
While the constitution has not prevented Japan from building a military, Prime Minister Abe is working to remove all legal barriers to the aggressive pursuit of Japanese interests.
Opposition party wins Sri Lankan local council elections
By K. Ratnayake, 12 February 2018
The vote is another indication of the mounting opposition of workers, rural poor and the youth to the country’s coalition government.
Workers strike in India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
10 February 2018
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Sri Lankan local elections: SEP holds public meetings in island’s north
By our correspondent, 9 February 2018
SEP candidates explained why an international socialist program is necessary to fight the government’s social austerity measures and attacks on democratic rights.
Earthquake hits Taiwan, killing eight people and injuring hundreds
By Eric Ludlow, 8 February 2018
Scores of people remain trapped in damaged buildings in Hualien, not far from the earthquake’s epicentre.
India strengthens ties with ASEAN countries
By Wasantha Rupasinghe, 5 February 2018
Modi’s manoeuvres with ASEAN are part of India’s transformation into a frontline state in Washington’s strategic offensive against China.
Trump administration presses for more options for war on North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 3 February 2018
Even as tensions appear to have eased on the Korean Peninsula with the Winter Olympics about to begin, the US is continuing its preparations for a military strike.
Seventy years after Sri Lankan independence: The record of capitalist decay and the necessity for socialism
By Vijith Samarasinghe and K. Ratnayake, 3 February 2018
Throughout the Indian subcontinent, there is no real independence from imperialism and the ruling classes have failed utterly to provide democratic rights and decent living standards for all.
India: First-ever visit by an Israeli PM used to strengthen strategic ties
By Wasantha Rupasinghe, 27 January 2018
India’s burgeoning military-strategic partnership with Israel dovetails with its ever-more pronounced alignment with Washington and its principal Asian allies, Japan and Australia.
Chinese workers protest over “black lung” disease; Indian auto-parts workers demonstrate
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
27 January 2018
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Striking cleaners occupy Korean university; Australian Paper plant workers strike indefinitely
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
20 January 2018
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Japan’s working poor
By Kurt Brown, 18 January 2018
There has been a huge increase in the proportion of the workforce engaged in poorly paid, part-time work.
False alarm of incoming missile in Japan
By Peter Symonds, 17 January 2018
The false alert, coming days after a similar incident in Hawaii, highlights the advanced preparations by the US and its allies for war with North Korea.
Stricken Iranian tanker sinks, causing major oil spill in East China Sea
By Robert Campion, 17 January 2018
After the ship exploded, all its crew members were presumed dead and concerns were raised about the worst petroleum condensate discharge in history.
Trump emphasises hostile stance on North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 15 January 2018
The latest fracas underscores the erratic character of the Trump administration’s stance toward North Korea.
Malaysian opposition chooses autocratic Mahathir as top candidate
By John Roberts, 15 January 2018
The “reformasi” opposition’s endorsement of Mahathir as its prime ministerial candidate underscores its utterly opportunist politics.
Indian unions betray Tamil Nadu bus strike
By Wasantha Rupasinghe, 13 January 2018
The unions ordered workers back to work without any of their demands being met and despite the fact that they had defied a court order to end the strike for a week.
India: Workers defend WSWS supporters against attack by union leaders
By our correspondents, 13 January 2018
The willingness of workers to defend the WSWS team is a reflection of growing sympathy for a socialist and internationalist perspective and hostility towards the unions.
Sri Lankan nurses strike over fingerprint attendance system; Australian power workers vote for industrial action
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
13 January 2018
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Two Koreas hold talks amid continuing acute tensions
By Peter Symonds, 10 January 2018
The meeting produced an agreement for North Korea to participate in the Winter Olympics, but did nothing to end the dangerous standoff over Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons.
Fuel tanker collision in East China Sea
By Robert Campion, 10 January 2018
The vessel could leak large quantities of oil into the East China Sea and threaten widespread pollution of coastal waters.
India: Bus strike cripples Tamil Nadu transport services
By Wasantha Rupasinghe, 10 January 2018
While the trade unions offer to compromise, the strikers have defied court orders, media propaganda and government threats to hire outside drivers and conductors.
Striking Tamil Nadu bus workers speak out
By Sasi Kumar and Moses Rajkumar, 10 January 2018
WSWS reporters spoke with several striking bus workers in Chennai who are engaged in the bitter struggle with the Tamil Nadu state government for higher wages.
Local government election in Sri Lanka: Support SEP campaign against austerity and war! Fight for a workers’ and peasants’ government!
By the Socialist Equality Party (Sri Lanka), 9 January 2018
The SEP is campaigning for the international socialist program needed by workers, youth and the poor, who are increasingly coming into struggle against the government’s attacks on their democratic rights and living standards.
US President Trump backs meeting between two Koreas
By Peter Symonds, 8 January 2018
Trump suggested the possibility of talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, even though he had threatened North Korea with nuclear annihilation just days earlier.
Bangladeshi teachers end “fast-unto-death”
By Nancy Hanover, 8 January 2018
“It is better to die here than return home with empty hands,” said one of thousands of Bangladeshi teachers fighting for a government-paid salary.
US suspends security aid to Pakistan as part of Afghan War push
By Jordan Shilton, 6 January 2018
The deepening of US-Pakistan tensions is bound up not just with the Afghan War, but also the growing polarization of the region between the Indo-US and Sino-Pakistani military-strategic alliances.
Talks between North and South Korea to proceed
By Peter Symonds, 6 January 2018
The meeting will take place under conditions of extreme tension as a result of the Trump administration’s campaign of “maximum pressure” to force North Korea to abandon its nuclear arsenal.
Thousands of private health care doctors strike in India
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
6 January 2018
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Chinese president orders troops to be “ready to fight”
By Mike Head, 5 January 2018
Like the US and other governments around the world, the Chinese regime is resorting to nationalism and militarism.
North and South Korea propose to hold talks
By Peter Symonds, 3 January 2018
The proposal came amid high tensions on the Korean Peninsula after bellicose US threats and crippling sanctions against North Korea.
Tensions between South Korea and Japan reemerge over “comfort women”
By Ben McGrath, 3 January 2018
The ruling Democratic Party of Korea and its predecessors have long used anti-Japanese sentiment to distract the public from their anti-working class policies.
India: Fourteen die in Mumbai fire
By Rohantha De Silva, 3 January 2018
The restaurant fire underscores the impact of India’s pro-market reforms, in which all safety concerns are subordinated to profit.
US president accuses China of illegal oil transfer to North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 30 December 2017
Trump’s tweet declaring Beijing was “caught RED HANDED” smacks of a contrived provocation aimed at ramping up tensions with China and North Korea.
US and India pressure Sri Lanka over port deal with China
By Saman Gunadasa, 30 December 2017
Mounting government debt has forced the Colombo government to turn to China for financial help.
Hyundai autoworkers rejected pay deal; Taiwan workers protest industrial laws
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
30 December 2017
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Indian ICFI supporters call public meeting in Kolkata to mark Russian Revolution centenary
29 December 2017
The Kolkata meeting will discuss the political and theoretical struggles led by Lenin and Trotsky and their significance for today.
Typhoon ravages southern Philippines
By John Roberts, 28 December 2017
A significant factor in the deaths and injuries was the failure of the authorities to evacuate people from the most vulnerable areas.
Left Alliance wins Nepal’s elections
By W. A. Sunil, 27 December 2017
In response to the alliance’s victory, the US and India will intensify their interventions to combat China’s growing influence in the country.
UN imposes harsh new sanctions on North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 23 December 2017
The latest measures, drawn up by Washington, represent a last-ditch attempt to force North Korea to abandon its nuclear arsenal.
Japan’s cabinet approves draft budget that boosts the military
By Ben McGrath, 23 December 2017
Tokyo’s buildup of weaponry further aligns it with the US in preparation for war with North Korea and China.
Indian telecommunication workers strike, Australian coal terminal workers impose bans
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
23 December 2017
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Socialist Equality Party (Sri Lanka) stands for local government elections
By our correspondents, 23 December 2017
The SEP is the only party contesting the elections on an internationalist and socialist program against the looming threat of a world war, social counter-revolution and dictatorial rule.
Maldives and China sign free trade agreement
By Rohantha De Silva, 22 December 2017
Maldives has become a focal point of geo-political rivalry between the US and India on one side and China on the other.
US will “compel” North Korea to denuclearise
By Peter Symonds, 21 December 2017
Trump’s National Security Adviser McMaster said the president had ordered him to “to continue to refine a military option should we have to use it.”
South Korean and Chinese leaders meet over North Korea, economic ties
By Ben McGrath, 21 December 2017
The summit between the two presidents will do nothing to alleviate the growing danger of war in Northeast Asia.
SEP in Sri Lanka pays tribute to Keerthi Balasuriya
By our correspondent, 20 December 2017
Balasuriya’s untimely death in December 1987 “cut short an invaluable and devoted service to the cause of international socialism.”
US secretary of state issues new ultimatum to North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 16 December 2017
If North Korea does not give up its nuclear arsenal, the US is not only demanding an international economic blockade, but preparing to attack Pyongyang.
Indian Trotskyists hold meeting for release of Maruti Suzuki workers
By our correspondents, 16 December 2017
The Sriperumbudur public meeting was held despite the illegal attempt by Indian police to disrupt it.
Indian state government sacks 500 striking health workers, South Australian cash delivery guards locked out
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
16 December 2017
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Trump administration scotches suggestion of talks with North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 14 December 2017
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson’s offer of talks without pre-condition was quickly followed by a White House official declaring that “now is not the time.”
BJP and Congress Party stoke reaction in Gujarat state election
By Arun Kumar and Kranti Kumara, 14 December 2017
While the Congress Party is benefiting from popular anger over mass joblessness, it has mounted a foul campaign, competing with the BJP to prove its Hindu bonafides and making reactionary casteist appeals.
Sri Lankan unions betray railway workers’ strike
By W.A. Sunil, 14 December 2017
Rail unions axed the strike because it represented a direct challenge to the government’s austerity policies and threatened to draw in other sections of workers.
Gruesome murder case in Japan reflects social alienation and despair
By Gary Alvernia, 12 December 2017
The media has been quick to sensationalise every detail of the murders, while completely ignoring any broader examination of their social causes.
Sri Lankan railway workers defy government ban on strike
By W.A. Sunil, 12 December 2017
The government’s intervention against the stoppage is part of a broader crackdown on social and political opposition.
Mass eviction of rural migrant workers from Chinese capital
By Robert Campion, 11 December 2017
With some given as little as 15 minutes notice, migrant workers are being expelled from Beijing in droves and their homes demolished behind them.
Is the United States on the brink of nuclear war?
By Andre Damon, 11 December 2017
In the 13 days since North Korea tested an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching large portions of North America, the US has further escalated its war threats.
Further signs of looming US war with North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 9 December 2017
Out of the blue, Trump officials have suggested that US athletes might not compete in the Winter Olympics in South Korea due to security concerns.
Thai junta uses arms find to justify political repression
By our reporter, 9 December 2017
Without a shred of evidence, the Thai military has immediately linked the arms cache to its political opponents.
Health workers strike in India, Cambodian garment workers walkout over wages
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
9 December 2017
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Canada to co-host meeting with US to prepare for war with North Korea
By Roger Jordan, 2 December 2017
References to a negotiated settlement are for public consumption alone, with the Trudeau government well aware that a conflict on the Korean peninsula is deeply unpopular.
Hyundai auto workers end strike, Sri Lankan bankworkers begin national protests
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
2 December 2017
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Free the Maruti Suzuki autoworkers
Indian ICFI supporters to hold a public meeting in Sriperumbudur
27 November 2017
The meeting will discuss the internationalist foundations of the struggle to release the framed-up Maruti Suzuki workers. The speeches will be given in Tamil and English and streamed live via Facebook on December 10 at 10am.
Sri Lanka: IMF-dictated budget deepens austerity and privatisation
By Saman Gunadasa, 25 November 2017
Colombo’s socially regressive budget, which will heavily impact on the working masses, is to repay debt and interest to global finance capital.
Indian Stalinists split over whether to openly ally with big-business Congress Party
By Wasantha Rupasingha, 24 November 2017
The rival CPM factions have no fundamental or principled differences, but merely disagree over which rightwing course the party should pursue.
US sanctions against North Korea target China
By Peter Symonds, 23 November 2017
Washington is determined to exploit the confrontation with Pyongyang to undermine China economically and strategically.
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