Asia
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.
Another war threat: Trump rules out talking to North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 31 August 2017
If negotiations are not an option, the only conclusion that can be drawn is that the US is preparing to attack North Korea militarily.
Indian ICFI supporters hold meeting against US-led war drive
By our correspondents, 31 August 2017
Despite police efforts to block the meeting, participants discussed how Washington’s war plans and India’s partnership with the US are intensifying geopolitical tensions in the region.
Trump threatens North Korea with war
By Peter Symonds, 30 August 2017
By declaring “all options are on the table,” Trump effectively ruled out strong hints last week that a peaceful solution to the standoff could be found.
Australian government offers to send troops to the Philippines
By Mike Head, 30 August 2017
Confronting a deepening political crisis at home, Malcolm Turnbull is seeking to don the mantle of a wartime prime minister.
Sri Lanka’s port deal with China increases concerns in US and India
By Vijith Samarasinghe, 30 August 2017
The US has been pursuing a military and strategic buildup against China and wants Sri Lanka kept in its orbit.
Amid high tensions, North Korea fires intermediate-range missile over Japan
By Peter Symonds, 29 August 2017
US and South Korean military commanders reportedly agreed to an early, tough response, including “military measures,” to demonstrate “the alliance’s strong will.”
India, China pull back from clash over Himalayan ridge
By Keith Jones, 29 August 2017
The principal factor in the deterioration of Indo-Chinese relations is India’s integration into Washington’s military-strategic offensive against China.
Former Thai PM flees as junta intensifies crackdown
By John Roberts and Peter Symonds, 29 August 2017
The US has effectively given the green light to the military regime’s repressive methods by inviting the 2014 coup leader and current prime minister to Washington to meet Trump.
Muted US response to North Korean short-range missile launches
By Peter Symonds, 28 August 2017
While US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has suggested that talks might be possible, he has continued to stress that the US still has a military option to deal with North Korea.
Growing concerns in Bangladesh over India-China tensions
By Rohantha De Silva, 28 August 2017
The rivalry between these two nuclear armed countries could develop into a war has far-reaching implications for South Asia and internationally.
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
26 August 2017
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Sri Lankan president sacks justice minister
By K.Ratnayake, 25 August 2017
Wijedasa Rajapakse’s dismissal is a calculated move by the government to posture as opponents of corruption and undermine political opponents.
US hits China, Russia with punitive sanctions over North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 23 August 2017
The targeting of Chinese companies makes clear that Washington is exploiting the tense standoff with North Korea as part of its wider confrontation with Beijing.
Sri Lankan government establishes phony Office on Missing Persons
By Vijith Samarasinghe, 21 August 2017
None of the UNHRC’s resolutions on war crimes in Sri Lanka have had anything to do with concern for the human rights of the victims.
US pushes ahead with provocative war games in South Korea
By Peter Symonds, 21 August 2017
By proceeding with the Ulchi-Freedom Guardian exercises, the US is once again deliberately inflaming its confrontation with North Korea.
IMF sharpens its warning on “dangerous” Chinese debt growth
By Nick Beams, 18 August 2017
According to the IMF, the increased Chinese debt, resulting from government efforts to stimulate the economy, could lead to a financial crisis.
China accelerates privatisation of state-owned enterprises
By Gary Alvernia, 18 August 2017
The conversion of SOEs to joint-stock companies is a form of back-door privatisation that will intensify the attacks on Chinese workers’ jobs and conditions.
Earthquake in China kills 25
By Robert Campion, 18 August 2017
Since the devastating quake in Sichuan Province in 2008, little has been done to address the quality of building materials in the countryside.
A temporary step back in US-North Korean tensions
By Peter Symonds, 17 August 2017
The confrontation on the Korean Peninsula remains on a hair trigger and a mistake or miscalculation could plunge the world into war.
At least 21 children die in an Indian hospital as oxygen supplies run out
By Wasantha Rupasinghe, 17 August 2017
In a desperate attempt to save the lives of their dying children, parents used pumps to force air into their lungs.
Sri Lankan foreign minister resigns amid intensifying government crisis
By W.A. Sunil, 16 August 2017
The resignation was a desperate political manoeuvre to avoid a political rift in the government under conditions of growing social unrest.
Tamil nationalists back stepped-up police-state repression in Sri Lanka
By K. Nesan, 16 August 2017
Over the last three weeks, police and Special Task Force units have arrested about 100 people in Sri Lanka’s Tamil-majority Jaffna peninsula.
Seventy years since the communal Partition of South Asia
By Keith Jones, 16 August 2017
The Partition was one of the great crimes of the 20th century—a crime that has shaped, or more precisely deformed, the entire subsequent history of South Asia.
New Zealand government would “consider” joining US war against North Korea
By Tom Peters, 15 August 2017
For the government and opposition parties alike, the threat of war has been the great unmentionable in their campaigns for the September 23 election.
As Trump initiates hostile trade inquiry against China
US defence secretary threatens war with North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 15 August 2017
Mattis’s remarks came in the aftermath of bellicose threats by President Trump last week to engulf North Korea in “fire and fury like the world has never seen.”
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
12 August 2017
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Danger of India-China border war grows
By K. Ratnayake, 10 August 2017
The standoff between Indian and Chinese troops on the Doklam Plateau is continuing, amid growing warnings of an impending military clash.
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
5 August 2017
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China rejects Trump’s accusations over North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 2 August 2017
Beijing’s determination not to be bullied into tougher action against North Korea sets the stage for an escalating US confrontation not only with Pyongyang, but also China.
Indonesian government bans Hizbut Tahrir
By John Roberts, 1 August 2017
The Widodo government fears that growing political instability will generate a social movement from below and is adopting draconian anti-democratic measures.
Sri Lankan free trade workers express solidarity with framed-up Maruti Suzuki workers in India
By our reporters, 1 August 2017
Workers responded enthusiastically to the international defense campaign and related their own experiences of sweatshop conditions and fighting state repression.
Trump slams China over North Korean missile
By Peter Symonds, 31 July 2017
Trump’s tweets are another sign that the White House is actively considering far more aggressive methods, including military strikes against North Korea.
Pakistan plunges deeper into crisis as prime minister ousted on corruption charges
By Sampath Perera, 31 July 2017
The immediate beneficiary of Sharif’s ouster and the weakening of the PML (N) government is Pakistan’s politically powerful military.
Maldives president mobilises military and police against opposition MPs
By Wasantha Rupasinghe, 31 July 2017
Intense political infighting in Maldives is driven by US-India geo-political manoeuvres against China.
Japan’s defense minister resigns in wake of scandal
By Ben McGrath, 29 July 2017
Inada’s resignation is an attempt to reverse the drastically falling support for the Abe government.
US generals discuss “military options” after North Korean missile test
By Peter Symonds, 29 July 2017
Yesterday’s launch of a long-range missile will only heighten the clamour in Washington for action, including military strikes and regime-change operations.
Indian Stalinists support Modi government in military standoff with China
By Wasantha Rupasinghe and Keith Jones, 29 July 2017
India’s Stalinists have pledged their support for the BJP government in the India-China border crisis, even as they concede that the crisis has been provoked by India’s emergence as a “subordinate ally of US imperialism.”
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
29 July 2017
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US military declares “time is running out” before war with North Korea
By James Cogan, 28 July 2017
The situation is rendered even more volatile and dangerous by the besieged character of the Trump presidency.
Aisin Automotive workers in India’s Haryana state face a new company-government witchhunt
By Jai Sharma, 28 July 2017
The workers are being subjected to a joint company-government vendetta for fighting slave labor conditions in an attack similar to that faced by Maruti Suzuki workers.
Sri Lankan government deploys army to break oil workers’ strike
By Shree Haran and W. A. Sunil, 27 July 2017
The government’s turn to military repression is aimed at intimidating the entire working class.
US accuses China of unsafe mid-air encounter
By Peter Symonds, 26 July 2017
The incident involving a US spy plane and Chinese fighters highlights the acute tensions generated by Washington’s repeated threats to attack North Korea.
Independent Inquiry Committee holds meeting on Sri Lankan garbage dump collapse
By our correspondent, 26 July 2017
The Independent Workers’ Inquiry called by the SEP will expose the class roots of the Meethotamulla disaster and the culpability of successive governments.
In landslide vote, Philippine legislature extends martial law
By Joseph Santolan, 25 July 2017
The wholesale embrace of martial law by the Filipino ruling elites is a sharp expression of the crisis of class rule around the globe amid intensifying class tensions.
India: Stalinist-backed “common opposition” candidate crashes out in presidential election
By Deepal Jayasekera, 25 July 2017
The Stalinists parties have responded to the Indian ruling elite’s embrace of social reaction by redoubling their efforts to subordinate workers to the political establishment.
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