Eastern Asia
US-China trade deal pushed back
By Nick Beams, 6 April 2019
Trump emerged from a meeting with chief Chinese trade negotiator Liu He to say it would take at least four weeks to reach an agreement as he declined to set a date for a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Confrontation between Chinese and Taiwanese fighter jets
By Peter Symonds, 3 April 2019
The incident highlights the dangers of a war in Asia fueled by the Trump administration, which has deliberately inflamed the region’s volatile flashpoints.
US stages another provocation in the Taiwan Strait
By Ben McGrath, 26 March 2019
The move on Sunday is part of increased US military relations with Taiwan, risking a clash with China.
Joint US-South Korean war games amid rising tensions with North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 11 March 2019
While there is no return as yet to Trump’s previous bellicose threats of war, negotiations are clearly stalled, if not unravelling.
Canada gives go-ahead for Huawei executive’s extradition to US
By Nick Beams, 2 March 2019
A statement from Meng’s defence lawyers objected to the Canadian decision in the face of what it called “the political nature of the US charges.”
Second summit between Trump and Kim collapses with no agreement
By Ben McGrath, 1 March 2019
Talks collapsed on the second day of the summit in Vietnam with the two sides failing to produce any tangible results.
Enforcement and technology key issues in China trade deal, Lighthizer tells US Congress
By Nick Beams, 1 March 2019
The US Trade Representative made it clear the fundamental question is “structural reforms” in the Chinese economy.
Reports disclose super-exploitation of Chinese technology workers
By Pradeep Ramanayake, 26 February 2019
Some 85 percent of white-collar employees in China have to work overtime, with more than 45 percent reporting overtime of more than 10 hours a week.
Further blows to US anti-Huawei campaign
By Nick Beams, 23 February 2019
The Wall Street Journal has reported that the German government is “leaning towards letting Huawei … participate in building the nation’s high-speech internet infrastructure.”
US anti-Huawei campaign suffers a blow
By Nick Beams, 20 February 2019
According to a report in the Financial Times, the UK National Cyber Security Network has concluded that “it is possible to mitigate the risk from using Huawei equipment in 5G networks.”
No agreement on US-China trade with talks to continue
By Nick Beams, 16 February 2019
The next round will be virtually the last chance to reach a formal agreement before March 1, after which the US will increase tariffs—from 10 to 25 percent—on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods.
Trump to hold second summit with North Korean leader
By Peter Symonds, 13 February 2019
By holding out the prospect that North Korea could become an “economic powerhouse,” Trump is seeking to entice Pyongyang out of China’s orbit and into closer ties with the US.
Chinese authorities extract forced confessions from student activists
By Navin Dewage, 11 February 2019
The crackdown reflects the fear in the Chinese ruling circles of a political movement of the working class for social and democratic rights that challenges the government itself.
US-backed campaign for UN inquiry into China’s treatment of Uyghurs
By Peter Symonds, 7 February 2019
While the Beijing regime is undoubtedly engaged in repressive activities in Xinjiang, the US has cynically seized on the issue as part of its aggressive campaign on all fronts to pressure, weaken and undermine China.
No deal reached at US-China trade meeting
By Nick Beams, 2 February 2019
A statement issued by the White House at the conclusion of the discussions said Trump had reiterated that the US will increase tariffs unless an outcome is reached.
Australian political and media establishment intensifies anti-China campaign
By Oscar Grenfell, 31 January 2019
A coordinated political offensive is underway, aimed at legitimising Australia’s central role in the US confrontation with Beijing.
The drumbeat for war against China
Defense Intelligence Agency warns Chinese military is reaching “critical point of confidence”
By Gabriel Black, 30 January 2019
The DIA report aims to stoke fears of Chinese military expansion. However, by its own admission, China’s capacities, while growing, are dwarfed by the US.
China records lowest growth rate since 1990
By Nick Beams, 22 January 2019
National Bureau of Statistics head Ning Jizhe said the economy faced “downward pressure” and pointed to a “complicated and severe external environment” resulting from the US trade war.
Canada ramps up anti-China campaign as US threatens action against Huawei
By Roger Jordan, 19 January 2019
The Canadian government feels it can act so provocatively because its demonization of China is part of a broader offensive against Beijing led by US imperialism.
“Made in China 2025” at centre of US-China economic war
By Gabriel Black, 19 January 2019
The US regards the “Made in China 2025” initiative as a major threat to its own global economic and strategic domination.
Australian prime minister’s Pacific visit reinforces militarist line up against China
By Mike Head, 19 January 2019
The trip underscored the bullying nature of the turn by Canberra to reassert its predatory interests in the South West Pacific, and that of Washington, against Beijing.
Amid stalled US-North Korean talks, second Trump-Kim summit mooted
By Peter Symonds, 16 January 2019
The unstated aim of Trump’s diplomacy has been to “flip” North Korea—that is, to induce Pyongyang through threats and bribes to reorient away from Beijing and towards Washington.
Mine collapse in northern China leaves 21 dead
By Robert Campion, 14 January 2019
China is the largest producer of coal in the world and notorious for its poor safety record.
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.
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.
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.
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
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Falling growth rate sparks concern in China’s ruling circles
By Nick Beams, 2 November 2018
A Politburo statement reflected the growing anxiety in Beijing over the economy and the impact of US trade war measures.
Japanese PM visits China in bid to improve relations
By Peter Symonds, 1 November 2018
Abe’s efforts to end bitter exchanges with China come after both countries have been hit by the Trump administration’s trade war measures.
Chinese president tells military to prepare for war
By Peter Symonds, 30 October 2018
Xi Jinping’s speech was a response to the Trump administration’s aggressive actions in intensifying trade war and overtly readying for military conflict with both China and Russia.
Another US provocation against China: Two warships sail through Taiwan Strait
By Peter Symonds, 23 October 2018
The naval operation follows an inflammatory speech by US Vice-president Mike Pence earlier this month criticising China on all fronts.
Sharp decline in numbers in latest China Rich List
By Robert Campion, 23 October 2018
The fall reflects the impact of a slowing Chinese economy, the impact of the US trade war measures and sharp falls in China’s share markets this year.
China growth slows to lowest level since financial crisis
By Nick Beams, 22 October 2018
While the trade war launched by the US has yet to make a significant impact on growth, the official Chinese statement referred to what is called the “severe international situation.”
US places alleged “Chinese spy” on public trial
By Mike Head, 12 October 2018
The timing of the unprecedented extradition points to a new stage in the US drive to prevent China from becoming an economic or military threat to US global hegemony.
Pompeo visit heightens US-China rift
By James Cogan, 10 October 2018
Testifying to the fraught state of relations, China’s foreign minister publicly lambasted the United States.
US vice president issues bellicose diatribe against China
By Bill Van Auken, 5 October 2018
Pence’s speech came amid reports that the Pentagon is preparing massive and provocative military exercises as a show of force against China.
US and Chinese warships narrowly avoid collision in South China Sea
By Patrick O’Connor, 3 October 2018
Any misstep or accident in East Asia’s sea and airspace now threatens to trigger a full-scale war between the rival nuclear-armed powers.
After North America trade deal, Trump to escalate trade war against China
By Nick Beams, 3 October 2018
In a manner recalling a Mafia don, Trump made clear that the threat of auto tariffs was central in securing the trade agreement with Canada and Mexico.
Beijing university threatens Marxist student society
By Peter Symonds, 1 October 2018
The university has reacted to fears that not only politically radicalised students, but also China’s exploited working class, could threaten the CCP’s police-state regime.
US sells arms to Taiwan, confronts China
By Peter Symonds, 27 September 2018
The $330 million arms sale comes as the Trump administration is intensifying the US confrontation with China on all fronts—diplomatic, economic and military.
Japanese space agency lands two rovers on surface of asteroid
By Bryan Dyne, 26 September 2018
Although an asteroid was first landed on in 2001, the Japanese Hayabusa2 mission is the first to successfully deploy rovers on the surface of one.
Financial Times expresses concerns over Sri Lanka taking Chinese loans
By Naveen Dewage, 24 September 2018
The US, with the backing of India and Japan, is increasingly putting pressure on Sri Lanka not to deviate from its efforts to undermine and encircle China.
Beijing cancels trade talks with Washington after US sanctions China for weapons purchases
By Nick Beams, 22 September 2018
The moves mark a further escalation of trade and military tensions between the US and China.
Typhoon Mangkhut kills dozens in the Philippines, leaves trail of destruction in China and Hong Kong
By Oscar Grenfell, 18 September 2018
As in previous natural disasters, the poor and workers in low-paid precarious industries have been the hardest hit.
South Korean president in Pyongyang for summit on denuclearization
By Ben McGrath, 18 September 2018
Whatever the result of this week’s talks, it will do nothing to resolve the dangerous tensions in the Asia-Pacific.
Japanese prime minister seeks improved relations with Russia
By Ben McGrath, 17 September 2018
Japan is coming under increased pressure as a result of Washington’s protectionist measures, which are compounding instability throughout the Asia Pacific region.
Washington and Pyongyang in talks for second summit
By Ben McGrath, 13 September 2018
Trump is under pressure to ramp up the offensive against the targets of US imperialism.
Japan and China improve relations in face of US trade war measures
By Ben McGrath, 10 September 2018
The apparent thaw in what has been a frigid, and at times hostile, relationship underscores the destabilizing impact of Trump’s aggressive America First drive.
Police suppress protest over schools in debt-ridden Chinese city
By Pradeep Ramanayake, 10 September 2018
The immediate reason for the protest was a local government decision to cut costs in government schools by relocating all fifth and sixth grade students to private schools.
Many Japanese schools fail to meet earthquake-resistant standards
By Gary Alvernia, 7 September 2018
Schools in earthquake-prone Japan, which have endured decades of spending cuts, will receive no new funds for safety from Tokyo.
US push for sanctions of China over treatment of Uyghur minority
By Peter Symonds, 4 September 2018
Washington’s spotlighting of abuses has nothing to do with defending democratic rights but is aimed at stirring anti-Chinese sentiment and encouraging separatist movements in China.
Trump hits out at China over North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 3 September 2018
Trump’s criticism of China comes amid growing signs that talks over Pyongyang’s nuclear programs, following his summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, have stalled.
US threatens North Korea with resumption of war games
By Peter Symonds, 29 August 2018
Trump’s decision to halt talks with North Korea and resume joint military drills with South Korea could rapidly lead to the renewal of extreme tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
Trump cancels secretary of state’s trip to North Korea one day after its announcement
By Ben McGrath, 25 August 2018
The US president has directly linked his pressure on North Korea with the trade war with China, exposing the fraudulent nature of the “peace talks” with Pyongyang.
Trump backs talks with North Korea despite nuclear stalemate
By Peter Symonds, 23 August 2018
Trump’s bragging about his “good chemistry” with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un suggests that Washington hopes to align Pyongyang more closely with the US and against China.
Pentagon report targets China’s “expanding global influence”
By Peter Symonds, 21 August 2018
While the report focusses on China’s growing military capabilities and international reach, its build-up is dwarfed by the US military and its world-wide system of alliances and bases.
Japan: Tens of thousands on Okinawa denounce US base relocation plan
By Ben McGrath, 21 August 2018
Given that Okinawa is a major staging pointing for US military action in Asia, opposition to the base is intimately bound up with the struggle against militarism.
Google employees protest plans to build censored search engine in China
By Andre Damon, 18 August 2018
Google CEO Sundar Pichai confirmed Thursday that the company has worked to develop a censored version of its search engine in collaboration with the Chinese state.
Seoul and Pyongyang prepare for September summit while US intensifies campaign against North Korea
By Ben McGrath, 17 August 2018
Washington will only accept the complete subjugation of the North as it continues to raise tensions in the region with China.
Former Japanese defense minister announces challenge to Abe
By Ben McGrath, 14 August 2018
Ishiba is challenging current Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in a move designed to push him even further to the right.
Faulty vaccines spark public outrage in China
By Gary Alvernia, 8 August 2018
The scandal is the result of cost-cutting measures aimed at boosting profits and subordination of healthcare to the capitalist system.
Trump set to hike tariff threat against China
By Nick Beams, 2 August 2018
The US is actively considering escalating proposed tariffs on an additional $200 billion worth of Chinese goods to 25 percent up from the initial level of 10 percent.
US promotes Taiwanese submarine program, stoking further tensions with China
By Robert Campion, 30 July 2018
The Trump administration, backed by the Democrats and Republicans, is ramping up pressure on China through closer US involvement with Taiwan’s military.
Japan passes phony “work-style reform” bills
By Kurt Brown, 27 July 2018
The so-called reform bills will result in further attacks on workers, rather than improving their conditions.
Extreme weather in Japan has deadly impact on the elderly
By Gary Alvernia, 25 July 2018
The elderly are consistently the most affected victims of heat waves, floods, and other disasters, pointing to the social neglect of the aged by the Japanese government.
Leaked report reveals plans for martial law in South Korea
By Ben McGrath, 23 July 2018
The muted response to a secret military blueprint demonstrates that no faction within the country’s capitalist class defends even basic democratic rights.
EU and Japan sign trade deal
By Nick Beams, 19 July 2018
The deal was five years in the making but the impetus to have it finalised was increased by the US trade war measures that have targeted both parties.
US provocatively sends two warships through Taiwan Strait
By Peter Symonds, 10 July 2018
The naval transit coincided with the escalating trade war between the US and China, marked by the implementation of the Trump administration’s 25 percent tariff on $34 billion worth of Chinese imports.
Floods and landslides in Japan leave more than 100 dead
By Ben McGrath, 10 July 2018
Natural disasters in Japan are increasing as a result of climate change, but nothing is being done to address this crisis.
After nuclear talks, North Korea denounces Washington’s “gangster-like” demands
By Peter Symonds, 9 July 2018
The lack of progress towards any agreement between Washington and Pyongyang threatens a rapid slide back towards confrontation and war.
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
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
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.
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.
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