Asia
Indian government seizes on Kashmir attack to ratchet up tensions with Pakistan
By Deepal Jayasekera, 16 February 2019
New Delhi’s denunciations and blood-curdling threats are all but an announcement of an impending Indian military strike on Pakistan.
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.
Bangladesh steel workers demand wage rise; Australian coal haulage workers continue strike action; New Zealand bus drivers hold wildcat strikes
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
16 February 2019
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Sri Lankan president denounces opponents of the death penalty
By Vijith Samarasinghe, 15 February 2019
Sirisena not only wants reinstatement of executions but the endorsement of all human rights organisations.
Sri Lanka: SEP and Abbotsleigh workers’ committee organise picket to oppose witch hunt in plantations
By our reporters, 14 February 2019
The fight against the witch hunt in the plantations is bound up with the defence of the democratic rights of the working class from the onslaught of the capitalist class.
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.
Sri Lankan plantation companies rule out further wage increases after union sellout
By W.A. Sunil, 13 February 2019
The unions’ betrayal of protracted industrial and political action has cleared the way for further attacks on workers by the plantation companies.
“It is necessary to base our struggle not on one company or on one nation, but by mobilizing the workers of the world”
Maruti Suzuki workers in India send greetings to February 9 protest
12 February 2019
Jitender Dhankar, a member of the provisional committee of the Maruti Suzuki Workers Union (MSWU) in India, sent a message of solidarity to the workers and young people who participated in the February 9 demonstration against the factory closures and mass layoffs by General Motors.
The way forward to win wages and social rights
Workers Action Committee in Sri Lanka calls plantation workers’ conference
By the Abbotsleigh Estate Workers Action Committee, 12 February 2019
The conference will discuss the lessons of the recent plantation workers’ struggle and the political strategy needed to win their demands.
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.
Sri Lankan president’s Independence Day speech exposes deep crisis of rule
By Vijith Samarasinghe, 9 February 2019
Sirisena bemoaned the failure of successive governments but offered no solution, amid ongoing infighting in ruling circles and mounting opposition by working people to the worsening social crisis.
New York Times admission of Afghanistan fiasco provokes “human rights imperialist” backlash
By Bill Van Auken, 9 February 2019
The Times editorial supporting a US withdrawal from Afghanistan is a self-damning indictment of the entire “war on terror,” which the newspaper supported for the better part of two decades.
Over 200,000 Uttar Pradesh government employees strike; Bangladesh garment workers occupy factory; New Caledonia miners still on strike
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
9 February 2019
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Over 7,000 Bangladesh garment workers sacked after wage protests
By Wimal Perera, 8 February 2019
While the garment trade unions publicly bewail the mass sackings and arrests, these organisations have created the political conditions for the crackdown.
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.
Sri Lankan SEP public meetings to launch Tamil edition of The Russian Revolution and the Unfinished Twentieth Century
7 February 2019
The book is critical in exposing the many lies perpetrated about the Russian Revolution in 1917 and the subsequent degeneration of the Soviet Union.
India and the Maldives strengthen military ties
By Rohantha De Silva, 5 February 2019
In a clear jab against China, the two countries agreed not to allow their territories to “be used for any activity that is hostile to each other’s interest.”
Sri Lanka: 16 families homeless after fire at Bogawantalawa tea plantation
By A. Suresh and M. Thevarajah, 4 February 2019
The disaster again highlights the difficult and dangerous conditions facing Sri Lankan plantation workers and their families.
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.
India: Unions betray Tamil Nadu teachers’ and government workers’ strike
By Arun Kumar, 1 February 2019
The unions have cynically claimed that the shutdown of all industrial action is “temporary.”
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.
IMF to resume Sri Lankan loan program discussions
By Saman Gunadasa, 31 January 2019
The Sri Lankan government has assured the IMF of its commitment to “strong” austerity measures.
Indian state government fires hundreds of teachers as Tamil Nadu strike faces a crossroads
By Arun Kumar, 30 January 2019
By isolating striking teachers and government workers, the JACTTO-GEO, which has hundreds of thousands of members, has allowed the state government to intensify its anti-democratic attacks.
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.
Sri Lankan plantation workers protest unions’ sellout wage deal
By M. Thevarajah and W.A. Sunil, 29 January 2019
The unions, having suppressed an indefinite strike last month, are imposing an agreement in line with the demands of the plantation companies and the government.
Oppose the Sri Lankan plantation unions’ sellout agreement!
Resolution of the Abbotsleigh Estate Workers Action Committee, 29 January 2019
The following resolution, calling for the establishment of action committees at all estates and the rejection of a union sellout deal, was passed at a meeting of plantation workers on Sunday.
India: Striking Tamil Nadu teachers and government employees defy state repression
By Arun Kumar, 28 January 2019
In an attempt to break the strike, the state government has arrested hundreds of teachers who face charges of unlawful assembly and other bogus allegations.
Indian Trotskyists campaign for Kolkata meeting to mark the 80th anniversary of the Fourth International
By Arun Kumar and Ritwik Mitter, 26 January 2019
Indian university students discuss the rising danger of war and the betrayal by the Stalinist parties of the working class.
Two hundred thousand Indian midday meal workers still on strike; Tamil Nadu data entry workers protest: Tigerair pilots walkout in Australia
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
26 January 2019
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Indian teachers, government workers launch indefinite strike in Tamil Nadu
By Deepal Jayasekera, 25 January 2019
Defying mass arrests, 700,000 workers have been on strike since Tuesday, part of a growing global working class upsurge.
Striking Tamil Nadu teachers denounce state and central governments
By Sasi Kumar and Nanda Kumar, 25 January 2019
Protesting teachers told WSWS that all the parliamentary parties have inflicted similar attacks on pay and conditions.
Sri Lankan president praises Philippine-style “war on drugs”
By Vijith Samarasinghe, 23 January 2019
Sirisena’s support for Duterte’s death squads and police-state violence points to Sri Lankan preparations for dictatorial methods of rule.
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.
Following strike, Bangladesh employers sack hundreds of garment workers
By Rohantha De Silva, 22 January 2019
The workers were not given any warnings and have not been paid outstanding wages and benefits in direct violation of Bangladesh’s limited labour laws.
Duterte allies dominate Philippine midterm election campaign
By Joseph Santolan, 21 January 2019
The unanimity of Duterte’s coalition is based on its endorsement and expansion of state violence.
Maldives president launches “anti-corruption” campaign to undermine Chinese influence
By Rohantha De Silva, 21 January 2019
The purpose of the government’s investigation is to witch hunt former President Yameen and other pro-Chinese factions of the Maldives ruling elite.
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.
Hyundai and Samsung workers protest in India; Cambodian garment workers strike
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
19 January 2019
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
Indian government foreshadows harsher internet surveillance and censorship
By Wasantha Rupasinghe, 18 January 2019
The planned laws are part of vast array of anti-democratic measures being introduced by governments internationally to target and spy on internet users.
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.
Indian transit workers in Mumbai defy authorities, continue strike
By Kranti Kumara, 16 January 2019
As soon as the strike began, Maharashtra’s BJP state government invoked essential services legislation, threatening the strikers with mass incarceration, fines and dismissals.
Sri Lankan workers must oppose the witch-hunt of militant plantation workers
By M. Thevarajah, 16 January 2019
Plantation bosses, with the backing of the government, police and the unions, are attempting to intimidate estate workers and suppress their wage demands.
Bangladesh government oversees police attacks on protesting garment workers
By Wimal Perera, 16 January 2019
The Awami League-led government is seeking to suppress the wages movement with threats, police violence and victimisations.
Sri Lankan government proposes pay “formula” to end plantation workers’ struggle
By W.A. Sunil, 15 January 2019
The aim of the suggested three-year wage plan is to impose the burden of the crisis in the plantation industry onto workers.
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.
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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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
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
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
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
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
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
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.
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