South East Asia
Indonesian factory fire claims lives of 30 women and children
By Owen Howell, 6 July 2019
The tragic deaths of factory employees is yet another example of the national government showing its indifference for the working poor.
Widodo predicted to be re-elected as Indonesian president
By Peter Symonds, 16 April 2019
Tomorrow’s election involves carefully vetted candidates backed by rival factions of the Indonesian ruling class, none of whom represents the interests of workers and the rural poor.
Thai military junta holds rigged election
By John Roberts and Peter Symonds, 1 April 2019
After seizing power in 2014, the regime has repeatedly delayed any poll, fearing a voter backlash.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Imelda Marcos convicted on seven counts of graft in the Philippines
By Joseph Santolan, 12 November 2018
The ruling handed down against Marcos after three decades of delays is an expression of the sharp crisis of political rule under President Duterte.
Safety questions emerge after 189 people die in Indonesian plane crash
By Oscar Grenfell, 9 November 2018
Indonesian authorities said the plane had suffered mechanical issues on the four flights before it crashed in the Java Sea.
Anwar Ibrahim wins seat and returns to Malaysian parliament
By John Roberts, 5 November 2018
Anwar’s re-entry into parliament will only heighten tensions in the unstable ruling coalition currently headed by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.
Indonesia’s earthquake catastrophe
By Tom Peters, 6 October 2018
The disaster has been made immeasurably worse by poverty, social inequality and the refusal of the Indonesian and international ruling elites to ensure the protection of the population.
Anger grows as Indonesian tsunami disaster worsens
By Mike Head, 4 October 2018
Because of the lack of government and international assistance, desperate residents have been reduced to scavenging for food in wrecked houses, shops, farms and orchards.
Indonesian tsunami relief grossly inadequate as death toll tops 1,200
By Tom Peters, 2 October 2018
Among survivors, there is growing outrage over the lack of assistance and the absence of a functioning tsunami warning system.
More than eight hundred dead after earthquakes and tsunami strike Indonesia
By John Braddock, 1 October 2018
Fourteen years after the 2004 tsunami killed up to 230,000 people, governments throughout the region and internationally have done nothing to prevent a similar mass tragedy.
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.
Political showdown erupts in the Philippines
By Joseph Santolan, 14 September 2018
The battlelines between President Duterte and Senator Trillanes express the twin pressures upon the Filipino ruling class of geopolitical tensions and mounting social unrest.
Cambodia’s autocratic regime desperately tries to legitimise its rule
By John Roberts, 1 September 2018
The opposition CNRP undoubtedly has ties to the US, but Hun Sen’s politically bankrupt regime is resorting to blatantly anti-democratic methods to retain power.
Sri Lankan fishermen demonstrate to demand fuel price reductions
By Naveen Dewage, 30 August 2018
The MVOA appealed to the government to lower fuel prices, but it responded by police armed with batons and water cannons, who set up barricades to block the march.
Malaysian PM in China criticises “new colonialism”
By Peter Symonds, 28 August 2018
Prime Minister Mahathir has suspended key Chinese-based infrastructure projects, dealing a significant blow to China’s signature Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Manila moves toward major arms purchase from Russia
By Joseph Santolan, 25 August 2018
The Pentagon, which has been systematically escalating military tensions with Russia, has not taken kindly to Washington’s former colony improving relations with Moscow.
Death toll rises to almost 400 after another Indonesian earthquake
By John Harris, 13 August 2018
Residents of Lombok have expressed mounting frustration over the inadequate government response to a series of deadly quakes.
US aggression on Korea, trade overshadows Southeast Asian meetings
By Mike Head, 7 August 2018
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo used the occasion to warn Russia, China and others against any breach of US-led sanctions that North Korea still faces.
Almost 100 confirmed dead after Indonesian earthquake
By Oscar Grenfell, 7 August 2018
Many of the flattened structures on Lombok were not earthquake resistant, and the rescue effort has been hampered by a lack of equipment.
Death toll continues to climb from Laos dam disaster
By John Harris, 7 August 2018
Survivors in Attapeu suggest that hundreds of people could have been killed when the dam collapsed late last month.
More than 20 killed and hundreds missing from dam disaster in Laos
By John Harris, 26 July 2018
An earth-filled dam collapsed on July 24, sending around 5 billion cubic metres of water into the valley below.
A quarter century since the Thai toy factory fire
By Richard Phillips, 14 July 2018
The Kader fire exposed the rapacious character of global capitalism, which was not improving factory conditions but further undermining them.
The Thailand cave rescue and the humanitarian hypocrisy of imperialism
By Bill Van Auken, 10 July 2018
The outpouring of human solidarity, international cooperation and the employment of unlimited resources in the efforts to rescue 12 Thai boys and their coach from a flooded cave complex stands in stark contrast to the routine treatment of youth by global capitalism.
Another Indonesian ferry disaster, 34 confirmed dead
By John Harris, 9 July 2018
The tragedy is the third in a month, highlighting the woefully inadequate maritime infrastructure and regulatory apparatus that is the responsibility of successive governments.
Delhi Metro rail threatened with India’s essential services laws; New Zealand teachers vote in favour of strike
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
7 July 2018
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
Former Malaysian prime minister arrested and charged
By Peter Symonds, 5 July 2018
The 1MDB corruption affair is bound up with tensions fuelled by global economic instability and geo-political conflicts, especially between the US and China.
After a protracted delay, full Malaysian ministry sworn in
By Peter Symonds, 3 July 2018
The fact that it has taken nearly two months to assemble a full ministry is a sign of the deep, underlying divisions within the five-party ruling coalition.
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.
Over 193 feared dead in another Indonesian ferry disaster
By John Harris, 23 June 2018
The wooden ferry was reportedly carrying over five times its legal capacity of 43 passengers and there were only 45 life jackets on-board.
New Malaysian government formed amid internal and global tensions
By John Roberts, 30 May 2018
Mahathir’s cabinet highlights the potential for conflict in the new coalition government.
Indian port workers to walk out, 30,000 municipal workers remain on strike in Haryana state
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
26 May 2018
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
Delivery drivers strike in China, Korean Airline pilots and workers demand dismissal of company chairman
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
12 May 2018
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
Malaysian election: A political shock in South East Asia
By John Roberts, 11 May 2018
The ousting of the 61-year UMNO-led government will have ramifications beyond Malaysia.
Trump and Abe meet amid war and domestic crisis
By Peter Symonds, 18 April 2018
The two longstanding military allies—the US and Japan—are united in their determination to contain and confront China, but are increasingly at odds over the means for doing so.
Malaysian parliament dissolved for snap general election
By John Roberts, 11 April 2018
The government is using every means at its disposal to undermine the opposition and reverse its poor results at the 2013 elections.
Aircraft carrier visit cements Vietnam’s alignment with Washington
By James Cogan, 10 March 2018
Vietnam’s strategic importance to US imperialism stems primarily from how it can be used against China.
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
10 March 2018
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
17 February 2018
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
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.
Surat terbuka untuk Google: Berhentikan penyensoran Internet! Berhentikan blacklisting politik terhadap World Socialist Web Site!
15 January 2018
Google memanipulasi mesin pencariannya untuk membatasi kesadaran umum dan akses ke situs internet sosialis, anti-perang dan golongan-golongan kiri.
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.
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.
MSF survey provides clear evidence of the Burmese military’s mass murder
By John Roberts, 19 December 2017
Médecins Sans Frontières conservatively estimated that 6,700 Rohingya were killed in Burma’s Rakhine state in the month August 25 to September 24.
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.
Over 100 killed after typhoon batters Vietnam
By Kayla Costa, 10 November 2017
Typhoon Damrey, the biggest storm to have hit Vietnam in two decades, led to widespread suffering and the destruction of infrastructure.
Trump begins 12-day visit to Asia to build war coalition against North Korea
By James Cogan, 4 November 2017
The visit symbolically began with a visit by the president to the Pearl Habor naval base, where war between the US and Japan for dominance over Asia began in December 1941.
Indonesia: At least 47 dead in Jakarta factory fire
By John Roberts, 1 November 2017
The deadly blaze at a fireworks plant in Tangerang was the product of sweat shop conditions imposed by the company and Indonesian authorities.
Burmese government continues persecution of Rohingya minority
By Kayla Costa, 31 October 2017
The US is backing the Burmese regime, as it commits “killings, torture, rape and arson” against the Rohingya ethnic minority.
Cambodian government expels opposition party from parliament
By John Roberts, 30 October 2017
The measures will effectively wipe out the results of two elections and give the Cambodian People’s Party unchallengeable control of every level of government.
Australian troops sent to the Philippines despite end of Marawi siege
By Mike Head, 27 October 2017
Another far-reaching military commitment has been made without any parliamentary debate, let alone any approval by the Australian population.
Documents show US participation in 1965-66 massacres in Indonesia
By Mike Head, 25 October 2017
Up to one million workers, peasants and supporters of the Indonesian Communist Party were murdered, in one of the greatest imperialist crimes of the 20th century.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
US warship intrudes into Chinese-claimed waters in South China Sea
By Peter Symonds, 3 July 2017
The US naval provocation, following the approval of a large arms deal with Taiwan and US sanctions on Chinese companies, heightens the risk of war with China.
Ex-CIA chief calls for “firm” Australian action against China
By Mike Head, 26 June 2017
David Petraeus’ appearance at the Liberal Party dinner was the latest intervention into Australian politics by visiting senior figures within the US military-intelligence complex.
Indonesian president supports military role in new “anti-terror” law
By John Roberts, 17 June 2017
The legislation will significantly reverse limitations placed on the military’s internal security role following the fall of the Suharto dictatorship.
Terror scare inflames martial law crisis in the Philippines
By Joseph Santolan, 2 June 2017
Over 22 million Filipinos on the southern island of Mindanao have been living under conditions of military dictatorship for the past week.
Thousands of workers on strike at Freeport mine in Papua
By Oscar Grenfell, 31 May 2017
The industrial action at the second-largest copper mine in the world reflects mounting social unrest in Indonesia.
Political tensions in Indonesia after jailing of Jakarta governor
By John Roberts, 27 May 2017
Basuki has withdrawn an appeal over his jail sentence in line with ruling elite concerns about possible unrest generated by intense social divisions.
US warship carries out “freedom of navigation” exercise in Chinese-claimed waters
By James Cogan, 26 May 2017
China’s foreign ministry said the move “undermined China’s sovereignty and security,” and risked causing “unexpected air and sea accidents.”
Trump invites Philippine President Duterte to the White House
By Joseph Santolan, 2 May 2017
As part of the advanced preparations for war with North Korea, Trump has called the Philippine president with an invitation for a state visit to Washington.
Incumbent Jakarta governor defeated in bitter electoral contest
By John Roberts, 20 April 2017
A virulent chauvinist campaign against Governor Basuki was a means of diverting the rising unrest generated by the pro-business program that he shares with President Widodo.
On the Communist Party of the Philippines’ support for fascistic President Duterte
By Joseph Santolan, 15 March 2017
Joma Sison and the Maoist CPP have played a politically criminal role in promoting the fascistic Duterte administration and defusing opposition to it.
Leading opposition senator arrested in the Philippines
By Joseph Santolan, 1 March 2017
Senator de Lima’s arrest is an expression of the advanced political crisis in the country which is rooted in the dispute within the ruling class over Manila’s geopolitical orientation.
Jakarta election points to social unrest in Indonesia
By John Roberts, 22 February 2017
A chauvinist Islamist campaign against the incumbent governor is seeking to capitalise on the mass discontent of some of the poorest sections of the population.
US conducts show of force in South China Sea
By Mike Head, 20 February 2017
The USS Carl Vinson’s operation is being mounted amid a sharp escalation in US trade war and military threats against China since the inauguration of Trump.
Duterte militarises the “war on drugs” in the Philippines
By Dante Pastrana, 13 February 2017
Making the military responsible for continuing the state-sanctioned killings is a marked development in Duterte’s drive toward dictatorial power and military rule.
Chinese foreign minister warns against war with the US
By Peter Symonds, 9 February 2017
Trump’s top adviser Steve Bannon declared last March there was “no doubt” that the US would go to war with China over the South China Sea in “five to ten years.”
Philippine President Duterte declares “all-out war” against Maoist party
By Joseph Santolan, 8 February 2017
The party has strongly supported Duterte but the peace talks were undermined by the military and by a section of the leadership of the CPP’s armed wing.
Senior Chinese military official warns of rising danger of war
By Peter Symonds, 31 January 2017
The remarks reflect growing concerns in the Chinese regime over the bellicose remarks of Trump and his advisers toward Beijing.
Trump threats on South China Sea heighten risk of nuclear war
By Peter Symonds, 25 January 2017
The only means of barring China from access to its islets in the South China Sea is a naval and air blockade, an act of war.
Philippine President Duterte threatens martial law
By Joseph Santolan, 25 January 2017
Duterte warned that he would impose military rule to “complete the slaughter” in his war on drugs.
Trial of Jakarta governor signals wider political turmoil in Indonesia
By John Roberts and Peter Symonds, 9 January 2017
The campaign against Basuki is a sign of sharpening rivalry among Indonesia’s political elites, amid growing economic uncertainty and a widening social gulf between rich and poor.
Indonesian military suspends “cooperation” with Australia
By James Cogan, 6 January 2017
The incident sheds light on the deep concerns in the Indonesian military over the prospect of the country becoming embroiled in a confrontation between China and the US.
At least 23 dead, 17 missing in Indonesian ferry disaster
By Oscar Grenfell, 4 January 2017
The tragic toll from the accident appears to have been caused by overcrowding, a lack of life jackets and other lax safety practices.
Russia proposes joint military exercises with the Philippines in the South China Sea
By Joseph Santolan, 4 January 2017
The proposal was made as two Russian warships visited the Philippines in the first official navy-to-navy contact between the two countries.
Manila to investigate claims of a US plot to oust Philippine president
By Joseph Santolan, 28 December 2016
According to the Manila Times, former US Ambassador Goldberg drew up detailed plans for the removal of Duterte from office over the course of the next year and a half.
Trump endorses Duterte’s murderous drug war in the Philippines
By Joseph Santolan, 13 December 2016
Trump’s call to Duterte was not just to shore up damaged relations with an ally against China, it expressed Trump’s enthusiasm for police state measures within the US.
Human toll rises after Indonesian earthquake
By John Braddock, 13 December 2016
A hundred people are dead and nearly 84,000 displaced in the worst disaster to hit Aceh since the 2004 tsunami.
Malaysian PM appeals to Malay chauvinism at party assembly
By John Roberts, 10 December 2016
Despite his appearance of strength at the UMNO assembly, the ground is shifting rapidly under Najib’s feet.
Chinese fears about Trump and the South China Sea
By Peter Symonds, 28 November 2016
A Chinese think tank director warned that “strategic rivalry between China and the US is likely to continue over the South China Sea.”
US and Philippine militaries maintain “robust” ties
By Peter Symonds, 26 November 2016
US Admiral Harry Harris, head of Pacific Command, dismissed any suggestion that Philippine President Duterte’s anti-American remarks would derail the US-Philippine alliance.
Election of Donald Trump foreshadows trade war in Asia
By Peter Symonds, 25 November 2016
Trump has not only sunk the Trans Pacific Partnership but called into question the entire basis of the post-World War II order in the Asia Pacific.
Philippine President Duterte continues US military basing deal, hails Trump election
By Joseph Santolan, 11 November 2016
The decision to continue the basing pact represents a reversal of previous statements by Duterte that he would “separate” from the United States.
Malaysian prime minister forges closer military ties with China
By Peter Symonds, 3 November 2016
During his visit to Beijing, Prime Minister Najib wrote in the state-run media that former colonial powers should not lecture smaller countries over the conduct of their internal affairs.
Special envoy of Philippine President Duterte resigns in protest
By Joseph Santolan, 3 November 2016
The resignation of Ramos, a central figure in Philippine politics, highlights the extraordinary tensions caused by Washington’s drive to militarily encircle and subordinate China.
Philippine President Duterte says he wants US troops out of the country in two years
By Joseph Santolan, 27 October 2016
The abrupt shift in Manila’s foreign policy toward China is an expression of the immense geopolitical tensions stoked by Washington's policies.
Philippine president declares “separation from the US” during visit to China
By Oscar Grenfell, 21 October 2016
Duterte’s statements were met with bewilderment and consternation in Washington.
Follow the WSWS