Eastern Asia
New Japanese government marks dangerous turn to militarism
By Peter Symonds, December 19, 2012
The right-wing nationalism that pervaded the election campaign signals the determination of the Japanese ruling class to reassert its interests by every means, including military force.
New Chinese leader signals further pro-market restructuring
By John Chan, December 18, 2012
Xi’s trip to southern China replicated Deng Xiaoping’s 1992 “southern tour,” which accelerated the restoration of capitalism.
Right-wing LDP government to take office in Japan
By Peter Symonds, December 17, 2012
The election outcome was not a positive vote for the LDP, but an overwhelming rejection of the ruling DPJ.
Air incident escalates Japan/China tensions over disputed islands
By Peter Symonds, December 15, 2012
Both countries have exploited the issue to stir up nationalism to divert attention from a worsening economic and social crisis at home.
Global tensions overshadow Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit
By John Chan, December 14, 2012
The push by China and Russia for greater Eurasian economic integration is coming into direct conflict with US interests.
Chinese leadership tries to revamp its corrupt image
By John Chan, December 12, 2012
The campaign seeks to dampen widespread public hostility to the regime’s endemic corruption and prepare the ground for a pro-market offensive.
Japanese election mired in nationalism and militarism
By Peter Symonds, December 8, 2012
The rightward shift in Japanese politics is a warning of the dangers facing the working class as a consequence of the worsening breakdown of global capitalism.
South China Sea disputes flare up
By Peter Symonds, December 5, 2012
The Philippines and Vietnam have condemned new Chinese regulations to permit the boarding of foreign ships in what Beijing regards as its territorial waters.
Japan: At least nine dead in tunnel collapse
By Oliver Campbell, December 4, 2012
Questions have been raised about the tunnel operator’s safety inspections.
New Japanese party formed to capitalise on anti-nuclear sentiment
By Peter Symonds, November 30, 2012
The establishment of the Japan Future Party is another sign of deepening political crisis in the lead up to the December 16 election.
Chinese journalist arrested for reporting homeless children’s deaths
By Oliver Campbell, November 28, 2012
Li Yuanlong’s arrest is a warning that the new Communist Party leadership will be ruthless in suppressing political dissent.
Twenty years since Deng Xiaoping’s “Southern tour”—Part 2
By John Chan, November 27, 2012
On his 1992 tour, Deng made no secret of his embrace of capitalism.
Follow the WSWS