Asia-Cast

Asia Cast for Wednesday 30th January

- Burmese protestors charged;
- Europe’s leaders to discuss economic stability; and
- China’s Prime Minister apologises for snow problems.

In what is seen as an act of provocation, ten Burmese activists have been charged over the countrywide anti-government demonstrations last August.

The activists – including prominent pro-democracy leader Min KO Naing – are accused of making illegal statements and are expected to be tried behind closed doors at Rangoon’s Insein prison, where they have been held under emergency powers since the protests.

Experts say the protesters could be jailed for seven years.

Rights groups say more than 700 people are still locked up after the protests, but Burma’s military rulers have denied the claims.

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Leaders of Europe’s 4 big economies have issued a draft statement ahead of a proposed conference in London, declaring confidence in Europe’s economy despite recent financial turbulence.

The statement from leaders of Britain, France, Germany and Italy, also calls for better cross-border cooperation and for banks to be more open about risk as they try to calm financial markets and shore up confidence.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who called the meeting, greeted Germany’s Angela Merkel, France’s Nicolas Sarkozy, Italy’s Romano Prodi and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso as they arrived at his Downing Street residence to begin the talks.

The leaders are eager to show they can tackle a global economic slowdown but their scope for action is limited.

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In a rare move China’s Prime Minister Wen Jiabao apologized yesterday to the hundreds of thousands of people stranded in train stations across his country due to bad weather and a power crisis.

Prime Minister Jiabao explained that officials were doing their best to repair the system so that trains could start running and people could get home to celebrate Chinese New Year.

Chinese President Hu Jintao also promised quick action and immediate relief for those trying to make it home.

It is thought the unusual gestures are intended to show that the government is in control and taking responsibility for the situation.

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The China’s People’s Daily, a leading Communist party newspaper has said that any attempt to use the Beijing Olympics to discredit China or force it to change its policies will fail.

The public relations counter-attack comes amid a rough week for the Olympic organisers, who have had to admit previously concealed fatalities on the construction site and counter reports that the Dalai Lama backs Olympic-related protests.

With activists from Hollywood to Taipei also trying to link the Games to Darfur, Taiwan independence, religious liberties and freedom of expression, the authorities in Beijing are fighting to prevent the event being politicised.

Such anti-Chinese attacks, it says, are miscalculated and while they may bring some troubles to the organisation and planning of the Beijing Olympics, they will not discredit China.

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And now for our original SOH news direct from China
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In an attempt to avoid possible physical harm to Olympic athletes as a result of air pollution in Beijing, dozens of competing countries have established athlete training camps in the neighbouring countries of China.

Voice of America reported that the Washington Post recently reported that at least 20 countries, including the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Germany, are ready to set up training camps in Japan. In addition, 15 countries, such as the Netherlands and Switzerland, are prepared to carry out training in South Korea before the Olympics.

Many commentators said that China’s environmental pollutions are difficult to resolve in a short time.

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And now for our daily update on the NTDTV Divine Performing Arts “New Year Splendor” show.
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Today the Chinese New Years Splendor show will open to crowds for its first of only 11 days in New York.

According to the official website the Chinese New Year Splendor is an authentic showcase of Chinese classical performing arts with a cast of nearly 100 dancers, vocalists, and musicians accompanied by a full orchestra and high-tech backdrop.

According to show organisers the Chinese New Year Splendor is the largest and most breathtaking celebration of the Chinese New Year in the world. It is a part of the global tour of Chinese New Year Spectacular, which is the world’s largest live stage production.

For show information please visit www.bestchineseshows.com

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