Asia Cast

Asia Cast for Thursday 27th March

In this Bulletin

-Two bodies recovered from devastating collision
-Chinese Troops Won’t Guard Torch in Canberra and
-Eviction of thousands of households to build a lake

************************

South Korea is reported to be planning to confront North Korea for the first time on its human rights record, indicating a harder line from Seoul’s new government.

Reports quoting unnamed officials say the South is set to vote for a draft UN resolution expressing deep concern over the rights violations in the North.

The South has frequently abstained from such votes, fearful of souring relations with its communist neighbor.

The UN Human Rights Council in Geneva will consider the resolution this week.

***************************

Two bodies have been recovered from a ship that sank off the coast of Hong Kong after colliding with a Chinese cargo vessel.

Eighteen Ukrainian sailors were trapped inside when it sank late on Saturday.

Divers would continue to search for the missing men, officials said. The tug is resting upside-down on the sea floor.

*****************************

Chinese troops will not guard the Olympic torch when it visits Canberra, the Federal Government says.

Attorney-General Robert McClelland said he was unaware of any Chinese approach, despite Australian newspaper reports to the contrary, but warned any such request would be met with a frank “no”.

Canberra is the only Australian stop on the torch’s 137,000 kilometre journey.

******************************

Ma Ying-Jeou, Taiwan’s president-elect, has vowed to put an end to political bribes in the South Pacific.

Former foreign minister Alexander Downer was in Taiwan for Saturday’s election and says Dr Ma gave him a personal assurance that the new Government will stop paying political bribes.

Mr Downer says Dr Ma concedes it is time Taiwan improved its behavior in its dealings with Pacific countries.

*************************
And now for our original SOH news direct from China
****************************

March 24th, was the long-awaited date for ant breeders in Liaoning to hold a creditors meeting.

A few days ago, an entire police force of Lioaning province have been fully deployed to warn ant breeders if they proceed they will be detained they threatened to house arrest and even sent surveillance teams to watch ant farmers homes.

According to sources, nearly two divisions of police from other provinces and cities in Liaoning Province were transferred to suppress collective protest against raising ant farmers.

******************************************

Mianyang City authorities decided in 2006 to construct China’s largest “city lake” in two main cities, Fu and You-Xian.

The project involves eviction of thousands of rural households in a multiple of villages.

According to the “South Urban Press” on March 25, titled “beheading like demolition” action will be taken to remove all residential buildings with three storey’s in two districts, majority of households involved have not been offered or paid any compensation.

************************************

As it continues its run at Stockholm’s Circus Theater, the Divine Performing Arts Chinese Spectacular has been getting rave reviews and standing ovations.

With many sold-out performances, the Spectacular will play an extra performance in April in Stockhom in April.

Celebrities are turning out to experience the dance, drumming and soul-stirring traditions from China’s past, traditions that are now establishing a new era in China’s history.

The spectaculars depict traditional Chinese values that have been suppressed in China over decades of communist rule and have received rave reviews from audiences of previous shows.

For show information please visit www.DivineShows.com