AsiaCast

Asia Cast for Saturday 28th June

In this Bulletin…

- Guangdong faces the most serious power shortage in 30 years;
- Counting begins after “sham” presidential election in Zimbabwe; and
- The price of oil jumps to a record new high.

But first, here is our original SOH news direct from China

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According to Hunan sources, Sun Pinghua of Yueyang city was kidnapped on March 18 by the National Security Group of Yueyang Tower District subsidiary of the Public Security Bureau and the JinShan police station as a result of practicing Falun Gong.

Sun’s detention by security officials was not supported by any legal proceedings, and he was subjected to cruel torture by his captors in order to extort confessions. The torture severely injured his arm which became completely numb and limp. Three months later, when Sun was finally given medical attention by the First Hospital of Yueyang city on June 24, doctors said if the arm does not heal within 6 months, it will require amputation.

Since his kidnap by officials, Sun’s family members have been prohibited from visiting him.

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The Chinese province of Guangdong is facing the most serious power shortage in 30 years. According to sources, due to factors including a severe shortage of back-up supplies, Guangdong will be grappled with a shortage of 650,000 megawatts of power in the second half of this year.

Chinese state-run media explained that as a result of inadequate planning in recent years, there is a critical problem of power shortage. Deputy Director of the Guangdong Economic and Trade Commission, Li Xiangming said the situation of Guandong’s power shortage is year long and net-work wide.

It is estimated that in the next three years, Guangdong will continue to experience a severe shortage of power supply.

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And now for the rest of today’s Asia Cast
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Counting has begun in Zimbabwe’s presidential run-off election, declared a “sham” by western countries.

President Robert Mugabe is all but assured to win the election as the only candidate after opposition MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai withdrew from the race amidst widespread attacks on his supporters.

A declaration of victory is expected from Mugabe before he leaves Zimbabwe for next week’s African Union summit in Egypt.

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The preparations of 20 international sailing teams for the Olympic sailing competition has been severely limited by algae washed into the bay of Qingdao Olympic sailing venue by recent storms.

Over 200 local fishing vessels have been skimming the surface of the bay day and night to clear the thick layer of bright green algae.

Australian team co-captain Michael Page commented that “being able to sail in a straight line for more than 30 seconds is a challenge.”

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You’re listening to Asia Cast on the SOH Radio Network
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The price of oil has jumped to a record new high above the $142 USD mark, sending world stock markets into turmoil. Contributing to the price high were a weaker US dollar and a warning from OPEC President Chakib Khelil that the price of oil could top $170 USD this year.

Worldwide, stock markets fell to a three month low with concerns over falling profits, due the impact of oil prices on corporate expenditures.

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The International Whaling Commission conference has wrapped up in Santiago, Chile with the creation of a new committee tasked with building consensus between pro- and anti-whaling nations over the next year.

Anti-whaling nations claim that Japan is flouting the 1986 international moratorium on commercial whaling by hunting and killing hundreds of whales a year for scientific research.

Meanwhile, conservation groups have criticized the inability of anti-whaling nations to halt whaling for scientific research by Japan.

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This is Karen Chang for the SOH Radio Network.

“Asia Cast… keeping you across the top headlines from Asia and the World.”