AsiaCast

Asia Cast for Wednesday 24th December

In this Bulletin…

- International writers add their voices to appeal for Chinese activist;
- SOH Radio sues Indonesian government; and
- Human Rights Watch calls for aid agencies to be allowed back into Sri Lanka.

But first, here’s our SOH focus on China

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The 6.5 million university students expected to graduate in China next year face an uncertain future as employment prospects become increasingly bleak.

As many employers are cutting back even their skilled staff and thousands of factory workers are being laid off Premier Wen Jiabao said the regime was concerned about these issues.

He made the remarks during an informal discussion with Beijing university students, adding that the Chinese economy is indeed in a difficult period.

So far the many measures that the regime has rushed into action have done little to stem the decline of China’s economy.

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A recent report from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences revealed that over 200 million Chinese people rely on the Internet as their main source of information. This amounts to 68.6 per cent of Internet usage in China.

The regime’s control of the media in China through the state news agency has driven those seeking the truth to break through the world’s tightest Internet controls to access uncensored information from outside China.

China currently has the most Internet users of any country, although only around a fifth of the population currently has access. As this figure grows, so does the potential for movements such as the recent Charter ’08 to spread even further.

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And now for the rest of today’s Asia Cast

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Writers and activists from around the world have demanded that the Chinese regime releases prominent academic Liu Xiaobo from jail.

An open letter with more than 150 signatories was sent to the authorities in China. Among those demanding his release are British writer Salman Rushdie and Italian novelist Umberto Eco.

Mr Liu was arrested earlier this month after signing Charter ’08, a petition calling for democracy and reform in China.

In response to the letter, China’s foreign ministry said the country was under the rule of law and opposed foreign interference.

That Mr Liu’s arrest came shortly before Human Rights Day led the writers to presume he was arrested “solely for exercising his right to freedom of expression, as guaranteed under China’s constitution and international law”.

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SOH Radio is suing the Indonesian government for terminating our broadcast license. As well as English language shows such as Asia Cast, SOH also broadcasts a substantial Chinese content.

SOH has always been concerned with bringing China’s human rights issues to an international audience.

And this is thought to be the reason behind the sudden termination. The Chinese embassy in Jakarta recently issued a letter accusing SOH of broadcasting political propaganda and is suspected of pressuring the Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Information to censor our broadcast.

Our lawyer said, “We are optimistic with the evidence we have, because the Ministry can’t explain their decision to revoke SOH Radio’s broadcast license. This arbitrary act has violated the law they made themselves.”

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You’re listening to Asia Cast on the SOH Radio Network

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Human Rights Watch is calling for the Sri Lankan government to allow aid agencies back into the rebel-held north where thousands have been displaced by fighting.

Aid workers were ordered out of the area in September for their “safety”.

The fate of civilians in the area has become a key issue as soldiers continue an offensive to crush the rebels.

A government spokesman indicated the order would not be reversed. He said food convoys and supplies of medicines were reaching rebel-held areas.

Human Rights Watch estimates as many as 300,000 people have fled their homes ahead of a military advance, moving further into rebel controlled territory. Claims the government say are exaggerated.

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As the political row between New Zealand and Fiji deepens both countries have expelled the other’s top diplomat.

New Zealand’s acting high commissioner in Fiji has reportedly been asked to go; in return Fiji’s high commissioner to New Zealand will also have to leave.

The row stems from a decision by Fiji’s military leader, Frank Bainimarama, to delay plans for democratic elections.

New Zealand and Australia, the region’s political heavyweights, have headed international pressure on Mr Bainimarama to return the nation to democratic rule as soon as possible.

The latest spat began when the son of a senior Fijian official was refused a student visa to study at one of New Zealand’s universities after Australia and New Zealand put visa restrictions on Fijian officials and their families.

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And now for our Divine Performing Arts quote of the day

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After last night’s Divine Performing Arts show at the Cincinnati Music Hall, Ohio, we spoke to medical professionals Steve and Patricia Springer. They thought that the show was something different, describing it as very colourful and very energetic.

“[It was] very different from what we normally see in Cincinnati…[it was] very colourful and very energetic.”

They were also drawn in by the narrative woven into the performance and appreciated the historical references.

“[There's an] interesting storyline that goes with this, so you’re teaching us some of the history of China as well.”

They finished by saying the show was enjoyable to watch. Now you too can experience true Chinese culture like never before as the Divine Performing Arts world tour visits a city near you soon.

Don’t miss out as Divine Performing Arts presents classical Chinese dance and music in gloriously colorful and exhilarating shows, visit www.divineperformingarts.org today.

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