Asia-Cast

Asia Cast for Thursday 17th December

In this Bulletin…

- China sends warning on climate-change induced trade protectionism;
- Two Khmer Rouge leaders charged with genocide; and
- New Zealand contributes $45 million NZD for emissions plan.

But first, here’s our SOH focus on China
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A top Chinese diplomat has warned developed nations against using climate change as a reason to set up trade barriers, by slapping carbon tariffs on imports from countries with differing emissions control regimes.

His comments came shortly after China’s communist regime said that Premier Wen Jiabao would leave for Copenhagen on Wednesday afternoon, meaning he would arrive earlier than previously planned, expecting to add extra political impetus for a deal.

Carbon border tariffs, fees on imports from countries perceived as weak on cutting emissions, have long been deplored by China.

However, lawmakers in the US have called for carbon tariffs in any climate legislation.

The US and China are already at odds over Chinese tires and US exports of poultry and auto products.

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In China’s southern Guangdong Province, construction has begun on a bridge that will link China’s main manufacturing hub in Zhuhai with Honk Kong and Macau Island.

If completed, officials say it would be the world’s longest sea-crossing bridge, spanning nearly 50 kilometres of which 35 will be over water.

The cost of the bridge is estimated at $10.7 billion US dollars, and is expected to cut the drive time for commuters by 2 and a half hours.

Environmentalists have objected that the bridge will affect the marine ecosystem of the Pearl River Delta and further endanger the rare white dolphin.

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And now for the rest of today’s Asia Cast

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A UN backed tribunal in Cambodia has charged two former Khmer Rouge leaders with genocide which relate to their treatment of Cambodia’s Vietnamese and Cham Muslim minorities during the Khmer Rouge’s rule.

The two men who were both high ranking members of Pol Pot’s regime in the late 1970s are already in pre-trial detention charged with crimes against humanity.

However, it is thought that their trial will not start until 2011.

Up to two million people are thought to have died under the Khmer Rouge’s rule.

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In northern India, about 1,200 followers of a multi-religion sect have become wedding volunteers after signing pledges to marry female sex workers.

Hindu, Muslim and Sikh men from the Abode of the Real Deal say they are doing so to stop women from being exploited in brothels, and want to help women who want to escape exploitation.

They also maintain that their move is part of a campaign to stop the spread of AIDS.

They say they are answering a call by their guru, who pronounced that all women who are forced to live as prostitutes are his daughters.

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

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Pakistan’s top court has ruled against an amnesty decree that protected Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari

This move is seen as further damaging a deeply unpopular leader with a reputation for being pro-American.

Local television news reported that Pakistan’s Supreme Court said the 2007 amnesty was unconstitutional.

Critics argue the decision will raise fresh doubts about Zardari’s political future, even though he is protected from prosecution by presidential immunity, and will  likely encourage Taliban militants determined to topple his government.

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New Zealand has committed to contributing $45 million NZD to the Global Research Alliance on agricultural greenhouse gases, in a plan to bring together public and private researchers from some of the world’s largest economies.

The announcement was made by the Associate Climate Change Issues Minister and Agriculture Minister in Copenhagen, where ministers from 19 countries joined New Zealand in the plan.

The alliance was proposed by New Zealand Prime Minister John Key at the UN General Assembly in September and has been heavily promoted by New Zealand as an initiative to reduce emissions from livestock, cropping and rice production.

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