Asia Cast

Asia Cast for Sunday 21st February

In this Bulletin…

- Chinese activist arrested for investigating toxic milk scandal;
- Japan warns hospitals over transplant tourism to China; and
- South Korean military on high alert.

But first we have our Shen Yun quote of the day

[audio]

For more information please visit www.shenyunperformingarts.org.

Our SOH focus on China is next

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

An activist who refused to stop his investigation into China’s 2008 toxic milk powder scandal is being charged with allegedly ‘interfering with social order’.

Zhao Lianhai founded a campaign group for parents whose children developed kidney stones from consuming baby formula adulterated with melamine. He was arrested for organising protests in Shijiazhuang and Beijing that allegedly interfered with social order.

But Liu Dejun, who was at one of the protests Zhao was involved in said the charge was baseless. Liu said there were strong rumours that Sanlu, one of the companies at the centre of the toxic milk scandal, was behind Zhao’s arrest.

Listen to the Inside China Today podcast to hear our in depth report on this story.

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

The organisers of a Chinese New Year event for homeless petitioners in Beijing have been forced into hiding by the Chinese authorities.

Around 60 people were involved in the inaugural Petitioners’ Chinese New Year Gala on February 5. Petitioners poured out their grievances with the authorities through song.

A video of the event was posted online. The police began a massive search for the participants and organisers on February 14. Several petitioners have already been seized.

SOH reporters were able to talk to several petitioners involved in the gala by phone. Song Yujie from Laoning Province said police were planning to charge one of the organisers with threatening the government.

SOH’s Inside China Today podcast has got the full story.

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

And now for the rest of today’s Asia Cast

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

The Japanese government recently warned hospitals from assisting with transplant tourism to China. The Epoch Times newspaper said the warning followed a government investigation that uncovered several doctors who had provided such assistance

The Japanese Society for Transplantation does not permit transplant tourism to China. This is because of China’s lack of transparency and use of prison inmates in obtaining organs.

Japan’s health ministry found doctors at five hospitals had aided patients by providing their medical histories to agencies who could arrange organ transplants overseas for them.

The Ministry of Health warned the hospitals not to assist in illegal organ trafficking.

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

The 2010 Taiwan International Festival opened in Taipei on Saturday. The annual event began with a celebration of Taiwan’s indigenous culture.

The Formosa Aboriginal Song and Dance Troupe is comprised of members from Taiwan’s 12 officially recognized indigenous tribes. The group has revived and reconstructed some of the gradually disappearing songs and dances traditionally passed down by tribal elders.

The month-long festival features dance and theatre groups from Europe, America, and Taiwan. Renowned musician and composer Tan Dun who wrote the score for the film ‘Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon’ is also taking part in the festival.

A joint Taiwanese/American production called ‘1433 – The Grand Voyages’ is attracting particular attention.

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

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

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

The South Korean military was placed on high alert Saturday. The move came in response to North Korea’s declaration of no-go zones near the its disputed sea border with the South.

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said Pyongyang declared eight no-sail zones would be in effect from Saturday.

The announcement raised concerns that the North could be planning another display of military firepower like the one in January. Pyongyang said January’s artillery barrage was a part of routine exercises. But South Korea and the United States described the firing as provocative.

The Yonhap news agency said the Seoul had increased air and naval surveillance along the inter-Korean border.

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

Military spokesmen have said Taliban resistance to Operation Mushtarak has increased, as they expected it would. The announcement comes as NATO’s major assault against Taliban militants in southern Afghanistan enters its second week.

Meanwhile, the Taliban denied NATO claims that militants were using human shields, and were low on ammunition.

Commanders said they expect the military phase of the operation to last another three weeks. The time is needed to try and clear the out snipers and the innumerable hidden bombs left behind by fleeing fighters.

On Saturday an elite Afghan police brigade was due to establish itself in areas captured by NATO forces. An Afghan general said it was the first step towards establishing civilian security.

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

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