Asia Cast

Asia Cast for Sunday 2nd May

Australia could be the first country to ban all logos and designs on cigarette packets; they would only be decorated with graphic health warnings. (By Andrew Mason/Flickr)

In this Bulletin…

- What the Shanghai World Expo means for locals;
- Taiwan criticised over executions; and
- Australia plans cigarette branding ban.

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

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The World Expo opened in Shanghai Saturday, with the theme, ‘Better City, Better Life. The UN welcomed the apparent focus on urbanisation and its importance for human development and the environment. But Shanghai locals told SOH that the expo had actually made their lives worse.

Some 18,000 families were displaced to make way for construction of the expo’s venue. Those that appealed against the forced demolitions faced harsh treatment from the authorities. The burden of increased taxes to cover the huge cost of the expo had also angered locals.

Listen to our Inside China Today podcast to find out just exactly what the expo means for Shanghai residents.

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And in related news, a Hong Kong newspaper with a reputation for supporting democratic reform said it’s been banned from the Shanghai Expo.

NTDTV said that earlier this week Apple Daily said it had no choice but to give up on covering the Expo because its journalists’ press credentials had not been issued. This is despite other Hong Kong media being granted their credentials weeks ago.

Apple Daily has been an outspoken advocate for democracy in Hong Kong. It’s also critical of policies of the Chinese regime and Hong Kong’s pro-regime lawmakers. The newspaper is frequently denied accreditation or official events in mainland China.

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And now for the rest of today’s Asia Cast

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Saturday saw tens of thousands of protesters across Asia taking part in May Day rallies. Protesters were calling for higher wages and better working conditions.

Most of the protests were peaceful. But in the small Chinese territory of Macau there were clashed between riot police and protester. used water cannon and pepper spray in clashes with protesters who fought back with stones and bottles.

One of the biggest events took place in South Korea. About 20,000 unionists from the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions rallied in Seoul to demand better working conditions and denounce redundancies.

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Thai communities in Thailand, Australia and America came together and prayed for peace in their homeland simultaneously.

Urgent emails were sent asking everyone to pray and chant for peace at their local Buddhist Temple.

The president of the Thai community in Sydney, Australia said they were also worried the violence may affect their beloved King, who is currently sick.

The recent protests in Bangkok have heightened, with the red-shirts fortifying their camp. Some are believed to be armed.

A Buddhist monk in Sydney said they wanted to send a good message to the people in Thailand, a message of peace.

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

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Taiwan has carried out its first executions since capital punishment was suspended in 2006.

Four death row inmates were executed Friday. Taiwan’s previous Justice Minister was forced to step down from her post after she refused to sign any death warrants. The death penalty issue became central to the appointment of her successor; the Justice Minister who replaced her said he would have no difficulties in signing the warrants.

Human rights groups have strongly criticised Taiwan for the executions.

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According to a government announcement, Australia could become the first country to remove all logos and designs from cigarette packets. Only graphic warnings against smoking would remain on the packets.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said the government would not be intimidated by any tobacco companies against the anti-smoking initiative.

Australia’s Health Minister told ABC, the new legislation would be worded to withstand legal challenges from tobacco companies worried about loss of branding and profits.

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

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