Asia-Cast

Asia Cast for Thursday 10th June

In this Bulletin…

- Two judges attacked with acid in China;
- Japan supports UN sanctions on Iran; and
- Rights groups says Tribal Pakistan is a Taliban Hell.

But first we have our Shen Yun quote of the day

[Audio]

For more information please visit www.ShenYunPerformingArts.org.

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Our SOH focus on China is next

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Two judges and four other court officials in southern China were injured when two defendants threw sulfuric acid at them.

According to state-run Chinese media, the attack was allegedly sparked by a loan dispute. The couple reportedly owed US$44,000 dollars to six other people but refused to pay, so the judges ordered their house be seized.

The pair threw acid at officials from above as they were entering a building to seize the property.

A two hour siege and shootout followed.

Reports say the two judges could partially lose their sight.

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Bloomberg is reporting a 48.5 percent increase in China’s exports in May from a year earlier, saying it is the biggest gain in more than six years. They say it’s an indicator that Europe’s sovereign-debt crisis has yet to pose a restraint on China’s fast-growing economy.

Yet, the data may prove only a temporary boon. A Shanghai-based economist warns the strong rebound in exports may be short-lived. The debt-crisis has yet to affect Europe’s economy.

The Shanghai Composite Index declined slightly. Trade data and a report show property prices rose at the second-fastest pace on record last month.

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And now for the rest of today’s Asia Cast

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Uzbekistan and China’s leaders have signed deals aimed at increasing cooperation on energy and regional security. They vowed closer ties, chiefly on nuclear fuel.

China’s leader told reporters it was necessary to work in such a way to develop natural uranium and uranium fields.

Although both leaders said they signed a number of agreements regarding the acquisition of energy from Uzbekistan, no further details were provided about the deals.

China has grown increasingly aggressive at obtaining vast amounts of natural resources for its high energy-consuming industries.

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Japan announced its decision to support fresh UN sanctions on Iran. Its hopes for a diplomatic solution to Tehran’s nuclear standoff still remains as it has heavily relied on Middle Eastern oil and maintains cordial ties with Iran.

However, the foreign minister of Japan expressed the importance for the international community to firmly implement the UN resolutions.

However, Japan’s foreign minister stressed that Japan desired a solution through dialogue.

12 members of the UN council have voted in favour of a fourth set of sanctions on Iran.

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

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Millions of Pakistanis in tribal areas are living in human rights-free zones, says Amnesty International.

A report by the group titled, As if Hell Fell on Me was based on nearly 300 interviews with residents of Federally Administered Tribal Areas and surrounding parts.

It states that over one million people have been displaced by fighting between the military and the Taliban. Around 1,300 people were killed in the 2009 conflict.

It also says the Taliban secured their rule by killing tribal elders and torturing teachers and aid workers. It claims the people have been abandoned by the Pakistani government.

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The head of the Australian central bank has warned Europe’s persistent financial woes are likely to hit the global economy.

However, the head of The Reserve Bank of Australia said his country would be comparatively unmoved because of its strong trade links with East Asia.

He said it would shield Australia from Europe, despite saying the rate of growth in Asian nations would slow.

Australia was the only major developed nation to avoid entering recession. Some speculate it was greatly helped by its trade ties with China like its exports of iron ore and other raw resources.

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