Tibet's spiritual leader the Dalai Lama celebrated his 75th birthday on July 6. Contrary to rumours that said he was ill, the Dalai Lama met the faithful gathered in front of his Himalayan monastery at Dharamasala. (Courtesy of AsiaNews.it)

In this bulletin:

- One year on from Urumqi ethnic violence,
- Earthquake danger rebuilt in Sichuan,
- Dalai Lama celebrates 75th birthday, and
- New Zealand pursuing Asian trade agreements.

But first our SOH focus on China.

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NTDTV/ET-Security forces in China’s Xinjiang have been on high alert around the July 5 anniversary of the ethnic violence in Urumqi that left hundreds dead. Authorities installed some 40,000 surveillance cameras as part of their security crackdown. State-run media said everyone should expect to be watched at all times.

Uighur groups say the last year’s protest turned violent after security forces started using live ammunition. Hundreds died in the week-long violence that followed.

Amnesty International has released a highly critical report ahead of the anniversary questioning the official version of events.

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ICT-A Chinese environmentalist has revealed to SOH just how severely polluted China’s water sources are.

Environmentalist Li Li told our Chinese reporters one of the major causes was a lack of proper waste disposal mechanisms. Many rivers are contaminated with industrial waste, heavy metals, agricultural chemicals and toxic algae.

Listen to our Inside China Today podcast to hear Li’s assessment of the problem. And the difficulties facing villagers trying to source clean water .

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ET-According to Chinese netizens sub-standard materials caused the collapse of a building being erected as part of the post-Sichuan earthquake reconstruction.

The corruption behind the unsafe buildings that made the 2008 Sichuan earthquake so deadly now seems to be dogging the reconstruction effort.

Local officials said the building in Mainzhu City’s Hanwangzhen Town was deliberately demolished. But residents said this could not have been the case.

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NTDTV-A Chinese national held hostage in the Philippines for almost 18 months has been rescued.

Xili Wu, also known as Peter Go, was unharmed after a 10-minute gun battle between security forces and dozens of Abu Sayyaf militants Monday night.

Police said Wu had been held hostage for so long he was technically breaching immigration law. And that they were turning him over to the Chinese Consul.

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SOH takes a look across the wider Asia-Pacific region.

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NTDTV-Tibetan exiles and Buddhist followers celebrated the Dalai Lama’s 75th birthday Tuesday. They gathered in Dharamsala amid growing concerns over his health and the future of the Tibetan movement.

The Dalai Lama made a rare birthday appearance to accept the greetings of his well-wishers.

Many Tibetans fear the loss of their most recognized leader could weaken the unity of the Tibetan movement. Something Beijing could exploit to tighten its grip on the region.

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New Zealand’s prime minister has been on an official tour of Asia this week.

He started Monday with a three-day visit to South Korea aimed at boosting bilateral relations and trade between the two countries. A free trade agreement is now said to be within touching distance.

China was the next stop Wednesday where trade was again the focus. The prime minister spoke of endless potential, but did little to ease concerns about Chinese control of New Zealand’s assets.

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Coming up on Asia Cast:

- Greenpeace takes aim at Indonesian logging,
- Toyota still in the spotlight, and
- Indonesian supermarket helps legalise motorcycle taxis.

But first

(Quote)

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

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Greenpeace has accused one of the world’s biggest pulp and paper companies of destroying Indonesia’s rainforests.

A report by the environmental group released this week said Asia Pulp and Paper was relentlessly trashing rainforests, driving species extinction and potentially threatening Indonesia’s efforts to address climate change.

The company denied the allegations and questioned Greenpeace’s research.

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Japanese car giant Toyota this week began its world wide safety recall of over a-quarter-of-a-million cars.

Ninety-five-thousand vehicles sold in Japan and South Korea were recalled Monday with other countries following through the week.

So far, no accidents due to the defect have been officially reported. But Toyota’s recent safety issues mean that even such precautionary recalls are attracting attention.

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An exhibition highlighting India’s Buddhist tradition and the life of Mahatma Ghandi is on show in Taipei at Taiwan’s National Central Library.

The India-Taipei Association Buddha and Ghandi both taught non-violence and respect for all forms of life.

Included in the exhibition are photographs tracing the life of Buddha and depicting Ghandi’s humanitarian services. Asia 5

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On a lighter note.

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NTDTV-A scheme by the Indonesian government to give a thousand motorcycle taxi drivers in free licences is being supported by a chain of convenience stores.

The two-wheeled taxis are very popular, especially in congested cities like Jakarta. But many of the drivers operate without a license because the cost of getting one is so high.

The scheme’s sponsor, Alfamart, said it was supporting the initiative because so many of their customers used motorcycle taxis them to go shopping.

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Young designers have had the chance to showcase their talents during Hong Kong’s fashion week.

Graduating design students from the Chinese University of Hong Kong and Hong Kong Polytechnic University were hoping to establish themselves in the world of fashion.

As one of Asia’s fashion capitals the Hong Kong event is all about setting trends.

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

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Detail of Chinese banknote. A US-based micro-finance company is helping of China's rural poor to build a better future. (By Robert S. Donovan/Flickr)

In this bulletin:

- Deadly mudslides in soutwest China,
- Independent TV station wins appeal over China broadcast,
- New Philippine president inaugurated, and
- Taiwanese protests over trade deal.

But first our SOH focus on China.

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NTDTV-A court in China’s Xinjiang region has sentenced Tibetan businessman and environmentalist, Karma Samdrup, to fifteen years in prison. They’ve charged him with robbing tombs and dealing in looted relics.

The London-based, Free Tibet Campaign say the real reason for his imprisonment is his public criticism of the arrest of his brothers. Samdrup’s lawyer says he plans to appeal the conviction.

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ET-A mudslide caused by continuous heavy rain buried more than 100 villagers in southwest China’s Guizhou Province June 28.

Heavy rain started to come down in the Anshun Prefecture of Guizhou Province late in the day on June 27. Provincial authorities announced that 107 villagers from 38 families in Dazhai and Yongle villages had been buried in the mudslide.

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NTDTV-Independent TV broadcaster and SOH media partner NTDTV has won its appeal for an investigation the termination of its China broadcast. Satellite company Eutelsat abruptly stopped the signal in June 2008 citing a ‘power anomaly’ on its W5 satellite.

But an investigation by Reporters Without Borders revealed the broadcast interruption was a pre-meditated political move to appease Chinese communist officials.

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Amnesty International has called on the Chinese regime to launch an independent investigation into last year’s riots in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region.

A new report from the organisation includes testimonies from Uighurs who fled China after the violence. Amnesty said the official account of events left too many questions unanswered.

Security in Xinjiang has been tightened ahead of the July 5 anniversary.

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SOH takes a look across the wider Asia-Pacific region.

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Less than a year after being virtually unknown to most Filipinos, Benigno ‘Noynoy’Aquino was inaugurated as President of the Philippines Wednesday June 30.

Under the campaign motto ‘There are no poor people where there is no corruption’, Aquino successfully piggybacked on the popularity of his family name to win the elections in May. He has pledged to stamp out corruption and to modernise the judicial system.

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ET-More than one hundred thousand protesters took to the streets of Taiwan’s capital on June 26. They were voicing their opposition to the signing of the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement with China.

Officials say the deal will cut tariffs on hundreds of products and open up service industries. But opponents believe the agreement will erode Taiwan’s economy and democracy, eventually helping China to ‘unify’ Taiwan.

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Coming up on Asia Cast:

- Australia reaches compromise with mining companies,
- Supreme Court jails Australia’s ‘Dr Death’, and
- Micro-finance helping those China’s economy cannot.

But first.

(Quote)

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

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Taiwan is hoping the launch of a national collection service for expired or unused medications will help to protect the environment. Fifteen hundred recycling stations were opened at pharmacies across Taiwan Thursday.

A study by the National Taiwan University found traces of many drugs, including antibiotics, in rivers. Preventing them from entering the ecosystem reduces the risk of bacteria developing drug-resistance

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Australia reached an agreement on taxation with global miners Friday. In doing so Australia’s new prime minister successfully navigated her way though the first big test she faced. Last week Julia Gillard became Australia’s first female prime minister.

The tax on profits from mineral resources will now be at a rate of 30 percent instead of 40 percent. Shares and the Australian dollar rose on the announcement, but the compromise means the government will lose AU$1.5 billion Australian dollars in revenue.

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An Indian born-US surgeon has been jailed for seven years in Australia on manslaughter charges. Three of Jayant Patel’s patients died as a result of operations he botched at Queensland’s Bundaberg Hospital.

The judge denounced Patel’s repeated serious disregard for the welfare of his patients, and said that he deserved to be punished as a criminal. Australian media has dubbed Patel ‘Dr Death’.

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On a lighter note.

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NTDTV-The world’s first commercial hybrid solar passenger ferry service opened in Hong Kong June 25.

The new ferry was designed by Australian company Solar Sailor. It features a solar-powered electrical engine, a back-up diesel motor, and even mechanical sails. The vessel is estimated to make fuel savings of up to 50 per cent.

The Solar Sailor carries up to 100 passengers with little noise or pollution as it runs between the Kowloon peninsula and the scenic island of Kau Sai Chau.

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US-based micro-finance company Wokai is making a big difference to China’s rural poor. Wokai’s small loans have helped hundreds of farmers build a sustainable future for themselves and their families.

Uniquely, donors to Wokai.org can select exactly who their money goes to after browsing farmers’ profiles and photos. The company also recycles loan repayments directly to someone else seeking to borrow.

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

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Censoring China's internet can be a headache, as instant microblogs reach the masses before being censored. (timyang.net/Flickr)

In this Bulletin…

- China’s difficulty censoring microblogs;
- Whaling negotiations break down; and
- Australia’s new prime minister.

But first we have our SOH focus on China.

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Monitoring and censoring content on China’s internet can be a real headache, reports The Epoch Times.

Chief Editor of Chinese online media giant Sina says that posts on their website can reach tens or hundreds of thousands of people in a matter of minutes. The microblog is a Twitter-like service launched by Sina.

Censors and editors work together to triple-check posts.

That helps some 300,000 paid commentators a little, who work for the communist party. Dubbed the “50 Cent Party”, they are said to be paid 50 Chinese cents per online post they write favouring the Chinese Communist Party.

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The Deputy Director of China’s State Food and Drug Administration is suspected of alleged bribery involving the U.S. company Johnson & Johnson.

According to an NTDTV report, he was apparently dismissed when authorities started investigating possible bribery by drug firms.

According to the state media report, six other officials of the State Food and Drug Administration are also under investigation.

In 2007, the previous head of the China’s food and drug agency was executed for taking bribes to approve unsafe medicine.

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Now for the rest of today’s news.

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Negotiations on a deal to suspend a 24-year whaling moratorium have been put on hold for now. Members of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) have called for a year-long cooling-off period.

An IWC commissioner from Germany said the proposal on the table is a dead letter. They’ve agreed they need a period off, to see if there is real readiness to look for compromise.

Anti-whaling activists are outraged. Iceland, Norway and Japan have continued to use legal loopholes to sidestep the 1986 whaling ban, harvesting more than 1,500 whales in the 2008-2009 season alone.

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Countries Jordan and Israel are planning to divert water from the Red Sea to the Dead Sea in hopes of reviving it.

The Dead Sea, aptly named, has no fish, no seaweed or life forms, just some resilient bacteria. Water flows into it but none flows out, evaporating and leaving behind even more mineral salts.

But public hearings are being held to discuss the building of a pipeline that would pump Red Sea water into the Dead Sea.

One salt-mining company has been mixing the two seas’ waters in pools and warns, it doesn’t like what it has seen.

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

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A source in Pakistan’s interior ministry says the latest intelligence report names at least 17 banned organizations that are raising funds in Punjab, says the BBC.

They are said to be raising donations through religious gatherings, certificate award ceremonies and meetings held in the name of social welfare.

The report identifies the most active among these groups as the Ghazi Force.

It says the group has close working relations with Tehrik Taliban Pakistan, an umbrella group of anti-Pakistan militants based in the North Waziristan tribal region.

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Julia Gillard has taken seat as Australia’s new Prime Minister on Thursday when Kevin Rudd stepped down. The Australian Labor Party is said to have changed leaders to avoid election defeat later this year.

However, analysts say Gillard will only bring change of leadership style and not substance.

Yet, investors hope she will soften the government’s controversial “super profits” mining tax which has rattled voters.

Government lawmakers believe Gillard has a better chance than Rudd of winning back voters because she is a warmer personality who can sell policies more effectively.

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And we now bring you the Shen Yun quote of the day

[audio]

Asia Cast will be changing to a weekly roundup of events around the Asia-Pacific region. We’re keeping our focus on China and will continue to cover topics avoided by other media. The SOH Radio Network thanks you; we value your listenership and your feedback.

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

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Cyber-crimes are on the rise, costing Australian businesses hundreds of millions annually. (By Don Hankins/Flickr)

In this Bulletin…

- Fake anti-cancer drugs from China;
- Thailand red-shirts mourn rogue general; and
- Australia’s cyber-crimes increase.

But first we have our SOH focus on China.

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Counterfeit anti-cancer drugs from China are impacting pharmaceutical companies world-wide, reports The Epoch Times.

They’ve been prevalent in China for many years. Yet, lack of adequate drug regulations is to blame for the large amounts of fake anti-cancer drugs flooding the market.

The fake medications are being sold in two-thirds of Chinese drug stores, says one investigator. People are not only losing their money on the dangerous fakes, but also their lives.

The World Health Organization estimates that 10 percent of the pharmaceutical drugs in global circulation are bogus, with China being the biggest contributor of the counterfeits.

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Beijing recently announced it plans to make China’s currency more flexible, allowing it to gain value against the U.S. dollar. However, it’s ruling out a large, one-off move in the Yuan’s value.

And on Tuesday, for the first time since the weekend pledge, its central bank raised the centre point of the currency’s official trading band.

But analysts said China would still limit the appreciation so as not to damage its export-led economy.

The move, ahead of the G20 summit later this month in Toronto, has tempered market fears of a possible trade war between China and the US.

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Now for the rest of today’s news.

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Thousands of red-shirts attended the funeral of a Thai activist leader who was shot in May as he led anti-government protestors in Bangkok.

Although nearly 1,000 police were stationed in the capital, the general’s cremation ceremony was a peaceful event.

The protest leader known as Commander Red was shot by an unknown gunman while speaking to an American journalist.

Thailand media reported that along with red-shirts, the ceremony was also attended by government and opposition politicians, senior military and police officers.

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Kyrgyzstan’s border patrol say about 35,000 refugees have returned to the country after fleeing because of ethnic clashes.

But, authorities say tensions remain high as angry protestors have confronted the country’s interim leader over falling living standards since he took power.

They also say they are moving elections forward by a month in order to bring a legitimate government as quickly as possible.

The number could not be confirmed. A spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in Uzbekistan said aid workers had seen a large number of refugees returning.

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

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Private hauling companies carrying supplies to American soldiers in Afghanistan are helping to fund the Taliban, says a U.S. report.

A contract worth US$2.2 billion dollars paying for the transport of supplies has intensified the rise of warlord activities it warns. It may be a significant source of funding for insurgents.

It highlights the problem of private militias extorting money from the primary contractors by attacking convoys that have not bought protection. Such highway warlords are also believed to pay protection money directly to insurgents, it said.

Many warlords operate under the name of officially registered private security companies.

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Australian’s are being targeted by cyber criminals like never before says a new cyber crime report published by the government.

The report says cyber crimes are costing Australian business nearly US$565 million dollars a year and suggests some direct steps to protect consumers.

Some steps include a national cyber-crime reporting centre, more training for law enforcement agencies and information sharing on a wider range of cyber-crime types.

The report also stresses that increasing internet speeds would probably worsen the situation for consumers and businesses.

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And we now bring you the Shen Yun quote of the day

[audio]

Asia Cast will be changing to a weekly round up of events around the Asia-Pacific region. We’re keeping our focus on China and will continue to cover topics avoided by other media. The SOH Radio Network thanks you, we value your listener-ship and your feedback.

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

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Villagers in Dharhara thoughtfully plant fruit trees when daughters are born, in preparation for their dowries. (By Syed Touhid Hassan/Flickr)

In this Bulletin…

- New AIDS-like disease appears in China;
- Fruit trees save Indian girls’ lives; and
- Turkish troops enter northern Iraq.

But first we have our SOH focus on China.

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A new disease resembling AIDS has appeared in China as hundreds report symptoms of immune system failure. However, the patients do not test HIV positive.

The disease is being called “HIV-Phobia” by China’s Centre for Disease Control. Yet patients refer to the disease as “negative HIV” as they experience AIDS-like symptoms but don’t test positive.

It appears to be contracted in much the same manner as HIV with some exceptions. This new disease which causes deadly immunity dysfunction has reportedly been easily transmitted through spit and even perspiration.

For more on this story visit The Epoch Times.

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A strike at the Honda Lock Company in China’s Guangdong Province ended on Monday with a small pay increase. But many of the striking workers have been replaced by new ones, says NTDTV.

Workers were hoping to win a large dispensation from employers—double their monthly salaries and free accommodations—much like employees at Honda Transmission did recently.

It seems Honda was unwilling to meet the demands for the relatively unskilled job labourers at Honda Lock. Instead the company launched a massive local recruiting effort, attracting applicants and forcing strikers to return to work or risk losing their jobs.

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And now for the rest of today’s Asia Cast

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A very large Hong Kong luxury apartment developer failed US$342 million dollars in sales, sparking efforts to reign in home prices. The failed deal has also sparked a government inquiry.

The developer said most buyers pulled out the project when sale of 20 luxury apartments had collapsed.

The failure of the sales is a setback for the Hong Kong billionaire as regulators try to cool the property market.

One failed sale included a unit that would have set a world record price of US$88,000 dollars per square foot. Home prices in Hong Kong have rise 5.7 percent this year.

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Fruit trees are helping save the lives of girls in one small village in India’s Bihar state as parents plant at least 10 trees at girls’ births.

Villagers have done so for generations in efforts to prepare for expenses when the girl grows up and marries.

The trees are considered by some a deposit of sorts, fending off dowry deaths, for which the rest of the state is infamous for.

They say mango orchards are a big support for them at the time of their daughter’s marriage, because they save money earned through the sale of fruit throughout the years.

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

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Aid for tens of thousands of Kyrgyzstan refugees who fled ethnic battles arrived on Wednesday. Nearly 190 were killed in the clashes last week between ethnic Kyrgyz and Uzbeks in the south of Kyrgyzstan.

Neighbouring Uzbekistan received more than 75,000 refugees from the fighting, but is now only accepting sick and wounded people. Thousands desperate to flee have been left marooned on the border.

The UN said it is already a tragedy and could become a catastrophe.

Officials say at least 200,000 people have been displaced within Kyrgyzstan along with the 75,000 who fled to Uzbekistan.

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Turkish troops have crossed into northern Iraq in pursuit of Kurdish rebels. Insurgents have been in opposition of the government for over 25 years.

Turkey’s military also said air strikes were launched in deeper parts of Iraqi territory. The offensive took place after rebels made an unsuccessful attack on border guards.

Rebel insurgents known as the PKK are considered a terrorist group, not just by Turkey but the European Union and the U.S.

More than 40,000 people are believed to have died in the long standing conflict, from both sides.

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And we now bring you the Shen Yun quote of the day

[audio]

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

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Manufacturing plant workers in China are demanding increased pay. Demands may create increased business shutdowns. (By Robert Scoble/Flickr)

In this Bulletin…

- Higher pay in China for labourers;
- Indonesia’s 7.1 earthquake; and
- Japan to give billions in low APR loans.

But first we have our SOH focus on China.

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Soaring prices are causing workers throughout China to go on strike and demand higher pay. Some experts warn the demands are causing many small and medium-size businesses to shut down, says The Epoch Times.

Hong Kong media say the strikes have successfully resulted in minimum-wage increases in Chinese cities and provinces.

However, what looks to be the end of cheap labour in China, may also be the end of many businesses run by foreign investors as their profit margins narrow.

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A well-known pioneer in the Chinese democracy movement says quiet progress has been made in China. He cites an editorial series by our affiliate media The Epoch Times as having a strong underground impact.

He spoke with SOH in Copenhagen last week and shared his thoughts on China’s process of democratization among other things.

He said a redoubt against tyranny was established by The Epoch Times and that it began with encouraging quitting the Chinese Communist Party and their publication of The Nine Commentaries on the Communist Party.

To date, over 75 million people have renounced the CCP and its affiliated organizations.

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And now for the rest of today’s Asia Cast

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Heavy downpours have caused flash floods in several areas of Singapore on Wednesday.

Among the areas affected were Bukit Timah, Newton Circus and Scotts Road.

Some reports say water levels were knee-high and many vehicles and buses were stuck in the floods. Various roads were closed during the morning rush; many were late to work as traffic crawled at a snail’s pace.

In a two-hour period, more than 60 percent of the rainfall for in June fell during Wednesday morning’s downpour.

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Japan’s central bank has announced it will provide up to US$33 billion dollars in low interest loans. It says the aim is to spur economic growth.

Plans are to make the money available to commercial banks to encourage them to lend more to private businesses.

Reports say firms in growth sectors including energy, the environment and tourism will be targeted by the scheme. The Bank of Japan also said it would hold interest rates at near zero percent. Rates have remained at 0.1 percent since the end of 2008.

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

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A 7.1 magnitude earthquake has struck eastern Indonesia on Wednesday. A local tsunami warning was given triggering panic as people fled their homes, say officials.

The quake struck southeast of Biak Island, West Papua right after a 6.2 quake had struck the same area.

An Indonesian weather agency issued a local tsunami warning but a Hawaii-based tsunami warning centre said no Pacific-wide wave was expected.

No major reports of damage in the thinly populated area near the quake were made.

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India is planning to send troops to help end a two-month road blockade in the state of Manipur. The blockade has been maintained by tribal groups in the north-eastern state.

Many of the groups refuse to back down. They are protesting against a government ruling to stop a separatist leader from visiting his birthplace in the state.

Officials have grown concerned as the blockade has led to shortages of food and medical supplies to local residents.

Officials have yet to meet and decide whether force will be used to clear the blockade.

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

And we now bring you the Shen Yun quote of the day

[audio]

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

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Although a mechanical failure prevented Hayabusa from grabbing a piece of asteroid rock, dust may still have found its way into the collection chamber. Scientists say even a small amount of material could yield years of research possibilities. (Courtesy of JAXA)

In this Bulletin…

- Taiwan-China trade agreement progresses;
- Thousands of Uzbecks flee ethnic violence; and
- Japanese asteroid explorer could reveal early universe’s mysteries.

But first we have our SOH focus on China.

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We begin with a story from the SOH Chinese language broadcast team.

With millions of students in China taking their college entrance exams, the pressure is on to get good results and the prospect of a better future.

With so much at stake some students are willing to pay others to sit their exams for them. A number of businesses openly advertise exam substitutes, with some guaranteeing college entrance. All for a price.

Perhaps the most surprising aspect of this our reporters uncovered is the fact that the authorities turn a blind eye to this illegal practice.

The Epoch Times website has the full translation of the original Chinese story.

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Taiwan said real progress was made during negotiations for a comprehensive trade agreement with China.

Representatives from both sides of the Taiwan Strait met in Beijing Sunday. The meeting was the third round of talks on the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement.

The agreement aims to bring the economies of Taiwan and China closer together. Taiwan’s pro-Beijing government says the deal will boost growth. But opponents of the agreement say stronger competition from China will cost Taiwanese jobs and make the island more dependant on the mainland.

Further negotiations are required before the deal can be cemented. But Taipei was upbeat about the way things went.

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And now for the rest of today’s Asia Cast

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As the ethnic violence in Kyrgyzstan continues thousands of ethnic Uzbeks are fleeing the country.

Officials said a third day of fighting in the southern city of Osh has left almost 100 people dead. Witnesses have spoken of Kyrgyz men shooting members of the ethnic Uzbek minority and setting property alight. There have also been some reports of Kyrgyz casualties.

Desperate to restore order, Kyrgyzstan’s interim government gave security forces shoot-to-kill powers Saturday.

Uzbek emergency officials said at least 30,000 people had crossed the border from Kyrgyzstan. One official told Russia’s RIA Novosti news agency that 75,000 had entered Uzbekistan.

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There had been another poison attack targeting schoolgirls in Afghanistan. The Afghan Ministry of Health said about 60 girls appeared to have been poisoned in the latest incident about.

The victims aged from nine to fourteen required hospitalisation. Most suffered minor reactions.

It was the third suspected poisoning of Afghani schoolgirls this week. Three similar attacks in April resulted in 90 schoolgirls being poisoned. So far there have not been any fatalities reported from any of the attacks.

It is suspected that the Taliban are behind the attacks. During the Taliban’s rule of Afghanistan girls were prohibited from attending school.

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

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At least 13 people have been killed by a bus crash in the Philippines. Thirty-nine others were pulled from the wreckage of the bus.

The bus was taking a group of around 50 students on a day trip. It crashed on a remote mountainous road, becoming wedged in a ravine 20 metres below the road.

Accidents are a frequent occurrence on the twisting mountainside roads on the Philippine island of Cebu.

Rescue operations were still under way over five hours after the crash. At least three more bodies are reportedly waiting to be removed.

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The Japanese space agency is celebrating the return to Earth of a capsule thought to contain the first samples grabbed from the surface of an asteroid.

The Hayabusa mission began in 2003. The asteroid explorer spent three months examining the 500-meter-long Itokawa asteroid in 2005.

A mechanical failure prevented Hayabusa actually grabbing some of the asteroid rock. But the Japanese space agency said there was a good chance some dust was collected .

Further technical problems delayed Hayabusa’s return to Earth.

Scientists say that analysis of asteroid material can provide clues about the early history of the Solar System and planet formation.

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

And we now bring you the Shen Yun quote of the day

[audio]

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

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Chinese poet, writer and activist Li Hong is critically ill after three years in prison. (Courtesy of Canyu.org)

In this Bulletin…

- Major floods as snow melts in northwest China;
- Kyrgyzstan appeals for help over ethnic violence; and
- Teenage sailor rescued from Indian Ocean.

Our SOH focus on China is next.

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Severe flooding has affected around 400,000 people in northwest China and left at least two people dead. Melt water from the heaviest snowstorms in six decades has swept down over grasslands making a bad situation in the region worse.

The snowstorms themselves affected nearly two million people in the region. Killing as many as 30 people and causing economic losses of up to $390 million US dollars.

The flood waters have risen record levels, affecting 22 counties and cities in the Xinjiang region. At least 15,000 people have been relocated. And about 8,000 livestock have died as a result of the harsh weather.

You can see some of the devastation from the floods on NTDTV.

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According to The Epoch Times newspaper, the family and friends of a Chinese poet, writer and activist have launched an appeal for help. After three years in prison Li Hong is in a critical condition.

In March 2007 Li was sentenced to six years in prison after publishing articles criticising the regime’s human rights record in advance of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

He was later diagnosed with muscular dystrophy but was denied medical parole. According to a report by the advocacy group Human Rights in China he is now at risk of paralysis.

The Epoch Times has more on their website about Li’s activism, worsening medical condition and the appeal for help.

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And now for the rest of today’s Asia Cast

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Workers a Honda factory in southeast China have been on strike over pay and conditions. The factory in Zhongshan, Guangdong Province employs 1,700 workers. They manufacture low value car parts such as locks and mirrors which are shipped out to assembly plants.

The worker’s started their strike on Wednesday. Then on Friday about 500 workers gathered outside the factory after a protest march. They were calling for better pay and independent unions.

One worker said they didn’t want to strike because nobody wanted to lose their job, but they needed to earn more money to take back home.

NTDTV has more on the worker’s demands and the factory’s response.

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Ethnic violence in Kyrgyzstan has left almost 80 people dead. The interim government has asked Russia to help bring an end to the ethnic clashes in the southern Kyrgiz city of Osh.

Kyrgyzstan’s interim government said the situation in Osh was out of control and they needed the entry of outside armed forces to calm the situation down.

But Russia has declined to send troops to Kyrgyzstan at this time.

The unrest comes ahead of a referendum on the constitution later this month. According to local reports, the violence broke out between rival gangs and developed into gun battles late on Thursday.

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India has said a two-month blockade by ethnic tribes in the country’s northwest may soon end.

The announcement comes as more than two million people in Manipur state face the prospect of running out of food, fuel and vital medicines.

For years, tribal groups in Manipur have resisted the authority of New Delhi. They claim the central government has neglected them instead of listening to them.

But now protesters from the Naga Students Federation have offered to end the road blockade that has crippled the region.

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An American teenager trying to become the youngest person to sail solo around the world has been rescued in the Indian Ocean.

Sixteen-year-old Abby Sunderland had been stranded in heavy seas after the mast on her yacht broke.

Her yacht was spotted halfway between Australia and Africa by an aerial search team Friday. Maritime authorities said she was picked up by a French fishing vessel.

The teenager is well and in good spirits. She was trying to break the record set by her brother who sailed solo around the world aged 17.

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And we now bring you the Shen Yun quote of the day

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

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Millions suffer in 'human rights free zone' in northwest Pakistan (Photo © Amnesty International)

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.”

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Egypt has opened the Rafah-Gaza border to Palestinians in response to Israel's raid on a Gaza flotilla. (By Radio Nederland Wereldomroep/Flickr)

In this Bulletin…

- Large sinkholes forming across China;
- North Korean border guards shoot & kill 3 Chinese citizens; and
- 5,000 Palestinians cross the Gaza-Egypt border.

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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While giant sinkholes plague Guatemala, eight sinkholes have suddenly formed in the past two weeks across China, reports The Epoch Times. Even more have appeared within the past two months.

The latest sinkhole formed in the middle of a freeway on Friday in Zhejiang Province on the nation’s eastern coast. It measured 20 feet deep and 27 feet wide.

The day before, four huge sinkholes opened up in Guangxi Province after a pouring rainstorm. 600 villagers had to be evacuated from the surrounding area.

Although state-run reports say no major earthquakes will result, the sinkhole outbreak has many Chinese people worried.

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China’s communist party has released a white paper on Tuesday defending the right to censor the internet.

The white paper lays out the regime’s attitude towards the web. It says the country has the right to govern the internet as it sees fit inside China’s borders.

It refers to the internet as “a crystallization of human wisdom,” however its lists some of reasons why it’s citizens cannot access all of that wisdom.

One of the major reasons for censorship is avoiding subversion of state power resulting in undermining of national unity. However, Chinese internet users are extremely divided about internet censorship.

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And now for the rest of today’s Asia Cast

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North Korean border guards shot and killed three Chinese citizens last week. A fourth person was injured in the incident near Liaoning, China.

China’s foreign ministry said it has placed a formal complaint to North Korea. They said four residents of Dandong, in Liaoning Province had been shot on suspicion of crossing the border for trade activities.

They said China attaches great importance to the act and has raised a solemn representation with North Korea.

The case is being investigated and no further details were given.

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Japan’s new prime minister is vowing to make the country more vigorous. He plans to tackle the national debt and improve relations with the U.S.

Speaking before being sworn in by Japan’s Emperor Akihito, Mr Naoto Kan named his new cabinet. He is keeping 11 of the 17 ministers in place and appointing his former deputy as finance minister.

He is planning to relocate a controversial U.S. military base to the north part of Okinawa Island despite locals wanting it removed entirely.

He is also making the national debt the country’s biggest topic.

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

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India’s prime minister has renewed an offer to talk with Kashmiri separatists. He announced the move during a visit to a university in India-administered Kashmir.

He said they are ready to talk with representatives of all sections who are opposed to terrorism and violence.

During the prime minister’s two-day trip to the state, non-violent separatists protesting the visit staged a shutdown.

Violence has declined in Kashmir in recent years, but analysts say militants opposed to Indian rule are now trying to regroup.

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Over 5, 000 Palestinians have crossed the Gaza-Egypt border after Egypt’s president opened the crossing border town of Rafah. It was opened over a week ago.

The border opening is said to be in response to Israel’s raid on the Gaza flotilla, and is expected to stay open.

People legally able to enter Egypt or other Arab countries have been allowed to pass through while Palestinians receiving medical treatment were allowed to return to Gaza.

Tons of medical supplies, food and aid have also been driven into Gaza.

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

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