Asia & the Pacific

Two men saluting each other

Rebecca Meckelburg looks at the factors driving the result of Indonesia's recent presidential election.

protesters

Three years after the February 2021 coup in Myanmar, the Australian Labor government is facing renewed criticism for its failure to impose meaningful sanctions on the illegitimate military junta, write Leo Earle and Mg Lin Htet.

soldiers

Papua New Guinea and Indonesia have formally ratified a defence agreement, which enables an enhancement of military operations between the two countries, with a specific focus on strengthening patrols along the border between PNG and Indonesia, writes Ali Mirin. But what will this mean for the security and sovereignty of West Papuans?

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Critical theorist, feminist and author Nancy Fraser continues her conversation with Green Left’s Federico Fuentes, focussing on the role of expropriation and transnationals in modern imperialism, and the challenges facing anti-imperialists and anti-capitalists.

Speakers at the Ecosocialism 2024 conference

Speakers from Malaysia, the Philippines and the United States have been added to the growing bill of international guests at the Ecosocialism 2024 conference. Fred Fuentes reports.

Protester holding a sign

Aotearoa/New Zealand news media came under fire at a Palestine solidarity rally in Auckland calling for an immediate ceasefire in the war in Gaza with speakers condemning what they said was pro-Israeli “bias” and “propaganda”, reports Pacific Media Watch.

Ammar Ali Jan speaking

Federico Fuentes spoke to Pakistani socialist Ammar Ali Jan of the Haqooq-e-Khalq Party (People’s Rights Party) about the volatile situation facing the country after the recent elections. Ammar will speak at Ecosocialism 2024, in Boorloo/Perth, June 28–30.

Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia remained a friend of the United States, Europe and Australia, and China. Binoy Kampmark argues it would be inconceivable to hear the same said by an Australian politician.

protesters holding signs

New Zealand has taken another shameful act in its tone deaf approach to Israel’s War on Gaza this week by declaring Hamas a “terrorist entity” at a time when millions are marching worldwide for an immediate ceasefire and a lasting peace founded on an independent state of Palestine, writes David Robie.

Dr Mahrang Baloch speaking to a rally

When the young activist Dr Mahrang Baloch returned to her native Balochistan from Islamabad, tens of thousands defied a government ban on public assemblies to give her a hero’s welcome, report Matt Broomfield and Robin Fleming.

map of electoral results

Pakistan’s February 8 general elections resulted in a split vote, with no party securing a clear national majority, writes Farooq Tariq, offering little hope for positive change, as the incoming government is poised to fast-track neoliberal policies, privatise state institutions and deepen class exploitation.

two women holding signs

The Frontline Socialist Party actively contributed to the 2022 popular uprising in Sri Lanka. Green Left’s Janaka Biyanwila interviewed Pubudu Jayagoda, who is the FSP’s educational secretary and central committee member about the party's organising work.