The proposal to ban internet cafes in China has incited rebellious cyber-protests from Chinese hackers. (TimYang.net/Flickr)

In this Bulletin…

- Internet cafe ban proposal provokes hacker protest in China;
- South Korea and Turkey partner to build nuclear power plant; and
- Months of flooding expected in southern Australia.

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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A legislative member in China, who has proposed a ban on all Internet cafes, has been the target of revenge by countless Chinese hackers, says NTDTV. They hacked her restaurant chain’s web site, deleting links and posting insulting messages.

During a recent annual plenary meeting, she blamed internet cafés for video game addiction, school truancy and petty theft. She suggested state-run Internet cafés should be set up to address these social issues.

Critics say she has gone too far, and that banning all Internet cafés would be akin to arresting all Chinese communist officials because many of them are corrupt.

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In northern China’s Hubei Province, an elderly woman was buried alive by demolition workers as she prepared to evacuate her home.

An Epoch Times report said a demolition workman operating excavation equipment dumped a load of dirt onto the woman, burying her alive.

According to witnesses, not one of the dozens of workers offered any help. Her family frantically rushed to dig her out with their bare hands. After an hour of digging, they reached her but were unable to revive her.

The family’s mourning soon drew thousands of onlookers and authorities sent anti-riot cars to drive the family away.

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And now for the rest of today’s Asia Cast

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South Korea and Turkey’s state power companies have signed a preliminary deal on Wednesday to build a nuclear power plant in northern Turkey.

Turkey’s prime minister said if a common ground with mutually acceptable conditions emerges, the main agreement between the two countries will be signed.

However, Turkey has advertised that doors are still open to proposals from other countries’ companies, saying they will work similarly with them.

The Korean power company which obtained the preliminary deal also won a contract in December to build four nuclear power plants in the United Arab Emirates as part of an international consortium.

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The American medical charity, Physicians for Human Rights, has warned that thousands of Burmese refugees in Bangladesh are facing starvation.

It accuses the Bangladesh government of obstructing efforts to help the Rohingya who are a Muslim minority. The Rohingya fled Burma to escape persecution.

The new report is called, Stateless and Starving: Persecuted Rohingya Flee Burma and Starve in Bangladesh. It warns children will starve if aid is not allowed to be delivered.

The report describes the makeshift camps for unregistered refugees as “open-air prisons”. There are an estimated 200,000 Rohingya living there.

Bangladesh officials say all claims are baseless.

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

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Australia and Indonesia have announced new tactics to boost security relations, economic relations and other key affairs during Indonesian President Yudhoyono’s visit to Canberra, Australia.

The two countries have come together agreeing to increase cooperation on people smuggling, terrorism and to have greater political contact. This includes annual meetings between the two nation’s leaders and between defence and foreign ministers.

There are also plans to set up a leadership dialogue of politicians, business leaders, academics and opinion makers between the two nations.

During a speech to Parliament, Yudhoyono touched on 60 years of diplomatic highs and lows between the two countries.

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Huge amounts of rainfall in south-western Queensland, Australia are expected to cause extensive flooding in southern Australia over the next two months.

The extreme rainfall, which is estimated to have caused over US$183 million dollars in damage, is on its way south to New South Wales.

Meanwhile, Australia’s insurance council is preparing for more than 40,000 claims as a result of thunder and hail storms in Victoria over the past weekend.

Wagga Wagga is recovering from a downpour of over four inches in one day, the average for the month in March. The town has been declared a disaster area.

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

13 Chinese newspapers were punished after publishing an editorial calling for reform and eventual abandonment of China's household registration system. The system restricts where rural "peasants" and urban dwellers can travel and live. (By qilin/Flickr)

In this Bulletin…

- Unprecedented news editorial punished by Chinese regime;
- Secret Cold War deal between Japan and U.S. confirmed; and
- Myanmar law expels Suu Kyi from democratic league.

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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An editorial published in 13 Chinese newspapers calling for household registration reform has been met with swift punishment. The editor-in-chief who drafted the editorial was fired immediately.

The editorial stated that individuals are born free and have the right to move freely. It called for reforms that restricted where people could travel and live within China.

But an Epoch Times news analyst cited, if China had a functioning legislative body, an editorial appeal would make sense.

Yet, the simultaneous publication in 13 Chinese newspapers of an editorial challenging the CCP is an unprecedented act.

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An intense and destructive drought is gripping much of southwest China. NTDTV reports there are drinking water shortages and millions of acres of crops have been lost.

The report says rivers have dried up and herd animals grow weaker in dust bowls that used to be watering holes.

State-run media reports list Guizhou, Yunan, Guangxi and Sichuan as the four provinces hardest hit by the drought. The areas have lost more than US$1.5 billion dollars in revenue.

Critics of China’s rapid economic expansion say the lack of environmental controls is responsible for the drought.

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And now for the rest of today’s Asia Cast

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The existence of a secret Cold War deal with the U.S. has been confirmed by Japan. The deal which was sealed in the 1960s has allowed the transit of nuclear-armed U.S. vessels through its ports.

The news announced by a government-appointed panel ends decades of official denial. However, the existence of the pact was an open secret.

There is controversy associated with the pact, since after WWII Japan adopted three non-nuclear principles; not making or possessing nuclear weapons nor allowing them on its soil.

Declassified U.S. documents already confirmed the deal.

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India’s upper house of parliament has approved a bill to reserve seats for women in parliament and state legislature.

The historic bill states one third of all seats in the national parliament and state legislatures are to be reserved for women.

The bill first introduced in 1996 had triggered uproar from opponents, resulting in the suspension of seven MPs on Tuesday.

The bill was passed with 186 members of the 245-seat house voting in favour. Only one member voted against.

India already reserves a third of local governing council seats in towns and villages for women.

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

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Authorities in India-occupied Kashmir have recovered what they say is a huge cache of arms and ammunition. Officials say it was found in a Pakistan-backed militant outfit hideout after security personnel received a tip

An Indian commanding officer said they began their search operation in a deep forested area with metal detectors. They had spotted a hideout beneath a huge rock. AK-47s, magazines and cartridges were recovered.

He said that during peak days of the militancy, that particular route was often used to sneak into the valley, despite surrounding barbed wire fencing.

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Under Myanmar’s new election laws, the National League for Democracy must expel detained leader Aung San Suu Kyo from its ranks. A spokesman said it must be done ahead of polls this year.

Details of the Political Parties Registration Act have been published in state-run newspapers. It says anyone serving a prison term cannot be a party member, and any parties failing to obey the law will be abolished.

The spokesman for the democratic league expressed surprise at the law.

The democratic league has 60 days to register as a party, however they have not yet decided if they will participate.

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

The Chinese regime's harassment of Shen Yun artists and their families may reveal it feels threatened by Shen Yun's world tour. Jiang Feng (right) has been sent to a Chinese brainwashing facility. (Courtesy of The Epoch Times)

In this Bulletin…

- Chinese regime continues harassment to Shen Yun families;
- Thailand vows to prevent protest violence; and
- Australia says Sydney air quality to worsen.

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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An overseas Falun Gong investigative group believes that the husband of a Shen Yun Performing Arts soloist has been sent to a brainwashing facility in China.

The WOIPFG made the announcement after investigating the mysterious disappearance of Jiang Feng.

Jiang’s wife, Mei Xuann, has enjoyed great success as an erhu virtuoso with Shen Yun Performing Arts. She believes the kidnapping of her husband is part of the regime’s plot to interfere with the show’s tour.

Other members of Shen Yun have also reported harassment of their families in China. This case however, is the most severe to date.

For more on the circumstances of Jiang’s disappearance visit The Epoch Times.

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The Chinese Communist Party’s largest English language newspaper has undergone a US$6.5 billion dollar makeover. It is part of a plan to expand the regime’s global media network, in efforts to gain foothold on the world’s media stage.

Meanwhile, at home its tight grip on freedom of expression shows no signs of easing up.

Recently, all independent online news services were outlawed. Online journalists are not allowed press cards, and cannot conduct interviews or make news reports.

Critics are calling it a double standard, saying if online journalism is illegal, why are regime-sanctioned online journalists from the People’s Daily legal?

See more of this story at NTDTV.com.

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And now for the rest of today’s Asia Cast

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Thailand’s government has vowed to take all means within the law to prevent expected protest violence. They are preparing for major protesting from the former prime minister’s supporters.

Hundreds of thousands of Thaksin supporters are expected to gather in Bangkok on Saturday. They will gather in the wake of a court decision that seized US$1.4 billion dollars of the ousted PM’s fortune.

The protests by the masses known as “Red Shirts” promise to be the biggest since last April, when up to 100,000 took to the streets.

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In India, a bill which would reserve one third of high-ranking government seats has been reintroduced, sparking protests in the upper house.

The bill which would reserve seats in parliament and state legislatures was first proposed in 1996, but never passed. This time it has the backing of India’s main parties.

However, voting was due on Monday, but delays ensued as protests forced the upper house to adjourn.

At present, women make up just 10 percent of the lower house of parliament and even less in state assemblies.

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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 in a suicide bomb attack in Lahore, Pakistan say local police.

More than 60 others were injured when a car containing explosives targeted an anti-terrorist wing of the federal investigative agency.

The quantity of explosives is said to have been so large, it was able to bring down the two-story building.

A spokesman for the Pakistani Taliban told the BBC they were responsible for the attack.

Passers-by, including children on their way to school, were said to be among the dead and injured.

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An Australian government report says Sydney’s air quality is only going to worsen significantly over the next 15 years. The report says residents will suffer increased respiratory diseases from the rising levels.

It said the problem will be worst in the region stretching from Richmond in the north to Macarther in the south and centred in Bringelly. These are major growth areas where ozone is already found at higher levels.

The report argued the government should take additional measures to reduce emissions and said car emissions are the single largest contributor to ozone levels.

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

Longshan Temple, Taiwan. (By Francisco Diez/Flickr)

In this Bulletin…

- Environmental destruction blamed for China’s drought;
- Taiwan says it has something to offer China’s Buddhists; and
- Pakistan’s police close in on kidnappers of British boy.

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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As the drought in southern China continues, more than 11 million people are suffering a shortage of drinking water.

Authorities have imposed water use quotas on the public. Companies using lots of water have had to shut down operations.

Several experts believe pollution, and a lack of significant regard for the ecological system in China, has caused the drought.

One water conservation expert told Radio Free Asia the drought was the direct result of destruction to ecosystems in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.

You can find more details about the extent of the drought on the Epoch Times website.

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Not for the first time, a Chinese military figure has said that China should be ready to defeat the United States.

In his newly published book, a Senior Colonel from the People’s Liberation Army has called on the regime to build up its military in order to topple the United States.

Professor So Wai-Chor of the Open University of Hong Kong spoke to Voice of America about the book. He said such people were only able to make their views public if the regime approved. He added it was possible the book reflected the Communist regime’s views and its release was a way for Beijing to test the water.

The Epoch Times has a more in-depth analysis on its website.

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And now for the rest of today’s Asia Cast

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As the stand-off between Internet giant Google and the Chinese regime continues, it is unclear when Google plans to stop censoring search results in the communist state.

In January Google threatened to pull out of China. Google said it had suffered cyber attacks targeted at its source code and the Gmail accounts of Chinese human rights activists around the world.

But on Saturday, Beijing said it had still not heard from Google on the matter.

Earlier this week Google told a US congressional hearing on ‘Global Internet Freedom and the Rule of Law’ that it was reviewing its business operations in China. Though this hasn’t stopped the company from advertising for new staff in China on its website.

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According to the Taiwanese president, Buddhist groups in China could learn a thing or two from those in Taiwan.

The president said that although Buddhism came to Taiwan from China, Taiwan’s Buddhist groups demonstrated a style and momentum rarely seen in the religion’s history in China

Taiwan’s 5.5 million Buddhist followers constitute over a quarter of the population. Their values have a far-reaching influence in local society.

Taiwan’s president said China’s Buddhist groups could contribute much to China’s overall national development if they learned from the efforts of their Taiwanese counterparts in secular work, volunteer service, gender equality and entrepreneurship.

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

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North Korea has said it will not move any further forward on the issue of nuclear disarmament.

The announcement from the North’s state media came in response to a planned joint military exercise between the US and South Korea.

The North also claims that by participating in the military cooperation with the United States the South has violated the agreement that brought a truce to the Korean War. As a result, North Korea said it would no longer abide by the armistice.

Pyongyang went further than saying it was just abandoning disarmament talks; saying the joint exercises would force it to bolster its nuclear deterrent.

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Pakistan has said its police are closing in on the kidnappers of a five-year-old British boy. But four officers have been suspended over the police handling of the kidnap.

Sahil Saeed was visiting relatives with his father on Wednesday when he was snatched by armed robbers. The kidnappers are said to have demanded a £100,000 pound ransom for the boy’s return.

Pakistan’s interior minister said the kidnap had humiliated Pakistan. He warned that those involved would be made an example of. A number of men are said to have already been arrested.

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

"For a prosperous, powerful nation and a happy family, please use birth planning"; Sign posted by authorities in Nanchang. (By Planet Love/Flickr)

In this Bulletin…

- Shocking claims of abuse under China’s One Child Policy;
- Hong Kong-Taiwan plan closer ties; and
- Tsunami warnings reviewed after Aussies wait on the beach.

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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An SOH report has uncovered the inequalities in China’s One-Child Policy. Our reporters also learned of the inhumane methods being used to enforce the controversial measures.

A villager from Zhejiang Province on China’s east coast said village told SOH about the impact of the One Child Policy on his family. The villager said local Party officials were using criminal gangs to threaten and force women to undergo forced abortions. He claimed his sister-in-law died, and his wife had developed serious complications, after undergoing forced abortions.

But it seems that if you can afford to pay the fines, the policy is not enforced. The man we spoke to said whoever has higher status has more children.

Listen to our Inside China Today podcast to hear the full interview.

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The Epoch Times said a recently released report on China’s ‘rule-of-law’ unveiled a large jump in crime rates and mass protests in 2009. The report also apparently reveals that one in ten of China’s mafia groups is headed by a Communist Party official.

The report attributes the rising crime rate and the number of mass protests to rising social conflicts and the gap between rich and poor. It predicted that lawlessness will only get worse in 2010.

Local to efforts to enforce Beijing’s policies on ‘maintaining social stability’ were blamed as one of the factors leading to an increase in mass protests.

Read The Epoch Times for the background on the report and details of Party members’ involvement in organised crime.

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And now for the rest of today’s Asia Cast

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Hong Kong and Taiwan are hoping to boost trade and cooperation between themselves.

Hong Kong’s Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs said a trade and economic cooperation committee would be established to coordinate with a similar one being proposed by Taiwan.

The Secretary said a group of officials and businessmen would visit to Taiwan after the two committees had been set up.

Officials said the two committees would meet to discuss a host of issues. And both sides would conduct a wide range of activities via the bilateral platform.

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A spokesman for the Philippine military said 11 of its soldiers were killed when their patrol was ambushed by rebels.

A statement said that around 60 guerrillas ambushed a reconnaissance platoon that was on patrol.

The troops had been sent to the area on Mindoro island to stop communist rebels of the New People’s Army extorting money from candidates ahead of May’s elections.

The Philippine military said reinforcements supported by helicopter gunships were tracking down the rebels.

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

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Australia is reviewing its tsunami warnings after the public largely ignored alerts issued after the Chilean earthquake.

Lifeguards in Queensland and New South Wales struggled to clear beaches as people either returned to the water or came down to watch the tsunami arrive.

States in the Pacific went on alert following the quake. But as it occurred in shallower waters, most areas did not see any big waves. The waves that hit Australia’s east coast were hardly noticeable.

Australia’s Attorney-General has asked for a review of the public’s reaction to the warnings to look at ways of educating people about tsunamis.

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Australia might have recently escaped being battered by a tsunami, but severe weather has caused chaos in parts of the country.

In Melbourne, Victoria, golf ball sized hailstones brought the city to a standstill on Saturday. Streets were flooded and sporting events cancelled as 19 millimetres of rain fell in just 18 minutes. The weather bureau said it had been an unusual and very dangerous thunderstorm.

Meanwhile, emergency services in the north-eastern state of Queensland were warning of the worst floods in over 100 years. There are fears that around 80 per cent of the rural town of Saint George could be inundated with flood waters.

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

In May 2005, ten Udumbara flowers were found on the face of a Bodhisattva statue in the Sumi Zen Temple in Korea. (Courtesy of minghui.org)

In this Bulletin

- Flower story sparks controversy for Chinese state media;
- Strong earthquake strikes off Indonesia; and
- Aboriginal singer wins prestigious Sidney Myer award.

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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Chinese state media reported on the rare spotting of the Udumbara flower and then removed their report two days later.

According to Buddhist legend, the Udumbara flower blossoms only once every 3,000 years.  Its arrival is believed to indicate the coming of a great sage or enlightened being.

In the past, China’s state media has denied the existence of the Udumbara, calling them insect eggs.

On February 27, China’s state-run media published an article titled Legendary Udumbara that blossoms every 3,000 years found in Lushan, Jiangxi.

On March 1, China’s official media deleted all the articles from their web sites.

For more on this story read The Epoch Times.

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China’s annual session began Friday, with policy makers looking for answers to problems similar to those being experienced by Western countries.

The National People’s Congress will attempt to increase people’s incomes, bridge the rich-poor divide, decrease out of control corruption and justify environmental deprivation.

Premier Wen Jiabao gave his annual work report, similar to a state of the nation address, on Friday.

Wen announced policy measures such as the government’s economic growth targets, annual budgets and others aimed at keeping China’s strong economic growth.

China reported that last year it recorded an 8.7 per cent gross domestic product growth, disregarding global economic trends.

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And now for the rest of today’s Asia Cast

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The recent earthquake in Taiwan has cause millions of dollars in damage to infrastructure and business operations.

The 6.4-magnitude earthquake injured around 96 people. It delayed rail services, crushed farm houses and shortly cut off electricity to more than half a million homes.

Soon after the quake a fire broke out at the Everest Textile and burned for nearly a day. The damage from the fire is estimated at around 100 million Taiwan dollars, that’s 3.1 million US.

Taiwan High Speed Rail had to stop services to southern Taiwan on Thursday following a minor derailing during the quake, but it declined to say how much revenue it lost.

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Off the coast of Sumatra in Indonesia a 6.5-magnitude earthquake struck late on Friday. However, no tsunami alert was issued and there were no reports of damage or injuries.

The earthquake hit at just after 11 pm, waking people from their sleep, otherwise the effects were small.

The US Geological Survey said the epicentre of the earthquake was 165 kilometres west of Bengkulu on Sumatra Island. An alert was not issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre based in Hawaii. They said there was a very small possibility of a local tsunami.

Hundreds of earthquakes of a significant magnitude have occurred around the world in recent weeks.

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

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Japan’s Princess Aiko did not attend school early this week after complaining of being bullied, a royal household official has said.

The princess, who is eight, came home from school in a state of anxiety and saying she had stomach pains early that week.

Later it was found that the Princess and other students in her class had been treated cruelly by boys in another class.

Princess Aiko, whose parents are Crown Prince Naruhito and Princess Masako, attends Gakushuin Primary School in Tokyo.

Issei Nomura, the royal spokesman, did not give details of when the princess was expected to return to lessons.

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The lead singer of one Australia’s most popular indigenous bands has won a major national performing arts prize.

Mandawuy Yunupingu joined stage actress Julie Forsyth, the Footscray Community Arts Centre and the Black Arm Band in sharing more than $120,000 Australian dollars from the Sidney Myer Arts Awards.

Yunupingu is the lead singer of the band Yothu Yindi gaining international success. He also has set up a foundation to strengthen Yolngu culture.

He says he was blown away when told he would be getting the award at a ceremony in Adelaide tonight.

Yunupingu says the money will go towards furthering his musical career, and to continue his dialysis treatment until he can get a kidney transplant.

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“Asia Cast … Keeping you across the top headlines from Asia and the world.”

This year China will only spend 7.5 per cent of it's gross domestic product on the military. (By gadgetdan/Flickr)

In this Bulletin …

- Security tightens ahead of annual sessions in Beijing;
- Many die in India temple stampede; and
- Extinct frog re-discovered in Australia.

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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More than 70,000 security guards have been dispatched around Beijing ahead of the Chinese regime’s most important political meetings of the year.

Part of the massive security plan includes driving out petitioners who have come to Beijing as a final resort to seek a resolution for their legal wrongdoings.

On Wednesday, the National People’s Congress gathered for its annual session. And on Friday, the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference will hold its annual session.

5,000 officials are in town to set down the policies of the ruling Communist Party.

For more on this story watch NTDTV.

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This year China will only spend 7.5 per cent of its budget on the military.

It is the first time in 20 years that the communist state has dipped below 10 per cent.

Li Zhaoxing a spokesman of the country’s annual parliamentary session announced that they will spend almost $78 billion US dollars over the year.

Li said that, as a proportion of gross domestic product, China still spends less than other countries, such as the US.

Washington has repeatedly urged China to be more open about its rapidly rising military spending.

Li claimed the extra money being spent on the military would help it meet various security threats, without specifying what those threats were.

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And now for the rest of today’s Asia Cast

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China says the US has vowed to improve relations with Beijing. The move comes after Washington created tension by approving an arms package to Taiwan and hosting a meeting with the Dalai Lama, Tibet’s exiled spiritual leader.

During a three-day visit this week US Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg held an in-depth and honest exchange of views with Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and other officials.

China’s foreign ministry said they wanted the US to take China’s position seriously. He said the US must honour China’s core interests and major concerns, and take solid actions to push China-US relations back toward sound and steady development.

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A stampede at a Hindu temple in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh has killed at least 60 people and injured dozens more.

The stampede began after the gate at the temple collapsed causing panic, at the temple in Pratapgarh district, 650 kilometres south-east of Delhi. The temple gate was still being built.

Many of the dead are said to be women and children.

In recent years hundreds of people have been killed in stampedes at crowded Indian temples. Stampedes at two different Hindu temples killed nearly 300 people in 2008.

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

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Aftershocks shook southern Taiwan after a magnitude-6.4 earthquake trembled the island.  However the island was left relatively unharmed.

The earthquake on Thursday morning was followed by more than 15 aftershocks. The strongest of which registered magnitude-4.8.

12 minor injuries were reported by Taiwan’s interior ministry.

Earthquakes are common in Taiwan. The largest on record was an 8.0-magnitude quake in 1920. But the worst earthquake disaster was a 7.1-magnitude quake in 1935 that killed over 3,200 people. Three months later a slightly smaller quake killed more than 2,700.

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A species of frog thought to have become extinct over 30 years ago has turned up alive and well in Australia.

The continued existence of the yellow spotted bell frog was first noted in 2008. Now experts have been able to confirm the sighting.

The frogs have established a thriving community in the Southern Tablelands of Australia’s New South Wales state. The New South Wales environment minister said that to protect the frogs their exact location would remain a secret.

The International Union for Conversation of Nature says one-third of the world’s 6,000 amphibian species are under threat of extinction.

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“Asia Cast … Keeping you across the top headlines from Asia and the world.”

Thirteen newspapers in China's 11 provinces published a joint editorial calling for household registration reforms to be speeded up. (Internet screenshot)

In this Bulletin…

- China’s household registration system criticised by media;
- Newest attack on Nepal media; and
- Australians evacuated from flooded town.

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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Thirteen newspapers in China have taken the unusual step of publishing a joint editorial, criticising China’s household registration system, said The Epoch Times.

The editorial appeared on March 1, calling for reform of the hukou system; a system which regulates where farmers and urban residents can live and use social services.

The editorial said the system has led to inequalities between urban residents and farmers, and it restricts freedom of movement. It also said it openly violated the Chinese Constitution, becoming an incubator for corruption as urban residency status can be bought and sold with Communist Party officials acting as middle men.

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Chinese Communist Party leaders have endorsed their own Tibetan Panchen Lama. A Panchen Lama is the second most important figure in Tibetan Buddhism traditionally chosen by the Dalai Lama.

They named him on Sunday to a committee that advises the National People’s Congress, China’s legislative body.

However, the move is seen as an effort of the Chinese regime to raise the profile of their candidate.

The Dalai Lama chose a young Tibetan boy to be Panchen Lama back in 1995. The boy and his family disappeared soon after and are thought to be under house arrest.

For more on this story, visit The Epoch Times.

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And now for the rest of today’s Asia Cast

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A publisher of a Nepal newspaper has been shot dead by attackers in Janakpur, near India’s southern border. It is the latest in a series of violent acts against the media in Nepal.

The victim published a popular newspaper and owned a radio station in town.

Although officials say there were four attackers, it is not clear yet who they were.

Several armed groups based in the Terai region, where Janakpur is located are taking responsibility for the death of the victim.

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Construction for the 11-day Commonwealth Games in New Delhi is taking a toll on India’s children, reported Voice of America.

The city is undergoing an unprecedented US$6 billion building boom and beautification campaign in preparation for the games.

More than 400,000 migrant workers have been contracted to do the work, and it’s estimated the workers have brought an additional 10,000 children into the city exposing them to hazards.

Most live in squalid conditions without electricity or toilet facilities. A lawyer who is also a social activist said it is almost a starvation situation for the children.

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

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According to a military commander in Pakistan, al Qaeda and the Taliban have been driven out from one of their main centres near the Afghan border.

He said they have concluded operations up to the Afghan border. Fighting has gone on for nearly two years in that area. They are now going to switch their posture to policing operations.

He also said leadership does not exist there anymore. He estimated that about 25 per cent have gone across the border, roughly 15 per cent have melted back into Swat and a good amount has been killed. Bin Laden has not been found.

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A small outback town in Queensland, Australia was submerged in three days by a year’s worth of rain, said NTDTV.

The town which had been battling a drought for years was left hoping the rain would come to an end.

Hundreds were evacuated from their homes, spending Tuesday night in a secured location. Up to 500 homes were inundated with flood waters.

In one part of town, near the flooded Mary River, the waters rose high enough, cutting off a road.

Residents in the affected areas will have access to government disaster relief funding.

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

Three executives from the Shanghai Panda Dairy Company face charges after re-using melamine tainted milk powder. Melamine is a toxic chemical high in nitrogen that makes the protein content of foodstuffs appear higher during quality tests. (Internet photo)

In this Bulletin…

- Three charged in new case of tainted milk in China;
- Tibetans mark anniversary of 1959 uprising; and
- Australian aborigines to debate nuclear waste dump on tribal land.

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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Three employees from Shanghai Panda Dairy Company are on trial in a new case of melamine-tainted milk in China.

A corporate representative, general manager and deputy general manager of the plant are facing charges. They are accused of making milk flavouring with melamine-tainted condensed milk.

According to Chinese state-run media, the milk they used was milk returned by a dealer after the 2008 tainted milk scandal surfaced. They said the dairy company was found to have produced 6,520 cases of milk flavouring between February and April of 2009.

Melamine can make the protein content appear higher than it actually is.

For more on this story, visit The Epoch Times.

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A deadly coal mine accident occurred in Wuhai, Inner Mongolia on Monday. Local media reports say one person is dead and several dozen are still trapped.

The coal mine was under construction when it flooded. Sources say 77 miners were digging tunnels when water gushed in.

The mine in question was opened in 2006 and is owned by Wuhai Energy. Its parent company, Shenhua Group is one of China’s major mining firms.

China’s coal mines are considered the most dangerous in the world.

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And now for the rest of today’s Asia Cast

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The Tibetan government-in-exile is marking the anniversary of an uprising, protesting the Chinese regime’s occupation of Tibet, said NTDTV.

The uprising was back in 1959, when Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, led a failed uprising against communist rule. It led to the fleeing of many Tibetans to India.

This was the first event organized after the Dalai Lama’s arrival from the United States last month.

Thousands of Tibetans, including Buddhist monks, gathered in Dharamsala to offer prayers for their leader’s long life.

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In Jakarta, protesters clashed with police over Indonesia’s bank bailout.

Reports say police fired tear gas at hundreds of people outside Indonesia’s parliament on Tuesday. Meanwhile lawmakers were debating a controversial, multimillion-dollar bank bailout.

Protesters burned Democratic Party flags and hurled stones and bottled water at police, who fired back with tear gas and water cannons.

Demonstrators hung banners which called for a change to the current regime and declared arrest for Bank Century thieves, demanding the bank scandal be ended.

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

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Two newspaper offices have been vandalised in India’s Karnataka state. They are the most recent violent acts brought upon by an article which challenged the practice of Muslims wearing veils.

The newspaper, whose offices were attacked by a mob on Tuesday night, had published the article, triggering off protests in the Shimoga and Hasan areas.

Two Muslim protesters were killed in clashes with police after the article appeared.

But, the alleged author of the article claims she didn’t write it. She said a translated version of a previous article of hers had been doctored to slander her.

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Aboriginal groups will gather soon to debate plans to build Australia’s first nuclear waste dump on tribal land.

The Australian government has selected a remote cattle station north of Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory as a likely site.

The proposal is said to be creating a deep divide within the indigenous community, where some are for selling the land yet others see potential harm to sacred tribal grounds.

Tribal ministers have indicated that the nuclear dump would not be built if landowners oppose it.

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

Isocarbophos, a toxic and banned pesticide, has been detected in Hainan-grown cowpeas sold in many cities in China. (Courtesy of The Epoch Times)

In this Bulletin…

- Highly toxic pesticides found in China’s crops;
- Record pilgrimage of millions of women at Indian festival ; and
- McDonald’s and Weight Watchers promote a deal in Australia.

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

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

China has been hit by a widening food scare over vegetable crops contaminated with a highly toxic pesticide, reports The Epoch Times.

Isocarbophos, a banned pesticide, was first detected in cow peas in Wuhan City in Hubei Province by agricultural authorities in early February. The cow peas were grown in China’s southernmost Hainan Province

Since then, tests have found the toxin in different areas across China. In the tests, out of 33,000 acres of beans, over 50 percent were found to be contaminated.

The discovery of toxic chemicals in vegetable crops has brought huge financial losses to many farmers.

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A disgruntled migrant worker detonated a bomb outside an official county building in February, reportedly over denied unpaid wages. However, Chinese media reports differ from those of witnesses.

Chinese media said an explosion hit the road, and three passersby had minor injuries but there was no major damage to the building. They said the suspect was apprehended and arrested. The bombing was because of US$411 in missing wages.

Witnesses say however, that a large pillar in front of the building was torn away, there were windows and doors broken, and damage to adjacent structures occurred.

They said the suspect stayed at the scene and surrendered himself to police.

To read more on the differing reports, visit The Epoch Times.

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And now for the rest of today’s Asia Cast

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Defence officials in Seoul, South Korea have said that three of their fighter pilots have died after their jets crashed.

The F-5 jets were believed to have hit Hwangbyeong Mountain, about 147 miles east of Seoul.

Rescue teams found debris, clothing and their remains on the mountain.

Officials say poor visibility could have been to blame for the accident as there had been foggy weather. But, the cause of the incident is still not known.

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In what may be the largest gathering of women ever on earth, millions of them gathered for Kerala, India’s 10 day annual festival.

Clad in traditional saris and bearing offerings of rice and sugar, they braved the searing heat to offer a special meal to a Hindu goddess at the Attukal temple.

They were seeking her blessing for the health and prosperity of their families, offering a special meal, known as the pongala.

Last year’s turnout was estimated to be 3 million. This year, officials say that number is higher.

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

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For the first time ever, McDonald’s has partnered with Weight Watchers to promote some of its meals, like chicken nuggets as good for dieters.

Three meals marked with the Weight Watchers logo are now on sale in New Zealand and are expected to be in Australian restaurants later this year. It is part of a six-year push by the fast-food corporation to change its image.

This comes three years after they paid to put the Heart Foundations tick on seven meals, including burgers and nuggets.

A spokesman for McDonald’s in New Zealand said the move is a noble cause.

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Ice deposits have been found on the Moon’s North Pole. Radar experiments aboard a lunar spacecraft have identified thick deposits of water-ice there.

A US space agency experiment found more than 40 small craters containing the water-ice mixture. But, other compounds such as hydrocarbons are said to be mixed up in the lunar ice.

NASA says the ice must be at least a couple of metres thick to show up on radar.

The findings were presented at a major planetary science conference in Texas.

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