Diplomatic Tightrope
In the jostling for power, influence and authority in Asia – political, economic and military – the diplomatic tightrope being walked by Indonesia to maintain cordial and peaceful relations with both China and the USA is one to watch in the future. So far, Indonesian President Joko Widodo and his team have managed to steer […]
The Pearl of the Orient
When thinking about the Philippines, I’m sure I’m not the only one with happy memories of a sunny, warm and welcoming country full of friendly people, tall palm trees, white sandy beaches and beautiful hotel resorts. I made the short trip from Hong Kong many times in the 80s and 90s, including learning to scuba […]
Informed Diplomacy
Last week, I was a panellist at the 13th Australia China Emerging Leaders Summit, described as “the signature initiative of the Australia China Youth Association (‘ACYA’), designed to unite and enrich a new generation of Australia-China literate Leaders”. It was held over four days in hybrid format, simultaneously across Australian cities and in Chengdu in Central […]
Strategic Ambiguity
These are awkward and challenging times for the people of South Korea as they look to navigate their long term relationships with both the US and China. The Korean Peninsula shares its borders with China, with only North Korea as a buffer, and the South Korean economy (which is only one-third of the size of […]
Diplomatic Masterclass
Whilst the contest between the two great economic superpowers, USA and China, captures the world’s attention, the diplomatic, trade and historical relationship between China and Japan is a lot more complex, with a lot more at stake. Asia’s two largest economies and most populous nations don’t have the luxury of trading insults from the safe […]
China’s Free Trade Zones
Despite China’s amazing transformation and economic progress over the past 30 years, there remains one unanswered question that continues to frustrate their leaders: “why won’t foreign companies establish their regional headquarters on Chinese soil?”. Imagine how successful China would look to the rest of the world if the likes of Google, Apple, Microsoft and Amazon […]
From Third World to First
While I was living in Hong Kong in the 80s and 90s, an economic miracle was taking place to the south, with Singapore emerging as the high growth market of the South East Region and one of four “Asian Tigers” (along with HK, South Korea and Taiwan) to benefit from the spectacular rise of Japan.
The Jewel in the Crown
When I lived in Hong Kong in the 1980s and 1990s, it was often referred to as “the Gateway to Mainland China”, a critical role that has propelled Hong Kong to become one of the wealthiest and most successful financial centres and commercial ports in the world. With a major capitalist service economy characterised by […]
Nine Bend Bridge
Regular visitors to the famous Yu Garden in the Old City of Shanghai will know of the “Nine Bend Bridge” which links the beautiful gardens to the famous Huxinting Teahouse (built in 1855) enabling thirsty and weary travellers to safely cross the artificial lake to enjoy an immensely satisfying cup of China’s finest tea. The […]
Introducing “The Gateway”
We live in the Asian Century. In the coming decades, China, Japan, India and Indonesia will rise to become amongst the largest economies in the world, driven by an explosion of innovation, productivity and domestic consumption from their large and fast growing middle class and high net worth populations. Smaller Asian countries like Malaysia, Thailand, […]