What's New

2024 UK election result - implications

Backchat on RTHK (Radio Television Hong Kong) on 8 July 2024.

The Beginning of the End of Dollar Supremacy and the Looming Financial Turmoil

A presentation to the EGN (Executive Global Network) Founding Chairmen Group Hong Kong on 14 April 2023.

Download The Beginning of the End of Dollar Supremacy (PDF)

Andrew's July 2021 Newsletter

(My quarterly Newsletter goes out to some 8,500 professional contacts worldwide. The following is my July 2021 issue. Back numbers may be accessed under What's New on my website) 

Greetings! May I first wish you a relaxing summer, pandemics permitting!

 

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has just celebrated its centenary. Under its tutelage, the lives of the Chinese people, a fifth of mankind, have been miraculously transformed. China has become the world's second largest economy, largest trader and manufacturer, with notable advances in computing, 5G, AI, military and space capabilities. After a "Century of Humiliation", the Chinese people can now hold their heads up high, embracing the China Dream of national renaissance, including a greener and "more beautiful China".

 

According to Harvard and PEW research surveys, across the globe, the CCP is the government most trusted and supported by its people, belying questions about its legitimacy.  Meanwhile, perhaps by 2028, China may overtake the United States as the world's largest economy (albeit not in per capita terms).

 

On the other hand, China's growing global clout, its perceived transgressions on human rights, undesirable trade practices and assertive actions over the South China Sea, Taiwan, Xinjiang, and Hong Kong, are troubling Western nations and Asian neighbors. Indeed, China's image is plummeting across the world. 

 

China has no intention to rival the United States' 800 military bases in more than 70 countries. Its scientific and technological breakthroughs in multiple fields remain way behind the United States. The mighty dollar still reigns supreme. Nor can China hope its ideology will be readily embraced by more than a handful of countries, or that its culture will be more popular. 

 

Regardless, intensifying Great Power contest has totally upended US-China relations across the board, including ideologies, the military and space. On the other hand, the world is becoming more multipolar, with many countries, including most Western allies, hedging their bets. 

 

In this generational geopolitical maelstrom, how to avert war and promote peace will continue to tax the best minds. Would a little less binary or Manichaean thinking help?  On ideological application to China, should one recall Deng Xiaoping's black cat, white cat, or perhaps a hybrid cat in between? 

 

The following may hopefully serve to stimulate some fresh thinking. 

 

China's politics, economy, and finance

China: No longer the Global Growth Engine? (Feature article in The Global Analyst and a Bloomberg Research report warning) 

What China's Low Growth Means for the World - China's game-changing Five Year Plan (2021-25) (Feature article in The Global Analyst) 

China's digital currency (Feature article in The Global Analyst) 

Understanding China's Innovative Development (A PowerPoint presentation) 

China's 18.3% first quarter growth in 2021 - what's behind it? (Exclusive live TV interview on TRT World) 

 

US-China relations and Geopolitics 

New Concert of Powers (Feature article in World Geostrategic Insights, republished in Chinese, French, Spanish, Russian, and Arabic. (Original commentary)

Annual Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Community April 2021 (An analysis) 

Waning US must overcome fear of China's inevitable rise (Op-ed in South China Morning Post) 

How Will We (U.S.) Win the Second Cold War? (A riposte in World Geostrategic Insights) 

Can Asia guide Biden's China Policy? (An insightful analysis (video) by Professor Kishore Mahbubani) 

President Biden's State of the Union address - warning to Russia and China (Live interview on Press TV)

 

Energy and Climate Change

The Future of Power Is Transcontinental, Submarine Supergrids: China wants to lead the way in creating a global energy internet (An in-depth analysis)

Would a US-led Carbon Tax, instead of partnership, spur China's progress under the Paris Agreement? (Article in World Geostrategic Insights) (Original commentary)

 

Taiwan

Post-script on Taiwan (Feature article for the UK Liberal Democrats) 

American senators land in Taipei, trip likely to irritate China - but what is the end-game? (Live interview on PressTV) 

U.S. reaffirms partnership with Chinese Taipei during high-level visit (Live interview on Press TV)

China’s navy says ongoing drills near Taiwan to become regular (Live interview on Press TV)

 

Hong Kong

Changes at the top of the Hong Kong government (Backchat discussion on RTHK (Radio Television Hong Kong) 

Hong Kong's Apple Daily to shut down in a few days after asset frozen - smoke and mirrors  (Backchat discussion on RTHK (Radio Television Hong Kong) 

June 4 in Hong Kong under National Security Law (Backchat discussion on RTHK (Radio Television Hong Kong and a brief note on the future of Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China) 

Hong Kong to introduce Beijing-imposed electoral reform - whys and wherefores (Backchat discussion on RTHK (Radio Television Hong Kong) and a SCMP video documentary China’s Rebel City: The Hong Kong Protests.

Hong Kong Immigration Bill amendment controversy (Backchat discussion on RTHK (Radio Television Hong Kong) 

Suspension of HK protest documentary "Inside the Red Brick Wall"  (Backchat discussion on RTHK (Radio Television Hong Kong) 

 

North Korea

North Korea rules out 'any contact' with US (Live interview on Press TV and a Foreign Policy report) 

Pyongyang accuses Washington of insulting dignity of North Korean leadership ( (Live interview on Press TV)

 

Russia 

Russia warns against Ukraine-NATO activities (Live interview on Press TV) 

 

Belt and Road  

Sri Lanka handing control over Hambantota Port to China  (Live TV panel discussion on CNN News 18 of India) 

 

History

Admiral Zheng He may have explored the New World way before Christopher Columbus (Exploring Zheng He's possible footprints in the New World) 

 

Cheer up and chill out

 

Here's a repertoire of inspirational music, videos, songs and words. There is also a collection in Chinese.

Invitation for expressions of interest in investment opportunities

An upended world abounds with fresh BUY and SELL investment opportunities on many fronts across the globe, including new technologies, new markets and new businesses. If you wish to avail yourself of my business network worldwide, please drop me a line on a strictly no-commitment basis initially. A UK property and alternative asset opportunity is featured here .

Consultation services

Please email me at [email protected] or text my Hong Kong mobile +852 98198987.  I can also be reached on Skype at andrew.k.p.leung, LinkedIn at andrewleunginternational, Whatsapp at (852) 98198987, WeChat at Andrewkpleung, Facebook at andrewkinpongleung, and Twitter at @Andrewkpleung

Speaking and lecturing invitations

I am open to invitations or proposals for speaking engagements, visiting lectures and tailor-made electives as a visiting/adjunct professor. 

Business networking and speaking platform in Hong Kong

As an Advisor to the Denmark-based Executives' Global Network Hong Kong, I welcome your suggestion of a suitable speaker for an EGN event in Hong Kong. This will be entirely at our own cost with acknowledgement of your support, provided that we are not asked to cover any speaking fee, travel or accommodation expenses.

RSS feed and weblinks

My postings are regularly uploaded under my three blogs CHINAwatch, Publications and What is New on www.andrewleunginternationalconsultants.com  A collection of leading China media and research sites can be found under China Links.

Please feel free to save my website on your computer, laptop, tablet, Blackberry, iPhone or iPad as a reference resource. If you wish instant access as soon as my postings appear, just click on “Subscribe to this blog’s feed” under RSS Feed on top of the right-hand column of each blog. Select the appropriate Google feed option. It is free of charge.  

This newsletter is uploaded to my website here. You may save it for reference or reading at leisure and to share it on Facebook, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, Twitter or other social media devices.

Courtesies

I look forward to your guidance, advice, comments, suggestions, and criticisms. You may share the above contents with colleagues or friends. You are also welcome to publish any of them with full attribution. 

If you think that I may add value to your endeavors in any way, please let me know how I may help.  If for any reason you do not wish to receive my emails, just ask me to delete your name from my databank permanently. 

Best personal regards, 

Andrew K.P. Leung, SBS, FRSA

International and Independent China Strategist

www.andrewleunginternationalconsultants.com  

Positions  

Chairman and CEO, Andrew Leung International Consultants and Investments Limited

(Founded in London, now re-incorporated in Hong Kong; name changed from Andrew Leung International Consultants Limited as from 10 July, 2017) 

China Futures Fellow, Berkshire Publishing Group, Massachusetts, USA (2011-13)
Brain Trust member, The Evian Group (global think-tank), Lausanne, Switzerland

Gerson Lehrman Group (Global Experts) Council Member
International Expert, Reuters Insight Community of Experts, Thomson Reuters 

Senior Analyst, Wikistrat, a cloud-sourced global strategic consultancy based in Tel Aviv and Washington D.C. 

Senior Consultant, MEC International (a UK-based global strategic energy consultancy) 

Distinguished Contributor, Asymmetric Threats Contingency Alliance (ATCA) (global think-tank)

Professor of Practice, Hong Kong Institute of Education for Sustainable Development (2018-20)

Download Certificate of Appointment as Professor of Practice

Certified Sustainable Development Planner, World Institute of Sustainable Development Planners

Download Certificate of Recognition as Certified Sustainable Development Planner

Fellow of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (FRSA)
Elected Member, Royal Society for Asian Affairs

Think-tank Research Fellow, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai Campus, PRC (14.4.2017-13.4.2020) 

Advisory Board member, The e-Centre , European Centre for e-Commerce and Internet Law, Vienna 

Honorary Adviser, International Institute of Management (IIM) 

Advisory Board member, The Global Analyst, India

Honorary President, China Hong Kong Economic and Trading International Association (from 28 March, 2016) 

Download 中國香港國際經貿合作協會簡介和組織架構  

Download A brief introduction to the China-Hong Kong Economic and Trading International Association

Global Commercial Agent, Changsha City, China

Hong Kong Advisory Board member, Denmark-based Executive Global Network (EGN)

Visiting Professor, London Metropolitan University Business School 

Governing Council Member, King’s College London, UK (2004-2010)
Advisory Board member, China Policy Institute, Nottingham University, UK (2005 -2010)

Visiting Professor, Sun Yat-sen University Business School, China (2005-10)
Founding Chairman, China Group, Institute of Directors City Branch, London, UK (2006-2010)
Vice Chairman, 48 Group Club, UK (2008-2010)
Committee Member of RSA, London Region, UK (2006-2010)
Included in UK's Who's Who since 2002
Awarded the Silver Bauhinia Star (SBS) in the July 2005 Hong Kong Honours List  

Controversy over Hong Kong British Nationality (Overseas) (BNO) Passports

Live TV interview on Channel News Asia (CNA), Singapore's leading English-language Asian News Network.

Interview opinion piece on Moscow-based Sputnik News broadcasting in 30 languages to key regions and countries around the world, including the United States (Washington, DC), China (Beijing), France (Paris), Germany (Berlin), Egypt (Cairo) and the UK (London and Edinburgh).

The reality of China Scare and the resultant Age of Disorder

In an across-the-board analysis dated 14 October, 2019 for a controversial online platform, the Unz Review, Godfree Roberts delineates China's rapid and alarming catchup with the United States, including ascendance and even dominance in a panoply of great power metrics including Government, Leadership, Economy, Infrastructure, Geopolitics, Finance, Science, Technology, Trade, Social Indicators, Education, Law and Order, Faith in Future, Socio-Economic Ecology; Politics, Defense, Morale, and Long-term Economic Ascendancy.

The analysis, however, fails to acknowledge the unyielding dominance of the greenback, America's military sophistication and global reach, its leadership on the frontier of science and technology, its global network of allies, and the soft power of the "City upon a Hill". Nearly two and a half centuries of American ascendance and exceptionalism have driven a strong sense of self-denial that a "dictatorial" China, a once-backward country for well over a century, cannot be allowed to share power with the United States imbued with a "manifest destiny". 

Nevertheless, much of the prognosis has given substance to American paranoia or hysteria that an emerging  "Frankenstein" (in Secretary of State Mike Pomeo's words) with a diametrically-opposed value system and an alien civilization is setting out to destroy the US-led global liberal order. Across the political aisle, there is American consensus that China's rise must now be pushed back, contained, and thwarted across-the-board, at all costs, before it is too late. The outcome is the increasingly decoupling from China, protectionism, de-globalization, and the return of the rule of the jungle. 

China is deeply and intricately embedded in the whole world's supply and value chain, exemplified by concentration of the world's largest container ports on its shores. Some 124 countries across the globe have China as the largest trading partner, compared with 76 countries with the US. Many products, components and processes are globally diversified but with China as the central hub. Vigorous anti-China decoupling and fragmentation are massively disruptive to markets and economies worldwide.

The Age of Disorder has arrived, according to a Long-term Asset Return Study by Deutsche Bank, London dated 8 September, 2020, referring to upheavals of epochal US-China rivalry, a struggling European Union, Covid-19 impacts, rising inequality, worsening demographics, inter-generational divide, and climate change coming up close and personal. US strangling notwithstanding, the study expects that in nominal terms, China's economy will overtake the US by end decade, or thereabouts (p.6). 

Be that as it may, too much doom and gloom may be premature. The outcome of the coming US presidential election, China's next Five Year Plan (2021-25), recovery from Covid-19, coming-into-being of the world's largest free-trade bloc - the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the advent of 5G and "Internet of Things", emerging Eurasian economic and geopolitical gravitas, and maturing of international relations, all could recalibrate how the next new normal is going to work. 

Should Hong Kong's September LegCo election be postponed?

Backchat discussion on 23 July, 2020 with RTHK (Radio Television Hong Kong) (The relevant segment is in the bottom recorded bar 9:00 - 9:30 2020 LegCo election)

Andrew's June 2020 Newsletter

(My quarterly Newsletter goes out to some 8,500 professional contacts worldwide. The following is my June 2020 issue. Back numbers may be accessed under What's New on this website) 

Greetings! 

 

In just a few months, the world has changed almost beyond recognition. The Coronavirus pandemic has revealed the true colors of nations and peoples. It has changed how lives and businesses can be conducted. It has intensified an epochal contest for global power leading to a face-off between the world's Superpower (with its liberal world order) and its perceived challenger, with increasing risks of miscalculations.

 

Hong Kong, where I am based, is right at the center of these shocks. As if that is not enough, Beijing's unilateral introduction of a national security law for Hong Kong rattles the dynamics underpinning One Country Two Systems. This unique status has been an incalculable boon not only for China and the Special Administrative Region but for the rest of the world. Now the United States is threatening unspecified sanctions which could undermine Hong Kong's survival as a global financial center. 

 

Amidst the doom and gloom, the following may hopefully offer some fresh perspectives in seeing through the smoke and mirrors.

 

Hong Kong

 

USA-China tussle: geo-strategically the report on the death of Hong Kong's autonomy is somewhat exaggerated (A dissection of what is behind Hong Kong's national security law) 

China's HK national security law threatens HK's One Country Two Systems? (Live interview on WION TV) 

Hong Kong leader slams ‘double standards’ on national security, cites US unrest (Live interview on Press TV) 

Hong Kong govt. warns removing US special status is "double-edged sword"  (Live interview on Press TV) 

Hong Kong’s leader reaffirms new law would not harm rights, freedoms (Live interview on Press TV) 

Should Hong Kong civil servants be loyal to Beijing? (A RTHK Backchat discussion) 

National Security Law and personal freedom (A RTHK Backchat discussion) 

Is the US posture on Hong Kong's national security law part of the anti-China "cold war"? (Live interview on TRT World) 

China's controversial security law becomes a flash point in Hong Kong (Live TV interview on WION of India and CCTV background documentary) 

Pompeo threatens China on impinging on Hong Kong's autonomy and freedoms (Live interview on Press TV)

A "mid-term" Hong Kong Government ministerial reshuffle (A RTHK Backchat discussion) 

US-China great power rivalry

Strategic US-China decoupling in the tech sector (A Hinrich Foundation report) 

United States Strategic Approach to the People’s Republic of China (An in-depth analysis) 

The Struggle for Power: U.S.-China Relations in the 21st Century (A prelude to a new US defining strategy)

US China "Cold War" and the Coronavirus Crisis (Live interview on Press TV) 

Why China is better prepared than other economic powers for any global crisis (Article in RT Question Time) 

Where is China? - A perspective (A multi-angle look on multi-media) 

Could Trump's spat with NATO over Huawei hasten the demise of NATO? (Sputnik's Opinion piece)

US - China strategic relations amidst allegations of China's secret low-level nuclear testing (Live TV panel discussion on Indus News) 

US: China secretly conducting small nuclear tests (Live interview on Press TV) 

 

Coronavirus crisis

 

Will China become weaker or stronger after Covid-19? (A critical appraisal) 

Ten reasons why the Coronavirus crisis spawns a brave new world of discord (Article in World Strategic Insights)

Covid-19 Crisis - Can China bounce back? (Feature report in The Global Analyst)

Wikistrat Report: The Impact of the Coronavirus on China's Stability (An analytical Wikistrat summary)

China's Handling of Covid-19 Crisis is 'Embarrassment' for Trump Ahead of 2020 Election (Radio interview transcript on Sputnik International) 

How an independent investigation into the origin of Coronavirus should be conducted (Live TV panel discussion on Indus News)

How the UN Security Council could agree on reining in mutual aggression to fight Covid-19? (Live interview on Press TV) 

What's behind US accusations against China over the Coronavirus crisis (Live interview on Press TV)

Is China to blame for Covid-19 pandemic?  (An in-depth analysis) 

RSF complains to UN about Coronavirus press freedom  (Live TV panel discussion on Indus News) 

US-China sprat over Coronavirus pandemic (Live interview on Indus News)

Trump blames China for the Coronavirus pandemic (Live interview on RT) 

China raps Trump over Chinese virus tweet (Live interview on Press TV) 

China offers help to US to deal with Coronavirus (Live interview on Press TV) 

Hong Kong announces $15 billion in spending ton support Covid-19 ridden economy (Live TV interview on TRT World) 

Over 500 passengers allowed to leave ship after being tested negative for Covid-19  (Live interview on Press TV) 

Economic impact of Covid-19 on global economy (Live TV interview on Ren TV of Moscow) 

Is the world prepared for a looming Covid-19 pandemic? (Live panel discussion on Indus News) 

 

World Order

 

The Decline of the West: What is it and Why might it matter? (An Asia Global Institute paper) 

"The China Mirage" - Timely revisit of America's tragic misreading of China (A critical look at the looming risks) 

New Money: The Greatest Wealth Creation Event in History (2019) - Full Documentary (A Stanberry Research documentary) 

China in a New Era of Global Disruptions (including Covid-19 pandemic) (A PowerPoint presentation) 

The Coronavirus could usher in a Brave New World (An in-depth analysis)

China has created tech ‘new world order’ in Big data and AI (A Future Today Institute tech-trend report)

 

Taiwan

 

US approves sale of 18 MK-48 MOD6 torpedoes to Taiwan worth about $180mn (Live interview with Press TV)

China blasts meddling as US signs new Taiwan support law (Live interview on Press TV) 

 

Energy

 

China extracts 861,400 cubic metres of natural gas from ‘flammable ice’ in South China Sea (A global energy game-changer) 

 

History 

 

Book Review of "The Last Journey Of The San Bao Eunuch, Admiral Zheng He" (Book review invited by author)

 

7th International Conference on Eurasian Politics & Society in Lisbon, Portugal postponed to 24-25 September 2020 

 

Subject to exigencies, I am scheduled to present at the above international conference my full-length Paper How will Eurasian Integration of China's Belt & Road Initiative fare in defending a Multipolar World Order. Should this materialize, I will upload my Paper and PowerPoint presentation to this website afterwards. 

 

Cheer up and chill out

A repertoire of inspirational music, videos, songs and words. There is also a collection in Chinese.

Invitation for expressions of interest in investment opportunities

An upended world abounds with fresh BUY and SELL investment opportunities on many fronts across the globe, including new technologies, new markets and new businesses. If you wish to avail yourself of my business network worldwide, please drop me a line on a strictly no-commitment basis initially. 

Consultation services

Please email me at [email protected] or text my Hong Kong mobile +852 98198987.  I can also be reached on Skype at andrew.k.p.leung, LinkedIn at andrewleunginternational, Whatsapp at (852) 98198987, WeChat at Andrewkpleung, Facebook at andrewkinpongleung, and Twitter at @Andrewkpleung

Speaking and lecturing invitations

I am open to invitations or proposals for speaking engagements, visiting lectures and tailor-made electives as a visiting/adjunct professor. 

Business networking and speaking platform in Hong Kong

As an Advisor to the Denmark-based Executives' Global Network Hong Kong, I welcome your suggestion of a suitable speaker for an EGN event in Hong Kong. This will be entirely at our own cost with acknowledgement of your support, provided that we are not asked to cover any speaking fee, travel or accommodation expenses.

RSS feed and weblinks

My postings are regularly uploaded under my three blogs CHINAwatch, Publications and What is New on www.andrewleunginternationalconsultants.com  A collection of leading China media and research sites can be found under China Links.

Please feel free to save my website on your computer, laptop, tablet, Blackberry, iPhone or iPad as a reference resource. If you wish instant access as soon as my postings appear, just click on “Subscribe to this blog’s feed” under RSS Feed on top of the right-hand column of each blog. Select the appropriate Google feed option. It is free of charge.  

This newsletter is uploaded to my website here. You may save it for reference or reading at leisure and to share it on Facebook, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, Twitter or other social media devices.

Courtesies

I look forward to your guidance, advice, comments, suggestions, and criticisms. You may share the above contents with colleagues or friends. You are also welcome to publish any of them with full attribution. 

If you think that I may add value to your endeavors in any way, please let me know how I may help.  If for any reason you do not wish to receive my emails, just ask me to delete your name from my databank permanently. 

Best personal regards, 

Andrew K.P. Leung, SBS, FRSA

International and Independent China Strategist

www.andrewleunginternationalconsultants.com  

Positions  

Chairman and CEO, Andrew Leung International Consultants and Investments Limited

(Founded in London, now re-incorporated in Hong Kong; name changed from Andrew Leung International Consultants Limited as from 10 July, 2017) 

China Futures Fellow, Berkshire Publishing Group, Massachusetts, USA (2011-13)
Brain Trust member, The Evian Group (global think-tank), Lausanne, Switzerland

Gerson Lehrman Group (Global Experts) Council Member
International Expert, Reuters Insight Community of Experts, Thomson Reuters

Senior Analyst, Wikistrat , a cloud-sourced global strategic consultancy based in Washington D.C.

Senior Consultant, MEC International (a UK-based global strategic energy consultancy) 

Distinguished Contributor, Asymmetric Threats Contingency Alliance (ATCA) (global think-tank)

Professor of Practice, Hong Kong Institute of Education for Sustainable Development (2018-20)

Certified Sustainable Development Planner, World Institute of Sustainable Development Planners

Fellow of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (FRSA)

Elected Member, Royal Society for Asian Affairs

Think-tank Research Fellow, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai Campus, PRC (14.4.2017-13.4.2020) 

Advisory Board member, The e-Centre , European Centre for e-Commerce and Internet Law, Vienna 

Honorary Adviser, International Institute of Management (IIM) 

Advisory Board member, The Global Analyst, India

Honorary President, China Hong Kong Economic and Trading International Association (from 28 March, 2016) 

Global Commercial Agent, Changsha City, China

Hong Kong Advisory Board member, Denmark-based Executive Global Network (EGN)

Visiting Professor, London Metropolitan University Business School 

Governing Council Member, King’s College London, UK (2004-2010)
Advisory Board member, China Policy Institute, Nottingham University, UK (2005 -2010)

Visiting Professor, Sun Yat-sen University Business School, China (2005-10)
Founding Chairman, China Group, Institute of Directors City Branch, London, UK (2006-2010)
Vice Chairman, 48 Group Club, UK (2008-2010)
Committee Member of RSA, London Region, UK (2006-2010)
Included in UK's Who's Who since 2002
Awarded the Silver Bauhinia Star (SBS) in the July 2005 Hong Kong Honours List 

The Coronavirus could usher in a Brave New World

China Is Maneuvering for International Leadership as the United States Falters, notes an article in Foreign Affairs dated 18 March, 2020 - The Coronavirus Could Reshape Global Order.

The piece flags up China's initial coverup and its subsequent turning of the table on Western narratives. Boosted by its position as the world's dominant producer of critical anti-virus equipment and supplies, China is positioning itself as a global saviour as much of the West, especially the United States, is overwhelmed by sheer lack of preparedness, worry over economic interests, and a certain amount of wishful thinking. 

The EU has recently sounded warning bells about China's geopolitical ambitions as it emerges from the crisis. While many countries are benefitting from China's timely supply of medical equipment, especially life-saving ventilators, there is growing international momentum involving China and other countries to coordinate efforts, and share experience, expertise and research for an effective vaccine. The G20 video conferencing on 26 March is an important milestone. 

As the Southern Hemisphere is beginning to stand on edge, the crisis seems just unfolding. There is critical demand for more WHO monitoring, openness of testing statistics, joint research into the virus's origin and behaviour, more emphasis on human lives, and greater leadership of the world's two superpowers - the United States and China.

What's more, it's important to remember viruses have no borders. Before raising accusing fingers, it is instructive to recall where the 2009-10 global H1N1 "swine fever" first started to spread, infecting some 1.3 billion people worldwide and causing well over half a million deaths. 

In any event, when the crisis is all over, the world will not be the same again.

A new world order is already emerging. Economic gravitas has been shifting away from developed countries. They are no longer key drivers of global growth. More countries will become sensitive to external dependence, especially on critical health and security architecture.

On the other hand, the whole world will become even more connected thanks to new digital technologies. Supply and value chains may change but they have become intricately intertwined across the globe that complete decoupling is unlikely to be possible. More people will become aware of each other country's interdependence, thanks to the Coronavirus and growing threats of Climate Change. 

China, for one, seems more prepared than others to embrace a looming Brave New World. China in a new Era of Global Disruptions, my latest PowerPoint presentation, may offer more food for thought. 

The Hong Kong Protests: behind the smoke and mirrors

TV panel discussion on 21 November, 2019 with A News, a popular English TV Channel in Turkey, providing an in-depth analysis of the Hong Kong chaos. (Move the time counter to about the middle of the video clip to watch the start of my intervention.)

The following earlier A News exclusive TV interview of 3 July 2019 captures the essence of the political turmoil as it started to turn ugly at that time.

A video prepared by the Hong Kong Information Services Department provides statistics of the violent end of these protests. 

Testimony by Deputy Commissioner of Police Oscar Kwok at the 43rd Session of the UN Human Rights Council Meeting in Geneva on 9 March, 2020.

Download Video 2020-03-09 

 

The Global Distrust Crisis - MEDays Forum 2019 - 13-16 November, 2019, Tangier, Morocco

The MEDays Forum is an annual international conference in Tangier focussing on global issues attended by hundreds of delegates across the world. It is organized by the Amadeus Institute, a think tank under the auspices of HRH The King of Morocco. The 2019 Forum had the theme of "The Global Distrust Crisis". I was invited to speak at a plenary and a business and policy session on 16 November.

Following were my speaking notes. 

Download 2019 MEDays Forum Speaking Notes - Global Disorder

Download 2019 MEDays Speaking Notes - Energy War

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