What's New

Minning Town - China's new popular TV series recently dubbed in English and Arabic for global distribution

The original Chinese TV series 山海情 consisting of 23 epistles delves into China's poverty relief struggle in the 1990s, full of heart-wrenching ups and downs. It has recently been dubbed in English and Arabic for global distribution, winning wide acclaim. The English version can be watched here.

Unlike "Wolf Warrior" films, the series should appeal to a massive audience in the poverty-stricken "global South". The effort appears to be a tale-telling breakthrough in projecting China's 'soft power" globally.  

The backdrop is China's continuing poverty relief struggle. Since 1980, China has managed to lift some 800 million people out of extreme poverty (defined as per capita income of US$2.3 a day). Click here However, images of throngs of ultra-modern middle-income spenders notwithstanding, some 600 million Chinese still live with US$5 a day. Click here 

Andrew's January 2022 Newsletter

(My quarterly Newsletter goes out to some 8,500 professional contacts worldwide. The following is my January 2022 issue. Back numbers may be accessed under What's New on my website) 

Greetings! May I first wish you a promising and rewarding 2022, pandemics notwithstanding! 

 

From a trade and tech war, US bipartisan pushback against China is morphing into a clash of civilizations. Along with close Western allies, the United States is doubling down on demonizing China at every turn, imposing sanctions, denying access to markets and technologies, expanding provocative "Freedom of Navigation Operations" in the South China Sea, employing "salami slicing" tactics to advance Taiwan's de facto independence, and calling for a "diplomatic boycott" of China's Winter Olympics. All the while, the US expects China to open up more of its markets, cooperate on Climate Change, North Korea, Iran and Afghanistan, in short to bow in all to US-defined rules and objectives. All these are opening up "century of humiliation" wounds of a more globally-influential, technologically-savvy, militarily-advanced, and ideologically-self-assured China under President Xi. 

 

Attitude is no strategy. Unsurprisingly, the US tactic of maximum coercion doesn't appear to have yielded fruitful results, not to mention broken global supply and value chains, and rising domestic inflation. "Strategic miscalculations" abound, forgetting that politics remains the art of the possible. This is especially true with a peer competitor set to become the world's largest economy within a decade, one on which 128 of 190 countries worldwide depend as their largest trading partner, and one with a completely different ideology, culture and ancient civilization. 

 

The following may hopefully offer some fresh perspectives.  

 

US-China Rivalry

 

Seven reasons the US and China should be building more bridges not tearing them down (Op-ed in the South China Morning Post)

To avert mutual destruction with China, President Biden should move from "maximum confrontation" to "constructive re-engagement" (An in-depth analysis)

How will a new US-China "Cold War" play out? (Feature article in World Strategic Insights) Also published in French, Italian, Russian, and Arabic. The originating analysis is here.

Competition Without Catastrophe - Can America both challenge and coexist with China?  (Op-ed in World Strategic Insights) The originating analysis is here. 

What are America's anti-China "strategic miscalculations" or "misjudgments"? (Live interview with Press TV)

What the US-led Democracy Forum doesn't say (Live interview with Press TV)

Xi-Biden virtual summit (Radio interview with Washington-DC based Feature Story News)

US-China tensions (Indus News In Focus TV panel discussion)

 

Mainland China

 

China's Sixth Party Plenum, the New Cold War, and the Contest for new Global Order (A PowerPoint presentation) 

Xi's Plan to build PRC 3.0 - November Party Plenum (Feature article in World Strategic Insights) Also published in Spanish, French, and Russian  A background analysis is here

China: The Evergrande Crisis (Feature article in The Global Analyst) Also republished with permission in Spanish in World Strategic Insights 

China's Common Prosperity Goal  (Feature article in The Global Analyst) Also republished with permission in Spanish in World Strategic Insights 

Is China's Dual Circulation Strategy moving from market driven growth to planned allocation? (Op-ed in World Strategic Insights) The originating analysis is here.

China's Stagflation Risks - Warning Signals  (Feature article in The Global Analyst) 

CPC's Central Committee Sixth Plenum - What does it signify? (Backchat with Radio Television Hong Kong) 

China: Time of Xi (3-part TV documentary introducing President Xi's vision of the China Dream)

 

Russia

 

President Putin's virtual summit with President Xi - what's on the agenda - Russian TV channel (Pre-recorded video interview dubbed in Russian) 

 

Taiwan

 

China may possess 1,000 nuclear warheads by 2030, unlikely to invade Taiwan in next few years (An in-depth analysis)

China warns U.S. against having any illusion about Taiwan (Live interview with Press TV) 

US to pay unbearable price over Taiwan (Live interview with Press TV)

Taiwan plans to boost combat capabilities of its reserve forces (Live interview with Press TV) 

China defends recent drills near Taipei (Live interview with Press TV) 

U.S. special forces quietly training Taiwanese (Live interview with Press TV) 

Rising tensions over Taiwan (Live interview with Press TV) 

 

India

 

Modi-Putin summit on defense cooperation - what does it imply?  (The Debate on India's Republic TV)

How to de-escalate tensions over the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China (Live panel discussion on India's CNBC TV18)

How Indian television hypes up one-sided rhetoric to demonize China as aggressor (Live panel discussion on India's Republic TV)

From Indian border clashes to tension over Taiwan (Live panel discussion on India's CNBC TV18)

 

Taliban, Pakistan

 

Taliban and the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) (Pre-recorded TV interview broadcast in Persian on Iran International TV headquartered in London).

 

North Korea

 

N. Korea views joint U.S.-South war games as rehearsal for possible invasion (Live interview with Press TV) 

 

Covid-19

 

China calls U.S. intelligence review into origins of COVID-19 'political & false' (Live interview with Press TV) 

 

Hong Kong

 

One Country Two Systems Revisited (Chapter 7 in The Rise of China – Fresh Insights and Observations, published by the Paddy Ashdown Forum (PAF)

Hong Kong elections: 153 hopefuls vying for 90 seats, first time every constituency being contested (Live TV interview on Channel News Asia (CNA)) 

Hong Kong social welfare spending cuts (Backchat on Radio Television Hong Kong) 

 

China's Winter Olympics

 

China warns not to politicize sports as some western countries boycott Beijing game (Live interview with Press TV) 

 

Cheer up and chill out

 

I have added some inspirational translations to the repertoire of inspirational music, videos, songs and words.

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 andrewkpleung@gmail.com 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 

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 andrewkpleung@gmail.com 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  

The Future of Power Is Transcontinental, Submarine Supergrids: China wants to lead the way in creating a global energy internet

The above Bloomberg Businessweek Report dated 9 June, 2021 flags up a looming game changer in global renewable energy dynamics. As solar, wind and other renewable energies are intermittent, a great deal of the energy produced is simply wasted. If such energies could be transmitted across regions or even continents without massive loss of power, this would open up a brave new world of exploiting gigantic reservoirs of inexhaustible renewables such as the world's largest deserts or wind plains.

Transmission across extremely long distances depends on cross-region infrastructural capacities of High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) power lines. This is catching on in Western nations including the United States, Japan and Western Europe. HVDC power lines become economical over distances higher than about 500 miles (800km) above ground, and 31 miles (50km) for buried and submarine cables.

According to the Report, China has both a manufacturing and technological edge in Ultra-High-Voltage Direct Current (UHVDC) transmission lines, and has taken a lead in proposing global technical standards and governance for them. (High voltage cables are classed as 500 kilovolts and above, while ultra-high voltage—a Chinese specialty—operate at 800 kilovolts or above.)

The report says:

"If transcontinental, submarine electricity superhighways indeed lie in our shared future, China is showing the way. In December, it completed a $3.45 billion, 970-mile-long, 800-kilovolt UHVDC line to carry solar- and wind-generated power from the high Tibetan plains to China’s center. That followed construction of a 1.1 million-volt cable that can transmit up to 12,000 megawatts of power—a little more than the entire installed generation capacity of Ireland—from the deserts and mountains of Xinjiang province to the doorstep of Shanghai, almost 2,000 miles east."

"The global supergrid effort has been spearheaded by Liu Zhenya, a former head of the State Grid Corp. of China (SGCC), who chairs the Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organization, a UN-backed body based in Beijing. Geidco’s phased plan starts by strengthening national grids and moves on to building regional networks, before finally—around 2070—completing construction of a full 18-channel Earth-spanning grid." (see map below)

"SGCC, which is the world’s largest utility, has been on a buying spree that’s enabling it to do some of that first-stage strengthening. Since 2008, it has acquired stakes as high as 85% in electricity distribution companies in the Philippines, Portugal, Australia, Hong Kong, Brazil, Greece, Italy, and last year, Oman. Other Chinese companies have also been buying shares in foreign grids."

However, it's very early days yet. Much of the seemingly grandiose plan remains a desk top exercise. Only the first stage of a Pakistan-China link, due to go live later this year, marks an exception.

Nevertheless, obvious security concerns are beginning to ring alarm bells. For sometime to come, any progress with trans-regional grids is likely to be measured and piecemeal. That said, Climate Change and Sustainable Development issues are poised to accelerate the dynamics for HDVC or UHVDC cross-region transmissions. Watch this space. 

Andrew's April 2021 Newsletter

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

Greetings!

 

While we remain consumed by Covid-19 fears, much of the world dynamics has changed almost beyond recognition. China's seemingly unstoppable rise and undaunted national confidence have engendered open or hidden anxieties, if not sinophobia, across the globe, not least in the United States and its Western allies. A fig-leaf of "cooperation" fails to hide a generational paradigm shift towards "extreme competition", if not a "Second Cold War", against China, subconsciously feared to erode the US-led liberal world order, with all that implies. 

 

A deeply-interconnected and interdependent world is now caught in a dilemma of disruptions, realignment of interests, and coercive actions with high-stake risks. Much seems to be knee-jerk reactions trying to avoid the unavoidable: a back-to-the-future reality that a 21st-century "Middle Kingdom" may soon regain its former prominence and global influence that characterized the world before the 18th century. 

 

How this pendulum swing may play out remains, at best, uncertain. The following may offer some useful food for thought. 

 

US-China geopolitics

How the US can offer a realistic response to the "China challenge"  (Op-ed in the South China Morning Post) 

How Will We (U.S.) Win the Second Cold War? (An in-depth analysis) 

Biden-Presidency's first stormy US-China high-level talks in Alaska - what do they imply? (Live TV panel discussion on Indus News and other sources) 

China, US diplomats clash in public as Alaska talks kick off (Exclusive live interview on TRT World) 

Rogue Superpower: Why This Could Be an Illiberal American Century (Op-ed in World Geostrategic Insights) Click here for Foreign Affairs and other sources. 

US-China Relations - The Avoidable War: The Decade of Living Dangerously (Asia Policy Institute essay)

US strategy on China informed by systemic mistrust and misjudgment (Live interview on Press TV)

In Focus: South Asia - Military part of overall China threat  (Live TV panel discussion on Indus News)

America bids farewell to Trump, but Trumpism lives on (Op-ed in the South China Morning Post)  

 

China Overview

China's game-changing Five Year Plan (2021-25) ((Feature article in The Global Analyst) 

China GDP: Growth Sans Productivity - How China is to overcome its productivity hurdle (Feature article in The Global Analyst) 

How China’s digital currency will thwart US dollar trap and help the world (Op-ed in the South China Morning Post) 

Why is China moving to a digital RMB? (A comprehensive analysis) 

How foreign businesses in China should respond to embedded "Party cells" (Asia Sentinel quotes) 

 

South China Sea

Contest of power in the South China Sea, dissecting dynamics of history, security and geopolitics (Live TV panel discussion on Indus News)

 

Human Rights

Western sanctions based on Xinjiang "genocide" claim (Some in-depth perspectives) 

China accuses EU of ‘hypocrisy’ over Uyghur row (Live interview with Press TV) 

 

Culture 

Is China "hijacking" Hollywood? (Live TV panel discussion on CNN News 18 of India and other sources) 

 

Covid-19

Why was WHO visit to China delayed and what's the global outlook on Chinese vaccines?(Backchat on Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK))

 

 

Middle East

China's Economic Interests in the GCC are informed by energy security and global geopolitics (Op-ed in Politics Today) 

 

India

LAC disengagement - will it end India-China standoff? (Live TV panel discussion on CNN News 18 of India) 

LAC standoff: PLA, Indian troops begin process of disengagement but will be a long haul (Live TV panel discussion on CNN News 18 of India) 

India Budget 2021:How will India woo corporate refugees exiting China? (Live TV panel discussion on WION (World is One News) of India.

 

Hong Kong

Conviction of prominent pro-democracy activists spells end of democracy in HK? (Exclusive live TV interview on Channel News Asia (CNA) of Singapore) 

Beijing changes Hong Kong's electoral system (Backchat on Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) 

Controversy over Hong Kong British Nationality (Overseas) (BNO) Passports (Live TV interview on Channel News Asia (CNA) of Singapore and interview opinion piece on Sputnik News of Moscow. 

Dozens of Hong Kong opposition members arrested for subversion (Exclusive live TV interview on TRT World of Turkey)

Hong Kong fugitives crossing into Mainland China tried according to China's laws (Exclusive live TV interview on TRT World of Turkey)

How is Hong Kong impacted by changed US-China relations and problems with Covid-19 vaccines (Backchat on Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK))

Macau and Hong Kong different paths to China. Why? (Inside Story TV panel discussion with Aljazeera English Channel) 

Hong Kong's elderly transport subsidy (Backchat on Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) 

 

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. A UK property and alternative asset opportunity is featured here .

Consultation services

Please email me at andrewkpleung@gmail.com 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  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 , 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 

Andrew's January 2021 Newsletter

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

First, may I wish you a Merry Christmas and a most prosperous 2021! 

 

2020 will be remembered as the year turning the world upside down. A global pandemic of the century has exposed the fragility of health systems and deepened the fissures of globalization. US-China relations have sunk to an all-time low with bipartisan consensus branding China a systemic menace and arch competitor. Hong Kong and Taiwan are now caught in the crossfire while the rest of Asia are hedging their bets. The tectonic shifts in geopolitics are being felt in supply chains worldwide. A new Biden Presidency is raising some expectations without clearing fundamental anxieties.  Amidst the engulfing fog, the following may hopefully offer some new perspectives. 

 

US-China geopolitics

 

With Biden, China gets four years to remake itself as a likeable, trusted power. It must seize the moment (Op-ed in South China Morning Post) 

The New China Scare - Why America Shouldn’t Panic About Its Latest Challenger (A think-piece in World Strategic Insights) The same piece as a commentary with views from an American YouTuber at the end) 

US-China Economic and Security Review Commission 2020 Annual Report to Congress (An analysis) 

US-China: Is it a paradigm shift? (A full panel YouTube discussion on the annual MEDays Forum originally scheduled for Tangier, Morocco) 

Automakers file lawsuits against Trump administration (Live interview on Press TV)

 

China Overview

 

Why the world needs China (A YouTube presentation by an American digital entrepreneur) 

Beijing passes new whistleblower law (Live TV interview on WION of India) 

Automakers file lawsuits against Trump administration (Live interview on Press TV)

 

Asia

 

Political Economy of a Biden Presidency and RCEP - Implications for the Asian Region (A PowerPoint presentation) 

How Asia would fare with a Biden Presidency and RCEP? (A PowerPoint presentation) 

 

Taiwan

 

US arms sales to Taiwan aimed at pushing back against China (Live interview on Press TV) 

Beijing vows retaliation over US arms sale to Taiwan (Live TV interview on RT)

 

India

 

China's border dispute with Nepal and alleged "debt trap" (TV discussion on CNN News 18 (India) 

 

Hong Kong

 

A post-Trump era; Hong Kong 2020 and beyond (A PowerPoint presentation) 

Anti-Beijing activists handed prison sentences in Hong Kong - whys and wherefores (Live TV interview on TRT World) 

Need for judicial reform in Hong Kong? (Backchat on RTHK (Radio Television Hong Kong) 

Disqualification and resignation of Hong Kong's pan-democrats (Backchat on RTHK (Radio Television Hong Kong)

Arrest of seven anti-Beijing lawmakers in Hong Kong (Live TV interview on TRT World) 

Hong Kong's 12 fugitives and human rights (Backchat on RTHK (Radio Television Hong Kong)

Should HK permanent residents on the Mainland be assisted to exercise their right to vote (Backchat on RTHK (Radio Television Hong Kong)

The future of RTHK (Radio Television Hong Kong) (Backchat on RTHK (Radio Television Hong Kong)

HK civil servants required to take oaths of allegiance (Backchat on RTHK (Radio Television Hong Kong)

 

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. A UK property and alternative asset opportunity is featured here .

Consultation services

Please email me at andrewkpleung@gmail.com 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  

A post-Trump era; Hong Kong 2020 and beyond

A presentation to the EGN Founding Chairmen Group, Hong Kong SAR on 12 October 2020.

Download A Post-Trump era - HK 2020 and beyond  

 

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 andrewkpleung@gmail.com 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 

How the UN Security Council could agree on reining in mutual aggression to fight Covid-19?

Live TV interview with Press TV on 9 May, 2020.

Is China to blame for Covid-19 pandemic?

After some initial fumbling in December 2019, when the nature of the virus became more certain, China started to notify the WHO and the United States on 3 January, 2020, including sharing of findings in prestigious scientific journals.

Wuhan, a metropolis of 11 million people, was first locked down on 23 January, sending an unmistakable signal to the world of a massive virus outbreak. However, it seemed that the initial alarm bells were not taken seriously enough by the United States and other Western countries. When the pandemic finally  exploded in their faces, they found themselves caught with their pants down.

Against accusing fingers, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Madam Hua Chunying aired a rebuttal on 31 March, detailing relevant timelines.

Former US Deputy National Security Adviser Nadia Schadlow and scholar Kishore Mahbubani joined Fareed Zakaria on CNN on 19 April to debate President Trump's accusations against China, echoed by supporting politicians.

Responding to a class-action law suit filed in the state of Florida suing China for Coronavirus compensations, China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang pointed out its fallacy on 20 April, reminding the world that no compensation was sought from the United States for spread of the H1N1 pandemic in 2009-10. Click here  (Similarly, no question of compensation was ever raised for the world financial crisis spawned in the United States in 2008-9).

Conjectures about the origin of Coronavirus abound, including conspiracy theories about lab-engineered "biowarfare" by either side, notwithstanding the fact that the Wuhan virology lab, first established in 1956, has a long history of international scientific collaboration, including the University of Texas's Galveston National Laboratory on biocontainment. Click here

In face of growing demand by world leaders including German Chancellor Angela Merkel to know the truth, a more independent and international investigation is called for than US partisan or bipartisan committees bent on a "China witch hunt". It is also becoming evident that the virus was spreading in the United States much earlier than the Wuhan outbreak. 

What the world needs is peer-reviewed global scientific research, ideally involving professionals from both China and the United States - to find out exactly: 

(a) regardless of initial spread, where did the current Coronavirus first originate, taking into account various strains of the same virus;

(b) whether the infected cases in some European countries and the US originate from the same virus strain obtaining in China;

(c) whether the World Health Organisation could have alerted the world earlier of this pandemic;

(d) how the WHO could be made even more independent and transparent;

(e) how the world should cooperate in finding an affordable vaccine for Covid-19, poised to ravage the developing world;

(f) how the developing world can be helped to fight this exploding human catastrophe;

(g) what global measures should be put in place to contain Covid-19, including the probability of resurgence with changing of seasons;

(h) what protocols should be adopted by communities and businesses to cope with a new normal of Coronavirus;

(i) what measures should be adopted across the globe to safeguard health and security of international travel, both air, sea and overland;

(j) how international protection against the ravages of pandemics should be funded and managed for the common good and not just big pharmaceutical.

corporations.

 

On Feature Story News, an interantional broadcast agency, I made the point on 23 April, 2020 that to end all speculations, and indeed, to expose unfounded accusations, China should benefit from a truly independent and international joint investigation as outlined above, perhaps under the aegis of the United Nations.

Download News Clip (Radio)