What's New

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) 

Xi’s Gamble:The Race to Consolidate Power and Stave Off Disaster (An in-depth analysis)

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  

Annual Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Community April 2021

Download Annual Threat Assessment of the US Intelligence Community April 9 2021

The relatively succinct unclassified Report by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) (not to be confused with the Director of Central Intelligence) gives a tour d'horizon of US national threats as currently perceived by the entire U.S. Intelligence Community. The China Threat, now regarded as America's top threat - is summarized in the introductory paragraph in the China section -

"The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) will continue its whole-of-government efforts to spread China’s influence, undercut that of the United States, drive wedges between Washington and its allies and partners, and foster new international norms that favor the authoritarian Chinese system. Chinese leaders probably will, however, seek tactical opportunities to reduce tensions with Washington when such opportunities suit their interests. China will maintain its major innovation and industrial policies because Chinese leaders see this strategy as necessary to reduce dependence on foreign technologies, enable military advances, and sustain economic growth and thus ensure the CCP’s survival."

The Report ticks all the relevant boxes. Apart from the usual zero-sum binary mindset, reference to "CCP's survival" at the end of the above introduction seems to miss the main reason for the CCP's durability.

Among governments across the globe in terms of people's support, the CCP scores top ranking, even multiple ranks above the United States. This has been achieved by dramatically improving people's livelihood and aspirations over decades under its stewardship, as highlighted in a Harvard Kennedy School Ash Center Report of July 2020. 

Separately, there is a total absence of analysis on China's massive footprint in Africa, even in the extremely brief section on Africa. Regardless of the ODNI's priorities, this misses the full global picture of China's growing clout in the African continent which is blessed with the world's youngest and most dynamic population as well as a cornucopia of natural resources. 

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 

India Budget 2021:How will India woo corporate refugees exiting China?

TV panel discussion on 30 January, 2021 with WION (World is One News), an international English-language news-based pay TV channel based in India. (My interventions are from time counter 2:09; 11:24; and 21:47) 

Macau and Hong Kong different paths to China. Why?

Inside Story TV panel discussion with Aljazeera English on 20 December, 2020

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  

Political Economy of a Biden Presidency and RCEP - Implications for the Asian Region

PowerPoint presentation to the Hong Kong EGN Founding Chairmen Group meeting on 12 November, 2020. (Due to Covid-19 pandemic, the meeting was conducted via Zoom)  Download Political Economy of a Biden Presidency and RCEP - Implications for the Asian Region

MEDays Talks 2020

The MEDays Forum is an annual international conference in Tangier focusing 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. This year, thanks to Covid-19, the Forum moved online to take the form of MEDays Talks via Zoom, running from 10-17 November.

I was invited to speak on two panels  (a) AFRICA, ASIA AND SOUTH AMERICA (3A) : BUILDING STRONG SOUTH-SOUTH PARTNERSHIPS AFTER THE COVID-19 on 12 November and (b) US - CHINA : IS-IT THE PARADIGM SHIFT ? on 17 November.

Due to a last-minute hospitalization, I was unable to make the first panel. My Speaking Notes are here. Download MEDays 12.11.2020 - 3 As Cooperation

I was, however, fortunate to be able to take part on the second panel as scheduled. The full panel discussion is now available on YouTube. My Speaking Notes are here for reference. Download MEDays - US-China - 17.11.2020

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  

 

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.