Slouching towards Bethlehem

Chinese Foreign Policy since the Cold War is a vexing issue for Chinese watchers. Robert Sutter outlines arguments for two views: that China's leaders are working with a clear and coherent process to ensure that China's foreign policy is based on closer interaction with international bodies and relationships and that this will ensure that China's development and progress are ensured, while the other argument is that China's strategy is fragile and incoherent and could be jeopardised by international events that are outside of their control. Such as the black swans extolled by Nassim Nicholas Taleb.

There is no such issue in Hong Kong. The city continues to thrive on the assumption that there is money to be made and there should be little if any government policy which inhibits the residents from pursuing their greater goals.

Tonight at 10pm walking down Nathan Road among the thousands of shoppers and people enjoying a meal in the many small restaurants, I was struck by the fact that people are still in business and pursuing their financial goals. Even though many parts of the city are somewhat degraded and showing their age. The escalator off Haiphong Road shows the image from a television showing models on the catwalk. The stairway is an advertising resource.

I also read today of Bob Carr's suggestion that the ALP offer a role to Malcom Turnbull [Member for Wentworth] in a Federal government. This is a sensible and different suggestion that is worthy of consideration. Australia needs robust and intellectual leadership where the consideration of climate change and social change to ensure that Australia reaps benefits from a busy and sustained mineral resources boom. Other nations would not think twice about reaping benefits that go towards the greater benefit of a small nation. Such paucity of forethought will lead to a meaner and less equitable nation.