Recent Posts

Fran O’Sullivan: Seriously Cultivating China

Should New Zealand move quickly to recognise China’s status as a “market economy” to strike an advantaged relationship with the world’s rising economic superpower? That question is not top of the agenda for the Seriously Asia forum in Parliament this week – but it is one of the goals up for debate. Access to Asia’s growth motor, and the concessions …

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Fran O’Sullivan: Winning face of new China

Hu Jintao’s calm face softened as he spoke poignantly of his greatest challenge since becoming President of China seven months ago. “I felt as if my heart was on fire.” He was talking of the Sars epidemic, which claimed hundreds of lives as the new Chinese leadership fought to bring “this scourge” under control. The virus originated in southern China. …

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Trade club sets tough rules

The Clark Government needs to get down to some serious strategy work after the collapse of the Cancun talks. New Zealand is at a critical point. There are strong suggestions that the key World Trade Organisation players will now change tack and build cosy clubs of their own. Their membership conditions – if New Zealand is invited to join – …

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