Friday, April 20, 2012

My rather optimistic op-ed "Sunk by corruption, even in China" - The Globe and Mail


"Party corruption runs deep; Some suggest scandals will fade and pose no threat to the authoritarian rule of China's Communists. They are wrong."
Sunk by corruption, even in China - The Globe and Mail

There is a Chinese language TV interview with me on the same topic from OMNI TV Mandarin News of April 19 (starts at about 7:50): http://bcove.me/ot94vp3h


Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Xinhua News Agency reports China suspends Bo from elite ranks, wife suspected of murder | Reuters

China suspends Bo from elite ranks, wife suspected of murder | Reuters

据新华社4月10日报道,据调查,薄谷开来(薄熙来同志妻子)及其子同尼尔•伍德过去关系良好,后因经济利益问题产生矛盾并不断激化。
 
经复查,现有证据证明尼尔•伍德死于他杀,薄谷开来和张晓军(薄家勤务人员)有重大作案嫌疑。薄谷开来、张晓军涉嫌故意杀人犯罪,已经移送司法机关。
 

Bo Xilai 'expelled from China's Communist Party' - Telegraph

Bo Xilai 'expelled from China's Communist Party' - Telegraph

Expulsion from the Party means no prospect of return to public life.  Much more serious than simply being removed from posts.  Bo Xilai's expulsion from Chinese Communist Party means his career is definitely and absolutely over.  Never coming back.

Sunday, April 01, 2012

3 Reasons Why the Next Canadian Ambassador to China Should Be a Political Appointment


1. Sending a strong politically connected ambassador sends a signal to Chinese that we are serious about upgrading the China relationship in Canada’s international priorities.  It is a lot better than sending a bland DFAIT Mandarin.  We need someone senior in this post.

2.  This sort of person will not have one eye on going into business with the Chinese and getting rich after ambassadorship ends.  Better not to have future personal Chinese plans overshadowing his pursuit of Canadian interests while still a humble incomed civil servant.

3. This sort of person is more likely to press on with follow through on the FIPA, etc.