Washington in recent days has ratcheted up rhetoric on the Hong Kong issue and grossly interfered in China's domestic affairs. US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi demanded that the Hong Kong chief executive and Legislative Council accept the conditions raised by the extreme opposition. John Bolton, US national security adviser, warned the Chinese government against any potential crackdown on the Hong Kong protesters, saying "it would be a big mistake" to create a new memory like the June 4th political incident in Hong Kong. US politicians are blatantly pointing their fingers at China. It's obvious that they fail to understand the era they are living in.
Washington has the ability to fool Hong Kong's radical protesters and incite them to stage a color revolution. But it is unable to influence Beijing's attitude on the Hong Kong issue. US politicians themselves know best that their rhetoric against Beijing is merely a bluff. US President Donald Trump tweeted on Wednesday that "Of course China wants to make a deal. Let them work humanely with Hong Kong first!" Western media outlets widely interpreted it as the White House's intent to link the China-US trade talks to the Hong Kong issue. However, such an interpretation reflects the wishes of those who are hostile against China in the Western media.
Those tweets didn't show the White House intends to link the two issues, as it would be a futile effort. After the US launched its trade war and exerted enormous economic pressure on China, Washington has had no additional cards to play on China. All US sanction threats on China are empty shouts now.
Beijing hasn't decided to forcefully intervene to quell the Hong Kong riots, but this option is clearly at Beijing's disposal. The People's Armed Police assembling in Shenzhen has sent a clear warning to the Hong Kong rioters. If Hong Kong cannot restore the rule of law on its own and the riots intensify, it's imperative then for the central government to take direct actions based on the Basic Law.
The Hong Kong issue is China's internal affairs that cannot be interfered by external forces, not only because it's a matter of sovereignty but also because China is the only one which is truly responsible for Hong Kong's future. The US and the West eulogize the radical protesters as they won't get hurt from Hong Kong's turmoil.
Worse still, the US would rather mess Hong Kong up, using Hong Kong as a new bargaining chip in its strategic competition with China. What those politicians are doing and will do with Hong Kong is to turn things more unfavorable to China. This is China's perception of the US attitude.
Under such a situation, the US can neither win the trust of China nor intimidate China. Its frequent statements on Hong Kong affairs are political bubbles that can only bewitch radical protesters. They cannot increase US influence on the Hong Kong issue.
Washington is becoming increasingly selfish. It refuses to give in any of its profits and hopes to grab more from the world through rogue tactics - mostly political pressure and intimidation. Fewer countries are viewing Washington as a constructive player.
The incident in Hong Kong won't be a repeat of the June 4th political incident in 1989. Washington will not be able to intimidate China by using the turmoil 30 years ago. China is much stronger and more mature, and its ability to manage complex situations has been greatly enhanced.
It is hoped Hong Kong society can recognize Washington's attempt to ruin the city, and actively restore the rule of law under the leadership of the HKSAR government.
Go you good thing Scott Morrison!
It's been a long time since we've had a positive, tangible sign that someone in our government gets it.
Now to exit Paris!
Scott Morrison stared down Jacinda Ardern and 16 other leaders at the Pacific Island Forum last night, refusing to back a statement that would obligate Australia to end coalmining and go carbon-neutral by 2050.
The Prime Minister was left isolated, forcing a “qualification” to the final forum declaration that would otherwise have unanimously agreed to demands by small island nations for “an immediate global ban” on new coalmines and coal-fired power plants.
The forum host, Tuvalu Prime Minister Enele Sopoaga, identified Australia as the outlier, saying he was disappointed with the final communique.
“I think we can say we should have done more work for our people,” Mr Sopoaga said.
But Mr Morrison declared: “I’m accountable to the Australian people, that’s who I’m accountable for.”
ENDS
A couple of postcards from The Forum.
PS - No Pacific Island gathering can be considered complete without the traditional dance of the Bill Shorten.
Not since Charles Bean, I suspect, have our war dead had such an assiduous keeper of the flame. Very well done indeed, Brendan Nelson, on an outstanding tenure as @AWMemorial Director.
— Tony Abbott (@HonTonyAbbott) August 15, 2019
After seven years, Dr Brendan Nelson today announced that he will step down as Director of the Australian War Memorial at the end of the year. Dr Nelson’s contract ends on 31 December and he will not be seeking to renew it.
Having commenced as Director on 17 December 2012 and after much consideration, Dr Nelson has chosen not to seek a further term as head of the Memorial.
Dr Nelson’s tenure has been one of significant change for the Memorial. It has been a period in which commemoration has featured prominently. Foremost amongst his initiatives has been the introduction of the daily Last Post Ceremony, bringing to life the story of just one Australian named on the Roll of Honour. This daily ceremony has immense meaning to families, plays an important role in Australia’s soft power and is the subject of a book.
Dr Nelson has led the Memorial through the centenary of the First World War including completion of the renovated First World War galleries; 128,500 attendees at the 2015 Anzac Centenary Dawn Service and a breathtaking display of 62,000 knitted poppies on the Memorial grounds for the centenary of the armistice.
Recognising the need to make the Memorial relevant and meaningful to the 100,000 young veterans our nation has created over the past twenty years, Dr Nelson introduced the Afghanistan exhibition, subsequently expanded to fill every available space. With Council Chairman, Mr Kerry Stokes AC, he successfully advocated on behalf of that generation for a major investment by government in creating additional gallery space for their stories to be told. Planning for this $500 million investment over a decade is now well advanced with construction beginning in 2020.
“I am humbled and privileged to have played a role in leading and shaping the Australian War Memorial over the past seven years. In working with a magnificent team of true professionals and the Memorial Council, we have together raised the Memorial’s profile, importance and meaning to the nation,” Dr Nelson said.
“In a world that is changing so dramatically, what is most important is that we never lose sight of that in which we believe and the truths by which we live. The Australian War Memorial reveals our character – our soul as a people. In a context of war, it is a place that heals telling stories of love and friendship.”
“Young people will also find in the Memorial’s heart above the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier, fifteen values enshrined in the Hall which inform character. Every Australian should reach out to them,” Dr Nelson said.
“Among the many special moments is the opening of the Afghanistan exhibition; the permanent Holocaust exhibition; John Schumann’s performance of I was only 19 in the Hall of Memory before the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier to 108 Vietnam Veterans on the 50th anniversary of the battle of Long Tan; installation of the Long Tan Cross; presentation of Cameron Baird’s Victoria Cross to the Memorial by his grieving parents; recognition of Australian peacekeepers who are killed on the Roll of Honour; inspiring Lee Kernaghan to write the Spirit of the Anzacs; the APY Lands artwork commissioned to tell the Aboriginal story of protecting country and the sculpture of General Sir John Monash,” Dr Nelson said .
“Perhaps above all, I am proud that young servicemen, women and veterans now regard the Australian War Memorial as being their spiritual home as much as those of earlier generations. I think we made a difference,” Dr Nelson said.
Proceedings in The Senate are regulated by this document.
Here's a quote
"Senators should encourage courteous and civilised debate which is characterised by "good temper and moderation".
Janet, here's another extract from the rules governing how Australians expect our Senators to behave.
7. Courtesies of debate
By its nature, debate governed by known procedural rules is inherently orderly and facilitates rational discussion of matters of all kinds, including matters on which opinions may be deeply and passionately divided. A hallmark of parliamentary debate is the application of certain protections to observe courtesies that are fundamental to respect for the institutions of government in its different manifestations.
Julie Bishop has admitted to flirting with world leaders in order to advance her political career.
The former Liberal Party deputy leader revealed there were times she used 'whatever skills' at her disposal to survive in a male-dominated industry.
Ms Bishop, who served as her party's number two for nearly 12 years, said while she never tried to play the gender card she has sometimes used charm to get the job done.
Courtesy David Adler.
Sydney stabbing attack York Street 130819 from David Adler on Vimeo.