Views from Down Underer

The US-Israeli conflict with Iran has intensified.  Iran has hit back at Gulf states and Israel.  Iran has also closed the Strait of Hormuz where 20% of petroleum is transported.  Stock markets have been volatile, oil prices have increased substantially, fertilizer prices have shot up.  Is there an off-ramp?  Will the global economy be resilient enough to sustain this market volatility?

Canadian PM Mark Carney visited Australia as part of his Indo-Pacific middle powers tour. Iran conflict enters its second week, what is the end game or is there even one? NZ PM is having a tough week trying to clarify NZ’s position on the US-Israel attack on Iran. His poll numbers are not good going into the year end general elections.

US and Israel attacked Iran that killed Iran's top leadership.  Iran has responded by expanding the conflict to neighboring states.  The Strait of Hormuz is now closed and air travel is impacted.  Why is this happening at this time?  What are the implications?

Recent Munich Security Conference followed up on the 'rupture' speech by Canadian PM Carney, US State Secretary delivered a similar message to last year's US VP Vance's speech but seem to be sugar-coated.  Is Europe ready to take defense in its own hands?  China's has been investing heavily on renewable energy while the US is now lagging behind.  What does this mean for China's green future? Finally, ex-South Korean president was sentenced to life sentence for insurrection and treason for his part in the 3 December 2024 declaration of martial law.  What does it mean for South Korean domestic politics?

Will the NZ-India FTA see the light of day? PM Takaichi leads Japan's LDP to a big electoral victory.  Singapore's Deputy PM raised concern about AI and its impact on jobs and the future economy.

Canadian PM Mark Carney delivered a hard hitting speech declaring the 'rules-based international order' as ruptured and calling for middle powers of the world to unite.  While many observers and non-western states have known (and complained) for a long time, this the first time that a Western leader finally yelled out: "The emperor has no clothes."

Thai-Cambodia border conflict flares again months after a peace accord signed in the presence of US President Trump.  In the midst of this conflict, Thai PM dissolves parliament and calls for new general election.

Tensions brewing between China and Japan due to PRC's response to Japanese PM's comments about 'survival-threatening situation' pertaining to conflict in the Taiwan Strait.  What's happening here? Over-reaction? Playing to domestic constituencies? Nationalism at play? Chinese envoy to NZ wrote a warning letter to NZ MPs that attended Taiwan's national day reception in Wellington.  Wolf-warrior at play again? Principal-agent issues?  Misunderstanding of how Westminster system works?  Fallout of the US government shutdown and Epstein files is the resignation announcement of big MAGA supporter Marjorie Taylor-Greene.

We share our experience of learning foreign languages and the importance of learning a different language.  One of our students currently studying Mandarin Chinese in Taiwan shares her experience learning the language and living in Taipei.  

ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur saw the formal admission of Timor Leste as the newest ASEAN member, the transfer of chair-ship to the Philippines and US President Trump attended the summit.  Seoul hosted the APEC meeting but the Trump-XI meeting stole the show as the leaders of the two largest economies met face to face.