Subjects presented in order with the secretary's recorded introduction
Introduction
Recorded Introduction:
Link to alternative site for immediate play [ASC Audio_ 18 08/15 ]
Audio_18 08/15
Present 1.
A incisive commentary on China by two academics. Aligning economics and military strategies
of the China's Communist Party into a prediction as to China's threat to the region as a whole. We were told of the three stage development since the late 1970's:-
- 1980 to the mid-1990's, industralisation to sustain China's domestic needs.
- 1995 to 2008 China's growth into the export markets.
- 2004 to 2014 infrastructure development and consequent exponential rise of debt.
The academic economist producing factual figures pertaining -- labour and capital inputs -- to support opinion as to where China is now ( "middle income nation"?!?!) and where it's likely to head for at least till 2035. The spokesperson addressing military aspects supported by economic growth -- he indicated earlier history has shown though in "lock step" can work in reverse -- detailed China's relationships with countries immediate and some further geographically removed.
The remainder of his talk is on the subject of (1) The communist structure of its military and the culture within that structure. (2) The limitations on defending its vast boarders (land and sea); the limitation of success in launching a amphibian assault. (3) In general how China's munitions (as a non-global strategic power) stacks up against those of the US and others claiming free World status.(4) Combat weaponry both land and sea is inadequate and will remain that way for a long time to come.
[Edit. Inferred there isn't a threshold ultimate, China will remain always behind the advances the West will achieve.] With this assurance he goes on to say, a worst case scenario should China bring it on (war), America and its allies including Australia, [Ed. as with IS (Islamic State)] Australia would contribute a "niche" contribution.] He concludes with strategies Australasia could possibly execute to hold back China's Imperialism.
COMMENT
But wait a moment, as another China watcher (Dr. James Saleam) has stated Australia is undergoing Chinese colonization. So who's to says the course that brought on WW11, will be followed should either of the two "Fifth columns" within the boarder decide to seduce national support from without. Suggested if something is valued there's an answer -- see ASC blog 11th June 2015.
In summary where the two specialists on the subject agree, (and what members and myself might not have known), is the "fragility" spoken of by both; "fragility" meaning the number of demonstrations and disobedient rallies with China, causation the CCP, which also may be related to the foregoing.
Because of China's associations with Australia the following article quotes statistical figures, recalled stated during the Present. The Weekend Australia 3-4 October 2015, 20 Inquirer "World of Woe for Turnbull" Henry Ergas.
Link to alternative site for immediate play of discussion following.
712_0132 08/15
Present 2.
This doco. brought to the meeting may be due to Don's law education. A American past president, his wife since January 21, 2009 till now Secretary of State, so on it went to reveal a family foundation, a trust to benefit a gradation of countries from old World established to new World and third World desperate. A (past) president who according to his wife -- later Secretary of State -- left office assumed in penury carrying debt. [ Ed. club members as myself would have recalled instances of recent Prime Ministers of this country on retirement with wealth and business interests]. Does it seem unnatural for the bloke in question -- a subject of the book -- to capitalize on fame by delivering address' at a price wherever invited. No, this is not why this globe setter and wife happened to catch the author's attention, it was because what elsewhere would be called "insider trading". Being in a position to gain advantage at financial loss borne by an other(s). However this isn't the case presented, no misappropriations -- remember, lady Secretary -- as foreign aid money got mixed with that of the foundation. Apparently, what doco. viewers, (the readers of the book) and Don are left to ponder are a numerous instances of coincident; if this pair's activities were "insider trading" positions, charges and convictions as law determined would have followed, the analogy doesn't hold here [ed. this confirmed by the author].
The lady Secretary implicated in the sale of uranium which eventually came under the control of Mr. V. Putin, this definitely, Not A "Cool" Decision!
Link to alternative site for immediate play of discussion following.
712_0134 08/15
CONCLUSION with a vote of thanks for the secretary evenings events.
