Barry Pearton's blog

EXPECT the unexpected. It is the timing, the sheer suddenness of the violence and civil disobedience, that is spooking business in trouble-spots across the world today. Who, less than six months ago, could have foreseen the streets of flames, teargas, terror, bitterness and sorrow that epitomise Hong Kong today ...

MANAGED sensitively and sensibly, China's Bay of Plenty might - just might - help unlock some of the antagonism currently impacting its relationships across the world . . .

CHINA is moving to repair its image abroad – but it needs to review a number of its foreign policies, too . . .

A STRONGER ASEAN seems front-of-mind for Malaysia’s new Prime Minister, who has perhaps two years to make his mark on history . . .

ASIA is on a high. But will tomorrow’s industries create enough jobs – or the taxes needed to support an ageing population? And will political risk impact investment?

THE parlous state of the North Korean economy is hardly conducive to success in any open military confrontation with the United States. Kim Jong-Un’s most valuable bargaining chip would seem to be his country’s human and mineral resources . . .

A NEW phenomenon is sweeping Asia as new leaders emerge, and the accepted norms of political mores are swept aside . . .

A WATCHING brief on the workings of a democratic Government in Taipei may offer Beijing some insight into how best to handle political pressures at home . . .

BUSINESS has every reason to be wary, even anxious in an uncertain world . . .

DOES Taiwan want a complete break from China – regardless of the price? The people may decide in 2016 . . .