In this interview, Mr John West discusses the future of Asia in the 21st century with AIIA WA’s Flavia Bellieni Zimmermann.
Mr John West is adjunct professor at Tokyo’s Sophia University and executive director of the Asian Century Institute. His recent book “Asian Century … on a Knife-Edge” was reviewed in Australian Outlook.
If Australia wants to get it right with Asia, it needs to get it right with China. Labor's FutureAsia strategy is to actively engage with China and build a comprehensive and sustained partnership.
Certain commentators have argued that immigration intakes will eventually start to shape the foreign policy of a recipient country. But in the case of Australia and its growing Asian minority, adaptation has been slow to occur, with some decisions actually being contrary to what one would expect from more Asia-sensitive governments.
Of the thirteen women who have headed their government or state in Asia, only one has no traceable connection to a notable political dynasty. While female leadership is progressive on their surface, Asian countries must make significant strides to reap the manifold benefits of female-led societies.
