This month our speaker is Piers Fuller, Editor of the Wairarapa Times-Age, who spent a year on a cultural exchange to China, then later spent seven years teaching in Taiwan.  As well as those direct activities he continues to study both the cultural impact and the geopolitical realities on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

China has rapidly risen to prominence on the world stage. Its economy reaches into many nations – and it is our largest trading partner; its armed forces are 3rd largest in the world, and here in the Pacific China is directly rivalling the USA. 

Certainly the raw balance of military power between China and Taiwan favours China most obviously. But with a small island territory to defend and – over many years – the likely support of the United States, Taiwan appears to be well placed to fend off the People’s Liberation Army. But notably the American position is more uncertain these days.

Piers, however, has worked with and lived among the people of Taiwan – he will have a first hand assessment of their determination and resilience.  Piers has been a working journalist in Wairarapa for 24 years. He is now the editor of the Wairarapa Times-Age. He intends to talk to our Branch about his experiences on both sides of the Taiwan Strait and whether this geopolitical situation can be resolved peacefully.  He will also speak about China's rising prominence on the world stage and whether this constitutes a threat to New Zealand.

The usual rules of public discourse apply. Coffee and tea are available from 7pm. Bring a friend! Non-members are welcome, with a $5 koha.  Also, High School or UCOL students are welcome, with free entry.