David Capie
@davidcapie
Director, Centre for Strategic Studies: New Zealand. Professor of International Relations @VicUniWgtn.
According to previously unseen highly SECRET files release today (22 Jul), in 1989, the UK Government began planning in the utmost secrecy for the mass evacuation of millions of people from Hong Kong ahead of handover to China. This was called 'The Armageddon Scenario'
“Japanese officials said there was no written agreement with Washington — & no legally binding one would be drawn up — after Trump admin officials claimed Tokyo would back investments in the US from which American taxpayers would reap [90%] of the profits” ft.com/content/c1183b…
New Zealand is deeply concerned by reports of escalating tensions along the Thailand-Cambodia border, including exchanges of fire resulting in fatalities and injuries. We urge both sides to show restraint, de-escalate tensions, and seek a peaceful resolution through dialogue.…
I have a couple national security stories on @the_postnz this afternoon: - A soldier facing espionage charges (NZ's first spying case under the Crimes Act) is to face trial next month, five years after his arrest. - The Govt yet to respond to a review of spy laws, two years on.
New Zealand challenges Cook Islands PM to independence vote after his comments on China | RNZ News rnz.co.nz/international/…
Trump tariff limbo blights Singapore, Thailand as ASEAN states deal asia.nikkei.com/Economy/Trade-…
“Two-way trade between New Zealand and the UAE was worth $1.35 billion last year, and CEPA will accelerate growth by reducing red tape, boosting services trade, and supporting investment links.” beehive.govt.nz/release/uae-de…
Ministerial statement to the House on the Middle East - Foreign Minister Winston Peters beehive.govt.nz/speech/ministe…
On this basis I suggest the EU commits to invest a trillion dollars in the US, with 150% of the profits going to the US, because numbers have ceased to have any meaning. whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/20…
The IDF has killed starving Palestinian civilians trying to get aid. Settler terrorism and talk of imposing the illegal E1 settlement plan are flagrant attempts to prevent a Palestinian state. There is no justification for this. A two-state solution is the only path to peace.
Beijing slapped sanctions on @merics_eu in the hope of undermining its influence with German & EU policymakers. It has achieved precisely the opposite. Allowing @m_huotari to spend time in Beijing is an acknowledgment of the failure of this approach.
“The evolution of Marco Rubio” He’s not the first politician to sacrifice principle to political ambition,” James Nealon, a former US ambassador to Honduras, wrote in a blog post this month. “But he has certainly taken it to the next level.” ft.com/content/d615b5…
Alex de Waal is one of the world's foremost experts on famine. Listen to every word he says about Israel's forced starvation of the people of Gaza: "There is no case since WW2 of starvation that has been so minutely designed and controlled"
“While Australia’s first $800 million payment was announced with fanfare in February, when Defence Minister Richard Marles met his US counterpart, Pete Hegseth, in Washington, the second payment was not announced.” smh.com.au/world/north-am…
“Regardless of US intent, the perception across the Pacific of the US as a disinterested & mercurial partner undercuts the country’s ability to build meaningful and lasting partnerships… & simultaneously opens space for China to displace U.S. influence…” csis.org/analysis/shift…
Chief of the Royal New Zealand Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal (AVM) Darryn Webb, called on Minister for Defence Mr Chan Chun Sing this morning. During their meeting, Mr Chan and AVM Webb reaffirmed the close and long-standing relationship between both air forces. 🇸🇬🇳🇿
“The Outer Space & High-altitude Activities Amendment Bill amends the 2017 law, was introduced on Tuesday evening & passed through all stages under urgency by midday Wednesday, with the support of all parties. It is expected to come into effect 29 July” rnz.co.nz/news/political…
“They have deliberately disguised their affiliations to foreign militaries & misrepresented their intentions. To date, these risks have been managed through non-regulatory measures [...] These measures are no longer enough.” thepost.co.nz/politics/36076…
#PMinAction: On July 22, 2025, Prime Minister Ishiba held a summit meeting with the Hon. James Marape, Prime Minister of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, at the Prime Minister’s Office. japan.kantei.go.jp/103/actions/20…