Paddy Ashdown Forum Book Project

This September marks the 15th anniversary of the Chinese Liberal Democrats. It was during the autumn conference of September 2006 during Sir Menzies, Lord Campbell's leadership of the party that CLDs was launched with Linda Chung as the first Chair. The late Lord Paddy Ashdown was of course a Patron with Sir Menzies with his history of association with work in China and the championing of the rights of HKers.

We are therefore delighted to announce that CLDs will be commemorating this event with a book of essays on the topic of the Rise of China to be published under the auspices of the Paddy Ashdown Forum, think tank (PAF). We are grateful to Lord Alderdice for writing the Foreword to the publication.

Along with the editors (Dr Yeow Poon, Chris Gleadle, Merlene Emerson and Paul Reynolds) other authors who have penned a chapter each include Lord Tim Clement-Jones on the Tech war between the US and China, Prof Kerry Brown on the political system of China, Humphrey Hawksley on China and Her Neighbours and Dr Juli Minoves, President of Honour, Liberal International, on Taiwan, amongst many other notable experts.

Fortunately, at the same time as our 15th anniversary, PAF in association with the European Liberal Forum are co hosting an Oxford Union-style debate on 30th September, with the motion:

"This House believes China is interested in co-existence rather than domination".

Paul Reynolds and Merlene Toh Emerson will be co-moderators. This will be a hybrid event to be held at the National Liberal Club as well as live-streamed and available on Zoom. Registration is now open via this link: http://www.thepaddyashdownforum.org/the-rise-of-china/

In the meantime, below is what Sir Ming says about the PAF book "The Rise of China: Fresh Insights and Observations":

"This compelling collection of essays should be required reading for diplomats, politicians, officials and all who wish to do business in China for proper recognition and understanding of its geopolitical resurgence."

Rt Hon Lord Campbell of Pittenweem

Editor: Thanks Sir Ming and everyone involved in supporting this project!