Anthony Kuhn

Exactly. Welcome back.

Well, you heard Li's speech in which he mentioned that China is preparing for external shocks, which is sure to include the possibility of a trade war. And we've heard that for some time, China has, for example, been filling up strategic reserves to cope with an emergency, filling up reserves of money, food, fuel, and minerals.

Well, you heard Li's speech in which he mentioned that China is preparing for external shocks, which is sure to include the possibility of a trade war. And we've heard that for some time, China has, for example, been filling up strategic reserves to cope with an emergency, filling up reserves of money, food, fuel, and minerals.

Well, you heard Li's speech in which he mentioned that China is preparing for external shocks, which is sure to include the possibility of a trade war. And we've heard that for some time, China has, for example, been filling up strategic reserves to cope with an emergency, filling up reserves of money, food, fuel, and minerals.

And at that forum, we heard Premier Li Chang basically telling other countries what they want to hear, which is that You know, China is a staunch supporter of multilateralism. They're a status quo power, not revisionists. And they're going to try to provide stability in an unstable world. And that means keeping its markets open and staying open for business.

And at that forum, we heard Premier Li Chang basically telling other countries what they want to hear, which is that You know, China is a staunch supporter of multilateralism. They're a status quo power, not revisionists. And they're going to try to provide stability in an unstable world. And that means keeping its markets open and staying open for business.

And at that forum, we heard Premier Li Chang basically telling other countries what they want to hear, which is that You know, China is a staunch supporter of multilateralism. They're a status quo power, not revisionists. And they're going to try to provide stability in an unstable world. And that means keeping its markets open and staying open for business.

Absolutely. They're trying to shift the whole model away from investment and manufacturing towards consumption. And that's, of course, a big concern of President Trump, too. He wants to cut the trade surpluses. But China is doing this for its own reason. It's not going to be done overnight. They're also trying to get foreign investment up, which is what this forum was about.

Absolutely. They're trying to shift the whole model away from investment and manufacturing towards consumption. And that's, of course, a big concern of President Trump, too. He wants to cut the trade surpluses. But China is doing this for its own reason. It's not going to be done overnight. They're also trying to get foreign investment up, which is what this forum was about.

Absolutely. They're trying to shift the whole model away from investment and manufacturing towards consumption. And that's, of course, a big concern of President Trump, too. He wants to cut the trade surpluses. But China is doing this for its own reason. It's not going to be done overnight. They're also trying to get foreign investment up, which is what this forum was about.

Yes, I mean, they're trying, and there are things Premier Lee did not address, like the balance between economic priorities and national security, which is a concern for businesses, and also the rule of law, stronger protections for private entrepreneurs. There are no signs of major moves to strengthen the rule of law.

Yes, I mean, they're trying, and there are things Premier Lee did not address, like the balance between economic priorities and national security, which is a concern for businesses, and also the rule of law, stronger protections for private entrepreneurs. There are no signs of major moves to strengthen the rule of law.

Yes, I mean, they're trying, and there are things Premier Lee did not address, like the balance between economic priorities and national security, which is a concern for businesses, and also the rule of law, stronger protections for private entrepreneurs. There are no signs of major moves to strengthen the rule of law.

Well, I left just before the pandemic and coming back now, I think the most obvious thing is the decline in people's confidence about the future. But I am seeing small signs of easing.

Well, I left just before the pandemic and coming back now, I think the most obvious thing is the decline in people's confidence about the future. But I am seeing small signs of easing.

Well, I left just before the pandemic and coming back now, I think the most obvious thing is the decline in people's confidence about the future. But I am seeing small signs of easing.

For example, we were at the annual session of parliament and lawmakers were a bit more talkative with foreign journalists and more journalists, including myself, have been able to get in to get short term visas to report. So these are small but welcome signs of easing.

For example, we were at the annual session of parliament and lawmakers were a bit more talkative with foreign journalists and more journalists, including myself, have been able to get in to get short term visas to report. So these are small but welcome signs of easing.

For example, we were at the annual session of parliament and lawmakers were a bit more talkative with foreign journalists and more journalists, including myself, have been able to get in to get short term visas to report. So these are small but welcome signs of easing.

Thank you, Steve.