ACT Represents NZ In Taiwan

ACT New Zealand Deputy Leader Ken Shirley today said he was pleased to join politicians from 52 other countries and - with National MP Richard Worth - represent the New Zealand Parliament at the first International Parliamentary Forum for Asia Pacific Security in Taipei.

"While it is regrettable that the New Zealand Government will not be officially represented - because of its non-recognition of Taiwan under the One China policy - I am glad to represent New Zealand's Parliament at this forum," Mr Shirley said.

"Attendees will take part in group discussions on the North Korean nuclear crisis and China's military expansion, with particular reference to mainland China's deployment of 500 missiles targeted at Taiwan.

"In addition, participants will explore the strengthening of Pacific regional economical cooperation under the WTO framework.

"While here, I will also meet with the Chairman and senior management of Taiwan's atomic energy council, with a view to exploring the potential application of atomic energy as part of the solution to New Zealand's looming energy crisis," Mr Shirley said.

© Scoop Media

Gordon Campbell: On the Sony cyber attack

Given the layers of meta-irony involved, the saga of the Sony cyber attack seemed at the outset more like a snarky European art film than a popcorn entry at the multiplex.

Yet now with (a) President Barack Obama weighing in on the side of artistic freedom and calling for the US to make a ‘proportionate response’quickly followed by (b) North Korea’s entire Internet service going down, and with both these events being followed by (c) Sony deciding to backtrack and release The Interview film that had made it a target for the dastardly North Koreans in the first place, then ay caramba…the whole world will now be watching how this affair pans out. More>>