Evelyn Waugh was an exceptional English novelist. His best political satires were very good. Truth, though, can still outwit the best fiction, says Richard Cullen
A LIVELY SHORT STORY published by Evelyn Waugh in late 1932, entitled “Incident in Azania” discussed events that unfolded on an imaginary, colonial island off the East Coast of Africa. …

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The surge in China’s military capacity, especially over the last decade, has been the focus of increasing Western commentary, some of it measured, much of it alarmist. Many alarmists believe it is a truth universally acknowledged that any large nation possessed of a significantly upgraded stockpile of advanced martial equipment will want to use it…
Long-term Hong Kong resident Richard Cullen reflects on politics, friendships and the Tai Po fire.
I first arrived to live and work in Hong Kong over 30 years ago. More recently I began to reflect on the way expressing my own political views on Hong Kong and China has reshaped some long-standing friendships. The recent…
IF AN ENEMY ATTACKS, the Chinese will defend their nation with the East Wind, a hurricane of power that will destroy his ship.
Then from the waters will rise a Giant Wave. And from the skies will fall a Sudden Thunderbolt.
If any enemies survive to continue their assault, a Cloud Arrow and a fire…
MORE THAN 15 MONTHS AGO, I explained how “America, itself, has verified that it is no longer a normal country” (see this link). Since I wrote that article, America’s grave political deformity has been stunningly ratified.
NORMAL VS ABNORMAL
Some Americans relish the idea of the US not being normal because they view it as…
A penniless man asked a small restaurateur if there were leftovers he could have. Yes, the owner said. Word spread about this generous act, and the needy began lining up for free meals. Then the local Rotary Club saw what was happening, and stepped in to make a spontaneous act of generosity into a model…
HONG KONG IS COOL. And not just in the metaphorical sense. Fully 99% of homes in the southern Chinese city are well-chilled thanks to technology. With hot, humid summers, and mild winters, air-conditioners are ubiquitous, and most residents use them for much of the year.
Fortunately, energy bills are relatively low, with about 20% of…
Chinese officials used taxpayers' money to have roadside grass, weeds and flowers trimmed to a height of exactly 10 centimeters.
But the ridiculous policy irritated members of that county's public, who tipped off agents specializing in wrongful spending and corruption, it was revealed this week. They halted the operation and punished the county officials.
At…
MEMBERS OF THE UYGHUR minorities in China are treated shockingly badly, attendees at an international gathering this week agreed.
The products, rights, jobs, of Uyghur people were being hit hard - by deeply unfair sanctions and policies from the United States and their allies. While the regional authorities provided training and funding for new industries…
Today, we are told, elites in Western Europe are “waking up to the malevolent influence of the Chinese regime”. At the same time, the conspicuously adverse, contemporary influence of the US and Israel in Europe prompts more “hug-ins” with this terrifying tag-team rather than any awakening. What is going on? Richard Cullen investigates.
First: Europe…
