Stephen asked the question: “How do Asian nations feel about the perception of Australia's foreign policy as simply a branch of USA interests? Did the Darwin USA troops decision help or hinder this perception? ”

Stephen commented on Christopher's question: “The rising middle class has provided the internal economic demand that underpins growth so far - hence it is very important to achieving the demographic dividend.”

Stephen asked the question: “What do you think of the Asian Century report recommending schools teach Hindi in Australia? My feeling is cross-cultural understanding is more important - hence I like student exchanges and would encourage young executive exchanges as well.”