Diplomacy tested by a grump


Hostage theatre: Trump showing Ramaphosa articles of the alleged genocide of white people in South Africa before screening the videos at the White House. Reuters

IT’S been called Ambush Diplomacy – where the intention is to put unfortunate world leaders visiting the White House in an embarrassing spot in front of the rolling cameras.

There are even questions planted to be asked by the loyal right-wing media whose credentials and right to be in the White House pool is being questioned by the mainstream press.

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Wong Chun Wai , On the Beat column
Wong Chun Wai

Wong Chun Wai

Wong Chun Wai began his career as a journalist in Penang, and has served The Star for over 35 years in various capacities and roles. He is now group editorial and corporate affairs adviser to the group, after having served as group managing director/chief executive officer. On The Beat made its debut on Feb 23 1997 and Chun Wai has penned the column weekly without a break, except for the occasional press holiday when the paper was not published. In May 2011, a compilation of selected articles of On The Beat was published as a book and launched in conjunction with his 50th birthday. Chun Wai also comments on current issues in The Star.

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