Charles Parton speaks as the first opposition for the motion in the Debating Chamber on Thursday 5th December 2024.
With tensions rising between the West and China, this debate examines their relationship in greater detail. China’s increasing position on the global stage has led to much criticism from Western nations; however, given Europe’s colonial past, some feel that these criticisms ring hollow.
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Cambridge Union Society Debate Info:
In The Chair: Sammy McDonald (Incoming President)
Taking the Minutes: Leonas Pausch
- The Debate Motion title is always preceded in context by the phrase “This House Would”, “This Would Believes”, or simply “This House”.
- The Debate motion is typically phrased in Proposition of the argument prior to any votes or speeches, regardless of controversial nature.
- Six 10 minute speeches are given, alternating between each Proposition & Opposition speaker of the Debate Motion.
- The Chair governs authority over interjections, time limits, and any discretions/arrangements agreed between speakers and/or CUS.
- There are two ways interjections can be made by audience members; a Point of Information (upon acceptance from the speaker) or a Floor Speech. (Interjections are not to be interpreted as Audience Questions and can be denied or ignored at discretion of the Speaker or Chair)
- Points of Interest cannot be made during the first & last minutes of any speech, they also must be under 30 seconds and maintain relevance.
(As a result it is impractical to provide microphones for Points of Interest and apologise for any issues with audibility)
- Floor speeches are made by audience members at intervals during the Debate discussing support for Proposition, Opposition or Abstention.
(The Union rarely publishes Floor Speeches due to Release Form arrangements within membership contracts)
- At the end of the Debate, all Speakers and audience members cast their vote as they leave the Debating Chamber through doors labelled “AYES” & “NOES”, with the central door exit representing Abstentions.
- The Chair calls an announcement shortly after the Debate to confirm the votes.
Full Debate:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYpyB-7KwFc52UTjhFnZXEPUUqaKkPqE2
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Thumbnail Photographer: Nordin Catic
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CHARLES PARTON
Charles Parton spent 22 years of his 37 year diplomatic career working in or on China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. In his final posting, he was seconded to the EU Delegation in Beijing, where, as First Counsellor until late 2016, he focussed on Chinese politics and internal developments, and advised the EU and Member States on how China’s politics might affect their interests. In 2017 he returned to Beijing as Adviser to the British Embassy to cover the CCP’s 19th Congress.
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