Kuala Lampur, July 10 -- The world is now in a big mess. No thanks to conflicts which should not have erupted. Oil prices are back to new highs. Costs of freight have risen thanks to disrupted shipping lanes. So are the insurance. Many expect to see the impact on world food prices soon as fertiliser supply lines continue to choke. Many are asking why is the UN not taking the necessary action to arbitrate the fighting. The truth is the UN has increasingly become toothless. Then what about the super powers? Why are they keeping quiet? In fact, one superpower is embroiled in the conflict which is largely responsible for the mess.

This week, the world watches as the President of the United States touches down in China. The formal agenda is t...