February
- Opinion
- Keating at 80
Paul Keating’s critics could not be more wrong on AUKUS
It’s the former PM who understands that the world has changed, and we can no longer take American power for granted to keep Asia stable and Australia safe.
April 2021
- Opinion
- China relations
A war over Taiwan would be nothing like Afghanistan
If Taiwan triggers a military conflict, the PM will need to think harder about heading off to battle whenever America does. Or risk being caught up in another forever war much closer to home than Afghanistan.
March 2021
- Opinion
- China relations
American overreach in Anchorage points to conflict with China
It’s fantasy to think that the US can still lay down the law as it attempted to in Alaska. Avoiding a Pacific war will take hard statecraft instead.
January 2021
- Opinion
- China relations
Stakes over Taiwan couldn’t be higher
Joe Biden would face the most agonising of choices if China moves against the disputed island. And so would Australia.
December 2020
- Opinion
- China relations
Why China has beaten up Australia harder than anyone else
We are a perfect example for Beijing to show other fence-sitters that they will have to make a choice.
November 2020
- Opinion
- China relations
Morrison has misread China
The Prime Minister thinks he can set the terms with Beijing. But hard choices and compromises are required to manage our region's ruthless great power.
- Opinion
- US votes 2020
Whoever wins, Australia can't rely on its great and powerful friend
Donald Trump has done little to counter China, and Joe Biden would do no better. Australia must therefore face up to a future of fading US power in our region.
July 2020
- Opinion
- China relations
Payne sensibly says no to Pompeo's coalition of the willing
Australia has avoided joining the Trump administration's new cold war. But big questions about handling the escalating US-China rivalry remain unanswered.
- Opinion
- Defence
Why Australia's strategic situation is far worse than we think
For all the dire warnings in last week's defence review, its chief fault lies in being far too optimistic.
May 2020
- Opinion
- China relations
Australia must get better at picking its fights with China
Power is still the essence of international relations. That is the reality Canberra must learn to manage in the new Asia, writes Hugh White.
March 2020
- Opinion
- China relations
Why India is not going to save us from China's power
India is more likely to join Beijing in carving up the region than to help out Australia with its foreign policy dilemmas.
September 2019
Scott Morrison will be asked to make an impossible choice
The price of a rare White House dinner invitation will be commitment to Washington's side against China. This is what the PM should be telling the Americans instead.