May
China reports bumper exports ahead of trade talks
Data shows a slump in exports to the US but an increase to the rest of the world, on the eve of trade talks between Washington and Beijing to reduce tensions.
Trump’s tariff war risks losing South-East Asia to Beijing
The South-East Asian nations are likely to suffer both directly from Trump’s tariffs and their impact on China. This will affect their regional and world views.
April
Trump tariffs cut deep for America’s trillion-dollar ASEAN partners
The damage to Washington’s image and its relationships with the rest of the world, including South-East Asia, may be lasting.
Beijing seeks to build alliances against US
Europe and South-East Asian countries are the best hope for China as it looks to build on commercial and strategic relationships in the region and beyond.
Jardine Matheson, giant of Hong Kong commerce, charts new course as investor
The storied Anglo-Asian conglomerate was founded as an opium trader in 1832 and famous as an inspiration for James Clavell’s novels. The shift marks a new incarnation.
November 2024
SE Asian defence chiefs in security talks with US, China
The closed-door talks put US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun in the same room a day after a snub at ASEAN.
October 2024
Albanese retraces history, promotes Asia’s collective power
The prime minister says Australia’s peace and prosperity resides firmly in South-East Asia.
Aussie gas will keep flowing, Albanese tells Japan
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese used his first face-to-face meeting with the new Japanese leader to talk up security of gas imports.
China to restart Aussie lobster trade in major breakthrough
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said rock lobsters would be back on tables in time for Chinese New Year celebrations in January.
US-China rivalry colours our ASEAN relations
ASEAN believes that neutrality is the best defence against regional conflict. But it is too reluctant to help maintain the regional balance.
Albanese likens China talks to US-Soviet Cold War ties
Anthony Albanese is heading to the ASEAN summit for two days of talks with regional leaders where security will be a top priority.
Albanese to press China on trade
The Association of South-East Asian Nations leaders’ summit will take place in Vientiane, Laos this week, the latest international push by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Albanese to bring on housing showdown
With just 15 sitting days this year to pass key legislation, Labor is rapidly losing patience with the Greens and the Senate.
September 2024
Australia is on the map but not on the minds of South-East Asia
Greater economic engagement with South-East Asia is needed not only for Australia’s sustained prosperity but also for its political clout as a bona fide Asian power.
Be bold on Asia or miss out, business leaders warned
Australian businesses’ narrow focus on China and North Asia means they are struggling to keep pace with the billions of investment dollars pouring into South-East Asia.
August 2024
US military eyes escorting Philippine ships in South China Sea
The head of the US Indo-Pacific command said he was open to discussions about escorting Philippine ships amid growing clashes with China in the disputed waters.
Australia should focus on rules, not ‘rules-based order’, in Asia
Support for the transition from a US-led world to a multipolar world is gaining traction.
June 2024
Premier Li Qiang’s visit has Malaysia wanting more from China pivot
The absence of President Xi Jinping, who sent his number two in his place, has dejected some in the government, according to Malaysian officials and observers.
History will judge the new era of US protectionism harshly
The unseemly contest by Joe Biden and Donald Trump to outdo each other in trade protectionism will make the world become less prosperous and more unpredictable.
March 2024
Australia’s under-investment in ASEAN is about them, not us
South-East Asian nations need to become attractive to foreign investors through deregulation and establishing independent and incorruptible legal systems.