April
Russia will try again for a South-East Asian airbase, say strategists
Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam could be pressured, according to military analysts, after Indonesia rebuffed a Moscow request for a military presence.
Shelved airbase gambit fails to clarify Russia’s long-term ambitions
The fallout over Moscow’s bid for an airbase Indonesia has prompted a rare admission from Peter Dutton, and sparked fresh Russian criticism of AUKUS.
Why Canberra can’t afford to ignore Jakarta
In the shifting tides of the Indo-Pacific, the real danger lies not in Indonesia’s dance with others, but in our failure to keep in step.
March
Australian tourist killed as snorkelling boat capsizes near Bali
The Sea Dragon boat was on its way from a port in Bali to Nusa Penida, a popular tiny island near Bali, when it was overwhelmed by high waves, police said.
January
North Korean secret diary reveals deadly ‘drone bait’ tactic
The written notes of a dead soldier published by Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces describe the reckless ploy, along with expressions of love for Kim Jong-un.
December 2024
South Korean upheaval rattles US plan to counter China
There are questions over whether a new government in Seoul might complicate Washington’s efforts under Donald Trump to counter the rise of China as a military superpower.
Prabowo’s first overseas visit was a shambles
The Indonesian president was so charmed by Xi Jinping that he agreed to a Chinese draft of a joint statement that gave away his nation’s longstanding positions.
November 2024
Did you miss the Indonesian president’s November surprise?
While Australians were absorbed by the US election, the new leader of their large neighbour was busy strengthening ties with Russia and China.
‘America’s loss is Australia’s gain’ if Trump cuts green energy scheme
Any move by Donald Trump to curb the Inflation Reduction Act could drive investment to Australia, says Anthony Albanese.
October 2024
Japan’s China paradox has lessons for Australia
Japan’s new prime minister, Shigeru Ishiba, wants a more equal relationship with the US. That could spell trouble as Tokyo confronts the “deep threat” from China.
September 2024
Sun Cable undaunted as Indonesia cuts in on Singapore exports
Singapore has granted conditional approvals for several Indonesian clean electricity export ventures, but also increased its target for imports.
August 2024
Government hasn’t matched Keating’s Indonesia pact
The new defence agreement with Jakarta is a welcome development, but the government claims too much too soon about its place in history.
Our new quiet security embrace as Jakarta hedges bets
Indonesia’s strategic wariness of China has culminated in this week’s military co-operation agreement with Australia. But don’t read too much into it.
Push into Russia is to create a buffer zone: Zelensky
The incursion has proven Ukraine’s ability to seize the initiative and has boosted its morale, which was sapped by a failed counter-offensive last year.
Indonesia suffers the consequences of cosying up to China
China helped Indonesia become the world’s dominant producer of nickel, a mineral essential for electric vehicles. As a result, it’s struggling to access the huge US market.
A guide to middle-aged backpacking
What I did not want to relive were the bed bugs, hostel dormitory rooms, or hellish overnight bus journeys on pot-holed roads.
July 2024
Wong calls on China to rein in North Korea
The foreign minister acknowledged that countries all around Asia are beefing up their defence capabilities in response to China’s dramatic military expansion.
Japan must strengthen NATO ties to safeguard global peace, PM says
Fumio Kishida also signalled concern over Beijing’s alleged role in aiding Moscow’s two-year-old war in Ukraine, although he did not name China.
Left scores shock French win; Rex Minerals soars; Airport train deal
Read everything that’s happened in the news so far today.
The hippy hotelier upping the ante in Bali luxury
We’re a lab for showing those greenwashing monkeys in Bali that not everybody wants to spend their holidays in a concrete shell, says John Hardy of his fantastical jungle resort.