February
China’s stunning new campaign to turn the world against Taiwan
Seventy countries have recently backed “all Chinese efforts” to take the island. They adopted that new wording in the past 18 months, after a Chinese diplomatic offensive across the global south.
October 2024
China’s new stimulus underwhelms as ‘big fat’ numbers missing
Chances of China rolling out a massive stimulus package to boost its faltering economy are fading after Saturday’s announcement failed to reveal details.
August 2024
Pacific banking diplomacy game will evolve beyond Nauru
The government should look to provide support to Vanuatu – another “high risk” nation – as it tries to convince CBA to bank in Nauru and ward off Chinese influence.
July 2024
‘Not a coherent word’: Keating slams PM, Marles over AUKUS
Former prime minister Paul Keating says there has been no proper debate about AUKUS’ impact on Australia’s defence settings, as a new report backs the delivery schedule.
AUKUS critics fail to match their speculation with substance
There is a long list of loud objections to the project. But how many of them really stand up to scrutiny?
June 2024
China’s ‘predatory’ tactics justify critical mineral subsidies: Kennedy
Treasury secretary Steven Kennedy says China’s dominance of critical minerals justifies the government’s taxpayer support for rare earths the world needs.
May 2024
New Solomons PM still close to China, but more diplomatic
Despite being foreign minister for almost five years, Jeremiah Manele is unlikely to strictly follow the pro-China policy of his predecessor, according to some.
March 2024
US passes long-delayed deal to fund crucial Pacific Island agreements
Although the three island nations involved are tiny, they span 4000 km across the Pacific, providing critical access for the US to operate in the Indo-Pacific region.
Sense of urgency as Australia finds its true international identity
There is a meaning to be extracted from the ASEAN summit for Australia’s international identity.
January 2024
Why Taiwan’s election is a disaster for China and dilemma for the West
A third win for the DPP would be a terrible failure for Beijing. But other nations must frame support for Taiwan beyond just the threats of war.
November 2023
How Ukraine defeated Russia’s cyber warriors
Kyiv imported tens of thousands of modems after malware took down its satellite communications network. Western tech companies helped thwart other attacks too.
November 2023
BCA boss backs rival to Dutton’s pick for Liberal Senate spot
Bran Black, the former chief of staff to NSW ex-premier Dominic Perrottet, said his onetime colleague has an “inexhaustible work ethic”.
Albanese’s China visit was a whole different calibre
Despite the views expressed by some hawks, the prime minister was not kowtowing in China.
October 2023
Pacific ‘realistic’ on call for Australia to stop fossil fuels
Australia and Fiji have upgraded ties following prime ministerial talks in Canberra.
September 2023
The power of data: What skyscrapers tell you about a country’s clout
As Australia rises on the global stage, the man behind the Lowy Institute Asia Power Index reveals his indicators of prestige and real influence.
July 2023
Missing ministers and policy backflips: Xi Jinping’s challenges mount
A missing foreign minister shines an unwelcome spotlight on a secretive and autocratic regime as questions grow about management of the world’s second-largest economy.
Youthful disillusionment is China’s biggest soft power export
In a society with few outlets for active protest, ‘lying flat’ is the most effective way of standing up to authority and powerful expectations.
June 2023
Taiwan does not fear Trump return to White House: foreign minister
Taiwan’s foreign minister Joseph Wu says he does not fear any security implications from a potential return of Donald Trump to the White House in 2024.
The truce with China is a fragile one
The trade war is winding down because it has outlived its usefulness to Beijing. We should not rely on the new stability for political leverage at home or abroad.
Trading with the frenemy is Australia’s destiny
A new poll shows Australians would rather trade with the nation’s allies, not our strategic rivals. They need to understand why that is not going to happen.