Asia
Pacific islands stand ground on West Papua push
One of the criticisms of the Pacific Islands Forum over the years relates to the regional grouping’s limited ability to advance its agenda in the face of the interests of…
China-US currency clash: Who’s manipulating who?
The United States has labelled China a currency manipulator. The move sent shock waves through markets early this week and left many speculating what may come next.
Trump has…
Trump bets on Pakistan to deliver peace in Afghanistan
Last month’s Oval Office meeting with US President Donald Trump was Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan’s first US visit since taking office in August last year. During the…
Coordinating with America to pressure China on trade
While President Donald Trump’s bull-in-a-China-shop approach to reforming international trade doesn’t appeal, it is possible that some of his objectives might make sense. This was…
ASEAN’s strategic engagement in the unwieldy Indo-Pacific
As the world continues to navigate ever-changing geopolitical challenges, one concept generating more than its share of controversy is the “Indo-Pacific”. When the United…
Balancing act: China’s nationalist consumer boycotts
In June, a controversial statement from a UBS economist set off a firestorm in mainland China, causing serious trouble for the Swiss banking behemoth in one of its most important…
What China’s defence paper tells us about Beijing’s regional ambition
Beijing, over the years, has become more focussed and explicit in recognising and explaining its security threat perceptions. China last week released its 11th national defence…
Economic diplomacy: Guns versus butter, trade wars, and feeding PNG
Separation anxiety
A new call to split trade negotiation from diplomacy in Australia has once again underlined how the rise of China has unsettled traditional frameworks…
China’s aid: lend your money, (don’t) lose your friend
Despite the recent spotlight on Chinese aid and labels of China as an “emerging donor”, China has actually been delivering foreign aid since as far back as the 1950s. Indeed,…
Indigenous roots of the “first” Filipino suicide bombing
On 28 June, two suicide bombers carried out an attack in the Philippines, targeting the headquarters of 1st Brigade Combat Team (BCT) in Indanan, Sulu. Days later, one of the…