Asia
Indonesian tourism booms, Australia misses out
It didn’t even make the news in Australia, but two weeks ago India announced it will now allow Indonesian tourists to visit without having to apply or pay for a visa.
This…
Why India is buying the world’s emptiest airport
This article first appeared on The Interpreter in December 2017. On 5 July this year, the Sri Lankan Minister for Civil Aviation, Nimal Siripala de Silva…
Why Japan is supporting Cambodia’s election
Japan has remained steadfast in its support of the upcoming Cambodian general election on 29 July amid growing pressure by its citizens, civil society organisations, and…
Tit-for-tat-for-tit-for-tat
The US is moving quickly to follow through on Trump’s threats to further escalate his trade war with China (now is as good a time as any to say that the trade war has officially…
Cambodia: dispelling the Malaysia illusion
Cambodia is headed for national elections on 29 July in which, although there are 20 parties contending, there is only one possible victor: the ruling Cambodian People’s Party …
China’s expanding navy
Recent reports of problems with the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA-N) carrier-borne J-15 jet fighters have opened a small window on challenges facing China’s expanding navy,…
Assessing Duterte’s China investment drive
When President Rodrigo Duterte visited the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in October 2016, he came home with an agreement that earmarked US$24 billion worth of Chinese foreign…
US Navy sails into Taiwan sunset
It’s inevitable that, when the US sails warships through the Taiwan Strait, it will be interpreted as a broader diplomatic statement or even a protest – in this case, perhaps…
China business and China threats
China has loomed large in the Australian economy for two decades. Be it the demand for iron ore or coal, or the education, property, and tourism markets, the Australian…
Indonesia’s elections and the local result
Regional elections took place across Indonesia on 27 June, when local voters went to the polls to elect governors, regents, and mayors. The results offer a fascinating…