Asia
The 19th Party Congress: A more assertive Chinese foreign policy
In a landmark address that kicked off the 19th Party Congress, President Xi Jinping articulated his vision for China's future. The three-and-a-half-hour reading of the work report…
Commentary
Uncertain future for China's state capitalism
Originally published in the Nikkei Asian Review.Roland Rajah
Marawi battle has implications for Australians
Recent terrorism-related developments in the Philippines could lead to an increased security threat to Australians in parts of Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia and Malaysia…
Reading between the lines of North Korea’s letter
The Foreign Affairs Committee of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly has been busy sending open letters to various foreign parliaments. Our letter seems specifically tailored, as…
Timor-Leste: A return to belligerent democracy?
In 2015, not long after the formation of the unprecedented national unity government between Timor-Leste's two largest parties, CNRT and Fretilin, senior CNRT Minister Agio…
War on the Korean Peninsula: Targeting a better peace
The rhetoric emanating from Washington and Pyongyang may soon reach the point at which a peaceful resolution is no longer be possible. A year ago the chance of war on the Korean…
Digital Asia links: CCP apps, Telegram in Indonesia, Japanese fake news and more
Thailand’s Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha announced this week that top Facebook executives would be coming to Thailand to meet with Thai leaders. Facebook denied the…
The 19th Party Congress: Xi's mid-term appraisal
As Interpreter readers will no doubt be aware, this is an exciting week for China-watchers as it marks the mid-term point for President Xi Jinping's time in office – that is,…
After Hapilon’s death and the ‘liberation’ of Marawi
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has declared the 'liberation of Marawi', and the Philippines military says Isnilon Hapilon, the Abu Sayyaf militant seen as Islamic State…
Tillerson doubles down on US-India partnership
Yesterday US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson delivered his most substantial remarks on India to date, ahead of his first official trip to South Asia. While Tillerson’s influence…