Asia
The China-Vietnam standoff: Three key factors
So, another maritime incident between China and one of its neighbours.
There are reports from officials in Hanoi that Chinese and Vietnamese vessels collided on at least two…
Indo-Pacific security links: Russian patrols, joint exercises, North Korea, the Spratlys and more
The Indo-Pacific is a strategic system encompassing the Indian and Pacific oceans, reflecting the expanding interests and reach of China and India as well as the enduring role of…
Abbott-SBY: It was just a courtesy call, not a mending of ties
This morning, eminent University of Indonesia law professor Hikmahanto Juwana issued a press release in response to Prime Minister Tony Abbott's telephone call to President Susilo…
Interview: Malcolm Fraser on 'Dangerous Allies'
Yesterday I had a long and fascinating talk with former Australian prime minister Malcolm Fraser, who has just released Dangerous Allies, his new book calling for a substantially…
Indo-Pacific security links: China-India naval exercises, the pivot, Chna's military and more
The Indo-Pacific is a strategic system encompassing the Indian and Pacific oceans, reflecting the expanding interests and reach of China and India as well as the enduring role of…
Singapore: Asian bellwether or outlier?
Six years after leaving a diplomatic posting in Singapore for Australia and two years after returning from the Asia Pacific to Europe for good, a trip through Malaysia with an…
Commentary
Crimea: A silver lining for the United States’ Asian allies?
Crimea: A silver lining for the United States’ Asian allies?Rory MedcalfNational Bureau of Asian Research22 May 2014Please click to access the online text and full…
Indonesians are happy, even in a room without a roof
Indonesians know what Pharrell Williams is talking about on his hit track, Happy (see local version of the video above). According to survey results released by the country's…
Inequality in Hong Kong: The divorce factor
Hong Kong is famously unequal. The measured Gini coefficient is among the world's highest. It is praised for 'economic freedom' yet also criticised for 'crony capitalism.'
It's…
Analyses
Southern Thailand: From Conflict to Negotiations?
In this Analysis, University of Leeds professor Duncan McCargo argues that the recent Malaysian-backed Southern Thai peace initiative has now run into some serious problems. He…