Asia
China’s catch-up game in the Middle East
China’s President Xi Jinping’s visit to the Gulf states this month was accompanied by much fanfare and another example – if such was needed – of Beijing’s desire to challenge…
Beyond binary choices in Australia China relations
Book Review: Australia’s China odyssey: from euphoria to fear, by James Curran (UNSW Press, 2022)
December 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of Australia-China diplomatic…
A step-up for China’s involvement in the Middle East
As China has increased its global reach and ambitions elsewhere over the past two decades, the Middle East has remained a backwater for China’s diplomacy.
China has kept a…
Commentary
Australia far more wary of China than SEA nations despite thawing relations
Originally published in ThinkChina.
North Korea’s “Take Your Daughter to Work Day” goes ballistic
On 18 November, Kim Jong-un introduced his daughter, Ju-ae – most likely the very child that basketball player Dennis Rodman mentioned having met during his 2013 trip to North…
Podcasts
Malaysian politics after the election - what to expect from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim?
In this episode of Conversations, Susannah Patton talks to Amrita Malhi about the political outlook for Malaysia following the November general election.
All in the family: North Korea’s means of nuclear survivability
The photos of North Korea’s Kim Jong-un standing hand-in-hand with a girl, reported to be the first public sighting of his daughter Kim Ju-ae, watching the launch of the…
Australia could lead the way on Rohingya crisis
The Rohingya people need a new deal. With Australia’s decision on 10 November to prioritise Myanmar nationals for humanitarian visas, now is the time for the government to step up…
The US may force the Philippines’ (willing) hand
US Vice President Kamala Harris’ recent two-day trip to the Philippines makes her the highest-ranking official from the Biden administration to visit the country. Harris got…
Islands as stepping stones for India-Australia collaboration
As maritime neighbours, India and Australia form the bookends of the Indian Ocean region. At a time of “big power muscle movement”, as Australia’s Navy Fleet Commander Rear…