Asia
Commentary
As Xi Jinping begins a third term, Australia must push to engage China on common interests
An overconfident Beijing and a Xi surrounded by yes-men poses a great risk to Pacific stability, making bilateral meetings all the more important. Originally published in The…
Even now, standing supreme, Xi has limits to his power
At the just completed ruling Communist Party Congress, Xi Jinping was re-selected as head of the Party. Many analysts argue that Xi’s personal power consolidation has eliminated…
Australia’s shared security in the Indian Ocean
The Indian Ocean region has played a crucial role throughout history, yet in recent times it has not been recognised for its distinct regional security architecture.
Despite…
The Korean Peninsula still poses major risks
Tensions have been rising rapidly on the Korean Peninsula over the past few weeks. Military drills involving South Korea, the United States and Japan were met with strong…
Where the chips fall: in containing China, the US can leave Australia out
Earlier this month, Australia’s security ally, the United States, launched a policy of containment towards China, Australia’s largest trading partner and the country that has…
Commentary
Resounding victory cements Xi’s dominance
This congress was a triumph for one man and those loyal to him were rewarded. Originally published in the Australian Financial Review.
Commentary
How the war in Ukraine is putting Australia on Xi Jinping’s radar
As he approaches a third term in power, the Chinese leader shows no signs of retreating from his global ambitions but the unfolding disaster in Ukraine could force him to change…
US midterms: How Republican wins (or losses) could shape Asia policy
For Republicans in the US midterm elections next month, contests as divergent as Alaska and Florida, districts in California, or senate seats in South Dakota and Idaho will shape…
Waiting for the thaw: the Pacific hopeful on Australia-China reset
This month’s call by China’s ambassador to Australia, Xiao Qian, for a reset in Beijing and Canberra’s frosty relations has raised hopes in the island countries of the Pacific,…
China: Xi, the Party, and the endless struggle
With the Chinese Communist Party’s 20th National Congress in full swing, President Xi Jinping this week delivered his work report confirming, unsurprisingly, the centrality of the…