Asia

The role of Singapore, Malaysia and Australia in ASEAN centrality
The role of Singapore, Malaysia and Australia in ASEAN centrality
A special Interpreter series ahead of the 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit in Melbourne, 4-6 March. Read more articles in this thread. The ASEAN-Australia Special…
China’s message problem in PNG
China’s message problem in PNG
Last month, China signed a significant deal with Papua New Guinea, a downstream processing agreement to manufacture products using locally sourced nickel and cobalt. With this…
A new China loan threatens Vanuatu’s debt outlook
A new China loan threatens Vanuatu’s debt outlook
Several Pacific nations have experienced a spike in public debt in recent years due to Covid-related border closures, trade disruptions, and climate-related disasters. Vanuatu,…
Southeast Asian maritime security: Australia can help
Southeast Asian maritime security: Australia can help
A special Interpreter series ahead of the 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit in Melbourne, 4-6 March. Read more articles in this thread. Southeast Asia's vast…
One year into the Indonesia and Vietnam’s Just Energy Transition Partnerships
One year into the Indonesia and Vietnam’s Just Energy Transition Partnerships
A year after announcing Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETPs), Indonesia and Vietnam were back at COP28 climate negotiations in Dubai, with investment plans to bring the…
From “poop diggers” to allies: Chinese social media reacts to Nauru’s switch
From “poop diggers” to allies: Chinese social media reacts to Nauru’s switch
On 15 January, when Nauru switched its diplomatic recognition to Beijing, “Nauru severs its ties with Taiwan” was the top trending topic on Weibo. For two weeks following, we…
Southeast Asia is the blessing Australia overlooks
Southeast Asia is the blessing Australia overlooks
A special Interpreter series ahead of the 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit in Melbourne, 4-6 March. Read more articles in this thread. Too often in recent…
Pakistan elections: Conspiracy theories, plots, and sidelines
Pakistan elections: Conspiracy theories, plots, and sidelines
With the Pakistan general elections due to take place on Thursday, the country’s former prime minister Imran Khan has been sentenced to ten years in jail by one court…
What a new Indonesian president may mean for Australia
What a new Indonesian president may mean for Australia
A special Interpreter series ahead of the 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit in Melbourne, 4-6 March. Read more articles in this thread. Indonesia will elect its…
Vietnam’s ports prosper as supply chains fracture
Vietnam’s ports prosper as supply chains fracture
Vietnam’s main ports have shot up the world rankings in terms of volumes of container-based traffic as manufacturers increasingly pull out of China in the wake of the tariff-based…