China
China’s double wedge against efforts to foster Vietnam-US relations
The USS Ronald Reagan sailed into Vietnam this week, only the third visit by an American aircraft carrier since the Vietnam war ended in 1975. The visit marks the growing strength…
Mongolia in the middle: China and Russia may split over the allure of renewables
Mongolia, sandwiched as it is between China and Russia, the world’s two most powerful authoritarian states, is unlucky. Its rich solar and wind potential may prove to be a curse,…
After the meltdown: Sri Lanka’s strategic options
About a year ago, Sri Lanka experienced an unprecedented political and economic crisis involving the virtual cessation of economic activity and a popular revolt against the…
Perceptions and trust: Chinese views of Canada and Australia amid geopolitical tensions
Both Australia and Canada have seen a deteriorating relationship with China in the past few years – high profile disputes over Australia’s call for independent investigations into…
Is the Gorkha’s place in India’s history about to change?
The Maoist guerrilla fighter turned politician, Nepal’s Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, visited India this month. Relations between the neighbours have reached an all-time low…
Does China wield excessive influence in the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank?
In recent days, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) – China’s answer to the World Bank and other multilateral development banks – has come under fire for being…
It’s time for South Korea to refocus on multilateral diplomacy
A “Global Pivotal State Contributing to Freedom, Peace, and Prosperity”. This is how the South Korean National Security Strategy published last week describes the country –…
Shangri-La: A missed chance for US–China dialogue
The speech by China’s Defence Minister Li Shangfu’s at the latest Shangri-La Dialogue has caused a further stir in regional relations, with commentaries in China hailing Li for…
Economic diplomacy: Duelling D-words to delineate China
Risky business
For the leader-in-waiting from a small, risk averse country, Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong was remarkably quick last month to smack down the…
PNG’s trade ties with China are set to strengthen
Richard Maru, PNG’s trade minister, was startlingly direct at the Australia–Papua New Guinea Business Forum and Trade Expo held in Port Moresby last month. “Enough is enough,” he…