News and Media

Japan has lodged a formal protest with Beijing over what its government claims is a “series of intrusions” into territorial waters by Chinese ships, the latest in a tense exchange over a group of islands in the East China Sea.

In an essay that arose out of a blogpost, Rory Medcalf, the Director of the International Security Program at the Lowy Institute for International Policy, argues that the region can't be confined to the land-and-ocean-oriented 'Asia-Pacific.'

In an interview for ABC NewsRadio Mike Callaghan talks about the Brisbane G20 Leaders' Summit, with emphasis on the priorities for leader discussions.

The detention by Indian authorities of a private US anti-piracy ship crewed by armed mercenaries has highlighted a burgeoning private security industry in the Indian Ocean.

SBS World News Australia interviewed Alex Oliver on the demands Australian travellers are making at the highest levels of government, and the impact this has on an already over-stretched Department of Foreign Affairs. 

In recent times China has increased its presence in the South Pacific region, especially in terms of aid and development assistance, but also its levels of investment. This has caused some anxiety in Australia over how it will impact on Australia's standing and influence in the region. Dr. Philippa Brant, a research associate at the Lowy Institute with an interest in China, and its relations with Australia, published a piece on the Guardian's Poverty Matters Blog a little while ago about how China's rise in the region presents opportunities rather than threats, and she joined Albion Harrison-Naish to discuss it.

Companies will face new pressure to stop using tax schemes that erode federal revenue, as the Abbott government pledges further action on tax loopholes to be discussed with global leaders this week.

People of Australia, you're stuck in the past. This is the Indonesia message from Tony Abbott, a politician who knows what it's like to be dismissed as a throwback.

Tony Abbott has expressed disappointment at Barack Obama's decision not to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation leaders' summit in Bali next week because of the US government shutdown.

A researcher studying a ground-breaking aid project in the Cook Islands says it could be a model for other Pacific Island countries.

In 13 months the Prime Minister will welcome world leaders to Brisbane for the G20 summit. Surely this is not something the new government needs to worry about now when it has so many other pressing issues?

Tony Abbott says his foreign policy emphasis is “Jakarta not Geneva” and indeed he will be in Jakarta next week, which will be the first test of his diplomatic skills as he seeks to smooth the asylum seeker issue and emphasise the importance and depth of the bilateral relationship.

Although foreign policy was a low priority in its election campaign, the new government is entering a 15-month period when Australia is uniquely placed to set international agendas. Australia will take over the G20 chair, culminating in the November 2014 G20 summit in Brisbane.

Tony Abbott has conspicuously softened his tone towards Indonesia after talks with the nation's President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, possibly paving the way to ditch his controversial boats turn-back policy.

Middle East Workboats conference to evaluate success of security measures as Somali piracy attacks fall to lowest level since 2006.

The chief executive of the Chinese state-owned miner MMG has urged the new Abbott government to repair Australia's "tarnished" reputation as a destination for foreign investment.

MMG chief executive Andrew Michelmore has warned that Australia needs to remain open and attractive to foreign investment, especially China, to fund the nation's growth prospects. 

Tony Abbott's first intense test as Prime Minister is, appropriately, Indonesia. - See more at: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/features/more-than-a-friendly-visit/story-e6frg6z6-1226722341199#sthash.lINPpsOV.dpuf

Indonesian financial markets are, like much of the developing-country markets, on edge ahead of this week's US Fed meeting fearing the end of the Fed's bond purchases will result in a massive withdrawal of funds.

Could we be on the cusp of another spiralling down of Australia's relationship with Indonesia

In an interview for Media Indonesia's International Focus page, the Lowy Institute's Dr Dave McRae discusses the implications of the Australian election for Australia-Indonesia relations.