Programs & Projects

The North Asia Program

The China and East Asia Program

The China and East Asia Program conducts research on the politics and foreign policy of China and its immediate neighbours in Northeast Asia: Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan and the Korean peninsula. The program is renowned for its particular focus on China’s domestic politics and how this helps to shape its external behaviour. From 2020, the Institute’s extensive research on Southeast Asia – including Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Myanmar – is now incorporated in a dedicated Southeast Asia Program. Each Program also commissions work by other scholars on the broader region. To complement their written research, Lowy Institute experts hold a robust series of dialogues and events on the politics of the region, independently and in partnership with other organisations.

Photo: Jung Yeon-Je-Pool/Getty Images

Experts
Latest publications
News and media
Trump in Vietnam must not trump Asia's pivotal emerging economy
Commentary
Trump in Vietnam must not trump Asia's pivotal emerging economy
Originally published in the Straits Times. Matthew Busch
Autopilot: East Asia policy under Trump
Analyses
Autopilot: East Asia policy under Trump
Donald Trump has put US policy in East Asia on autopilot. But that could leave the United States far off course — and in a crisis, Trump will be required to fly the plane. Aaron…
The 19th Party Congress: A more assertive Chinese foreign policy
The 19th Party Congress: A more assertive Chinese foreign policy
In a landmark address that kicked off the 19th Party Congress, President Xi Jinping articulated his vision for China's future. The three-and-a-half-hour reading of the work report…
An accident waiting to happen: Trump, Putin and the US–Russia relationship
Analyses
An accident waiting to happen: Trump, Putin and the US–Russia relationship
How US–Russia relations have sunk to a new low under the most pro-Kremlin president in history. Bobo Lo
The 19th Party Congress: Xi's mid-term appraisal
The 19th Party Congress: Xi's mid-term appraisal
As Interpreter readers will no doubt be aware, this is an exciting week for China-watchers as it marks the mid-term point for President Xi Jinping's time in office – that is,…
Xi Jinping's moment
Analyses
Xi Jinping's moment
Xi Jinping, a politically daring, economically cautious, Chinese leader is certain to win a second five-year term at the 19th Party Congress, but his harsh line…
Indonesia's electricity play imperils national economic goals
Commentary
Indonesia's electricity play imperils national economic goals
'The generation plan could unnerve investors and leave private operators on hook for state equity.' Originally published in the Nikkei Asian Review.Matthew Busch
On North Korea, China’s interests are unchanged
On North Korea, China’s interests are unchanged
China's recent move to close North Korean businesses operating in China is undoubtedly welcome news to Australian and US policymakers. However, this is should not be seen as…
Why Kevin Rudd is wrong about Aung San Suu Kyi
Commentary
Why Kevin Rudd is wrong about Aung San Suu Kyi
Originally published in the Sydney Morning Herald. Aaron L Connelly
Beijingers keep calm and carry on
Beijingers keep calm and carry on
In the lead-up to the 19th National Congress this October, Beijing has been undergoing some physical changes. As yet more gleaming architectural marvels are being unveiled, other…
Australian Financial Review
21 December 2022
Sky News Australia
15 December 2022
ABC The World Today
28 November 2022
ABC RN Breakfast
28 November 2022
The Australian Financial Review
27 November 2022
The Australian Financial Review
27 November 2022
Bloomberg Daybreak
28 November 2022
The Sydney Morning Herald
22 November 2022
The Australian Financial Review
19 November 2022
The Australian Financial Review
19 November 2022