25 Jun 2025
China’s Pacific carrier deployment signals new phase in tensions with Japan
Beijing and Tokyo appear locked in an escalating cycle of military demonstrations.
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3 Jun 2025
The tariff war that’s accelerating Asia’s trade transformation
As the deadline for suspension looms, regional economies are looking to patch the vulnerabilities of regional economic architecture. -
30 May 2025
Can Japan fill the leadership void as America steps back from Asia?
So far, Tokyo has been cautious in articulating a broader strategic vision and political challenges at home appear set to curb its regional ambition. -
27 May 2025
Rice prices soar as Japan rethinks food security
Global instability, climate stress and small-scale farming practices are all putting stress on the market. -
2 May 2025
How the Squad risks upending ASEAN norms
Is minilateralism really the way forward for the Indo-Pacific? -
15 Apr 2025
Xi and Putin drive Japan and NATO closer together
Tokyo wants to learn more about Russia’s tactics in preparation of potential conflicts with China, while NATO eyes Japan’s defence industry. -
12 Mar 2025
Artificial intelligence and sustainability in the Asia-Pacific
With the right strategies, AI and clean energy can work in harmony, driving progress without compromising the planet. -
17 Feb 2025
Japan’s US-China headache
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba got off to a good start but must walk a tightrope between neighbours and friends. -
31 Jan 2025
The practical effect of a constitutional ban on war
A declaration might be often dismissed as symbolic but can promote peace by shaping the perspective of the public and leaders. -
20 Dec 2024
A US dollar deal? Explaining a lack of enthusiasm for a Plaza Accord redux
A few lessons from economic history for a start. -
19 Dec 2024
An opposition party could hold the deciding vote on Japan’s national security policy
Minority government has its challenges, as Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is discovering. -
12 Dec 2024
The trouble with Australia’s best friends in Asia
Political turmoil in Japan and South Korea cannot be insulated from relations with the region. -
29 Nov 2024
As traditional “Anglo” international education destinations falter, Asia-Pacific countries look closer to home
Chinese students are largely driving the surge in international students choosing universities across the region. -
21 Nov 2024
Working together in space can enhance worldly ties between Australia and Japan
And the region stands to benefit, too. -
4 Nov 2024
ASEAN countries confront Chinese export glut
Left unchecked, a saturation of Chinese goods may complicate what has otherwise been a very compelling ASEAN growth story. -
31 Oct 2024
Asia’s year of electoral upsets
The poor result for the region’s most successful electoral machine in Japan on Sunday has only underlined a surprisingly bad year for incumbents across Asia. -
24 Oct 2024
Japan: Will Ishiba’s election gamble pay off?
A self-confessed defence “nerd” hopes voters are growing alarmed about regional threats, despite the long rule of the Liberal Democratic Party. -
23 Oct 2024
Japan would benefit from an economic security strategy
An overarching, single document is the logical next step for a government that sees economic security as part of national security. -
21 Oct 2024
The ghosts of Japan’s occupation of Malaysia
Haunting stories of wartime brutality live on in Malaysia’s folklore, allowing the country to navigate the trauma. -
8 Oct 2024
What Japan’s new Prime Minister thinks about Indo-Pacific peace
Shigeru Ishiba will have his hands full with domestic priorities but those same hands are safe on regional security questions. -
26 Sep 2024
The Quad has solid foundations
Questions of the group’s future after the leaders’ summit are misguided. -
26 Sep 2024
Yesterday’s stick, today’s carrot? China’s removal of the Japan seafood ban
Talk of easing import restrictions raises questions about Beijing’s motivations at this time. -
9 Sep 2024
China’s rise in Southeast Asia is bringing in a golden age for Australia
Disquiet about Beijing’s growing presence is motivating countries across the region to seek deeper cooperation with Canberra. -
5 Sep 2024
In teaching about Sustainable Development Goals, Japan has a chance to learn about itself
English as a foreign language courses could become a catalyst for change by fostering a critical thinking in classrooms. -
28 Aug 2024
The geopolitical ripple effect of Asia’s ageing population
Economies, cultures and foreign policy objectives are set to evolve with the region’s shifting demographics. -
19 Aug 2024
The race to be Japan’s next prime minister: The chances for a first woman in the top job
If the long-ruling party wants to signal a fresh start, a big first might be the answer. -
16 Aug 2024
Farewell Fumio Kishida – regional foundations are stronger for your legacy
Too much focus on personality politics can obscure the enduring common interests between countries. -
15 Aug 2024
Kishida's abrupt resignation: Japan leaves a decade of Abe's influence behind
But there is an unprecedented uncertainty about who will take up the Japanese leadership next. -
22 Jul 2024
Japan, South Korea and United States: Let’s hope for a robust, lasting pact
The new framework for security cooperation will have important consequences for the region – if it survives domestic politics among the partners. -
18 Jul 2024
Philippines-Japan security pact puts China on notice
Though both nations recognise the indispensability of Washington, they are also hedging against future uncertainties. -
18 Jul 2024
Japan’s 5G ambitions with the Quad
Tokyo is using the four-way grouping to champion its local tech companies against behemoths from Europe and China. -
8 Jul 2024
Diplomacy at a funeral
Recent deaths of world leaders have highlighted that international relations can take place at unexpected venues. -
2 Jul 2024
Putin goes to Pyongyang: Should we be worried?
The renewed marriage of convenience between Russia and North Korea has global implications. -
24 Jun 2024
Gas and the difficult path to net zero
As a major supplier of global energy, Australia’s external challenges will be formidable. -
30 May 2024
The message behind China’s high-profile “comfort women” lawsuit against Tokyo
Nationalism has a potent influence on historical memory – and this can skew in unexpected directions. -
24 May 2024
The “Squad” is a welcome spin-off, but the Quad is the main game
India might not perfectly align with its partners in the minilateral group but its Indo-Pacific heft is much greater than that of the Philippines. -
9 May 2024
“Squad” goals: Consolidating the new quadrilateral partnership
With China flexing its muscle in the South China Sea, a revised grouping that includes the Philippines strikes a new balance. -
6 May 2024
Japan is insulating itself from America’s turbulent politics
Alert to the risks of Trump’s return, Tokyo is betting it can make the alliance even stronger. -
19 Apr 2024
Japan: Can foreign policy achievements save Kishida?
A scandal-ridden administration struggling with diminished public support at home, Japan’s PM has turned to international affairs to save his job. -
2 Apr 2024
Australia’s Southeast Asia trade stumbling block
Canberra must move fast on a formal information-sharing facility to reach its regional economic and foreign policy goals. -
2 Apr 2024
A wave of US trilaterals sends a clear message to China
Revamped security groupings led by Washington, including with Manila and Tokyo, are the new normal. -
27 Mar 2024
A closer look at the rising popularity of Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa
And could she take the next step to the top job? -
26 Mar 2024
Should Japan expand its security partnerships in the Pacific?
Four reasons why rushing in may not be the answer. -
25 Mar 2024
The message Japan sends by backing Ukraine
An evolving foreign and defence policy is on display. -
19 Mar 2024
Why Japan’s de‑risking response to China is incoherent
A gap in interests divides the national security community in Japan and influential parts of the domestic business sector. -
6 Mar 2024
A summit between Japan and North Korea? About time
With Kim Jong-un extending an olive branch to Tokyo, high-level talks may be on the cards, but roadblocks remain. -
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5 Mar 2024
A role for nuclear in Australia’s climate response?
In the facts-lite political debate, the opportunities and comparative advantages of solar are being sidelined. -
27 Feb 2024
Japan and the United States should pool efforts to improve health in Pacific Island countries
A coordinated “health as diplomacy” partnership could mobilise the Quad, PBP, and other multinational partnerships to do the same. -
20 Feb 2024
Japan in the shadow of China
And it’s not just Beijing – the Japanese strategic elite is understandably anxious about the future of its alliance with America.