Asia Pacific
Trump vs Kim: The art of the nuclear deal
The US and North Korea are likely to attempt diplomacy for a few months, but impossible expectations and intentionally vague promises could frustrate both sides. If this causes the deal to fall through, bilateral tensions could boil over once again.
US seeks to weaken China’s high-tech global ambitions
In the midst of trade war threats between the US and China, Trump’s latest trade tariffs emerge as the new American strategy to weaken Xi Jinping’s plans to transform China into a major high-tech player.
Australia wary of China’s growing stake in the South Pacific
China’s growing interest in the South Pacific will have alerted key Australian political and defence officials. Should Beijing eventually opt to establish a military base in this region, Canberra will have a firm action plan in place designed to counter China’s influence and reinforce Australia’s regional preeminence.
MD3 bill likely to increase political risk in Indonesia
Indonesia’s parliament recently passed a controversial legislative amendment that bans public criticism of the government. The law, known as MD3, highlights a growing problem with the lack of accountability for Indonesian politicians.
Chinese economic interests and the threat to EU cohesion
Today, some of Europe’s poorest countries are critical to China’s global economic development strategy. Under the 16+1 sub-regional framework, which includes eleven countries from central and eastern Europe and five from the Balkans (CEEC), China is pursuing investment opportunities in infrastructure in order to enhance its connectivity with the European region.
Xi Jinping: China’s Emperor for life?
The annual full session of the National People’s Congress, which began on 5 March, sees President Xi Jinping on the way to becoming China’s “Emperor” for life.
Foreign aid and strategic competition in the South Pacific
On February 26, a 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck 35 kilometres underneath the Southern Highlands in Papua New Guinea, causing at least fifty deaths. An Australian Air Force plane carrying relief supplies landed five days later amid criticism that aid had been too slow to arrive.
India’s choice between nationalism and influence
The government of India’s attempt to rewrite history to promote Hindu nationalism is only the latest in a series of domestic actions which could have major international consequences and undermine India’s ability to balance China’s growing power.
Competition between China and India heats up in the Maldives
The growing political turmoil in the Maldives could become a major point of conflict between India and China, as the regional giants support opposite sides of a rapidly evolving political crisis.
An old dispute re-emerges as Russia militarises Kuril Islands
A long-standing territorial dispute continues to disrupt relations between Japan and Russia. This is negatively impacting economic cooperation between the two countries, with the potential to be detrimental for both parties.
