Asia Pacific
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.
China’s strengthening relationship with Pakistan
Beijing’s recent decision to increase diplomatic, economic and strategic ties with Pakistan is part of a broader strategy to bolster China’s regional influence at Washington’s expense. China’s relations with Pakistan
Duterte leverages popularity to push for constitutional change
The Congress of the Philippines has begun formal proceedings on changing the government of the Philippines into a federal system. The move is extremely divisive and is interpreted as a power grab. Its success will depend on Duterte’s political capital.
ASEAN could face a crisis over its appetite for coal
Asia’s developing economies collectively need to invest $14.7 trillion just for power generation by 2030. Coal is filling that gap, with investments pouring in from China and Japan. But are ASEAN governments prepared to face the environmental costs?
Blockchain goes East: opportunities in China
As Beijing ratchets up its pressure on bitcoin, this time targeting mining, Chinese investors are exploring the potential of the technology central to it all – blockchain.
The future of Yamal LNG in the Asia-Pacific market
Claims have been made that Yamal LNG will be directed to the Asian market, however, there are several factors that limit its turn to the Asia-Pacific.
Philippine claim on Sabah will undermine regional security efforts
The recent proposal by a Filipino government representative to amend the Philippine constitution, to include Sabah within a federal system, will likely be shunned. The potential inclusion of Sabah risks legitimising fringe political voices and unsettling Malaysia-Philippine bilateral relations.
