David Armstrong
David Armstrong is an Australian journalist and editor with decades of experience, including as editor-in-chief of The Australian, editor of The Bulletin and The Canberra Times and deputy editor the Daily Telegraph in Australia. He is also former editor and editor-in-chief of the South China Morning Post, former president of the Bangkok Post company, former chair of the Phnom Penh Post company and is current chair of ucanews.com.
David's recent articles
5 April 2025
Asia battered by Trump’s harsh tariffs – Asian Media Report
In Asian media this week: “Reciprocal” tariffs savage poor nations. Plus: Auto levies hand “keys to the future” to China; Myanmar military declares ceasefire but continues fighting; Black carbon pollution a threat to glaciers; US, India in nuclear power deal; Bitter times for Darjeeling tea industry.
31 March 2025
In Myanmar, tragedy follows tragedy
When the earthquake struck on Friday, I was at lunch in Bangkok with a group of journalists. The tables and chairs started shaking and the more senior among us at first thought we were having a bad dizzy spell.
22 March 2025
Beijing gambles on plan to boost people’s spending – Asian Media Report
In Asian media this week: AI, green appliances to lead shift to consumption economy. Plus: Myanmar resistance rewrites rules of insurgency; Trump closes agencies that cover China, Cambodia abuses; Widowo works on extending his influence; Japanese PM’s popularity plummets; New church for Phnom Penh 50 years after Pol Pot devastation
8 March 2025
China, US a world apart on shaping the future – Asian Media Report
In Asian media this week: Speeches show Li is for continuity, Trump insists on change. Plus: Cambodia worse than Myanmar for online scamdemic; How agents exploit Indians trying for work in America; Brutal competition shapes Fantastic Four tech leaders; Prabowo sets up sovereign wealth fund; Thailand joins Beatles era.
22 February 2025
Koreas both fret over Trump-Putin power plays – Asian Media Report
In Asian media this week: Seoul, Pyongyang fear being ignored. Plus: India edges towards closer US connection; Domestic violence surges in South Korea; Beijing brings private sector back into the fold; Military making comeback in Indonesia; Kolkata’s yellow taxis taking last fares.
8 February 2025
Thailand pulls the plug on cross-border scams – Asian Media Report
In Asian media this week: Xi thanks Bangkok for strong action against online rackets. Plus: Myanmar civil war is world’s third-worst conflict; Confirmation bias behind markets’ DeepSeek shock; China advances its military technology; Allies must adapt to ‘fundamental’ US changes; Cambodia confirms it is free press desert.
25 January 2025
Trump ‘angling for deal’ with Xi – Asian Media Report
In Asian media this week: President links China to Panama Canal face-off. Plus: Weaknesses in America’s Asian pact latticework; Government, industry behind Tokyo’s RAN frigates bid; Thai support for Myanmar scams points to corruption; Beijing pushes soft power through video games; 57 arrested over Dalit schoolgirl abuse.
11 January 2025
US in bipartisan retreat from globalisation – Asian Media Report
In Asian media this week: Biden insults close ally in protecting US interests. Plus: Indonesia becomes full member of BRICS; Myanmar resistance gaining wider control; Survival now Pentagon’s Pacific strategy; Yoon hiding behind barricade of buses and barbed wire; Jakarta launches free meals program.
7 December 2024
Forty years on, no justice for Bhopal victims – Asian Media Report
In Asian media this week: Disaster survivor says she wishes she had died. Plus: Macabre dispute over Pakistan protest deaths; Trump’s new term, crisis time for AUKUS: Martial law becomes South Korea’s democratic moment; Fentanyl America’s problem, says Beijing; Women’s freedom means no going back on population decline
23 November 2024
Xi warns Trump: Don’t test our red lines – Asian Media Report
In Asian media this week: ‘Seven pillars of wisdom’ on US-China links. Plus: India’s selfishness-is-good ideology; Marles locking in US-Japan defence ties; Non-aligned Indonesia’s balancing act; ‘Tsunami of change’ in Sri Lanka election; Lonely hearts kindle companionship economy.
9 November 2024
Trump’s election triggers anxiety – Asian Media Report
In Asian media this week: World must brace ‘for extreme chaos’. Plus: Beijing pivots towards military junta; Yoon now engulfed in political strife; Haggling intensifies to decide on Japan’s leader; Indonesia’s debate over joining BRICS; Anwar Ibrahim always one of the elite.
12 October 2024
All-out China-EU trade war looming – Asian Media Report
In Asian media this week: Europe’s China business chief says conflict unavoidable. Plus: US lacks strategy for China confrontation; Japan’s new PM calls snap election; Junta’s election “census” a counter-insurgency ploy; America’s Gaza failure shakes confidence in rules-based order; Seoul has no answer for Pyongyang’s dirty campaign.
28 September 2024
Sri Lanka voters reject privileged elite – Asian Media Report
In Asian media this week: New leader will aim to end crushing austerity. Plus: China unveils economic rescue package; Indonesia’s middle class is shrinking; Beijing-New Delhi ties key to Asia; Pope Francis wants to visit China; Thailand plans mass same-sex wedding party.
14 September 2024
Desperate junta even more brutal – Asian Media Report
In Asia media this week: Myanmar recalls retired veterans. Plus: Race starts for Japan’s new PM; US Gaza stance an obstacle for AUKUS; Kolkata protests over gruesome rape-murder; China-Africa summit strengthens South-South ties; Pope’s Indonesia visit contradicts ‘clash of civilisations’.
31 August 2024
Anwar stands his ground on foreign policy – Asian Media Report
In Asian media this week: Malaysian PM ignores Western critics. Plus: deadly attacks in impoverished Pakistan province; Myanmar trafficking syndicates now a global monster; Chinese spy-plane violates Japan’s air space; Zelenskyy plans peace summit in Global South; chance for Harris to change course on China.
17 August 2024
Court strikes again in Thai lawfare – Asian Media Report
In Asian media this week: Another Shinawatra becomes PM in Thailand. Plus: Kishida ‘lost people’s trust’; Big losses as Asian Muslims shun KFC over Gaza; Manila reshapes its superpower ties; Gen Z revolution in Bangladesh; Racism a factor in Olympics row.
9 August 2024
Thailand plays out its party-dissolution ritual
Progressive party scuttled as protection of the monarchy overrides the verdict of the voters.
4 August 2024
Looking to the future
Pearls and Irritations has long been Australia’s best public policy site and it is now even more important.
3 August 2024
US buttresses anti-China wall – Asian Media Report
In Asian media this week: America bolsters defence ties with Tokyo, Seoul and Manila. Plus: Diplomat a strong voice for polite countries; India planning Ukraine peace effort; BRICS nations interested in Belt and Road scheme; Beijing to unleash domestic demand; Olympic swimmers awesome but archers more so.
27 July 2024
China’s first steps as crisis deal-maker – Asian Media Report Extra
Beijing is projecting an image of China as a crisis deal-maker with peace as its priority, as Asian media are reporting this week.
20 July 2024
US-India rift over close Russia ties – Asian Media Report
In Asian media this week: India’s message of foreign policy independence. Plus Green-tech overcapacity claims ‘absurd’; How West could help the Rest fight climate change; Asia-Pacific NATO would add to flash points; Party dismisses disgraced leaders; Newspaper scores press freedom own goal.
6 July 2024
US ready to play ‘Tibet card’ – Asian Media Report
In Asian media this week: Dangerous turn adds new anti-Beijing flashpoint. Plus: Bangkok banks used to supply Myanmar military; Why Hindu nationalists back Israel; Thais opt for neutrality in great-power war; How to stop China slipping into Japan trap; Online gambling an Indonesian epidemic.
22 June 2024
Malaysia, Thailand ready to join BRICS - Asian Media Report
In Asian media this week: Anwar slams ‘insane’ US over Gaza. Plus: Putin, Kim reduce dependence on Beijing; Where child brides are considered normal; India prosecutes Arundhati Roy for Kashmir speech; American arms-makers struggle to match China; Big cities become lethal heat traps.
8 June 2024
Indian elections double victory for democracy – Asian Media Report
In Asian media this week: Voters teach Modi a lesson. Plus: Graham Allison on Thucydides’ Trap latest assessment; China, US switch off the megaphones; IMF, World Bank warn of system break-up; summit opens way for rules-based competitive order; tobacco companies control smoking-law narrative.
25 May 2024
Anti-China tariffs are ‘blatant protectionism’ – Asian Media Report
In Asian media this week: TikTok stage of Sino-US rivalry ‘dangerous’. Plus: Human trafficking the curse of cyber-crime; Election body tells Modi to stop dividing society; Junta’s conscription campaign flagging; Xi, Putin give West the big finger; Thailand’s dugongs casualties of climate change.
11 May 2024
Albanese advised to come clean on AUKUS and China – Asian Media Report
In Asian media this week: Government must persuade public on nuclear subs. Plus: Violence against women an Asian tragedy, too; Beijing, Manila clash over shoal agreement; West hastening loss of supremacy; Modi’s attacks show worry about poll; Hong Kong should promote its common law system.
28 April 2024
Modi puts religion at centre of campaign – Asian Media Report
In Asian media this week: Hate speech an appeal to ‘bigoted supporters’. Plus: High-tech shake-up for China’s military; EU sings ‘old colonial song’; Bomb plot trial starts in Hong Kong; Recognition urged for Myanmar opposition; West’s chip restrictions ‘will not work’.
13 April 2024
Anti-junta forces control Myanmar borders – Asian Media Report
In Asian media this week: Resistance has regime capital in its sights. Plus: Japan, US, boost Tokyo’s anti-Beijing role; International law ‘backs China’ in islands’ disputes; Tech giants will not solve climate change, social injustice; South Korea voters deliver rebuff to president; Given a chance, Chinese and American folk like each other.
29 March 2024
Japans fighter-sales plan betrays pacifist tradition Asian Media Report
In Asian media this week: Tokyo ready to export lethal weapons par excellence. Plus: Failed Evergrande in massive accounting fraud; Thailand leads ASEAN on same-sex marriage; American naval dominance is waning; Big-brand carmakers planning EV utes; Not-so-Huggie low birth rate ends baby-nappy production.
15 March 2024
Thai establishment to disband popular party Asian Media Report
In Asian media this week: Inexorable, predictable proceedings against Move Forward. Plus: South Koreas new envoy at heart of political row; Xi revives Maos party-control dictum; Fukushima meltdown fuel still a mystery; Chinas tai chi diplomatic culture; Singapore writer in long Taylor Swift gloat.
1 March 2024
Fight or flight response to Myanmar draft Asian Media Report
In Asian media this week: Conscription law sparking Thailand exodus. Plus: Rich West building fences against the Rest; Pakistan poll-rigging whistleblower arrested; Economist says Hong Kong glory days over; Indonesian election one of the darkest days; High price paid for saving the tiger.
16 February 2024
Hand of God makes votes disappear Asian Media Report
In Asian media this week: Imran Khan the winner in Pakistan elections. Plus: Prabowo to adopt Indonesia First foreign policy; Chinas BYD overtaking Tesla; West really thinks its a jungle out there; Thai activists arrested for disrupting royal convoy; PLA not able to invade Taiwan; the land where pet strollers outnumber baby buggies.
2 February 2024
Fire arrow missile: Is Kim ready for war? Asian Media Report
In Asian media this week: Debate gets serious about North Koreas intentions. Plus: Another Thai progressive party beaten by the court system; Pakistans shameful history of removing PMs; Indias Hindu temple celebration will help government; HKs security law at sprint stage; Interest surges in Oppenheimers devastation
5 January 2024
Australias changed climate: The Bureaus yearly reminder
Is climate change a myth? To use a little old-fashioned English slang, not on your nelly.
3 November 2023
Humanity on trial in Gaza onslaught Asian Media Report
In Asian media this week: Support for war erodes trust in Global North. Plus: Australians proxy-Americans in Asia; Xi-Biden summit might reassure region; Dont you feel shame at voting No? Chinese military relentless on Taiwan; Memories of time US, China fought together.
20 October 2023
Indonesia, Malaysia blame and accuse Israel Asian Media Report
In Asian media this week: War is against the Palestinian people. Plus: Voice defeat undercuts regional stance; Indian court rejects same-sex marriage; Xi marks BRI anniversary with new funding; Democracy put to the test; Gaol and caning for rape.
6 October 2023
China-US in disinformation warfare Asian Media Report
In Asian media this week: America must show it has answers to global problems. Plus: Thai government talks of gun control; Australia-China de-coupling is impossible; Myanmar militarys killing, torture and rape; Cold War returns to Korean Peninsula; Chinas EV makers have edge over US.
22 September 2023
Trudeau ruins Indias global triumph Asian Media Report
In Asian media this week: Canada, India tensions have sorry history. Plus: BRI shows most countries shun decoupling; Myanmar rebels will never give up; China to dominate green car market; Putin and Kim lead axis of outcasts; China decline the fashionable chatter in Washington.
8 September 2023
Biden forging Cold War security bloc Asian Media Report
In Asian media this week: Hanoi, but not Jakarta, a deliberate choice. Plus: ASEAN must ease great power tensions; G20 starts with Xis snub of the West; global inflation to last for years; BRICS the real challenge to US-led order; Indonesia supports bloc but will not join; Manila taking defence seriously.
25 August 2023
BRICS adds heavyweights in push for global reforms Asian Media Report
In Asian media this week: Bloc steps up challenge to old world system. Plus: Xi and Modi agree to ease border tensions; West loses plebiscite on rules-based order; three-way alliance confronts China, North Korea; US media support new China narrative; Biden to visit New Delhi but skip Jakarta; new Thailand PM a Thaksin confidant.
14 August 2023
Pearls and Irritations: Australias best public policy forum
For some years, John Menadues Pearls and Irritations has been Australias best public policy forum informative and stimulating. Now there is an extra reason to read it: it offers alternative views.
11 August 2023
Heatwaves, drought, floods, disease across region Asian Media Report
In Asian media this week: Urban poor the worst climate victims. Plus: Pakistan goes to the polls, without Imran Khan; China blocks Philippine ships near Spratly shoal; Alliance changing Asia-Pacific peace and stability; International currency changes on BRICS agenda; Barbenheimer memes not harmless fun.
28 July 2023
Democracy in ASEAN at low ebb Asian Media Report
In Asian media this week: Assaults on democracy in Cambodia, Thailand. Plus: Thaksin sets date for his return; Opportunity for BRICS to seize, or squander; End of regime- blunt message to North Korea; Swimming in circles on South China Sea.
14 July 2023
Thailand: Progressive leader may not become PM Asian Media Report
In Asian media this week: Juntas system thwarts Thai election victor. Plus: Modi ignores brutal war in Indian State; North Korea to treat South as a foreign country; Japan embraces NATO but China hits back; China's unstated economic strategy muddling through; Indonesias EV plans for Australia.
30 June 2023
US holds its tongue on Indias democracy Asian Media Report
In Asian Media this week: Modi should tackle public concerns. Plus: Blinkens Beijing visit achieves little; China fights back against de-risking pressure; Australias dismal Asean investment record; the laggard in the middle of G7 gender campaign; environmental harm cruise ships cause
16 June 2023
China giving up on Biden team Asian Media Report
In Asian Media this week: Chinese see Biden Admin as incompetent and ignorant. Plus: China ready to sign no-nuke zone treaty; spending on nuclear weapons surging; Beijing, Delhi expel each others journalists; ambassador slams Seouls foreign policy; China passes 50pc non-fossil fuel power supply
2 June 2023
Albanese, Biden woo Modi with flattery Asian Media Report
In Asian Media this week: India Special: Wests one-two soft-soaping of countrys leader; anti-colonial Modi pushes new future; forecasts of Indian century magical thinking. Plus: tighter US, Japan, South Korea ties; Timor-Lestes ASEAN ambitions; Bangkok backing key to poll winners survival.
19 May 2023
The creeping shadow of army rule Asian Media Report
In Asian Media this week: Big economies talk about rules-based order. Plus: empire strikes back in Imran Khan showdown; hot Asian summers will add to climate change; US return to Philippines sparks sex abuse fears; Gandhi bests Modi in latest test; post-poll scenarios after progressive victory in Thailand.
16 May 2023
Thailands new party wins election but has not won power
The progressive Move Forward Party has crushed its pro-military rivals and beaten the party that has won most votes in every other election since 2001. But its anti-establishment policies mean institutional resistance is inevitable as it tries to form a government.