Asia
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Women’s rights in Indonesia: progress amid the division
Resistance to proposed legislation against sexual violence underlines the uphill task faced by moderates seeking change in a male-dominated society. Continue reading »
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China is deftly outmanoeuvring US across the Indo-Pacific region
Beijing understands that economic security created through trade is more enduring than when done through military superiority. Continue reading »
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In the Asian media: what our media ignored; caution on China, a problem for ASEAN, and grief tourism
Around Asia, the newspapers are covering how to deal with China, ASEAN’s Myanmar problem, and a surprising side effect of the pandemic in Singapore. Continue reading »
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Japan’s powerful hawks kill damaging leaks in pursuit of North Korea
Japan’s commitment to a campaign to return citizens abducted by North Korea decades ago betrays its desire to ensure North Korea remains an enemy. Continue reading »
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Development, sovereignty, ideology and the new Great Power Competition
A speech by one of the most substantial figures in US academia sets out a framework for peaceful co-operation between China and the US this century. Continue reading »
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Puff pieces harm one of Indonesia’s most respected newspapers
A publication that emerged as a champion of democracy after the long years of dictatorship has allowed its principles to go up in smoke. Continue reading »
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In the Asian media: democracy recession, Olympic boycott and Squid Game
Around Asia, the media is covering democracy conferences with scepticism, and the Olympic boycott with caution. Continue reading »
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Indonesia’s haphazard pandemic response is no holiday
While the president has banned Christmas holidays in a bid to prevent COVID transmission, the enforcement of decrees has been fitful at best. Continue reading »
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The AUKUS pact could help ASEAN’s relationship with China
Controversy in the ASEAN region over AUKUS has died down, but the group should take it as an opportunity to build trust with China. Continue reading »
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Solomons intervention merely serves Australia’s own Pacific interests
Australian resources assigned to curb Chinese expansion would be better used to counter vaccine hesitancy and lift supply. Continue reading »
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Indo-Pacific concept is outdated, time is ripe for separation
As China’s influence grows and India revives an Indian Ocean forum, it might be time to do away with the whole concept of the “Indo-Pacific” region. Continue reading »
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What the Asian media are saying: ASEAN, JI returns, ping-pong diplomacy
Xi Jinping’s appearance at ASEAN this week, a question mark over China’s naval power, concerns about Jemaah Islamiyah rebuilding, and more news from our region. Continue reading »
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Conservatives undermine push against sexual violence on Indonesian campuses
Hardline Muslim organisations insist Indonesia’s moves to curb sexual harassment will encourage adultery and sex outside marriage. Continue reading »
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In a time of rapid global change, APEC matters more than ever
APEC is a platform for dialogue on complex issues, and its nurturing of regional cooperation and engagement strengthens the rules-based global order. Continue reading »
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Myanmar nightmare: Junta squeezes civic space and disrupts civil aid
The humanitarian and development crisis in Myanmar requires a new approach to traditional donor accountability if the global community is to avert a major catastrophe in the country. Continue reading »
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In Myanmar, oppression, disease and stymied aid tilt the crisis towards disaster
With the crisis in Myanmar intensifying this week, Ian Mannix, in a two-part report, looks at the conflict and how aid agencies are responding. Continue reading »
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School curriculum overhaul needed for Australia to find its place in Asia
The failure to properly resource Asian studies in Australian schools and universities is a problem for Australia’s long-term security. Continue reading »
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What the Asian media are saying: ASEAN, China powers up EVs, Japan’s inequality
Our US/UK centric media largely ignores Asia. But important and interesting things are happening- Cambodia will host ASEAN later this month, security between China and the US, and a spicy controversy in Korea. Continue reading »
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Tragic case of Amber Poon: murdered in Taipei but killer unpunished
A Hong Kong woman’s murder led to controversial extradition law which were withdrawn after subsequent protests so the killer avoided justice. Continue reading »
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Singapore to execute intellectually disabled and mentally ill man
If Singapore pushes ahead with a death sentence given to an intellectually disabled man on drug offences, it will be in breach of international law. Continue reading »
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Indonesia’s Widodo lacks the will, let alone ability, to fight climate change
Our near neighbour faces a colossal task in keeping the lights on while reducing emissions. Even some solutions create problems. Continue reading »
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Amnesty International’s hidden politics, not Hong Kong’s, is the real problem
As a human rights group, Amnesty has nothing to fear in Hong Kong. As a foreign political organisation, it doesn’t have much of a future. Continue reading »
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Double standards: The Quad’s maritime rule of law hypocrisy
If the Quad wants to hold any moral authority on a global level, it should ensure its members observe the rule of law at sea. Continue reading »
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What Asian media are saying about COP26
In the Asian media, COP26 isn’t all about net zero plans and phasing out coal — our region is just as concerned with the potential potholes. Continue reading »
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Japan’s reluctance to cut emissions rivals Australia
Japan will rival Australia for the ‘fossil prize’ at COP26 as it pushes a revival of its nuclear industry in the name of climate change policy. Continue reading »
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Conservatives likely to retain power in Japanese election
As Japan heads to an election this weekend, the Liberal Democratic Party is expected to retain government over weakened progressive parties. Continue reading »
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Faltering forum: time to euthanise the ASEAN nag
If ASEAN crashed in the Melbourne Cup the on-course vets would be ready with the needle and green tarpaulin. But this bag-o’-bones is such a dud it would have been scratched. Continue reading »
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The Australian retreat from Asia is becoming a rout.
Nine years ago I gave the speech below. I was then pessimistic about our understanding of Asia. The situation has got markedly worse since then, writ large in the unremitting attacks on China stemming from ignorance and parochialism, particularly in our White Man’s Media. Continue reading »
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Squid Game: what the subtitles don’t tell you
Eight cultural specificities in Squid Game explained to help you do business, build stronger relationships and succeed in Korea. Continue reading »
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Drinking the Hong Kong Kool-Aid — Misrepresentation is now on display
Those behind the scenes who tried to use Hong Kong for their own aims not only failed but are comfortably sitting well away from the grief and anguish they sponsored. Continue reading »
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