Written by Elena Collinson
After seven years marked by bullying and heavy-handed tactics by Beijing, episodes of diplomatic inelegance by Canberra, and the asperity of mutual criticism, Australia-China relations have tentatively shifted to a more normalised state.
Read MoreWritten by Sian Troath
Whether people oppose the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines, have mixed views, or support it, they often do ground their assessments in strategic analysis and a consideration of other priorities.
Read MoreWritten by Kate Clayton
If the Quad follows through on its vaccine commitment to the region, they have an opportunity to become a staple in the regional architecture but if they don’t, the region will likely remain unconvinced about the benefits of the Quad and its ability to combat security issues in the Indo-Pacific.
Read MoreWritten by Kate Clayton
However, it is still too close to call, as demonstrated by the 2019 election where Labor’s predicted win did not actually materialise. If the Labor Party is elected, the Indo-Pacific will likely see a more proactive and engaged Australia that centres regionalism and climate change at the heart of its foreign policy strategy.
Read MoreWritten by Henrietta McNeill
New Zealand’s approach in the Pacific is intentionally predicated on having long-standing trusted relationships with the Pacific Islands region, emphasising Pacific agency rather than acting reactively and impulsively.
Read MoreWritten by Melissa Conley Tyler
The region could end up divided and with weakened regional institutions that struggle to restore the development trajectory that rising middle classes have expected. Poor economic growth could create a breeding ground for discontent and instability.
Read MoreWritten by Tess Newton Cain
The other development, which has received very little attention, was the reported departure of 140 “traumatised” Chinese nationals from the Solomon Islands by chartered flight to Guangzhou.
Read MoreWritten by Kate Clayton
One of the unexpected side effects of the tariffs is that by diversifying its trade, Australia now has less at stake in maintaining good relations with China. This should see Australia becoming more confident in its China policy.
Read MoreWritten by William Choong
While there have been negotiations for a formal Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, ASEAN has found no solution to Chinese assertiveness. This is where the four Quad navies can bring power and presence to bear.
Read MoreWritten by Alan Tidwell
New Zealand signed a free trade agreement with the PRC in 2008 and finalised an upgrade in January 2021. Damien O’Connor, New Zealand’s trade minister, used the announcement of the upgrade to lecture the Australians on their need to be more mature and “show respect” to China.
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