China now likely to call America’s bluff over Taiwan

The future of Taiwan, important though that is in itself, has become the focus of something much bigger – the strategic contest between America and China over which of them will be the primary strategic power in East Asia over the decades ahead.

Is 'Manis' the sweet deal that brings Australia & Indonesia together?

Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia featured prominently 75 years ago for Australia when our troops deployed and fought there in the Pacific War. We do well to commemorate their efforts and the losses suffered, notably with Indonesian President Joko Widodo visiting Australia last month.

The bully or the deal maker- which Donald Trump will Australia get?

With outgoing leader Barack Obama's "pivot" to Asia appearing ever more threadbare, the question Australia and Asia's policymakers are asking is whether Trump can shift from isolationist and America-first rhetoric to securing opportunities for growth, trade and partnerships in the world's fastest growing region.