The vast blue Pacific Ocean is the most significant geographical feature of the Pacific region. Pacific Island countries’ domestic shipping fleets provide essential connectivity across archipelago nations but are often in very poor repair and would not pass seafaring standards in Australia or New Zealand.

This week in Australian foreign affairs: Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 announced, Albanese meets with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in margins of East Asia Summit, 7th Australia-China High Level Dialogue held in Beijing, and more.

Ankara's rapprochement policy with its rivals does not mean there will be a coming together between Türkiye and Greece. Instead, the rivalry between this quarrelsome NATO couple may escalate, and a victory for Mitsotakis may be perceived as a threat in the eyes of Ankara.

Australia and Indonesia share many interests, including upholding international law and norms, particularly on questions of sovereignty. With China's ongoing assertions in Indonesian waters, new diplomatic space has opened to consider boosting ties to encompass a Special Strategic Partnership. 

The surge in Turkish drone assaults on Kurdistani segments in Iraq and Syria, accompanied by a resounding silence from the very states and global media that are swift to address actions elsewhere, underscores a perplexing and concerning dynamic. Where is the global outcry? 

Recent debate on the use of China-made closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras have resulted in the recent removal of the cameras from federal and state buildings. Further regulatory measures are needed that prioritise cybersecurity risks and national interests while also resisting politicisation.

The recent iteration of the Malabar military exercises is an illustration of the growing military interoperability, mutual trust, and coordinated response of the Quad countries. More are needed to maintain stability and security in the Indo-Pacific, threatened increasingly by China's military assertiveness.  

A deepening of ethnic and racial tensions has underscored the election outcomes in the Malaysian state elections. Major wins by parties across ideological lines suggests a correction must come, requiring leaders to bridge differences for the sake of avoiding further polarisation. 

 Indonesian democracy has never been deeply held onto by the country's politicians. The more recent of illiberal policies is more than norm than a symptom of a decaying liberal order. 

This week in Australian foreign affairs: Albanese and Marles on US Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey crash; Marles meets with Philippines counterpart; expanded skills development MoU with Indonesia; Conroy in Tuvalu; and more.