The Indonesian government’s meetings with China underscore a pragmatic approach to relations, where economics and investment is paramount. Missing in the broader dialogue are values, many of which are derided in Beijing. 

The American government is taking advantage of its central position in many global networks to pursue its security interests through “weaponised interdependence,” according to political economists Henry Farrell and Abraham Newman.

US Congressional report argues that Australia’s acquisition of nuclear submarines would actually undercut deterrence of China by depleting the US submarine fleet. With the promise of nuclear submarines becoming ever distant, it may be time to reconsider other options. 

This week in Australian foreign affairs: Albanese at PIF, Falepili Union with Tuvalu announced, Albanese attends APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, Marles in Indonesia, diplomatic announcements, Judge Charlesworth re-elected to ICJ, and more.

Once widely dismissed as irrelevant, the BRICS bloc has seen a resurgence amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine and rising US-China tensions.  As the bloc increasingly morphs into a tool to advance the interests of Russia and China, it poses a growing threat to the liberal international order.

Hamas’ political leader has presented his terms for an end to hostilities in Gaza, to be followed by a negotiated political settlement with Israel, and the establishment of Palestinian state. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu need not respond to Haniyeh’s terms, but he now has an opportunity to present his own authoritative post-war political plan.

 Timor-Leste is desperate to diversify its economic and investment links and develop its natural resources sector. With an impending fiscal cliff coming, China’s already significant presence in Timor-Leste’s non-oil economy is likely to grow.

A lack of transparency around Australia’s military exports leaves the government exposed to criticisms that Australian-exported weapons could be used in conflicts like Gaza. Without change, Australia's credibility as a sponsor of the rules-based international order is at risk. 

America's new House speaker should concern many, and in particular, women. His beliefs are not merely old fashioned, they are borderline dystopian.

Although Pacific island countries contribute the least to global warming, they are at the frontline of climate change and live with the effects of it on a daily basis. The most substantial impacts of climate change include loss of coastal infrastructure and land, more intense cyclones and droughts, failure of subsistence crops and coastal fisheries, loss of coral reefs and mangroves, and the spread of diseases.