Category: Economic Relations

Calmer Seas Should Prevail between Australia and Indonesia


Australia and Indonesia both have a keen interest in the law of the sea, as both possess large maritime areas of jurisdiction. However, this commonality does not mean their interests necessarily coincide. Australia has a keen interest in freedoms of navigation through the archipelagos to its north, but Indonesia, as the largest of these archipelagos, is most sensitive to the movement of foreign ships and aircraft in and around its archipelagic waters.

There Will Likely be Tactical Limits to the Sino-Russian Relationship


Does the geopolitical relationship between China and Russia portend a major shift in global relations? Many observers focus on the similarities in these nations as the basis for expectations of a deepening relationship. But, despite some commonalities, Russia and China are unlikely to develop more than a tactical and limited relationship.

Political Cooperation Between China and the EU Moves to a Higher Level


The visit to Beijing by the High Representative of the European Union, Federica Mogherini on 5–6 May 2015 highlighted how the China–EU strategic partnership is moving towards unprecedented levels of political cooperation. In Mogherini’s view, China is now a key strategic partner on many regional and international affairs, such as the Syrian crisis and the Iran nuclear negotiations.

Japan’s PM Shinzo Abe Visits the US…What Could Go Wrong?


Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s weeklong visit to the United States this week and his speech on Wednesday to a joint session of the US Congress represent an unusual opportunity for Japan’s diplomacy. Abe is the first Japanese prime minister to address a joint meeting of Congress.

Viewing Myanmar as China’s Security Barrier and Strategic Buffer


China wants to keep its good relationship with Myanmar. But, because the major powers are also taking interest, China must work to make a strong relationship even stronger.

What are China’s Motives for Reaching Out to Afghanistan?


Whether you fear or welcome a challenge to the world’s existing power structure, the main focus of attention is on when China will begin to translate its increasing influence into genuine global leadership. And after a period when China has widely been seen as wanting to have power without leadership or responsibility, there are some signs that things are beginning to change.