Showing 1 - 6 of 6
Xi-Biden summit a hopeful sign
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 15/11/2021
» As the US and China stake out rival security strategies in the Asia-Pacific region, notably on Taiwan, the world takes heart from comments by Chinese President Xi Jinping that Beijing is ready to manage differences with Washington as the leaders of the two superpowers prepare to meet virtually today, the first since US President Joe Biden took office in January.
On guard against terror
Asia focus, Erich Parpart and Ismira Lutfia Tisnadibrata, Published on 03/02/2020
» When President Donald Trump ordered American troops to withdraw last October from northeastern Syria, critics said the decision would play into the hands of terrorists, with ramifications beyond the Middle East.
China's civilisational challenge
Asia focus, Chin-Huat Wong, Published on 13/01/2020
» China's "one country, two systems" formula in Hong Kong is failing miserably. After months of large-scale pro-democracy protests – including violent clashes with police -- the city's voters dealt a powerful blow in November to pro-mainland parties, which lost 87% of the seats to pro-democracy rivals in district council elections.
Asia's century, China's year
Asia focus, Asia Focus team, Published on 30/12/2019
» Way back when 1999 was winding down, pundits were telling us that the Asian Century was about to dawn. That prediction has not yet been fully realised, but few would disagree that 2019 belonged to China. Over the past 12 months, the top headlines have been about the bruising trade war with America, defiant protests in Hong Kong against Beijing's tightening grip, and the rise of a surveillance state that is herding hundreds of thousands into "re-education" camps on its western fringes. Below, the Asia Focus team looks back on a busy and sometimes troubling 2019.
Understanding Papua's struggle
Asia focus, Phanawat Ayanaputra, Published on 19/08/2019
» A sham referendum under the Suharto dictatorship, an ethnic population dissimilar to Indonesia's predominantly Muslim community, over half a million lives lost to genocide and unlawful killings, and myriad human rights atrocities committed against their own people -- the story of Papua presents the most convincing case for independence out of many global separatist movements. Yet, the future of Papua remains highly unpredictable.
Adjusting to the new China
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 12/03/2018
» The National People's Congress of China opened its annual legislative gathering last Monday with Prime Minister Li Keqiang announcing a conservative 2018 economic growth target of around 6.5%, and the biggest rise in military spending in three years. The budget for the People's Liberation Army is rising 8.1% to 1.1 trillion yuan or US$175 billion.