The world fractures when cohesion is vital

The further splintering of an international consensus and retreat from a globalising world as individual states look out for themselves may well prove one of the enduring consequences of the coronavirus pandemic.

Strengthening Australian leadership in regional institutions

The Australian prime minister’s first foreign policy speech last week repositioned Australia as a creative middle power that seeks to develop a regional security architecture. For this he deserves credit, though the test is to realise these ambitions.

Managing our post-election relationship with China

No matter who forms the next government, Australian policymakers will need to be flexible – and resourceful – in handling the rise of China in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Chinese coal ‘ban’ sends a significant political message

The standoff over Australian coal imports through the Chinese port of Dalian sends a powerful political message that the authorities in Beijing can turn our imports off and on at will.

Author’s detention raises awkward China questions

Canberra is being drawn into a broader controversy over China’s detention of foreign nationals on grounds that are opaque and at the mercy of an unpredictable Chinese justice system.

Malcolm Fraser’s political manifesto would make good reading for the Morrison government

In their calculations about how to rebuild the Coalition’s shattered credibility, Morrison and Frydenberg should remind themselves that a lot of Australians are fed up with politics as usual.