One man, one vote

While democracies mobilise the talent and ideas of all their citizens, authoritarian states rely on the agenda of their leadership cabal and China is the latest nation to pay the price for one man’s ambition.

Don’t be fooled by ‘China magic’

Both Japan and Australia appear obsessed with efforts to please their Chinese counterparts but, if they are not careful, Beijing will exploit this excessive enthusiasm to pursue its own ends.

Free Tibet

On 6 July, the 14th Dalai Lama turned 89, having lived for the last 65 years in exile in India. The Dalai Lama is the physical embodiment of the Tibetan nation and his advancing age brings forth urgent questions for the future of the Tibetan struggle.

Facing China together

Australia’s leaders must be clear about the threat which an aggressive authoritarian China poses to the world, and the need for resolve in defending our freedom.

Dialogue may not avert disaster

China and Australia agreed last month to set up a new maritime affairs dialogue, but this is unlikely to lead to a reduction in the frequency of unsafe behaviour by the Chinese armed forces.

Xi charm offensive bombs in Europe

Chinese President Xi Jinping’s European tour in May 2024 aimed to improve relations with the European Union and weaken transatlantic ties but Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has united, rather than weakened, the democratic world.

High noon at Second Thomas Shoal

China has identified the beleaguered garrison at Second Thomas Shoal as a weak link to bully and intimidate, so a joint Philippines-US operation to resupply the Sierrra Madre would send a firm signal of deterrence and alliance cohesion to China.

Meeting the challenge of communist China

The problem of dealing with a belligerent communist China is the geopolitical challenge of the age. Its favourable resolution will open the door to global amity. The alternative is enduring global instability, confrontation, and the risk of a major war in the Pacific, fought with nuclear weapons standing ready on a hair trigger.

Standing up for the Uyghurs

International efforts to address human rights abuses against Uyghur Muslims in China’s Xinjiang region include targeted sanctions and legislative measures, so what action is Australian taking on this vital issue?

Party of one

China faces myriad challenges, from a sluggish economy, a huge property bubble and a demographic time bomb to deeply indebted local governments. But the fact that it is run by one man who is unwilling either to share power or to designate a successor may yet prove to be its biggest problem.

The political thought of Xi Jinping

Like Vladimir Putin in Russia, Xi Jinping has established himself as China’s absolute dictator but his policies of internal repression and external aggression are motivated by ideology as well as personal power and nationalism.

China’s recognition of the Taliban sets a dangerous example

China’s recognition of the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan sets a dangerous international precedent and is a morally bankrupt approach to international relations.