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.

Hostage diplomacy

It’s time for Beijing to stop assuming it can worry Australia, and start worrying about what Australia might do. We can start by fighting for justice for Yang Hengjun and defend our democratic sovereignty.

Stability or submission?

The governments of Australia and China both ostensibly want to improve their rocky relationship, but the shape this should take is seen in very different terms in Beijing compared to Canberra.

Spamouflage

The Chinese Communist Party launched a massive campaign to manipulate Taiwanese voters by spreading disinformation and propaganda across social media, and its failure to influence the result should not undermine the threat this poses to democracies around the world.

Red tinted glasses

Innumerable articles dissect or criticise how Australia views China, but it’s China’s ideological perception of the world which may be more relevant to our diplomatic and strategic relations.

Singing the party’s song

Vetted and approved social media influencers flourish under the Chinese Communist Party’s tightly regulated social media ecosystem as the party uses their popularity to bolster its dubious legitimacy both domestically and abroad.

Disagreeing where we must

Australia and China are looking to improve their diplomatic and economic relations after China’s failed attempts to bully Australia into submission, but this shouldn’t stop Australia emphasising its support for Taiwan.