By North Asia correspondent Natalie Whiting and Akane Saiki in Tokyo In short: Japan’s plans for a new espionage agency, prompted by increasing concerns about countries such as China, are gathering momentum. Japan’s prime minister says strengthening intelligence capabilities is “a matter of the utmost urgency”. What’s next? (ABC-Australia) Japan “really wants” to join AUKUS, […]
Tag: Indo-Pacific security
Posted inIn Focus
Restoring trust: Taiwan’s rightful place in the free world
Dr. Lin Chia-lung Minister of Foreign Affairs ROC (Taiwan) The rules-based international order is under growing strain as authoritarian states seek to weaken its safeguards and reshape international rule to serve their own interests. Even the fundamental principles of peaceful settlement of disputes and prohibition against the threat or use of force, which are enshrined […]
Posted inIn Focus
U.S allies in Asia alarmed as think tank calls for pullback
Analysts warn that a U.S withdrawal from the western Pacific, as recently suggested by a think tank, would weaken deterrence and strengthen China’s position. By Julian Ryall WASHINGTON, 16 SEPTEMBER 2026 (DW)—A study by a U.S foreign policy think tank advocates a major military pullback from the western Pacific, prompting concern among long-standing allies of […]
Posted inWorld News
Taiwan condemns planned Chinese and Indonesian military exercise off its coast
By foreign affairs reporter Stephen Dziedzic In short: (ABC-Australia) Taiwan has condemned China’s plan to hold a “navigation exercise” with an Indonesian warship off the island’s east coast. It said it has requested Indonesia “provide further details” after China’s defence ministry announced it would hold the exercise with an Indonesian warship in mid-August. Beijing has […]
Posted inWorld News
Taiwan launches annual war games as pressure from China grows
TAIPEI, 06 AUGUST 2026 (AFP)—Taiwan’s largest military drills of the year began Wednesday as the island democracy attempts to prepare its population for a potential Chinese invasion. The annual “Han Kuang” exercise, which runs from 05-14 August, stages combat scenarios for troops and reservists to practise responding to an attack on the island, defence officials […]
Posted inTop Stories
China ballistic missile test pushes forward case for Pacific Security Agreement
By political reporter Holly Tregenza In short: (ABC- Australia) Pacific Minister Pat Conroy says China’s launch of a nuclear-capable test missile in to the Pacific has damaged its reputation in the region. He argues the incident has strengthened the case for a regional security agreement. What’s next? Pacific leaders are expected to discuss a regional […]