Europe and the Indo-Pacific face increasingly similar challenges in a number of security related areas, such as cyber security, terrorism, organised crime, nuclear security, and non-proliferation. It makes sense to work together more.

In Brief9DLOctober 17, 2022In Brief, 9DashLine, In Brief: David McAllister MEP, Tereza Novotna, European Parliament, European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, Committee on Foreign Affairs, David McAllister, David McAllister MEP, EPP, European People's Party, Germany, Korea, Indo-Pacific, European Union, Russia, Ukraine, Russian aggression, energy crisis, climate change, COVID-19, geostrategic, France, member states, EU Member States, oversea territories, Taiwan Strait, geopolitical, geopolitical competition, Japan, Republic of Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Russian war, sanctions, Moscow, cyber security, terrorism, organised crime, nuclear security, Non-proliferation, Indo-Pacific strategy, like-minded partners, ASEAN, European Council, Council of the European Union, Coordinated Maritime Presences, North-Western Indian Ocean, Maritime Area of Interest, Indian Ocean, naval exercises, Djibouti, India, Global Gateway, Europe’s Global Gateway, Global Gateway initiative, Brussels, Taipei, EU-Taiwan dialogue, European Army, Strategic Compass, Rapid Deployment Force, IN BRIEF: DAVID MCALLISTER MEP

Western Indian Ocean: The missing piece in the US Indo-Pacific Strategy

Written by Rushali Saha

The Biden administration’s expansion of the geographic definition of the Indo-Pacific to include the entire Indian Ocean, while a positive first step, is merely a symbolic move unless complemented with concrete policy action.

Pacific9DLOctober 13, 20229DASHLINE, Western Indian Ocean: The missing piece in the US Indo-Pacific Strategy, RUSHALI SAHA, Indo-Pacific, Indo-Pacific Strategy, Sub-Saharan Africa, White House, Biden, Department of Defense, Central Command, Africa, China, US, US-China, Indian Ocean, United States, Cocos Islands, Keeling Islands, Comoros Archipelago, Red Sea, East Africa, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, Asia, Middle East, WIO, energy, Washington, USPACOM, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Quad, South Asia, Afghanistan, Gulf Cooperation Council, Djibouti, hydrocarbons, People Liberation Army Navy, Camp Lemonnier, Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Belt and Road Initiative, BRI, Madagascar, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Free and Open Indo-Pacific, FOIP, France, India, SAGAR, Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, IPEF, Maritime Doctrine, Mozambique, Seychelles, Iran, Indian Ocean Commission, UAE, African Union, blue economy, Sagarmala Project, Delhi, Uganda, New Delhi, Modi, Mauritius, Vanilla Islands, Saint-Denis, Reunion Island, Trilateral Development Cooperation Fund, Trump, Sri Lanka, Israel, National Security Strategy, Diplomat Risk Intelligence, South Asian Voices

Samarkand 2022 — the ‘China Dream’ of SCO Summits

Written by Giulia Sciorati

As the SCO opens to other Asian sub-regions and even the African continent, Central Asia risks losing its centrality and becoming a minor geographical area compared to the Gulf or Southeast Asia, where the national interests of SCO member states (and China, above all) are prominent.

Editor's Picks9DLOctober 12, 20229DashLine, Samarkand 2022 — the ‘China Dream’ of SCO Summits, Giulia Sciorati, Samarkand, SCO, SCO Summit, Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, China, Russia, Ukraine, Russo-Ukrainian war, sphere of influence, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Uzbekistan, Eurasian, Samarkand Declaration, non-interference, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Xi Jinping, harmonious coexistence of man and nature, bilateral, trilateral, multilateral, multilateralism, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Wang Yi, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Narendra Modi, India, SCO member states, observer states, Central Asia, India-China border dispute, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Vladimir Putin, COVID-19 pandemic, COVID-19, China-Kazakhstan joint statement, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, Sadyr Japarov, Iran, Belarus, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Maldives, Kuwait, UAE, myanmar, the Gulf, North Africa, South and Southeast Asia, economy, China Dream, Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), CSTO, Peacekeeping, peacekeepers, Beijing, Moscow, post-Soviet space

The Milk Tea Alliance — an uphill battle against the authoritarian paradigm

Written by Roger Lee Huang

While the Milk Tea Alliance initially captured the imagination of global audiences, it has thus far been unable to consistently mobilise a critical mass to dislodge their respective authoritarian establishments.

Faultlines9DLOctober 10, 20229DashLine, Roger Lee Huang, The Milk Tea Alliance, an uphill battle against the authoritarian paradigm, Milk Tea Alliance, thailand, China, Facebook, Nancy Pelosi, meme, Netizens, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Protests, Taiwan, Burma, WhatsHappeningIn, Donald Trump, Hindu, Hindu nationalism, CCP, Chinese Communist Party, authoritarianism, democracy, Grey Zone, Grey Zone tactics, single-party state, military exercise, LGBT, LGBT+, WorldPride, InterPride, Thailand, repression, protests, Parinya Cheewinkulpathom, pro-democracy, monarchy, National Security Law, COVID-19, John Lee, Hong Kong extradition bill, media freedom, Social Media, Myanmar, coup, junta, Ko Jimmy, Phyo Zeya Thaw, activists, democratisation, Macquarie University, solidarity, The Milk Tea Alliance — an uphill battle against the authoritarian paradigm, Pelosi, netizens, #MilkTeaAlliance, Trump, LGBTIQ, COVID, Democratic Progressive Party

Japan-Russia relations: Stronger stance needed on energy imports

Written by James DJ Brown

The Kishida administration’s record since the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is impressive, especially compared to Abe’s pandering to Putin. Yet Japan needs to go one step further by rapidly cutting imports of Russian gas.

Faultlines9DLOctober 7, 20229DashLine, Stronger stance needed on energy imports: Japan-Russia relations, James DJ Brown, Japan, Russia, Russian aggression, Russia-Ukraine war, G7, energy, Putin, Kishida, Crimea annexation, Shinzo Abe, solidarity, Russian economy, territorial dispute, eight-point economic cooperation plan, General Oleg Salyukov, Salyukov, Fumio Kishida, Ukraine, international law, China, Kishida government, shinryaku, sanctions, sanctions package, Russian energy, coal and gas imports, expelling diplomats, fiscal support, non-lethal equipment, overseas transfer of defence equipment, Ukrainian refugees, Tokyo, Moscow, Nikolai Patrushev, Russophobes, Kuril Islands, Southern Kurils, military activities, live-fire drills, Vostok-2022 exercises, Defence Minister Hamada Yasukazu, Yasukazu Hamada, strategic bombers, warships, Sergey Lavrov, Federal Security Service, FSB, Zelensky, Minister for Economic Cooperation with Russia, LNG, liquified natural gas, hydrocarbons, energy security, Hagiuda Koichi, gas imports, Russian gas

Why factional politics might no longer matter in China

Written by Jabin T. Jacob

Under these circumstances, what will be worth watching is the composition of the Politburo Standing Committee for clues on what Xi’s policy directions for the next five years of his rule are going to be.

East Asia9DLOctober 6, 20229DashLine, Jabin T. Jacob, Jabin Jacob, Why factional politics might no longer matter in China, China, factional politics, authoritarian, authoritarianism, authoritarian rule, regime collapse, Chinese Party, Chinese Party-state, security, defence, Communist Party of China (CPC), Communist Party of China, CPC, Chinese Communist Party, Chinese Communist Party (CCP), CCP, Xi Jingping, Xi Jinping, Xi, Xi Jinping Thought, corruption, loyalist, Surveillance, surveillance, CPC General Secretary, General Secretary, coup, military coup, Mark Twain, PRC, People’s Republic of China, Deng Xiaoping, Jiang Zemin, Hu Jintao, Hu Yaobang, Zhao Ziyang, Chairman of the Central Military Commission, Mao, Mao Zedong, economy, globalisation, Tiananmen Square, Tiananmen Square massacre, 1989, core leader, one-party authoritarian state, Jiang Zemin’s Shanghai faction, Shanghai faction, laissez-faire capitalism, crony capitalism, Communist Youth League faction, Communist Youth League, Marxism-Leninism, Politburo Standing Committee, Tibet Autonomous Region, Liaoning, 20th Party Congress, WHY FACTIONAL POLITICS MIGHT NO LONGER MATTER IN CHINA

In Conversation with Ali Wyne

This month we enjoy a fascinating conversation with Ali Wyne where we discuss his new book America's Great Power Opportunity: Revitalizing U.S. Foreign Policy to Meet the Challenges of Strategic Competition.

Announcing our new Managing Editor: Dr Eva Seiwert

We are delighted to announce that former Associate Editor Dr Eva Seiwert will now serve as our new Managing Editor and help lead the work of our growing editorial team.

News9DLSeptember 30, 2022EVA SEIWERT, 9DASHLINE, Managing Editor, Manali Kumar

Slowing the escalatory spiral over Taiwan

Written by Amanda Hsiao and Ivy Kwek

A long-lasting solution on Taiwan will be difficult to realise anytime soon. However, avoiding miscalculation and slowing the escalatory spiral that the parties are currently engaged in are achievable outcomes that Taipei, Washington, and Beijing should prioritise.

East Asia9DLSeptember 29, 20229DashLine, Slowing the escalatory spiral over Taiwan, Amanda Hsiao, Ivy Kwek, Taiwan, China, US, USA, escalatory spiral, escalation, Washington, Beijing, Taipei, US-China rivalry, US-China competition, US-China relations, military, military exercise, reunification, one China, one Taiwan, US-Taiwan relations, US Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Nancy Pelosi, cyberattacks, sanctions, Taiwanese, Chinese, sovereignty, Pelosi’s visit, median line, maritime, navy, airspace, drone, drones, human error, Pacific, US-Taiwan engagement, defence, defence spending, arms sale, arms package, Biden administration, Biden, Joe Biden, Central Asia, United Nations, 20th Party Congress, Party Congress, propaganda, Xi, Xi Jinping, amphibious invasion, amphibious, military intervention, Trump, Trump administration, Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), Japan, Yonaguni Island, Philippines’ EEZ, Philippines, Manila, Taiwan conflict, Taiwan Strait, escalatory cycle, deter, deterrence, One China policy, One China Policy, One China, One-China, One-China Policy, Three Communiques, US Congress, Taiwan Policy Act

See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil — China’s reaction to the OHCHR’s Xinjiang report

Written by David O’Brien

In the run-up to next month’s key National Party Congress meeting when Xi Jinping will almost certainly extend his rule, possibly for the rest of his life, there can be no criticism, no focus on what is happening, no words to be spoken.

East Asia9DLSeptember 28, 20229DashLine, David O'Brien, OHCHR, See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil — China’s reaction to the OHCHR’s Xinjiang report, See no evil hear no evil speak no evil — China’s reaction to the OHCHR’s Xinjiang report, China, People's Republic of China, PRC, United Nations, UN, Uyghurs, Uyghur, human rights, Xinjiang, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, detention, torture, sexual violence, forced sterilisation, forced labour, crimes against humanity, UN Human Rights Chief Michelle Bachelet, Michelle Bachelet, High Commissioner, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Sophie Richardson, Human Rights Watch, US State Department, silencing, Global Times, 51st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, United Nations Human Rights Council, religious freedom, minority rights, genocide, terrorism, concentration camps, Chinese Communist Party (CCP), Chinese Communist Party, CCP, vocational training centres, ideological sickness, Communist Party, Chinese Communist Youth League Xinjiang Branch, Chinese Communist Youth League, media, media freedom, tourism, re-education, COVID-19, lockdown, Ghulja, social media, British parliament, French parliament, Durch parliament, Dutch parliament, National Party Congress meeting, National Party Congress, Xi Jingping, Xi Jinping

Water security: What China's hydro plan to secure Tibetan water resources means for its neighbours

Written by Fabrizia Candido

For India, the priority should be to maintain an open channel of communication and data sharing, while pushing for a water-sharing treaty between China and other South Asian neighbours, like Bangladesh.

The Taliban don’t know what to do — Afghanistan’s challenges

Written by Tim Foxley

A collapse back into civil war is not inevitable, but the Taliban are clearly struggling to move from an insurgency to a government.

What lies beneath the iceberg, delving deeper into #GotaGoHome

Written by Nathasha Fernando

Wickremesinghe is therefore in a clear dilemma as he is not only expected to negotiate with the International Monetary Fund for a sovereign debt bailout, debt restructuring, and economic recovery plan but to also appease Sri Lanka’s minorities and their broader calls for accountability.

Navigating Australia’s defence challenges

Written by Melissa Conley Tyler and Tom Barber

With a potential submarine capability gap, troubled procurement projects, and overall, a limited funding envelope in a deteriorating strategic environment, few would envy the Defence Minister’s job.

Pernicious anti-politics — illiberal “Unity” and the future of dissent in the Philippines

Written by Anthony Lawrence Borja

We must remember that Marcos Jr.’s pernicious anti-politics, veiled by both his rhetoric of unity and silence on controversial political issues, has resonated with many Filipinos.

Editor's Picks9DLSeptember 16, 20229DASHLINE, Pernicious anti-politics — illiberal “Unity” and the future of dissent in the Philippines, Anthony Lawrence Borja, Philippines, anti-politics, Commission on the Filipino Language, Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino, KWF, Carmelita Abdurahman, Benjamin Mendillo, Marcos, Marcos Jr, Ferdinand Marcos, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Duterte, Rodrigo Duterte, Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, Arthur Casanova, free speech, freedom of expression, authoritarianism, unity, democratic, democracy, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., human rights, Filipino, Filipinos, Chantal Mouffe, Hannah Arendt, anti-political, intolerance, plurality, repression, opposition, dissent, politics of division, mareklamo, panay reklamo, anti-communist, Red-Tagging, middle class, Marco Garrido, freedom of speech, Susan Ople, leader-nation-state, inauguration, protester, protest, State of the Nation address, Marcos Sr., Drug War, Martial Law, Duterte’s Drug War, National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, (NTF-ELCAC), Pamumulitika, Pinulitika

Press freedoms in Pakistan — as polarisation deepens, journalism pays the price

Written by Furqan Khan

Targeting and punishing dissenting voices threatens to define Pakistan’s political culture. However, repressing dissenting voices is a self-inflicted wound.

South Asia9DLSeptember 13, 20229DashLine, Press freedoms in Pakistan — as polarization deepens, journalism pays the price, Furqan Khan, Pakistan, press freedom, Free Press, journalism, journalists, media, media freedom, Imran Khan, anti-terrorism act, torture, police, Shehbaz Gill, military, polarisation, Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), Pashtun Tahafuz Movement, PTM, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, PML-N, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, PTI, opposition, democracy, blackout, violence, Pakistan’s National Assembly, Prevention of Electronic Crimes Bill (2015), internet, censorship, Hamid Mir, Cyril Almeida, Dawn Leaks, Dawn, Pakistan Media Development Authority (PMDA), Pakistan Media Development Authority, PMDA, Twitter, treason, Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Reporters Without Borders, RSF, World Press Freedom Index, Shehbaz Sharif, Imran Riaz Khan, Ayaz Mir, ARY News, Salman Iqbal, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Pakistan People’s Party, PPP, Farhat Ullah Babar, military establishment, Daniel Bastard, elite, Jang Group’s Geo TV, Jang Group, Geo TV, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, freedom of expression, repression

US interest in the Pacific Islands tested at Pacific Islands Conference of Leaders

Written by Henrietta McNeill and Joanne Wallis

This week’s meeting, and President Biden’s meeting with Pacific leaders, will both be key signals for how Pacific states are responding to the US’ sudden renewed interest in the region.

Pacific9DLSeptember 12, 20229DashLine, US interest in the Pacific Islands tested at Pacific Island Conference of Leaders, Henrietta McNeill, Joanne Wallis, US, Pacific Islands, Pacific Islands Forum, Pacific Island Conference of Leaders, regionalism, PICL, Hawaii, Fiji, 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, Micronesian five, Kiribati, Solomon Islands, China, Wang Yi, Timor-Leste, Frank Bainimarama, Kamala Harris, George Ariyoshi, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, David W. Panuelo, Micronesia, Northern Pacific Ocean, Guam, Compact of Free Association, CNMI, FSM, Marshall Islands, Pacific Islands Development Programme, Council of Regional Organisations in the Pacific, East-West Center, US Congress, Honiara, Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Joe Biden, Manasseh Sogavare, Forum Fisheries Agency, Australia, New Zealand

Seoul cannot have a credible Indo-Pacific strategy without Taiwan

Written by Zsuzsa Anna Ferenczy and Tereza Novotna

Much of this is also about how far Seoul will be prepared to join many of its partners in working with Taiwan. In other words, if South Korea wants to play a bigger role in the Indo-Pacific, it is high time that Seoul joins the ‘Taiwan club’.

East Asia9DLSeptember 9, 20229DashLine, Zsuzsa Anna Ferenczy, Tereza Novotna, Seoul cannot have a credible Indo-Pacific strategy without Taiwan, Republic of Korea, south korea, China, PRC, Taiwan, japan, Shinzo Abe, USA, Yoon Suk-yeol, semiconductors, Nancy Pelosi, Indo-Pacific, Beijing, Seoul, Taiwan Strait, Tokyo, middle power, Security, Washington, Park Jin, india, Australia, defence, Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, EU, Brussels, European Parliament, Covid, Global Cooperation and Training Framework, GCTF, Taipei, quad, Nobuo Kishi, US-Japan Security Consultative Committee, Supply Chain Resilience Initiative, Pelosi, People’s Republic of China, Korea, South Korea, Japan, India, COVID, COVID19, Taiwan Model, Europe, Xi Jinping, hybrid warfare, cyberattacks, THAAD, Quad, Quaderateral Security Dialogue, SCRI, Delhi, Taiwan Club, Russia, Ukraine