Taiwan’s pro-China opposition in Congress pass undemocratic laws that trigger mass protest

Written by Fang-Yu Chen and Ya-Han Chen

In short, this reform makes the LY a super-powerful institution that raises concerns about undermining the separation of power and thus checks and “imbalances”.

At the water’s hedge: Indonesia, insularity and China’s rise

Written by Dylan Motin

Indonesia appears relatively under-committed to power politics and continental affairs. It worries about China’s rise, but not to the extent of joining US-led containment efforts.

Southeast Asia9DLJuly 19, 2024Indonesia, hedging, Dylan Motin, 9DASHLINE, At the water’s hedge: Indonesia, insularity and China’s rise, Indo-Pacific

Mending trilateral cooperation amid differences: Japan-ROK-China

Written by Daria Kurushina

Whether the driver is counterbalancing China’s influence in the region, addressing economic unfairness and trade barriers, criticising the expansion of the US trilateral alliance systems in the region, or improving diplomatic ties, the three countries have too much in common to neglect their interdependence.

East Asia9DLJuly 18, 20249DASHLINE, Daria Kurushina, Mending trilateral cooperation amid differences: Japan-ROK-China, Japan, ROK, South Korea, CHina, Trilateral, centre of gravity, geostrategic competition, Republic of Korea, regional dynamism, regional dynamics, Japan-ROK-China Trilateral Summit, Trilateral Summit, security, economy, military, US alliance system in the Asia-Pacific, United States, Taiwan Strait, Northeast Asia, historic grievances, wastewater, Fukushima’s wastewater, wastewater release, Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, trade dependencies, Free Trade Agreement, FTA, wartime forced labour compensation, Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Korea-China 2+2 Diplomatic and Security Dialogue, Korea-China Export Control Dialogue, 2023 Camp David summit, united states, tariffs, Chinese EV, solar panels, and battery industries, standards, non-discriminatory regional trade, Korean Peninsula, peace, prosperity, North Korea, nuclear, spy satellite, Russia-North Korea partnership pact, Moscow, Pyongyang, US allies, Japanese seafood products, seafood imports, trilateral diplomacy, free trade negotiations, people-to-people exchange, public health, ageing society, population control, low fertility trap, population halving by 2100, demographic shifts, childcare support, parental leave, healthcare, demographic national emergency, nuclear threats, North Korean missile and nuclear threats, defence spending, Ministry of Population Strategy Planning, dependency ratio, eldery, New Dimension, counterbalancing, olive branch, overcapacity issues

Tariffs on Chinese electric cars could stop Europe reaching its climate goals

Written by Irakli Machaidze

To ace the EV game without self-inflicted wounds, the EU needs a top-notch strategy. This means smartly tapping into ties with up-and-coming economies, beefing up security measures, and offering financial perks to tackle tough dependencies.

A new era dawns: Labour’s Indo-Pacific offer

Written by Sam Hogg

Labour has chosen to keep its Indo-Pacific cards close to its chest. Success for a future British government in the region will require dexterity and a robust understanding of what regional players want.

Europe and the Indo-Pacific, Most Popular9DLJuly 15, 20249dashline, Sam Hogg, A new era dawns: Labour’s Indo-Pacific offer, UK, indo-pacific, Labour left office in 2010, Downing Street, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, Philippine President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, People's Republic of China (PRC), AUKUS, CPTTP, Quad, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, South Korea, Japan, driving force for global trade, Conservative Party, tilt to the Indo-Pacific, Tilt, John Healey, David Lammy, Shadow Foreign and Defence Secretaries David Lammy and John Healey, Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, Strategic Defence Review, party’s manifesto, Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP), South China Sea, Penny Wong, flourishing economy, innovative, PRC, Five Eyes, G7, partnerships with their Taiwanese counterparts, Taiwan, Indonesia, India, Beijing’s grey zone activities, China Strategic Risk Institute, cyber-security dialogue with Taiwan, 2023 UK-Singapore Cyber Dialogue, GCHQ, HMS Spey, Energy Independence Act, Pacific Island nations, Securonomics, three of the world’s five largest economies by 2050, Inflation Reduction Act, Downing Street Accord., Downing Street Accord, City of London, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, non-sensitive sectors, regional players, HMS Spey’s visits, 2023 UK-Singapore Cyber Dialogue., Indo-Pacific policy, British universities, Labour government, Australia, Indo-Pacific tilt, Prime Minister Boris Johnson, naval vessels, QUAD, CPTPP, 4 July, UK goes to the polls

The Navigator's June issue is out now

The June edition of THE NAVIGATOR is now available, delivering in-depth analysis, up-to-date information, and a comprehensive look at the Indo-Pacific region. This month, we delve into the region’s escalating geopolitical tensions, marked by climate challenges, strategic debates, and power plays that are reshaping the security and economic landscape.

News9DLJuly 12, 20249DASHLINE, The Navigator, Indo-Pacific

What the Chinese renminbi’s momentum means for US sanctions power

Written by Andrea Leonard Palazzi

In the end, the path to widespread use of the renminbi — at least to trade with China — is US sanctions themselves.

Faultlines9DLJuly 11, 20249DASHLINE, What the Chinese renminbi’s momentum means for US sanctions power, Andrea Leonard Palazzi, Second World War, Bretton Woods Conference, United States, dollar, USD, US dollar, global economy, World War II, GDP, finance, economics, trade, international currency, China, renminbi, yuan, US sanctions, sanctions, sanctions evasion, sanctions power, dollar-denominated, dollar-denominated transactions, banks, Clearing House Interbank Payment System (CHIPS), FedWire, US law, dollar network, SWIFT, Belgium, financial sanctions, SWIFT messaging system, cross-border, resiliency, resilience, economic statecraft, currency internationalisation, capital account liberalisation, renminbi swap lines, Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS), capital controls, primary international currency, balances and assets, export invoicing, Network effects, assets, liquidity, SWIFT-related sanctions, Western sanctions on Russia, Russia, Asia, hedging, hedging against sanctions, interest rates, de-dollarisation, Argentina, Pakistan, macroeconomic, distressed economies, trade facilitation, Venezuela, Brazil, bypass US sanctions, low cast, mBridge program, Global South, market factors, US-China conflict, interconnectedness

Understanding the Philippines’ changing South China Sea policy: A Chinese perspective

Written by Zhou Wenxing

The Philippine ruling elites need to realise that only political channels and diplomacy can realistically solve their disputes with China.

Faultlines9DLJuly 10, 20249DASHLINE, Wenxing Zhou, South China Sea, China, Philippines, Sierra Madre, Beijing, Manila, Marcos Jr, United States, Second Thomas Shoal, SCS

Changing the status quo: Establishing a strategic connect in India - South Korean ties

Written by Abhishek Sharma

As both countries explore new areas of opportunities beyond the traditional emphasis on trade and commerce, emerging technologies and defence have particularly captured the attention of both governments.

Power Politics9DLJuly 4, 20249DASHLINE, Yoon Suk-yeol, Modi, Narendra Modi, Korea, india, india-korea, strategy, IOR, Indo-Pacific region, regional defence, G20, Establishing a strategic connect in India - South Korean ties

Diverting from China: Cambodia’s foreign policy in a new era

Chhay Lim and Kimpor Try

While there is leeway for Cambodia to hedge and pursue an independent foreign policy, the new government under Hun Manet has no choice but to continue diversifying strategic and economic partners.

Southeast Asia9DLJuly 3, 20249DASHLINE, Chhay Lim, Kimpor Try, Diverting from China: Cambodia’s foreign policy in a new era, China, Southeast Asia, Cambodia, Chinese global agendas, China’s regional interests, comprehensive strategic partnership, highest status in Cambodia’s three-tier diplomatic hierarchy, Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), Chinese Communist Party, unbreakable ironclad friendship, Xi Jinping, Southeast asia, South China Sea, Global South, Phnom Penh, Global Civilization Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative (GSI), Hun Manet, Hun Sen, 'One China' principle, community of shared future, United States, Angkor Sentinel, Vietnam, Thailand, Funan-Techo Canal Project, Preah Vihear border conflict, multi-dimensional approach, third way, Japan, Australia, diversification, balanced and pragmatic approach to diplomacy, 2012 ASEAN Chairmanship, 2022 ASEAN Chairmanship, Myanmar, ussian invasion of Ukraine, annexation of Ukrainian territory, condemning the Russian invasion, Japanese global initiatives, Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy, Cambodia's independent foreign policy, Chinese client state

Charting Afghanistan’s economic future: Recommendations for reform

Written by Hamayun Khan

For the Taliban, addressing banking constraints and promoting financial transparency are essential for rebuilding trust and attracting investment.

Editor's Picks9DLJuly 1, 20249DASHLINE, Hamayun Khan, Charting Afghanistan’s economic future: Recommendations for reform, South Asian Voices, Taliban, Afghanistan, Pakistan, UNDP, Turkmenistan, TAPI, Asian Development Bank

A humbled Modi returns to power — What lies ahead

Written by Manali Kumar and Chetan Rana

After a decade of sliding towards authoritarianism, a return to coalition politics promises a path to redemocratisation. Without a clear majority, the BJP can no longer bypass parliamentary scrutiny.

South Asia9DLJune 21, 20249dashline, Manali Kumar, Chetan Rana, Narendra Modi, third consecutive term, Jawaharlal Nehru, prime minister of India, BJP, Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Janata Dal (United) (JDU), National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Modi’s rise to power, Congress-led UPA government, over 400 seats, 240 seats, 272-seat majority, INDIA, opposition alliance, gaining over 100 seats, world’s fifth-largest economy, 200 billionaires, 250 million people out of poverty, zero-food children, economic hardships, strong GDP growth, COVID-19, Mid-Day Meals, Integrated Child Development Services, welfare spending, LPG usage, pen defecation reduction, public goods, teacher-to-student ratio, literacy and maths skills, National Education Policy 2020, Changes to school textbooks, Darwin’s theory of evolution, infrastructure spending, over USD 130 billion, Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, Foreign direct investment, India's education system, gig jobs, low-paying employment, BJP’s Hindu nationalist agenda, hate speech against Muslims, Andhra Pradesh, NDA allies, 2002 riots, 2004 election defeat, special status to Andhra Pradesh, 2025 Bihar assembly elections, Bihar, council of ministers, Union Minister, Lok Sabha, Nitish Kumar, caste, Chief Minister, nationwide caste census, new welfarism, Agniveer scheme, short-term defence personnel induction program, armed services, Uniform Civil Code, national identity, Hindu majority, narrative of victimhood, Modi’s guarantee, NDA government, NDA, unemployment, stagnant wages, manufacturing sector, corruption, lowest GDP growth since liberalisation, Dr. Manmohan Singh, authoritarianism, coalition politics, a path to redemocratisation, parliamentary scrutiny, A humbled Modi returns to power — What lies ahead

Announcement: Editorial team summer break dates

This year, our dedicated editorial team will be on a well-deserved summer break from 17 - 24 June. We look forward to reconnecting with you when we resume our regular schedule.

News9DLJune 20, 20249DASHLINE

Navigating Sinophobia amid Indonesia's economic ascent

Written by Dr Narayani Sritharan and Peter Rizkillah

Sinophobia in Indonesia is not merely a by-product of the BRI but a consequence of economic ambition intersecting with security concerns in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.

Emerging Issues, Southeast Asia, Most Popular9DLJune 18, 2024Navigating Sinophobia amid Indonesia's economic ascent, NARAYANI SRITHARAN, PETER RIZKILLAH, 9DashLine, China, Indonesia, geopolitics, Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Chinese lending, BRI-related loans, infrastructure, Sinophobia, Global South, Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII), US Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen, economic growth, debt sustainability, debt, AidData, Xi Jinping, Global Civilisation Initiative, Global Security Initiative (GSI), development tools, President Jokowi, Chinese investments, influx of Chinese workers, Chinese workers, immigration, labour migration, COVID-19 pandemic, Jakarta, PT Gunbuster Nickel Industry (GNI), nickel, nickel processing plant, Jiangsu Delong Nickel Industry, Morowali, Central Sulawesi, PT Virtue Dragon Nickel Industry (VDNI), Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesian labour regulations, labour disputes, labour unions, ferronickel smelter, Indonesia Country Climate and Development Report, data protection laws, tourist visas, ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute, visa-free, visa-waiver policy, North Sumatra, Dairi regency, regional security, Islamist extremist groups, Jamah Ansharut Daulah (JAD), counterterrorism, counterterrorism cooperation

In Conversation with Dylan M.H Loh

By investigating the dynamics of Chinese diplomacy, Dr Loh shows how China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) gradually became the main interface of Beijing’s foreign policy and the primary vehicle through which the idea of ‘China’ is produced and represented on the world stage.

In Conversation9DLJune 17, 20249dashline, 9DL, Dylan Loh, China, Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chinese diplomacy, Chinese diplomat, foreign policy, Xi, PLA, People's Liberation Army, Diplomacy, Twitter diplomacy, Twitter, In Conversation with Dylan M.H Loh

The Navigator's May issue is out now

The May edition of THE NAVIGATOR is now available, delivering in-depth analysis, up-to-date information, and a comprehensive look at the Indo-Pacific region.

Subscribe now!

News9DLJune 14, 2024The Navigator, Indo-Pacific, Taiwan, 9DASHLINE, David MacSweeney, Daniel McIntyre, Manali Kumar, indonesia

From silence to resilience: The evolving narrative of feminism in Japan

Written by Dr Minakshi Keeni

Japan's ranking in global gender equality indices signals room for improvement, reinforcing the persistent need for initiatives that encourage greater involvement of women in political leadership roles.

Editor's Picks9DLJune 13, 20249dashline, From silence to resilience: The evolving narrative of feminism in Japan, Minakshi Keeni, Japan, feminism, gender, gender inequality, Global Gender Gap Index, South Korea, China, women, gender parity, GDP, empowering women, empowerment, Japanese feminism, societal norms, Meiji era, Confucian values, society, women's rights, Japanese society, gender equality, modernity, feminist, suffrage, comfort women, comfort women statues, 2015 ‘comfort women’ agreement, Imperial Japanese Army, slavery, sexual slavery, wartime sexual slavery, right to vote, World War II, Confucian norms, ryōsai kenbo, Meiji Civil Code of 1898, 1947 Constitution, Feminist movements, Raicho Hiratsuka, Seito, Beate Sirota Gordon, Fusae Ichikawa, suffragist, women's movement, wage disparities, children, Tokyo Medical University, maternity leave, gender biases, bias, marriage, motherhood, Mizuho Fukushima, gender roles, Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 2016, Japanese politics, gender gap, sexist, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) of Japan, 2022 Upper House election, Japanese Association of Women in Politics (JAWP), Ryoko Akamatsu, Yuriko Koike, Tokyo, women's representation, Japanese Imperial Family, monarchy, Imperial House Law of 1947, Princess Mako, Chrysanthemum Throne, male-only succession, Kei Komuro, Emperor Naruhito, #MeToo, #MeToo movement, sexual harassment, assault, collectivism, social harmony, Survivors, Shiori Ito, Japan Sport Association (JSPO), NO! Spohara, Kanako Otsuji, Land of the Rising Sun

Europe needs swift action in regulating data-gathering smart cars

Written by Wendy Chang

To avoid a repeat of the 5G debacle with EVs, European lawmakers should get serious about creating a framework to evaluate their potential data security and cybersecurity risks, before foreign EVs hit the road in large numbers. Policymakers should establish guidelines for which data smart cars can collect, where it ought to be stored, and how it can be reviewed.

Editor's Picks9DLJune 12, 20249dashline, Wendy Chang, EV, smart cars, China, Europe, data, Europe needs swift action in regulating data-gathering smart cars