By Ken Moak The January 5 edition of the South China Morning Post reported that the US passed the Asia Reassurance Initiative Act (ARIA) to reaffirm and reassure its “allies” that America is committed to protecting and promoting democracy in the Asia-Pacific. To do so, America will spend US$1.5 billion annually for five years to … Continue reading US initiative would fail to contain China and put allies at risk
Russia, in its efforts to develop its gas sector in as many geographical locations as possible, is also earmarking increased gas exports to China. Russian natural gas giant Gazprom said that gas from its Siberia fields could start moving through pipelines to China within the next five years. The disclosure came as Gazprom representatives discussed the development … Continue reading The battle for China’s growing gas demand
Canberra's settlement with Timor Leste on the Greater Sunrise gas field is making waves for other maritime boundary disputes By Alan Boyd Indonesia’s long-held resentment over Australia’s sprawling maritime claims along their ill-defined border have spilled into the diplomatic arena following a recent settlement of a parallel dispute in neighboring Timor Leste, also known as … Continue reading Australia-Indonesia border tensions resurface
By Giovanni Di Lieto The revived trade agreement now known as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) has finally made it across the finish line. It’s a considerable win for Australian farmers and service providers, in a trading area worth about A$90 billion (US$72 billion). The 11 remaining countries from the … Continue reading Australia wins big under revised TPP deal
Australia enjoys new mining growth with rising demand for the light metal used in many 'next generation' technologies By Lachlan Colquhoun Australia is on the cusp of a new commodities boom as a lithium exporter, and Chinese investors are well ahead in the race to secure their supply. As the critical ingredient in next … Continue reading China charges Australia’s lithium boom
