This paper argues that while there is little evidence to support the claim that China already has a strong degree of influence in Timor-Leste, it is also necessary, in Australia’s strategic outlook, to be alert to the implications of such a possibility in the future.

This paper argues that China has a key and, in the eyes of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), legitimate reason to focus its efforts in the South-West Pacific: to break out from Washington’s efforts to contain China’s influence and displace the United States as the dominant Pacific power.

The Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) is a major effort by both governments to increase trade and investment between the two countries. This report examines what IA-CEPA delivers on the traditional trade agenda for both countries in terms of tariff reductions, addressing non-tariff measures, and investment.

This analysis argues that real changes are taking place, both in Moscow’s approach towards the Asia-Pacific and in Russian foreign policy more generally. There is a demonstrably greater appetite to reach out to the countries and institutions of the Asia-Pacific region.

This paper is the second part of a series that looks at some of the possible concerns from Indonesia’s perspective of threats to its security that may arise in the long-term future.