This interim report examines how processes can be strengthened to build on Australia’s success as a trading nation and ensure trade and investment agreements are of the greatest benefit for all Australians.

This paper outlines the nature of current geopolitical competition in the Pacific region and proposes regional and multilateral engagement initiatives that can both advance regional resilience and development, and meet Western strategic objectives.

The authors of this report conducted more than 40 engagements with experts and officials across all three AUKUS governments and three Australian states. Informed by case studies and interviews, this report proposes a series of policy recommendations to the Australian Government.

The author of this paper argues that Canberra should strengthen trade and political engagement with Taiwan through a strategy of consistent policy and messaging to counteract China’s efforts to isolate Taiwan, maximise the economic potential for Australia, and assert Canberra’s freedom to deepen ties with Taipei.

This paper intends to start a conversation about a broad yet crucial question - what does the future hold for Timor-Leste? And in turn, what does that mean for the Indo-Pacific region?