Executive summary

This report argues that it is time for the U.S. and its close allies to clarify their goals in this theatre and develop a coherent strategy to counter China’s expansionist operations.

Overview France’s defence- and security-related activities in the Asia–Pacific are often underestimated, sometimes distorted or simply ignored. This paper surveys France’s growing presence in the Asia–Pacific from the Indochina War and efforts to resolve the Cambodian conflict, through to the country’s 21st century contributions driven by strategic engagement related to globalisation, new threats, multilateral regional...

While Indonesia under Jokowi can be expected to continue to take unilateral action to reinforce the Indonesian position around the Natuna Islands, Jokowi has not played an active diplomatic role on the broader South China Sea issue. In the longer term, Indonesia is better off investing in diplomatic leadership. Key findings:

Experts are wondering what Donald Trump's election to the US presidency might mean for Asia-Pacific regional security. Foreign Minister, Julie Bishop, said yesterday that countries in the region were looking for more US leadership rather than less. Whether or not they'll get it, however, is another matter entirely. Beyond tackling China on trade, the president-elect's...