Far from ‘making America great again’, Donald Trump’s sloganeering will deepen mistrust of US motives and irreparably damage any prospect of co-existence, let alone a more co-operative world order.
The Trump Administration is likely to be more aggressive about resisting China in the South China Sea and more forceful about preventing the erosion of America’s position in the western Pacific.
Despite the cataclysmic risks of the Cold War, times have never been as dangerous as these since 1945. Freedom and the rule of law are both under threat.
A more muscular foreign policy in our region would carry risks, but it might also show Australia and its neighbours that the US has its interests at heart.
Security and economic interests, in the guise of the 12-member Trans-Pacific Partnership (seven of which hail from the Asia-Pacific), are causing anxiety among US friends and allies.
President Duterte has picked fights with President Obama and with the EU. His behavior is shaking the U.S.-Philippine alliance and stability in Southeast Asia.
The press gallery’s mid-winter ball, held on Wednesday, has become an institution. It raises money for charities as well as being an all-round good knees-up for media and politicians.
China claims ownership of almost all of the South China Sea and refuses to abide by a recent ruling calling that hogwash. Why does China want to control the sea so badly?