Asia and Pacific

West Papua has been a territory of Indonesia since it was annexed by the Southeast Asian country in 1962. Before then, it was a Dutch colony and has been a UN Trust territory. However, West Papuans have continuously agitated for independence on the basis of their distinct ethnic, cultural and religious diversity to the majority of Indonesia.

Without the international support and any accountability system on China’s repression, the future of the Uyghurs’ liberty – let alone their support via humanitarian aid – seems dubious at best. In the face of the close Sino-Afghanistan relationship, there is also a lower chance for escaping abroad.

The diplomatic row between Lithuania and China was a calculated risk for the former, and its negative effects were felt much more by the latter. Vilnius’ unwavering standing of its ground, made possible by Beijing’s limited economic and political leverage, made another dent in China’s image as all-powerful.

South Korea and Taiwan share surprisingly complex bilateral relations, especially considering that they have so much in common: they are US allies who have experienced far-reaching democratisation and economic growth in the past three decades, they are both former Japanese colonies and they both possess historical links with China.

Malaysia has been independent from Britain since 1957, but the 133 years of British colonisation has left an impact on social, cultural and legal infrastructure of Malaysia. Whether or not to allow the continuity of this impact, or to reject this legacy, is an ongoing debate in Malaysia.

The future shape of Japan’s Myanmar policy depends on who wins the LDP leadership election. Despite their membership of the same political party, the candidates’ respective political positions vary considerably.

West Papua is not recognised by the UN to be a Non-Self-Governing Territory (NSGT). However, there have been ongoing violent and passive protests and movements calling for independence.

17 August, 2021 HSC Deputy Director Dr Rowan Allport has had a comment piece on Taiwan’s approach to deterrence published in The Diplomat. In it, he examines how the Taipei government is developing a capability via both its domestic industry ...

15 August, 2021 HSC Associate Fellow Roh Yakobi, who fled persecution by the Taliban at aged 12, has commented in the media regarding current developments in Afghanistan. Interviewed on Sky News, he said that the people in Afghanistan would now be forced ...

When it comes to the Euro-Atlantic region’s relations with Beijing, the former is likely to maintain a cautious approach. The People’s Republic of China needs to be kept in check, but a door for dialogue and collaboration must be kept open.