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Lowy Institute

Lowy Institute: An independent, non-partisan international policy think tank based in Sydney, Australia, the Lowy Institute is dedicated to providing fresh thinking on Australia’s international policy challenges and deepening public debate. It conducts high-quality research on global political, strategic, and economic issues, with a significant focus on the Asia-Pacific region. Recognised as Australia’s leading think tank, it publishes influential analyses, including the Lowy Poll and Asia Power Index, and hosts prominent national and international figures, significantly contributing to Australia’s foreign policy discourse.

China-Australia relations

In Focus | How Pacific nations walk a tightrope between Western security and Chinese trade

As Australia expands defence pacts in the region, Beijing courts local communities with ‘small and beautiful’ aid.

23 Aug 2026 - 7:05AMvideocam

US-Asean relations

US transshipment ‘scam’ claims put Asean exporters in a bind

18 Aug 2026 - 5:33PMvideocam

China-Australia relations

China-Australia relations reach ‘good enough’ baseline, ex-envoy says

9 Aug 2026 - 8:30PMvideocam

Thailand

Thailand looks to Siam Silica to propel it to top Asean semiconductor player

As Thailand is coming late into the game, it will have to look for ways to make itself indispensable in the industry, analysts say.

8 Aug 2026 - 10:00AM

Robots assemble chips during Semicon Southeast Asia 2026 in Kuala Lumpur on May 5. Photo: Reuters

The Philippines

Philippines’ South China Sea education push blurs ‘teaching the truth’ lines

The push by several Philippine lawmakers is to counter what they say are efforts to support pro-Beijing positions over the maritime row.

7 Aug 2026 - 5:30PM

Asean

Why new US tariffs threaten Trump government’s credibility in Asean

The additional duties come just a day after Marco Rubio tells Southeast Asian foreign ministers that the US is ‘with Asean 100 per cent’.

26 Jul 2026 - 11:30AMvideocam

Asean

Can Southeast Asia survive more Iran war fuel shocks?

Analysts warn the region cannot fully insulate itself from an extended conflict if the Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted.

24 Jul 2026 - 6:31PMvideocam

Black smoke rises following explosions near a military base hosting US forces in the northern Iraqi city of Irbil, on Friday. Photo: AP

Pacific nations

China’s missile test exposes lack of unity among Pacific island nations

While some Pacific Islands Forum members have criticised the test near Tuvalu, Papua New Guinea appears to have backtracked, analysts say.

22 Jul 2026 - 10:00AM

The Philippines

Philippines’ plan to fortify coastal defences: deterrence or target?

The plan to establish coastal defence assets in Palawan is unlikely to close the country’s military gap with China, analysts say.

17 Jul 2026 - 6:16PM

My Take

My Take | How China’s rare missile test sparked hysterical hypocrisy

Western pundits were quick to denounce Beijing. But far more frequent US launches rate barely a mention.

13 Jul 2026 - 9:01AM

A long-range ballistic missile bursts out of the sea during a test launched from a Chinese nuclear-powered submarine in the South Pacific on July 6, 2026. Photo: Xinhua via AP

China-Asean relations

Asian Angle | Why a second ‘China shock’ is good for Southeast Asia

Fear of Chinese imports is misplaced. Roughly 90 per cent of what the region buys is inputs and machinery driving local manufacturing.

12 Jul 2026 - 2:30PM

Shipping containers are seen at the port in Nanjing, Chinas eastern Jiangsu province, last month. Photo: AFP

Singapore

US touts regional ‘balance’ in missile sale to Singapore. What does it mean?

The latest deal sheds light on distinct strategies in a broader American policy of ‘distributed deterrence’, analysts say.

3 Jul 2026 - 7:52PMvideocam

Defence

US and allies flex military muscle on China’s doorstep with multi-front drills

Analysts say the near-simultaneous exercises reflect a shift in US strategy that enables allies to play a greater role in regional security.

26 Jun 2026 - 5:44PM

India

‘Senseless’: US military command rebrand risks damaging India ties

Eight years after ‘Indo’ was added to signal India’s importance, analysts say its removal points to a shift in Washington’s priorities.

24 Jun 2026 - 7:30PMvideocam

US President Donald Trump shakes hands with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of a G7 summit in France on June 17. Photo: AFP

US-China relations

Australian public cooling on Trump’s US while thawing on China, survey finds

US military plans permanent war-ready weapons stockpile in Australia

US Navy documents show advanced planning for a large stockpile, with US$30 million allocated to build warehouses and offices in Victoria.

16 Jun 2026 - 6:46PM

Australia

China’s direct strike threat to Australia is ‘growing’, think tank report finds

A Lowy Institute report said the main threat to Australia was from Chinese missiles fired from ships, submarines and a new ballistic missile.

15 Jun 2026 - 1:37AM

Asean

Asean at 60: peace, prosperity and polite paralysis

Non-interference bought decades of stability, but now breeds inaction. Is Asean due an overhaul?

13 Jun 2026 - 8:00AMvideocam

Donald Trump

Trump’s forced-labour tariffs put Southeast Asia in the firing line

Washington’s proposed tariffs of 10 per cent to 12.5 per cent could push regional countries to accelerate economic integration.

9 Jun 2026 - 4:58PM

India

Why India is rolling out welcome mat for Myanmar’s Min Aung Hlaing

The military leader’s first presidential trip to New Delhi signals pragmatic engagement as India moves to counter rising Chinese influence.

2 Jun 2026 - 8:12AM

Myanmar

Myanmar’s China-backed mega dam revival risks Kachin rebel backlash

Restarting the shelved US$3.6 billion Myitsone Dam project could ultimately come down to Beijing’s ‘risk tolerance’.

1 Jun 2026 - 8:00AM

A Kachin Independence Army rebel stands at frontline outpost in northern Kachin state, Myanmar. Photo: AP

US-Asean relations

Tariffs, war and broken trust: Southeast Asia’s Trump problem

Disillusioned by US unpredictability, the region is learning to diversify – while Trump treats allies as bargaining chips.

30 May 2026 - 7:30AM

The Philippines

Philippine navy’s ‘aspirational’ middle power claim comes under scrutiny

The navy based its assessment partly on regional partners admiring its newer ships that were deployed in recent joint exercises.

20 May 2026 - 11:00AMvideocam

Asean

Canada pushes to finalise Asean trade deal to cut US reliance

Ottawa is keen to sign an FTA with Asean this year, as analysts predict two-way growth in sectors ranging from mining to manufacturing.

15 May 2026 - 4:28PM

Myanmar

‘Tentative step’: Asean weighs bringing Myanmar back into the fold

Virtual talks may offer a ‘sensible middle ground’ for reconciliation after Myanmar’s years in the political wilderness, analysts say.

12 May 2026 - 5:07PMvideocam

Myanmar’s newly elected President Min Aung Hlaing waves as he leaves after a swearing-in ceremony in Naypyidaw on April 10. Photo: AP

US-China relations

Why today’s ‘unravelled’ international order echoes the lead-up to WWI

Dangerous pre-war conditions are here following raft of unilateral actions taken by Trump administration, ex-senior White House adviser says.

8 May 2026 - 12:35PM

US President Donald Trump, backed by his Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth (centre) and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has taken a raft of unilateral actions leaving the international order altered. Photo: Reuters

Myanmar

Myanmar’s military rulers hire Trump ally for US$50,000 a month to lobby Washington

Roger Stone has been commissioned to rebuild relations with the US, though analysts doubt Myanmar can escape its pariah status.

7 May 2026 - 4:13PM

Asean

New US trade offensive threatens to test Asean ties

The trade probes may compel Southeast Asia to continue diversifying away from the US, with analysts predicting recent deals could unravel.

18 Mar 2026 - 6:28PM

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Lowy Institute

.css-1f6sr3w{color:#727272;}In Focus | How Pacific nations walk a tightrope between Western security and Chinese trade

As Australia expands defence pacts in the region, Beijing courts local communities with ‘small and beautiful’ aid.

US transshipment ‘scam’ claims put Asean exporters in a bind

China-Australia relations reach ‘good enough’ baseline, ex-envoy says

Thailand looks to Siam Silica to propel it to top Asean semiconductor player

As Thailand is coming late into the game, it will have to look for ways to make itself indispensable in the industry, analysts say.

Philippines’ South China Sea education push blurs ‘teaching the truth’ lines

The push by several Philippine lawmakers is to counter what they say are efforts to support pro-Beijing positions over the maritime row.

Why new US tariffs threaten Trump government’s credibility in Asean

The additional duties come just a day after Marco Rubio tells Southeast Asian foreign ministers that the US is ‘with Asean 100 per cent’.

Can Southeast Asia survive more Iran war fuel shocks?

Analysts warn the region cannot fully insulate itself from an extended conflict if the Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted.

China’s missile test exposes lack of unity among Pacific island nations

While some Pacific Islands Forum members have criticised the test near Tuvalu, Papua New Guinea appears to have backtracked, analysts say.

Philippines’ plan to fortify coastal defences: deterrence or target?

The plan to establish coastal defence assets in Palawan is unlikely to close the country’s military gap with China, analysts say.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}My Take | How China’s rare missile test sparked hysterical hypocrisy

Western pundits were quick to denounce Beijing. But far more frequent US launches rate barely a mention.

Asian Angle | Why a second ‘China shock’ is good for Southeast Asia

Fear of Chinese imports is misplaced. Roughly 90 per cent of what the region buys is inputs and machinery driving local manufacturing.

US touts regional ‘balance’ in missile sale to Singapore. What does it mean?

The latest deal sheds light on distinct strategies in a broader American policy of ‘distributed deterrence’, analysts say.

US and allies flex military muscle on China’s doorstep with multi-front drills

Analysts say the near-simultaneous exercises reflect a shift in US strategy that enables allies to play a greater role in regional security.

‘Senseless’: US military command rebrand risks damaging India ties

Eight years after ‘Indo’ was added to signal India’s importance, analysts say its removal points to a shift in Washington’s priorities.

Australian public cooling on Trump’s US while thawing on China, survey finds

More than half of those questioned said relations with Beijing were more important than those with Washington.

US military plans permanent war-ready weapons stockpile in Australia

US Navy documents show advanced planning for a large stockpile, with US$30 million allocated to build warehouses and offices in Victoria.

China’s direct strike threat to Australia is ‘growing’, think tank report finds

A Lowy Institute report said the main threat to Australia was from Chinese missiles fired from ships, submarines and a new ballistic missile.

Asean at 60: peace, prosperity and polite paralysis

Non-interference bought decades of stability, but now breeds inaction. Is Asean due an overhaul?

Trump’s forced-labour tariffs put Southeast Asia in the firing line

Washington’s proposed tariffs of 10 per cent to 12.5 per cent could push regional countries to accelerate economic integration.

Why India is rolling out welcome mat for Myanmar’s Min Aung Hlaing

The military leader’s first presidential trip to New Delhi signals pragmatic engagement as India moves to counter rising Chinese influence.

Myanmar’s China-backed mega dam revival risks Kachin rebel backlash

Restarting the shelved US$3.6 billion Myitsone Dam project could ultimately come down to Beijing’s ‘risk tolerance’.

Tariffs, war and broken trust: Southeast Asia’s Trump problem

Disillusioned by US unpredictability, the region is learning to diversify – while Trump treats allies as bargaining chips.

Philippine navy’s ‘aspirational’ middle power claim comes under scrutiny

The navy based its assessment partly on regional partners admiring its newer ships that were deployed in recent joint exercises.

Canada pushes to finalise Asean trade deal to cut US reliance

Ottawa is keen to sign an FTA with Asean this year, as analysts predict two-way growth in sectors ranging from mining to manufacturing.

‘Tentative step’: Asean weighs bringing Myanmar back into the fold

Virtual talks may offer a ‘sensible middle ground’ for reconciliation after Myanmar’s years in the political wilderness, analysts say.

Why today’s ‘unravelled’ international order echoes the lead-up to WWI

Dangerous pre-war conditions are here following raft of unilateral actions taken by Trump administration, ex-senior White House adviser says.

Myanmar’s military rulers hire Trump ally for US$50,000 a month to lobby Washington

Roger Stone has been commissioned to rebuild relations with the US, though analysts doubt Myanmar can escape its pariah status.

New US trade offensive threatens to test Asean ties

The trade probes may compel Southeast Asia to continue diversifying away from the US, with analysts predicting recent deals could unravel.

In Focus | How Pacific nations walk a tightrope between Western security and Chinese trade

My Take | How China’s rare missile test sparked hysterical hypocrisy