Orson Tan

“The New Zealand–Singapore relationship at 60 is a story of trust, pragmatism, and shared vision.” By @orsontwk @indopac_nz indopac.nz/post/natural-b…

After 5 episodes of talking about Trump, we discuss the nail in the coffin for the international rules-based order.

Our final episode of "Views from Down Underer" for 2024, Episode 51, is out! Here we talk about Aram Hur and Andrew Yeo's article on "democratic ceilings". indopac.nz/podcast-down-u…

Thank you to @Diplomat_APAC for the opportunity to discuss what Trump 2.0 could mean for thr Indo-Pacific. ”The Trump administration can have a tough-on-China policy, or it can have a tough-on-allies policy, but it probably cannot have both.” thediplomat.com/2024/11/kelly-…

Had a great time in Seoul catching up with colleagues and meeting new connections. The situation on the Korean Peninsula is always on the forefront of the ROK’s strategic thinking, but there are clear signs that South Korea is starting to think more about its role in the I-P.

Just some shots from @indopac_nz study tour to Taiwan. Really grateful to the colleagues who’ve hosted us here and have been very candid in sharing their insights into the security environment that the island faces. Looking forward to collaborating with them on future research.

Earlier this week, the @indopac_nz team attended the Asia Summit organised by @asianewzealand to celebrate 30 years of outstanding work connecting Aotearoa to Asia.

“We respect and understand Singapore’s national identity, I hope Singapore can fully trust China in this regard” First, finally recognise that Singapore is not a Chinese nation, something PRC officials struggle to come to terms with. straitstimes.com/asia/singapore…

Eyes turn to Vientiane next week as ASEAN faces the largest challenge to its relevance and the principle of ASEAN centrality in this century. As we enter an era of securitisation, how does ASEAN protect its interests, when the mechanisms no longer work. eastasiaforum.org/2024/09/29/if-…

My @indopac_nz colleague A/P Nicholas Khoo on the state of the ANZAC alliance in these contested times, and how Aotearoa needs to step up as an alliance partner. newsroom.co.nz/2024/10/03/an-…

Funny how almost 50 years after the cultural revolution, the CCP wants to reclaim Confucianism.

Case of 得寸进尺, as the PRC gets ever more aggressive in the SCS, the room for claimants states to manoeuvre shrinks even more.

Much has been spoken about the power projection of the PRC in the South Pacific, but many are quick to brush over the agency of the PI States in pursuing Chinese investment, aid and diplomatic ties.

SHORT THREAD: Sharing some of latest PRC research concerning long-term sustainability of its presence in the South China Sea. The research, spanning across different fields ranging from geomorphology to force projection, demonstrates Beijing's intention to assert dominance.

We're pleased to share that the Asia Summit 2024 hosted by the Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono is to be held at the Parliament on 15 October 2024, marking the Foundation’s 30th anniversary. 🔗 Find out more on our website: asianz.org.nz/foundation-mar…

Speaking of narratives, the CCP may seem like a single organisation ruled from the top, but it is made up of different factions. As much as Xi has consolidated his power, his revisionism to cement his role in China's post-1979 history and ascendency has crossed red lines.

strategicspace.nbr.org/mental-maps-te… “…understanding Japan’s initial nation-building effort as a “defensive empire”…ideological doctrines of Japanese superiority vis-à-vis other Asian races” Grand narratives matter; they allow nationalism to colour strategic thinking and affect imagination

Another great contribution by @ka_grieco as she shared her thoughts on the election and what our region can expect from the winner.

Obama’s speech at the DNC reminded me of this article, in particular this line: “People are motivated to make wise choices more by hope and opportunity than by fear, cynicism, hatred and despair.” An ode to a politics of an era gone by. nytimes.com/2016/02/09/opi…

@1NRSmith This looks like a great piece Nick!

Not too long until this piece drops