Programs & Projects

The North Asia Program

The China and East Asia Program

The China and East Asia Program conducts research on the politics and foreign policy of China and its immediate neighbours in Northeast Asia: Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan and the Korean peninsula. The program is renowned for its particular focus on China’s domestic politics and how this helps to shape its external behaviour. From 2020, the Institute’s extensive research on Southeast Asia – including Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Myanmar – is now incorporated in a dedicated Southeast Asia Program. Each Program also commissions work by other scholars on the broader region. To complement their written research, Lowy Institute experts hold a robust series of dialogues and events on the politics of the region, independently and in partnership with other organisations.

Photo: Jung Yeon-Je-Pool/Getty Images

Experts
Latest publications
News and media
‘New’ Malaysia: Four key challenges in the near term
Analyses
‘New’ Malaysia: Four key challenges in the near term
In the aftermath of Malaysia’s momentous regime change, the new government faces a number of challenges to implementing wholesale political reform.
Reinforcing Indonesia–Australia defence relations: The case for maritime recalibration
Analyses
Reinforcing Indonesia–Australia defence relations: The case for maritime recalibration
A maritime realignment of Australia–Indonesia defence relations could shape the broader Indo-Pacific security architecture and provide an additional strategic hedge for…
Blocking CKI from buying Australian pipelines would be a win for Beijing
Commentary
Blocking CKI from buying Australian pipelines would be a win for Beijing
Originally published in Australian Financial Review on 21 September 2018 Richard McGregor
Mahathir, China and neo-colonialism
Commentary
Mahathir, China and neo-colonialism
Originally published in Nikkei Asian Review.Richard McGregor
ASEAN–Australia relations: The suitable status quo
Analyses
ASEAN–Australia relations: The suitable status quo
Australia’s dialogue partner relationship with ASEAN is more suitable for Australian interests in Southeast Asia than the idea of ASEAN membership.
Getting Singapore in shape: Economic challenges and how to meet them
Analyses
Getting Singapore in shape: Economic challenges and how to meet them
Without bold adjustments, Singapore’s extraordinary economic performance may prove difficult to sustain.
ASEAN summit is diplomatic coup for Australia
Commentary
ASEAN summit is diplomatic coup for Australia
Originally published in Australian Financial Review Aaron L Connelly
Are China and Australia at a Breaking Point?
Commentary
Are China and Australia at a Breaking Point?
Originally published in The Diplomat. Merriden Varrall
Understanding China’s approach to aid
Understanding China’s approach to aid
International Development Minister Concetta Fierravanti-Wells' remarks about China's aid to the Pacific are part of a long tradition of concern in Australia. Yet while some…
How to handle the finger-wagging from Beijing
Commentary
How to handle the finger-wagging from Beijing
Originally published in the Australian Financial Review (Photo:  Merriden Varrall
The Wall Street Journal
12 March 2023
Agence France-Presse
11 March 2023
ABC Radio National Breakfast
6 March 2023
The Australian Financial Review
20 February 2023
Philippine Daily Inquirer
17 February 2023
Business World (Philippines)
7 February 2023
Manila Standard
6 January 2025
The Philippine Star
5 February 2023
The Australian Financial Review
23 January 2023
The Sydney Morning Herald
12 January 2022