Asia Rising La Trobe Asia

Oceans are an important resource for every country and are essential for travel and trade, but there are several critical issues facing maritime order in Asia.

A lack of a shared vision, differing interpretations of maritime order, and cooperation over security issues all create friction for use of shared waterways across Asia, which makes fair and equitable access vital. How can Asian states and allies strengthen dialogue, interactions, and coordination to maximise the impact of their efforts in upholding regional and maritime order?

Speakers:
- Professor Bec Strating (Director, La Trobe Asia)
- Professor Alessio Patalano (Department of War Studies, Kings College London)
- Professor Kyoko Hatakeyama (Graduate School of International Studies and Regional Development, University of Niigata Prefecture)
- Professor Nick Bisley (Chair) (Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, La Trobe University)
- With an introduction from La Trobe University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Theo Farrell.

The launch of Issue 10 of the La Trobe Asia Brief.

Event recorded on 11th April, 2024.

This public panel will present research from a collaborative project between La Trobe Asia, Kyushu University and King’s College London. It has received grant funding from the Australia-Japan Foundation of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office.

North Korea is an isolated and secretive country, long restricted by sanctions, and getting an accurate picture of its economy can be a challenge. So what can we know about its economic condition?

Guest: Dr Chiew Ping Hoo (Senior Fellow, East Asia and International Relations (EAIR) Caucus, Malaysia)

Recorded 6th March, 2024.

Indonesia has had a national election, and the likely next president is Prabowo Subianto, a leader with a checkered past. Prabowo served as Jokowi’s defense minister and gained his backing for this election, even naming Jokowi’s son as his VP running mate.

Given his background, there are many who are carefully watching the decisions he will make in foreign affairs.

Guest: Dr Lina Alexandra (Head of International Relations at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) based in Jakarta).

Recorded 6th March, 2024.

La Trobe Asia is proud to partner with the Australian Government to deliver the 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit: Maritime Cooperation Forum. The Forum will address the Blue Economy and maritime cooperation, as well as perspectives on regional maritime challenges and opportunities.

This special keynote address is delivered by Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Australia, and the Honourable Enrique A. Manalo, Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Republic of the Philippines.

It was introduced by convenor Professor Bec Strating, Director of La Trobe Asia.

Held on 4th March, 2024.

The maritime region is becoming increasingly contested, particularly in Southeast Asia. From tensions rising in the South China Sea, grey zone issues, challenges to international law, and environmental issues such as sea level rise and overfishing, maritime security is important for Indo-Pacific security.

As Melbourne hosts the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit, this event will provide insights into maritime security issues in Australia and Southeast Asia and explore opportunities for collaboration and cooperation.

Speakers:
• Dr Chiew-Ping Hoo (Senior Fellow, East Asian International Relations Caucus)
• Dr Ruji Auethavornpipat (Lecturer, La Trobe University)
• Jennifer Parker (Expert Associate, National Security College, Australian National University)
• Professor Bec Strating (Director, La Trobe Asia)
• Melissa Conley Tyler (chair) (Executive Director, Asia-Pacific Development, Diplomacy & Defence Dialogue (AP4D))

Held on 6 March, 2024.

Taiwan has held a presidential election, and the Democratic Progressive Party has won a third term, with current vice-president Lai Chinge-Te succeeding Tsai Ing-Wen later this year. And while his victory is seen as one of continuing democratic values on the island, Lai will need to rely on his political opponents to govern, and that’s without mentioning the China-sized problem across the Taiwan strait.

Guest: Professor Bec Strating (Director, La Trobe Asia, La Trobe University)

Recorded on 29th January, 2024.