Here I outline Japan's new security assistance initiative and examine its aims and purposes. orfonline.org/research/japan…

Unfortunately there is little public knowledge of it!

Kishida supports the West, as Asia is fractured on the Ukraine issue, and Kishida is unlikely to prevail over Asian leaders on this matter!

My comments on Japan's Foreign minister Kamikawa's visit to Africa and South Asia. With eye on China, Japan begins whistle-stop diplomatic tour of Global South sc.mp/osk9o?utm_sour… via @scmpnews

Japan's support for Ukraine is now solidified through a 10-year security accord, an extraordinary example of Japan's proactive contribution to peace beyond the Indo-Pacific. Japan, Ukraine sign deal for long-term support amid Russian war - The Mainichi mainichi.jp/english/articl…

Is Japan ready for a change with a new generation or a female PM? Or it will be business as usual. Kishida calls it quits eastasiaforum.org/2024/09/04/kis…

After trying five times previously, Ishiba Shigeru wins LDP presidency and will take office as PM early next month! Japan LDP election latest: Shigeru Ishiba wins race to become next prime minister asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Japan… via Nikkei Asia

With so many domestic and foreign policy challenges facing the new PM, Ishiba, how he deals with them will determine his longevity. A New Japanese Prime Minister Revives Spectre of Revolving Door Leadership asialink.unimelb.edu.au/insights/a-new…

It is ironical that some scandal-tainted politicians are endorsed by the Komeito, literally 'clean government party', while rejected by their own LDP!

The two leaders met at the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in Laos and issued a brief statement!

Honoured and delighted to be announced as an Australian Institute of International Affairs Fellow along with a number of illustrious colleagues: Melanie Brock, Penny Burtt, @j_b_curran, Bina D'Costa, Purnendra Jain, Bec Strating & Susan Harris Rimmer. Two of us current and one former ANUBellSchool ,

Very honoured to be elected a Fellow of the Australian Institute of International Affairs 2024 and congratulations to my seven fellow colleagues on their Fellowship. Thank you AIIA!

Fantastic news!

Regardless of who takes the helm after a parliamentary vote, Japan will have a weak leader and an unstable government, which is not good news for Japan and its partners and allies worldwide! Japanese politics faces uncertainty after electoral deadlock eastasiaforum.org/2024/11/03/jap…

MOFA is rightly seeking to expand its South Asia knowledge base!

Sensible diplomacy

The ‘stabiliser’? Why Japan is Southeast Asia’s most trusted partner sc.mp/d5nkd?utm_sour… via @scmpnews

A historic defence deal with Japan winning the bid to supply frigates to Australia in a tight competition with Germany. A great turning point in Japan-Australia relations. asia.nikkei.com/business/aeros… via Nikkei Asia

Pressure on PM Ishiba to step down or face a snap LDP presidential election spearheaded by former Prime Minister Taro Aso, a factional leader Aso pushes early LDP leadership election after ‘crushing defeat’ | The Asahi Shimbun Asia & Japan Watch asahi.com/ajw/articles/1…

Another year, another prime minister in Japan! Japan's Ishiba to step down as his party prepares for leadership race asia.nikkei.com/politics/japan… via Nikkei Asia