Australia and Pacific: 'The Chinese Communist Party’s International Department steps up activities in the Pacific region' 中国共产党中央委员会对外联络部 aph.gov.au/About_Parliame…

New Zealand challenges Cook Islands PM to independence vote after his comments on China | RNZ News rnz.co.nz/international/…

Cambodia and Thailand are inching toward open conflict, after Bangkok accused the Cambodian army of laying fresh landmines in a disputed area of the border. buff.ly/KALwoLd

I was pleased to host the President of Palau, Surangel Whipps Jr., at the Pentagon today to discuss ways to strengthen our bilateral relationship. Palau is a vital partner, and we look forward to expanding our defense relationship to realize peace through strength in the

Tuvalu and Palau are now both using various channels to signal there will be serious problems if Taiwan isn't permitted to attend the PIF Leaders meeting in Honiara in September (which is now just six weeks away) devpolicy.org/geopolitical-t…

Some "ripped from the headlines" storylines, one similar to an episode of The Americans.

🇦🇺🇮🇩 How can Australia and Indonesia strengthen their defence ties in an era of hybrid threats? Join Dr Gatra Priyandita & Dr Euan Graham as they unpack their new ASPI report in an ASPI USA webinar: 🕡 Aug 7, 6:30PM EDT | Aug 8, 8:30AM AEST 🔗 Register: bit.ly/41lK7JG

Own goal.

aspi.org.au/?p=49281

The deal should be a win-win-win. ASPI ASPI USA

Autocratic economies decline because they forestall disruption. One of the themes in my 2020 book on autocracies versus democracies in great power rivalry.

Having just selected #Japan's evolved #Mogami class frigates for the SEA 3000 project, is it too soon to start thinking about beginning the discussion on replacing the Hobart class Air War Destroyers? Defence Connect 's Steve Kuper says no, and I tend to agree with him. This

"It’s a lifelong battle, a constant exercise" philosopheasy.com/p/dietrich-bon…

Seems like they actually made some progress on certain issues but we’ll only learn the details through leaks. Which I expect in abundance once Trump has his call with the Europeans.

President Whipps wants more US naval visits to Palau, which he says is under "constant threat" from China: "I might venture to say that we are already at war" ASPI USA defenseone.com/threats/2025/0…

Adm Paparoi confirms that the US is a Pacific state and Pacific Island state, among other things...and has been for more than 125 years. ASPI USA ASPI defenseone.com/policy/2025/09…

They switched them on me. x.com/stephendziedzi…

Many thanks to Mark Raymond and the good people at Oklahoma Aerospace & Defense Innovation Inst. for hosting John Blaxland SFHEA FRSN FAIIA and ASPI USA, including Longhorns, in Norman this week. Australia matters to Oklahoma and Oklahoma matters to Australia. ASPI

Excited to see my Wits University research making headlines: 'Department of State publications riddled w/ #data errors on #Pacific island entries' via Pacific Island Times. pacificislandtimes.com/post/state-dep… cc: U.S. Embassy Suva USEmbassyPOM New Zealand Embassy US Embassy NZ 🇺🇸🇳🇿 U.S. Embassy Australia Pacific Islands Forum Pacific Forum

Lots of fun joining Janes for a whirlwind review of strategic competition in the Pacific. ASPI USA