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
Indonesia's electricity play imperils national economic goals
Commentary
Indonesia's electricity play imperils national economic goals
'The generation plan could unnerve investors and leave private operators on hook for state equity.' Originally published in the Nikkei Asian Review.Matthew Busch
On North Korea, China’s interests are unchanged
On North Korea, China’s interests are unchanged
China's recent move to close North Korean businesses operating in China is undoubtedly welcome news to Australian and US policymakers. However, this is should not be seen as…
Why Kevin Rudd is wrong about Aung San Suu Kyi
Commentary
Why Kevin Rudd is wrong about Aung San Suu Kyi
Originally published in the Sydney Morning Herald. Aaron L Connelly
Beijingers keep calm and carry on
Beijingers keep calm and carry on
In the lead-up to the 19th National Congress this October, Beijing has been undergoing some physical changes. As yet more gleaming architectural marvels are being unveiled, other…
China: No country for old men?
China: No country for old men?
On 18 October the 19th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party will kick off, and the new makeup of the Politburo Standing Committee (PSC) will be revealed. The…
Quick comment: Milton Osborne on Cambodia’s crackdown
Quick comment: Milton Osborne on Cambodia’s crackdown
In the middle of the night on Saturday, hundreds of police surrounded Cambodian opposition leader Kem Sokha's house. Despite his parliamentary immunity, they arrested him and took…
'Aung San Suu Kyi makes things worse for Rohingya'
Commentary
'Aung San Suu Kyi makes things worse for Rohingya'
Originally published in the Sydney Morning Herald (Photo: Getty Images/Pool) Aaron L Connelly
Jokowi's panicky politics
Commentary
Jokowi's panicky politics
Originally published in Foreign Affairs.Matthew Busch
Southeast Asian perspectives on US–China competition
Reports
Southeast Asian perspectives on US–China competition
Southeast Asians inhabit a region increasingly shaped by competition between the United States and China. This joint Lowy Institute–Council on Foreign Relations Report seeks to…
A Chinese threat to Australian openness
Commentary
A Chinese threat to Australian openness
Originally published in the New York Times (Photo: Flickr/Mark爱生活) Merriden Varrall
The Australian Financial Review
19 November 2022
Spiegel International
20 October 2022
Daily Mail
23 October 2022
DPA Germany
23 October 2022
Agence France-Presse
23 October 2022
The Australian Financial Review
23 October 2022