A method marked the madness and can be decoded.

It didn’t make headlines but the US and EU came together last week to sign an important treaty – leaving partners such as Australia with a choice.

It is untrue that Taiwan is an "inalienable part" of China, but that's not stopping governments from Kiribati to Honduras from saying it.

Disquiet about Beijing’s growing presence is motivating countries across the region to seek deeper cooperation with Canberra.

But pressure on the Philippines means that its key partners must step up more.

Whatever the outcome of the US election, states will remain self-interested, and material power will reign supreme.

Sheikh Hasina’s downfall holds a lesson for the international community to ensure support for political freedoms.

This Pacific country avoided colonisation not by force, but by adopting the trappings of state. A next step awaits.

With strong rule of law credentials and expertise, Canberra should use its advantage in responses to war.