The New Normal/La Nouvelle Normalité/新常態: From the Resumption of Diplomatic Relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran to Xi’s Visit to Russia – The Strategic Game Between China and the US Behind the Scenes

Following the resumption of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, many international scholars began to explore the role of China in the Russo-Ukrainian war. However, it is still difficult for China to play the role of mediator. Firstly, the Russian-Ukrainian war is by its very nature a proxy war, with the US’s strategic goals to weaken Russia economically and make European countries more dependent on the US militarily. China will not be able to reverse US strategic objectives until the US domestic environment changes. Secondly, as China is a long-term challenger to US hegemony at its core, the US also wants to worsen China’s relationship with the EU by tying China and Russia together through the Russo-Ukrainian war. The EU does not have confidence in China’s neutrality in the Russo-Ukrainian war. If China wants to mediate the Russo-Ukrainian war, it must win over the EU and seek a consensus, so that both sides can force the US and Russia to act prudently on the Russo-Ukrainian war.

The New Normal/La Nouvelle Normalité/新常態: The Anniversary of Russo-Ukrainian War: China’s Position Dilemma

China has released its position paper on the first anniversary of the Russo-Ukrainian War. However, the paper was received with mixed reviews. In this article, the author analyses the dilemma of China’s position and what China should do in the future to gain the support of more countries for its position.

(Analysis) Discord in the South China Sea: What Place for Diplomacy?

Relations between Southeast Asian countries and mainland China have historically ebbed and flowed. Tensions have often focused on control of islands and reefs in the Indo-Pacific. Beijing, under the leadership of Xi Jinping, has intensified this confrontation increasing the regional security volatility amidst Sino-US rivalry in the South China Sea.

(Analysis) Assessing the Added Value of European Engagement with Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia locates at the core of the wider Indo-Pacific region and embraces one of the globe’s most crucial bodies of water for maritime trade, the South China Sea. Being also home to vibrantly growing economies, the region holds great strategic importance for most global players. This includes the European Union (EU), whose interests in such a faraway area are of vital importance and include both economic relationships and regional security.

(Analysis) The Taiwan Policy Act: The Showdown between the US and China?

The Taiwan Policy Act of 2022 is the most comprehensive bill introduced by the US Congress ever since the enactment of the Taiwan Relation Act of 1979, but how might this affect the Sino-US relations?

(Analysis) Australia in the Pacific: How can Canberra Regain Influence?

The South Pacific has historically been a maritime expanse dominated by the influence of Western powers, including Australia. However, China is seeking to change the status quo through its economic and security diplomacy in the region causing concern for future of the rules-based order and its long-standing presence over climate change.

(Analysis) Tensions across the Taiwan Strait: Is the 1992 Consensus Permanently Lost?

Relations between Beijing and Taipei have often experienced periods of friction ever since the victory of Mao Zedong’s Chinese communists in 1949. Now cross-strait ties have undergone crucial transformations under Tsai Ing-wen’s leadership, resulting in unprecedented diplomatic and military tensions along the Taiwan Strait.

Polar Power Plays: Is the EU’s Arctic Policy Still Relevant?

The Arctic has been termed “the pole of peace” by Mikhael Gorbachev in 1987. However, in recent times, there are a lot of developments in the region. As such, this article takes a closer look at the EU’s Arctic policy in light of recent challenges and analyzes the main challenges to and priorities of the EU’s Arctic strategy.