In the Media | November 2022

"Still, driven by Foreign Minister Penny Wong, the energy of Australia’s diplomacy in South-East Asia is palpable. The government’s point of differentiation is not just the time and resources devoted to the region, but the prominence of ASEAN in the intellectual foundations of its foreign policy."
- Asia Society Australia executive director for policy Richard Maude on the Albanese Government's approach to Southeast Asia in the Australian Financial Review.

"Scholz’s trip is also poorly received in large quarters of the European Union. Heading to China shortly after Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed China’s intent to “take China-Russia relations and cooperation in various fields to a higher level” has raised more than a few eyebrows, particularly in the bloc’s Eastern states. This trip will further fuel their complaints over what they perceive as Germany’s weak responses to the invasion of Ukraine."
- Asia Society Policy Institute research associate Dominique Fraser's OpEd on German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's visit to China in The Interpreter.

"... it would be a mistake to read the Chinese leader’s talks with Mr Albanese or Mr Biden as a sign of fundamental change to China’s strategic ambitions. He said Beijing continued to see itself as locked in a long-term struggle with the West “in which China must prevail”."
- Asia Society Australia executive director for policy Richard Maude on Albanese meeting Xi in The Australian.

"While Australia wants to take the heat out of the relationship, I think for President Xi, he will probably seek to stabilise the relationship with Australia."
- Asia Society Australia CEO Philipp Ivanov on Albanese and Xi meeting at the G20 on SBS.

"Now, China’s nationalism, assertive foreign policy, and creeping influence in regional capitals; sharply confrontational relations between the United States and China; and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine all challenge ASEAN’s ability to respond in ways that demonstrate agency rather than rote expressions of non-alignment."
- Asia Society Australia executive director for policy Richard Maude on ASEAN in an uncertain age in The Diplomat.

"Russia will attempt to portray itself as a neutral economic and political partner, respectful of ASEAN's agency and independence."
- Asia Society Australia CEO Philipp Ivanov on Russia and Southeast Asia in the lead up to summit season in ABS CBN News.

"ASEAN leaders won't want to give up the veto power that the consensus principle gives them. The more likely outcome is that ASEAN will muddle on."
- Asia Society Australia executive director for policy Richard Maude on ASEAN reform in DW.