This Month
Incitec Pivot blames gas prices for $498m fertiliser write-down
But the company said it could double returns if it sold those struggling operations to Indonesia’s PT Pupuk Kalimantan Timur and focused only on explosives.
- Simon Evans
Stellantis, Vale in nickel talks in Indonesian coup
The smelter deal would bring a rare Western investor to Indonesia, the world’s biggest producer of a commodity critical to making electric cars.
- Updated
- A. Anantha Lakshmi and Harry Dempsey
- Opinion
- South China Sea
China’s grim pattern in South China Sea needs a collective response
A quiet tussle is going on over China’s ambitions to control all of its neighbouring seas. Affected countries need to unite before China miscalculates.
- Jennifer Parker
- Analysis
- China relations
Why Australia could benefit from engaging with China on clean energy
A new report provides the framework for a forward-looking Australia-China relationship, identifying vast potential for economic co-operation.
- James Curran
April
US commander says China pursuing ‘boiling frog’ strategy
Retiring Admiral John Aquilino has accused Beijing of gradually raising pressure in the South China Sea.
- Demetri Sevastopulo
US, Chinese defence chiefs hold talks
The phone call comes as US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping have sought to manage tensions; the two leaders resumed direct military talks last year.
- Idrees Ali
- Opinion
- Israeli-Palestinian conflict
The risks to Biden of Israel going rogue against Iran
The problem is that ‘ironclad’ support can be read as a blank cheque to Israel to take whatever military action it sees fit — confident that, when the chips are down, America will have its back.
- Updated
- Gideon Rachman
South Koreans vote in major test for President Yoon
Some 44 million people were eligible to vote in the election, which will determine the direction of the 300-seat National Assembly.
- Nicola Smith
- Opinion
- East Asia Forum
China has prioritised security over economic growth
The US must avoid setting its strategic goals in a way that implies it is trying to keep China eternally weak and isolated.
- Updated
- David Lampton and Thomas Fingar
March
- Analysis
- Critical minerals
Why BHP’s nickel struggles to match Indonesia’s
A large green premium would be needed to put integrated Australian nickel producers like BHP on par with Indonesian rivals.
- Peter Ker and Elouise Fowler
- Analysis
- Climate policy
Indonesia is still a tricky proposition for foreign investors
The Albanese government has promised $2 billion to help mitigate perceived and actual risk across South-east Asia. But that’s not a straightforward task.
- Emma Connors
- Analysis
- ASEAN
Sense of urgency as Australia finds its true international identity
There is a meaning to be extracted from the ASEAN summit for Australia’s international identity.
- James Curran
‘Data not accurate’: Macquarie’s nickel veteran says rout ending
After a trip to China, Jim Lennon says the debilitating supply glut could be over a lot faster than most people think.
- Hans van Leeuwen
February
Indonesia bids to join club of rich liberal countries
Fresh from its election, Indonesia has formally applied to join the 38-country OECD. It’s a boost for the liberal West, but might mean tough domestic reforms.
- Hans van Leeuwen
- Opinion
- Indonesian election
Prabowo the continuity candidate will be far from a proxy president
Prabowo Subianto has finally breezed into power in his predecessor’s slipstream. But he will push through his own agenda with an unpredictable style as Indonesian president.
- Ben Bland
- Analysis
- Dictators
Why are we talking ourselves into Armageddon?
Western leaders and commentators are increasingly talking of World War Three, but they may be overestimating the strengths of Russia, China and Iran.
- James Curran
Ex-general Prabowo claims victory in Indonesia election
The former military commander has declared a “victory for all the people of Indonesia”, and appears set to win without needing a run-off election.
- Updated
- Emma Connors
Senex covets Incitec’s fertiliser biz; board may opt for higher offer
Detractors point to a surge in Indonesia’s supply of nickel which has seen prices plunge, saying the state-owned company cannot be trusted to properly manage fertiliser supply.
- Sarah Thompson, Kanika Sood and Emma Rapaport
How Indonesia’s election will shift cosy China relationship
Indonesia is one of the most important ‘swing states’ in the US-China rivalry and, with a change of government on the way, it appears to be inching towards stronger ties with the West.
- Emma Connors
My father dissed your queen in front of your PM
The youngest daughter of former Indonesian president Gus Dur was in the room where it happened.
- Emma Connors