Law Must Replace Force in South China Sea, Demands International Forum

The 17th South China Sea International Conference, convened by the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DAV) this week in Da Nang, concluded not with a consensus on regional solutions, but with a unified, urgent demand: the foundational international law governing the seas must immediately replace the aggressive use of force in Asia’s most volatile waterway.

Takaichi Sanae and the Shifting Foundations of Japanese Politics

Japan has a new leader, and the story isn’t just about the historic first. Takaichi Sanae steps into power just as the long-standing coalition that has underpinned Japanese politics begins to shift. The ground is moving — quietly, but significantly. From Tokyo Dr Corey Wallace breaks down what’s changing, why it matters, and how this moment will shape Japan’s political direction.

Learning from Tokyo’s mixed-use urban development

New Zealand could gain valuable insights into urban planning by looking beyond the “Anglosphere” to the likes of Tokyo writes Kayden Briskie, who is undertaking a master's degree in Resource and Environmental Planning at Massey University. With help from a Foundation Research Grant, Kayden recently travelled to Tokyo to gain valuable insights into how Japan's capital navigates the complexities or urban planning, looking at where it has succeeded, and where it has struggled.

What interesting stories about our region are being reported? Here's a roundup from the past week:

DEATH TOLL FROM TYPHOON KALMAEGI REACHES 40 IN THE PHILIPPINES | CNN

The death toll from Typhoon Kalmaegi in the Philippines has risen to 40, officials said on Tuesday, as the powerful storm unleashed heavy rains and floods across the central region, submerging homes and forcing thousands to evacuate.

Also read: Vietnam flood death toll hits 40 as Typhoon Kalmaegi looms

CHINA SCOLDS KIWI MPs IN A BRAZEN LETTER THAT FEW WANT TO TALK ABOUT | STUFF

China’s ambassador to New Zealand has scolded MPs who attended an event celebrating the National Day of Taiwan, and most MPs are now refusing to talk about the highly unusual letter.

Also read: Foreign Minister Winston Peters blasts Chinese ambassador’s 'mistake' | The Press

INDIA REJOICE IN FIRST WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TRIUMPH AS SOUTH AFRICA FALL SHORT | THE GUARDIAN

At last, 50 years on from their debut on the world stage, India’s dream came true: a first World Cup triumph, in front of a deafening full house in Navi Mumbai, as they defeated South Africa by 52 runs.

CAN ENERGY-HUNGRY ASIA EMBRACE NUCLEAR POWER? | SCMP

The latest milestone in the construction of a small modular reactor in China raises interesting prospects for collaboration in the region.

As Minister Piyush Goyal visits New Zealand this week, conversations around a possible NZ–India Free Trade Agreement are taking on new momentum. Economic analyst and author Pranjal Sharma speaks to the Asia Media Centre about India’s shifting trade strategy, the role of talent and innovation, and why trust and long-term partnership will matter just as much as market access.

Pranjal Sharma is an economic analyst and author who examines how technology, globalisation and shifting geopolitics are shaping the future of growth. With a background in Economics and postgraduate studies in Media from the University of Westminster in London, he has spent more than 30 years working across journalism, policy and advisory roles.

He has been closely involved with the World Economic Forum, serving on its Global Agenda Council for eight years and continuing as part of its Expert Network. Pranjal also advises organisations and non-profits working with emerging technologies to support sustainable and inclusive development.

His latest book, The Next New, explores the rise of the Fifth Industrial Revolution and how it is transforming industries. His earlier books, India Automated and Kranti Nation, were among the first to document the impact of automation and digital transformation in India. He is based in New Delhi.

This interview builds on our earlier opinion pieces, and reports by our intern and an AMC podcast conversation exploring the future of NZ–India ties.

1. Minister Piyush Goyal is visiting New Zealand this week for talks on the proposed FTA. What does this visit signal about where the negotiations stand and how serious India is about concluding the deal?

India has initiated FTA talks with all its partners in right earnest with clear objectives of rapid conclusion. India is keen to move fast and seal FTAs to counter the rising turbulence in global trade and supply chains.

2. India has been signing trade agreements at a faster pace in recent years, including with Australia and the UAE. What do you think is driving this new momentum and confidence in India’s trade policy?

India has always maintained a multi-alignment policy. India has strong trade and investment linkages with nearly all regions of the world. The decline of WTO and the multilateral trading system led to India’s focus on FTAs. The recent geopolitical uncertainties have accelerated the momentum in the trade policy.

The underpinning of the strategy is simple. India does not want to be over reliant on any single country for trade and investment. Over reliance on any country for a specific good or service can prove to be a weakness. In some cases, such over reliance can also be weaponised for geo-political goals. A wider range of FTAs will ensure that India is able to de-risk its trade basket across many partners.

Continue reading the full interview here

Asia Media Centre 

WELLINGTON : ASIA AFTER FIVE

Asia After Five: Exploring Bhutan -
Fireside Chat with Ambassador Sonam Tobgay

Join us for an upcoming Asia After Five with Bhutan’s first-ever Ambassador to Australia Sonam Tobgay. He will sit down with Professor David Capie, Director of the Centre for Strategic Studies, for a fireside chat on life in Bhutan, its culture and politics, and the country’s evolving position in the world.

Date: Thursday, 20 November 2025

Time: 5:00pm - 7:00pm

Address: Asia New Zealand Foundation Office, Level 16 Fujitsu Tower 141 The Terrace, Wellington

Spaces are limited so RSVP to secure your spot!