Orson Tan

Senior Research Fellow @indopac_nz. 🇸🇬 in 🇳🇿. Views expressed here are my own. RTs ≠ endorsements.

[jollyman @ Muhammad Faizal @jollyman3]

“The New Zealand–Singapore relationship at 60 is a story of trust, pragmatism, and shared vision.” By @orsontwk @indopac_nz

https://t.co/VzbUcey09T

[Orson Tan @orsontwk]

After 5 episodes of talking about Trump, we discuss the nail in the coffin for the international rules-based order.

[Institute for Indo-Pacific Affairs @indopac_nz]

Episode 61 of Views from Down Underer is out!
Here we talk about German defense spending, India's comments on postwar order, China's complaints about port deals, and more.
https://t.co/EwJL9UG3iK

[Institute for Indo-Pacific Affairs @indopac_nz]

Our final episode of "Views from Down Underer" for 2024, Episode 51, is out! Here we talk about Aram Hur and Andrew Yeo's article on "democratic ceilings". https://t.co/Z6KTPnRjTW

[Kelly Grieco @ka_grieco]

Thank you to @Diplomat_APAC for the opportunity to discuss what Trump 2.0 could mean for thr Indo-Pacific.

”The Trump administration can have a tough-on-China policy, or it can have a tough-on-allies policy, but it probably cannot have both.”

https://t.co/zWmCcqMvce

[Orson Tan @orsontwk]

Had a great time in Seoul catching up with colleagues and meeting new connections. The situation on the Korean Peninsula is always on the forefront of the ROK’s strategic thinking, but there are clear signs that South Korea is starting to think more about its role in the I-P.

[Orson Tan @orsontwk]

Just some shots from @indopac_nz study tour to Taiwan. Really grateful to the colleagues who’ve hosted us here and have been very candid in sharing their insights into the security environment that the island faces. Looking forward to collaborating with them on future research.

[Orson Tan @orsontwk]

Earlier this week, the @indopac_nz team attended the Asia Summit organised by @asianewzealand to celebrate 30 years of outstanding work connecting Aotearoa to Asia.

[Orson Tan @orsontwk]

“We respect and understand Singapore’s national identity, I hope Singapore can fully trust China in this regard”

First, finally recognise that Singapore is not a Chinese nation, something PRC officials struggle to come to terms with.

https://t.co/9xRkN6XSyg

[Orson Tan @orsontwk]

Eyes turn to Vientiane next week as ASEAN faces the largest challenge to its relevance and the principle of ASEAN centrality in this century.

As we enter an era of securitisation, how does ASEAN protect its interests, when the mechanisms no longer work.

https://t.co/FtBfQCyZ2D

[Orson Tan @orsontwk]

My @indopac_nz colleague A/P Nicholas Khoo on the state of the ANZAC alliance in these contested times, and how Aotearoa needs to step up as an alliance partner.

https://t.co/Lz1DlUpzUk

[Orson Tan @orsontwk]

Funny how almost 50 years after the cultural revolution, the CCP wants to reclaim Confucianism.

[Collin Koh 🇸🇬🇺🇦 @CollinSLKoh]

Clearly Confucianism has been hitting the brick wall of the CCP. The barbaric actions displayed by PRC forces in SCS, along the Sino-Indian LAC amply demonstrated that human civilisation isn’t being advanced whatsoever in Beijing’s case. 🙃

[Orson Tan @orsontwk]

Case of 得寸进尺, as the PRC gets ever more aggressive in the SCS, the room for claimants states to manoeuvre shrinks even more.

[Nguyen Khac Giang @khacgiang]

Done with the Philippines, now VN. Cases like this haven't happened since 2020, and will be a big test for To Lam's untested diplomatic skill (he's in Ireland now, btw). The lesson is no matter how well you 'bamboo', the big brother won't leave you alone.
https://t.co/yYpagvN4k6

[Orson Tan @orsontwk]

Much has been spoken about the power projection of the PRC in the South Pacific, but many are quick to brush over the agency of the PI States in pursuing Chinese investment, aid and diplomatic ties.

[Institute for Indo-Pacific Affairs @indopac_nz]

In this episode of 'Views from Down Underer' , we chat about two research papers we wrote on the Pacific maritime space, the US presidential debate, and a BBC article on the battleground states in this November's US presidential election. Enjoy listening! https://t.co/FriSytuoMW

[Collin Koh 🇸🇬🇺🇦 @CollinSLKoh]

SHORT THREAD: Sharing some of latest PRC research concerning long-term sustainability of its presence in the South China Sea. The research, spanning across different fields ranging from geomorphology to force projection, demonstrates Beijing's intention to assert dominance.

[Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono @asianewzealand]

We're pleased to share that the Asia Summit 2024 hosted by the Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono is to be held at the Parliament on 15 October 2024, marking the Foundation’s 30th anniversary.

🔗 Find out more on our website: https://t.co/l9w9WmB1BZ

[Orson Tan @orsontwk]

Speaking of narratives, the CCP may seem like a single organisation ruled from the top, but it is made up of different factions.

As much as Xi has consolidated his power, his revisionism to cement his role in China's post-1979 history and ascendency has crossed red lines.

[Nikkei Asia @NikkeiAsia]

Analysis: Elders stay faithful to Deng, topple 'reformer Xi Jinping' https://t.co/SgvOVkth6v

[Orson Tan @orsontwk]

https://t.co/wzdjHhHTr7
“…understanding Japan’s initial nation-building effort as a “defensive empire”…ideological doctrines of Japanese superiority vis-à-vis other Asian races”

Grand narratives matter; they allow nationalism to colour strategic thinking and affect imagination

[Orson Tan @orsontwk]

Another great contribution by @ka_grieco as she shared her thoughts on the election and what our region can expect from the winner.

[Institute for Indo-Pacific Affairs @indopac_nz]

In this second Views from Down Underer episode with guest @ka_grieco of @StimsonCenter , the team at IIPA chats with Kelly about the global anxieties generated by the upcoming US election. Enjoy listening!

https://t.co/piUJzIowDk

[Orson Tan @orsontwk]

Obama’s speech at the DNC reminded me of this article, in particular this line:

“People are motivated to make wise choices more by hope and opportunity than by fear, cynicism, hatred and despair.”

An ode to a politics of an era gone by.
https://t.co/FgIB0DlXWc

[Orson Tan @orsontwk]

@1NRSmith This looks like a great piece Nick!