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Engagement in the Indo-Pacific

The Indo-Pacific is a region undergoing profound strategic shifts, driven by growing regional multipolarity, evolving alliances, and the rising need for collective defence. At the Centre, we are committed to examining these trends and diving deep into analysis that informs policymakers, industry leaders, and the public about the region’s future.

Explore our work in the region

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Click on the points to explore research and activities we are undertaking in the region.

Recent research

Thulium is precipitated from a solution on a microscope slide and photographed in polarised light

Trade and economics

The missing market: Why US and allies’ rare earth derisking needs a demand-side strategy

30 September 2026

Defence

Australia, Japan and the United States: Implementing a trilateral denial strategy along the First Island Chain

Can Australia, Japan and the United States turn closer defence ties into credible deterrence? Four experts explore what it will take to put their shared strategy into action along the First Island Chain — and where the toughest challenges lie.

15 September 2026

UK and Australian Flags embedded into an abstract cube stack.

Trade and economics

An Australia–United Kingdom agenda for economic security

As trade and supply chains become tools of geopolitical pressure, trusted partnerships matter more than ever. This report identifies practical ways Australia and the United Kingdom can pool investment, secure critical supply chains and build economic resilience together.

10 September 2026

Latest activity

Two people shake hands at a networking event

The JADE Fellows—Japan-Australia Dialogue and Exchange for Next Generation—help shape the future of policy expertise, fostering a new generation of Australia-based Japan specialists and Japan-based Australia experts.

People talking at a track 1.5 dialogue on Australia-Korea-Japan relations

The very first trilateral dialogue between Australia, Japan and the Republic of Korea, hosted by the Centre was hosted by the Centre in 2024. A key attendee was Professor Mieko Nakabayashi, a Professor of Political Science at Waseda University in Japan.

Centre delegates posing for a group photograph with Taiwan officials

A USSC delegation travelled to Taiwan to engage in discussions with key leaders, including former President Tsai Ing-wen, current Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung. They assessed the state of play of Australia and Taiwan ties amid the broader Indo-Pacific regional context.

People discussing at a roundtable dialogue event

The Centre's Quad dialogue convened more than 40 academics, government officials and thought leaders from the four Quad nations to take stock of recent developments and their implications for the future of this strategic partnership. This included in-depth discussions with Chargé d'Affaires Erika Olson.

Person talking to an audience at an event hosted by the Centre.

Maitri Fellow, Riya Sinha explores how Australia and India can forge stronger ties through Indian Ocean port linkages, resilient supply chains, and sustainable development — offering a strategic alternative in a contested region.

Explore our latest commentary within the region