Publication

This publication focuses on important developments in the Asia-Pacific region in the third quarter of 2009. Each chapter examines a bilateral relationship in greater detail, with a special focus on the trends and initiatives shaping the state of bilateral and broader regional relations and stability. Prominent issues include the election of a new prime minister in Japan, Hatoyama Yukio, and the impact this has had on Japan's international relationships, as well as the somewhat erratic behavior of North Korea, which appeared to go on a 'charm offensive.' This issue also contains a new addition to the usual relationships analyzed, with a chapter assessing Australia's relations with the US and other East Asian states.