Australia's Role in the Evolving Nuclear Arms Control Landscape

2 Aug 2024 | APLN

2 August 2024

This week at APLN, Cathy Moloney identifies three areas where Australia can promote nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament in the absence of arms control negotiations, and Kyoko Hatakeyama writes about the Japan-Philippines Reciprocal Access Agreement. We also join the 2024 #CranesForOurFuture campaign to honour the victims of the atomic bombings in Japan and raise awareness about the growing nuclear threats in our region and the world.

As always, we share recent activities from our network, including analysis on the Paris Olympics, Japan’s defence white paper and position on the TPNW, the Doomsday Clock, and more.

Australia’s Role in the Evolving Nuclear Arms Control Landscape

Cathy Moloney argues that the reluctance of nuclear-weapon states to engage in meaningful arms control talks requires proactive measures from non-nuclear weapon states to promote regional and global security. She suggests that Australia must leverage its strong non-proliferation credentials to strengthen diplomatic efforts for resuming nuclear arms controls, reinforce existing norms and treaties, and support US extended deterrence, for upholding the principles of non-proliferation.

Read the Korea Times column

The Japan-Philippines Reciprocal Access Agreement: Landmark Pact That Strengthens Ties Between Like-Minded States

On July 8, 2024, Japan and the Philippines signed a vital Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) in Tokyo. Kyoko Hatakeyama writes that this agreement is pivotal in countering China’s assertive maritime policies in the East and South China Seas, represents a significant shift towards a quasi-alliance structure and strengthens the bond between like-minded states in the Indo-Pacific region.

Read the commentary

As we commemorate the 79th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, APLN joins a coalition of institutions and public figures around the world in sharing photos of paper cranes with the hashtag #CranesForOurFuture, spreading a message of peace and hope.

This campaign, launched by the Hiroshima Organization for Global Peace (HOPe), the prefectures of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI), honours the victims of the atomic bombings and advocates for a future free from nuclear weapons.

Use APLN’s origami templates to fold your crane

APLN has over 150 members from 22 countries in the Asia-Pacific.
Each week we feature their latest contributions
to global and regional security debates.

See all member activities

Paris Olympics and Global Agenda

Kim Won-soo, former Under Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs of the United Nations, wrote for The Korea Times on the Paris Olympics’ commitment to inclusivity, solidarity, and sustainability. He highlighted that South Korea should reconsider its motivations for hosting mega sports events, focusing on shaping the new global agenda through sports rather than showcasing national successes.

Doomsday Clock And The 90 Seconds To Nuclear Or Climate Armageddon

Manpreet Sethi, APLN Senior Research Adviser and Distinguished Fellow at the Centre for Air Power Studies, was interviewed by StratNews Global. She discussed the “Doomsday Clock”, an indicator of the world’s vulnerability to global catastrophes caused by man-made technologies.

Explained: Japan’s Defense White Paper 2024 And US ‘Extended Deterrence’

Rajaram Panda, former Senior Fellow with the Prime Minister Memorial Museum and Library, analysed the “Defense of Japan 2024” white paper, highlighting Japan’s focus on enhancing its defense capabilities in response to regional threats from China, North Korea, and Russia.

Vietnam Communist Party Boss Dies at 80; Succession in Balance

Huong Le Thu, Deputy Director of Asia Program at the International Crisis Group, was quoted in Nikkei Asia, where she commented on the recent passing of the Communist Party of Vietnam’s General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

Logic (or Illogic?) of Japan’s Aversion to TPNW and Charting a Path Forward

Michiru Nishida, APLN Senior Research Adviser, wrote on Japan’s position on the TPNW and argued that a substance-over-formality approach, not adhering strictly to the TPNW formalities but operating within a framework separate from the TPNW, may open a window of opportunity for cooperation.

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