Dear Network Members and Colleagues,

This week we welcome new network members and feature a commentary on Russia-China relations by Dr. Igor Istomin, an APLN-Korea Times column by Dr. Tanya Ogilvie-White and Dr. Tanvi Kulkarni on the risks of a missiles race in East Asia, an upcoming conference supported by APLN on nuclear non-proliferation, a recent APLN webinar on Japan’s responses to nuclear threats in the region, plus member activities.

APLN Welcomes New Members

APLN is delighted to welcome our newest network members: Australia’s former Prime Minister and Chair of Beyond Blue, Julia Gillard; and former Senator for South Australia and Leader of the Australian Democrats and founding Chair of Our Watch, Natasha Stott Despoja.

In an APLN commentary published on 26 July, Dr. Igor Istomin, Associate Professor of Moscow State Institute of International Relations, discusses the recent extension of the Treaty of Good-Neighbourliness and Friendly Cooperation between China and Russia. He argues that both countries have strong incentives in deepening their cooperation without resorting to a formal, military alliance. Read more

This week APLN policy fellows participated in the 2021 KAIST-NEREC Summer Fellows Program, an intensive short-term education and training course on nuclear non-proliferation to train and nurture next generation of experts and leaders. Sponsored by APLN and partners, the upcoming 2021 KAIST-NEREC Conference on Nuclear Nonproliferation will take place online from 3-5 August. APLN members will speak and APLN policy fellows and interns will take part. Read more

In Cased You Missed It:
Webinar on Assessing Northeast Asia Nuclear Domino: Japanese Responses

Earlier this month, APLN co-hosted a webinar on Japan’s response to nuclear threats in Northeast Asia, including threat assessments of China and the DPRK. APLN members discussed the perception of nuclear weapons use in Japan, the prospects of a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones, and the need for confidence building measures in Northeast Asia. Summaries of the discussions can be found here.