S1E32: ‘Judo, botox and yoga’ – what’s Putin up to in Asia?

The Straits Times Podcasts

Analysing this is our guest - Ambassador Peter Tesch, the veteran Australian diplomat and policy strategist.

Synopsis: Join The Straits Times' associate editor and senior Asia columnist Ravi Velloor, as he distils his experience from four decades of covering the continent.

In this episode, Ravi speaks with the eminent Australian diplomat Peter Tesch, a former ambassador to Russia and Germany for his country as well as policy strategist for the Australian defence ministry.

They discuss the recent Putin visits to North Korea and Vietnam, the message he is sending to China and the region, as well as Russia’s overall approach to Asia, including India. Mr Tesch also comments on the Quad, the security dialogue that groups the US with Australia, Japan and India.

Highlights (click/tap above):

4:20 Russia the disruptor

10:10 A subtle message to Xi

16:00 For China, a convenient diversion

21:20 Judo, botox, and yoga!

26:00 Latest on Quad

Produced by: Ravi Velloor ([e-mail]) and Fa’izah Sani

Edited by: Fa’izah Sani

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Chapters

1. ‘Judo, botox and yoga’ – what’s Putin up to in Asia? (00:00:00)

2. Russia the disruptor (00:04:20)

3. A subtle message to Xi (00:10:10)

4. For China, a convenient diversion (00:16:00)

5. Judo, botox, and yoga! (00:21:20)

6. Latest on Quad (00:26:00)