This Month
How CBA’s $3 fee gambit nearly blew up the bank’s political capital
Bankers inside Commonwealth Bank’s retail division figured a small branch cash withdrawal charge was innocuous. They were wrong.
- Lucas Baird and James Eyers
NRL team confirmed for PNG in $600m deal that comes with a catch
The deal, bankrolled by taxpayers, will collapse if the Pacific country signs a security agreement with China. Anthony Albanese argues it’s an investment in Australia’s security.
- Updated
- Andrew Tillett and Zoe Samios
Albanese blocks China with $140m Nauru deal
The new treaty with the Pacific nation gives Australia a veto over security, banking and teleco agreements – and comes with a $140m price tag.
- Andrew Tillett
- Opinion
- International affairs
Prabowo’s first overseas visit was a shambles
The Indonesian president was so charmed by Xi Jinping that he agreed to a Chinese draft of a joint statement that gave away his nation’s longstanding positions.
- The Economist
PNG allocates $150m for NRL team by 2028
About $A37.5 million will be provided by the national government, half of which will be allocated to grassroots and community.
- Zoe Samios
November
US leadership ‘indispensable’ even with Trump: Rudd
In his first comments since the former president’s comeback, the Australian ambassador in Washington says he is ready to work with the new White House.
- Andrew Tillett
Australia, US, Japan to strengthen military ties in face of China threat
Defence ministers agreed to a new “commitment to consult” over regional security issues and invited Japanese troops to train in Darwin.
- Updated
- Andrew Tillett
Defence considers recruiting from PNG to see off China’s influence
In the jockeying for influence, the South Pacific’s largest nation has emerged as a key target given its proximity to Australia and rich natural resources.
- Updated
- Andrew Tillett
- Opinion
- Foreign relations
Did you miss the Indonesian president’s November surprise?
While Australians were absorbed by the US election, the new leader of their large neighbour was busy strengthening ties with Russia and China.
- James Curran
- Analysis
- US politics
Trump wants ally Australia to ‘stand up to China’
The president-elect’s picks for secretary of state and national security adviser both want Australia to do more to tackle China’s aggression in the Pacific.
- Updated
- Matthew Cranston
ANZ Bank and Chalmers nearing deal to offset China
Negotiations are in the final stages for the federal government to support the bank to remain in nine Pacific countries, under a plan to secure its presence in the region.
- John Kehoe
Taiwan considers big US defence purchases to please Trump
The deliberations come as countries consider how to avoid becoming a target of the new administration, given the Republican’s call for allies to spend more.
- Demetri Sevastopulo and Kathrin Hille
TSMC stops advanced chip shipments to Chinese customers
The Taiwanese maker of most of the world’s cutting-edge computer chips discovered that one of its products ended up in a processor made by Chinese telco Huawei.
- Meaghan Tobin and Ana Swanson
- Analysis
- US Votes 2024
Who would Xi Jinping vote for in the US election?
Donald Trump’s erratic approach to foreign policy may have the rest of the world on edge, but for the Chinese leader the prospect of a second mandate sits well.
- Jessica Sier
North Korean intercontinental missile launch condemned by US, Japan
The isolationist regime said it tested an ICBM on Thursday, upgrading what it called the “world’s most powerful strategic weapon”.
- Reuters
October
- Opinion
- China relations
Three reasons Sino-Australian ties will get stronger
The vitality and momentum of China’s development will be further unleashed, generating opportunities for progression of relations and co-operation.
- Xiao Qian
Washington welcomes Kevin Rudd’s hardline views on Xi Jinping
Depicting China’s leader as an aggressive ideologue could help the former Australian prime minister in his ambassadorial role following the US election.
- Matthew Cranston
September
New AUKUS pact to keep nuclear subs deal on track
Australia and the UK are thrashing out a formal treaty to allay concerns about getting the SSN-AUKUS submarines built on time and under budget.
- Hans van Leeuwen and Matthew Cranston
- Opinion
- China relations
Quad on shaky ground as US election nears
Leaders including Anthony Albanese insist the security dialogue will survive once Joe Biden leaves office, but the weekend’s outcomes suggest otherwise.
- Matthew Cranston
- Exclusive
- Foreign relations
Japanese fighter jets fly to Darwin as security ties ramp up for China
Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa warns the world is at “a turning point” as she heads to Australia for defence and diplomatic talks.
- Andrew Tillett