March
The AI economy has a massive vulnerability
Subsea cables channel data and power, but they face escalating dangers, and multiple incidents in the past few months have highlighted those risks.
China bolsters defence budget to build bigger military
China is increasing its defence spending and looks to fire up its sluggish economy, in the midst of a trade war with the United States.
Chinese ships a reality check for our military
Readers’ letters on Chinese military vessels circling Australia, Donald Trump’s stance on Ukraine, Woolworths’ cost cuts and the Jackson Pollock painting Blue Poles.
February
Live-fire drills have blown up Labor’s ‘stabilisation’ with China
The Chinese are telling everyone the naval manoeuvres are not illegal, but it’s odd to hear Australia’s prime minister and defence minister parroting their words.
US enrages China after suggesting support for Taiwan independence
The United States Department of State has dropped a phrase from its online fact sheet that stated Washington does not support Taiwan’s independence.
January
The new, very dangerous Chinese warplane that isn’t a stealth fighter
The mysterious airborne early warning and control aircraft could give the Asian nation a huge advantage in any military action against Taiwan.
December 2024
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.
November 2024
No ambassador, we are not ready to get tight with China on defence
While the relationship must progress, glossing over the facts and real risks is dangerous – Canberra and Beijing are far from ready for closer defence ties.
‘America’s loss is Australia’s gain’ if Trump cuts green energy scheme
Any move by Donald Trump to curb the Inflation Reduction Act could drive investment to Australia, says Anthony Albanese.
Ban MPs from Qantas’ Chairman’s Lounge: former minister Neil Brown
Readers’ letters on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s Qantas flight upgrades, China’s military expansion, the industrial relation review for small business and power supply in Broken Hill
October 2024
China to restart Aussie lobster trade in major breakthrough
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said rock lobsters would be back on tables in time for Chinese New Year celebrations in January.
America’s fickle foreign policy is destabilising the world
The swings between Democratic and Republican presidents weren’t so wild in the heyday of the US. Now it’s like the New England weather.
September 2024
A new ‘axis of evil’ is threatening the world
United by a shared hatred of the US-led order, the rulers of China, Russia, Iran and North Korea are growing worryingly close.
The scary new map of the South China Sea
All evidence points to a novel phase in the struggle for the contested sea lane – and whether China and the US can contain the nerve-shredding contest is far from clear.
Why the Philippines is the new China flashpoint
Most people have never heard of the Sabina Shoal, but it’s become the latest global testing ground for confrontation with China. Will it trigger broader conflict?
How China’s coast guard is ‘trying to occupy the ocean’
In most countries, coast guards are there to do just that: guard domestic coasts and territorial waters. China’s, however, is more like a second navy.
Australia, US condemn China over ‘dangerous’ new South China Sea collision
The collision of the Chinese and Philippine coast guard vessels was the fifth in a month, as tensions escalate between the two nations in the vital waterway.
August 2024
US military eyes escorting Philippine ships in South China Sea
The head of the US Indo-Pacific command said he was open to discussions about escorting Philippine ships amid growing clashes with China in the disputed waters.
July 2024
Quad expands maritime coverage to combat China aggression
Quad member countries will expand their maritime data sharing program as China’s aggression in critical waterways ramps up.
US boosts military command in Japan amid ‘provocative’ China
US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin says an upgrade to the US command in Japan is “one of the most significant developments in the history of our alliance”.