This Month
- 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
November
- Opinion
- China relations
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.
- Jennifer Parker
‘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.
- Phillip Coorey
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
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.
- Tom McIlroy
- Opinion
- International affairs
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.
- Janan Ganesh
September
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 Economist
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.
- The Economist
- Opinion
- China
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?
- Jennifer Hewett
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.
- Kathrin Hille
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.
- Neil Jerome Morales and Joe Cash
August
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.
- Jim Gomez
July
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.
- Staff reporters
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”.
- Updated
- Mari Yamaguchi
AUKUS navy chiefs sound alarm over China, Russia, Iran collaboration
The head of the US Navy warns that “unfettered access” to the sea for trade is at risk from authoritarian countries dubbed the “axis of upheaval”
- Andrew Tillett
China and the Philippines sign deal to avert clashes at sea
The rare deal with the Philippines sparks hope that similar arrangements could be forged by Beijing with other countries to avoid clashes while thorny territorial issues remain unresolved.
- Jim Gomez
China sends most warplanes ever across Taiwan key line
The dispatch comes after Taiwan’s new president said he was considering passing through the US while potentially visiting nations that have ties with Taiwan.
- Yian Lee
June
- Opinion
- Opinion
The risky business of standing up to Beijing in the South China Sea
Capitulating to Chinese demands would set a precedent for other claimants with stakes in the waterway, making it next to impossible to row back from.
- Karishma Vaswani
- Opinion
- Opinion
Why South China Sea is the flashpoint that could spark war
The worry for Australia is that rather than Taiwan, the worsening situation in the seas east of Asia is more likely to entangle it in a great power conflict.
- Bec Strating
This secret action by the Philippines will ‘infuriate’ China
It has secretly reinforced a dilapidated warship marooned on a South China Sea reef that’s at the centre of recent clashes with China.
- Demetri Sevastopulo