PM announces $190m security deal with Solomon Islands
Anthony Albanese revealed the third security deal brokered this month, as the government continues efforts to counter China’s influence in the Pacific.
- by Michelle Griffin, James Massola and Matthew Knott
Latest
Exclusive
Foreign relations
‘Command and control’: Labor’s cuts to hawkish think tank raises hackles
A think tank set to be one of the losers from the decision was several years ago named by Chinese officials on an infamous list of 14 grievances.
- by Matthew Knott
Inside the fiery meeting that would define the government’s relationship with Israel
Fallout from the war in Gaza has created a deepening rift in relations between Australia and Israel. The hostilities are political and personal.
- by Matthew Knott
Analysis
Pacific diplomacy
‘Better than a veto’: NRL soft power play packs a secret punch on China
The announcement of a new NRL team was about so much more than a new NRL team. The setting of the press conference told the story.
- by Matthew Knott
Updated
PNG
Australia signs $600m deal to create PNG NRL team; further expansion could be ‘weeks away’
The deal to establish a PNG team comes with a China “escape clause” for Australia, while ARLC chair Peter V’landys has revealed another NRL license could be granted before Christmas.
- by Matthew Knott, Adrian Proszenko and Michael Chammas
Updated
Antisemitism
Jewish leaders divided over government culpability for antisemitism
The government was again set to anger Israel with two United Nations votes in New York overnight on Wednesday, including one on a ceasefire in Gaza.
- by David Crowe and Matthew Knott
Exclusive
National security
A secret agent, the KGB and a ‘witch-hunt’: The ASIO raid that infuriated Australia’s ex-spies
The decision by ASIO to raid a high-profile former officer is unprecedented in the agency’s recent history and has divided Australia’s intelligence community.
- by Matthew Knott and Nick McKenzie
Wong hits back at Netanyahu, links Israel to China, Russia
Penny Wong says Australia expects Israel to comply with international law in the same way it expects authoritarian regimes such as Russia and China to do so.
- by Matthew Knott and Josefine Ganko
Updated
Pacific diplomacy
Australia fires Tomahawk missile for first time, spends $140m to China-proof Nauru
Faced with challenges in the Indo-Pacific, Australia revealed it test-fired a Tomahawk missile recently as it ramps up its long-range strike capability.
- by Matthew Knott
Updated
Antisemitism
‘I fear the next attack will be worse’: former Labor minister’s warning on antisemitism
PM Anthony Albanese said he personally believed the firebombing of a Melbourne synagogue was a terrorist attack, as he hit back at claims he had failed to tackle antisemitism.
- by Matthew Knott
Analysis
Israeli-Palestinian conflict
The friendship between Australia and Israel is on life support. There is a lot of blame to go around
Some self-reflection would not go astray from Israel’s leaders and advocates about why the nation has become so isolated on the international stage.
- by Matthew Knott
Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/by/matthew-knott-hvf2k