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Defence

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New bridge-making barges are believed to give China an advantage if it were to invade Taiwan.

China is said to be a step closer to being able to invade Taiwan

China has been practising unusual manoeuvres off its southern coast involving three special barges. Experts say it changes the equation on Beijing’s war readiness.

  • Chris Buckley, Christoph Koettl and Agnes Chang

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Nationals frontbencher Bridget McKenzie said she did not have evidence for her claims Russia and China had disparaged Opposition Leader Peter Dutton.

‘It is accurate’: Website stands by controversial Russian aircraft story

Indonesia’s foreign ministry has left open the prospect of regular Russian military visits to the nation, saying it welcomed co-operation with friendly nations.

  • Matthew Knott
Military experts are concerned that Australia’s move to acquire Virginia-class submarines is distorting the defence budget.

The fourth service: How AUKUS is consuming the defence budget

Army. Air force. Navy … AUKUS? The nuclear submarine program could soon cost as much as, or more than, other branches of our military, experts say.

  • Matthew Knott
Peter Dutton and Bridget McKenzie on the campaign trail.

‘I was wrong’: Coalition frontbencher apologises for saying Russia and China want Labor to win election

After the Coalition called on Jakarta to curtail its defence ties with Moscow, one frontbencher claimed Russia and China didn’t want Peter Dutton as PM.

  • Matthew Knott
Russian President Vladimir Putin.

‘Simply not true’: Indonesia rejects reports of Russian military base

Australia’s northern neighbour has reassured the federal government that Russia will not be allowed to base long-range aircraft 1400 kilometres from Darwin.

  • Matthew Knott
Christopher Pyne tours the HMAS Collins submarine when he was Defence Minister in 2018.

Trump uncertainty not biggest threat to $368 billion AUKUS pact, Pyne says

The former defence minister turned lobbyist is confident the $368 billion deal will come to fruition, but admits US support under Trump is “qualified”.

  • Michael Koziol
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Poland’s Radek Sikorski

Ex-war reporter turned foreign minister leading the charge to keep Russia – and China – in check

At a time when Europe’s leadership has been diffuse and distracted, Radek Sikorski has emerged as one of the West’s most forceful voices.

  • Rob Harris
Donald Trump has asked Elon Musk to find improvements in US shipbuilding.

Musk to review US submarines as Australia warned tariffs could push up cost

Donald Trump has ordered Elon Musk to improve the capacity of US shipbuilding amid growing concern that his tariffs will increase the cost of the AUKUS pact.

  • Michael Koziol
Australia is to pay $368 billion for nuclear submarines under the defence pact.

Australia’s submarine deal under scrutiny as global alliances shift

Britain will scrutinise Australia’s nuclear submarines deal with the UK and the United States, as concerns are raised on the other side of the Atlantic about the continued reliability of the US as a security partner.

  • Rob Harris
The Port of Darwin was leased to the Chinese-owned Landbridge Group in 2015.

Chinese firm Landbridge set to be stripped of its controversial lease of the Port of Darwin

The Coalition will use its first major national security policy of the election campaign to announce that in government it would seize control of the port if required.

  • Matthew Knott

Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/topic/defence-5w8