Your morning Briefing: Beijing slaps ban on coal exports

Your 2-minute digest of today’s top stories and must-reads.

Hello readers. China strikes at our top export earner, slapping a ban on coal, and the bride of Isis finds a friend in Jeremy Corbyn.

Federal Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham speaks to media during a press conference announcing Australia's first compressed air energy storage project at Angas Zinc Mine near Strathalbyn, South Australia, Friday, February 8, 2019. (AAP Image/James Elsby) NO ARCHIVING

China coal ban

China has banned Australian coal exports from entering five ports, in a provoc­ative strike at our top expor­t earner. Greg Sheridan suggests everything Canberra has done that annoys Beijing has been forced on it by Chinese ­actions.

“Any Australian government would have to act to protect our critical infrastructure from foreign investment that could compromise its security.

“Any Australian government would want to prevent foreign interference in our politics.

“Any Australian government with half a thimbleful of strategic nous would be determined to remain the strategic, aid and commerce partner of choice in the South Pacific.”

Greg Sheridan

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Opal Tower on Monday 28/01/2019 Picture: Dylan Robinson

Beams blamed

Engineers hand down their final report into western Sydney’s troubled Opal Tower and identify the causes of major cracking.

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Qantas CEO Alan Joyce at Qantas head quarters in Mascot on the 21st of February 2019. Qantas' released their half year financial results. Photographer: Adam Yip

Airline dogfight

Alan Joyce has delivered his most scathing criticism yet of Virgin Australia’s outgoing chief executive, John Borghetti.

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BRUSSELS, BELGIUM - FEBRUARY 21, 2019 : British Labour leader and Leader of the Opposition, Jeremy Corbyn is talking to media at the Berlaymont, the EU Commission headquarters on February 21, 2019 in Brussels, Belgium. Jeremy Corbyn and Labour's Brexit team met with the European Chief Negotiator for the United Kingdom Exiting the European Union Michel Barnier. (Photo by Thierry Monasse/Getty Images)

Corbyn backs jihadi bride

Shamima Begum appealed for sympathy — and has got it — from the British Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn.

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An artist's impression of 80 Collins Street (left) and Chris Lucas, Martin Benn and Vicki Wild.

Cutting edge

Melbourne restaurateur Chris Lucas wants to put Australia on the world dining stage with his restaurant at 80 Collins Street, Melbourne. John Lethlean reports.

“We’re relying on our own financial resources and expertise. We are the safety net. If it fails, we go down with the ship.

“But the beauty is that it gives us complete creative freedom. Very few restaurateurs or chefs, around the world, can sing that song.”

Chris Lucas

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Kudelka’s view

Jon Kudelka Letters Cartoon for 22-02-19Version: Letters Cartoon (1280x720 - Aspect ratio preserved, Canvas added)COPYRIGHT: The Australian's artists each have different copyright agreements in place regarding re-use of their work in other publications.Please seek advice from the artists themselves or the Managing Editor of The Australian regarding re-use.