Your morning Briefing: US, China ignite hi-tech row

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

Hello readers. The US and China are embroiled in a hi-tech row over spying and political smears, and renewables apostle’s links to fossil fuel revealed.

Acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker announces an indictment on violations including bank and wire fraud, Monday, Jan. 28, 2019, of Chines telecommunications companies including Huawei, at the Justice Department in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Hi-tech row

The US and China are trading accusations of espionage and political smears over a move to stop Huawei sales. Cameron Stewart reports that US spy agencies have delivered a blistering warning about China’s bullying of Pacific island nations in Australia’s backyard. Greg Sheridan discerns a shift in balance if not yet a Cold War.

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Indigenous leaders have backed Kerri-Ann Kennerley.

KAK backed

Indigenous leaders weigh in to support Kerri-Anne Kennerley after she was ­accused of being “racist” during an on-air spat over an “Invasion Day” debate. Jacinta Price writes that choice is taken for granted by the Australia Day protesters who feel a need to virtue signal, yet accomplish nothing.

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Josh Frydenberg and Oliver Yates.

Renewables apostle’s fossil fuel ties

The renewable-energy advocate challenging Josh Frydenberg in the Liberal stronghold of Koo­yong will campaign on government inaction on climate change, des­pite serving on the board of a company that previously sold coal tenements to Indian mining giant Adani.

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A handout photograph released by the UK Parliament shows Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May speaking to members of the House of Commons in London on January 29, 2019, as Parliament prepare to debate on amendments to her Brexit withdrawal bill. - British Prime Minister Theresa May urged MPs on Tuesday to give her a mandate to renegotiate her Brexit deal with the European Union, despite Brussels insisting it will not budge just two months before withdrawal day. (Photo by Mark DUFFY / UK PARLIAMENT / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - NO USE FOR ENTERTAINMENT, SATIRICAL, ADVERTISING PURPOSES - MANDATORY CREDIT " AFP PHOTO /MARK DUFFY / UK Parliament"

Relief for May

Theresa May can breathe sigh of relief after the defeat of a potentially disastrous amendment to defer Brexit until the end of the year.

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Johannes Leak’s view

Johannes Leak Letters Cartoon for 30-01-2019. Version: 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.