Patrick Conroy
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
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Pacific diplomacy
Albanese wants to China-proof the Pacific, but Nauru is driving a hard bargain
As Australia seeks to prevent China from gaining a security foothold in the Pacific, island nations are negotiating hard.
- by Matthew Knott
See the free flights our most senior MPs take
Who flew where, how and who paid are fast becoming the defining questions in politics.
- by Millie Muroi
Australia buys $7b worth of US missiles for ‘greatest arms race’ since World War II
The deal will equip Australia’s navy with hundreds of advanced US-made long-range weapons.
- by Michelle Griffin
‘Small dogs on a leash’: Putin takes aim at Australia’s NATO links
Vladimir Putin has lashed Australia in a speech that praised China and castigated the West in another sign of deepening ties between Russia and China.
- by Rob Harris
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Foreign aid
The World Bank head has thoughts on the Pacific – and needs Australia’s help
Ajay Banga will make the first visit to Pacific Island nations by a World Bank leader in almost 50 years.
- by Peter Hartcher
Australia strikes deal to build our own long-range missiles
The missiles will cost $4 million each and have a range over 275 kilometres.
- by Matthew Knott
Australia buys ‘devastating’ kamikaze drones
The government has acquired Switchblade 300 drones, to be deployed from late 2024, for an undisclosed amount.
- by Dominic Giannini and Tess Ikonomou
Bowen defends use of two jets for one photo op with PM for renewables
The energy minister said the Royal Australian Air Force advised that the Hunter Valley airport couldn’t accommodate the PM’s usual plane.
- by Olivia Ireland and Matthew Knott
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Pacific diplomacy
‘There is a contest’: Australia and China jostle for Pacific influence
The federal government has vowed to use every diplomatic tool possible to counter China’s increasingly skilful efforts to expand its influence in the Pacific.
- by Matthew Knott
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China relations
Security ties, banking help on the agenda for high-stakes Nauru visit
The Australian government is acting on advice that China is ramping up its efforts in the Pacific after learning from mistakes in the past.
- by David Crowe
Original URL: https://www.watoday.com.au/topic/patrick-martin-conroy-6fnj