Browsing Tag

Australia

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Australia fears China’s latest Pacific deal could stoke tensions

Australia has expressed concerns over China’s policing pact with Solomon Islands, urging transparency and stating that it threatens to escalate tensions in the South Pacific. China’s increasing influence in the region has raised alarm among Western powers.

Australia to support activists threatened by Hong Kong

Australia expresses concern over Hong Kong bounties on activists, vows support for those residing in Australia.

Australia gives Twitter 28 days to clean up ‘toxicity and hate’

Australia watchdog threatens Twitter with fines over failure to tackle online abuse since Elon Musk’s takeover, citing increased “toxicity and hate.”

Australia’s security pacts with Pacific Nations face sovereignty concerns amid China’s growing influence

Australia’s bid for security pacts with Pacific neighbors faces obstacles as leaders in Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu express concerns over sovereignty. The agreements, aimed at countering China’s influence, are being questioned due to perceived imbalances of power and encroachments on sovereign rights. Australia seeks to strengthen ties amidst competition in the region.

Australian minister heads to China seeking ‘unimpeded’ trade

Australia’s trade minister has traveled to Beijing with the aim of removing all import barriers imposed by China. The meeting between Trade Minister Don Farrell and China’s commerce minister is seen as a significant breakthrough in rebuilding the strained relationship. China had previously imposed tariffs and restrictions on Australian exports in response to political disagreements. The visit signals a potential thaw in relations as Australia seeks to balance its economic ties with China and its alliances in the South Pacific region.

Australia says ‘deep concerns’ for reporter held in China since 2020

Australia urged China to release journalist Cheng Lei, who has been detained for 1,000 days on charges of “supplying state secrets overseas.” The case is believed to be politically motivated, and there are concerns about the delays and limited contact she has had with the outside world. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed deep concerns and called for Cheng Lei to be reunited with her family.

Australia bans TikTok on government devices

Australia will ban TikTok on government devices due to national security concerns, following advice from intelligence agencies. The decision makes Australia the last member of the Five Eyes alliance to pursue such a ban, joining allies the US, UK, Canada, and New Zealand, as well as France, the Netherlands, and the European Commission. Cybersecurity experts have warned that the app, which has over one billion users, could be used to collect data shared with the Chinese government. TikTok has dismissed the bans as “rooted in xenophobia” but acknowledged collecting user data to spy on journalists.