Australia is being very explicit in response to concerns about China at the moment, increasingly prepared to put aside the imperatives of diplomacy when necessary.
The espionage allegation against the Australian writer comes against a backdrop of rising trade and political tensions – and the Australian government’s response is hardening.
As the Australian government continues to pressure China over Yang Hengjun’s formal arrest, Yang has appealed to Scott Morrison to please “help me go home as soon as possible”.
Professor of Public Ethics, Clive Hamilton, has accused “many” vice-chancellors of of losing sight of academic freedom, under the pressure of revenue and influence from China.
Outspoken Australian-Chinese democracy advocate Dr Yang Hengjun has been formally arrested in China on suspicion of spying, further straining relations between the two countries.
After 12 months as prime minister, Morrison looks the strong leader, clearly in charge, with few constraints. But will he make a substantial entry in the history book of Australian prime ministers?
Backbencher Andrew Hastie’s recent opinion piece has caused ructions within the government, but Scott Morrison needs to articulate a clear policy on China that also allows for dissenting voices.
The government is trying to shut down backbench contributions in the name of the “national interest”, but it is more an exercise of attempted control in its own interest.
No matter who forms government after the next election, managing Australia’s relationship with China will continue to be a major challenge, and vitally important in a region remaking itself.
Hong Kong’s CKI taking over Australian infrastructure company APA Group has been ruled against the national interest. That’s rare, but not a huge deal.
Marise Payne this week became the first Australian foreign minister to visit China in three years – another indication that the frost in the relationship is thawing.
The bill makes it easier for states and territories to seek help from the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to respond to terrorist and other violent occurrences.
Chinese financing and know-how present both a threat and an opportunity for infrastructure development. Australia can benefit from proactively identifying needs that Chinese investment can help meet.
Sport has a history of providing opportunities for détente, or at least discussion - and there’s every chance the AFL’s latest venture to China could do just that.
This week treasurer Joe Hockey, and trade minister Andrew Robb have been in China for the inaugural Australia-China Strategic Economic Dialogue. These talks are one part of the “Strategic Partnership…
Honorary Professor, School of Kinesiology, Western University, London, Canada; Adjunct Fellow, Olympic Scholar and Co-Director of the Olympic and Paralympic Research Centre, Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University