The U.S. State Department has approved the sale of mobile rocket launchers to Australia. The development comes at a time when Canberra is seeking to boost its military presence in the Indo-Pacific region, midst growing Chinese belligerence. In a statement… Read More ›
Australia
Australian gas seller Weston Energy collapses following soaring gas prices
On Tuesday, Weston Energy, a gas seller which supplied 7% of the eastern Australian market, has collapsed following soaring LNG prices, marking the first significant casualty in the country from the global gas crisis following Western sanctions on Russia after… Read More ›
East Timor’s new President aims to forge closer relations with China
Nobel laureate Jose Ramos-Horta has been inaugurated as East Timor’s new president on Friday. He has pledged to dedicate his time in office to strengthen national unity and forge closer ties with China. Thousands have travelled to Dili, the capital… Read More ›
Russia probing cyber security vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure: CISA
Western governments have warned of potential cyber security threats by Russia against critical Western infrastructure as a response to sanctions imposed by them for its invasion of Ukraine. Cybersecurity agencies of the Britain, the United States, Australia, Canada and New… Read More ›
Australia extends sanctions to 14 Russian state owned entities
In a statement Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payn said, Canberra has imposed targeted financial sanctions on 14 Russian state-owned enterprises, including defence-related entities such as Kamaz, a truckmaker, and shipping companies SEVMASH and United Shipbuilding Corp. It has also extended… Read More ›
UK, Australia and US agree to collaborate on hypersonic weapons
In a significant development, the United States, Britain, and Australia agreed to collaborate on developing hypersonic weapons and electronic warfare capabilities. The new AUKUS alliance, launched in September 2021, prompted Australia to cancel a contract for a conventional French submarine… Read More ›
China’s move to establish military base in Solomon Islands concerning: Australia’s defense minister
On Friday, Australia’s defence minister said, China’s move to establish a military base in Solomon Islands would be of concern since it is a neighbouring island. The development comes in the wake of a draft security document between Beijing and… Read More ›
Australia bans export of alumina, aluminum, and bauxite to Russia
Australia has imposed further sanctions on Russia and has banned exports of alumina, bauxite, and aluminium ores as part of a measure to increase sanctions on Moscow. “Russia relies on Australia for nearly 20 percent of its alumina needs,” said… Read More ›
Canberra sanctions Russian oligarchs with links to mining industry
On Friday, Australia imposed sanctions on two Russian oligarchs with links to its mining industry, with one of them connected with an investment to Rio Tinto’s Gladstone alumina refinery joint venture. In a statement Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne said,… Read More ›
Midst Russian invasion of Ukraine, China eyes Indo Pacific: Australia’s intelligence chief
On Wednesday, Australia’s intelligence chief said, a “troubling new strategic convergence” is taking place between China and Russia. The risk of a “major power conflict” has grown following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. China’s President Xi Jinping appears to want to… Read More ›