China-Australia relations

Former Australian prime minister says China is dealing with ‘self-inflicted’ problems, including ‘poor policy choices’, and that economic growth is the Communist Party’s top challenge this year.

Type 815 ship’s radar aperture can receive frequencies and spectra from warships at long distances, data crucial for electromagnetic warfare: naval observer.

Retired career diplomat Trevor Sofield, who was high commissioner to the Solomon Islands from 1982 to 1985, told a security summit Australia had ‘lost its way’ in the Pacific as China scaled up its influence in the region.

While both the ruling Liberal coalition and opposition Labor parties are talking tough on Beijing, analysts say the latter may adopt a ‘less provocative’ brand of diplomacy.

Opinion polls suggest Anthony Albanese’s Labor party is ahead of incumbent PM Scott Morrison’s ruling conservative coalition, but surveys have not been a good predictor of election outcomes.

The Labor Party has accused the government of inconsistency over the island chain’s security pact with China, with its talk of both ‘red lines’ and respect for sovereignty ahead of the May 21 election.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the navy intelligence ship Haiwangxing’s presence was ‘concerning’ after it sailed close to a military facility in Exmouth.

‘China’s rise should not be seen as a threat to Australia,’ Xiao Qian wrote in an opinion piece amid fears that Beijing will establish a military foothold in the Solomons.

Statement from the Chinese embassy in Honiara says Beijing welcomes the Pacific nation ‘to take a ride on China’s economic development express’.

Manasseh Sogavare called the leaked memorandum of understanding on maritime investment as a ‘normal bilateral development initiative’ that is yet to be formalised.

Secret Intelligence Service boss Paul Symon also suggested discontent with Beijing’s political system could lead to more Chinese officials offering information.

A draft maritime cooperation agreement between China and the Solomon Islands was leaked to an Australian newspaper; PM Scott Morrison said he’s concerned about what it could mean for security in the southwest Pacific.

Long before campaigning began for May’s federal election, Canberra talked of national security threats from Beijing, like cyberattacks or even war; racism has also reared its head.

The China-Solomons deal has not been publicly released but a leaked draft alarmed countries in the region, particularly sections that would allow Chinese naval deployments to the Solomons.

Liberal Party senator Andrew Bragg was referring to the ruling coalition’s ‘intemperate rhetoric’ about China; observers said that showed how ‘out of touch’ the coalition is about racism.

Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne said Canberra remained Honiara’s ‘security partner of choice’ after meeting her Solomons counterpart Jeremiah Manele.

Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi’s trip comes in wake of deal that will reportedly allow Beijing to deploy forces and naval assets to the islands; also concerns about tactics Chinese police might use to maintain order.

A report says Washington’s treaty allies in the region would be reluctant to provoke China by offering permanent bases for intermediate missiles.

Defence Minister Peter Dutton says China’s “interference” in the PM’s WeChat account and the actions of editors of Chinese newspapers in Australia are evidence Beijing is trying to influence the May 21 election.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said Honiara is being ‘threatened with invasion’ after it signed a security agreement with Beijing.

Australian wine exporters have had to navigate ‘an exceptionally challenging operating environment’, largely caused by the imposition of tariffs on bottled Australian wine imported to mainland China, a new report says.

If Chinese security cooperation and economic largesse bring stability and prosperity to the islands, the message will resonate across the Pacific. However, the strong reaction of the region’s traditional powers could have a chilling effect on other countries eyeing a deal with China.

The Pacific island country’s top diplomat to Australia said that China’s police presence under a new security pact was aimed at boosting capabilities. ‘We will try and do our best in terms of dealing with them,’ he said.

Canberra has sought new free-trade deals after its largest trading partner China placed restrictions on some Australian exports in 2020 amid spiralling tensions.

Addressing parliament on Friday, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare compared the country’s China pact to Australia’s security agreement with Britain and the US.

Chinese vice foreign minister Xie Feng says Australia has no right to draw red lines for sovereign nations.