Tag: Australia

Secretary of State, Sen. Marco Rubio testifies during his Senate Foreign Relations confirmation hearing at Dirksen Senate Office Building.
DIPLOMACY

Rubio claims the U.S. is committed to supporting the Philippines amid concerns over China’s ‘threatening’ actions

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaged in discussions on Wednesday with his Philippine counterpart regarding China’s “dangerous and destabilizing actions in the South China Sea,” reaffirming the United States’ “ironclad” commitment to defense support for Manila. According to a statement from the U.S. State Department, Secretary Rubio emphasized that China’s conduct threatens regional peace and stability and contravenes international law during his conversation with … Continue reading Rubio claims the U.S. is committed to supporting the Philippines amid concerns over China’s ‘threatening’ actions

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DIPLOMACY

Quad foreign ministers convene in Washington, highlighting Trump’s emphasis on China

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that a meeting in Washington with his counterparts from Australia, India, and Japan on Tuesday will emphasize the significance of collaborating with allies on issues vital to the United States and its citizens. Rubio, who took the oath of office the day after President Donald Trump commenced his second term, will host the “Quad”—a coalition of four nations … Continue reading Quad foreign ministers convene in Washington, highlighting Trump’s emphasis on China

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DEFENCE

Japan establishes a mission to NATO amid escalating tensions with Russia and North Korea

NATO has strengthened its relationships with Japan and three other partners in the Indo-Pacific region: Australia, New Zealand, and South Korea, although these connections do not constitute formal membership in the military alliance. Japan has officially launched an independent mission to NATO as both Tokyo and the alliance aim to enhance collaboration in response to rising tensions from Russia, China, and North Korea. Previously, the … Continue reading Japan establishes a mission to NATO amid escalating tensions with Russia and North Korea

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DIPLOMACY

Australia summoned the Russian ambassador after reports of a captured soldier’s death

Australia has called in the Russian ambassador following reports that a Melbourne resident was killed after being captured by Russian forces while fighting for Ukraine, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Wednesday. The Australian government has requested that Russian officials promptly confirm the status of Oscar Jenkins and expressed deep concern regarding the reports of his death, as stated by Albanese during a press briefing. … Continue reading Australia summoned the Russian ambassador after reports of a captured soldier’s death

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Japan's Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya
DIPLOMACY

Japan’s foreign minister has announced his intention to participate in the inauguration of Trump

Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya announced on Sunday his intention to attend Donald Trump‘s inauguration as U.S. president on January 20. This move reflects Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s administration’s desire to strengthen its relationship with the United States, a key security partner. Iwaya expressed his commitment to fostering a trusting relationship with the Trump administration during a discussion on NHK, Japan’s public broadcaster. He also … Continue reading Japan’s foreign minister has announced his intention to participate in the inauguration of Trump

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TOP STORIES

Biden administration urges the Trump administration to keep a consistent approach in the Indo-Pacific

Jake Sullivan, the departing U.S. national security adviser, is encouraging the incoming Trump administration to maintain President Joe Biden‘s approach of strengthening relationships with allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region to address challenges posed by adversaries such as China and North Korea. Sullivan stated, in response to a question from VOA during a roundtable with journalists on Friday, “The argument we will present is … Continue reading Biden administration urges the Trump administration to keep a consistent approach in the Indo-Pacific

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DISPUTES

US is preparing to impose additional sanctions on tankers transporting Russian oil, according to sources

The Biden administration is preparing to implement additional sanctions on Russia in response to its ongoing conflict in Ukraine, specifically targeting the nation’s oil revenue by focusing on tankers transporting Russian crude, according to three informed sources. As President Joe Biden’s administration aims to strengthen support for Ukraine ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, there is concern regarding Trump’s previous criticisms of … Continue reading US is preparing to impose additional sanctions on tankers transporting Russian oil, according to sources

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Donald Trump meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping
TOP STORIES

Biden spent four years strengthening US alliances in Asia. Will they last through Trump’s next term?

For America’s allies in Asia, the looming prospect of Donald Trump‘s return to the White House is particularly concerning at this juncture. China has been actively modernizing its military capabilities and nuclear stockpile, while also becoming more assertive in its territorial claims in the South China Sea and regarding Taiwan. Meanwhile, North Korea has intensified its aggressive rhetoric and its pursuit of nuclear program. Both … Continue reading Biden spent four years strengthening US alliances in Asia. Will they last through Trump’s next term?

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Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles
DEFENCE

Australia and Singapore have agreed to enhance access to each other’s defense facilities

On Tuesday, Singapore and Australia reached an agreement to explore enhanced access to each other’s defense facilities, which includes facilitating more frequent visits by Australian personnel to Singapore’s air force and navy bases. The two nations are expected to announce an upgrade to their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership next year, which will encompass plans for deeper military cooperation, as stated by Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles … Continue reading Australia and Singapore have agreed to enhance access to each other’s defense facilities

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Philippine military chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. left, greets US soldiers beside a HIMARS rocket launcher on display during the Asian Defense and Security Exhibition.
TOP STORIES

U.S. and Japan have launched a new missile strategy to counter a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan

A U.S. initiative to position advanced missile systems on a Japanese island chain near Taiwan is eliciting strong reactions from both China and its ally Russia. According to a report by Kyodo News on Sunday, which referenced unnamed sources, the United States is formulating a collaborative military strategy with Japan to deploy High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and additional weaponry to Japan’s Nansei islands. … Continue reading U.S. and Japan have launched a new missile strategy to counter a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan

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