New Zealand Welcome to ‘Engage’ With Anti-China AUKUS Nuclear Alliance, Says U.S.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said NZ would be welcome to engage in the landmark pact counterbalancing China’s rise in the Pacific.
Asia Pacific
Former Australian Prime Minister Hails World Democracies’ Pivot from China to India
CANBERRA, Australia (AP) – Australian special envoy and former Prime Minister Tony Abbott said a free trade agreement between his nation and India would signal the “democratic world’s tilt away from China.”
Australia: Failing to Confront Rise of China Resembles Failure to Contain Nazi Germany
The world’s approach to containing China’s rise resembles the “catastrophic failure” to prevent the advance of Nazi Germany, the head of Australia’s parliamentary intelligence committee warned Thursday.
China Denies Reported Plans to Build Major South Pacific Naval Base on Vanuatu
Australia’s Fairfax Media revealed on Monday that China is planning to build a permanent military base on the island of Vanuatu, which would put Chinese warships on “Australia’s doorstep.” Officials from Vanuatu disputed the claim, insisting their country will remain non-aligned.
Report: China, North Korea Weak on Cyber Defense
China and North Korea were judged weak on defense against hacker attacks in a recent Australian assessment of Asian-Pacific electronic security.
Britain and Australia May Share Modular Frigate Programme
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s conservative government has called time on indigenous plans to build a new frigate fleet, opening the field to a number of potential foreign designs. The previous preferred option to build up Australia’s anti-submarine warfare (ASW)
Updates: All Eyes on Japan as One of World’s Largest Military Powers Prepares to Modify Pacifist Constitution
Japan’s long-standing policy of self defence may be on the verge of being swept away, unleashing onto the world stage one of the most powerful militaries in the world for the first time in 70 years. New legislation designed to override
Aussie PM Wants To Take The Fight To ‘Submit or Die’ Islamic State Terrorists
Australia’s Prime Minister Tony Abbott has warned a regional counter terrorism summit that Islamic State terrorists are coming with a “simple message, submit or die.” Speaking in the New South Wales state capital Sydney, he said: “Daesh [IS] is coming,
Sec. of Defense: U.S. Will Not Be Deterred by China’s Actions in Pacific
U.S. Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter criticized China’s artificial island construction in the South China Sea, declaring that the United States would not be deterred by China’s military activity in the region.
Battle for Tech Talent in Ride-Sharing Wars Expands to Asia
Uber’s largest rival in Southeast Asia, GrabTaxi, has reportedly announced the launch of an R&D center in Singapore this week. The move marks the latest battle in the global expansion of ride-sharing turf wars as companies seek to draw talent from overseas.
