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  1. #776
    Thailand Expat OhOh's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by David48atTD View Post
    I just want the salient points
    Ok, I'll try to accommodate your requirements.

  2. #777
    Thailand Expat OhOh's Avatar
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    One presumes that if the Chinese and Solomon Islands agreement includes the same "restrictions"/acceptable actions, as the OZ/Solomon Islands agreement.

    Including the "No Permanent Military Bases", which may or may not have been a Chinese demand.

    No wonder the 5 eyes are worried if China used the OZ, available to all, agreement as a template. Or possibly not if 5 Eyes have any "secret ones".

    Oz defines the boss, Oz can invite any other country, OZ can import any "assets", OZ can have it's own comms, OZ can ....

    AGREEMENT BETWEEN
    THE GOVERNMENT OF AUSTRALIA
    AND
    THE GOVERNMENT OF SOLOMON ISLANDS
    CONCERNING THE BASIS FOR DEPLOYMENT OF POLICE, ARMED FORCES AND OTHER PERSONNEL TO SOLOMON ISLANDS
    AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF AUSTRALIA AND THE GOVERNMENT OF SOLOMON ISLANDS CONCERNING THE BASIS FOR DEPLOYMENT OF POLICE, ARMED FORCES AND OTHER PERSONNEL TO SOLOMON ISLANDS


    Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of Solomon Islands Concerning the Basis for Deployment of Police, Armed Forces, and other Personnel to Solomon Islands (Canberra, 14 August 2017) - [2018] ATS 14

    A selection of the agreement's 23 clauses:
    Article 1

    Definitions

    The following definitions apply to this Agreement:
    (i) “Area of Operations” means the territory of Solomon Islands, all areas where it exercises maritime jurisdiction, and the superjacent airspace;
    (ii) “Assets” means vessels, aircraft, vehicles, armoured vehicles, supplies (including medical and pharmaceutical supplies (including blood products)), stores and prescription drugs, working dogs, equipment (including medical equipment), communications, ammunition, weapons, and any other provisions or supplies required by a Visiting Contingent for the purposes of its deployment;
    (iii) “Assisting Defence Force” means the defence force and associated civilian personnel of Australia and any Third States;
    (iv) “Assisting Police Force” means the police force and associated civilian personnel of Australia and any Third States;
    (v) “Deployment’ means a deployment of a Visiting Contingent under Article 2 of this Agreement;
    (vi) “NDC” means the National Disaster Council of Solomon Islands;
    “Other Personnel” means personnel of Australia and any Third States who are notified by Australia to Solomon Islands in writing, but are not members of an Assisting Police Force or Assisting Defence Force;

    (vii) “Solomon Islands Laws” means any laws, regulations or orders of Solomon Islands, including any customary laws;
    (viii) “Third State” means the government of a State in relation to which the requirements under Article 20 of this Agreement have been fulfilled; and
    (ix) “Visiting Contingent” means a contingent of personnel comprised of an Assisting Police Force, Assisting Defence Force and/or Other Personnel.



    Article 2

    Scope
    (1) At the written request of Solomon Islands, and subject to Australia’s acceptance of that request based on its assessment of the circumstances, Australia shall deploy a Visiting Contingent and Assets to the Area of Operations to:
    (a) assist in the provision of safety and security of persons and property;
    (b) provide humanitarian assistance and disaster response in coordination with the NDC; and/or
    (c)
    provide such other assistance as may be mutually determined.
    (2) The Parties shall consult on the nature and duration of each deployment, taking into account its particular purpose.
    (3) Solomon Islands shall facilitate any deployment to achieve its purposes and shall provide a Visiting Contingent with any information relevant to the safety and security of a Visiting Contingent and its Assets.
    Article 3

    Visiting Contingent

    (1) Australia shall nominate a head of a Visiting Contingent and notify Solomon Islands of the appointment in writing through diplomatic channels.
    (2) The head of a Visiting Contingent shall have overall responsibility for management of the Visiting Contingent, and for liaising with Solomon Islands.
    (3) The head of a Visiting Contingent shall work co-operatively with Solomon Islands to achieve the purposes of the relevant Deployment.
    (4) A Visiting Contingent shall have sole responsibility for its internal direction, and the command, control, discipline and administration of its members, while respecting Solomon Islands Laws.
    (5) Australia shall notify Solomon Islands of the personnel deployed to the Area of Operations as part of a Visiting Contingent under this Agreement.

    Article 5


    Assisting Defence Force

    (1) Where an Assisting Defence Force is deployed as part of a Visiting Contingent, an Australian Defence Force member notified to Solomon Islands shall serve as its commander, with responsibility for the control of that Force.
    (2) Members of an Assisting Defence Force shall remain under national command, except as otherwise determined in arrangements concluded under Article 20(3) of this Agreement.
    (3) Members of an Assisting Defence Force shall exercise the powers, authorities and privileges afforded to members of Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, where reasonably necessary to achieve the purposes of a Deployment.
    (4) In addition to the powers and authorities referred to in paragraph 3 of this Article, an Assisting Defence Force may take such action and use such force as is reasonably necessary to achieve the purposes of a Deployment.

    Article 7

    Entry and Exit

    (1) Solomon Islands authorities shall facilitate the entry into, and departure from, the Area of Operations of a Visiting Contingent.
    (2) Members of a Visiting Contingent shall be exempt from any Solomon Islands Laws governing visas, immigration inspection and restrictions on entering into, or departing from, the Area of Operations.
    (3) Members of an Assisting Defence Force may enter into, and exit from, the Area of Operations on presentation of military identification issued by the Assisting Defence Force.
    (4) Solomon Islands shall grant all members of a Visiting Contingent exemption from any departure tax.
    (5) Members of a Visiting Contingent shall be exempt from any Solomon Islands Laws governing the residence of aliens in the Area of Operations, including registration, but shall not be considered as acquiring any right to permanent residence or domicile in the Area of Operations.

    Article 8

    Import and Export

    (1) A Visiting Contingent may import into, and export from, the Area of Operations without licence, other restriction or registration and free of customs, duties and taxes, and inspection, any Assets, together with personal effects of, and items for the personal consumption or use by, members of a Visiting Contingent.
    (2) Any personal property imported duty-free which is sold in the Area of Operations by members of a Visiting Contingent to persons other than those entitled to duty-free import privileges shall be subject to customs and other duties on its value at the time of sale.

    Article 9


    Movement and Use of Assets

    (1) Members of a Visiting Contingent and all Assets shall enjoy freedom of movement throughout the Area of Operations.
    (2) A Visiting Contingent shall have the unimpeded right to the use of roads, bridges, canals and other waters, port and airfield facilities and airspace without payment of dues, tolls or other charges or fees throughout the Area of Operations.
    (3) Members of a Visiting Contingent may possess, store and operate Assets without a permit or licence or restriction and free of duties, taxes and charges.
    (4) A Visiting Contingent shall not be required to register or obtain licences for the use of Assets under applicable Solomon Islands Laws.
    (5) Where members of a Visiting Contingent are required to use vehicles, vessels, aircraft, or other equipment of Solomon Islands, in carrying out their duties, the use of those vehicles, vessels, aircraft and equipment shall be provided free of charge, unless otherwise mutually determined between the Parties.

    Article 11

    Communications

    (1) A Visiting Contingent shall have the authority to install and operate radio and satellite sending and receiving stations in the Area of Operations.
    (2) A Visiting Contingent shall enjoy the right of unrestricted communications by radio, television, telephone, mail or any other means and of establishing the necessary facilities for maintaining such communications within and between premises of a Visiting Contingent, including the laying of cables and land lines and the establishment of fixed and mobile radio and satellite sending and receiving stations.
    (3) A Visiting Contingent may process and transport mail addressed to or sent from the Visiting Contingent or members of the Visiting Contingent. With respect to mail sent from Solomon Islands, such mail shall be processed free of charge. Solomon Islands shall not interfere with the communications of a Visiting Contingent.

    Article 14

    Uniform and Carriage of Weapons

    (1) Members of a Visiting Contingent may wear their respective national uniform when on official duty in the Area of Operations.
    (2) Members of an Assisting Police Force or Assisting Defence Force may possess, carry and use arms in accordance with their internal orders or rules in order to:
    (a) protect themselves, other members of a Visiting Contingent or other persons;
    (b) protect public or private property, including property of the Visiting Contingent; or
    (c) to achieve the purposes of a Deployment.
    Article 20


    Third States

    (1) Australia, with the consent of Solomon Islands, may invite third states to contribute to a Visiting Contingent for a Deployment.
    (2) If this invitation is accepted, Solomon Islands shall enter into an arrangement with the third state, providing for the rights and obligations to be assumed by that third state and Solomon Islands under this Agreement.
    (3) Australia shall make separate arrangements with third states which contribute personnel to a Visiting Contingent, including further details in relation to the internal direction, command, control, discipline and administration of the Visiting Contingent.

    One presumes the NZ agreement s similar.
    A tray full of GOLD is not worth a moment in time.

  3. #778
    Thailand Expat OhOh's Avatar
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    US won’t rule out military action if China establishes base in Solomon Islands

    US won’t rule out military action if China establishes base in Solomon Islands | Solomon Islands | The Guardian

    Why would they need one, if their agreement with the Solomon Island is the same as OZ/NZ?

    All they need is a request from OZ. Or negotiate the same agreements with the Solomon Island's government.

    China has fully militarized at least 3 islands in South China Sea: U.S. admiral

    By Jim Gomez and Aaron Favila The Associated Press

    Posted March 20, 2022 8:15 pm
    Updated March 20, 2022 8:16 pm

    "China has fully militarized at least three of several islands it built in the disputed South China Sea, arming them with anti-ship and anti-aircraft missile systems, laser and jamming equipment and fighter jets in an increasingly aggressive move that threatens all nations operating nearby, a top U.S. military commander said Sunday. U.S. Indo-Pacific commander Adm. John C. Aquilino said the hostile actions were in stark contrast to Chinese President Xi Jinping’s past assurances that Beijing would not transform the artificial islands in contested waters into military bases. The efforts were part of China’s flexing its military muscle, he said."

    China has fully militarized at least 3 islands in South China Sea: U.S. admiral - National | Globalnews.ca


    Does China contest the islands, I suspect they believe they are their own sovereign islands.

    Does the NaGastan, "top U.S. military commander", have access to this:

    AGREEMENT BETWEEN
    THE GOVERNMENT OF AUSTRALIA
    AND
    THE GOVERNMENT OF SOLOMON ISLANDS
    CONCERNING THE BASIS FOR DEPLOYMENT OF POLICE, ARMED FORCES AND OTHER PERSONNEL TO SOLOMON ISLANDS
    Last edited by OhOh; 01-05-2022 at 01:16 AM.

  4. #779
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    panama hat's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by OhOh View Post
    Ok, I'll try to accommodate your requirements.
    Stop posting? Cool.

  5. #780
    Thailand Expat harrybarracuda's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by panama hat View Post
    Stop posting? Cool.
    I think you mean "pasting".

  6. #781
    A Cockless Wonder
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    Why a desperate China has backflipped on Australian coal

    Coincidence? Possibly, at least in the timing. Connected? Definitely.

    For a nation attuned to delivering results pre-ordained by its rulers rather than a reflection of actual performance, China's growth numbers last week took global investors and economists by surprise.

    After months of Beijing insisting economic targets would be met, figures on Friday revealed China's economy veered sharply into reverse in the June quarter.

    In any open democracy, that wouldn't have come as a shock. Vast parts of the country for months have been forcibly locked down as Beijing continues to adhere to its strict COVID-19 elimination policy.
    Expectations China will reverse Australian coal ban

    Australia V China-183fc93ec5418571532cddd984c58aeb-jpg

    Expectations that China's leader Xi Jinping will reverse his unofficial ban on Australian coal imports are growing as the country's economic problems continue to mount.
    Coal is loaded onto ships.
    Read more

    With about 375 million people across 45 cities under restrictions, including the financial centre Shanghai, consumers have been missing in action, China's major manufacturing hubs have been hobbled and shipping from some of the world's biggest ports have been disrupted.

    Shortly before the data was released, and without warning, word leaked out via news agency Bloomberg that China was considering relaxing its ban on Australian coal, apparently after a mild thaw in relations following the election of the Albanese government and the first official discussions in three years between the foreign ministers.

    As plausible as that may sound, the more likely explanation is that, with China's economy in danger of going off the rails, Beijing can no longer afford to inflict upon itself the kind of self-harm its trade sanctions have wreaked.

    While the West understandably is pre-occupied with Beijing's military and diplomatic ambitions in the Pacific, the country has found itself under attack from within.
    China coal tariff will affect Australia's mines
    China's leadership is reportedly worried about a repeat of electricity shortages seen last year.(ABC News)

    A souring real estate sector — for years the primary vehicle for firing up economic growth — is placing increasing pressure on the country's banking system as the casualty list of financially strapped property developers grows which, in turn, has incited widespread community unrest.

    That's created a dilemma for President Xi Jinping in the lead-up to this year's crucial Communist Party Congress where his leadership is to be extended beyond the long-standing convention of a two-term limit.

    It was Xi who ordered the real estate speculation clampdown five years ago and ramped it up three years ago. A backdown on such a signature policy would be embarrassing, but the risk of social upheaval from a property and banking crisis would be worse.

    It has now collided with a broader economic slowdown brought on by a failed vaccination strategy that has necessitated China's COVID-zero strategy, the only major economy in the world to now be pursuing eradication.
    Who paid the price for China’s trade bans?

    Certainly not Australia. While some sectors endured temporary hardships and inconvenience, many of our impacted industries found new markets.

    When it comes to coal, the first major commodity to be hit, it was Chinese industry and Chinese households which bore the brunt of the trade bans.

    As the world's biggest consumer of coal, power blackouts are not unusual in China. Last year, however, as industry began to fire up after the global economy recovered from pandemic lockdowns, cities across China were plunged into darkness during the northern winter.

    Chinese buyers were forced to rely on Indonesia to fill the shortfall, which had the effect of pushing coal prices to record highs, a trend exacerbated earlier this year by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
    China's trade war

    How China is targeting a raft of Australian industries, including barley, wine, cotton, coal and beef.
    A piece of land with the Australian flag and the Chinese flag next to each other with a big crack separating the two
    Read more

    More recently, with a brutal heatwave sweeping across China, it has stepped up its purchases of Russian coal, at steep discounts. But, at the risk of further inflaming global tensions, and with European buyers looking to Indonesia as energy sanctions against Russia are tightened, Beijing has been forced to bite the bullet and once again accept Australian coal.

    Australian coal miners, meanwhile, have been raking it in. Coal exports have soared nearly 300 per cent in the past year and in May the commodity overtook iron ore as the country's most valuable export for the first time since 2009.

    As an exercise in strategic regional domination, it was a spectacular own goal. Clearly, Beijing has decided keeping the lights on at home is a greater priority.
    China’s real estate market in meltdown

    We all know how difficult it can be to raise the deposit for a first home. But in China right now, if you don't have the ready cash, garlic will do. Or watermelons. Even peaches.

    Developers, desperate for any form of payment to shift property, have dressed up the policy as an attempt to help farmers buy real estate. In reality, it is being driven by plunging residential property sales, which are down 41.7 per cent in the year to May after 11 consecutive months of declines.

    A growing line of once-thriving developers is queuing up to default on debts. China Evergrande was one of the first, joined in rapid succession by the likes of Sunac and Kaisa.
    Putin and Xi in trouble

    China and Russia shocked the world with their transformations. Now they are in financial strife, however, and the ramifications are just as global, writes business editor Ian Verrender.
    Putin and Xi
    Read more

    The trend shows no sign of abating. On Sunday last week, Shimao Group confirmed it couldn't meet principal and interest repayments on $US1 billion ($1.47 billion) in foreign debt, blaming a decline in sales, a downturn in the macro environment for property and the ongoing impact of COVID-19.

    Until now, foreign financiers have borne the brunt of the hit. But the crisis is beginning to swirl through the domestic banking system, leaving cash-strapped developers without support and unable to complete apartment blocks for which they already have taken deposits.

    A mass strike now appears to be underway among buyers, who now are refusing to continue mortgage payments to their banks unless construction resumes.

    The protests, which appear to be gathering strength, filtered through to stock markets last week as bank and property companies again came under pressure, prompting concerns from Beijing.

    In a belated effort to avert a financial crisis, state media outlets reported that regulators had stepped in to "guarantee delivery of homes", citing an unnamed official from the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission.

    Property accounts for about 30 per cent of China's economy. The real estate meltdown in the past few years has hurt millions of ordinary citizens and the escalating unrest couldn't have come at a worse time, just months out from Xi's attempt to overturn Deng Xiaoping's two-term presidential limit.
    Space to play or pause, M to mute, left and right arrows to seek, up and down arrows for volume.
    Play Video. Duration: 4 minutes 51 seconds
    China signals it is willing to soften it stance on Australia.
    Daunting long-run challenges

    For a nation that boasts one of the world's most rapidly ageing populations, China's vaccination rollout has been shambolic, particularly among the elderly.

    Across the country, fewer than 20 per cent of those over 80 have had a booster. Even after a renewed effort since April, when Omicron first cut a swathe across the country, 89 per cent of all citizens may have had two shots but only 56 per cent of eligible people have received a booster.

    In addition, there have been concerns about the effectiveness of China's homegrown vaccines and their ability to combat new COVID-19 variants, which is why the leadership has doubled down on its eradication strategy. China's hospital system would be unable to cope with a mass outbreak.
    Space to play or pause, M to mute, left and right arrows to seek, up and down arrows for volume.
    Play Video. Duration: 1 minute 22 seconds
    WHO says China's COVID policy not 'sustainable'

    That, however, has come at an enormous cost. The June quarter GDP figures revealed China's economy had shrunk by 2.6 per cent from the March quarter — the worst result since the 2020 pandemic-inspired economic collapse.

    On an annual basis, the economy barely eked out a gain, up just 0.4 per cent and way below most predictions. Given the notorious unreliability of official Chinese data, many suspect the real situation is far worse.
    China's young call themselves 'the last generation'

    From unemployment to lockdowns, China's young people are facing intense challenges, and the pressure is on Xi Jinping to fix the situation.
    A huge group of masked commuters waiting to enter a train
    Read more

    But the nation faces even greater long-term challenges. China's population decreased last year for the first time since the Great Famine of 1960. Its working-age population peaked in 2014 and, on some estimates, its population could halve over the course of this century.

    Until now, Chinese citizens have tolerated and accepted an authoritarian regime, primarily because it has delivered rising living standards. But with a pension system that provides significantly less support for the elderly than many developed nations, a shrinking workforce and an appalling productivity record, the pressures will continue to build on China's Communist Party if it hopes to maintain power.

    At least, it may now be able to keep the lights on until after Xi secures his historic third term.

    https://www.abc. net.au/news/2022-07-18/why-china-backflipped-on-australian-coal/101246166

  7. #782
    A Cockless Wonder
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    Beijing warns AUKUS submarine project sets a 'dangerous precedent' and threatens non-proliferation

    China's government is ramping up its campaign against Australia's push to build nuclear-powered submarines with the United States and the United Kingdom, publishing a new report which declares the project is a grave risk to non-proliferation and warns that Australia may be intent on developing nuclear weapons.
    Key points:

    The report warns the submarine deal would set a "dangerous precedent" by allowing nuclear states to transfer weapons-grade nuclear materials to a non-nuclear state
    It also claims Australia remains intent on acquiring nuclear weapons
    China has been rapidly expanding its own nuclear weapons arsenal in recent years

    Two Chinese "think tanks" — the China Arms Control and Disarmament Association and China Institute of Nuclear Industry Strategy — held a press conference in Beijing yesterday with a host of state media outlets to launch the report, which is titled: A Dangerous Conspiracy: The Nuclear Proliferation Risk of the Nuclear-powered Submarines Collaboration in the Context of AUKUS.

    Australia V China-8d2c20addaad63308f230a1d3d60588d-jpg

    The lengthy report berates Australia, the US and the UK for setting a "dangerous precedent" with AUKUS because it would allow nuclear states to transfer weapons-grade nuclear materials to a non-nuclear state for the first time.

    "In addition, it ferments potential risks and hazards in multiple aspects such as nuclear security, arms race in nuclear submarines and missile technology proliferation, with a profound negative impact on global strategic balance and stability," the report reads.

    Richard McGregor from the Lowy Institute said both think tanks were "part of the broader fabric of the Chinese party-state" — rather than independent entities — and that the report was part of an orchestrated campaign against AUKUS by the Chinese government.

    "The [Chinese government] has long been campaigning on this and this report simply tries to flesh out their argument, add weight to it, and give them a document they can distribute to any country they want around the world to make their case," he said.

    "Any roadblocks they can put in the way of AUKUS, they will put them there. We should expect this thing to happen for the next decade or so. China won't let up."
    AUKUS plan revealed by March

    Australia's future nuclear submarine plans are expected to be unveiled early next year, with the government also looking to detail its moves to fix a looming capability gap.
    Australian Defence Force senior leadership appointments
    Read more

    Australia has already boosted resources in both Canberra and Vienna to help bolster its diplomatic defences against Russian and Chinese campaigns against the project.

    However, Mr McGregor said the "uncomfortable fact" for Australia was that China "had an argument to make" when it pointed out that AUKUS would set a new precedent.

    "I don't doubt Australia will strictly follow rules on non-proliferation [and] that nuclear grade material will be locked up inside the submarines for the life of the vessels and won't be used to make nuclear weapons," he said.

    "But the Chinese can argue that once the US and the UK can do this for Australia, then any other nuclear country — say Russia — could say, 'OK, we can transfer similar material to, say, Iran for use in their submarines'," he said.

    "Now we might rightly trust Australia to handle this material correctly, but would we trust Iran to use it according to global rules? And there might be a different answer to those two questions."

    Claims Australia wants nuclear weapons

    The Chinese government report also makes more-outlandish claims that Australia remains intent on acquiring nuclear weapons, citing the federal government's "obsessive pursuit" of the technology back in the 1950s and 1960s under the Menzies government.

    "Given the fact that Australia already has a body of nuclear weapons-related knowledge accumulated historically and that it will get into its hands nuclear-capable delivery systems, once the country takes the desperate step to develop nuclear weapons again, the lead time to a nuclear breakthrough will be too short for the international community to respond effectively," the report says.

    It also says that nuclear weapons advocates in Australian academia have "resurged" recently, but only cites two recent articles to support that claim.

    One of the two articles quoted does not even directly advocate for Australia to acquire nuclear weapons.
    Spectators wave Chinese flags as military vehicles carrying DF-41 ballistic missiles roll during a parade.
    China is rapidly expanding its arsenal of weapons, including nuclear-capable missiles and warheads.(AP: Mark Schiefelbein)

    Mr McGregor said the suggestion that there was a serious push within official and academic circles for Australia to acquire nuclear weapons was "obviously not true" and that the report's authors had "picked through" articles and the historical record to present a distorted narrative.

    "We can't even manage to get a consensus about having nuclear energy reactors. The idea we are going to rapidly become a nuclear weapon state is not credible," he said.

    He also said it was worth noting the report was silent on China's rapid expansion of its own nuclear weapons arsenal.

    "You're not going to get a balanced debate out of think tanks which are effectively arms of the Chinese party-state," he said.

    "We shouldn't be surprised by that and we shouldn't expect it.

    "China complains relentlessly about the military build-up of other countries, say Japan for example, while its own military build-up dwarfs that of every other country around them."

    In a statement, a spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) said there were "numerous incorrect assertions" in the report.

    "Australia, the US and the UK will implement the strongest possible non-proliferation standards to maintain the strength and integrity of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime in relation to nuclear-powered submarines," they said.

    "The government has been very clear that Australia does not and will not seek nuclear weapons.

    "Australia's decision to acquire conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines is something we are pursuing openly and transparently."

    https://www.abc. net.au/news/2022-07-21/beijing-warns-aukus-nuclear-submarine-nonproliferation-weapons/101257714

  8. #783
    Thailand Expat harrybarracuda's Avatar
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    What a load of typical chinky nonsense.

  9. #784
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    Why Australian iron ore could save Taiwan as China ponders the economic ramifications of invasion

    As the dark clouds of war gathered over north-east Asia in 1938, a curious battle took place at home which forever tainted the memory of Liberal Party founder Sir Robert Menzies and that could be a portend of what lies ahead.

    Australia V China-b50ccb99891812449b8196575531d653-jpg

    Sir Robert Menzies (centre) became known as 'Pig Iron Bob' after intervening in the Dalfram Dispute in 1938

    Then-Attorney General in the Lyons government, Menzies became embroiled in a fight with waterfront unions in Port Kembla over the loading of a British steamer, the SS Dalfram, with BHP produced pig-iron bound for Japan.

    The Lyons government had embargoed iron ore exports to Japan after its brutal invasion of China and the 1937 massacre in Nanking but, inexplicably, had allowed pig-iron — a crude processed form of iron — to be shipped.

    Menzies decreed that only the government had the right to decide on relationships with foreign powers and goods to be traded. After a 10-week deadlock, it forced the unions to load the ship.

    It was an event that caused the future prime minister to be dubbed 'Pig Iron Bob' and — after the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbour that saw Australia at war with Japan — he was taunted by jibes that he'd shipped iron ore to Japan before the war only to have the Imperial Army send it back in the form of bombs and bullets.

    The incident went some way to dismantling the White Australia policy — along with the prejudice and racism of the time — after Chinese Australians showed their gratitude by providing the striking workers with fresh food. And, given the course of history, it is a stark demonstration of the futility and waste of war.
    Two women, one in a white pant suit and the other in a grey and black pant suit, wave
    The recent visit to Taiwan of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (left) infuriated Beijing, including its Australian ambassador.(AP: Taiwan Presidential Office via AP)

    Once again, we are facing a similar threat, but the tables have turned.

    Japan now is a staunch ally and, instead, it is China rattling the sabre. After US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taipei, China's once charming Australian ambassador Xiao Qian last week shook off the sheep's clothing with a blunt and aggressive warning about where we stand as Beijing ramps up military drills around the island.

    But, for all its rhetoric and threats, Beijing's power to call the shots may be limited. And the key weapon may well be that very same Western Australian red dirt.
    Hard choices looming

    For decades, we have straddled an inherently unstable ideological and diplomatic gulf. While our defence and diplomacy have been firmly aligned with the democratic West, our trade and commerce have increasingly been dominated by our dealings with a one-party, state-controlled China.

    The time, however, rapidly is approaching when we may be forced to choose as China vies for strategic dominance in the Pacific.
    Xi Jinping waves from a black vehicle as it drives through a parade of some 15,000 troops.
    China has become increasingly aggressive in its foreign policy under President Xi Jinping.(Reuters: Thomas Peter)

    It is a possibility that barely has registered in public debate and one few seem willing to confront, at least in public. Not even financial markets are factoring in the prospect of a violent upheaval in either our national income or to the revenues of the corporations that dominate our trading relationship.

    For if Beijing does decide to take Taiwan by force, Canberra would be left with little option other than to impose trade restrictions.

    Washington, Tokyo, London and Brussels would demand it. The idea we could continue supplying vital military ingredients to a global superpower threatening to up-end international stability through force would be inconceivable.

    As unpalatable as that may seem, for the past five years, it has been Beijing that has used trade as a blunt weapon to bludgeon Australia.

    It systematically has locked us out of its markets for almost everything from coal to lobsters using increasingly flimsy excuses about tainted grain, pest-infected wood, protected wine and whatever else to punish our perceived indiscretions.

    There is only one commodity for it has steered well clear and that is iron ore. There is a good reason for that. Beijing can't afford to.

    Australia supplies about 60 per cent of the world's iron ore, netting around $150 billion in 2020/21. The vast bulk of those shipments, almost 80 per cent, finds its way to China.

    It's difficult to understate the importance of iron ore to China's economy. For decades, massive state-directed investment in infrastructure and private investment in property construction has helped boost growth, drive employment and avert recessions.
    A man and woman bump elbows for the camera with the Australian and Chinese flags behind them.
    Foreign Minister Penny Wong (left) tried to improve Australia's frosty relations with Beijing during a July meeting with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Jakarta.(Supplied: Australian Embassy in Jakarta)

    It also has allowed the regime to build a vast military complex.

    The breakdown in the relationship with Australia poses an acute threat to the Middle Kingdom at a time when it is facing enormous economic challenges on multiple fronts.

    A rapidly ageing and shrinking population, rising and massive debt levels, slowing growth, a property meltdown and crackdowns on high-tech ventures have left the economy wounded and deeply scarred. Then there are the ongoing COVID-19 lockdowns wreaking havoc.

    While China produces massive amounts of iron ore itself, it mostly is low grade, dirty and expensive. Brazil couldn't fill the breach and Beijing's ambitions to ramp up production in Guinea, West Africa will take years, and possibly a decade, to come to fruition.

    That leaves it vulnerable and exposed to any immediate disruption to the trade.
    What are Beijing's options?

    For years, Beijing desperately has looked for alternatives. It has recognised that Australian iron ore, and its dependence on the trade, is its Achilles heel both from an economic and strategic viewpoint.

    The most promising alternate source is the west coast of Africa in Guinea, where the giant Simandou project promises to fill the breach with around 2.5 billion tonnes of high-grade ore.
    The Rio Tinto building external framed by another building and tree.
    Perth-based Rio Tinto received good news last week about its lucrative Simandou project.(ABC News: Rebecca Trigger)

    But for decades, the project has been mired in corruption and controversy, made all the more difficult by an unstable government and difficult terrain.

    Rio Tinto — which has a controlling stake in the operation — first became involved in the project in the late 1990s and, along with everyone else involved, has faced international investigations over alleged bribery on the project for the past five years.

    Just last week, however, the project appeared to be back on track. Rio, its Chinese government-owned partner, the Guinea government and a rival consortium agreed to bring the project to fruition, with the first shipments slated for 2025.

    Given it was supposed to be fully operational by 2015, and that the vital infrastructure — including port facilities and a 600-kilometre rail link — has yet to be built, there are legitimate doubts as to whether that timetable is feasible. And, in the event that trade sanctions are imposed upon Beijing, Rio Tinto's involvement may well be called into question.

    Another possible sources of high-grade iron ore for China is the Donbas region of Ukraine. But again, with the ongoing war likely to continue for quite some time, developing that region may require a good deal more time than China could afford.
    What does this mean for us?
    Mining truck drives on red dirt at BHP's Jimblebar mine on a bright sunny day.
    Australian iron ore remains critical for the Chinese economy due to the lack of equivalent alternatives.(ABC News: Rachel Pupazzoni)

    Beijing's dependence on Australian iron ore potentially places us in a very powerful but extraordinarily difficult diplomatic situation.

    Shutting off Australian iron ore would be a hammer blow to China's domestic economy for at least the next few years.

    It would hurt here too. Our national income would take a massive hit, particularly in terms of federal tax income. Some of our biggest and most powerful corporations — many of which have profited hugely from China's economic transformation over the past three decades — would suffer the most.
    Putin and Xi in trouble

    China and Russia shocked the world with their transformations. Now they are in financial strife, however, and the ramifications are just as global, writes business editor Ian Verrender.
    Putin and Xi
    Read more

    Having profited from Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine, which sent resource prices soaring, they would be forced to shoulder the burden of any aggression by China against Taiwan.

    In relative terms, however, the hit to the Australian economy most likely would pale against the damage inflicted on China.

    Australian mining overwhelmingly is dominated by foreign shareholders which means most of the profits flow offshore. Take Rio Tinto, the biggest operator in Australia. Its biggest shareholder is Chinalco — a Chinese state owned company — with 15 per cent.

    Foreign investment houses, sovereign wealth funds and rich international investors all gravitate towards Australian miners given they are amongst the world's biggest. So, the income hit would be distributed well beyond our borders.

    Even on the employment front, the effects — while devastating for those in the industry — would be manageable. Mining is a highly mechanised, capital intensive and hugely efficient operation.

    The key difference between the two countries is that iron ore is an external source of income for Australia and a lucrative one at that. But for China, it is a vital ingredient that powers its internal growth.

    If the western alliance were to impose trade restrictions or bans on Beijing that included iron ore, Premier Xi Jinping's ambitions for a One China could come apart at the seams as the economy tanks.

    For all the military drills and the show of force over Taiwan in the past fortnight, the prospect of economic collapse resulting from trade bans on key raw materials would make Beijing think twice about an invasion of Taiwan.

    At least for the next few years.

    https://www.abc. net.au/news/2022-08-15/australian-iron-ore-could-save-taiwan-beijing-verrender/101332312

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    Quote Originally Posted by Looper View Post
    The key difference between the two countries is that iron ore is an external source of income for Australia and a lucrative one at that. But for China, it is a vital ingredient that powers its internal growth.

    If the western alliance were to impose trade restrictions or bans on Beijing that included iron ore, Premier Xi Jinping's ambitions for a One China could come apart at the seams as the economy tanks.

    For all the military drills and the show of force over Taiwan in the past fortnight, the prospect of economic collapse resulting from trade bans on key raw materials would make Beijing think twice about an invasion of Taiwan.
    Key sentences

  11. #786
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    a few more years and hopefully Australia will be exporting green steel

  12. #787
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    Quote Originally Posted by baldrick View Post
    a few more years and hopefully Australia will be exporting green steel
    Along with the 'clean coal'?

  13. #788
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    You need green coal to make green steel . . . sheesh!

  14. #789
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    Ha ha..Fentanyl, spice , heroin all exported to the west by China
    for profit not historical vengance

  15. #790
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    Manasseh Sogavare: Solomon Islands PM accuses Australia of interference

    The Solomon Islands' prime minister has accused Australia of interference over its offer to help fund an election he controversially wants to delay.

    Australia V China-1651d74a31c67b580da1b769ec54f906-jpg

    Manasseh Sogavare is seeking to defer the vote - due in mid-2023 - by seven months, a move critics say represents a turn towards authoritarianism.

    Australia says there is nothing unusual about its offer of assistance.

    Relations between the two countries have soured recently as Mr Sogavare's government grows closer with China.

    Australia regularly offers financial and logistical support to Pacific countries for elections, including in previous polls in the Solomon Islands.

    But Mr Sogavare says it is timed to influence how MPs will vote on a bill to change the constitution. If passed, the bill would allow the election to be deferred.

    "This is an assault on our parliamentary democracy and is a direct interference by a foreign government into our domestic affairs," Mr Sogavare said in a statement.

    Elections are usually held every four years, but the government is trying to delay the next poll until after the country hosts the Pacific Games in late 2023.

    Mr Sogavare says the nation does not have the capacity to host both events in one year.

    The country's opposition has called the proposed delay a "power grab" and asked for help from Australia, its largest aid donor.

    Protesters have called for Mr Sogavare to step down twice in recent years, including at the last election.

    The leader has been under pressure after signing a controversial security pact with China in April.

    He has repeatedly criticised countries including Australia over their reaction to the deal, and threatened to ban foreign journalists after "demeaning" coverage.

    Mr Sogavare is due to visit Australia and meet Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in the coming weeks.

    Manasseh Sogavare: Solomon Islands PM accuses Australia of interference - BBC News

  16. #791
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    That must be the one the chinkies are paying off.

  17. #792
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    Australia challenges China in mining for essential elements

    In the blood red dust of central Australia, mining firm Arafura is planning to build a mine and processing facility for highly sought-after elements.

    Located 80 miles north of Alice Springs, the Nolans Project will be in one of the hottest and driest parts of the country.

    Despite the extreme conditions, Arafura believes the investment will be worth it. The planned mine and processing facility could satisfy up to 5% of global demand for neodymium and praseodymium (NdPr), which are used in high-power magnets.

    Australia V China-_126659193_nolansproject-jpg

    They are two of a group of so-called rare earth elements, that are essential to the electronics industry.

    NdPr, europium, terbium and other rare earth metals that were once barely heard of are now commonplace in the manufacture of phone touchscreens, wind turbines and other modern technologies.

    The mining of these minerals is an industry currently dominated by China, but geopolitical and trade forces are at work that could reshape the international market.
    Rare-earth mine in Baiyun'ebo or Bayan Obo. Baiyun'ebo or Bayan Obo is a mining town in Inner Mongolia in China. The mines north of town are one the largest deposits of rare earth metals found in the world.Image source, Getty Images
    Image caption,
    China dominates the production of rare earth metals

    Australia, a superpower exporter of iron ore and coal with rich mining traditions believes it is well-placed to join the race to exploit minerals that provide critical parts for electric vehicles and wind turbines.

    "This could certainly be a game-changer for Australia. We are relatively well-endowed in rare earth elements," says Gavin Lockyer, managing director of Arafura Resources.

    "This could really put Australia front and centre in the renewable sector.

    "It is relatively easy to discover a rare earths deposit. What is difficult is finding a deposit that has economic quantities of the valuable materials."

    Rare earths are a collection of more than a dozen elements on the periodic table. They are not particularly rare, but actually fairly plentiful in the Earth's crust.

    Geoscience Australia, a government research agency, says they have broad industrial, medical, domestic and strategic applications "because of their unique catalytic, nuclear, electrical, magnetic and luminescent properties".

    They are used in "magnets and super magnets, motors, metal alloys, electronic and computing equipment, batteries, catalytic converters, petroleum refining, medical imaging and lasers".

    Europium is found in fluorescent lighting, gadolinium in nuclear power rods and ytterbium in solar panels.
    Metal trading Company Haines and Maassen GmbH in Bonn, The company trades mainly with the rare earth elements and specialty metals.Image source, Getty Images
    Image caption,
    Rare earth metals have become essential in the production of electronics

    Mr Lockyer points out that some of the latest technology relies on their properties.

    "It is important to note that an electric vehicle might only have AUD$200 (£120; $140) or so of NdPr in it, but without it that electric vehicle will not work efficiently. Similarly with the wind turbines," he adds.

    In a time of war and menace, the valuable metals have strategic value and are used in fighter jets, guided missiles and drones along with other high-tech equipment for space exploration.

    Australian firm Lynas Rare Earths has been contracted by the United States Department of Defense to build a multimillion-dollar processing facility in the US in a bid to reduce its reliance on China for strategic minerals.

    Lynas is the world's only significant rare earths producer outside China and runs the Mount Weld mine in Western Australia.

    "We look forward to not only meeting the rare earth needs of the US government, but also reinvigorating the local rare earths market," Lynas managing director Amanda Lacaze told the Australian Broadcasting Corp.
    Jennifer Granholm, US Secretary of Energy, speaks at the Sydney Energy Forum on July 12, 2022, in Sydney.Image source, Getty Images
    Image caption,
    US Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm warned of China "big-footing" technology for renewable energy

    The US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm warned recently at a conference in Sydney that China was "big-footing" renewable energy technology and supply chains.

    Beijing's control of the supply of rare earths has been documented by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (Aspi), an independent think tank based in Canberra.

    It noted how the minerals have become weapons of diplomacy following a 2010 collision between a Chinese fisherman and Japanese patrol boats near a disputed chain of islands. Beijing complained about the "illegal interception" of its trawlers and retaliated.

    "We saw the Chinese government stop rare earth supply to Japan as part of its economic coercion against the Japanese government," says Aspi analyst Albert Zhang.

    "Since then, what countries have noticed is that there is a risk by having only one major supplier of rare earths [and] such an essential raw material isn't beholden to just the political will of one government. Australia has the materials and the right sort of companies and capital investment to diversify the world's supply chain."

    Australian experts have said that more recently China threatened to limit rare earth shipments to American defence contractors because of US arms sales to Taiwan.
    Employees work at the assembly line of a wind turbine produced for France's future first wind farm off Saint-Nazaire, at the General Electric plant of Montoir-de-Bretagne, Britany, on September 15, 2020.Image source, Getty Images
    Image caption,
    Rare earth metals are used in the powerful magnets inside wind turbines

    John Coyne, who is in charge of Aspi's Northern Australia Strategic Policy Centre, also warns that China will not easily surrender its vice-like dominance of the international rare earths sector. He alleges that Beijing uses its "power and market-distortion tactics to strategically flood the market when it wants to drive out competitors and deter new market entrants".

    "Australia has the world's sixth-largest reserves of rare earth minerals. However, they remain largely untapped with only two mines producing them," he says.

    "There is significant potential in the establishment of multi-ore mineral-processing hubs in Australia. After all, there is no point in creating supply chain resilience for [rare earth] ores if miners must still send them to China for processing."

    China's Global Times said Beijing would welcome "benign competition" to "improve production capacity" in the industry.

    The newspaper added that "the US and some of its allies, in their pernicious and selfish attempt to contain China's rise, has brought toxic geopolitics to the crucial rare earth industry as well as other economic and trade fields".

    Australia challenges China in mining for essential elements - BBC News

  18. #793
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    The chinkies will start dumping again.

  19. #794
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    Quote Originally Posted by harrybarracuda View Post
    The chinkies will start dumping again.
    Good . . . until they run out. Fuk 'em.

  20. #795
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    US Air Force to deploy nuclear-capable B-52 bombers to Australia as tensions with China grow

    The United States is preparing to deploy up to six nuclear-capable B-52 bombers to northern Australia, a provocative move experts say is aimed squarely at China.

    Australia V China-dcb02042857e70ba5e2a2da29ea40436-jpg

    An investigation by Four Corners can reveal Washington is planning to build dedicated facilities for the giant aircraft at Tindal air base, south of Darwin.

    The US has drawn up detailed plans for what it calls a "squadron operations facility" for use during the Northern Territory dry season, an adjoining maintenance centre and a parking area for "six B-52s".
    Blueprint plans for an air base. Diagram shows the locations of six bomber aircraft in a row.
    Plans for the Tindal air base expansion include a parking area that can accommodate six B-52 bombers.(Supplied/Four Corners: Lindsay Dunbar)

    Becca Wasser from the Centre for New American Security says putting B-52s in northern Australia is a warning to China, as fears grow Beijing is preparing for an assault on Taiwan.

    "Having bombers that could range and potentially attack mainland China could be very important in sending a signal to China that any of its actions over Taiwan could also expand further," she says.

    The bombers are part of a much larger upgrade of defence assets across northern Australia, including a major expansion of the Pine Gap intelligence base, which would play a vital role in any conflict with Beijing.

    The B-52s have been the backbone of the US Air Force for more than 60 years, with the capability to deliver long-range strikes of both nuclear and conventional weapons. The US documents say the facilities will be used for "deployed B-52 squadrons".

    "The ability to deploy US Air Force bombers to Australia sends a strong message to adversaries about our ability to project lethal air power," the US Air Force told Four Corners.

    Asked when the B-52s would begin their deployment at Tindal, Australia's Department of Defence declined to comment.
    'The tip of the spear'

    Australia V China-89f1a9228982f6b71901c73e826bddfd-jpg

    Some worry having B-52s rotating through Tindal each year locks Australia into joining the US in any conflict against China.

    "It's a great expansion of Australian commitment to the United States' war plan with China," says Richard Tanter, a senior research associate at the Nautilus Institute and a long-time, anti-nuclear activist.

    "It's a sign to the Chinese that we are willing to be the tip of the spear."

    Mr Tanter sees the planned deployment of the bombers as more significant than the rotation of US Marines through Darwin each year.
    A line of soldiers silhouetted in the dust from a helicopter, march in single file. They are wearing gear and holding rifles.
    US marines and Australian soldiers conduct annual exercises in the Top End.(ABC News)

    "It's very hard to think of a more open commitment that we could make. A more open signal to the Chinese that we are going along with American planning for a war with China," Mr Tanter says.

    Ms Wasser says the growing importance of northern Australia to the US makes Darwin and Tindal targets in any war with China.

    Her work includes running war game exercises to examine how a potential conflict might unfold.
    Space to play or pause, M to mute, left and right arrows to seek, up and down arrows for volume.
    Play Video. Duration: 1 minute 1 second
    Military analyst Becca Wasser and her team explore the risks Australia could face by joining the US in a fight over Taiwan.

    She says in the war game scenarios where Australia either joined the fight or allowed Washington to use bases in the Top End, "it did very much put a bullseye on Australia".

    “Ultimately these attacks were not successful because of the long range required and because China had already expended its most capable long-range missiles earlier in the game, … but who's to say that in the future, China might have more advanced missile capability that would be better suited to potentially attacking Australia.”
    China's growing confidence about Taiwan invasion

    In recent months, US war planners and analysts have brought forward estimates of when Beijing may look to take Taiwan.

    "The time frame for an assault on Taiwan, I would put it at 2025 to 2027," says defence academic Oriana Skylar Mastro from Stanford University.

    "This is largely dependent on when I think the Chinese leadership and in particular [President] Xi Jinping can be confident that his military can do this."
    A still from a Chinese military video showing a missile launching amid trees, sending clouds of smoke out below it.
    A missile launch from a Chinese military propaganda video.

    She says there is a growing confidence within the People's Liberation Army that it could successfully invade Taiwan.

    "For 15 years I would ask the Chinese military if they could do this [invade Taiwan], and the answer was 'no'. So the fact that for the first time at the end of 2020 they're starting to say 'yes', I think that's a significant message we should pay attention to," she says.
    US has big plans for Australia

    These growing tensions with China have made northern Australia a crucial defence hub for the US, which has committed to spending more than $1 billion upgrading its military assets across the Top End.

    The Tindal air base expansion includes a parking area that can accommodate six B-52 bombers and is forecast to cost up to $US100 million. The US Air Force says the parking area will be finished in late 2026.

    "The RAAF's ability to host USAF bombers, as well as train alongside them, demonstrates how integrated our two air forces are," it says.
    A photo taken looking up at a massive military aircraft. A soldier is pushing a tow bar towards its front wheel.
    B-52s have been the backbone of the US Air Force for more than 60 years.(U.S. Air Force photo)

    In April, the US Department of Defence budgeted $US14.4 million ($22.5 million) for the squadron operations and maintenance facilities at Tindal.

    "The [squadron operations] facility is required to support strategic operations and to run multiple 15-day training exercises during the Northern Territory dry season for deployed B-52 squadrons," the US documents say.

    The US also plans to build its own jet fuel storage tanks and an ammunition bunker at the site.

    "The north of Australia in the new geopolitical environment, has suddenly become strategically much more important, if not crucial to the US," says Paul Dibb, a former senior official at the Department of Defence in Canberra.

    A greater presence of US forces in Australia was hinted at during last year's annual ministerial meetings, known as AUSMIN.

    Under so-called "enhanced air co-operation" it was agreed there would be "rotational deployment of US aircraft of all types in Australia".

    "Today we endorse major force posture initiatives that will expand our access and presence in Australia," US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin said.
    A photo of a B-52 bomber aircraft flying over desert under a blue sky.
    B-52s can deliver long-range strikes of both nuclear and conventional weapons.(U.S. Air Force photo)

    There was no mention of rotating B-52s through Tindal, although there have been hints in recent years.

    Equally important to the growing US presence in northern Australia is the construction of 11-giant jet fuel storage tanks in Darwin.

    Some of this fuel reserve was previously located at Pearl Harbour in Hawaii, but is now being dispersed across the region.

    "Without that kind of assurance of jet fuel in this country, the US simply wouldn't be able to treat Australia as a location from which it can stage military exercises and operations with confidence," says Ashley Townshend from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

    Mr Townshend says the B-52s at Tindal are just the start.

    "We will see much greater numbers of US military personnel forward located in Australia. That will include personnel from all three services, navy, air force and army, as well as the marines in Darwin, which are likely to be expanded," he says.

    In the AUSMIN communique, this was flagged as part of efforts to "advance … force posture co-operation" to "deter our adversaries".  
    Spy base expands

    While both governments have signalled the growing US military presence in Australia, the expansion of one site is veiled in secrecy. There has been very little said about Pine Gap.

    The joint US and Australian spy base near Alice Springs is undergoing a major upgrade, according to Richard Tanter.
    Large golf ball-like domes and low set buildings are surrounded by trees and bush. Behind them are hills.
    Powerful antennas eavesdropping on foreign satellites and detecting missile launches sit under Pine Gap's domes.(Four Corners)

    He's spent months poring over satellite images of Pine Gap and estimates the number of giant antennas has grown by more than a third over the past seven years.

    "This is at a time when the Australian Parliament has been informed of none of this, no statements by ministers no questions by politicians," he says.

    Mr Tanter says Pine Gap's powerful "ears and eyes" are now heavily focused on China.

    "The searching for Chinese missile sites, the searching for Chinese command sites, in a preparatory way, is absolutely on high priority at Pine Gap now," he says.

    "This indicates the extraordinary importance and the increasing importance to the US at a time of potential war with China."
    A satellite image shows a number of buildings and domes on a site surrounded by red dirt.
    Mr Tanter has observed the expansion of the spy base over a number of years.(Google/Maxar Technologies)

    If a conflict broke out between the US and China, Mr Tanter says Pine Gap would play a hugely significant role, particularly around missile defence systems.

    "Pine Gap would be detecting the launch of the missile … it would be queuing US missile defence systems to find that missile in mid-flight and attack it with their own missiles," he says.

    Pine Gap's geo-location technology would then be used to find and destroy the missile launch site.

    Paul Dibb, who held a high-level security clearance at Pine Gap for 30 years, says "it is the most potent intelligence collection facility that America has" outside of the US.

    Mr Dibb says this put Pine Gap on targeting lists for the former Soviet Union during the Cold War, and it would be on those same lists for China in any conflict with the US.

    "If it looked as though that crisis was going nuclear, China may want to take out Pine Gap as being the ears and eyes of America's capability," he says.

    Watch tonight on ABC TV or ABC iview as Four Corners explores what conflict with China would mean for Australia.

    Read the story in Chinese: 阅读中文版

    https://www.abc. net.au/news/2022-10-31/china-tensions-taiwan-us-military-deploy-bombers-to-australia/101585380

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    Lockheed Martin has won JP9102, the contract to deliver Straya's 1st sovereign military satellite system.

    This will be a key element in Area Denial against the chinko navy's ability to operate in the seas to Australia's north, from where the slinks would be able to target key defence mainland infrastructure. It also helps Australia's navy to play a significant role in blockading access through the various SEA straits that are supply routes for China's energy and resources if and when the shit goes south.


    Lockheed wins Australia’s biggest ever space contract, worth estimated $4B AUD

    SYDNEY — Lockheed Martin has won Australia’s largest-ever defense space contract, to build a satellite and ground station architecture for a program known as JP 9102, the Australian government announced late Monday.

    The previous government had planned to downselect from five to two companies at this stage, but the Defense Department here, in an unusual move, announced that Lockheed had been directly awarded the contract for what is expected to be a $4 billion AUD ($2.86 billon) commitment to Australia’s first sovereign military satellite program.

    “Currently across Defence there is up to 89 capabilities which depend on satellite communications,” the head of Australia’s air defense and space systems division, Air Vice-Marshal David Scheul, said in the statement announcing the award. “Once delivered, the new system will increase the resilience, agility and flexibility of Defence’s military satellite capability.”

    Australia V China-screenshot-2023-04-10-23-56-a

    The Department of Defense release said the new system will include:

    New Defence Department controlled and operated geo-stationary communications satellites
    Multiple ground stations across Australia
    Integrated Satellite Communications Management System
    Two new satellite communications operations centers.

    The last point is particularly notable, as until today, it had not been clear if ground systems would be included in the final contract.

    The Australian Defence Force does have other defense satellite communication options today, but they are not robust. It owns a communications payload aboard an Optus C-1 satellite, which it is nearing the end of its projected operational life; the military also bought access to 20 channels on Intelsat IS-22, a deal that runs out in 2024. (It does have access to the Boeing-built WGS defense constellation, having paid to build one of the satellites, but getting access to the constellation in a timely manner has been problematic.)

    Lockheed has experience as the prime for the AEHF secure satellite communications network, which the Australian Defence Force currently has access to thanks to an international agreement. Their solution has been optimized for data throughput, geographic coverage and survivability against counterspace threats.

    “We are bringing to bear all of Lockheed Martin’s companywide capabilities as well as our commitment to supporting allied nations to provide an operationally proven system that meets mission needs in terms of coverage, capacity, resilience and extensibility of the constellation,” Robert Lightfoot, executive vice president for Lockheed Martin Space, said in a statement.

    The American defense giant is teamed locally with a number of Australian companies for JP9102. Those include Inovor Technologies, EM Solutions, AV-Comm, Linfox, Shoal Group, Ronson Gears, Calytrix Technologies, Conscia, Clearbox Systems, DXC and Blacktree Technology to deliver ground and control segments and beyond for JP9102.

    Blacktree Technology, an Australian owned communications solutions specialist, “will primarily support the Lockheed Martin Australia narrowband MILSATCOM ground segment,” as Breaking Defense reported earlier. Meanwhile, DXC Technology, a leading global IT services company, will handle “development of ground and control segment cybersecurity architectures, including interfaces with existing hardware and external software elements.”

    Lockheed Martin has also partnered with the Victorian Government to establish the state of Victoria as the engineering and technical hub for the company’s JP9102 work. The company says that will create more than 200 advanced space industry jobs in the state.

    Airbus, Boeing Australia, Northrop Grumman Australia and Optus (best known here as a mobile phone carrier, but it also is Australia’s largest satellite operator) all were competing for the contract against Lockheed.

    Lockheed wins Australia's biggest ever space contract, worth estimated $4B AUD - Breaking Defense

  22. #797
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    The laidback Australian city key to countering China

    When Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese meets US President Joe Biden in Washington this week, deterring an assertive China will be on the agenda. At home, Darwin - a city key to the US-led defence alliance in the Pacific - will be watching.

    War first came to Australia's shores on a Thursday morning in 1942, when 188 Japanese aircraft appeared over the centre of Darwin.

    Bombs rained down on the coast, spraying red dirt and shrouding the turquoise harbour in smoke and fire. The two air raids nearly flattened the town, killing at least 230 people.

    That day - 19 February - was a precursor to some 200 raids across northern Australia, but it remains the deadliest attack on the country.

    Eighty years on, Darwin is a laid-back holiday spot that bears few visible scars of war. But there are simmering fears that this city may find itself in the crosshairs of a global conflict again.

    Australia V China-screenshot-2023-10-25-03-42-a

    Home to several key military bases which could prove crucial in any clash with China, Darwin is at the heart of deepening ties between Canberra and Washington, and the focus of massive investment from both governments.

    But while American interest is reassuring for those who are wary of Beijing's power, there is alarm for some who worry it makes their home a target.

    "You're inviting conflict," says local Billee McGinley, part of the Top End Peace Alliance, a local activist group. On a recent October afternoon, the group took turns sharing their concerns in the shadow of the city's war memorial Cenotaph.

    "We feel like a sacrifice," she says.
    Face of the north

    Darwin has long been a military town. You can drive across the sparsely populated city in about 15 minutes, but it is home to two military bases. Another one sits on its fringe.

    It is more common to see someone in military fatigues than a suit. And the roar of aircraft overhead is just another soundtrack to life here.
    An aerial view of the Larrakeyah Defence PrecinctImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,
    An aerial view of the Larrakeyah Defence Precinct

    Defence families are a large chunk of the population - and that doesn't include the thousands of international troops that arrive each year for war games and training. The industry is an even larger proportion of the economy.

    And it's clear the military footprint in the so-called "Top End" is only going to grow.

    Australia had maintained it didn't have to choose between the US and China. But that calculation has changed. Ties have soured between Washington and Beijing, and the latter's claims over the South China Sea and Taiwan have become more expansive and threatening.

    So Canberra says it has woken up to its vital role in ensuring security and stability in the region, with fresh commitments to allies and a massive overhaul of its defence spend.

    Enter, Darwin - "the face of the north".

    "Looking at a map, the strategic importance of Darwin is obvious," says defence analyst Michael Shoebridge.
    Map

    Australia V China-screenshot-2023-10-25-03-42-a

    The Australian government has announced it's moving hundreds more troops to Darwin and other northern cities, and it has also promised a large chunk of its new defence budget will go towards fortifying the region.

    While the US has historically focused on Guam, Hawaii or Okinawa, it too is now pouring money into Australia.

    It already operates year-round at the Pine Gap spy base outside Alice Springs in central Australia, and has since 2011 been sending annual rotations of US Marines - this year some 2,500 of them - to the Northern Territory (NT), where Darwin is located.

    But in recent years it has promised about $2bn for base upgrades and new facilities. In Darwin, that includes a mission planning and operations centre and 11 jet fuel storage tanks. A couple of hours south - at the Tindal air base - storage hangers for nuclear-capable bomber planes and a huge ammunition bunker will be built.

    Australia and the US have also signed bilateral defence agreements and further military cooperation is expected to be high on the agenda during Mr Albanese's trip to Washington.
    US Marines exit an Osprey helicopter in the NTImage source, ADF/Carla Armenti
    Image caption,
    US Marines conduct military drills in the Top End

    Experts say the military build-up in the Top End - by both Australia and the US - is aimed at dispersing resources, and risk, around the region to "complicate" any war strategy by Beijing. But it is primarily about preventing war.

    "It's obvious that diplomacy and all of the fora and meetings that exist in the region are not preventing China's aggression and intimidation," Mr Shoebridge says.

    "So, to deter conflict, there needs to be enough hard power, not in China's hands, so that Beijing understands the cost of conflict would be too great... [and] no collective defence strategy makes any sense in our region without the Americans being part of it."
    Target on Darwin

    But that's making some Darwin locals uneasy.

    Though there's differing opinions on the likelihood of a conflict with China, they're worried the build-up won't deter Beijing, but rather escalate tensions. They fear the US presence in Darwin could pressure Australia into a war it simply shouldn't be involved in, and make their city a target.

    "If you position yourself as neutral and peaceful, it would be a war crime to come here," Ms McGinley says.

    US secures deal on bases to complete arc around China
    Taiwan looms large as Japan prepares to host G7

    Australia V China-screenshot-2023-10-25-03-42-a

    She's so terrified about Darwin's future she's considering her family's place in it: "It's definitely a consideration, with a young daughter, whether I stay here or not."

    There are more immediate concerns too. In recent months, a US marine has been charged with rape and an American Osprey helicopter crashed and exploded near a school. And there's the impact these expanding bases - and any potential attack - could have on the Aboriginal cultural heritage and natural beauty the NT is known for.

    Because so few people live in the NT, it is treated as "expendable", says Diana Rickard, who runs the Top End Peace Alliance.

    "This has always been considered the wasteland… it still is," she adds.

    "The risks and impacts and threats are externalised onto people that live here. But any kind of perceived benefit... is for people elsewhere," Naish Gawen, another local, says.
    Billee McGinley
    Image caption,
    Billee McGinley says she is reconsidering her future in Darwin

    But the Peace Alliance says their concerns don't seem to be resonating with the community or being heard by people in power.

    They certainly don't appear to be widespread. Walking around Darwin, it can feel like there is a general mood of nonchalance about the military presence.

    "It's not something that I've heard much about," one local, 30-year-old Brianna, says.

    The local business chamber and politicians from across the aisle sell the economic benefits of the defence investments.

    The NT Chief Minister Natasha Fyles and national Defence Minister Richard Marles did not respond to the BBC's request for comment. But Mr Marles has previously said Darwin is a "significant" national "asset", something that is "good news for the Territory's economy".

    "It is fundamentally important that we have the footprint here," he said in April.

    Experts, though, don't rule out the possibility that Darwin will become a target.

    Defence strategist Becca Wasser has spent years wargaming what might happen in the event of a conflict in the region. In most of the scenarios she's run, China does attempt missile attacks on Australia.

    But they have limited success given the technology Beijing possesses and the more than 4,000km (2485 miles) between mainland China and Australia.

    "In fact, most of them usually don't reach even the most northern bases," she says. But it's not the existence of the bases that makes Darwin a target, she stressed - whether Australia uses them to send troops is the key factor.

    Australia has joined almost every single coalition operation that the United States has fought in recent years, she adds, but that is no guarantee Australia will choose to join any future wars.

    "The decision to contribute forces to any conflict, it's a political decision, and it's one that Australia makes on its own. It's not something that the United States can just determine," she says.
    Richard Fejo holding a picture of his relative Samuel Fejo
    Image caption,
    Richard Fejo says he considers himself a realist

    Even those whose families lived through the 1942 bombing of Darwin seem to accept the city's new military reality.

    Richard Fejo recounts stories that have been passed down from his grandfather, Juma Fejo, and his great uncle Samuel Fejo. The Larrika elder says the pair never recovered from the loss of human life they witnessed, and the impact on their ancestral home.

    "In Aboriginal culture, we say the land is our mother… and so something as terrible as the bombing of Darwin, as a Larrakia person, would have been like putting a knife through their heart," he says.

    While he's daunted by the prospect of war returning to his home, "I consider myself to be a realist," he says.

    "These people who would stand up and argue about Americans being on Larrakia land, what option are you offering us? We must… remember our past, but we also must be prepared for the future."

    The laidback Australian city key to countering China - BBC News


    Just look at the strategic layout on that map and say a prayer of gratitude to young Lieutenant James Cook

    Australia V China-e18ab9a6f374e87ddc2f97caa0fb6818-jpg

  23. #798
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    China and Australia: Frenemies who need each other

    China and Australia are proof that governments do not have to like each other to do business.

    When Anthony Albanese arrives in China on Saturday, he will be the first Australian prime minister to visit in seven years.

    Australia V China-screenshot-2023-11-04-04-30-a

    His three-day trip comes in the wake of plummeting relations between the two countries - and Canberra's growing military ties with Washington.

    In recent years Australia and China have accused each other over human rights violations and perceived threats to national security. Public perceptions of the other side are more negative than they have ever been.

    But when it comes to trade, they cannot afford to let go of each other. At the peak of their trading relationship in 2020, almost half of Australia's exports went to China.

    By way of comparison, at around the same time roughly 9% of all US exports and only 5% of British exports were being sold to China.
    Australia needs China

    This kind of leverage can be a powerful tool if a government wants to make a point, which is what happened in 2020 when Australia called for an independent inquiry into the origins of Covid-19.

    "That was deeply upsetting to the Chinese government," said Jane Golley, an economist at the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra.

    Australia and China eye new ways to heal old wounds

    "Shortly after, the [Chinese] ambassador here gave a speech and suggested that some Australian industries might suffer as a consequence."

    Sure enough, a string of Chinese tariffs and restrictions followed on an estimated $20bn (£16.4bn) worth of Australian goods. Among the many products affected were barley, beef, wine, coal, timber and lobster.

    "Basically the Chinese government was sending a message. They were unhappy with the Australian government and decided to use economic coercion to make that point," Professor Golley added.

    Australia V China-screenshot-2023-11-04-04-30-a

    An employee works as Australian-made wine (on display shelves on R) are seen for sale at a store in Beijing on August 18, 2020.Image source, Getty Images
    Image caption,
    Australian wine was one the targets of Chinese tariffs in a bitter trade war

    At the time, such a robust move from an important trading partner was a surprise to many. Since then, China has reversed many of the restrictions.

    The decision to row back on the tariffs was, at least partly, helped by a change of tack from the newly elected Australian government.

    Shortly after meeting with China's leader Xi Jinping at the G20 summit in Bali last year, Mr Albanese said: "We're always going to be better off when we have dialogue and are able to talk constructively and respectfully".

    What China's economic problems mean for the world
    The laidback Australian city key to countering China

    He reminded Australians that trade with China was worth more than with Japan, the US and South Korea combined. Clearly, normalising relations between what he called "two highly complementary economies" would be a priority for his government.

    Whether China's so-called economic coercion was successful is doubtful. Australia is still openly critical of Beijing on several fronts - but there is no question that Australian businesses and workers took a hit because of China's trade restrictions.

    "We can't live without them, essentially," Professor Golley said. "I think the Albanese government clearly decided that our economic links were too important to sacrifice and went for an improvement in our diplomacy."
    China needs Australia

    Australia has its own levers it can use to its advantage - especially when it comes to natural resources.

    "China and Australia are deeply economically interdependent," said Benjamin Herscovitch, a research fellow at the ANU's National Security College.

    Typically, China has been, and still is, highly reliant on Australia for raw materials to satisfy its vast and growing economy.

    Huge amounts of its iron ore and liquefied natural gas, for example, come from Australia. Incidentally, neither of these commodities were subjected to Chinese restrictions.

    The Chinese public can live without Australian wine and lobsters, but until the country is able to adequately source materials to make steel or power its factories, Beijing knows it is not in a strong position to start making demands of Australia.

    Australia V China-screenshot-2023-11-04-04-30-a

    Aerial photo taken on December 9, 2020 shows a ship unloader unloading iron ore imported from Australia at an iron ore operation terminal in Taicang Port in Suzhou, East China's Jiangsu Province, ChinaImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,
    Iron ore being unloaded at Taicang port, China.

    Some analysts argue that China's trade restrictions were not forcing Canberra closer to Beijing - rather they had the opposite effect.

    "The Chinese government started to realise that its coercive economic and diplomatic measures were driving Australia closer to the United States," said Mr Herscovitch.

    "Beijing's decision to remove trade restrictions and normalise diplomatic contact is aimed at wooing Canberra away from Washington."

    One aim could be to gain Australian support for entry into the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

    How US Marines are being reshaped for China threat

    This is the successor to the doomed Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) - the free trade agreement from which then-US President Donald Trump withdrew. So far several countries, including Australia, have blocked China's attempts to join.

    "To be blunt, China doesn't have that many friends in the world. We used to be one, but not anymore," Professor Golley said. "If you think about it, it makes sense to have a strong economic relationship with an ally of the United States. If you're being cynical, it gives you an opportunity to drive a wedge between us and Washington."
    Having their cake and eating it

    Given the heightened tensions with the US, it makes sense that China does not want to alienate America's allies.

    Not only is Washington trying to exclude China from access to technology needed for advanced computer chips and critical minerals needed for green energy, it is also putting pressure on its allies to do the same.

    Half of the world's lithium, for example, is in Australia. Chinese companies want access to such metals that are crucial for making electric vehicles, a field in which China is currently the global leader.

    Australia V China-screenshot-2023-11-04-04-33-a

    President Joe Biden and Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese toast before the start of the state dinner to the White House on October 25, 2023 in Washington, DCImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,
    Mr Albanese was in Washington recently to meet Mr Biden

    According to Professor Golley, there is a danger that Australia and China become "competitors rather than collaborators" when it comes to issues they need to work together on, such as fighting climate change.

    Australia's close political and military ties with the US mean it will inevitably fall on the American side of the superpower struggle.

    But siding with a country whose economic policies actively harm China will only put more strain on the relationship and could risk landing both countries back at square one.

    "I don't know how much longer this can continue", said Professor Golley. "The Australian government wants a relationship with China in which, basically, we continue to export to them as normal."

    "But at the same time we also diversify away from them and restrict their capital flows into the country. To me, that sounds like we want to have our cake and eat it too."

    China and Australia: Frenemies who need each other - BBC News

  24. #799
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    HMAS Toowoomba naval divers forced to exit water over Chinese warship sonar pulses

    Australian naval personnel have sustained minor injuries after being subjected to sonar pulses from a Chinese warship, with the federal Opposition calling for the prime minister to say if he raised the issue with Xi Jinping.
    Key points:

    Australian divers suffered injuries to their ears after being forced to exit the water
    The federal government has expressed its serious concerns to the Chinese government
    It comes less than a fortnight after Anthony Albanese's meeting with President Xi Jinping

    HMAS Toowoomba had been operating in international waters off Japan in support of a United Nations mission to enforce sanctions when the incident occurred on Tuesday.

    Naval divers were working to clear fishing nets from the Australian frigate's propellers, when the Chinese warship began operating its hull-mounted sonar.

    According to Defence Minister Richard Marles, the Australian frigate provided multiple warnings to vessels in the area that diving operations were underway.

    "Despite acknowledging Toowoomba's communications, the Chinese vessel approached at a closer range," he said.

    Australia V China-tw-png

    "Soon after, it was detected operating its hull-mounted sonar in a manner that posed a risk to the safety of the Australian divers who were forced to exit the water."

    It's understood the divers suffered injuries to their ears, likely due to the sonar pulses.
    Australia's new trade battlefront with China

    The itinerary of Anthony Albanese's latest foreign excursions involved some incredible diplomatic U-turns that neatly sum up the dilemma and danger we face in our region, writes business editor Ian Verrender.
    Anthony Albanese shakes hands with Xi Jinping in front of the Australian and Chiense flags in Beijing.
    Read more

    The federal government has expressed its serious concerns to the Chinese government, with Mr Marles labelling the incident "unsafe and unprofessional interaction".

    And he says ADF vessels have run maritime surveillance activities in the area "for decades", doing so in accordance with international law.

    While the frigate was in international waters, it still fell within Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone. It was sailing towards Japan, where it had a scheduled port visit.

    Shadow Defence Minister Andrew Hastie, in a statement on Saturday evening, criticised the government for announcing the incident after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese departed for the APEC summit in the US.

    "While the responsibility is solely on the Chinese PLA Navy, the Albanese Government also has some serious questions to answer," Mr Hastie said.

    "The Prime Minister must explain why he chose to wait until after he left the country to disclose this information, and whether he raised it directly with President Xi Jinping at APEC."

    The incident comes less than a fortnight after Mr Albanese made the first official visit to Beijing by an Australian prime minister in seven years, meeting President Xi Jinping.

    The discussion was described by the prime minister as one of "goodwill", and Mr Xi credited Mr Albanese for working to stabilise the relationship between the two countries after years of rising tensions.

    And only days ago, Mr Xi met with US President Joe Biden in San Francisco, where the two leaders pledged to resume military-to-military communications.

    In May last year, tensions between Australia and China were heightened by the presence of a Chinese surveillance ship operating off the West Australian coast, close to a secretive naval communications base at Exmouth.
    ANU professor of International Law Donald Rothwell says the incident is "bewildering".
    What is a sonar pulse?

    Sonar is an acronym for Sound Navigation And Ranging. There are two types of sonar:

    Passive sonar involves listening, via specialised transducers called hydrophones (underwater microphones), for signs of nearby ships. It does not reveal the user's location.
    Active sonars are used to determine relevant positions of submerged objects by emitting a sound signal that travels through water, reflects off an object, and bounces back to a receiver. Sound signals are not emitted continuously, rather as short bursts or pings during operation. They can detect an underwater threat and target its position.

    Submarines, warships and other naval platforms use sonar for two main reasons:

    To safely navigate deep waters and avoid obstacles
    Anti-submarine warfare (ASW)

    ASW sonar equipment is used by vessels to detect, classify, track, and attack underwater threats and targets such as torpedoes and naval mines.

    *Information gathered from the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water, and Naval Technology.

    https://www.abc. net.au/news/2023-11-18/naval-chinese-warship-injury/103121900

  25. #800
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    And today's RAN response to last week's sonar injuries to HMAS Toowoomba divers...


    China reacts after Australian warship HMAS Toowoomba transits Taiwan Strait


    Beijing has again warned foreign militaries to avoid the "provocative" action of sailing through the Taiwan Strait, after an Australian warship transited the strategic waterway days after a confrontation with the Chinese Navy in the East China Sea.
    Key points:

    Taiwan's defence ministry said an Australian warship sailed through the Taiwan Strait
    The ABC has confirmed HMAS Toowoomba was the ship which made the transit as part of its deployment to the region
    Personnel onboard the vessel were injured last week when a Chinese warship deployed its sonar while divers were underwater

    Australia V China-tw2-png

    The ABC has confirmed HMAS Toowoomba travelled southwards through the Taiwan Strait on Thursday after leaving the Japanese port city of Sasebo earlier in the week.

    On Friday China's foreign ministry said the country's position on the issue has been "consistent and clear".

    "We urge the parties concerned to refrain from taking provocative actions and causing trouble towards the peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait," foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said in a regular briefing.

    This week HMAS Toowoomba also conducted a bilateral exercise with Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force in the East China Sea, before heading through the Taiwan Strait.

    Last week China's navy drew protests from Australia when one of its warships approached the Australian frigate HMAS Toowoomba in the East China Sea, and deployed its underwater sonar while divers from the ship were underwater.

    Defence Minister Richard Marles labelled the incident "unsafe and unprofessional", and said the sonar burst left the divers with "minor injuries".

    On Friday, Taiwan's defence ministry said an Australian warship sailed through the Taiwan Strait, with its military keeping watch throughout.
    An incident involving sonar has left navy divers with minor injuries.

    While the US and Australian navies regularly transit the international waters of the strait, China regularly lodges objections, accusing Western nations of ratcheting up tensions in the region.

    China's ruling communist party claims the self-governed island as its own territory, despite having never exercised control over Taiwan.

    Over the last three years China has also substantially ramped up military exercises in the strait and around Taiwan, despite protests from Taipei.

    HMAS Toowoomba was confronted by the Chinese navy in the East China Sea while it was enforcing United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea, monitoring any illegal transfers of goods between ships trying to smuggle illegal material into the country.

    The naval divers, working to clear fishing nets from the Australian frigate's propellers, suffered ear injuries.

    The confrontation stoked fresh tensions between Australia and China just weeks after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made a landmark trip to Beijing as part of efforts to repair the bilateral relationship.
    Is sonar dangerous to humans?

    Australian naval personnel have sustained minor injuries to their ears after being subjected to sonar pulses from a Chinese warship.
    HMAS Toowoomba
    Read more

    China denied that the warship which confronted HMAS Toowoomba had behaved unprofessionally, and accused Australia of "making trouble in front of China's doorstep."

    The terse exchange comes just days before a top Chinese official arrives in Australia for talks with the federal government.

    Liu Jianchao – who heads the Chinese Communist Party's International Liaison Department – is expected to speak at the University of Technology in Sydney on Tuesday, as well as holding meetings in Canberra.

    Analysts say he's likely to discuss the joint commitments made during the prime minister's visit to Beijing, as well as scoping out a potential visit to Australia next year by Chinese President Xi Jinping or Premier Li Qiang.

    https://www.abc. net.au/news/2023-11-24/hmas-toowoomba-confronted-by-chinese-navy-transits-taiwan-strait/103147982

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