‘We should be concerned': ADF ready for arrival of Chinese spy vessels
'Beijing's government sending a sophisticated vacuum cleaner on a big ship to hoover up a whole lot of information about the vulnerabilities and strengths of Australian, American and other partner military systems,' Mr Shoebridge said.
'We should be concerned, as China has been conducting a whole lot of very high-tempo military practice runs for invading Taiwan.
'It wants to know vulnerabilities in the militaries that might stop it.'
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West Australian
13 minutes ago
- West Australian
CEOs urged to grow China trade, despite coercion threat
Australia's peak business lobby has played down concerns over Chinese economic coercion, saying increased trade between the two nations is actively encouraged. Business Council of Australia chief executive Bran Black said business leaders should continue to pursue diversification as an "inherent good in and of itself" while also strengthening ties with China. Australia's economic reliance on China was exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Beijing imposed restrictions across $20 billion worth of key exports over political grievances with Canberra. At the time, Australia pursued a policy of trade diversification, successfully making up much of the trade shortfall with increased exports to countries such as Japan, South Korea and India. But since a thaw in relations with Zhongnanhai following Labor's election victory in 2022, trade between Australia and China has rebounded. Speaking ahead of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, Mr Black said the meeting would set the tone at a business-to-business level and send a signal that further engagement is welcome. But Australian CEOs should still be encouraged to diversify because it was good for business as well as managing risk. "So from our perspective, we say let's try and have the best possible relationship that we can with China. Let's try and make sure that we can establish trade opportunities that help jobs and businesses back home," he told reporters in Beijing. "But let's also concentrate on the engagements that we have overseas with countries like the United Arab Emirates, countries like India, countries like those in Southeast Asia." A risk remains that China could once again resort to economic penalties on Australia in retaliation for political disagreements. Speculation has emerged that Beijing could apply countermeasures if Canberra follows through on its plan to tear up a Chinese-owned company's lease of Darwin Port. An article by a Chinese state media-linked influencer suggested Beijing could restrict Australian imports, including iron ore trade valued at more than $100 billion, in response. Mr Black refused to say whether businesses were concerned about blowback from the Darwin Port decision, backing the government's right to make decisions regarding the national interest. In a press conference on Monday, Mr Albanese said he was not concerned about Chinese retaliation. "We had a very clear position that we want the port to go into Australian ownership," he told reporters in Shanghai. "We've been clear about it, we've been orderly about it, and we will go through that process."
Perth Now
15 minutes ago
- Perth Now
CEOs urged to grow China trade, despite coercion threat
Australia's peak business lobby has played down concerns over Chinese economic coercion, saying increased trade between the two nations is actively encouraged. Business Council of Australia chief executive Bran Black said business leaders should continue to pursue diversification as an "inherent good in and of itself" while also strengthening ties with China. Australia's economic reliance on China was exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Beijing imposed restrictions across $20 billion worth of key exports over political grievances with Canberra. At the time, Australia pursued a policy of trade diversification, successfully making up much of the trade shortfall with increased exports to countries such as Japan, South Korea and India. But since a thaw in relations with Zhongnanhai following Labor's election victory in 2022, trade between Australia and China has rebounded. Speaking ahead of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, Mr Black said the meeting would set the tone at a business-to-business level and send a signal that further engagement is welcome. But Australian CEOs should still be encouraged to diversify because it was good for business as well as managing risk. "So from our perspective, we say let's try and have the best possible relationship that we can with China. Let's try and make sure that we can establish trade opportunities that help jobs and businesses back home," he told reporters in Beijing. "But let's also concentrate on the engagements that we have overseas with countries like the United Arab Emirates, countries like India, countries like those in Southeast Asia." A risk remains that China could once again resort to economic penalties on Australia in retaliation for political disagreements. Speculation has emerged that Beijing could apply countermeasures if Canberra follows through on its plan to tear up a Chinese-owned company's lease of Darwin Port. An article by a Chinese state media-linked influencer suggested Beijing could restrict Australian imports, including iron ore trade valued at more than $100 billion, in response. Mr Black refused to say whether businesses were concerned about blowback from the Darwin Port decision, backing the government's right to make decisions regarding the national interest. In a press conference on Monday, Mr Albanese said he was not concerned about Chinese retaliation. "We had a very clear position that we want the port to go into Australian ownership," he told reporters in Shanghai. "We've been clear about it, we've been orderly about it, and we will go through that process."
West Australian
an hour ago
- West Australian
Anthony Albanese praised in editorial in Chinese state media
Anthony Albanese has enjoyed a glowing editorial in a state-owned Chinese newspaper, which welcomed his 'friendly' approach to the nation on his six-day trip. The editorial in the China Daily, however, took a shot at previous prime minister Scott Morrison for not having clear 'judgment and understanding' of the country. Titled 'Common ground prevails over differences', the editorial was published in China Daily, an English-language news organisation owned by the Chinese Communist Party's Central Propaganda Department. The release of the editorial coincides with Mr Albanese's planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing's Great Hall of the People. 'Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's ongoing visit to China is not only of significance for the bilateral and trade relations between the two countries, it also sends a message amid the changing global trade landscape,' the editorial started. 'Albanese's visit, which began on Saturday and will last until Friday, is notably long for a state leader, highlighting Australia's commitment to deepening ties and fostering stability amid the uncertain global landscape.' It continued on to highlight rising tensions with the US and makes a point of criticising former prime minister Scott Morrison. 'Albanese's visit shows that the Australian side has a clearer judgment and understanding of China than it had under the previous Scott Morrison government,' it said. Australia's relationship with the superpower soured under the Morrison government after Australia called for an investigation into the origins of Covid. Tariffs were placed on some of Australia's most significant exports to China, including coal, barley, copper and wine. The editorial noted that tension but praised the 'positive upturn' in China-Australia relations under the Albanese government as 'desirable' to restart negotiations on a free-trade agreement. Mr Morrison responded to the comments in a statement made to The Australian. 'Having a character reference from the China Daily was never one of my foreign policy aspirations,' he said. The China Daily editorial highlighted 'difference in terms of geopolitics' between the two nations but welcomed Mr Albanese's trip. 'Albanese's visit, his second since becoming prime minister, is intended as a 'friendly gesture' to ensure the positive development of bilateral relations on a stable track, according to his office,' it said. 'China, on its part, stands ready to work with Australia to take this visit as an opportunity to strengthen communication, enhance mutual trust, expand practical co-operation and push forward the two countries' comprehensive strategic partnership, as the Chinese Foreign Ministry indicated.'
