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AllAfrica
2 days ago
- Politics
- AllAfrica
America asks its allies the tough questions
The United States wants to know what Japan and Australia would do in the event of a conflict over Taiwan. Under Secretary of Defense Elbridge Colby is under fire, as he sometimes is these days. But the US has asked a reasonable question since the Americans are expected to do the heavy-lifting over Taiwan, and they need help. The United States is also treaty-obligated to defend both Japan and Australia in event of a fight unrelated to Taiwan. The question appears to have been asked behind closed doors – which is good – but also appears to have been leaked. Which is not good – no matter who leaked it. Even friends don't like being ordered around. And another reason to keep it out of public eye? If Japan and Australia equivocate on support for Taiwan, which they undoubtedly will, that's surely a signal to Beijing to press ahead. Washington absolutely needs those commitments – but privately. Ironically, even the US isn't entirely clear on Taiwan – although it's reasonably expected to fight since it does more than everyone else put together to bolster Taiwan's defense.. And if Washington is going to war, it's helpful to know who else is coming – and with what. As for Japanese, they understand that a PRC-controlled Taiwan is an existential risk. There's no sense of urgency, however. War planning and preparations are lagging – beyond plans to evacuate Japan's southern islands and building bomb shelters. Tokyo has almost no security relationship with Taiwan. On the plus side, Japan's considerable support to the Philippines – radars, patrol boats, six retired destroyers and dual use infrastructure – is done with an eye toward a Taiwan fight. And one Japanese official explained that the long-range missiles (current and more advanced versions) that Japan has based on its southernmost island can reach quite a ways towards Taiwan and potentially beyond. But it still appears Japan expects the US to handle things if Taiwan goes 'hot' while Japan does what it feels like. Washington is wise to get this ironed out beforehand. Australia? Will Australia play a role, let alone fight, if there is a conflict over Taiwan? Don't be so sure. The Australian military is game, but undersized and lacking capabilities and direction. And a powerful constituency in Australia is both anti-military and anti-American. Prime Minister Albanese is in Beijing this week and is cozying up to China more than ever. The PRC banned exports of Australian lobster and wine a few years ago, and the possibility Beijing will do it again appears to have rattled Canberra. The Australian Broadcast Corporation (ABC) said: 'It's entirely appropriate that Anthony Albanese is meeting Xi again before he meets Trump for the first time. Xi is more important than Trump now.' Washington may be overestimating Australian support. Today's Australia seems different from the one that stopped the Imperial Japanese Army in New Guinea in 1942. Best to clear it up sooner than later. More money The Americans – as they've done for years – are also asking Japan and Australia to spend more on defense. But even upping the budget doesn't mean more capability and a willingness to use it – which is what the Pentagon is really asking for. US requests need to include some well-thought-out advice on what to spend money on so as to be a more useful partner. Otherwise it's just nagging. As an exasperated Japanese Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka relayed to the Americans over 50 years ago: 'Tell us what you need … and don't back down.' Getting heard These hard questions are asked at the defense secretary / minister level. But that's not where they are decided. Washington would do well to quietly summon the Japanese and Australian ambassadors, one at a time, to the White House and explain things with President Trump in the room. Maybe even slide a 'non-paper' across the table. That's the diplomatic equivalent of telling someone what you want, but without formally telling them what you want. And don't publicize it, if you can help it. Just make it clear you're serious. There is of course the added challenge of America's partners thinking they can wait out the Trump administration. Such is life.. These questions should have been asked and answers received from America's allies a decade ago. To its credit, the Trump administration is at least asking. And it's a fair question to ask when Americans are expected to do most of the dying in a fight over Taiwan – which is just as important to Japan and Australia as to the United States. America needs help, and it needs to know where its friends stand long before the shooting starts. 'Winging it' means losing. Grant Newsham is a retired US Marine officer and former US diplomat. He was the first Marine liaison officer to the Japan Self-Defense Force, and is a fellow at the Center for Security Policy and the Yorktown Institute. He is the author of the book When China Attacks: A Warning to America.
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Australian model Lucy Markovic dead at 27: ‘Bright, shining light'
'Australia's Next Top Model' runner-up Lucy Markovic has died following complications from a rare brain condition on Thursday. She was 27. Markovic had been suffering from a brain arteriovenous malformation, which forced her to undergo emergency surgery on April 2. 'Dear friends and family, I regret to inform you that Lucy has passed,' a statement posted by her partner Carlos on Instagram read. 'She was at peace. Me, her mother and my mother were present with her. We ask you to please give us space in these hard times. May Lucy Rest in peace.' Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is described as the 'tangle of blood vessels that creates irregular connections between arteries and veins,' according to the Mayo Clinic. The condition often prevents tissues from receiving oxygen. Arteriovenous malformations are rare and occur in 1 in 100,000 people. The fashion figure was public about her struggles in the weeks leading up to her death. Markovic revealed that she was scheduled to undergo brain surgery on March 26 to treat the AVM 'in the back of her brain' which she compared to the size of a golf ball. The procedure was moved to April 2. 'Lucky + unlucky – Radiation, seizures, heavy medication and 4 years later,' Markovic captioned her final Instagram post. 'Excited, thankful, scared, supported, hopeful. Full flood of emotions in this time. Life's a journey and I'm ready for the next chapter.' According to the Australian Broadcast Corporation, Markovic was 'battling for her life' on Thursday night — days after her procedure. The runway model was remembered by some of fashion's biggest names. Donatella Versace reposted an image of the model in an Instagram story, writing, 'I am so sorry to hear the news about @lucymarkovicc. Rest in peace beautiful girl.' 'Lucy was such a beautiful girl inside and out,' Australian designer Alex Perry told The Daily Telegraph. 'She was a joy to work with and so professional. And just at that age too, to have that life taken away from her is really devastating.' 'Lucy was a bright shining light, and had an incredible dry sense of humor,' her agency Elite NYC wrote in an Instagram post. 'Her smile and laughter could light up a room, and draw you closer to her.' Markovic rose to fame when she was as a contestant in 'Australia's Next Top Model' in 2015. Markovic, who was 16 years old at the time, came in second place and went on to pose for international brands like Givench, Versace, Victoria Beckham and Emporio Armani
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
American angers Australian Prime Minister after snatching wombat
(NewsNation) — Australian immigration officials could bar an American influencer from ever returning Down Under for carrying a baby wombat away from its mother while recording a video for social media. The visa of Sam Jones, a self-described 'wildlife biologist and environmental scientist,' is under review after a now-deleted social media post showed Jones snatching the joey and running away before being followed by its mother. Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said in a statement that an investigation into whether Jones had violated her visa was ongoing. Trump to deliver speech at DOJ on 'restoring law and order' 'Either way, given the level of scrutiny that will happen if she ever applies for a visa again, I'll be surprised if she even bothers,' Burke said, as reported by the Australian Broadcast Corporation. 'I can't wait for Australia to see the back of this individual. I don't expect she will return,' he added. The post has captured the attention of much of Australia, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who had a unique suggestion for Jones. 'To take a baby wombat from its mother, and clearly causing distress from the mother, is just an outrage,' Albanese said. 'I suggest to this so-called influencer, maybe she might try some other Australian animals. 'Take a baby crocodile from its mother and see how you go there. Take another animal that can actually fight back rather than stealing a baby wombat from its mother; see how you go there.' According to AP, Jones left Australia on Friday. 'There's never been a better day to be a baby wombat in Australia,' Burke said in a later statement. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
