World
Asia
Cheng Lei’s partner says Australia must put her at the centre of negotiations with China
Nick Coyle says he wants to meet with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to ensure the Australian journalist’s case receives “urgency in bilateral discussions”.
- by Eryk Bagshaw
Latest
In Japan, online insults punishable by up to a year in prison
Japan has seen a sharp increase in incidents of online abuse and cyberbullying, with experts suggesting that people find it easier to criticise and insult behind the anonymity of social media posts.
- by Julian Ryall
Xi expands China’s military powers to defend interests abroad
The Chinese President has signed off on a six-chapter order that will frame his defence forces’ activities in the region.
- by Eryk Bagshaw
Opinion
China relations
Fifty years on, Australia and China can renew their diplomatic vows
The first bilateral ministerial meeting in two years offers signs of a thaw in Sino-Australian relations just as a significant diplomatic anniversary looms.
- by Peter Hartcher
Exclusive
China relations
Marles vows to continue flying over Paracels, increase military exercises with Japan
Declaring Australia would not be deterred by China’s threats, the deputy prime minister headed to Tokyo pledging to conduct more operations with Japan.
- by Eryk Bagshaw and Katina Curtis
Death of Netflix reality show participant inspires Japanese laws to jail online bullies
Japan’s parliament approved tougher penalties for criminal defamation in a move prompted by a bullied wrestler’s suicide that is raising free speech concerns.
- by Mari Yamaguchi
Analysis
China relations
The Shangri La dinner that got Australia and China talking again
Zoom diplomacy is no replacement for the real thing.
- by Eryk Bagshaw
India demolishes houses of Muslim figures accused of inciting riots
The Indian government has sought to shut down weeks of angry protests by Muslims against the anti-Islamic comments by two members of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist party.
- by Fayaz Bukhari and Subrata Nag Choudhury
Crisis-hit Sri Lanka is open to buying Russian oil: PM
While Washington and its allies are trying to cut financial flows supporting Moscow’s war effort, Russia is offering its crude at a steep discount, making it extremely enticing to a number of countries.
- by Reuters
Australian deputy PM meets with China defence chief in diplomatic breakthrough
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles has held talks with China’s defence chief at a defence summit, the first face-to-face meeting between ministers from the countries in two years.
- by Chris Barrett
Video of men attacking women at restaurant sparks outrage in China
Surveillance footage of men assaulting women at a restaurant in China has unleashed a flood of outrage, renewing a debate over the country’s treatment of women.
- by Andrew Galbraith