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Asia
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China relations
Marles takes aim at China over bid to wield power ‘by force’
Despite his fiery words, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles insisted Australia would be ‘respectful’ of China. ‘We all need to live together.’
- by Chris Barrett and Eryk Bagshaw
Latest
China calls COVID ‘lab leak’ theory a lie after WHO calls for probe
The WHO’s call for more research into the virus’ possible lab origins is a sharp reversal of the agency’s initial assessment.
Hong Kong showing ‘upbeat’ signs despite COVID
Amid expectation that President Xi Jinping might visit to celebrate 25 years of Chinese rule, the stock market - and people’s moods - are looking up.
- by Sofia Horta e Costa and Kari Lindberg
Analysis
Immigration
Scared of hunger, Sri Lankans are willing to risk their lives on boats
Recent interceptions near Christmas Island are the first since January 2020. Chances are they won’t be the last.
- by Chris Barrett
Sean Turnell’s trial to proceed, rules Myanmar court
The Australian served as economics advisor to leader Aung San Suu Kyi when her government was deposed in an army coup 16 months ago. He’s been in prison since.
- by Grant Peck
Not allowed: Cambodia tells Penny Wong that China can’t access naval base
Cambodia has denied new claims China’s military will have access to the Ream Naval Base, despite a ground-breaking ceremony attended by Chinese officials.
- by Chris Barrett
‘As legal as garlic’: High times in Thailand as marijuana is decriminalised
The Thai government will hand out 1 million cannabis plants to registered households, who can grow as many as they like.
- by Chris Barrett
Updated
China relations
‘Concerning’: Albanese alarmed at China’s plans for Cambodian naval base
The prime minister called on Beijing to be “transparent about its intent” for the base on the Gulf of Thailand.
- by Chris Barrett and Eryk Bagshaw
Vietnamese corruption probe accelerates with axing of Hanoi mayor
Health Minister Nguyen Thanh Long, one of the highest-ranking government officials, has also been expelled.
- by Mai Ngoc Chau
China to begin construction of PLA military base in Cambodia this week, Western officials say
The establishment of a Chinese naval base in Cambodia is part of Beijing’s strategy to build a network of military facilities around the world in support of its aspirations to become a true global power, the officials said.
- by Ellen Nakashima and Cate Cadell
Muslim nations rip into India over insulting remarks about Islam
At least five Arab nations have lodged official protests against India following comments made by two prominent spokespeople from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party.
- by Sheikh Saaliq