Foreign relations
Editorial
Opinion
If Morrison wins the election, he needs a new foreign minister
Scott Morrison has felt the need to single out Marise Payne for praise. In fact, she has been a weak link.
- The Herald's View
Latest
Opinion
China relations
Labor’s ‘missing middle’ strategy avoids asking region to take sides on China
Penny Wong will be hoping Labor’s new South-East Asian policies capture attention in the region and the White House.
- by Peter Hartcher
Australia snubs China and Russia at major maritime conference
The Chinese and Russian militaries have been banned from attending a major military trade show in Sydney, as concern heightens about the recently signed security agreement between China and Solomon Islands.
- by Anthony Galloway
Opinion
Solomon Islands
From China to climate and COVID: does Australia really care for the Pacific?
We need to show all Pacific nations - not just Solomon Islands - we are with them, and not let strategic advisers overwhelm the important issues.
- by Hamish McDonald
Exclusive
George Brandis
Downer ‘disappointed’ in Payne for leaving UK post vacant during Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
The Australian government has allowed the post of High Commissioner to the UK to fall vacant during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
- by Latika Bourke
Opinion
China relations
China’s plans for the Pacific do not stop with Solomons
The former ambassador to Papua New Guinea warns that other island nations in the Pacific are being courted by Beijing right now.
- by Ian Kemish
China could have Solomon Islands military base within four weeks
A military expert warns China could set up a military base in Solomon Islands before the end of the election campaign as Labor slams the Coalition for failing on national security.
- by David Crowe and Eryk Bagshaw
China signs security deal with Solomon Islands, Chinese foreign ministry says
The United States had earlier warned that China’s soldiers could be stationed in the Pacific nation if it signs a security deal with Beijing.
- by Eryk Bagshaw
Opinion
China
Indonesians may be wary of Australia but they trust China even less - and we should embrace their independent spirit
Rather than lean on Jakarta to fall into line with the West’s strategic objectives, a non-aligned, prosperous Indonesia can help ensure a more balanced Asia where it is harder for any one power to dominate.
- by Ben Bland and Natasha Kassam
Dozens of Russians sanctioned under Magnitsky laws
Strict financial and travel sanctions will be imposed on 39 Russian individuals responsible for corruption and the abuse and death of Ukrainian-born Russian lawyer Sergei Magnitsky.
- by Zoe Samios and Angus Thompson
‘Doomed to fail’: China brushes off last-minute pleas from Australia over Solomons security deal
Solomon Islands’ defiant Prime Minister sent Scott Morrison a text and letter before telling his parliament Australia’s concerns were “nonsense”.
- by Eryk Bagshaw