Increasing Australia’s investment in diplomacy

Australia is underinvesting in diplomacy given the type of world we are living in. But it’s wrongheaded to blame MPs and ministers for not simply understanding the intrinsic value of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and giving it more money.

Why China’s Zhenhua data trove matters

The Zhenhua revelations offer another chance to challenge Beijing to reduce its egregious interference in other societies to shore up the position of the CCP.

Actions speak louder than words

The detention of Australian journalist Cheng Lei gives lie to Chinese President Xi’s supposed ‘reform and opening up’ agenda.

Morrison is closing the seams in our federation that China seeks to exploit

Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s proposed foreign relations bill is all about closing the seams in our federation and giving practical effect to the Commonwealth’s constitutional power on foreign relations.

China’s wine dumping ‘investigation’ shows Australian businesses must plan for Chinese coercion

Australian companies are getting the point—trade with China is hostage to the actions of the ruling Chinese Communist Party regardless of consumer desires or business partnerships formed over decades.

China is busy making enemies

From the warm waters of the South China Sea, to the snows of the Himalayas and the streets of Hong Kong, China’s relentless bullying of its neighbours is turning the international community against it.

Walking the walk

The new force structure plan sets a clear direction for Australia’s military that engages with the new world we are living in. It positions Australia to resist coercion and deter conflict but now the hard work of implementation must begin.

A new partnership could revitalise our universities

The time is right for a new discussion between the government and universities on the future of the sector to re-establish the centrality of our universities for Australia’s wellbeing, prosperity and security.

China’s belt and road shouldn’t start in Victoria

If the national cabinet has a purpose beyond the Covid-19 pandemic, it could act to force a cohesive and united national policy on China, and that should start with reconsidering Victoria’s deal.

The protests can show the power of democracy

At a time when authoritarian China is brutalising protesters in Hong Hong, the US must not create a mirror image of repression in how it handles the volatile situation in its cities.

Where’s the beef?

Business interests are calling for Australia to surrender its values and independence to appease China’s communist dictatorship and preserve their personal profits, but that’s a price too high to pay for beer and barley.

We need an international inquiry into COVID-19

It’s time to take the global debate about the pandemic out of the hands of Beijing and Washington and reclaim it for the 6.08 billion people who do not live in China or the US.