Australia has provided considerable assistance to India during these difficult times, which is highly welcome. Indeed, there appears to be an upsurge of goodwill towards Australia in India.

Africa is a powerful region for future strategic policy. Australia does not demonstrate the interest in African states it should.

The Australian federal government recently resolved to scrap the Victorian state government’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).  The timing of this decision needs to be contemplated as ongoing developments may trouble bilateral relations between Australia and China.

This week in Australian foreign affairs: the suspension of passenger flights from India, Morrison at Biden’s Leaders’ Summit on Climate, Payne on the ASEAN Leaders’ Meeting, and more.

The Australia-China relationship is in a parlous state. Claims and counter-claims are made about whether China or Australia is most at fault, and there is debate about what is ultimately the root cause of this decline. 

Australia is assisting its near neighbours, Timor-Leste and Papua New Guinea, in their fight against COVID-19. Beyond a humanitarian response, Australia’s support also reflects a deeper motive in an increasingly strategically challenged region.

This week in Australian foreign affairs: the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan; the cancellation of four arrangements between Victoria and foreign governments; Frances Adamson at the Asia Society; and more.

This week in Australian foreign affairs: sharing Australian-made AstraZeneca doses with our Pacific neighbours; supporting PNG and Timor-Leste; diplomatic appointments; the latest Five Country Ministerial Meeting; and more.

What is unfolding in Xinjiang is the largest detention of an ethnic group since the Holocaust. Australia has a responsibility to increase pressure on Beijing to cease its large-scale human rights abuses of the Uyghur minority.

This week in Australian foreign affairs: two-way Trans-Tasman travel bubble announced, Exercise La Perouse kicks off, the Services Exports Action Plan and Australia India Business Exchange are launched, and more.

Crisis simulations prepare Australian decision-makers for a wide range of challenges and crises. The Australian Crisis Simulation Summit creates an opportunity for future national security leaders to strengthen Australia’s capacity to respond to security challenges.