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.

This week in Australian foreign affairs: Morrison’s cabinet reshuffle, Payne’s financial sanctions and travel bans against Russian companies, the centenary of the RAAF, and more.

From Rio Tinto’s copper project to an Australian cattle farm on the steppes, Australia has forged important links with Kazakhstan over the past three decades. There’s no better time to reflect on strengthening these ties than during Nauryz.

This week in Australian foreign affairs: human rights abuses in Xinjiang, diplomatic appointments, an Austrade report, and more.

With the relationship between Australia and China in a stalemate and the possibility it could get worse, leading local protagonists have taken to telling a story of how things came to be. But it’s in no small part a self-serving tale, seemingly designed to deflect having to take some responsibility.