Taiwan has tested its air defences in early morning drills on Tuesday

Taiwan has tested its air defences in early morning drills on Tuesday

Taiwan has tested its air defences in early morning drills on Tuesday, using surface-to-air missiles, and air, land and naval forces. Taiwan says it would continue to intensify training in the face of China's frequent military activities nearby. Laura Westbrook has more.

March 26, 2024 12

Business / Economics

Sri Lanka cuts key interest rates, seeks China deal

Sri Lanka's central bank cut interest rates Tuesday as the prime minister visited China seeking a debt restructuring deal crucial to maintaining an IMF bailout. Transport minister and government spokesman Bandula Gunawardana said Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena was in Beijing, the island's biggest bilateral creditor. "We are in the final stages of restructuring our foreign debt and the prime minister is in China for this purpose," Gunawardana told […]

March 26, 2024 27

World

UK Sanctions Chinese Company and Two Individuals Over Cyber Attacks

The UK government has unveiled new sanctions in response to cyber attacks it says were carried out by hackers linked to the Chinese State. A company and two individuals said to be connected to a Chinese state-affiliated group have been sanctioned, over hacking campaigns targeting British lawmakers. The Chinese Embassy has rejected the claims. Simon Gaitán reports.

March 26, 2024 24

World

Beijing says it will safeguard equal treatment for foreign-funded firms

Beijing says it will safeguard equal treatment for foreign-funded firms, so more can invest in the country with "confidence and peace of mind", according to the commerce vice minister. The remarks come as senior Chinese officials are meeting executives from global companies in Beijing. Laura Westbrook has more.

March 25, 2024 31

World

Japan and US to upgrade military pact

The US and Japan are expected to announce a major security pact update when leaders from the two countries meet in Washington next month, according to the Financial Times. Reports expect it to be the biggest security upgrade in 60 years as both countries look to counter China’s military positioning in the region. Chris Gilbert reports from Tokyo.

March 25, 2024 13

World

India rejects China claim on Arunachal Pradesh as ‘absurd’………

India's Foreign Ministry has accused China of making 'absurd claims' on Indian territories. The comments come a week after Beijing protested Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to a frontier region that borders China. Neha Poonia has more.

March 20, 2024 17

World

A fresh set of national security offences is coming into force in Hong Kong

A fresh set of national security offences is coming into force in Hong Kong, after lawmakers unanimously approved a new law on Tuesday. Authorities say it is necessary for stability, but critics fear will further erode civil liberties. Laura Westbrook reports.

March 20, 2024 28

World

Vladimir Putin’s gold strategy explains why sanctions against Russia have failed

By Robert Huish, Dalhousie University There are more than 16,000 sanctions imposed against Russia. Yet the Russian economy and war machine grew by 3.6 per cent in 2023 and is projected to grow another 2.6 per cent in 2024. Nearly six per cent of Russia’s gross domestic product goes towards military spending. At a time when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scrambling to acquire arms, funds and […]

March 19, 2024 10

World

China’s top diplomat, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, will visit Australia next week

China's top diplomat, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, will visit Australia next week in a sign of a further thaw in relations after years of tensions. It comes as China is reportedly considering removing tariffs on Australian wine, raising hopes that nearly three years of stiff duties would end. Laura Westbrook has more.

March 14, 2024 13