AUSTRALIA – FOREIGN RELATIONS

As Russia’s influence in Asia surges, Australia’s ranking slips

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Original article by Matthew Knott
The Age – Page: Online : 26-Nov-25

The latest edition of the Lowy Institute’s Asia Power Index shows that the US is still the most powerful nation in the region. China is ranked second, followed by India and Japan; however, Australia has fallen from fifth place in the annual rankings to sixth. Russia has in turn risen to fifth place in the index, which assesses the relative power of 27 countries and territories in the Indo-Pacific region. The report notes that Russia’s power in Asia is rising, aided by support from other ‘authoritarian revisionist powers’ such as China and North Korea; the authors warn that the growing collaboration between these nations will continue to challenge the US and its allies in the Indo-Pacific region.

CORPORATES
LOWY INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL POLICY

World now in grey-zone warfare

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Original article by Noah Yim
The Australian – Page: 1 & 6 : 8-Oct-25

The Office of National Intelligence’s director-general Andrew Shearer has doubled down on his recent warning about the growing global security threat. He says grey-zone warfare has become central to strategic rivalry in the global struggle between a new "axis of authoritarian powers" and democracies. He contends that actions such as cyber attacks, political interference, disinformation and economic coercion aim to weaken cohesion within democracies such as Australia and between allies, and to make the world safer for authoritarianism. Shearer also noted that China’s military parade in September was designed to send a "clear message" that the nation’s military capabilities and intent are "advancing in step".

CORPORATES
AUSTRALIA. OFFICE OF NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE

‘We don’t accept’ genocide case: Wong

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Original article by Yvonne Ball, Jess Malcolm
The Australian – Page: 5 : 17-Jan-24

Foreign Minister Penny Wong says the federal government respects the independence of the International Court of Justice and its role in upholding international law. However, she has emphasised that this does mean that Australia accepts the premise of South Africa’s case of genocide against Israel in the ICJ. Wong also notes that Australia is not currently a party to the genocide claim, and that the ICJ has not yet sought international submissions on the case. Wong held talks with Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi in Amman on Tuesday, which will be followed by two days of talks in Israel. She will meet survivors of the 7 October Hamas terrorist attacks, although she will not visit the sites where the attacks occurred.

CORPORATES
AUSTRALIA. DEPT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TRADE, INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE

Global pressures on PM’s domestic agenda

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Original article by Geoff Chambers
The Australian – Page: 1 & 4 : 30-Oct-23

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has defended his hectic overseas travel schedule, arguing that personally engaging with world leaders is critical at a time of significant economic and security shocks. Albanese has come under scrutiny over his international travel itenary amid the domestic cost-of-living crisis, a high inflation rate and rising oil prices. Albanese recently returned from his first official visit to the US, while his upcoming trip to China will be the first by an Australian prime minister since 2016. Albanese used a speech on his final day in Washington to emphasise the need to engage with China and to develop understanding, given that the nation accounts for 25 per cent of Australia’s exports. Albanese will also attend the Pacific Islands Forum and the APEC summit in coming weeks.

CORPORATES
AUSTRALIA. DEPT OF THE PRIME MINISTER AND CABINET

NATO grateful for Australia’s support

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Original article by Hans van Leeuwen
The Australian Financial Review – Page: 11 : 12-Jul-23

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has met with NATO’s Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on the sidelines of the defence alliance’s leaders’ summit in Lithuania. Albo emphasised the federal government’s strong support for Ukraine, noting that despite Australia’s distance from Europe the invasion has had an impact on the nation’s inflation rate and its economy. Stoltenberg in turn said NATO is "extremely grateful" for Australia’s support, noting that what happens in Europe matters for the Indo-Pacific region. Albanese will participate in a special session on the Indo-Pacific region on Wednesday. Meanwhile, some media reports have suggested that major NATO member nations believe that Ukraine cannot be offered a pathway to full membership even when the war ends.

CORPORATES
AUSTRALIA. DEPT OF THE PRIME MINISTER AND CABINET, NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANISATION

Liberals split over UN rights council

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Original article by Primrose Riordan
The Australian – Page: 2 : 21-Jun-18

Liberal MP Craig Kelly says Australia should join the US in withdrawing from the United Nations’ Human Rights Council, arguing that its members include some of the world’s most repressive regimes. Although Liberal senator Eric Abetz has welcomed the US decision, he says Australia should see how the UNHRC responds before taking any action. Senator James Paterson favours continued membership of the UNHRC, while Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has expressed disappointment with the Trump administration’s decision.

CORPORATES
UNITED NATIONS. HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL, LIBERAL PARTY OF AUSTRALIA, AUSTRALIA. DEPT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TRADE, UNITED STATES. EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT, AUSTRALIAN JEWISH ASSOCIATION