Today
- Opinion
- Foreign relations
Why a Democracy Club won't work
Pulling big democracies into a new multilateral force sounds good, but they can't fix global problems without the help of the leaders they want to shut out.
- Aaron David Miller and Richard Sokolsky
- Opinion
- National security
Bernard Collaery trial is a highly unusual criminal prosecution
After nine months of hearings, seven judgments, and government spending of $2 million, we still know too little about the prosecutions of Bernard Collaery and Witness K.
- Ian Cunliffe
This Month
- Opinion
- Global economy
Australia's big soft power test
Australia cannot recover well if our neighbouring region is destabilised and deteriorating. This is a major diplomatic challenge.
- Gordon Cairns
The day that hell came to Hiroshima
On its 75th anniversary, Jonathan Holmes recalls the first atomic bombing, its aftermath, and asks whether it could happen again.
- Jonathan Holmes
Boris Johnson’s remarkable U-turn from Sinophile to China hawk
Six months ago, Britain was the most China-friendly state in Western Europe. That’s ancient history now.
- James Crabtree
- Opinion
- Trade wars
The virus is far from Australia's only threat in 2020
Australia's economy is highly exposed to its largest trading partner at a time when China is far less accommodating of any criticism of its activities.
- Jennifer Hewett
- Opinion
- China relations
Three steps needed to advance the Morrison doctrine
Australia went to AUSMIN to reaffirm the US alliance without burning bridges to Beijing. But what is the best way of taking this stance forward?
- John McCarthy
- Opinion
- China relations
China-Australia ties in need of some business-led ballast
The twin crises of the pandemic and souring relations with China mean Australia is being forced to step up.
- Andrew Clark
July
- Opinion
- WA China links
Iron ore industry's success is exceptional – in more ways than one
Fortescue Metals Group's surging production and share price demonstrates the continuing success of Australia's iron ore industry in supplying the China market.
- Jennifer Hewett
- Opinion
- Foreign relations
Washington sees in Canberra the independent ally it needs
Australia has been both out in front of Washington and unwilling to fall in behind it. That is healthy for regional security.
- Richard Fontaine
A look back to a different time in Australia-China relations
In his new book, Geoff Kitney recalls a time when Australian leaders, such as Doug Anthony and Bob Hawke, saw only great opportunity in China.
- Geoff Kitney
- Opinion
- The AFR View
Morrison doctrine aims to manage China on Australia's terms
But China is far more likely to conform to a rules-based order by Australia creating a regional coalition, rather than acting as Washington's deputy sheriff.
- The AFR View
- Opinion
- China relations
Payne sensibly says no to Pompeo's coalition of the willing
Australia has avoided joining the Trump administration's new cold war. But big questions about handling the escalating US-China rivalry remain unanswered.
- Hugh White
Business shouldn't have loyalty questioned for speaking up about China
A major business-backed group has warned that debate about Australia's China policy is being skewed by a handful of national security hawks.
- Andrew Clark
Australia backs US bid to rally democracies against China
The AUSMIN talks also deepened military ties, but Foreign Minister Marise Payne insisted Canberra didn't always agree with Washington's approach.
- Hans van Leeuwen
- Exclusive
- Trade wars
Australia urged to fight China's industrial subsidies
Australia has been urged by a US former top trade official to join an international coalition of countries to take on China over its unfair industrial subsidies for state-owned enterprises.
- John Kehoe
- Opinion
- South China Sea
Australia is now tied to Trump's bellicose anti-China rhetoric
The AUSMIN talks in Washington this week will mean Australia becomes further entangled in stirring US rhetoric about the need to combat China's Communist Party.
- Jennifer Hewett
Australia's move in South China Sea could help tip balance
China now has Australia and the US to consider in negotiations with ASEAN for a new rule book in the South China Sea.
- Emma Connors and Natalia Santi
- Opinion
- Trump diplomacy
An AUSMIN agenda for tense times
Coercion and coronavirus must be at the top of the list in a time of domestic distraction and regional tension.
- Ashley Townshend
Tim 'Wolverine' Wilson's Huawei junket
In August 2012, Wilson took part in an all-expenses-paid trip the then-already contentious company organised for commentariat types.
- Myriam Robin
