World
Asia
Trump administration to cut troops in Afghanistan despite warnings
The White House is preparing to announce as soon as this week plans to roughly halve the number of US troops, from around 5000 to 2500.
- by Ellen Nakashima, Missy Ryan, John Hudson and Dan Lamothe
Latest
Opinion
Foreign relations
PM's Japanese visit to strengthen bilateral ties
This week's visit to Tokyo by Prime Minister Scott Morrison will strengthen Australia-Japan ties at a very significant geopolitical moment.
- by Shiro Armstrong
Booze ban push threatens Bali's tourist future
The Indonesian holiday island of Bali is already struggling with a huge drop in tourism because of the pandemic. Now, a proposed ban on alcohol could deliver a hammer blow.
- by James Massola and Amilia Rosa
Analysis
Trade deals
Australia's gamble on the world's biggest trade deal not without risk
Signing up to a deal in markets worth $37 trillion will let Australia fast-track international sales - but the details will be resolved in secret.
- by Eryk Bagshaw
'Ecological terror': Azerbaijan delays takeover, Armenians torch homes
A cease-fire ended six weeks of intense fighting between Azerbaijan and Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh region and territories.
- by Jim Heintz
Exclusive
Trade deals
Mega free-trade deal a lifeline for Australia-China relations
Australian business, including the services sector, will now be open to trade with 14 countries through the RCEP.
- by Eryk Bagshaw
Dozens of corpses line Nagorno-Karabakh road after battle
More than 4000 people were killed, including civilians, with 8000 wounded and thousands driven from their homes, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.
Exclusive
China relations
'Unacceptable': Australia intervenes on fate of stranded sailors
Trade Minister Simon Birmingham has stepped in: "This isn't just a trade issue, it is an issue about respect and regard for the wellbeing of the individuals."
- by Eryk Bagshaw
World's largest vaccine producer has made 40m AstraZeneca doses
Officials declined to comment on whether the doses of the vaccine were meant for supply only in India.
- by Sachin Ravikumar
Australia condemns sacking of Hong Kong opposition MPs
Foreign Minister Marise Payne says the disqualification of four pro-democracy politicians "seriously undermines Hong Kong’s democratic processes".
- by Eryk Bagshaw and James Massola
Opinion
Democracy
A prayer for Hong Kong: its political freedom just expired
An author and long-time Hong Kong resident writes on the last day of democracy as its people knew it.
- by Paul Letters