Nauru ceases to recognise Taiwan as separate country as it seeks full resumption of diplomatic relations with China ::)

No doubt the President of Nauru and his political mates have had a very healthy boost to their Swiss bank accounts.    ::)

Belgarion wrote on Jan 15^th, 2024 at 9:12pm:

No doubt the President of Nauru and his political mates have had a very healthy boost to their Swiss bank accounts.    ::)

Hey ! They’re politicians. . . . .

Beijing points finger at Japan over sonar attack on Australian warship HMAS Toowoomba ::)

Big Trouble In Big China...

Brian Ross wrote on Jan 17^th, 2024 at 4:27pm:

Beijing points finger at Japan over sonar attack on Australian warship HMAS Toowoomba ::)

To paraphrase Ms Rice-Ravies, well they would, wouldn't they?  ::)

Tuvalu election early results point to pro-Taiwan Prime Minister Kausea Natano losing his seat 8-)

China's foreign minister says Taiwan independence biggest threat to Sino-US ties ::)

Taiwan foreign minister pushes back at Beijing's criticism of incoming President William Lai ::)

Chinese court sentences Australian Yang Hengjun to death with two-year good behaviour reprieve ::) ::)

Brian Ross wrote on Feb 5^th, 2024 at 2:37pm:

Chinese court sentences Australian Yang Hengjun to death with two-year good behaviour reprieve ::) ::)

Not surprising. This man will be held in limbo for the foreseeable future as his death sentence is used as a bargaining chip to attempt to force Australian compliance with the PRC's demands.  ::)

China opens first Antarctic research station due south of Australia and New Zealand :o >:(

China wine tariffs expected to be gone by end of March after trade minister meets with Chinese counterpart 8-)

Brian Ross wrote on Feb 27^th, 2024 at 1:52pm:

China wine tariffs expected to be gone by end of March after trade minister meets with Chinese counterpart 8-)

Far from wanting tariffs lifted, we should be banning all exports to China until they understand their actions are unacceptable.

China's foreign minister expected in Australia for high-level talks within weeks ::)

Foreign Minister Penny Wong warns against conflict as tensions rise in South China Sea ::)

Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Junior wanted direct phone line to Xi Jinping to avoid South China Sea conflict ::)

China coastguard's 'dangerous manoeuvres' caused South China Sea collision, Philippines says :o

China's government officially abolishes heavy tariffs on Australian wine [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

Western rock lobster fishers hopeful but 'not holding breath' for end to China live export ban ::)

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi visits PNG, saying Pacific nations aren't 'the backyard' of other countries ::)

Pro-China party wins Maldives election in landslide :o

Manasseh Sogavare was China's man in the Pacific. Will his exit as prime minister reverberate across the region? ::)

Philippines accuses China of damaging its vessels in disputed South China Sea shoal :o

Australian helicopter forced to take evasive action after Chinese fighter detonates flares :o

Anthony Albanese hasn't spoken with President Xi Jinping after Chinese military confrontation in international waters ::)

Defence chief rejects China's spying accusation after helicopter's near miss in confrontation >:(

Furious China launches 'punishment' drills around Taiwan denouncing new president ::) ::)

With two days of military drills, Beijing makes clear its feelings about Taiwan's new president ::) ::)

Richard Marles confronted by Chinese PLA officers at Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore >:( >:(

China defence chief says Beijing ready to 'forcefully' stop Taiwan independence ::) ::)

Hong Kong detains artist, vigils held to keep Tiananmen Square memory alive >:(

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says China Premier Li Qiang will visit this week :o

Philippines files claim with United Nations to an extended continental shelf in South China Sea :o

China's Premier Li Qiang says ties are 'back on track' as he arrives in Australia ::)

Brian Ross wrote on Jun 16^th, 2024 at 1:07pm:

China's Premier Li Qiang says ties are 'back on track' as he arrives in Australia ::)

If AnAl had any spine he would ban all trade with China until they learn their lesson about unacceptable behaviour. But the snivelling little toerag will just go on bending over. >:(

Anthony Albanese to meet China's Premier Li Qiang for high-level talks in Canberra ::)

Brian Ross wrote on Jun 16^th, 2024 at 11:14pm:

Anthony Albanese to meet China's Premier Li Qiang for high-level talks in Canberra ::)

Do you have an opinion on the matter, Brian? Rolling eyes emojis don't say much to the context of the story.

UnSubRocky wrote on Jun 16^th, 2024 at 11:35pm:

Brian Ross wrote on Jun 16th, 2024 at 11:14pm: Anthony Albanese to meet China's Premier Li Qiang for high-level talks in Canberra ::) Do you have an opinion on the matter, Brian? Rolling eyes emojis don't say much to the context of the story.

I believe both parties will seek to undermine any agreement reached, Unsub. ::)

Beijing offers visa-free entry to Australians with defence talks flagged to avoid military clashes ::)

Brian Ross wrote on Jun 17^th, 2024 at 8:19pm:

Beijing offers visa-free entry to Australians with defence talks flagged to avoid military clashes ::)

Do you have an opinion on the matter, Brian? Rolling eyes emojis don't say much to the context of the story. You seem to be fishing for responses.

UnSubRocky wrote on Jun 17^th, 2024 at 10:39pm:

Brian Ross wrote on Jun 17th, 2024 at 8:19pm: Beijing offers visa-free entry to Australians with defence talks flagged to avoid military clashes ::) Do you have an opinion on the matter, Brian? Rolling eyes emojis don't say much to the context of the story. You seem to be fishing for responses.

I do not offer an opinion, just facilitate the chance for others to comment, UnSub.  Tsk, tsk, tsk...   ::) ::)

Australian government complains over Chinese embassy staff's 'clumsy' Cheng Lei obstruction ::)

Brian Ross wrote on Jun 18^th, 2024 at 1:12pm:

Australian government complains over Chinese embassy staff's 'clumsy' Cheng Lei obstruction ::)

There has been no better example of the utter contempt the Chinese hold for Australia than these people thinking they can act like this in the Australian Parliament.  I also see they had their usual rent a rabble outside attempting to intimidate anti Chinese protestors.  ::)

They need a lesson, sooner rather than later.

China expected to lift trade ban on Australian lobster imports shortly, says Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell 8-)

[url=China removing religious and cultural references from Xinjiang place names, rights groups say]China removing religious and cultural references from Xinjiang place names, rights groups say[/url] ::)

Philippines says it won't start a war, but won't yield 'to any foreign power' after clash in South China Sea ::)

Japan and Korea join Australian-led pushback on Chinese hacking >:(

Solomon Islands MP calls for PM to shed light on country's $30 million budget rescue package from China ::)

China and the Philippines strike a deal to end clashes at disputed shoal in South China Sea ::)

Taiwan holds unscripted war games simulating how to repel Chinese military offensive :o

Beijing's South China Sea agreement with the Philippines signals Xi Jinping's softening stance due to economic struggle ::)

Pacific Island nations owe 'astronomical' debts to China. Can they repay? >:(

The trouble is anti-China propagandists?

Australia joins defence exercise in contested South China Sea after Philippines deal with China to ease tensions ::)

LTYC You have overstepped the mark.  You have not obeyed the forum rules.  You are hereby banned from this forum.  Begone.

China has expanded its presence in Antarctica with its new Qinling base. Should Australia be worried? >:(

Chinese and Philippine ships collide again in disputed waters, and the countries are trading blame

Australia backs Taiwan in Senate motion likely to infuriate China ::)

China responds furiously as Pacific Islands leaders reject bid to cut Taiwan from bloc meetings ::)

China, Philippines trade blame in latest South China Sea clash ::)

Pacific Island nations hope to lure China's tourists with a promise of 'purity' as travellers return to the skies ::)

Lowy Institute's Asia Power Index says China is chipping away at America's military might but its overall influence is plateauing :o

What's behind China's launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile? :o

Chinese nuclear-powered attack submarine sank earlier this year, says senior US defence official :o

China's launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile criticised by Fiji, Australia, Palau and New Zealand :o

Chinese trade restrictions on Australian lobsters to be lifted before Chinese New Year 8-)

Australian rock lobster will soon be exported to China again — here's what it means for the industry and consumers :o

4 hours ago — China's military has started a new round of war games near Taiwan in a warning to the "separatist acts of Taiwan independence forces"

China says Australia 'plagued by systemic racism' after diplomat raises concerns about human rights in Tibet and Xinjiang ::)

Xi Jinping brings the multi-billion-dollar charm in Peru, as Anthony Albanese calls for calm amongst leaders ::) ::)

Chinese President Xi Jinping snubs meetings with world leaders at APEC summit ::) ::)

Danish military monitors Chinese ship :o

Three Americans who the US deemed wrongly imprisoned in China have been released :o

China denounces Taiwan president’s Pacific tour as he stops off in Hawaii and Guam ::)

Brian Ross wrote on Dec 2^nd, 2024 at 11:40am:

China denounces Taiwan president’s Pacific tour as he stops off in Hawaii and Guam ::)

As long as the UN and US don't recognize Taiwan, China can ignore the separatists on Taiwan who will only succeed  in wasting resources on buying US weapons, and moving the island's wealth creating industries to the US,  to please the US.

Fools.   

Labor senator Raff Ciccone says China and Russia should not be able to bully democracies [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

Brian Ross wrote on Dec 3^rd, 2024 at 11:34am:

Labor senator Raff Ciccone says China and Russia should not be able to bully democracies [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

How is China bullying the democracies?

And the triumphalist  US - seeking global hegemony  - is the reason  Putin lost his mind.....Russia was willing to join NATO after the demise of the USSR.

Dumb Labor politician, falling for the "China threat" theory.   

Interestingly, China and India are sorting out their differences, while more countries want to join BRICS.

The days of a unipolar US-led world are over. 

Taiwan's military on high alert as Chinese warships sail near island :o

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TW1owJab-M

Philippines threatens legal action after Chinese coast guard ship sails in disputed South China Sea >:(

Australia and New Zealand working together to monitor Chinese naval presence, declared 'provocative' by Coalition >:(

Commercial pilots between Australia and NZ diverted over possible Chinese live fire exercises :o

Brian Ross wrote on Feb 21^st, 2025 at 3:37pm:

Commercial pilots between Australia and NZ diverted over possible Chinese live fire exercises :o

Seems China has followed standard protocol and notified Australian and NZ authorities of its intention to conduct the live fire exercise. Nothing unusual here, we and other navies do it all the time. Having received the notification the authorities issue a NOTAM (notice to airmen) and an NTM ( notice to mariners) warning aircraft and ships to avoid the area.  Every airline receives these as matter of course, even if they are not operating  near the area. 

What is unusual is conducting an exercise near a commercial flight path. if this is the case then they have deliberately escalated the tension.  More information is needed regarding the alleged course changes of the aircraft and whether they were forced as a result of this notification.

Penny Wong challenges Chinese foreign minister over 'unprecedented' live fire drills off Australian coast [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

NZ defence minister warns of 'extremely capable' Chinese warships in Tasman Sea :o

Virgin Airlines pilot first alerted authorities to Chinese live fire danger on Friday :o

Chinese warships re-enter Australia's Exclusive Economic Zone and head closer to Tasmania :o

Taiwan detains China-linked cargo ship after undersea cable disconnected :o

Intelligence chief says Chinese warship deployment designed to be 'provocative' >:(

Brian Ross wrote on Feb 25^th, 2025 at 7:53pm:

Chinese warships re-enter Australia's Exclusive Economic Zone and head closer to Tasmania :o

Stop being paranoid, Brian (like the ASPI and other blind 'democracy' ideologues). 

China will only attack you if YOU fight to defend Taiwan's sovereignty - which is none of your business.

Fortunately, the US - and the UN - isn't about to recognize Taiwan's sovereignty, despite the 'democracy' bs of some delusional Labor politicians.

Note, Chinese citizens are free provided they don't attack their  "communist " government like we attack our dysfunctional tweedle dee/tweedle dum governments.

thegreatdivide wrote on Feb 26^th, 2025 at 12:35pm:

Brian Ross wrote on Feb 25th, 2025 at 7:53pm: Chinese warships re-enter Australia's Exclusive Economic Zone and head closer to Tasmania :o Stop being paranoid, Brian (like the ASPI and other blind 'democracy' ideologues).  China will only attack you if YOU fight to defend Taiwan's sovereignty - which is none of your business. Fortunately, the US - and the UN - isn't about to recognize Taiwan's sovereignty, despite the 'democracy' bs of some delusional Labor politicians. Note, Chinese citizens are free provided they don't attack their  "communist " government like we attack our dysfunctional tweedle dee/tweedle dum governments.

Why then do we have Chinese warships patrolling in the Tasman Sea?  Why then do we have the Chinese acting as aggressively as they do in the South China Sea?  Your words are betrayed by PRC actions.  Tsk, tsk, tsk...  ::) ::)

Brian Ross wrote on Feb 26^th, 2025 at 3:35pm:

thegreatdivide wrote on Feb 26th, 2025 at 12:35pm: Brian Ross wrote on Feb 25th, 2025 at 7:53pm: Chinese warships re-enter Australia's Exclusive Economic Zone and head closer to Tasmania :o Stop being paranoid, Brian (like the ASPI and other blind 'democracy' ideologues).  China will only attack you if YOU fight to defend Taiwan's sovereignty - which is none of your business. Fortunately, the US - and the UN - isn't about to recognize Taiwan's sovereignty, despite the 'democracy' bs of some delusional Labor politicians. Note, Chinese citizens are free provided they don't attack their  "communist " government like we attack our dysfunctional tweedle dee/tweedle dum governments. Why then do we have Chinese warships patrolling in the Tasman Sea?  Why then do we have the Chinese acting as aggressively as they do in the South China Sea?  Your words are betrayed by PRC actions.  Tsk, tsk, tsk...  ::) ::)

To warn you not to send Oz warships to the Taiwan strait to "defend" Taiwan's "sovereignty";  China has shown it has the capacity to respond in kind.

thegreatdivide wrote on Feb 26^th, 2025 at 6:03pm:

Brian Ross wrote on Feb 26th, 2025 at 3:35pm: thegreatdivide wrote on Feb 26th, 2025 at 12:35pm: Brian Ross wrote on Feb 25th, 2025 at 7:53pm: Chinese warships re-enter Australia's Exclusive Economic Zone and head closer to Tasmania :o Stop being paranoid, Brian (like the ASPI and other blind 'democracy' ideologues).  China will only attack you if YOU fight to defend Taiwan's sovereignty - which is none of your business. Fortunately, the US - and the UN - isn't about to recognize Taiwan's sovereignty, despite the 'democracy' bs of some delusional Labor politicians. Note, Chinese citizens are free provided they don't attack their  "communist " government like we attack our dysfunctional tweedle dee/tweedle dum governments. Why then do we have Chinese warships patrolling in the Tasman Sea?  Why then do we have the Chinese acting as aggressively as they do in the South China Sea?  Your words are betrayed by PRC actions.  Tsk, tsk, tsk...  ::) ::) To warn you not to send Oz warships to the Taiwan strait to "defend" Taiwan's "sovereignty";  China has shown it has the capacity to respond in kind.

Who is in a similar situation to Taiwan, Divide?  Why can't they limit their protest to around Taiwan, why do they have to protest in the Tasman Sea? Tsk, tsk, tsk... ::) ::)

Taiwan sends its military after China launches 'live-fire' drill near island ::)

Brian Ross wrote on Feb 26^th, 2025 at 8:02pm:

thegreatdivide wrote on Feb 26th, 2025 at 6:03pm: Brian Ross wrote on Feb 26th, 2025 at 3:35pm: thegreatdivide wrote on Feb 26th, 2025 at 12:35pm: Brian Ross wrote on Feb 25th, 2025 at 7:53pm: Chinese warships re-enter Australia's Exclusive Economic Zone and head closer to Tasmania :o Stop being paranoid, Brian (like the ASPI and other blind 'democracy' ideologues).  China will only attack you if YOU fight to defend Taiwan's sovereignty - which is none of your business. Fortunately, the US - and the UN - isn't about to recognize Taiwan's sovereignty, despite the 'democracy' bs of some delusional Labor politicians. Note, Chinese citizens are free provided they don't attack their  "communist " government like we attack our dysfunctional tweedle dee/tweedle dum governments. Why then do we have Chinese warships patrolling in the Tasman Sea?  Why then do we have the Chinese acting as aggressively as they do in the South China Sea?  Your words are betrayed by PRC actions.  Tsk, tsk, tsk...  ::) ::) To warn you not to send Oz warships to the Taiwan strait to "defend" Taiwan's "sovereignty";  China has shown it has the capacity to respond in kind. Who is in a similar situation to Taiwan, Divide?  Why can't they limit their protest to around Taiwan, why do they have to protest in the Tasman Sea? Tsk, tsk, tsk... ::) ::)

1. Because according to international rules,  other navies have a right to transit the Taiwan Strait, so China can  protest by its actions in the Tasman sea.

2. Because Oz is the 51st state of the US (or is it the 52nd...); and China is using the opportunity to show its naval prowess to the US who are annoying China by arming Taiwan.

At least  Marles  has some idea of balance in international affairs, unlike the paranoid RW fool Patterson who wants to attack the PM for not telling Australians about the vicinity of Chinese warships "quickly enough", and is banging on (like you) about sinister designs of the PLA navy who are acting - as noted by Marles -  acording to rules of international law, when the Oz navy regularly exercises on China's doorstep, also within the rules.... though the Chinese have objections to warships entering the Taiwan strait:

(wiki)

Since 2018 China has denied that the concept of international waters applies to the Taiwan Strait.[17] China does not claim sovereignty over the entire strait but seeks to regulate what it views as [u]"support for the Taiwan authorities and muscle-flexing against the mainland".

ie, support by the US and it allies, and you.....

Patterson has no capacity for a balanced view; he wants the right to send warships though the Taiwan Strait, while denying the PLA navy the same rights re international waters.

Fortunately, Trump is less willing to start WW3 over Taiwan; today when a reporter asked whether Trump would go to war to defend Taiwan, Trump answered  "I'm not going to tell you".

(And Trump well knows Xi's view on the matter, he has regular phone calls with him).

Unlike you delusional 'democracy is freedom' ideologues, Trump is more circumspect.....

 

The PRC is a paper tiger.  It will not invade Taiwan because the Taiwanese can defend themselves and will.  They come to the Tasman Sea because they can't read a map and think they are still near Taiwan.  They seek to intimidate Australia and New Zealand with a show of force but they will have the opposite effect and drive us closer to the US.  Such a silly waste of fuel, mileage on the clock.  Australia does not respond well to intimidation, they will find.  Tsk, tsk, tsk...  ::) ::)

Large drone spotted near border with PNG as Chinese warships passed nearby :o

Needless anxiety over China will only make it true >:(

Taipei replica in remote Chinese province fans Taiwan invasion fears :o

China military pledges to tighten 'noose' around Taiwan if separatism escalates ::) ::)

China sends more than 50 war planes near Taiwan as 'punishment' to separatism ::) ::)

Australia monitoring Chinese research vessel off south coast ::)

China launches large-scale military drills around Taiwan in warning against push for independence ::) ::)

Taiwan charges Chinese ship captain with damaging undersea cables for the first time >:(

Timor-Leste open to participating in Chinese military exercises ::)

Chinese coast guard says it seized sandbank in the South China Sea amid land tussle with the Philippines >:(

China criticises Australia over joint exercises with Philippines, US in South China Sea :o

Excellent! China only understands strength and these exercises are an signal that their continued expansion in the SCS will only be tolerated for so long. 

China accused of foreign interference in Solomon Islands after minister quits international group ::)

Belgarion wrote on May 9^th, 2025 at 2:15pm:

Excellent! China only understands strength and these exercises are an signal that their continued expansion in the SCS will only be tolerated for so long.

Speaking of strength, you better hope the US never recognizes Taiwan as an independent state.

google

In the early years of Nazi rule, the German economy was significantly smaller than the US economy, roughly 10% to 20% of the US economy


...cf with the Chinese economy today, which has a larger manufacturing base than the US - a reality which is greatly exercising Trump.....

Lowy report finds Pacific nations 'grappling with a tidal wave of debt repayments' to China >:(

China rejects US defence chief's 'groundless' warnings on Taiwan invasion threat - like a two-bob watch, the yanks are right twice a day... :o :o

Brian Ross wrote on May 27^th, 2025 at 8:33pm:

Lowy report finds Pacific nations 'grappling with a tidal wave of debt repayments' to China >:(

This is what comes of accepting Chinese largesse....They will take payment in other ways when the cash is unable to be paid.   As the old Irish saying goes,  when you sup with the devil use a long spoon.  ::)

Visa refusal sparks fresh concerns Solomon Islands may block Taipei from Pacific forum :o

Albanese bats away questions about Taiwan and US defence demands on first day of China visit 8-)

US defence demands complicate Albanese's China visit ::)

Australian concerns over live fire drill brushed aside in Xi meeting ::)