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Are relations between the U.S. and China simmering in tropical Bali?
Joe Biden and Xi Jinping have come face-to-face in Bali, Indonesia on the sidelines of the G20 Summit
Chinese President Xi Jinping has made his second international trip since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The virus has killed over 5,000 people in China, and 6.6 million around the world.
Beijing maintains a Covid-zero strategy, which has been criticised by Human Rights Watch as “draconian”.
But for one of the world’s biggest superpowers, the so-called ‘democracy versus authoritarianism’ narrative is one Beijing is attempting to stamp out.
This was President Xi’s first face-to-face meeting since his U.S. counterpart, Joe Biden took office nearly two years ago.
As Xi touched down in Bali, Indonesia for the G20 Summit, a range of bilateral talks had already been arranged.
His meeting with President Biden was high on the agenda, and signals a dialogue, which the U.S. was denied with Russian President Vladimir Putin, after he withdrew his personal invitation to the event.
Instead, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is in attendance.
At China-U.S. meeting, which is understood to have lasted three-and-a-half hours, there was no secret about the ongoing rivalry between the two states.
“We need to find the right direction for the bilateral relationship going forward and elevate the relationship,” Biden said.
Meanwhile, China’s Foreign Ministry said “President Xi pointed out that the world is at a major inflection point in history.”
President Biden sought to rally G20 nations to condemn the use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine.
Xi said he was “highly concerned” by the ongoing conflict, while Biden described the war as “brutal” and “irresponsible”.
A major point for international relations
Twenty of the world’s largest economies have gathered in Bali to exchange their shared challenges: inflation, supply chain pressures, and post-pandemic recovery.
It also provides the space for countries to hold face-to-face meetings on the sidelines of the event.
For example, Australia has shared a defence and security partnership with the U.S. for over 70 years.
In addition, Canberra’s era of economic engagement with Beijing was crucial during the height of the Global Financial Crisis.
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will also come face-to-face with his Chinese counterpart during bilateral talks in Bali.
Meanwhile, his Minister of Defence Richard Marles was speaking in Sydney as President Xi held closed-door talks with Biden.
“Australia values a productive relationship with China. And we expect China will play a more prominent role consistent with its economic and strategic weight,” Marles told delegates at the Sydney Institute Annual Dinner on Monday night.
“We seek that China’s increasing influence is exercised in a manner which reinforces the global rules-based order and promotes habits of cooperation that benefit the interests of all countries.”
RICHARD MARLES, AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE MINISTER
Marles described Australia’s approach to the Indo-Pacific region as “sober, responsible, and clear-eyed statecraft”.
The ANZUS Alliance—between Australia, New Zealand and the U.S.—has been the cornerstone of Canberra’s defence policy.
Today, the alliance provides technology, and intelligence advantages, which Australia would be challenged to develop on its own.
“That enhances Australia’s sovereignty. It does not diminish it,” Marles said.
However, China’s increased dominance in the region has raised eyebrows between likeminded allies like the U.S. and Australia.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said competition can exist, and Washington should not seek to out=perform Beijing.
“China-U.S. relations should not be a zero-sum game where one side out-competes or thrives at the expense of the other,” the ministry said.
Why does this matter?
Biden and Xi made it clear they want to avoid any conflict, for now.
The White House readout from the meeting noted Biden raised “objections to the PRC’s coercive and increasingly aggressive actions toward Taiwan”.
The language was clear: the ongoing tensions “undermine peace and stability” and “jeopardise global prosperity”.
President Biden also raised concerns around human rights abuses and non-market economic practices in relation to U.S. workers.
But President Xi reminded his U.S. counterpart about the global clash between democracies and autocracies, and concerns about Beijing being misunderstood through this lens.
“Neither side should try to remould the other in one’s own image or seek to change or even subvert the other’s system.”
CHINA’S FOREIGN MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
“Instead of talking in one way and acting in another, the United States needs to honour its commitments with concrete action,” China’s Foreign Ministry said.
Washington’s foreign policy changed dramatically since President Richard Nixon’s initial engagement with Beijing.
Since then, China has developed the world’s largest navy, and has entered into the big league of world powers.
The question remains: will tensions reach boiling point?
News
Russia claims drone evidence; CIA dismisses allegations
Russia presents alleged drone evidence to US, CIA disputes claims, Ukraine calls accusations a fabrication amid peace talk tensions
Russia presents alleged drone evidence to the US, CIA disputes claims, Ukraine calls accusations a fabrication amid peace talk tensions
– Russia claims Ukraine targeted Putin’s residence with drones, but the CIA dismisses this as disinformation.
– Ukraine denies allegations, arguing they are fabrications hindering peace talks and lacking evidence.
Russia has provided the United States with purported evidence suggesting Ukraine’s involvement in a drone attack aimed at President Vladimir Putin’s residence. This assertion comes as the CIA and other Western officials have dismissed the claims as disinformation.Admiral Igor Kostyukov, head of Russia’s military intelligence, presented a navigation controller from a downed drone to a U.S. military attache. Russian officials claim that the device’s data indicates the drones targeted Putin’s residence in an attack on December 29, involving 91 drones.
The CIA briefed President Donald Trump that Ukraine did not target Putin or his residence during the incident, asserting that the drones were aimed at a military facility instead. This assessment was communicated to Trump on December 31.
Ukraine has refuted the allegations, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemning them as fabrications meant to justify further attacks and hinder peace discussions. The country’s Center for Countering Disinformation pointed out the lack of evidence, such as air defense activity or drone crash footage.
Diplomatic Ramifications
The situation arose shortly after Trump met with Zelenskyy to discuss potential peace agreements. Trump’s initial anger towards Putin’s claims shifted to skepticism as he later shared opinions that criticized Russia’s role in the peace process.
EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas labelled Russia’s assertions as distractions aimed at hindering diplomatic negotiations. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov implied that the incident might lead Moscow to reconsider its stance in ongoing discussions aimed at resolving the conflict.
China slaps 55% tariff on Australian beef as trade and geopolitical tensions rise
China has imposed a 55% tariff on Australian beef imports that exceed quota limits, a move that threatens more than $1 billion in annual trade and has reignited tensions between Canberra and Beijing. The restrictions, effective from January 1 for three years, cap Australia’s beef quota at 205,000 tonnes—below the volume China imported in 2024—prompting industry claims the decision undermines the spirit of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement.
Calm fears
Beef producers warn the impact could be severe, with exports to China potentially falling by as much as one-third compared to 2025 levels. Industry groups say the move advantages rival exporters, with Brazil and Argentina receiving far larger quotas, raising concerns Australia could permanently lose market share in a key global market. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has sought to calm fears, saying Australia is not being singled out and describing the beef sector as the strongest it has ever been.
The tariff decision comes against the backdrop of growing geopolitical strain, days after Australia criticised China’s “Justice Mission 2025” military drills near Taiwan as destabilising. Opposition figures are urging the government to leverage diplomatic ties with President Xi Jinping to ensure Australia is not swept up in broader trade retaliation, as industry calls mount for urgent talks to stabilise relations.
Where to switch off, reset and travel well for a week
For executives in their 40s, travel has shifted. It is less about ticking off sights and more about space, comfort and coming back sharper than when you left.
In 2026, the most appealing one-week holidays are destinations that combine calm, quality and a sense of being ahead of the curve.
For executives, switching off from work is essential, but true rest comes from being gently engaged rather than completely idle.
The most rewarding breaks offer just enough stimulation, culture, nature or conversation, to quiet the mind without replacing one form of busyness with another.
Here are five global locations quietly rising to the top of travel wish lists.
East Coast Barbados
Barbados has long been associated with polished beach holidays, but the east coast offers something different.
Wild Atlantic surf, boutique retreats and fewer crowds create a slower rhythm that suits travellers who want proper rest without sacrificing style.
Days are spent between long coastal walks, ocean-facing spas and unhurried dinners, with just enough local culture to keep things interesting.
Barbados: Book a holiday package (flights + hotel) to Barbados here.
Phu Quoc
Vietnam’s largest island is emerging as a refined alternative to more established Asian beach destinations.
Phu Quoc blends thoughtful luxury with a grounded, local feel. Resorts are discreet rather than flashy, wellness is taken seriously, and the pace encourages doing very little very well.
It is an easy week of warm water swims, exceptional food and genuine mental downtime.
Phu Quoc, Vietnam: Find holiday packages and deals for Phu Quoc here.
Peloponnese
For travellers who want culture without crowds, the Peloponnese is becoming Greece’s most compelling region.
Ancient ruins sit alongside olive groves, quiet beaches and wellness-focused resorts designed for long lunches and early nights.
It offers the Mediterranean experience executives love, without the intensity of Santorini or Mykonos.
Peloponnese, Greece: Browse and book Peloponnese holiday packages with flights and hotels here.
The Red Sea
Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast is one of the most ambitious luxury travel projects in the world.
Opening progressively through 2025 and 2026, it promises adults-focused resorts built around sustainability, privacy and high-end wellness.
For those seeking something genuinely new, this is a destination that feels exclusive, restorative and future-facing.
Red Sea Coast (gateway for Red Sea resorts): Book a Red Sea Coast holiday package (flight + hotel) here.
Margaret River
Margaret River continues to refine its appeal for travellers who value space and quality. World-class wineries, dramatic coastline and understated luxury accommodation make it ideal for a reset without jet lag.
It is a reminder that a great week away does not need excess. It needs good food, good wine and room to breathe.
In 2026, the best holidays for executives are not about escape in the dramatic sense. They are about intention. A change of pace, fewer decisions, and environments designed to help you slow down properly. These destinations understand that luxury is not about doing more, but about feeling better when you return.
Margaret River, Western Australia: Find Margaret River holiday packages (accommodation + flight) here.
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