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Are relations between the U.S. and China simmering in tropical Bali?

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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.

China’s President lands in Bali ahead of crucial G20 talks.

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
Richard Marles is Australia’s 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?

Costa is a news producer at ticker NEWS. He has previously worked as a regional journalist at the Southern Highlands Express newspaper. He also has several years' experience in the fire and emergency services sector, where he has worked with researchers, policymakers and local communities. He has also worked at the Seven Network during their Olympic Games coverage and in the ABC Melbourne newsroom. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts (Professional), with expertise in journalism, politics and international relations. His other interests include colonial legacies in the Pacific, counter-terrorism, aviation and travel.

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Trump delays Putin meeting amid fear of long war ahead for Europe

Trump delays Putin talks until Ukraine peace advances, post new U.S. sanctions on Russia’s oil firms.

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Trump delays Putin talks until Ukraine peace advances, post new U.S. sanctions on Russia’s oil firms.


President Trump has postponed talks with Vladimir Putin until meaningful progress is made on Ukraine peace negotiations, following new U.S. sanctions on Russia’s top oil firms.

Oz Sultan from Sultan Interactive Group join for more.

#Trump #Putin #Ukraine #Russia #Sanctions #Oil #Diplomacy #China #India #USPolitics #ForeignPolicy #WhiteHouse


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Russia test-launches nuclear-powered Burevestnik cruise missile

Russia successfully tests nuclear-powered Burevestnik missile, with Putin declaring it ready for deployment amid rising tensions over Ukraine

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Russia successfully tests nuclear-powered Burevestnik missile, with Putin declaring it ready for deployment amid rising tensions over Ukraine

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In Short:
– Russia tested the Burevestnik cruise missile, claiming it is ready for deployment after a successful 14,000-kilometre flight.
– Concerns about the missile’s safety persist due to previous failed tests and a fatal incident during development.
Russia tested its nuclear-powered Burevestnik cruise missile, claiming it is ready for deployment.

President Vladimir Putin announced the successful test, which demonstrated a flight of 14,000 kilometers over 15 hours. The announcement comes amid heightened nuclear rhetoric related to tensions over Ukraine.Banner

Putin described the missile, also known as “Storm Petrel” or “Skyfall,” as “invincible,” claiming its design allows it to evade current and future missile defense systems.

Western analysts have raised doubts regarding its effectiveness and safety, citing a high failure rate in testing, with only two successful tests out of 13 since 2016.

Concerns Raised

The Burevestnik’s development has faced significant setbacks, including a 2019 explosion during testing that resulted in fatalities and radiation release. The incident raised concerns about the safety of nuclear propulsion systems.

The missile’s development aligns with Russia’s strategic interests following the U.S. withdrawal from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty in 2001. Its introduction coincides with intensified nuclear rhetoric from Russia as the conflict in Ukraine persists into its fourth year.

Russia’s nuclear posturing includes recent drills showcasing intercontinental ballistic missiles, coinciding with geopolitical tensions as Russia employs such threats to influence Western support in Ukraine.


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Trump meets Xi and Albanese at ASEAN Summit

Trump’s ASEAN talks with Xi and Albanese may reshape Indo-Pacific trade, defense, and critical minerals strategies.

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Trump’s ASEAN talks with Xi and Albanese may reshape Indo-Pacific trade, defense, and critical minerals strategies.


President Trump’s talks with Xi Jinping and Anthony Albanese at the ASEAN Summit could redefine trade, defence, and critical minerals strategy across the Indo-Pacific.

Professor Tim Harcourt from UTS joins to unpack the global and regional implications.

#ASEAN #Trump #XiJinping #AnthonyAlbanese #Trade #Defence #AUKUS #CriticalMinerals #USChina #IndoPacific


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