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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-Putin call fails to achieve Ukraine cease-fire

Trump and Putin’s call yielded no cease-fire agreement on Ukraine, with both sides urged to continue negotiations.

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Trump and Putin’s call yielded no cease-fire agreement on Ukraine, with both sides urged to continue negotiations.

In Short:
Trump and Putin discussed Ukraine’s conflict for two hours, but Putin refused a cease-fire, complicating U.S. mediation efforts. Despite Zelensky urging Trump for tougher sanctions and commitment, progress in negotiations remains limited.

President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin engaged in a two-hour phone call on Monday regarding the conflict in Ukraine.

Putin declined to agree to an immediate cease-fire, despite pressure from Ukraine and European leaders for the U.S. to remain involved in negotiations.

After the call, Trump suggested that the U.S. might reconsider its role in the peace process, emphasising that a deal must be reached directly between Moscow and Kyiv.

Putin’s refusal to accept a proposed 30-day cease-fire presents ongoing challenges to Trump’s attempts to mediate. Trump expressed hope for productive discussions but did not publicly advocate for tougher sanctions against Russia.

Firm commitment

Ukrainian President Zelensky briefed Trump prior to the call, urging him to secure a firm commitment from Putin. Following the discussion, Zelensky reiterated the need for increased sanctions and continued U.S. involvement to ensure that the situation does not favour Russia.

Putin indicated a willingness to work on a memorandum outlining terms for a potential peace agreement but reiterated demands for significant concessions from Ukraine, including military reductions and NATO policies.

Trump stated that both parties would initiate negotiations aimed at establishing a cease-fire and ending the war. Despite a recent meeting between mid-level officials from both countries, progress remains limited.

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Joe Biden diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer

Joe Biden, 82, diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, confirmed by his team after health scrutiny led to his presidential race withdrawal.

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Joe Biden, 82, diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, confirmed by his team after health scrutiny led to his presidential race withdrawal.


Joe Biden diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer. The 82-year-old former U.S. President is now battling cancer that has spread to his bones. Following a medical evaluation, Biden’s team confirmed the high-grade, hormone-sensitive cancer.

This comes after a year of mounting scrutiny over his health, ultimately leading him to withdraw from the presidential race.

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Trump to discuss cease-fire with Putin amid tensions

Trump to speak with Putin after failed peace talks in Istanbul, highlighting Russia’s resistance to cease-fire demands.

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Trump to speak with Putin after failed peace talks in Istanbul, highlighting Russia’s resistance to cease-fire demands.

In Short:
Peace in Ukraine is still uncertain as Russia shows little interest in serious negotiations, intensifying military actions instead. President Trump plans to call Putin to mediate, while European leaders rally support for Ukraine and push for stronger sanctions against Russia.

Peace in Ukraine remains elusive as recent talks in Istanbul revealed Russia’s reluctance to engage in a meaningful deal. President Trump plans a phone call with Putin on Monday, following discussions with Ukrainian President Zelensky and NATO leaders. These conversations come after Ukraine’s leaders showcased their willingness to negotiate, while European allies advised Zelensky on his engagement with Trump.

Putin’s absence from the talks and the choice of low-level representatives suggested a lack of serious intent to negotiate, particularly after rejecting Trump’s cease-fire proposal. As negotiations stalled, Russian military actions intensified, including a drone attack that killed nine civilians in Ukraine.

Putin’s demands for territorial concessions and military restrictions on Ukraine persisted, framing any cease-fire as advantageous only to Ukrainian forces. However, intelligence reports indicate Russia is regrouping for a potential renewed offensive.

European leaders united to support Ukraine, bolstered by a new German leadership willing to impose stricter sanctions on Russia. Their coordinated efforts aimed to showcase Putin’s refusal to engage, putting pressure on Trump to act.

Ultimately, the future of peace talks hinges on Putin’s response to Trump’s mediation efforts and the increasing pressure from European nations advocating for a firmer stance against Russian aggression, especially regarding energy exports. As diplomatic tensions rise, the international community watches closely.

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