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.
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.
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.
“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.
YouTube sensation Jimmy Donaldson, famously known as MrBeast, is set to embark on a groundbreaking venture with Amazon MGM Studios, unveiling plans for a new reality competition show titled “Beast Games.”
This collaboration marks a significant stride in bridging the realms of online entertainment and traditional television.
“Beast Games,” touted as “the biggest reality competition series ever,” is slated to host a staggering 1,000 contestants vying for a remarkable $5 million cash prize.
Donaldson, acclaimed as the most-followed individual creator on YouTube with over 389 million subscribers across his channels, is renowned for his extravagant productions that rival professional television standards. From elaborate sets to jaw-dropping cash prizes, his content has captivated audiences worldwide.
In a recent interview on “The Colin and Samir Show” podcast, Donaldson disclosed that the budget for his YouTube videos can soar up to $5 million each, emphasizing that the forthcoming show will surpass even these extravagant expenses.
Industry analysts estimate the collaboration between Donaldson and Amazon to be valued at approximately $100 million, underlining the magnitude of this groundbreaking partnership.
Cash splash
“It’s like our normal videos, but just 20 times better,” Donaldson remarked during the podcast interview.
“Money’s not a constraint on the show. And so I can also just do anything, which is like a lot more freeing than you would think and so mind-blowing.”
The move to collaborate with a streaming service like Amazon Prime Video allows Donaldson to circumvent the constraints imposed by algorithms prevalent on platforms like YouTube.
While acknowledging the vast reach of Amazon Prime Video, which boasts 80 million active households in the U.S.,
Donaldson remains confident in the immense potential of “Beast Games” to captivate audiences worldwide.
“Beast Games” epitomizes a broader trend in which creators are diversifying their content beyond social media platforms to explore new revenue streams.
Earlier this year, the YouTube group “Sidemen” debuted a documentary on Netflix, while the D’Amelio family aired the third season of their reality show on Hulu, exemplifying the expanding influence of digital creators in the realm of traditional media.
In a huge shift for the iconic James Bond franchise, reports indicate that British actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson has been formally extended an offer to step into the coveted role, succeeding Daniel Craig.
The revelation, as per The Sun, comes amid much anticipation surrounding the future of the long-standing spy thriller series.
Eon Productions, the entity behind the Bond films, appears poised to commence production this year, with Taylor-Johnson seemingly primed to don the mantle of 007.
Sources close to the production suggest that the formal offer has been made, awaiting Taylor-Johnson’s response.
“Should he wish to accept it, Bond is Aaron’s job,” an insider remarked.
The last James Bond actor, Daniel Craig.
“The formal offer is on the table, and they are waiting to hear back. As far as Eon is concerned, Aaron is going to sign his contract in the coming days, and they can start preparing for the big announcement.”
This development follows a period of speculation regarding who would inherit the role, with Taylor-Johnson emerging as a contender alongside other notable actors such as Cillian Murphy, Idris Elba, Henry Cavill, and James Norton.
In response to inquiries about his potential involvement, Taylor-Johnson expressed gratitude, stating, “I find it charming and wonderful that people see me in that role. I take it as a great compliment.”
Best Supporting Actor
The actor’s journey to the cusp of the Bond franchise has been marked by a diverse array of roles, including notable performances in films like “Nocturnal Animals,” for which he received a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor.
Insiders cite this as evidence of Taylor-Johnson’s suitability for the role, asserting that his talent and range make him an ideal successor to Craig’s portrayal.
Daniel Craig, who portrayed Bond across five films, bid farewell to the character following the release of 2021’s “No Time To Die,” a film that concluded with a dramatic finale, leaving the fate of 007 ambiguous.
With Aaron Taylor-Johnson potentially stepping into the iconic role, fans await eagerly for further developments as the next chapter of the Bond saga begins to take shape.
One of the standout moments from the recently concluded SXSW in Austin, Texas, was the crowd’s reaction during the film premiere of “The Fall Guy,” featuring Ryan Gosling.
Attendees voiced their displeasure with an AI video sizzle reel, which failed to resonate with the everyday consumer, resulting in boos from the audience.
The incident underscores the growing importance of understanding and catering to the human experience in technology and entertainment.