The diplomatic rift between Australia and China continues to worsen, exacerbated by Scott Morrison’s government tearing up controversial infrastructure agreements.
Canberra is bracing for retaliation from Beijing, after it torpedoed Belt and Road Initiative agreements China signed with the Australian state of Victoria.
Australia hasn’t hesitated to stand up to an increasingly assertive and powerful China. It led calls for an independent investigation into the origins of COVID-19, much to China’s fury.
Beijing has even shared a 14-point list of grievances that it has against Australia.
TREADING CAREFULLY
New Zealand’s relationship with China has also been under the spotlight, but for completely different reasons.
New Zealand has been accused of turning its back on its “Five Eyes” allies, amid claims Jacinda Ardern’s government is soft on China.
There’s no question that Australia and New Zealand have fundamentally different approaches to handling the increasing assertiveness of China.
But is New Zealand moving closer to China?
Robert Ayson is a Professor of Strategic Studies at Victoria University of Wellington. He says that while New Zealand doesn’t have a “hardline, zero sum approach to [its] relationship” with Beijing, it “… has taken a strong view on China compared to where it was 7-8 years ago.”
“New Zealand wants to maintain good relations with traditional partners, particularly in the Five Eyes context,” he told Ticker News.
“New Zealand also wants to keep room for a productive relationship with Beijing. New Zealand is unlikely to go down the path that Australia has…”
Australia’s actions have seen it become a victim of China’s economic coercion. New Zealand is seeking to tread carefully, mindful of its economic reliance on China.
FUTURE OF FIVE-EYES
New Zealand has on multiple occasions spoken out against China, including over human rights abuses in Xinjiang.
But the island nation has also been conspicuously absent from some joint statements from its Five-Eyes allies, as it is wanting to chart its own course when it comes to its dealings with China.
The 70-year-old intelligence grouping is made up of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United States, and United Kingdom.
New Zealand’s Foreign Minister this week revealed that New Zealand was “uncomfortable” with expanding the remit of the alliance.
Nanaia Mahuta believes the focus of the group needs to remain on intelligence, not on pressuring or criticising China.
Robert Ayson says the “comments did catch out a few people”, given they were made “in a public forum”.
UNSOLICITED ADVICE
Australia’s Foreign Minister Marine Payne travelled across the Tasman this week, taking advantage of the new travel bubble, for a face-to-face meeting with her Kiwi counterpart.Marise Payne was asked by a journalist if she would like to see the Ardern government take a tougher line on Beijing.
“One thing I have learnt in my role in this job as Australia’s Foreign Minister is not to give advice to other countries,” she responded.
It’s advice that New Zealand’s Trade Minister would have done well to heed in an interview earlier this year.
Appearing on CNBC, Damien O’Connor urged Australia to follow New Zealand and “show respect” and “a little more diplomacy” to China.
The comments went down like a lead balloon in Canberra, as the Minister was left to mop up a diplomatic mess of his own making.
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.