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Donald Trump speaks to reporters on board Air Force One on Friday.

Trump doubles down on nuclear tests as Russia issues warning

The US president’s surprise remarks have drawn confusion inside and outside the government – and a reaction from the Kremlin that risks restarting the Cold War.

  • Reuters

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Xi Jinping looms large over the US-Australia relationship.

‘China doesn’t want to do that’: Trump’s bravado comes at a critical time

Xi Jinping wasn’t in the room, but he was top of mind as Anthony Albanese and the US president met. As was Taiwan.

  • Matthew Knott and Lisa Visentin
US President Donald Trump and China’s President Xi Jinping in 2019.

‘Xi is watching’: How Trump’s aid cuts have left Australia ‘holding the bag’

It was the end of January, just a week after Donald Trump returned to office, when the email arrived in the inboxes of FHI 360.

  • Michael Koziol
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese with his PNG counterpart, James Marape, at a signing on Wednesday.

Albanese was chasing a big announcement. He got a reality check instead

Australians dubious about the merit of handing billions of dollars to PNG to establish a rugby league team and upgrade its military will not be impressed.

  • Matthew Knott
Deputy Prime Minister and Derfence Minister Richard Marles with Papua New Guinea Defence Minister Billy Joseph at Gallipoli Barracks in Brisbane this year.

Why this defence treaty with a Pacific neighbour matters just as much as submarines

Australia is set to sign a defence pact with Papua New Guinea this week – and it’s the kind of partnership that will be critical to the nation’s security.

  • Jennifer Parker
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been welcomed to Vanuatu with a guard of honour.

Albanese’s $500m Pacific security deal founders over China clause

Anthony Albanese’s plans to sign a sweeping $500m agreement with Vanuatu have been dealt a blow as Australia jostles for influence with China.

  • Matthew Knott
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China’s President Xi Jinping gestures towards UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres during a bilateral meeting ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025, in the Guest House of Tianjin, on August 30, 2025 in Tianjin, China.  (Photo by Andres Martinez

China’s super summit unites Trump’s foes and friends alike

Vladimir Putin, Narendra Modi and leaders of eight other nations are meeting in northern China this week, as host Xi Jinping boosts his image as the leader of a new global world order.

  • Christopher Bodeen
Composite index image for the Solomon Kings Football Club.

After PNG, Australia’s soft power game with China extends to Solomons

Just like PNG’s NRL team, a new Brisbane-backed Solomon Islands soccer club could become an unlikely arena in Australia’s geopolitical rivalry with China.

  • Cameron Atfield
China and the US have been locked in an ongoing trade spat.

Red alert: Xi’s plan to protect China from the worst of Trump

China’s leaders meet this week in Beijing. Top of mind will be the threat posed by the US president.

  • Stephen Bartholomeusz
Elon Musk’s meetings included one with Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

Elon Musk is a ‘huge fan’ of China. Will Trump tear them apart?

Elon Musk is China’s favourite Western CEO, but his new role in the Trump administration could soon leave him performing a geopolitical juggling act.

  • Katrina Northrop and Lyric Li