Fins stop Russia-linked vessel over cable damage hunch
Finnish authorities have detained a Russia-linked ship as they investigate whether it damaged a Baltic Sea power cable and several data cables.
diplomacy
Australian destroyers to join UK show of force
Two Australian navy destroyers will take part in exercises with a British carrier strike group that will be deployed to the Indo-Pacific in 2025.
Indonesian president courts West with Bali Nine release
The release of five Australians serving life sentences in Indonesia for drug smuggling is viewed as an act of political goodwill by President Prabowo Subianto.
China benched, PNG takes field in sport-security pact
Australia is putting $600 million towards a team from Papua New Guinea joining the NRL but will pull its support if Port Moresby breaks "strategic trust".
Syrian schools reopen after upheaval that ousted Assad
Foreign powers and neighbours are weighing their stance on Syria's new rulers as schools reopen for the first time since President Bashar al-Assad's overthrow.
Remaining Bali Nine members back on Australian soil
Five members of the Bali Nine have returned to Australia after the federal government reached a deal with Indonesian authorities.
Bali Nine face reintegration challenge in Australia
Five Australians convicted of drug smuggling in Indonesia have landed home, with the members of the infamous Bali Nine expressing gratitude for their return.
Australia’s Gaza ceasefire support splits community
Humanitarian organisations and Palestinian Australians have welcomed Australia's support for a ceasefire in Gaza but the Jewish community has raised concerns.
Trump invites China’s Xi to attend inauguration: report
Donald Trump has invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend his inauguration in January, multiple sources told CBS News.
Anti-Semitism denied following travel warning for Jews
A rise in anti-Semitism in Australia has sparked a travel warning from a Jewish human rights group as the prime minister vows any such acts won't be tolerated.
Israel raps Australia on knuckles for flip on UN vote
Israel's top diplomat in Australia has downplayed criticism by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office over Australia's support for a UN vote.
Donald Trump returns to world stage for Paris ceremony
US President-elect Donald Trump's trip to France for the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral is being viewed as a symbolic return to the global stage.
PNG to turn pipeline NRL dream into bona fide reality
Papua New Guinea NRL officials will be able to begin plans for a club name and colours once NRL expansion is confirmed, along with a location for their village.
China locked out of Nauru security in Australian pact
Australia needs to agree to Nauru entering a security or banking agreement with a third country after signing a treaty to prop up the Pacific nation's budget.
Germany’s Scholz pledges Ukraine aid in surprise visit
A day after EU officials arrived in Kyiv to show support for Ukraine in its fight with Russia, German leader Olaf Sholz has visited promising more military aid.
China drops final trade blocks as beef back on the menu
Two abattoirs have had Chinese import bans lifted, the final trade restriction to fall after Beijing imposed $20 billion of tariffs against Australia.
‘Significant step’ in push to repatriate Bali Nine
Five Australians serving life sentences in Indonesia for their role in attempting to smuggle heroin as part of the Bali Nine are a step closer to coming home.
Bali Nine have served ‘more than enough time’: advocate
A supporter of one of the Bali Nine drug smugglers says returning the group to Australia to be with loved ones will make a difference in their rehabilitation.
Trump doesn’t have to hurt Australia-China ties: envoy
A Trump presidency doesn't have to impact how Australia and China co-operate, Beijing's ambassador says, amid a spate of hawkish cabinet picks.
Troubled New Caledonia at ‘turning point’: New Zealand
Veteran Kiwi foreign minister Winston Peters has travelled to Paris to deliver a speech urging France to consider new constitutional futures for New Caledonia.
Gaza aid demand echoes as ceasefire in Lebanon welcomed
Australians with families in the Middle East have cautiously welcomed a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon-based listed terror group Hezbollah.
Australia to present argument in landmark climate case
Pacific island nations are pushing for more action on climate change as they face the existential threat of rising tides and a lack of access to finance.
Australia legally obliged to act on Israel war warrants
Australia can't choose what world court rulings it will adhere to, an expert says, after arrest warrants were issued for Israel's PM and ex-defence minister.
PM courts world leaders amid global inflation concerns
World leaders have gathered for a major economic summit against a backdrop of concern over the impact of American trade tariffs under Donald Trump.
Renewable investment push as Trump panics world leaders
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is joining world leaders in pushing for greater action on climate change and investment in renewables at a major summit.
Albanese touts open trade as unity evades world leaders
Anthony Albanese is promising to remain focused on climate change and open trade after the policies of Donald Trump set the agenda of a major economic summit.
Australia to continue the push on trade, climate action
Anthony Albanese will push for free trade and climate action at an economic forum, as a second Trump administration creates uncertainty for world leaders.
World looks to G20 for breakthrough in climate talks
United Nations officials are urging G20 leaders to break the COP29 stalemate as wealthy nations ask more countries to help foot the climate bill.
Eyes on Trump’s China hawks as Australia quells tension
Tensions between Australia and China continue to cool, but President Xi Jinping has cautioned the diplomatic thaw must be managed "with great care".
Minister defends UN vote for Palestine resource rights
Australia shifted its longstanding position on Israeli responsibility for damage from an oil spill and voted to support Palestinian resource sovereignty.
Reports Trump, Putin spoke are ‘pure fiction’: Kremlin
A Kremlin spokesman has dismissed as "completely untrue" reports Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin spoke in a recent call.