‘Terrible tragedy’: PM mourns brothers killed in Mexico
The prime minister has offered his sympathies to the family of two Australian brothers, after they fell victim to Mexico's violent crime.
international relations
‘Truly loved’: parents pay tribute to murdered sons
The parents of two Australian brothers murdered in Mexico have mourned their beloved sons as they prepare to bring them home.
Defence budget boost as New Zealand looks to ‘step up’
Foreign affairs and defence will get a funding boost in the first budget of New Zealand's new government despite campaign pledges to shrink the public service.
Solomons picks China-friendly Manele as new PM
Jeremiah Manele is the Solomon Islands' new prime minister after a vote by MPs that suggests the Pacific nation will maintain close ties with Beijing.
Bob Carr to sue Winston Peters over China claim
New Zealand opposition leader Chris Hipkins has called on Winston Peters to be stood down as foreign minister after a potentially defamatory swipe at Bob Carr.
Russia urges action to counter US-led influence in Asia
Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu says Russia should step up military exercises in Asia as the US seeks to extend its influence with AUKUS and the Quad.
Bob Carr slams AUKUS in warning to New Zealand
New Zealand should not align with AUKUS, Australia's former foreign minister Bob Carr says, so long as the US pursues a "primacy"-based foreign policy.
PM decries Iran attack as ‘grave threat’ to Middle East
As Iran launches dozens of drones and missiles at Israel, the prime minister has condemned the move and warned it could further devastate the region.
Helen Clark warns New Zealand off ANZUS return
New Zealand leaders need to "keep their nerve" and not fall under Washington DC's influence according to Helen Clark, who senses a major foreign policy shift.
China drops heavy tariffs against Australian winemakers
China has abolished heavy tariffs on Australian wine that were imposed at the height of diplomatic tensions in 2020.
Minister sinks talk of Trump torpedo for nuclear subs
Cold water has been poured on claims a Donald Trump presidency would threaten Australia's acquisition of nuclear powered submarines.
Australia calls on Israel to let humanitarian aid flow
A UN Security Council resolution for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and increased humanitarian aid into the besieged strip has been backed by Australia.
NZ calls out China-backed cyber attack on parliament
China remains a "very good friend", New Zealand's intelligence minister says, despite a Beijing-backed cyber attack on the NZ parliament and MPs.
Wine being chilled to toast possible end to China beef
There is cautious optimism from Australian producers that a landmark visit by China's foreign minister could signal the end of punitive trade barriers.
New Zealand defies China on AUKUS, Pacific engagement
New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Luxon is set to visit China after an invitation from visiting Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
‘Frank’ China-Australia talks part of ongoing progress
Managing differences and focusing on shared interests will be key as China and Australia work to stabilise their formerly turbulent relationship.
Fiji upholds China policing agreement: media report
Fiji has "restored" a decade-old police co-operation deal with China that had been put on hold by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, an Australian news site says.
Tariffs, human rights on agenda for Chinese visit
Foreign Minister Penny Wong will host Chinese counterpart Wang Yi as Beijing prepares to remove trade impediments against Australian wine.
China moves to dump tariffs on $1b wine exports
China has recommended dropping tariffs on Australian wine products weeks ahead of a crucial deadline.
Albanese aligns Australia’s destiny with Southeast Asia
Anthony Albanese insists Australia's destiny is in Southeast Asia, as China's influence in the region loomed over the end of the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit.
German officer used unsecured line for hacked call
A participant on a German military call about Ukraine intercepted by Russia had dialled in via a non-secure line, Germany's defence minister says.
Crocodile cuddles as regional leaders snap family photo
Australia will launch a $2 billion program to turbocharge trade with Southeast Asia, as regional leaders get up close and personal with crocodiles and koalas.
‘Not ideal’: NZ Defence Force plane lets down PM Luxon
New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Luxon is scrambling to make his way to Melbourne on commercial flights after a breakdown of his Defence Force plane.
ASEAN kicks off with a cash splash, talks and protests
Australia and a major regional player signed new agreements, leaders held high level talks and protesters staged noisy rallies as the ASEAN summit kicked off.
‘We will not yield’: Philippines leader urges support
Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr has given an address to federal parliament, warning of growing tensions in the Indo-Pacific.
Dutton backs Israel as offensive looms in southern Gaza
Australia's opposition leader is backing Israel as it prepares for a ground offensive in southern Gaza despite warnings from leaders of a looming catastrophe.
Exports to China soar to $17bn as trade barriers fall
Australia has sent a record amount of agricultural exports to China as trade barriers fall following a thawing of relations between the two countries.
PM ‘very concerned’ about Israeli offensive on Rafah
Australia's prime minister has expressed serious concerns about the threat to civilian lives as Israel prepares a full-blown attack on Rafah in southern Gaza.
PNG wants to stand on its ‘own two feet’: PM Marape
The leaders of Australia and Papua New Guinea have discussed regional and economic security after James Marape made history by addressing federal MPs.
Australia’s despair at writer’s death sentence in China
The prime minister has expressed dismay and despair after a Chinese-Australian writer was handed a suspended death sentence.
Grants for Australians harmed in Hamas attack on Israel
Up to $75,000 is available to Australians harmed in the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, as the Australian and US foreign ministers hold talks.