Finland joins NATO, Russia threatens ‘countermeasures’
Finland has officially joined the NATO alliance in a historic realignment of Europe's post-Cold War landscape triggered by Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.
international relations
Australia, China ramp up talks over easing trade bans
A round of trade talks is being held between Australian and Chinese officials as Canberra works to ease diplomatic tensions with Beijing.
Andrews to make first state visit to China since COVID
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews says Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has given him a tick of approval to visit China for talks on education and trade.
US lawmakers grill TikTok boss over safety, content
The of TikTok has faced tough questions at a US congressional hearing over concerns about data security and harmful content on the app.
Australia, China military officials break ice for talks
Security dialogue between Australia and China's defence forces has taken place for the first time since 2019 as the diplomatic deep freeze continues to thaw.
PM stares down raucous caucus over nuclear subs deal
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is facing questions from within his party over the government's deal with the US and UK to buy nuclear-powered submarines.
New Zealand opposition concerned by AUKUS
Gerry Brownlee, the New Zealand opposition foreign spokesman, says Australia's AUKUS deal creates issues for New Zealand.
Samoan PM raises concerns over China security precedent
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has hosted his Samoan counterpart Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, with the two agreeing to foster better economic and security ties.
Subs to help counter Chinese dominance: ex-US navy boss
The nuclear submarines Australia will acquire through the AUKUS alliance are being touted as a countermeasure to Chinese dominance in the Indo-Pacific.
Industry leaders fear shortfall in nuclear subs workers
The plan to acquire nuclear-propelled submarines is set to create up to 20,000 jobs but the tertiary education sector will need to ramp up to meet demand.
‘Bollywood to Brisbane’: Australia signs new film deal
An agreement to encourage collaboration between the Australian and Indian film industries is being hailed by the government as a big moment between the nations.
Popularity pitch by Albanese, Modi at India Test
Anthony Albanese and Indian counterpart Narendra Modi have been showered with admiration by a mammoth crowd before the fourth Test between the two countries.
Albanese goes into bat to score more trade with India
A delegation of top business executives spanning the energy, education and finance sectors will travel to India with the prime minister to boost economic ties.
Wong backing Waqa as PIF secretary general
Australia is backing the Pacific's consensus appointment of Baron Waqa as the next Pacific Islands Forum secretary general.
US, allies in war of words with Russia at G20 meet
The US and Europe have clashed with Russia over its invasion of Ukraine as G20 foreign ministers begin their meet in India.
PM to work with PNG following hostage release
The government has offered its thanks to Papua New Guinea for securing the release of an Australian professor held hostage by armed criminals.
Family of professor taken hostage ‘overjoyed’ at return
Professor Bryce Barker's family have expressed their gratitude and thanks to those who helped secure his release after he was taken hostage in Papua New Guinea.
Professor freed from PNG criminals returns to Australia
Archaeologist Professor Bryce Barker has returned to Australia after being released by criminals who took him and three others hostage in Papua New Guinea.
Australian professor freed from PNG hostage situation
A professor based in Australia and several other hostages taken captive in the southern highlands of Papua New Guinea have been freed.
Russia isolated as UN marks one year of Ukraine war
The United Nations General Assembly has passed a non-binding resolution that calls for Russia to end hostilities and withdraw from Ukraine.
A year on, Ukraine asks for more Australian ‘mateship’
As Australia reflects on the first year of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the nation's ambassador says a "business as usual" approach won't secure victory.
Australia announces new drones for Ukraine defence
The one-year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine is being marked by Australia with the donation of new drones to aid Kyiv's defences.
On war anniversary eve, Putin talks of boosting nukes
Vladimir Putin says that for the first time, Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missiles - a weapon able to carry nuclear warheads - will be deployed this year.
Aust envoy return to Kyiv ‘in interest of both nations’
The Ukrainian ambassador says he wants to take the bilateral relationship to the next level, which includes bringing Australia's ambassador back to Kyiv.
Australia stands in solidarity with Ukraine against war
Ahead of the one year anniversary of Russia's invasion, Australian parliamentarians have shown bipartisan solidarity with and support for Ukraine.
Dutton warns vote on Indigenous voice destined to fail
Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney is pleading with Peter Dutton to engage with the voice to parliament after he sharpened his language about failure.
Defence force to join rescue team in cyclone-ravaged NZ
Australia is continuing a trans-Tasman tradition by sending an expert response team and defence personnel to New Zealand following Cyclone Gabrielle.
Australian businesses big winners from PNG visa changes
Australia and Papua New Guinea will expand and streamline visa processing services to enable a smoother flow of business and travel between the two nations.
Morrison calls for China sanctions, praises his efforts
Scott Morrison has used a speech overseas to spruik his efforts to call out Chinese government "bullying" and urge further pressure over human rights abuses.
Ambassador calls for Aust envoy to return to Kyiv
The Ukrainian ambassador says he wants to take the bilateral relationship to the next level, which includes bringing Australia's ambassador back to Kyiv.
Germany answers Ukraine’s plea for tanks
Ukraine has for months been calling for Western main battle tanks that would give its forces the firepower, and Germany has answered that call.