New era for post-Assad Syria as the world watches
Syria is waking to its first day of freedom from the authoritarian rule of Bashar al-Assad as Russia grants asylum to the ousted president and his family.
international relations
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.
Aussie hub to keep Pacific police ready, China at bay
The opening of a Pacific policing base and training centre in Australia comes a day after China donated boats, 4WDs and motorcycles to Vanuatu police.
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.
‘Not in vain’: families demand poisoning deaths answers
The families of Australians Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones are demanding the Laos government fully investigate a mass poisoning event that claimed their lives.
Tense stand-off at synagogue despite cancelled protest
Police have separated pro-Israel and pro-Palestine groups after a planned protest outside a synagogue was cancelled at the last minute.
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.
All eyes on Biden as timeline ticks for Assange pardon
Campaigners for Julian Assange hope the prime minister can help push Joe Biden to formally pardon the Wikileaks founder before the end of his term.
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.
Taiwan backs expansion of AUKUS, strait ship transits
Australia should send more warships to the Taiwan Strait, Taipei says, after its vessels and others from Japan an New Zealand conducted patrols in September.
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.
Aussie farmers and businesses look for trade certainty
World leaders are working to shore up economic ties and push for open global trade against the prospect of a disruptive Trump presidency due to flagged tariffs.
Indonesia to transfer remaining Bali Nine to Australia
Indonesia has confirmed it will return the remaining Bali Nine drug smuggling ring members to Australia and seek the repatriation of Indonesian prisoners.
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.
G20 leaders urged to take youth voices seriously
As a major economic summit gets underway in Brazil, a young Indigenous man from Darwin hopes the voices of young people will be heard by world leaders.
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.
Tourists warned as Aussie teens fight for life in Laos
The families of two Melbourne best friends fighting for life in Thai hospitals have raced to their bedside as they suffer from suspected methanol poisoning.
China trade not comprising Australia’s interests: PM
Australia must balance its relationship with China and the US despite the countries' "very different" political systems and values, the prime minister says.
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.
Japanese forces to join US Marines in the NT
The Japanese military will join US Marines on annual deployments for joint amphibious training to the Top End, Defence Minister Richard Marles has announced.
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.
G20 confronts a global order troubled by Trump’s return
Leaders arriving at the G20 summit must grapple with tensions over the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, and shifts in the global order with the return of Donald Trump.
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.
PM jets for trade talks in Peru as Trump tariffs loom
Australia will join leaders and officials from 20 global economies at a major trade summit as it works to diversify its economic relationships into Asia.
Old tactics to be used in trade negotiations with Trump
Australia will use a tried tactic to stop the US under a second Trump presidency from imposing tariffs on imports, as it looks to expand its role in disputes.