Relations Between Canberra and Beijing ‘Productive’ but Still Needs Work: Foreign Minister

Published on March 20, 2024

Australia and Beijing have a “mature and productive relationship,” according to Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong, but she cautions that it “doesn’t just happen” and “needs ongoing work.” Following her meeting with high-ranking Chinese Communist Party (CCP) official Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Canberra today, Ms. Wong said the two had discussed a range of issues, including the recommencement of the bilateral annual leaders meeting. “The prime minister looks forward to welcoming Premier Li [Qiang] to Australia,” she said, confirming rumours of a visit around June. “I’m pleased that this is on track and we will be able to maintain engagement on issues including consular cases, defence, and trade, and to expand our work in key areas of importance such as climate and energy cooperation, and enhanced understanding and transparency.”...

Continue reading on website
Other news

Appeals Court Reinstates Hold on Texas Immigration Law

March 20, 2024
A federal appeals court on Tuesday reinstated a hold on a Texas law that would allow local law enforcement officials to arrest people suspected of being illegal immigrants.A three-judge panel of the Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals voted 2-1 late on Tuesday night to nullify a prior ruling from a different panel of judges who allowed the law to be enforced pending further proceedings.“Oral argum

Bold Move to Transform Maternity Services in NSW

March 20, 2024
Families in New South Wales (NSW) are set to benefit from a new initiative to improve pregnancy care, with a focus on better access to specialised maternity services, including more staff and regular care.Health Minister Ryan Park announced that the new Pregnancy Connect initiative, which will receive an ongoing annual investment of $6.19 million ($US4 million), will particularly benefit women in