China isn’t known for its transparency. Unlike Australia, where journalists would have near-daily access to speak with decision-makers and hold politicians to account, those in charge in China are closed-off from public scrutiny. Decisions and policy are all made without the chance for media to question the leaders directly. And any dissent from the public…
Xi Jinping could absorb Taiwan. Lai Ching-te could declare Taiwan independence. Donald Trump would defend Taiwan if China attacks. Two of these assumptions hold. One is the lie — and which one you choose likely depends on your politics. This week, Beijing sharpened the question once again. On January 1, Chinese President Xi Jinping used…
Two developments this week that emerged separate to, but in the wake of, the Military Might Spectacular that paraded through Beijing, reveal as much about a “new world order” as goosestepping Chinese soldiers and an endless sea of missiles and other weaponry. The first development was the revelation by The Financial Times that Pentagon officials…