Press club refers banner incident to federal police – as it happened This blog is now closed The Guardian - AU · Jun 16
German president says Europe is worried over tensions in the disputed South China Sea German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier says Europe is worried over tensions in the disputed South China Sea that could endanger freedom of navigation as happened in the Strait of Hormuz The Independent UK · Jun 16
Nepal seeks reset with China as Foreign Minister Khanal holds wide-ranging talks in Beijing Nepal's Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal had a meeting with China's Wang Yi in Beijing. They talked about how the two countries get along, improving connections, and boosting trade. Nepal reaffirmed its support for the one-China policy, while China showed interest in furthering Belt and Road Initiative projects. The Economic Times · Jun 16
US military to build war-ready stockpile in Australia: documents The US military is planning a permanent war-ready stockpile of weapons for its Marine Corps on Australia's southeast coast, tender documents show and officials confirmed to AFP. Documents published by the US Navy this month show plans for $30 million allocated to build warehouses and offices in southeastern Victoria state… The Economic Times · Jun 16
Durable US-Iran peace deal to provide predictable environment for trade: CRF A US-Iran peace deal promises greater regional stability. This will benefit Indian exporters with reduced costs for shipping, insurance, and logistics. It will also create a more predictable trade environment. The agreement is set to be signed soon. This development is crucial for facilitating trade and strengthening initiatives like IMEC.… The Economic Times · Jun 16
Global Times: From Beijing to Athens, touching the warmth of civilizations BEIJING, June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Reading the news about the just concluded Second World Conference of Classics in Athens reminds me of my touching experience in Athens three years ago.On that sunny afternoon, I found myself nearly lost near the entrance of the Center for Mutual Learning of Civilizations… AAP · Jun 16
Nepal's foreign minister visits China after calling on regional rival India Nepal's Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal met China's top diplomat following a recent visit to India, presenting a challenge for Beijing's regional diplomacy. Analysts suggest Nepal's ties with India offer leverage, forcing China to prove its value amidst stalled infrastructure projects and corruption concerns surrounding Chinese-funded initiatives. The Economic Times · Jun 16
China embraces Myanmar's president as former junta chief seeks legitimacy Myitsone Dam project and key Chinese investments expected to feature in talks, analysts say, as recent arrest of US scholar Min Zin in China adds to diplomatic backdrop Bangkok Post · Jun 16
China Shock 2.0: Surging Chinese exports threaten Europe's economy, raising concern at G7 summit For eight years, the United States has waged economic war on China, slapping big taxes on Chinese products before they enter America The Independent UK · Jun 16
China's May retail sales fall for first time in over three years China's economy shows a worrying split in May. While factories are humming with strong exports, consumer spending took a hit, with retail sales falling for the first time in over three years. Investment also slumped, deepening concerns about domestic demand. Experts anticipate policy adjustments to boost consumption. The Economic Times · Jun 16
Hong Kong seeks input on its first 5-year plan in an echo of mainland China's playbook Hong Kong has launched a public consultation for its first five-year plan in a politically symbolic step that brings it closer to mainland China's development approach AAP · Jun 16
China's subsidy edge poses biggest challenge to Make in India As Indian manufacturers navigate the challenging waters of global trade, they find themselves increasingly overshadowed by Chinese businesses that enjoy significant state backing. An OECD report underscores the disparity, revealing that Chinese firms are often recipients of extensive subsidies, tax incentives, and affordable credit, which gives them a much-needed edge. The Economic Times · Jun 15
Chinese proverb of the day: 'At market prices do your trade, and mutual wrangling you'll...' - motivational life lessons on trade, ethics, honesty, integrity, cooperation, trust, business relationships and how to avoid conflict through fairness Chinese proverb of the day: A Chinese saying advises setting market prices to avoid disputes. Honest transactions build trust and prevent conflict. This principle applies beyond business to all relationships. Integrity leads to lasting success and social harmony. Fairness is a valuable asset for individuals and communities. The Economic Times · Jun 15
EU trade deficit with China reaches record €1bn a day, data shows Import and export figures come as European leaders prepare to meet this week to address growing imbalance The Guardian - UK · Jun 15
The Economic Times · Jun 15 India's trade with West Asia gradually improving: Commerce Secy India's trade with West Asia faced disruptions in May due to the US-Iran conflict. Exports saw a slight dip but are recovering. Imports also declined significantly. The conflict impacted shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz. Despite challenges, Indian exporters are utilizing Omani ports. A peace deal between the US…
The Independent UK · Jun 15 Want to spy on China? Taiwan launches website for tip-offs and leaks Island’s spy agency says move in line with practices adopted by US, British and Israeli intelligence
The Times of India · Jun 15 Palau-flagged ship Settebello had ignored close to 60 warnings before it was hit: US official Palau-flagged vessel Settebello at the centre of the India-US standoff had ignored close to 60 verbal warnings before it came under fire from US forces last week, resulting in the deaths of 3 Indian nationals.
The Independent UK · Jun 15 China’s ability to strike Australia ‘will grow over next decade’ as it deploys new weapons systems Think tank says China’s rapid military expansion is reshaping Asia’s security order and bringing into question Australia’s relative isolation from military threats
The Times of India · Jun 15 China backs US-Iran deal to end 107-day war, urges swift reopening of Strait In a significant diplomatic development, China has expressed enthusiastic support for the US-Iran agreement designed to resolve their 107-day standoff and restore access to the crucial Strait of Hormuz. Beijing is optimistic that the upcoming Memorandum of Understanding will be finalized, fostering much-needed stability for international commerce and energy supply.
The Economic Times · Jun 15 USTR arrives June 22 for trade talks; Commerce Secretary says US-Iran deal should bring lasting peace India's trade data for May 2026 shows robust export growth. Merchandise exports rose 18 percent year-on-year. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal welcomed the US-Iran peace agreement. He expressed hope for regional stability. Discussions are ongoing for a trade agreement with the US. The US Trade Representative is expected to visit India…
The Economic Times · Jun 15 India-Australia ties hold 'key role' in Indo-Pacific calculus, ex-PM Scott Morrison says Former Australian PM Scott Morrison highlighted the Indo-Pacific as the world's center, emphasizing the Australia-India partnership's crucial role in regional progress and countering authoritarianism. He praised PM Modi's vision for the Global South, offering democratic and free-market alternatives for developing nations. The upcoming visit of PM Modi to Australia is…
AAP · Jun 15 Hong Kong opens consultation on first 5-year plan that echoes mainland China's playbook Hong Kong has launched a public consultation for its first five-year plan in a politically symbolic step that brings it closer to mainland China's development approach
The Economic Times · Jun 15 US-Iran peace deal may help boost India's exports, stabilise rupee A peace deal between the US and Iran is set to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. This agreement is anticipated to significantly boost India's exports to West Asia. It will also help stabilize the Indian rupee and reduce inflationary pressures. The reopening of this vital shipping route promises economic relief…
The Economic Times · Jun 15 Strait of Hormuz reopening to ease oil supply risks for India as US-Iran reach truce deal A "toll free" reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, following a US-Iran ceasefire agreement, promises significant relief for India's crude oil imports. This normalization is expected to lower freight costs, ease inflationary pressures, and stabilize global energy markets, benefiting key sectors and policymakers.
The Economic Times · Jun 14 China's direct missile strike threat to Australia is 'growing': Report China's missile power is increasing, posing a direct threat to Australia. Beijing is developing long-range and hypersonic weapons. This capability could reach Australia from ships, submarines, and new intermediate-range ballistic missiles. The threat is expected to grow over the next decade. Australia's public is not fully aware of this developing…