The Latest Breaking News from Penny Wong

Papua New Guinea wants security treaty with Australia - defence minister Marles

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said on Wednesday Papua New Guinea had proposed a security treaty between both countries amid increasing tensions in the Pacific islands after China struck a security pact with neighbouring Solomon Islands.

Reuters · Aug 31, 2022

Papua New Guinea Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko reveals plans for security agreement with Australia and potentially New Zealand

Australia and Papua New Guinea have strong security links, and while the two countries have never signed a formal treaty, the fact one is being considered may signal a desire to build a deeper defence relationship as China entrenches its power in the Pacific.

ABC News · Aug 30, 2022

Penny Wong visits PNG and Timor-Leste as expert warns neighbours are ‘playing the China card’

Foreign affairs minister met PNG leaders on Monday in Port Moresby and will continue to Timor-Leste on Wednesday

The Guardian - AU · Aug 29, 2022

Ambassador’s fiery speech was the sound of China laying out terms that Australia has already declined

China’s rules of rapprochement unveiled in Canberra were: don’t squabble outdoors, don’t pick sides and don’t humiliate Beijing by failing to respect red lines

The Guardian - AU · Aug 10, 2022

Chinese ambassador to Australia says Beijing will use ‘all necessary means’ for Taiwan ‘unification’

Xiao Qian says reset of China-Australia relationship is possible and suggests Washington had turned Canberra against Beijing

The Guardian - AU · Aug 10, 2022

China’s response to Taiwan criticism points to rocky diplomatic road ahead

China has accused Australia of interference in its internal affairs by criticising its military drills in the straits of Taiwan.

The New Daily · Aug 9, 2022

China action of 'enormous concern': Marles

Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles says Beijing's military build up is of enormous concern and is shaping the security of the region.

AAP · Aug 8, 2022

Sherman, Australia's Wong reaffirm commitment to maintaining peace across Taiwan Strait

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong discussed China's recent actions and reaffirmed their countries' commitment to maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait in a meeting on Monday, the U.S. State Department said.

Reuters · Aug 8, 2022

United States, Australia will 'watch very carefully' as China-Solomons pact takes shape, says US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman

United States Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman has reassured the Pacific region the Biden administration is watching closely as the security pact between China and the Solomon Islands takes shape, warning a military base on the islands would "create security concerns for all".

ABC News · Aug 8, 2022

China extends threatening military exercises against Taiwan

China said Monday it was extending threatening military exercises surrounding Taiwan that have disrupted shipping and air traffic and substantially raised concerns about the potential for conflict

The Independent UK · Aug 8, 2022