The Latest Breaking News from Penny Wong

Australia FM stresses AUKUS will not create nuclear weapons

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has stressed that her country’s security pact with the U.K. and the U.S. will not create nuclear weapons, and says she hopes concerns that it may spark a regional arms race will dissipate over time

The Independent UK · Jun 28, 2022

Malaysian foreign minister says concerns remain about Aukus pact after meeting with Penny Wong

Saifuddin Abdullah points to risk of regional arms race but pledges increased trade and cooperation on cybersecurity with Australia

The Guardian - AU · Jun 28, 2022

Penny Wong stresses 'genuine links' with South-East Asia as she visits Vietnam, Malaysia

Penny Wong's visit to South-East Asia this week has a personal element. In addition to talks with ministers and officials, the Foreign Minister will be visiting her hometown of Sabah.

ABC News · Jun 27, 2022

US officials find China-Solomon Islands security deal 'very troubling', internal emails reveal

Internal emails reveal United States officials described the signing of a security pact between China and Solomon Islands as "very troubling".

ABC News · Jun 22, 2022

Australia funds GPS trackers on Sri Lankan fishing boats, partially to deter people smugglers

New home affairs minister emphasises Australia maintains hardline Operation Sovereign Borders policy despite change in government

The Guardian - AU · Jun 22, 2022

Australia should not overstate the threat of China in the Pacific, and mend relationships in the region

The signing of a security agreement between Solomon Islands and China in April 2022 brought geopolitical competition and militarisation in the Pacific to the fore of public discussion.

The Conversation · Jun 20, 2022

Australia should rejoin UN climate fund to prove commitment to Pacific neighbours, thinktank argues

Report finds Australia’s ‘Pacific step-up’ could lack credibility if perceived to be only in response to China’s presence

The Guardian - AU · Jun 20, 2022

Dfat head Kathryn Campbell set to be replaced as Albanese reshapes public service

Australia’s ambassador to Japan, Jan Adams, tipped to replace Campbell, who presided over the robodebt scheme while human services boss

The Guardian - AU · Jun 20, 2022

Albanese government mobilises diplomacy and aid in effort to counter Sri Lanka people smugglers

The Albanese government has launched a concerted effort to nip in the bud a threatened resumption of the people smuggling trade, with a visit by Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil to Sri Lanka and a $50 million aid package for that economically-beleaguered country.

The Conversation · Jun 20, 2022

After China row, Australia eyes Southeast Asia as ally in trade

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pledged to deepen economic engagement with region amid tensions with Beijing.

Al Jazeera · Jun 20, 2022